Inv3.Exp3 Vocabulary

Front

What defines an ellipse in geometric terms?

Back

A curve with two focal points where the sum of distances to any point is constant.

Front

What does revolution refer to in astronomical terms?

Back

The orbital motion of one body around another.

Front

What characterizes tidal forces in a celestial system?

Back

They result from three-body gravitational interactions.

Front

What distinguishes a planet from other celestial bodies?

Back

Its ability to clear its orbital neighborhood.

Front

What is eccentricity in the context of orbits?

Back

A measure of how much an orbit deviates from being circular.

Front

What is the relationship between distance and eccentricity in an elliptical orbit?

Back

An increase in the distance between the foci increases the eccentricity.

Front

What is a focus in the context of an ellipse?

Back

One of the two fixed points used to define an ellipse.

Front

How does the mass of a celestial body affect its gravitational pull?

Back

Greater mass results in a stronger gravitational pull.

Front

What is the significance of the orbital velocity of a planet?

Back

It determines the shape and stability of the planet's orbit.

Front

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of an object around its axis, while revolution is the movement of one object around another.