Question

What keeps the Earth in its orbit as it goes round the sun?

Option 1: Gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Sun.
Option 2: Solar wind and radiation pressure.
Option 3: Earth's magnetic field.
Option 4: Friction with the interstellar medium.

Answer 1

Option 1: Gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Sun.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary force responsible for keeping the Earth in its orbit around the Sun is gravitational attraction. The Sun's gravity pulls the Earth towards it, and the Earth's forward motion (tangential velocity) prevents it from falling directly into the Sun. This balance between the gravitational pull and the Earth's inertia keeps it in a stable orbit around the Sun. The other options (solar wind and radiation pressure, Earth's magnetic field, friction with the interstellar medium) do not play significant roles in maintaining the Earth's orbit around the Sun.