The Earth is instantly replaced in its orbit by a speak of dust. Which statement best describes the subsequent orbital motion of that piece of dust?
A) The dust particle will spiral into the Sun.
B) The dust particle will be ejected from the Solar System.
C) The dust particle will continue in the same orbit as the Earth did, orbiting the Sun in 1 year.
D) The dust particle will move to a smaller orbit and orbit the Sun in less than 1 year.
E) The dust particle will move to a larger orbit and orbit the Sun in more than 1 year.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's first law of motion, an object will remain in its state of motion unless acted upon by an external force. Since the dust particle was placed in the exact same orbit as the Earth, it will continue in that orbit, orbiting the Sun in 1 year, just like the Earth did. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Options A and B do not accurately represent the gravitational interaction between the dust particle and the Sun. Options D and E suggest a change in the orbital period of the dust particle, which is not consistent with the given scenario.

The Earth Is Instantly Replaced in Its Orbit by a Speak