Question

In the context of orbital resonances, how would you express the resonance between an asteroid and Jupiter in terms of the number of orbits?

a) 3:1
b) 1:3
c) 2:1
d) 1:2

Answer 1

The resonance between an asteroid with a semi-major axis of 3 AU and Jupiter is typically expressed as a 3:1 ratio, meaning the asteroid completes three orbits for every one of Jupiter's orbits.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of orbital resonances, the resonance between an asteroid and Jupiter would be expressed in terms of the number of orbits one body completes in relation to another. For instance, a 2:1 resonance means the asteroid completes two orbits for every one orbit Jupiter completes. Specifically for Jupiter and an asteroid with a semi-major axis of 3 AU, one of the most well-known resonances is the 3:1 resonance. This is where the asteroid completes three orbits around the Sun for every one orbit that Jupiter completes. Such resonances can lead to increased gravitational interactions, potentially affecting the asteroid's orbit.