What is the path described by one body in its revolution around another?

What is the path described by one body in its revolution around another?

• A. Orbit
• B. Path
• C. Trajectory
• D. Cycle

Answer: (A)

The path described by one body as it revolves around another is called an orbit. Gravity binds the two bodies so the moving object follows a circular or elliptical route around the primary; in unbound cases, the path can be a parabola or hyperbola. This term specifically captures the idea of a gravitationally bound (or near-bound) motion around another body, unlike a generic “path” or the broader “trajectory,” which can describe any motion under forces and isn’t limited to revolving around a focal body. A cycle, meanwhile, refers to repeating events rather than the actual spatial route.

The path described by one body as it revolves around another is called an orbit. Gravity binds the two bodies so the moving object follows a circular or elliptical route around the primary; in unbound cases, the path can be a parabola or hyperbola. This term specifically captures the idea of a gravitationally bound (or near-bound) motion around another body, unlike a generic “path” or the broader “trajectory,” which can describe any motion under forces and isn’t limited to revolving around a focal body. A cycle, meanwhile, refers to repeating events rather than the actual spatial route.