Question

gravity keeps celestial objects in orbit, holds massive structures together, and drives the formation of all celestial objects throughout the universe.
determine whether each statement is true or false.
the gravitational force between a star and a closely orbiting massive planet is stronger than the gravitational force between the star and a small planet orbiting it farther away.
stars form when gravity pulls clumps of dust, ice, and rocks together within protoplanetary disks.
planets in a planetary system will stay in orbit around a star as long as their forward motions are balanced by the star’s gravitational pull.
planets form when gravity causes gas and dust in a nebula to collapse inward and heat to extreme temperatures.

Explanation:

1. Gravitational force depends on mass and distance ($F=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$). A massive, close planet creates a stronger force than a small, distant one.
2. Stars form from the collapse of large molecular clouds, not protoplanetary disks (planets form in these disks).
3. Orbital stability relies on the balance between forward (tangential) motion and gravitational pull, which prevents planets from falling into the star or escaping.
4. Stars form from collapsing nebula gas/dust that heats up; planets form from accretion in protoplanetary disks around young stars.

Answer:

1. The gravitational force between a star and a closely orbiting massive planet is stronger than the gravitational force between the star and a small planet orbiting it farther away.: True
2. Stars form when gravity pulls clumps of dust, ice, and rocks together within protoplanetary disks.: False
3. Planets in a planetary system will stay in orbit around a star as long as their forward motions are balanced by the star's gravitational pull.: True
4. Planets form when gravity causes gas and dust in a nebula to collapse inward and heat to extreme temperatures.: False