Explain why the moon is not pulled away from the Earth by the Sun.

The force of gravity decreases very rapidly with distance, since force is inversely proportional to distance. The Sun is much further away from the Moon than the Earth, so its gravitational attraction isn't strong enough to overcome the pull of the Earth's gravity, despite the Sun having greater mass. 

Answered by Alicia P. Physics tutor

2938 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Imagine a probe in space. Argon gas can be fired from the probes fuel tanks to propel the probe. Discuss whether conservation of momentum applies and whether the speed of the probe increases.


Does kinetic friction always oppose the direction of motion?


How does the red shift support the Big Bang theory?


How to use fleming's left hand rule.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences