B Can an object have too little mass to have a stable orbit?

[josh0196]

I was wondering, since gravitational atttraction is determinated by m₁ * m₂ / d² * G , can an object have a mass too little to have a stable orbit, for instance, around the sun?

P.S: I'm new to this forum! Hello!

 

[A.T.]

...since gravitational atttraction is ...

How does this suggest unstable orbits for small masses?

 

[josh0196]

How does this suggest unstable orbits for small masses?

Wow, that's a fast reply :)

Yeah, I didn't express myself very well... I meant, can an very "light" object achieve an orbit around another bigger planet? For example a feather around the sun?
This question comes from something that my physics professor said: "the asteroid belt is formed of objects so little that alone could not achieve orbit around the sun"

I'm not from a English speaking country so excuse me if I mess up some terms and stuff.

 

[Drakkith]

The acceleration of an object from gravity is independent of mass, so no, there are no objects so light that they couldn't achieve a stable orbit. However it is possible that your professor was speaking of some other effect. I'd ask them about it.

 

[josh0196]

The acceleration of an object from gravity is independent of mass, so no, there are no objects so light that they couldn't achieve a stable orbit. However it is possible that your professor was speaking of some other effect. I'd ask them about it.

Thank you :)
I'll ask him then.