The elliptical orbit of a planet around the Sun is shown on the diagram.Which of the following statements is true?
A)the eccentricity of the orbit is less than zero
B)the eccentricity of the orbit is greater than 1
C)the sun might be at point C
D)the sun might be at point D
E)the sun might be at point B

Question

The elliptical orbit of a planet around the Sun is shown on the diagram.Which of the following statements is true? 
A)the eccentricity of the orbit is less than zero 
B)the eccentricity of the orbit is greater than 1 
C)the sun might be at point C 
D)the sun might be at point D 
E)the sun might be at point B

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orbit is elongated and not circular, so the eccentricity is greater than 0 but less than 1. The Sun is located at one of the two foci of the ellipse, and since point B is one of the foci, the Sun could be located at point B. The Sun cannot be at points C or D because those are not foci of the ellipse.

The Elliptical Orbit of a Planet Around the Sun Is