Minute Physics: What is Gravity?

Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts all objects with mass or energy. It keeps planets in orbit and was key in the formation of the Sun. Newton discovered that gravitational force decreases with distance and is proportional to mass. Gravity affects not only massive objects but also light and energy, bending light near massive bodies like the Sun or trapping it in black holes.

What role does gravity play in the solar system?

• It keeps the Earth in orbit around the sun.

• It causes the sun to revolve around the Earth.

• It prevents the Earth from rotating.

• It has no effect on the solar system.

According to Newton, how does the strength of gravity change with distance?

• It doubles with every unit of distance.

• It remains constant regardless of distance.

• It decreases with the square of the distance.

• It increases with the square of the distance.

Why do we feel Earth's gravitational pull more than the Moon's?

• The Earth's gravity is weaker but more noticeable.

• The Moon's gravity is stronger but less noticeable.

• The Earth is closer and more massive than the Moon.

• The Moon is more massive than the Earth.

What additional aspect of gravity is discussed in the final section?

• Gravity only affects objects with mass.

• Gravity also affects light and massless particles.

• Gravity is only a force on Earth.

• Gravity is unaffected by energy.

How does gravity affect light near massive objects?

• Light speeds up near massive objects.

• Light can be bent or trapped by massive objects.

• Light is repelled by massive objects.

• Light is unaffected by gravity.