Question

The data table above includes the distance each planet is from the sun. Students in an Earth science class were asked to explain how the effect of the Sun's gravity on Neptune compares with the effect of the Sun's gravity on Earth. Four student’s explanations are presented below. Which student’s explanation is best?
Question 19 options:


Student 1: The Sun has less gravitational pull on Earth because it is closer



Student 2: The Sun has less gravitational pull on Neptune because it is bigger



Student 3: The Sun has the same gravitational pull on all planets that are in orbit



Student 4: The Sun has less gravitational pull on Neptune because it is farther away

Answer 1

Student 4

Explanation:

• The sun has less gravitational pull on Neptune because it is farther away. Gravity is the force by which a planet or other body draws objects towards its center.
• Gravity keeps all the planets in its position and allows it to move in its orbit.
• The force of gravity is inversely proportional to the distance between two objects.

• So when the distance increases, the force weakens. Since Neptune approximately 4.8 billion kilometers away from the sun, its gravitational force is very less.