Gravity

1. 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 balance between the motion of the bodies and gravitational forces

• The relative age of the bodies and their chemical compositions

• The frictional forces acting on the bodies when they hit space debris

2. The gravitational attraction between two objects is reduced most when –

• the masses are increased, 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.

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

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

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4. If 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?

• If 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?

• Decrease the distance between Neptune and the Sun

• Increase the amount of energy the Sun puts out

• Decrease the speed of rotation of Neptune

5.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 atmosphere

• The magnetic field generated by the planet and friction with the air

• The age of the solar system and the radioactive decay of elements

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

• Example 1

• Example 2

• Example 3

• Example 4