Gravity and the Solar System Review

What happens to the gravitational force between two planets when the distance between them increases?

• It increases.

• It decreases.

• It stays the same.

• It reverses.

How does the mass of an object affect its gravitational pull?

• More mass means less gravitational pull.

• Mass does not affect gravitational pull.

• More mass means more gravitational pull.

• Only distance affects gravitational pull.

What effect does the Sun’s gravity have on the orbits of the planets?

• It pushes the planets away from the Sun.

• It pulls the planets into circular orbits.

• It pulls the planets, keeping them in elliptical orbits.

• It has no effect on the planets.

Which planet would have a stronger gravitational pull on a nearby spacecraft?

• a planet with larger mass and closer distance

• a planet with smaller mass and closer distance

• a planet with smaller mass and greater distance

• a planet with larger mass and greater distance

What would be likely to happen if Earth was no longer in the Sun’s orbit, being held by the Sun’s gravitational pull?

• Earth would continue moving in its orbit.

• Earth would continue moving in a straight line in space.

• Earth would move closer to the Sun.

• Earth would stop moving altogether.

How do gravity and inertia interact to keep planets in orbit around the Sun?

• Gravity pulls the planets towards the Sun, while inertia keeps them moving in a straight line.

• Gravity pushes the planets away from the Sun, while inertia pulls them towards it.

• Both gravity and inertia push the planets away from the Sun.

• Both gravity and inertia pull the planets towards the Sun.

In a science class, students are learning about how gravity influences the motion of celestial bodies within our solar system. To illustrate this, a diagram showing the interactions between various planets and the Sun is displayed. Which statements accurately describe the effects of gravity on the motion of celestial bodies in our solar system? Select ALL that apply.

• Increasing the mass of the Sun would decrease the orbital speed of the planets around it.

• The greater the mass of a planet, the stronger its gravitational pull is on neighboring celestial bodies.

• The farther a planet is from the Sun, the weaker the Sun’s gravitational pull is on that planet.

• If the distance between two planets doubles, the gravitational pull they exert on each other will double.

• Planets in closer proximity to the Sun will have shorter orbital periods compared to those farther away.

Use the information below to answer the question: Which student’s interpretation is more accurate?

• Elsie

• Carlos

• Both students are correct.

• Neither student is correct.

Use the information below to answer the question: Which explanation best supports your choice?

• The gravitational pull from the planet acts as a brake on the spacecraft, decreasing its speed as it approaches.

• The gravitational pull of the planet is used to change the spacecraft's path without affecting its speed.

• As the spacecraft gets closer to the planet, the planet’s gravitational pull increases its velocity.

• Gravity assists are used to decrease the spacecraft's speed so it can maneuver towards the new target more effectively.

If a new planet were discovered with three times the mass of Earth but in the same orbital position, how would its gravitational interaction with the Sun be different from Earth’s?

• The gravitational force would be three times stronger.

• The gravitational force would be the same.

• The gravitational force would be three times weaker.

• The gravitational force would be nine times stronger.