Gravity & Orbits

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is a force that attracts two bodies towards each other, depending on their masses and the distance between them.

Front

What keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

Back

Gravity from the Sun pulls the planets towards it, while the planets' forward motion keeps them from falling into the Sun.

Front

What is mass?

Back

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

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

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; it keeps objects moving in a straight line unless acted upon by a force.

Front

What happens to gravity as distance increases?

Back

Gravity decreases as the distance between two objects increases.

Front

Do all objects with mass have gravity?

Back

Yes, any object with mass has a gravitational pull.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and weight?

Back

Weight is directly proportional to mass; as mass increases, weight increases.

Front

What is the role of gravity in the Solar System?

Back

Gravity keeps planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in their orbits and prevents them from drifting into space.

Front

What is a gravitational field?

Back

A gravitational field is a region around a mass where other masses experience a force of attraction.