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An exoplanet is orbited by a number of moons. Which of the following moons is likely to experience the weakest tidal force due to the planet?

(a) A large moon in an elliptical orbit with a small semi-major axis.
(b) A small moon in an elliptical orbit with a small semi-major axis.
(c) A large moon in an elliptical orbit with a large semi-major axis.
(d) A small moon in an elliptical orbit with a large semi-major axis.
(e) A small moon in a perfectly circular orbit.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A large moon in an elliptical orbit with a large semi-major axis is likely to experience the weakest tidal force due to the planet. A moon in a smaller orbit, regardless of its size, would experience a stronger tidal force. A moon in a perfectly circular orbit would also experience a stronger tidal force compared to a moon in a large elliptical orbit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tidal force experienced by a moon is determined by the mass and proximity of the planet it orbits. In general, a moon in a large elliptical orbit with a large semi-major axis (c) is likely to experience the weakest tidal force. This is because the gravitational pull from the planet decreases with distance, and a moon in a large orbit is farther away from the planet compared to a moon in a smaller orbit.

On the other hand, a moon in a small orbit, regardless of its size, is closer to the planet and would experience a stronger tidal force. A moon in a perfectly circular orbit (e) would also experience a stronger tidal force compared to a moon in a large elliptical orbit because it remains consistently closer to the planet.

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