What prevents the gravity of the sun to pull all of the planets towards it?(1 point)
Responses
the large distance of the planets from the sun
the large distance of the planets from the sun
the planets' speed as they orbit the sun
the planets' speed as they orbit the sun
the sun's weak gravity
the sun's weak gravity
the size and shape of the planets around the sun
the large distance of the planets from the sun and the planets' speed as they orbit the sun
The factors that prevent the gravity of the sun from pulling all of the planets towards it include:
1. The large distance of the planets from the sun: The gravitational force decreases with distance, so the planets being far away from the sun helps counteract the pull of gravity.
2. The planets' speed as they orbit the sun: The planets are in motion due to their orbit around the sun. This motion creates a centrifugal force that balances the gravitational force, preventing the planets from being pulled into the sun.
3. The sun's weak gravity: While the sun has a large mass and exerts a gravitational force, it is not strong enough to overcome the combined effects of the planets' distance and their orbital velocity.
4. The size and shape of the planets around the sun: The planets have their own mass, which generates a gravitational force that interacts with the sun's gravity. The distribution of mass and the shape of the planets' orbits contribute to the balance between gravitational forces, keeping the planets in their orbits around the sun.
The correct option is: the planets' speed as they orbit the sun.
Explanation:
The reason why the gravity of the sun does not cause all of the planets to be pulled towards it is because of the planets' speed as they orbit the sun. In space, the concept of gravity and motion is governed by Newton's law of universal gravitation and his laws of motion.
According to Newton's first law, an object will continue in its state of motion unless acted upon by an external force. In this case, the planets are moving at high speeds in their respective orbits around the sun. This inertia, or tendency to remain in motion, prevents them from being instantly pulled into the sun by its gravitational force.
Additionally, Newton's law of universal gravitation states that the gravitational force between two objects is proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, while the gravity of the sun is indeed significant, the large distances of the planets from the sun act as a counterbalancing factor, weakening the intensity of the gravitational force they experience.
It is important to note that while the large distance of the planets from the sun also contributes to preventing them from falling into the sun, it is the combination of this distance and the planets' orbital speed that is the primary factor.