Orbits

    Cards (3)

    • Explain why the moon orbits earth
      The moon is travelling at a constant speed however the gravitational force of earth causes it’s direction to be pulled slightly causing it t circle constantly around earth
    • why is the velocity of the moons orbit constantly changing but not it’s speed
      because velocity involved speed and direction - the direction of the earth’s orbit is always changing creating a change in velocity
    • what would happen if the moon orbited closer to earth
      the gravitational force acting on the moon would be greater
      in order to keep steady orbit the speed would have to increase to counter the force