Gravity 6.11b

The orbital paths of objects in our solar system are the result of which of the following? 

• The shape of the bodies and their chemical compositions
• The relative age of the bodies and their chemical compositions
• The balance between the motion of the bodies and gravitational forces

The gravitational attraction between two objects is reduced most when--

• The masses are decreased, and the distance between them is increased
• The masses are increased and the distance between them is decreased
• The masses are decreased and the distance between them is decreased

Which of the following would have the greatest gravitational attraction between the two masses

• Picture A
• Picture B
• Picture C

If the planet Neptune's mass was reduced, which of the following could be done to maintain the same force of gravitational attraction between Neptune and the Sun? 

• Increase the distance between Neptune and the Sun
• Decrease the distance between Neptune and the Sun
• Increase the amount of energy the Sun puts out

The path that planets take as they orbit the center of the solar system is a result of the interaction of what two things? 

• The forward motion of the planet and gravitational pull of the Sun
• The mass of the planet and the composition of its atomosphere
• The magnetic field generated by the planet and friction with the air

The table provides info on the masses and distances of pairs of objects. In which example is the gravitational force of attraction between two objects the smallest? 

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3

The gravitational attraction between two objects would increase if both masses are--

• Increased and the distance between them is increased
• increased and the distance between them is decreased
• decreased and the distance between them is decreased

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

• The Sun is the only celestial object that has a gravitational pull
• Only celestial bodies that emit light can be at the center of an orbit
• The Sun is the most massive object in our solar system so it has the greatest gravitational pull

If the distance between Mercury and the Sun were increased, what could be done to maintain the same gravitational force of attraction between Mercury and the Sun?

• Decrease the masses of Mercury and the Sun
• Decrease Mercury's speed of orbit around the Sun
• Increase the masses of Mercury and the Sun

Gravity can be defined as the---

• Force of attraction between two or more masses
• friction created when two objects are in contact
• energy given off by starts due to nuclear reactions