If a planet is orbiting along path C in the figure below, explain why it stays in orbit. Refer to pic

Orbits of planets are typically elliptical, and the central mass being orbited is at a focal point of the ellipse. The planet stays in orbit due to a strong atmosphere and gravity. Also, the planet's inertia would keep it on course. Thank you for posting your question here at brainly. I hope the answer will help you. Feel free to ask more questions here.

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ariston ariston · Answer 2 · 2019-05-02T12:14:10+02:00

Answer:

Due to gravitational force between the planet and the sun.

Explanation:

According to Newton's first law of motion, a body remains in the state of motion or rest unless an unbalanced external force acts on it. A planet would move in straight path had there been no force acting on it. It stays in its elliptical orbit around the Sun because of the gravitational force between the sun and the planet. The planet is orbiting along path C in the figure, instead of Path A due to gravitational force.