The image shows an asteroid named Ida and its moon, Dactyl. The question asks why Dactyl orbits Ida. The possible answers are: A. the magnetic force field that defines the asteroid belt. B. small differences in the objects' rocky-iron compositions. C. electrical energy transferred between the two objects. D. the mutual gravitational attraction between the two objects.

1. Problem Description

The image shows an asteroid named Ida and its moon, Dactyl. The question asks why Dactyl orbits Ida. The possible answers are:

A. the magnetic force field that defines the asteroid belt.

B. small differences in the objects' rocky-iron compositions.

C. electrical energy transferred between the two objects.

D. the mutual gravitational attraction between the two objects.

2. Solution Steps

The problem involves a celestial body (Dactyl) orbiting another celestial body (Ida). Orbit is caused by a force of attraction.

A. Magnetic forces are usually not the primary factor in orbits of large objects like asteroids and moons. Also, the asteroid belt is a collection of asteroids, not something defined by a magnetic field.

B. Differences in composition may contribute to differences in mass, which affects gravitational attraction, but the composition itself is not the direct cause of the orbit.

C. Electrical energy transfer is not the reason for orbital motion.

D. Gravity is the force of attraction between any two objects with mass. The greater the mass of the objects, the greater the force of attraction. The mutual gravitational attraction between Ida and Dactyl is the reason Dactyl orbits Ida.

3. Final Answer

D. the mutual gravitational attraction between the two objects.