Question

An asteroid with a mass of 5.8×1021kg is detected approaching the Sun. By analyizing the asteroid’s motion, scientists can determine the gravitational force F the Sun exerts on the asteroid at various distances D during its orbit around the Sun. These data are recorded in the table shown. Which of the following explains how this data can be used to determine the mass of the Sun?

Answer 1

The mass of the Sun can be determined by analyzing the gravitational force it exerts on an asteroid at various distances during its orbit around the Sun.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of the Sun can be determined by analyzing the gravitational force it exerts on an asteroid at various distances during its orbit around the Sun. The gravitational force between two objects can be calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that F = G × (M1 * M2) / R^2. In this case, the mass of the asteroid and the distance between the asteroid and the Sun are known, so by measuring the gravitational force, the mass of the Sun can be calculated.