Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A system consisting of a massive central object and an orbiting satellite interacting only via gravitational force; when the satellite's mass is negligible compared to the central object, the central object's motion is negligible.