Question

for the following questions use the gravity & orbits simulator from the university of cused with permission from phet interactive simulations, university of colorado boulderhttp://phet.colorado.edu/directions> click \model\> check \velocity\ and \gravitational force\1. if the mass of the sun suddenly increased, what would happen to the earths orbit around the sun?2. if the mass of the sun suddenly decreased, what would happen to the earths orbit around the sun?3. if the mass of the earth suddenly increased, what would happen to the earths orbit around the sun?4. if the mass of the earth suddenly decreased, what would happen to the earths orbit around the sun?5. pause the simulation and use the re-set button in the upper right corner. click on the velocity checkbox and grid checkbox. move the earth halfway to the sun. if you play the simulation, the earth will crash into the sun! reset the simulation and adjust the velocity (change the size of the arrow but not the direction). do you need to increase or decrease the speed to allow the earth to complete a circular orbit around the sun?

Explanation:

Answer:

1. The Earth's orbital radius would decrease, and it would move into a tighter, more elliptical or eventually spiral into the Sun.
2. The Earth's orbital radius would increase, and it would move into a more distant, elliptical orbit or escape the Sun's gravity.
3. The Earth's orbit around the Sun would remain unchanged.
4. The Earth's orbit around the Sun would remain unchanged.
5. Increase the speed.