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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Both the earth and the moon are subject to the gravitational force of the sun. As observed from the sun, the orbit of the moon
PhysicsGravitation
Options:
  • A
    will be elliptical
  • B
    will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not central
  • C
    is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve
  • D
    deviates considerably from being elliptical due to influence of planets other than the earth
Solution:
1987 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is:
will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not central
The major force acting on moon is due to gravitational force of attraction by sun and earth and moon is not always in line of joining sun and earth.
As observed from the sun, two types of forces are acting on the moon one is due to gravitational attraction between the sun and the moon and the other is due to gravitational attraction between the earth and the moon. So these two force have different lines of action and it will not be strictly elliptical because total force on the moon is not central.

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