Which of the following conditions are to be satisfied for a dwarf pla...
To be classified as a dwarf planet, an astronomical object needs to meet certain conditions. Let's discuss each condition in detail:
1. Mass enough to assume a nearly round shape:
- The first condition for an object to be considered a dwarf planet is that it must have enough mass to assume a nearly round shape. This means that the object's gravity should be strong enough to pull it into a spherical or spheroidal shape.
- Spherical or spheroidal shapes are formed when an object's gravity pulls it equally in all directions, resulting in a balanced shape. This is why planets, including dwarf planets, are generally round.
- An object that does not have enough mass to pull itself into a round shape, like many asteroids or irregularly shaped rocks, would not be classified as a dwarf planet.
2. Should not be a moon:
- The second condition for an object to be considered a dwarf planet is that it should not be a moon. Moons are natural satellites that orbit planets or other celestial bodies.
- While moons can be spherical or spheroidal in shape, they do not meet the definition of a dwarf planet because they orbit around larger bodies.
- For example, the Moon is not classified as a dwarf planet because it orbits around the Earth.
3. Has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit:
- The third condition for an object to be considered a dwarf planet is that it must have cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
- This condition refers to the ability of an object to dominate its orbit by clearing out debris, such as smaller objects or asteroids, from its path.
- Planets and dwarf planets have enough gravitational influence to either absorb or deflect other objects in their orbit, clearing the area around them.
- Objects that have not cleared their orbit, such as asteroids or comets, are not considered dwarf planets.
Based on the above conditions, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 and 2 only. The object must have enough mass to assume a nearly round shape and should not be a moon. The condition of clearing its orbit (condition 3) is not necessary for an object to be classified as a dwarf planet.
Which of the following conditions are to be satisfied for a dwarf pla...
International Astronomical Union(IAU) which sets definitions for planetary science, sets the following conditions for a dwarf planet
1. Orbits the Sun
2. Has enough mass to assume a nearly round shape
3. Has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit
4. Is not a moon
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