93.4k views
3 votes
Which force keeps planets in orbit around the sun

User TVOHM
by
7.8k points

2 Answers

6 votes
The force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun is gravity. Gravity is the fundamental force of attraction between objects with mass. In the case of the solar system, the sun's massive gravitational pull keeps the planets in their respective orbits. The gravitational force between the sun and each planet acts as a centripetal force, continuously pulling the planet toward the sun and keeping it in its elliptical path. This gravitational force balances the planet's inertia, resulting in a stable orbit around the sun.
User Thomas Ahle
by
7.8k points
7 votes
The force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun is called the gravitational force. This force arises due to the gravitational attraction between the mass of the Sun and the mass of the planets. The gravitational force pulls the planets inward, trying to make them fall toward the Sun. However, the planets also have a forward motion called their orbital velocity. The combination of the inward pull of gravity and the forward motion of the planets creates a balance, causing the planets to continuously orbit the Sun in a nearly elliptical path. This delicate balance between the gravitational force and the orbital velocity allows the planets to maintain their orbits around the Sun.

I hope this helps.
User MattH
by
8.3k points

No related questions found