Question

multiple choice 1 point
what would happen if the sun’s gravitational force suddenly disappeared?
earth would stop moving
earth would move closer to the moon
earth would continue traveling in a straight line into space
earth would crash into another planet

Explanation:

To solve this, we use Newton's first law of motion (inertia), which states that an object in motion will continue in a straight line at constant velocity unless acted upon by a net external force. The Sun's gravitational force provides the centripetal force that keeps Earth in its orbital path. If this force disappears, Earth (already in motion) will continue moving in a straight line tangent to its orbital path into space, as there will be no force to curve its path. The other options are incorrect: Earth won't stop moving (no force to stop it), won't move closer to the Moon (Moon's gravity is much weaker and not the primary force here), and crashing into another planet is unlikely as the orbital path and inertia dictate straight - line motion away from the Sun's influence.

Answer:

The option: Earth would continue traveling in a straight line into space (the second option from the left among the four options).