Identify the correct statements

Options

A. The Earth always act like a point mass
B. To an apple, the Earth acts like a point mass
C. To a satellite, the Earth acts acts like point mass
D. To moon, the Earth acts like a point mass

Answer

To solve the problem of identifying the correct statements regarding how the Earth behaves as a point mass, we will analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement 1: "The Earth acts like a point mass."**
- This statement is incomplete as it does not specify the context (e.g., with respect to what object). The Earth can be considered a point mass when viewed from a distance, but this statement lacks clarity. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

2. **Statement 2: "To an apple, the Earth acts like a point mass."**
- An apple is located on the surface of the Earth. According to the law of gravitation, when an object is on the surface of the Earth, it can be treated as if all of its mass is concentrated at a point at its center. Thus, this statement is **correct**.

3. **Statement 3: "To a satellite, the Earth acts like a point mass."**
- A satellite orbits the Earth at a distance above its surface. For objects that are outside the Earth, the gravitational force can be approximated as if the entire mass of the Earth is concentrated at its center. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

4. **Statement 4: "To the Moon, the Earth acts like a point mass."**
- The Moon orbits the Earth and is also considered to be at a distance from the Earth. Similar to the satellite, the gravitational interaction can be treated as if the Earth’s mass is concentrated at a point at its center. Hence, this statement is also **correct**.

### Conclusion:
- The correct statements are **Statement 2, Statement 3, and Statement 4**.