What happens to the force of gravity on a satellite as it gets closer to the sun?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the relationship between the force of gravity and the distance between a satellite and the sun. Specifically, it wants to know what happens to the force of gravity as the satellite gets closer to the sun. The force of gravity between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. As the satellite moves closer to the sun, the distance between them decreases. Thus, the force of gravity between the satellite and the sun will increase.
Answer
The gravitational force increases.
As a satellite gets closer to the Sun, the force of gravity acting on it increases. This is because gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects.
Answer for screen readers
As a satellite gets closer to the Sun, the force of gravity acting on it increases. This is because gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects.
More Information
The relationship between gravitational force, mass, and distance is described by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that gravity decreases as objects get closer. However, the opposite is true: as distance decreases, gravitational force increases.
Sources
- Gravity and satellite motion - Science Learning Hub - sciencelearn.org.nz
- Brainly Q&A - brainly.com
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