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In the context of the space sciences, consider the following statements about the Lagrange point:
1. They are positions where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them.
2. The fuel consumption of a spacecraft to remain in position at these points increases.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
In the context of the space sciences, consider the following statement...
Explanation:

Lagrange Points:
- Lagrange points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system, such as the Earth and the Moon, produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.
- These points are named after the French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange who studied these points in the late 18th century.

Statement 1: Correct
- The first statement is correct. Lagrange points are positions where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them.
- At these points, the gravitational forces of the two large bodies provide precisely the centripetal force necessary for a smaller body to orbit with them. This results in a stable configuration.

Statement 2: Incorrect
- The second statement is incorrect. The fuel consumption of a spacecraft to remain in position at Lagrange points is actually lower compared to other orbital positions.
- Due to the stable gravitational environment at Lagrange points, spacecraft can use minimal fuel to maintain their position, making these points ideal for missions requiring long-term observations or station-keeping.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A, which is "1 only".
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Community Answer
In the context of the space sciences, consider the following statement...
  • Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system like the Sun and the Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.
  • These can be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
  • Lagrange points are named in honour of Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange. There are five special points where a small mass can orbit in a constant pattern with two larger masses. The Lagrange Points are positions where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Of the five Lagrange points, three are unstable and two are stable. The unstable Lagrange points - labelled L1, L2 and L3 - lie along the line connecting the two large masses. The stable Lagrange points - labelled L4 and L5 - form the apex of two equilateral triangles that have large masses at their vertices. L4 leads the orbit of the earth and L5 follows.
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In the context of the space sciences, consider the following statements about the Lagrange point:1. They are positions where the gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required for a small object to move with them.2. The fuel consumption of a spacecraft to remain in position at these points increases.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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