The reason the Moon does not crash into Earth is that
A)Earth's gravitational field is weak at the Moon.
B)the gravitational pull of other planets keeps the Moon up.
C)the Moon has a sufficient tangential speed.
D)the Moon has less mass than Earth.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct choice is C because the Moon's tangential speed is what allows it to maintain its orbit around Earth. If the Moon didn't have a sufficient tangential speed, then it would fall towards Earth due to its gravitational pull. Earth's gravitational field is strong enough to keep the Moon in its orbit, but the Moon's tangential speed ensures that it continues to move forward instead of falling towards Earth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately explain why the Moon does not crash into Earth.

The Reason the Moon Does Not Crash into Earth Is