If the Earth is attracted towards the Sun why does it not reach the Sun? What is holding Earth back?
[Answer from Internet]
The earth's orbit is a perpendicular motion to the gravitational force of the sun. If the earth slowed, it would fall towards the sun, if it slowed enough, it would fall into the sun. If it sped up, it would get more distant from the sun. If it sped up enough, it would have the escape velocity to escape the solar system.Actually, both of these things happen... well, not the falling into the sun and the escaping orbit, but the earth's orbit is elliptical.
Kepler's Second Law tells us something about the speed of a planet and it's proximity to the sun. It goes faster when it is closer, and slower when it is farther. So, when the earth is farther away from the sun, it is orbiting more slowly, this slower movement results in the earth moving slightly closer to the sun. But as it gets closer, it gains momentum... which, in turn, makes it start to inch away. Perihelion (closest approach to the sun) for earth usually occurs on or around January 2, while aphelion (farthest distance from sun) is approximately around July 4.
The way our orbit system establishes the equilibrium really fascinates me. It gives me goosebumps.
How can we deny the existence of 'Superpower' when something like this is happening all by itself!
Question to the Atheists:
Why is the earth's orbit a perpendicular motion to the gravitational force of the sun?
Why is the equilibrium always established?
My advice: Stop living in denial!
3:42 PM |
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