Which term best describes celestial bodies that orbit a star and have enough gravity to clear most other objects from their orbital path?

Which term best describes celestial bodies that orbit a star and have enough gravity to clear most other objects from their orbital path?

• A. Planet
• B. Moon
• C. Asteroid
• D. Comet

Answer: (A)

This question tests what defines a planet: an object that orbits a star and is gravitationally dominant in its orbital region, clearing most other objects from its path. A planet not only travels around the Sun but also clears its neighborhood of debris, meaning its gravity has swept up or ejected surrounding material so few other bodies share its exact orbital lane. Among the options, the term that fits both criteria is a planet. The Moon orbits a planet, not the star, so it isn’t correct. An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun but doesn’t clear its neighborhood. A comet is a icy body with a characteristic tail that also does not clear its orbit.

This question tests what defines a planet: an object that orbits a star and is gravitationally dominant in its orbital region, clearing most other objects from its path. A planet not only travels around the Sun but also clears its neighborhood of debris, meaning its gravity has swept up or ejected surrounding material so few other bodies share its exact orbital lane.

Among the options, the term that fits both criteria is a planet. The Moon orbits a planet, not the star, so it isn’t correct. An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun but doesn’t clear its neighborhood. A comet is a icy body with a characteristic tail that also does not clear its orbit.