37
practice examMultiple Choice

Practice Exam

Question 37 • Earth and Space Science

Why did the asteroid’s orbital period shorten by 5 days after the 2035 flyby?

Answer
A
The asteroid’s collision with Earth’s atmosphere increased its speed
B
Jupiter’s magnetic field slowed the asteroid’s rotation.
C
Earth’s gravitational pull altered the asteroid’s orbital speed.
D
The asteroid produced its own gravitational resonance with the Moon.

Explanation

During a close flyby, Earth’s gravity can change an asteroid’s velocity and orbital energy. That change altered the asteroid’s orbit so it completed each revolution 5 days sooner. The flyby did not require a collision with the atmosphere or an effect from Jupiter’s magnetic field.

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