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There are two factors; the tangential velocity, and the gravitational force. The planets have a tangential velocity, they are speeding along sideways relative to the sun. If there was no gravity, this velocity would take the planets away from the sun, but the sun has a huge gravitational force which counteracts this effect. The suns gravitational force is constantly attracting the planets in, against this tangential velocity. If the planets were to slow down, then they would eventually spiral into the sun, but in space there is no drag, so the planets maintain their speed and their orbits.
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How do gravity and inertia determine the orbit of a planet?
Gravity between a planet and its star keep the planet in orbit, pulling it towards the star. Inertia prevents the planet from falling into the star by providing the necessary momentum to keep the planet moving in a curved path. The balance of gravitational force and inertia determines the shape and stability of the planet's orbit.
How inertia and gravity combine to keep earth in orbit?
gravity and inertia combine to keep earth in orbit because the suns gravity keeps the earth in orbit and the inertia keeps the earth from going in a straight line.
How are all the planets kept in orbit by gravity?
The sun's gravity exerts a constant force on each planet in the direction straight toward the sun, but the law of inertia tries to keep the planet moving in a straight line. The resultant force from the vector addition of those two forces keeps the planet in its orbit.
What forces keep the comet in orbit around the sun?
The comet is kept in orbit around the sun by the gravitational pull between the comet and the sun. This gravitational force acts as a centripetal force, keeping the comet moving in its elliptical orbit.
What are the 2 factors that keep the planets in orbit?
The two factors that keep planets in orbit are gravity and the forward motion they gained during their formation. Gravity pulls the planet towards the sun, but the forward motion prevents the planet from falling into the sun, leading to a stable orbit.
