Question

select the correct answer.

the eccentricity of a perfect circle is zero. which of these effects would be observed if the eccentricity of earths orbit around the sun were to become zero?

a. earth would experience higher than average temperatures.

b. earth would experience the same seasons throughout the year.

c. earth would experience equal distances to aphelion and perihelion.

d. earth would experience more hours within a day.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Eccentricity (shape of orbit) doesn't directly control temperature; axial tilt and insolation patterns (related to orbit's shape but not just eccentricity being zero) affect seasons/temps. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Seasons are caused by Earth's axial tilt, not orbital eccentricity. So even with eccentricity zero, seasons (due to tilt) would still change. B is incorrect.
• Option C: Aphelion is the farthest point from the Sun, perihelion the closest in an orbit. For a circle (eccentricity = 0), all points on the orbit are equidistant from the center (Sun here). So aphelion and perihelion distances would be equal (both equal to the radius of the circular orbit). This matches.
• Option D: The number of hours in a day is related to Earth's rotation, not orbital eccentricity. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Earth would experience equal distances to aphelion and perihelion.