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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
It caused them to form stable orbits around the Sun.
B
It flung many into highly elliptical and tilted orbits.
C
It had no significant effect on their trajectories.
D
It led to their complete destruction.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Neptune’s outward migration from its birth place to its present orbit tugged on nearby icy planetesimals, pulling them into resonant orbits and reshaping the Kuiper belt. As Neptune moved, its gravity captured many objects in mean‑motion resonances, such as Pluto’s 3:2 resonance, locking them into stable orbital ratios. The same gravitational nudges scattered some icy bodies inward, creating the scattered disk and supplying comets that later entered the inner solar system. This migration explains why the Kuiper belt has a sharp outer edge and a population of resonant objects. For instance, Pluto’s current 3:2 resonance orbit is a direct result of Neptune’s outward migration pulling it into a stable 3‑to‑2 orbital period ratio.
Detailed Explanation
When Neptune moved farther from the Sun, it tugged on nearby icy objects. Other options are incorrect because The idea that the icy bodies gained stable, neat orbits comes from thinking more gravity equals more order; Thinking Neptune had no effect is like ignoring the wind when throwing a ball.
Key Concepts
Neptune's migration
Icy bodies dynamics
Orbital mechanics
Topic
Outer Solar System Features
Difficulty
hard level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1How did the formation of the Solar System influence the differences between inner and outer planets?
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Practice
2
Question 2Imagine astronomers discover a new icy object in the Outer Solar System that is on a highly elliptical orbit. Considering the migration of Neptune and its effects on the Kuiper Belt and scattered disk, what could be inferred about the object's origin and its potential future interactions with the planets?
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Practice
3
Question 3How does Neptune's migration influence the orbits of icy objects in the Outer Solar System?
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Practice
4
Question 4How do interactions with outer planets influence the distribution of icy bodies in the Oort Cloud?
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