H2P-93
Circular orbits
H2 Physics · JC 1 · Medium · Circular orbits
A moon of mass orbits a planet in a circular path of radius with speed . The planet’s gravitational force on the moon has magnitude . Which statement best explains why the moon does not fall into the planet?
- The planet’s force on the moon is balanced by the moon’s force on the planet.
- The planet’s gravitational force on the moon is negligible.
- The gravitational force on the moon provides the centripetal acceleration for its orbit.
- The moon’s weight is equal to the planet’s gravitational force.
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