Midterm Review #4 Circular Motion and Gravity

Front

What is centripetal force?

Back

Centripetal force is the net force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

Front

What keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.

Front

Which object exerts the strongest gravitational force on you right now?

Back

The Earth exerts the strongest gravitational force on you right now.

Front

Why do astronauts appear weightless in orbit?

Back

Astronauts appear weightless because they are in free fall, falling towards the Earth at the same rate as their spacecraft.

Front

What happens to the gravitational force if the mass of the Earth doubles?

Back

If the mass of the Earth doubles, the gravitational force on you would also double.

Front

What is the principle of inertia?

Back

The principle of inertia states that an object in motion will stay in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational force?

Back

The formula for gravitational force is F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between their centers.

Front

What is the role of friction in circular motion?

Back

Friction provides the necessary centripetal force to keep an object moving in a circular path.

Front

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass.

Front

How does the radius of a circular path affect centripetal force?

Back

As the radius of a circular path decreases, the centripetal force required to maintain circular motion increases.