Defining Gravity

Which of the following governs the motion of our solar system?

• Magnetism
• Gravity
• Sunlight
• Friction

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Planets in our solar system orbit the Sun because it –

• has the greatest magnetic field.
• is the celestial body with the greatest mass
• is the brightest object in our solar system.
• formed millions of years before the planets.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which two factors affect the strength of the gravitational pull on two objects?

• Mass and density
• Weight and density
• Weight and distance
• Mass and distance

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The gravitational pull of the Sun affects which of the following properties of the planets in our solar system?

• Chemical composition
• Speed and shape of orbit
• Formation of land features
• Number of moons

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The force of gravitational attraction between the Sun and Jupiter could be increased by reducing which of the following?

• The mass of the Sun and Jupiter
• The distance between the Sun and Jupiter
• The speed of rotation of Jupiter
• The amount of radiation put out by the Sun

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The gravitational attraction between two objects would increase if both masses are –

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

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NGSS.MS-PS2-2

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Why do planets orbit the Sun?

• The Sun is the only celestial object that has a gravitational pull

• The Sun’s chemical composition makes it attract planets

• Only celestial bodies that emit light, like the Sun, can be at the center of an orbit

• The Sun is the most massive object in our solar system, so it exerts the greatest gravitational pull

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

If the distance between Mercury and the Sun were increased, what could be done to maintain the same gravitational force of attraction between Mercury and the Sun?

• Decrease the masses of Mercury and the Sun
• Decrease Mercury’s speed of orbit around the Sun
• Increase the masses of Mercury and the Sun
• Increase Mercury’s speed of orbit around the Sun

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Gravity can be defined as the –

• force of attraction between two or more masses.
• friction created when two objects are in contact.
• energy given off by stars due to nuclear reactions.
• path an object follows as it moves through space.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Which of the following would have the smallest gravitational attraction between the two masses?

• A
• B
• C
• D

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