8-4.7 :: Explain the effects of gravity on tides and planetary orbits. 8-4.6 :: Explain how gravitational forces are influenced by mass & distance. 8-4.7 :: Explain the effects of gravity on tides and planetary orbits.
How come the planets don’t fall out of space How come the planets don’t fall out of space? Why does everything revolve around the Sun?
What is gravity? pull between all objects in the universe this force is influenced by the mass of the objects and the distance between them
tides & planetary orbits are caused by the pull of gravity
a more massive object has the greater pull on the less massive object Which one is more massive?
the Sun is the most massive object in the solar system = has the greatest pull on objects, like planets (less massive), in the solar system
the closer the distance between objects, the greater the pull
you need to know …. inertia = continual forward motion elliptical orbit = oval orbit
the Sun’s gravitational attraction & the planet’s inertia … the Sun’s gravitational attraction & the planet’s inertia …. keep the planets moving in elliptical orbits …. & determine how fast they orbit
planets closer to the Sun orbit (faster or slower) than planets farther from the Sun because the gravitational attraction is greater.
When a planet is farther from the Sun, the gravitational attraction between them (increases or decreases) and the planet orbits (slower or faster).
the Moon has a greater effect on Earth’s tides than the Sun because it is closer to Earth.
Draw & explain Neap Tide Draw & explain Spring Tide
Neap Tide Small tidal range …. the Moon & the Sun are fighting to pull the water in different directions!
Spring Tide Very high, high tides & very low, low tides … the Sun & the Moon are acting TOGETHER … pulling the water in the same direction!