Author Question: In what ways is Pluto like other Kuiper-belt objects? What will be an ideal ... (Read 54 times)

Themember4 · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

In what ways is Pluto like other Kuiper-belt objects?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Jupiter lies about 5 AU from the Sun, so at its distance

A) the Sun's gravity is just as strong as it is here at Earth.
B) the Sun's gravity must be five times stronger to hold massive Jupiter in orbit.
C) the Sun's gravity is five times weaker there than at one AU distance.
D) the Sun's gravity is 25 times weaker than its pull on the Earth.
E) the Sun's gravity is so weak that ultimately Jupiter will escape the solar system.

prumorgan · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Many Kuiper-belt objects lie in stable orbital resonances with Neptune, as Pluto does. Many Kuiper-belt objects also have the same period and semimajor axis as Pluto. Pluto differs from Kuiper-belt objects in its large size and high reflectivity. However, the high reflectivity can be explained by its large size; as volatile ices vaporize when Pluto approaches the Sun, Pluto's gravity holds them until they refreeze onto the surface. Comets are too small, and these gases escape from their surfaces completely.

Answer to Question 2

D