Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
It stabilizes their orbits, making them circular.
B
It ejects them into highly elliptical orbits.
C
It causes them to collide with each other frequently.
D
It prevents them from entering the Kuiper Belt.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Neptune’s migration refers to the planet’s slow outward drift after the Sun’s protoplanetary disk cleared. As it moved, its gravity pulled nearby icy planetesimals, trapping some in resonant orbits and scattering others into distant, highly eccentric paths. This explains why many Kuiper Belt objects share similar orbital periods—such as Pluto’s 3:2 resonance with Neptune—and why scattered‑disk bodies have elongated orbits. The migration process therefore shapes both the structure and the dynamical families of icy objects beyond Neptune. For instance, Pluto remains locked in a 3:2 resonance because it was captured during Neptune’s outward journey.
Detailed Explanation
Neptune moves farther from the Sun and pulls on nearby icy bodies. Other options are incorrect because Some think Neptune smooths the paths, but actually its pull disturbs them; It’s easy to imagine many collisions, yet most icy objects are far apart.
Key Concepts
Neptune's gravitational influence
Orbital dynamics of icy bodies
Migration of planets
Topic
Outer Solar System Features
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Imagine 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?
mediumAstronomy
Practice
2
Question 2How did Neptune's migration influence the trajectory of icy bodies in the outer solar system?
hardAstronomy
Practice
3
Question 3How do interactions with outer planets influence the distribution of icy bodies in the Oort Cloud?
mediumAstronomy
Practice
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