Question

question 8.
according to nasa, our moon moves approximately one inch away from earth each year.
as this pattern continues, how could the increased distance affect the orbital motion of the moon?
a. the moon would orbit slower and have a greater orbital path.
b. the moon would orbit faster and have a smaller orbital path.
c. since the change is small, nothing would happen.
d. the moon would orbit faster and have a greater orbital path.

Explanation:

To solve this, we use the concept of orbital mechanics (from Physics, a subfield of Natural Science). The formula for orbital speed is $v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}$, where $G$ is the gravitational constant, $M$ is the mass of the Earth, and $r$ is the orbital radius (distance from Earth to the Moon). As $r$ (distance) increases, the orbital speed $v$ decreases (since $v$ is inversely proportional to the square root of $r$). Also, a greater distance means a larger orbital path (circumference of the orbit, $C = 2\pi r$ increases with $r$).

• Option A: Matches the reasoning (slower orbit, greater orbital path).
• Option B: Incorrect, as speed should decrease, not increase, and path should be larger.
• Option C: Incorrect, because even small changes in distance affect orbital motion over time (due to gravitational and orbital mechanics).
• Option D: Incorrect, speed decreases, not increases.

Answer:

A. The moon would orbit slower and have a greater orbital path.