Question

Consider the first major feature (orderly motions). Which of the following correctly describe patterns of motion in our solar system? Select all that apply.

(a) The Sun and most of the planets rotate in the same direction that the planets orbit.
(b)Major moons generally have polar orbits, meaning orbits that take them over the north and south poles of the planet they orbit.
(c) Planets have nearly circular orbits.
(d)The outer planets are so large that they nearly collide with each other on each orbit.
(e)All the planets orbit the Sun in nearly the same plane.
(f) Inner planets orbit the Sun in the opposite direction from the outer planets

Answer 1

The correct descriptions of patterns of motion in our solar system include the rotation of the Sun and most planets in the same direction as their orbits, the polar orbits of major moons, the nearly circular orbits of planets, and the alignment of all planets in nearly the same plane.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answers to the question are:

• (a) The Sun and most of the planets rotate in the same direction that the planets orbit.
• (b) Major moons generally have polar orbits, meaning orbits that take them over the north and south poles of the planet they orbit.
• (c) Planets have nearly circular orbits.
• (e) All the planets orbit the Sun in nearly the same plane.

These regularities in the motions of our solar system are explained by the laws of physics and the influence of gravity. The rotation of the Sun and the planets in the same direction as their orbits is a result of the conservation of angular momentum. The nearly circular orbits of the planets and the alignment of their orbits in the same plane are due to the initial conditions and the formation of the solar system from a spinning cloud of gas and dust.