Consider a system that is comprised of two planets. These two planets orbit each other, both following stable circular orbits about the center of mass. Assume that they are so distant from other bodies in the universe that any forces from other bodies are negligible. Which of the statements below about the system comprising of these two planets are correct? O The planets will get increasingly closer to each other due to the attractive gravitational force between them. O As there are no non-conservative forces doing work on this system, the mechanical energy (kinetic plus potential energy) is conserved. O When considering this system, the force of one planet on the other is an external force. O The acceleration of the center of mass of the two planet system is zero.

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Consider a system that is comprised of two planets. These two planets orbit each other, both following stable circular orbits about the
center of mass. Assume that they are so distant from other bodies in the universe that any forces from other bodies are negligible. Which of
the statements below about the system comprising of these two planets are correct?
The planets will get increasingly closer to each other due to the attractive gravitational force between them.
As there are no non-conservative forces doing work on this system, the mechanical energy (kinetic plus potential energy) is
conserved.
When considering this system, the force of one planet on the other is an external force.
The acceleration of the center of mass of the two planet system is zero.
Transcribed Image Text:Consider a system that is comprised of two planets. These two planets orbit each other, both following stable circular orbits about the center of mass. Assume that they are so distant from other bodies in the universe that any forces from other bodies are negligible. Which of the statements below about the system comprising of these two planets are correct? The planets will get increasingly closer to each other due to the attractive gravitational force between them. As there are no non-conservative forces doing work on this system, the mechanical energy (kinetic plus potential energy) is conserved. When considering this system, the force of one planet on the other is an external force. The acceleration of the center of mass of the two planet system is zero.
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