CLASS 6 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Gravity in the Solar System – Basics and Applications
How it works
Gravity is the force of attraction that acts between all masses. In the Solar System, it keeps the planets in their orbits around the Sun and ensures that moons orbit planets. The strength of gravity depends on the mass of the bodies and their distance from one another. Without gravity there would be no fixed orbits, and celestial bodies would continue their motion in a straight line at constant speed. Gravity is particularly strong on massive celestial bodies such as the Sun or Jupiter.
Note
The force of gravity between two bodies increases with increasing mass and decreases with increasing distance. It keeps planets and moons in their orbits.
The force of gravity between two bodies increases with increasing mass and decreases with increasing distance. It keeps planets and moons in their orbits.
An example
Why does the Earth remain in an orbit around the Sun and not simply fly on straight ahead?
The Earth remains in its orbit because the gravity of the Sun attracts it. Without this attraction, the Earth would fly on straight ahead tangentially to its orbit instead of continuing to orbit the Sun.
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Astronomy. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.