Celestial Mechanics

What is the study of the motion of objects in space known as?

• Geology

• Astronomy

• Astrology

• Biology

Which law states that planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus?

• Ohm's Law

• Newton's First Law

• Kepler's First Law

• Boyle's Law

What force keeps celestial bodies like planets in orbit around the Sun?

• Magnetism

• Gravity

• Wind

• Friction

How does the force of gravity between two objects change if the distance between them increases?

• The force of gravity remains constant.

• The force of gravity decreases.

• The force of gravity becomes repulsive.

• The force of gravity increases.

What is the formula for Newton's law of universal gravitation?

• F = G * (m1 * m2) * r^2

• F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2

• F = G * (m1 - m2) / r^2

• F = G * (m1 + m2) / r^2

What is the point in an orbit where a satellite is closest to the body it is orbiting called?

• Nadir

• Apogee

• Perigee

• Zenith

Which law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit?

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

• Boyle's Law

• Hooke's Law

• Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion

What is the term for the path an object takes around a celestial body under the influence of gravity?

• curve

• orbit

• trajectory

• loop

What causes tides on Earth due to the gravitational interaction between the Earth, Moon, and Sun?

• Magnetic fields generated by Earth

• Rotation of the Earth on its axis

• Gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun

• Atmospheric pressure changes

What is the name for the point in an orbit where a satellite is farthest from the body it is orbiting?

• apogee

• zenith

• nadir

• perigee