Gravity & Orbital Motion

Two satellites of equal mass are in circular orbit around a planet. Satellite b is twice as far out. Which feels a stronger gravitational force?

• Satellite a

• Satellite b

• Both the same

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Two satellites of equal mass are in circular orbit around a planet. Satellite b is twice as far out. How much stronger is the planet’s gravity on satellite a (compared to satellite b)?

• 2× as much

• 3× as much

• 4× as much

• 5× as much

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

What did Newton say about the gravitational force between distant objects?

• It is independent of distance

• It is inversely related to distance squared

• It is proportional to distance squared

• It is inversely related to mass squared

• It is zero, unless the objects are touching

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

The space shuttle is orbiting the Earth clockwise. Which vector shows the direction of the gravitational force acting on the shuttle?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

The space shuttle is orbiting the Earth clockwise. Which vector shows the direction of the shuttle's instantaneous velocity?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Why do astronauts in this space shuttle feel weightless?

• They are in free fall, at the same rate as the shuttle

• There is an equal force pulling them away from Earth

• The gravity at that distance is too small to feel

• They pull on Earth as hard as it pulls on them

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

An asteroid is headed for Earth! It was first spotted when it was 8 billion miles away. Now that it is only 2 billion miles away, the gravitational force pulling it down is ___× as much.

• 4

• 8

• 16

• 32

• 64

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which diagram best shows the gravitational interaction between Earth and a satellite?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Earth pulls satellite, and satellite pulls Earth. Which of the forces is stronger?

• Earth pulling satellite

• Satellite pulling Earth

• Both the same

• Not enough information to determine

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

If you climb up a ladder does your weight change?

• Yes, but only by a tiny amount too small to measure

• Yes, that is why you fall slowly at first, then accelerate

• No, your weight is constant wherever you go

• No, your increased height is canceled out by Earth’s increased distance