Answer: Elliptical.
- A Circular
- B Elliptical
- C Parabolic
- D Hyperbolic
Correct answer: B. Elliptical
Explanation: Kepler's first law: Planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus.
g is maximum at Earth's surface; going up, it falls off as 1/r² (inverse-square); going down, it falls off linearly with depth (since only the mass enclosed within radius r contributes), reaching zero at the centre.
Concept context
Universal gravitation, orbital mechanics, gravitational potential, and escape velocity.