The physical mechanism that is thought to control the motion and position of material in the narrow F ring around Saturn is the
A) effect of the planet's intense magnetic field on the material.
B) confining gravitational interaction between this material and two shepherd satellites.
C) effect of sunlight focused on this material by the planet's atmosphere.
D) complex gravitational interaction between the major moons of Saturn and the F ring material.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The narrow F ring of Saturn is primarily shaped and confined by the gravitational interactions with two nearby moons, known as shepherd satellites. These moons help to keep the ring material in its narrow path, preventing it from dispersing into space or drifting into Saturn.

The Physical Mechanism That Is Thought to Control the Motion