Gravity in the Solar System

Front

What keeps the Earth from crashing into the Sun?

Back

Earth's Inertia helps maintain its orbit around the Sun.

Front

What would happen to the planets if there was no gravity?

Back

They would all fly off into space because of inertia.

Front

Because of the balance between gravity and inertia, all of the planets will...

Back

stay in orbit around the sun.

Front

What is the definition of orbit?

Back

The path an object follows as it moves around another object.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

An object's tendency to continue moving at the same speed in the same direction.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

A force that attracts two bodies towards each other.

Front

How does gravity affect the motion of planets?

Back

Gravity pulls planets towards the Sun, keeping them in orbit.

Front

What is the relationship between gravity and mass?

Back

The more mass an object has, the stronger its gravitational pull.

Front

What role does inertia play in space travel?

Back

Inertia allows spacecraft to continue moving in a straight line unless acted upon by another force.

Front

What happens to an object in space when no forces act on it?

Back

It will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed.