Question

trying to explain how earth stays on a path around the sun.
model of sun and earth
ball = earth
hand = sun
path of ball
the student explains that this path is the result of...
a. the magnetic attraction between earth and the sun
b. potential energy stored in earth that originated in the sun
c. the gravitational attraction between the sun and earth
d. electromagnetic energy from the sun pulling on earth

Explanation:

• Option A: Magnetic attraction is not the main force keeping Earth in orbit. Earth's orbit is mainly due to gravitational forces, not magnetic ones.
• Option B: Potential energy stored in Earth from the Sun is not the reason for Earth's orbital path. Gravitational interaction is the key.
• Option C: According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the gravitational attraction between the Sun (a massive object) and Earth (a less - massive object) provides the centripetal force required for Earth to stay in its orbital path around the Sun.
• Option D: Electromagnetic energy from the Sun does not pull Earth in the sense of keeping it in orbit. Electromagnetic energy is more related to phenomena like light, heat, and electromagnetic radiation effects, not orbital mechanics.

Answer:

C. the gravitational attraction between the sun and Earth