Quiz on Gravity and the Solar System

How does gravity affect objects located on or near the surface of the Earth?

• They drift away.

• They experience gravitational pull.

• They lose mass.

• They push each other away.

Answer explanation

Gravity exerts a force on objects near the Earth's surface, causing them to experience a gravitational pull towards the center of the Earth. This is why they do not drift away or lose mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is the universal nature of gravity?

• It only affects Earth.

• It exists between any two objects with mass.

• It only affects the solar system.

• It is only present in space.

Answer explanation

Gravity is a universal force that acts between any two objects with mass, regardless of their location in the universe. This means it affects all objects, not just those on Earth or within the solar system.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What happens to the gravitational force when the mass of an object increases?

• It decreases

• It remains the same

• It increases

• It disappears

Answer explanation

When the mass of an object increases, the gravitational force acting on it also increases, according to Newton's law of universal gravitation. Therefore, the correct answer is that it increases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which objects in our solar system have a strong gravitational pull due to their large masses?

• Mars and Venus

• The Sun

• Jupiter and Saturn

• Comets and Meteoroids

Answer explanation

The Sun has the strongest gravitational pull in our solar system due to its massive size, significantly influencing the orbits of planets and other celestial bodies. Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn have gravity, but none match the Sun's.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

How does gravity affect objects?

• It changes their color.

• It gives them weight.

• It alters their shape.

• It modifies their temperature.

Answer explanation

Gravity gives objects weight by pulling them towards the center of the Earth or other massive bodies. This force is what we perceive as weight, making 'It gives them weight' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is the gravitational force between two objects affected by?

• Their color

• Their mass and distance

• Their temperature

• Their shape

Answer explanation

The gravitational force between two objects is affected by their mass and the distance between them, as described by Newton's law of universal gravitation. Color, temperature, and shape do not influence gravitational force.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Why does the Earth orbit the Sun?

• Because the Sun has less mass

• Because the Sun has more mass

• Because the Earth has more mass

• Because the Earth is closer to the Sun

Answer explanation

The Earth orbits the Sun because the Sun has more mass. This greater mass creates a stronger gravitational pull, which keeps the Earth in its orbit, while the Earth's mass is not sufficient to pull the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

What does the Sun's gravity do to the Earth?

• Pushes the Earth away

• Pulls the Earth toward it

• Keeps the Earth stationary

• Spins the Earth faster

Answer explanation

The Sun's gravity pulls Earth toward it, keeping it in orbit. This gravitational force is essential for maintaining the stability of Earth's path around the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

What is responsible for the forward movement of celestial objects?

• Gravity

• Inertia

• Friction

• Magnetism

Answer explanation

Inertia is the property of matter that causes it to resist changes in its state of motion. Celestial objects move forward due to their inertia, while gravity acts to keep them in orbit, but it is inertia that drives their forward movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

What is the term for the line around which an object rotates?

• Orbit

• Axis

• Path

• Circle

Answer explanation

The term 'Axis' refers to the line around which an object rotates. It is a fundamental concept in physics and geometry, distinguishing it from other terms like 'orbit' or 'path', which describe different concepts.