Question

As you saw in Part A, Io's elliptical orbit is necessary to its tidal heating. This elliptical orbit, in turn, is a result of the orbital resonance among Io, Europa, and Ganymede. This orbital resonance causes Io to have a more elliptical orbit than it would otherwise, because __________.

a.Io, Europa and Ganymede periodically return to the same orbital positions, creating the same gravitational tugs
b.Europa and Ganymede are unusually large moons
c.Europa and Ganymede always pull on Io from the same direction as Jupiter pulls on Io
d.all three moons orbit with the same period, staying aligned at all times

Answer 1

Io's elliptical orbit, which is necessary for its tidal heating, is maintained due to the orbital resonance with Europa and Ganymede, causing periodic gravitational tugs that make Io's orbit more elliptical.

Step-by-step explanation:

Io's elliptical orbit contributes to its tidal heating, and this is a result of the orbital resonance among the moons Io, Europa, and Ganymede. This resonance means that Io, Europa, and Ganymede periodically return to the same orbital positions, creating repetitive gravitational interactions. These interactions are responsible for prompting Io to follow a more elliptical orbit than it would if these gravitational tugs were not present. Each time they align in this manner, the gravitational forces from Europa and Ganymede combine with Jupiter's strong gravity to pull Io into a more elongated path, causing internal flexing that generates heat.