Topic 3: Gravity and Orbits

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is a force that attracts two bodies towards each other, such as the Earth and the Moon.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Front

How does gravity affect the orbits of planets?

Back

Gravity pulls planets towards the star they orbit, keeping them in a curved path.

Front

What is the relationship between distance and gravitational force?

Back

The closer an object is to a star, the stronger the gravitational force it experiences.

Front

What would happen to planets without gravity?

Back

Without gravity, planets would move in a straight line and drift off into space.

Front

What keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

Back

A balance of inertia and gravity keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.

Front

What is the role of inertia in planetary motion?

Back

Inertia helps planets maintain their motion in space, preventing them from falling into the Sun.

Front

What prevents planets from drifting off into space?

Back

Gravity prevents planets from drifting off into space.

Front

What would happen to Earth if there were no inertia?

Back

If there were no inertia, Earth would crash into the Sun.

Front

What is the effect of stronger gravity on orbital speed?

Back

Planets closer to a star orbit faster due to stronger gravitational pull.