Which term describes the path of an object as it revolves around another object in space?

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Prepare for the AQA GCSE Physics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The term that accurately describes the path of an object as it revolves around another object in space is "orbit." An orbit refers specifically to the gravitationally bound path that one celestial body follows around another. This could relate, for example, to how planets revolve around the sun or how moons orbit their respective planets.

The concept of an orbit encompasses not only the curved trajectory but also the effects of gravitational forces that maintain this path. Different orbits can be circular or elliptical, and they can vary widely in distance and speed depending on the mass of the objects involved and their initial velocities.

While trajectories, routes, and flight paths can refer to paths of movement, they do not encompass the unique gravitational interactions that define orbits in a celestial context. Trajectory is often used to describe the path of a projectile in motion under the influence of forces like gravity and air resistance, but it lacks the specific cosmic implication of orbital mechanics. Similarly, route and flight path refer more to terrestrial travel rather than the specific gravitational dynamics at play in space. Thus, "orbit" is the most precise term in this context.

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