Question

What was the acceleration of Earth caused by asteroid Toutatis (see the previous problem) at its closest approach? What was the acceleration of Toutatis at this point?

a) 3.67 × 10^(-8) m/s^2; 2.67 × 10^(-8) m/s^2
b) 1.33 × 10^(-8) m/s^2; 6.67 × 10^(-9) m/s^2
c) 6.67 × 10^(-9) m/s^2; 1.33 × 10^(-8) m/s^2
d) 2.67 × 10^(-8) m/s^2; 3.67 × 10^(-8) m/s^2

Answer 1

Earths acceleration was
`1.33 × 10^(-8) m/s^2` while Toutatis experienced
`6.67 × 10^(-9) m/s^2` due to gravitational interaction.

So. the correct statement is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the closest approach of asteroid Toutatis the acceleration of Earth was
`1.33 × 10^(-8) m/s^2` while Toutatis experienced an acceleration of
`6.67 × 10^(-9) m/s^2`.

This difference in acceleration values is due to the gravitational interaction between Earth and Toutatis with Earth being much more massive and exerting a greater gravitational force on Toutatis than vice versa.

The acceleration of Earth is higher because its larger mass results in a stronger gravitational pull causing both bodies to accelerate towards each other. On the other hand Toutatis being much smaller experiences a lower acceleration in response to Earth's gravitational force.

This gravitational interaction is a fundamental aspect of celestial mechanics where the masses and distances between celestial bodies influence their gravitational effects on each other.

Gravitational interactions between celestial bodies play a crucial role in determining their motions and orbits. Understanding these interactions is essential in celestial mechanics a field that explores the gravitational forces governing the movements of celestial bodies in space.

So. the correct statement is B.