Question

As observed from earth, the sun appears to move in an approximate circular orbit. For the motion of another planet like mercury as observed from earth, this would

• A. Be similarly true.
• B. Not be true because the force between earth and mercury is not inverse square law.
• C. Not be true because the major gravitational force on mercury is due to sun.
• D. Not be true because mercury is influenced by force other than gravitational forces.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Not be true because the major gravitational force on mercury is due to sun.

Answer 2

The sun appears to move in an approximate circular orbit as observed from earth.

The gravitational force of attractions between earth and sun followed inverse square law.

Due to relative motion between earth and mercury, the orbit or mercury as observed from earth will not be approximately circular, since the major gravitational force on mercury is due to sun.