Which statement describes gravity in the context of orbital motion?

Which statement describes gravity in the context of orbital motion?

• A. Gravity is a push between objects
• B. Gravity is the attraction between charges
• C. Gravity is the attraction between masses and provides the centripetal force that keeps planets in orbit
• D. Gravity is a magnetic force only on Earth

Answer: (C)

Gravity is the attraction between masses, and in orbital motion it provides the inward pull that changes a planet’s straight-line motion into a curved path. As a planet moves, its velocity would carry it in a straight line, but gravity draws it toward the central body. That inward pull acts as the centripetal force, keeping the object in orbit rather than letting it fly off. Remember, the centripetal force isn’t a separate force all by itself; it’s the name for the net inward force causing circular or curved motion. This force is always attractive between masses, not a push, and it isn’t a magnetic or electric interaction between charges.

Gravity is the attraction between masses, and in orbital motion it provides the inward pull that changes a planet’s straight-line motion into a curved path. As a planet moves, its velocity would carry it in a straight line, but gravity draws it toward the central body. That inward pull acts as the centripetal force, keeping the object in orbit rather than letting it fly off. Remember, the centripetal force isn’t a separate force all by itself; it’s the name for the net inward force causing circular or curved motion. This force is always attractive between masses, not a push, and it isn’t a magnetic or electric interaction between charges.