What prevents the gravity of the sun to pull all of the planets towards it? (1 point)
• the size and shape of the planets around the sun
• the large distance of the planets from the sun
• the sun's weak gravity
• the planets' speed as they orbit the sun
• the planets' speed as they orbit the sun
The main reason why the gravity of the sun does not pull all of the planets towards it is the combination of 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 correct answer is: The combination of 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.
Explanation:
The gravity of the sun is indeed very strong, but it doesn't cause the planets to be pulled into it due to a few factors:
1. The size and shape of the planets around the sun: The gravitational force between two objects depends on their mass and distance. The planets have a significant mass, which means they have their own gravitational pull. This gravitational force between the planets and the sun creates a balance that prevents them from being pulled entirely into the sun.
2. The large distance of the planets from the sun: The planets are at a considerable distance from the sun. This distance helps to counteract the strong gravitational force exerted by the sun. The force of gravity decreases as the distance between two objects increases. Therefore, the farther the planets are from the sun, the weaker the gravitational force becomes.
3. The planets' speed as they orbit the sun: The planets are in constant motion around the sun due to their orbital velocities. These velocities are high enough to generate centrifugal force, opposing the gravitational pull of the sun. This balance between the gravitational force and the centrifugal force allows the planets to maintain a stable orbit around the sun.
In summary, it is the combination of the size and shape of the planets, the large distance from the sun, and the planets' orbital speed that prevent them from being pulled towards the sun by its gravity.