Question

models of uranuss orbit are shown below. each model shows uranus as a dot, at one position along its orbit. which model correctly shows the gravitational forces that uranus and the sun exert on each other? the sizes of uranus and the sun are not shown to scale. choose 1 answer: a image b image c image d image

Explanation:

Newton's third law states that the gravitational force exerted by Uranus on the Sun and the Sun on Uranus are an action - reaction pair. This means the two forces should be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, and they should act along the line connecting the centers of Uranus and the Sun.

• Option A: The force on the Sun (from Uranus) and the force on Uranus (from the Sun) are opposite in direction (one up, one down) and along the line connecting them, which is consistent with Newton's third law.
• Option B: The two forces are in the same direction, which violates Newton's third law as action - reaction forces must be opposite.
• Option C: The two forces are in the same direction, which violates Newton's third law.
• Option D: Similar to B and C, the force on the Sun is not opposite to the force on Uranus, violating the third law.

Answer:

A. The model where the force on the Sun (from Uranus) and the force on Uranus (from the Sun) are opposite in direction and along the line connecting them.