What term describes the path followed by one body as it revolves around another body?

Prepare for the Spaatz Aerospace Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Learn with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes the path followed by one body as it revolves around another body is "an orbit." This concept is fundamental in astronomy and physics, as it pertains to the gravitational influence one mass has on another. For instance, the Earth orbits the Sun due to gravitational forces, creating a specific, elliptical path defined as its orbit.

In contrast, while "trajectory" refers to the path that an object follows as it moves through space, it doesn't specifically convey the circular or elliptical nature of a body revolving around another body. "Trajectory path" is a redundant term, not widely recognized as a standard term in the context of astronomical movement. Similarly, "route" generally implies a path taken from one location to another in navigation contexts, rather than the specific gravitational paths that celestial bodies follow. Therefore, "an orbit" is the most precise and correct term for describing the motion of one body around another in the context of celestial mechanics.

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