What causes gaps in the asteroid belt (known as Kirkwood Gaps) ?

a. Large asteroids sweeping out paths in the asteroid belt.

b. Gravitational interactions with Jupiter.

c. Asteroids only formed at certain distances from the Sun.

d. They are temporary features that are constantly changing their distance from the Sun.

Question

Hailie Bright

Physics

22 November, 09:48

What causes gaps in the asteroid belt (known as Kirkwood Gaps) ?

a. Large asteroids sweeping out paths in the asteroid belt.

b. Gravitational interactions with Jupiter.

c. Asteroids only formed at certain distances from the Sun.

d. They are temporary features that are constantly changing their distance from the Sun.

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Ariella Barrett · Answer 1

(b) Gravitational interactions with Jupiter

Explanation:

Gaps in the asteroid belt also known as Kirkwood Gaps are caused by the gravitational interaction between Jupiter and asteriods with Jupiter's orbital period. These Jupiter's orbital period occurs in a simple fraction, such as half, one-third, quarter etc.

Therefore, the correct option is "b" Gravitational interactions with Jupiter.