Final answer:
Population I stars are found in the disk of the galaxy and follow nearly circular orbits, contrasting with Population II stars, which have more elliptical and randomly inclined orbits.The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The orbits of Population I stars are an astronomical topic concerning the movements of certain types of stars within galaxies. The question revolves around the characteristics of the orbits of Population I stars within a galaxy. Based on current astronomical understanding, Population I stars are predominantly found in the disk of the galaxy and have orbits that are nearly circular.
These stars are typically younger compared to Population II stars and are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies. They are associated with regions where interstellar matter and molecular clouds are present. On the contrary, Population II stars are generally older, found throughout the galaxy including in the halo, and have more elliptical and randomly inclined orbits.
To answer the student's question regarding the orbits of Population I stars, the correct options from the choices given are: (a) Population I stars are confined to the disk of the galaxy, and (c) Population I stars have nearly circular orbits. These orbits contrast with those of Population II stars, which are not confined to the disk and can be very elliptical or randomly inclined.The correct option is a.