Final answer:
The similarity between an electron orbiting a nucleus and a planet orbiting the Sun includes orbiting due to a force, smaller orbits being more tightly held, and increasing energy leading to larger orbits or escape. All the options A, B, C, and D are correct, making E the accurate response.
Step-by-step explanation:
In what ways is an electron orbiting the nucleus of an atom like a planet orbiting the Sun? The correct answer is E.All of the above. Let's explore why:
- Both are held in orbit by a force: Electrons orbit the nucleus due to electromagnetic forces while planets orbit the Sun due to gravitational forces.
- The smallest orbits are the most tightly held: In both atoms and solar systems, the closer an electron or planet is to the central body, the stronger the force holding it.
- If you give an electron or a planet more energy, it will move to a bigger orbit: This is true for both electrons, based on the Bohr model, and planets following Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
- If you give an electron or a planet enough energy, it can break free: Just as a spacecraft can achieve escape velocity from a planet, an electron can be 'ionized' and escape the atom.
In both scenarios, the principal idea is that the object in orbit (electron or planet) follows predictable rules involving energy levels and the forces that govern their interactions with the central body (nucleus or Sun).