How do the particles in Saturn's rings orbit the planet?
A)in the plane of the planet's equator, as a solid disk
B)in the plane of the planet's equator, in individual orbits for each particle
C)in the plane of the planet's equator, outside the Roche limit
D)around the planet's poles, in individual orbits for each particle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The particles in Saturn's rings orbit the planet in the plane of the planet's equator, but not as a solid disk. Instead, each particle has its own individual orbit. This is why the rings appear as a series of distinct bands when viewed from Earth. If the particles were all in a solid disk, we would expect to see a smooth, continuous ring. Additionally, the particles are located outside the Roche limit, which is the distance from the planet at which tidal forces would break apart a loose collection of particles.

How Do the Particles in Saturn's Rings Orbit the Planet