Which of the following is not the characteristics of Lagrange points?...
- Option a is correct. Lagrange points is a position where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them. This is the point overall forces balance.
- Option b is incorrect. There are five lagrange points in the earth- sun system where a small mass can orbit in a constant pattern.
- Option c is correct. Since, overall force balances out, these are the points where spacecraft needs less fuel consumption to remain in position.
- Option d is correct. Aditya Mission to study the corona of the sun will take its position at L1 lagrange point. L1 point is solar and heliospheric observatory satellites.
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Which of the following is not the characteristics of Lagrange points?...
Introduction:
Lagrange points are positions in a two-body system where the gravitational forces of two large masses and the centrifugal force on a small object are balanced. These points have several characteristics that make them unique and useful for various purposes.
Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'B': There are three Lagrange points in the Earth-Sun system where a small mass can orbit in a constant pattern. This statement is not true as there are actually five Lagrange points in the Earth-Sun system.
Characteristics of Lagrange Points:
The characteristics of Lagrange points are as follows:
1. Gravitational Balance:
- Lagrange points are positions in a two-body system, such as the Earth-Sun system, where the gravitational pull of two large masses (in this case, the Earth and the Sun) precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them.
- The gravitational forces from the two masses and the centrifugal force experienced by the small object are balanced at these points, allowing for a stable orbit.
2. Five Lagrange Points:
- Contrary to the incorrect statement in option 'B', there are actually five Lagrange points in the Earth-Sun system.
- These points are labeled as L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5.
- L1 is located between the Earth and the Sun, while L2 and L3 are on opposite sides of the Earth's orbit around the Sun.
- L4 and L5 are located approximately 60 degrees ahead and behind the Earth in its orbit, forming an equilateral triangle with the Earth and the Sun.
3. Useful for Spacecraft:
- Lagrange points are utilized by spacecraft for various purposes.
- One of the significant uses is reducing fuel consumption needed to remain in position.
- By placing a spacecraft in a Lagrange point, it can maintain a relatively stable position without expending excessive fuel to counteract gravitational forces.
- For example, the L1 Lagrange point of the Earth-Sun system is home to the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite, which continuously monitors the Sun.
Conclusion:
Lagrange points are positions in a two-body system where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them. In the Earth-Sun system, there are five Lagrange points, not three. These points are utilized by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position. The L1 Lagrange point of the Earth-Sun system is home to the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite.
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