CameraIcon
CameraIcon
SearchIcon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Why planets revolve around in elliptical orbits they may have different paths to go around and why only in elliptical why not in circular path

Open in App
Solution

It's not easy to arrange a perfectly circular orbit for an inverse-square law - just a small tweak (either in the initial conditions, or from interplanetary interactions or impacts) will change the path from a circular orbit to an elliptical one. But, if you look at an ellipse from the right angle, it will appear circular. So, consider it a matter of viewpoint!

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
1
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
The Story of Gravity
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon