Question

question 1.
a student is modeling the solar system to understand orbital motion.
which force is primarily responsible for keeping earth in its orbit around the sun?
a. centrifugal force
b. magnetic force
c. gravitational force
d. frictional force

Explanation:

To determine the force keeping Earth in orbit around the Sun, we analyze each option:

• A. Centrifugal force is a fictitious force in a rotating frame, not the primary force for orbital motion.
• B. Magnetic force acts on magnetic objects and is not relevant to celestial orbits.
• C. Gravitational force (from Newton’s law of gravitation) is the attractive force between the Sun and Earth, providing the centripetal force needed for Earth’s orbital motion.
• D. Frictional force requires contact, which does not exist in the vacuum of space between the Sun and Earth.

Thus, gravitational force is responsible.

Answer:

C. Gravitational force