Currently, the moon goes around the earth once every 27.3 days. If the moon could be brought into a new circular orbit with a smaller radius, its orbital period would be
a) More than 27.3 days.
b) 27.3 days.
c) Less than 27.3 days.

The orbital period of a celestial body is determined by its distance from the object it is orbiting. According to Kepler's laws of planetary motion, the orbital period (T) is directly proportional to the semi-major axis (a) raised to the 3/2 power.

The formula for Kepler's third law is:

[tex]\sf T^2 \propto a^3 [/tex]

If the moon is brought into a new circular orbit with a smaller radius (a smaller semi-major axis), its orbital period (T) will decrease. Therefore, the correct answer is:

c) Less than 27.3 days.

Currently, the moon goes around the earth once every 27.3 days. If the moon could be brought into a new circular orbit with a smaller radius, its orbital period would be a) More than 27.3 days. b) 27.3 days. c) Less than 27.3 days.

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Currently, the moon goes around the earth once every 27.3 days. If the moon could be brought into a new circular orbit with a smaller radius, its orbital period would be
a) More than 27.3 days.
b) 27.3 days.
c) Less than 27.3 days.