The Path of a Planet around the Sun

The path that a planet follows as it orbits the Sun is called its orbit. This term refers to the curved path that a planet takes as it revolves around the Sun.

Understanding Orbits
An orbit is a result of the balance between the gravitational pull of the Sun and the planet's inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. The gravitational force between the Sun and the planet pulls the planet towards the Sun, while the planet's inertia keeps it moving forward. This combination of forces creates a curved path, resulting in an orbit.

Shape of Planetary Orbits
Planetary orbits are not perfectly circular but are slightly elliptical in shape. An ellipse is a closed curve with two focal points. In an elliptical orbit, the Sun is located at one of the focal points. The eccentricity of an elliptical orbit determines how elongated or circular it is. The more elongated the ellipse, the higher the eccentricity.

Effects of Orbital Shape
The shape of an orbit affects various aspects of a planet's motion. For example:
- When a planet is closer to the Sun in its elliptical orbit, it moves faster due to the stronger gravitational force.
- When a planet is farther from the Sun, it moves slower because the gravitational force is weaker.
- The time it takes for a planet to complete one orbit around the Sun is called its orbital period. Planets with longer orbital periods are farther from the Sun and have larger orbits.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is option 'A' - Orbit. The path that a planet follows around the Sun is called its orbit. This term refers to the curved path created by the balance between the gravitational pull of the Sun and the planet's inertia. Planetary orbits are slightly elliptical in shape, with the Sun located at one of the focal points. The shape of an orbit affects a planet's speed and orbital period.