Both earth and moon are subjected to the gravitational force of the sun. as observed from the sun, the orbit of the moon

Options

A. will be elliptical
B. will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not central.
C. is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve.
D. deviates considerably from being elliptical due to influence of planets other than earth.

Answer

B

Explanation

As observed from the sun, two types of forces are acting on the moon : one is due to gravitational attraction between the sun and the moon and the other is due to gravitational attraction between the earth and the moon. Hence, total force on the moon is not necessarily along the straight line joining sun, earth and moon, which means that the resultant force is not central. So, the orbit of moon around the sun is not strictly elliptical.
The correct option is (b).