Chapter 32, Problem 2TC

Rank the following in order of increasing distance from the Sun: the outer planets, the Kuiper belt, the Oort cloud.

To determine

Ranking of the planets in order of increasing distance from the sun.

Answer to Problem 2TC

The order of ranking of planets according to increasing distance from the sun is Outer planet< Kuiper planet< Oort cloud.

Explanation of Solution

The gravitational force of the Sun on every planet varies with the distance between the Sun and the planet. If the distance of the planet from the Sun increases, then the gravitational force of the Sun on that planet decreases.

The distance of every planet from the Sun is different. The distance of the Sun from the Outer planets is less than the distance of the Sun from the Kuiper planet. The distance of the Sun from Oort cloud is greater than the distance of the Sun from the Kuiper planet.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the order of ranking of planets according to increasing distance from the sun is Outer planet< Kuiper planet< Oort cloud.