Multiple choice

A planet is orbiting the sun. Which of the following could cause the planet to leave orbit?

  1. An increase in orbital velocity due to a collision

  2. Molecules on the surface reaching escape velocity

  3. An increase in mass due to planetary accretion

  4. The planet is losing interest in the sun
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An orbiting planet maintains its path due to the balance between gravitational pull and its orbital velocity. If a collision significantly increases the planet's orbital velocity, it can exceed the escape velocity required to maintain a closed orbit, causing it to leave the system.

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