If the Galactic Center of the Milky Way Is Now

question 36

Multiple Choice

If the galactic center of the Milky Way is now thought to contain a supermassive black hole, why is the Sun NOT falling into it under the black hole's extreme gravity?

• A) The Sun's mass is so small that even the extreme mass concentration at the galactic center will not exert a significant force on it.
• B) The inward force exerted on the Sun from the black hole is offset by the force exerted outward by the hidden "dark" matter beyond the Sun's orbit.
• C) The mutual gravitational forces of local stars in the Orion spiral arm are sufficient to overcome the strong inward force and keep the Sun moving in its orbit.
• D) The Sun has sufficient velocity that it can orbit the galactic center in a circle.

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Definitions:

Closely Held Corporations

Corporate entities characterized by a small number of shareholders, with shares that do not trade on public exchanges and are often family-owned or controlled.

Limited Partnership

A business structure in which one or more of the owners may be granted limited liability as long as one partner is designated as a general partner with unlimited liability.

General Partnership

A business structure in which the business owners share the management and risk of the business.

Limited Liability

A legal structure that protects company owners' personal assets from business debts and liabilities.