Gravity and Motion

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force of attraction between two or more masses.

Front

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

Back

Planets orbit the Sun because it is the most massive object in our solar system, exerting the greatest gravitational pull.

Front

Which planet has the shortest orbital period?

Back

Mercury has the shortest orbital period.

Front

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

Back

The two factors are mass and distance.

Front

What happens to the pull of gravity as the distance between two objects increases?

Back

The pull of gravity decreases as the distance increases.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravity?

Back

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

Front

What is the effect of distance on gravitational force?

Back

As distance increases, gravitational force decreases.

Front

What is an orbit?

Back

An orbit is the path an object follows as it moves around another object in space.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in the solar system?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull keeps the planets in orbit around it.

Front

How does gravity affect falling objects?

Back

Gravity causes objects to accelerate towards the Earth when they fall.