Why are Oort Cloud objects more susceptible to disruption by external forces than Kuiper Belt objects?
Answer
Objects in the Oort Cloud are so far out they are only loosely gravitationally bound to the Sun
The difference in gravitational binding strength is directly related to distance. Objects in the Oort Cloud reside at extreme distances (up to 100,000 AU), meaning the Sun's gravitational influence is significantly weaker on them compared to KBOs at 30-50 AU. This loose binding means that minor external forces, such as tidal forces from the Milky Way galaxy or gravitational nudges from nearby passing stars, are sufficient to perturb these distant bodies and send them inward toward the solar system.
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