how gravity governs motion within Earth's solar system

What is the primary force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

• Wind

• Magnetism

• Gravity

• Light

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Why don’t planets move in straight lines through space?

• • The Sun’s gravity pulls them into curved paths, or orbits

• • Their own gravity pulls them toward the center of the galaxy

• • The Sun’s magnetic field pushes them in circles

• • Gravity from other planets keeps them from moving straight

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What would happen to Earth's orbit if the Sun's gravity suddenly disappeared?

• • Earth would stop moving

• • Earth would move in a straight line into space

• • Earth would move closer to the Sun

• • Earth would move in a straight line into space

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Why do objects in space, like the Moon, stay in orbit around larger objects like Earth?

• • Because they are moving too slowly to leave

• • Because the larger object’s gravity pulls them into a continuous orbit

• • Because magnetic forces hold them in place

• • Because space has no gravity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of the following is most responsible for the formation of tides on Earth?

• • The gravity of the Sun only

• • The gravity of the Moon only

• • The gravity of both the Sun and the Moon

• • Earth’s rotation only

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

How does the distance between two objects affect the gravitational pull between them?

• • Gravity increases as objects get farther apart

• • Gravity decreases as objects get closer

• • Gravity decreases as objects get farther apart

• • Distance has no effect on gravity

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

What keeps the Moon in orbit around Earth?

• • Earth's gravity pulls the Moon toward it

• • The Sun’s gravity pushes the Moon toward Earth

• • The Moon’s speed keeps it moving in circles

• • The lack of air in space holds the Moon in orbit

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why do the planets in the solar system orbit the Sun and not another star?

• • They are held by the Sun’s magnetic field

• • The Sun has the strongest gravity in the solar system

• • The Sun is the only star with enough light

• • The planets are attracted to the Sun’s warmth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4