Chapter 13, Problem 20A

What was the cause of perturbations discovered in the orbit of Planet Uranus?

To determine

To Explain: The cause ofperturbationsdiscovered in the orbit of Planet Uranus.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Deviation from its orbiting path due to the similar size celestial object in the neighborhood of Uranus attracted scientists’ attention and calculations were made to find out what is that object which is causing gravitational effect other than the major source Sun.

The calculations predicted correctly that Uranus was not only being attracted to the gravitational field of the Sun alone but also it is deviating from its common path due to the gravitational force exerted by a new planet, which was later named Neptune.

Conclusion: Deviation of planet Uranus from its orbit is due to the gravitational effect of other celestial body which lead to the discovery of the new planet Neptune.