Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and Gravitational Interactions Quiz

According to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, how does the gravitational force between two objects change if their masses are doubled?

• It doubles
• It quadruples
• It remains the same
• It halves

Which of the following best explains why planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths?

• The Sun's varying magnetic field
• The balance between the Sun's gravity and the planet's inertia
• The planet's rotation on its axis
• The influence of other planets

What would happen to Earth's orbit if the Sun's mass suddenly decreased?

• Earth would spiral inward
• Earth's orbit would become more elliptical
• Earth would move to a larger orbit
• Earth would escape the Solar System

Which gravitational interaction is primarily responsible for Earth's tides?

• Earth-Sun gravity
• Earth-Moon gravity
• Earth-Jupiter gravity
• Earth's own gravity

Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?

• The Moon doesn't rotate
• The Moon's rotation matches its orbital period
• Earth's atmosphere distorts our view
• The Moon's dark side is always facing away

How does the gravitational force between two objects change if the distance between them is tripled?

• It becomes 1/3 as strong
• It becomes 1/6 as strong
• It becomes 1/9 as strong
• It becomes 3 times as strong

What causes spring tides?

• Alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth
• Opposition of the Sun and Moon
• Earth's tilted axis
• Seasonal changes in ocean currents

How do spacecraft use gravitational assists?

• To slow down in space
• To generate power
• To increase speed without using fuel
• To communicate with Earth

What keeps artificial satellites in orbit around Earth?

• Rocket boosters
• Solar wind
• Balance between gravity and the satellite's speed
• Earth's magnetic field

How does gravity affect the formation of galaxies?

• It causes galaxies to expand
• It pulls matter together to form galactic structures
• It has no effect on galaxy formation
• It causes galaxies to rotate faster