4.2: Gravity and Orbits

1. What is the Greek meaning of the word "planet"?

• • Fixed star

• • Wanderer

• sun

• moon

1. Which astronomical body do planets move around in our solar system?

• • The Earth

• The moon

• The sun

• The stars

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

1. What path do planets take as they move through space?

• • Straight line

• • Zigzag

• • Closed loop

• • Random

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

1. What force causes planets to move in a closed-loop path?

• • Magnetic force

• • Gravitational attraction

• • Wind force

• • Electrical force

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

1. If there were no sun, how would planets move?

• • In a circular path

• • In a straight line

• • In a zigzag pattern

• • They would not move

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Consider a hypothetical stationary planet near the sun. This planet does not have any kind of motion relative to the sun. What would immediately follow the scenario presented in the picture?

• The planet would fall to the surface of the sun.

• 1. The planet would remain stationary.

• 1. The planet would fall in a fixed pattern around the sun.

• The planet would move away from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Suppose that we could give the planet a small “push.” What would happen to the planet immediately after the push?

• 1. The planet would start moving in the direction of the push and then follow a curved path.

• 1. The planet would move away from the direction of the push.

• 1. The planet would remain stationary.

• 1. The planet would fall straight down.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Suppose we could give the planet a brief “push.” What would immediately follow in the scenario?

• 1. The planet would move off into space in the opposite direction as the push.

• 1. The planet would move off into space in the same direction as the push.

• 1. The planet would fall to the surface of the sun.

• 1. The planet would fall as before but would miss the sun and continue moving around the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

1. What shape best describes the orbit of a planet?

• • Circle

• • Ellipse

• • Square

• • Triangle

1. According to Kepler's first law, where is the sun located in a planet's orbit?

• • At the center

• • At one of the foci

• • Outside the orbit

• • At the edge

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1