The Sun exerts a gravitational pull on Earth. Why doesn't Earth fall into the Sun?
A) Earth has angular momentum in its orbit around the Sun so Earth is pulled around in a circle.
B) Earth also exerts a gravitational pull on the Sun that is equal and opposite to the pull it feels from the Sun.
C) Earth and the Sun are kept apart by the interactions of their magnetic fields.
D) Retrograde motion counteracts the gravitational pull and keeps Earth from falling into the Sun.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Earth's angular momentum and velocity in its orbit create a centripetal force that balances the gravitational pull from the Sun, keeping Earth in a stable orbit rather than falling into the Sun.

The Sun Exerts a Gravitational Pull on Earth