Concept explainers
Often, we model the Moon as a particle in a circular orbit around the Earth. The same side of the Moon always faces the Earth. Sketch the Moon in its orbit. Explain in what way the particle model is insufficient.
Sketch the Moon’s orbit. Explain why the particle model is insufficient.
Answer to Problem 1PQ
The orbit of moon is sketched below
Particle model is insufficient in explaining the orbital motion of moon, because rotating object cannot be modeled as a simple particle in translational motion.
Explanation of Solution
Orbital motion of Moon is shown below.
The motion of moon around sun is a best example of circular motion. Moon revolving around Earth in such a way that keeping same side always facing Earth, and revolves in its on axis.
During the rotation of moon earth also spins in its axis. A rotating object cannot be considered as simple particle in translational motion. Thus particle model is insufficient to represent a motion as shown in figure 1.
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Chapter 12 Solutions
EBK PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEER
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