Gravity, Mass, & Distance

Front

What is the force that causes objects with mass to attract to one another?

Back

Gravity

Front

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

Back

The Sun is the most massive object in our solar system, so it exerts the greatest gravitational pull.

Front

Why are we pulled to Earth's center and NOT the sun's?

Back

The sun is very FAR AWAY.

Front

What would happen to Earth without the sun's gravity?

Back

Earth would DRIFT INTO SPACE.

Front

What two factors affect the magnitude of the force of gravity between two objects?

Back

Mass and distance.

Front

What is mass?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, usually measured in kilograms.

Front

What is weight?

Back

Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object, calculated as mass times the acceleration due to gravity.

Front

How does distance affect gravitational force?

Back

The greater the distance between two objects, the weaker the gravitational force between them.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravitational force?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull.

Front

What keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun?

Back

The gravitational pull of the Sun.