Gravity and Orbits Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does the Earth orbit around the Sun?

The Earth orbits around the Sun counterclockwise in a constant rate of speed.

What does the moon orbit around?

The moon orbits around the Earth like the Earth orbits the Sun, at a constant speed.

What are some things you find that are the same about these motions?

They both travel counterclockwise and at a constant speed. Both are orbiting around something.

Why do you think gravity is important?

If there wasn't gravity, Earth would have flown away from the Sun and we would all be dead almost immediately because it would be very cold, we would be very cold, we would float away and suffocate. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the Earth moves, but the Sun does not move?

The gravitational pull of the moon affects the Earth more than the Earth's gravitational pull affects the Sun. The Earth and moon are much closer to each other, in distance and mass than the Earth and the Sun. Signup and view all the answers

Does the gravity force increase when a star and planet are brought closer together?

True Signup and view all the answers

Does the gravity force increase when a star and planet are pulled away from each other?

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth and Sun Orbit Mechanics

Earth orbits the Sun in a counterclockwise direction.
The orbit occurs at a constant speed, maintaining a stable distance from the Sun.

Moon and Earth Relationship

The moon orbits the Earth similarly to how the Earth orbits the Sun.
This orbit also occurs at a constant speed, showcasing a stable gravitational relationship.

Common Characteristics of Orbits

Both Earth and moon travel counterclockwise during their orbits.
Motion involves a constant speed, indicating a balance of gravitational forces.

Importance of Gravity

Gravity prevents Earth from drifting away from the Sun, ensuring the stability of its orbit.
Absence of gravity would result in a frigid environment, with potential consequences such as floating away and suffocation.

Gravitational Influence Between Earth and Sun

The gravitational pull of the moon has a more significant effect on Earth compared to Earth’s pull on the Sun.
Proximity and mass are factors; Earth and moon are closer in distance and mass than Earth and Sun.

Gravity Force Dynamics

The gravitational force increases when two objects (like a star and a planet) are brought closer together.
Conversely, when two objects are pulled apart, the gravitational force decreases.

Description

Test your knowledge on the dynamics of gravity and celestial orbits with these flashcards. Learn how the Earth orbits the Sun and how the Moon orbits the Earth, as well as the similarities in their motions. Perfect for students studying astronomy and physics.