Question

the moon is the closest celestial object to earth. since the moon is significantly less massive than earth, it is strongly influenced by earths gravitational pull. but why doesnt the moon crash into earth?
image of moons orbit around earth, showing gravity and forward motion
the moons continuous and rapid forward motion is perpendicular to earths gravitational pull. this forward motion prevents the moon from crashing into earth, while earths gravitational pull prevents the moon from flying off into space. so as long as its forward motion is continuously balanced by earths gravitational pull, the moon will stay in a stable, curved orbit around earth.
what would most likely happen if the moon suddenly lost all its forward motion?
the moon would stay in a stable, curved orbit around earth.
the moon would travel in the opposite direction around earth.
the moon would crash into earth.
the moon would travel in a straight line in the direction of its forward motion.

Explanation:

Según el texto, la órbita estable de la Luna se debe al equilibrio entre su movimiento hacia adelante y la atracción gravitatoria de la Tierra. Si la Luna perdiera su movimiento hacia adelante, solo actuaría la fuerza de gravedad terrestre, lo que la haría caer hacia la Tierra.

Answer:

The Moon would crash into Earth.