Gravity and Inertia

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward each other, such as the force that pulls us toward the Earth.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

Front

What happens to an object in motion if no forces act on it?

Back

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

Front

What is weight?

Back

Weight is the measure of the force of gravity acting on an object.

Front

How does weight change on different planets?

Back

Weight changes depending on the strength of gravity on different planets; for example, you would weigh more on Jupiter than on Earth.

Front

What keeps the planets in orbit around the sun?

Back

The planets are kept in orbit around the sun by the combined effects of gravity and inertia.

Front

What would happen to Earth if there were no gravity?

Back

Without gravity, Earth would not be able to stay in orbit and would fly off into space.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and weight?

Back

Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass; more mass means more weight.

Front

What is the formula for calculating weight?

Back

Weight (W) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g).

Front

What is gravitational acceleration on Earth?

Back

Gravitational acceleration on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².