Question

1. at each position of the comet shown, draw an arrow representing the strength and direction of the force of gravity on the comet.

the blue arrows show the comet’s velocity at different points in its orbital path.
not to scale

Explanation:

Gravitational force between the sun and comet is attractive, so each arrow points directly toward the sun. The strength of gravity depends on distance ($F_g = G\frac{Mm}{r^2}$): the closer the comet is to the sun, the stronger the force, so the arrow length is proportional to proximity to the sun.

Answer:

• At position A: Draw a short, thick arrow pointing directly from A to the sun (closest point, strongest force).
• At position B: Draw a long, thin arrow pointing directly from B to the sun (farthest point, weakest force).
• At position C: Draw a medium-length arrow pointing directly from C to the sun (moderate distance, moderate force).
• At position D: Draw a medium-length arrow (slightly shorter than C's, slightly longer than B's) pointing directly from D to the sun (moderate distance, moderate force).