QUESTION IMAGE
Question
which is a factor that keeps earth in orbit around the sun? the orbital path of the moon the gravitational pull of the sun the continuous motion of the universe earth’s changing speed and direction
Orbital stability of planets relies on a balance between forward motion and the centripetal force provided by the gravitational pull of the central star. The Sun's gravitational pull acts as the centripetal force that keeps Earth in a curved orbital path instead of moving in a straight line. The other options are incorrect: the Moon's orbit does not keep Earth in its solar orbit, the universe's general motion is irrelevant to Earth's specific solar orbit, and Earth's changing speed/direction is a result of its orbit, not a factor that maintains it.
Snap & solve any problem in the app
Get step-by-step solutions on Sovi AI
Photo-based solutions with guided steps
Explore more problems and detailed explanations
the gravitational pull of the Sun