Astronomy Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is gravitational field strength and what is it measured in?
It is the force of gravity per unit mass and it’s measured in N/kg
What is the equation for weight mass and gravitational field strength?
Weight = mass x gravitational field strength (W = m x g)
How does gravitational force cause the planet to orbit the sun?
It provides a centripetal force needed for the planet to move in a curved path.
How does gravitational force cause the moon and satellites to orbit the earth
The earth provides the centripetal force needed to maintain their circular paths
How does gravitational force cause the comets to orbit the sun
The sun provides a centripetal force needed to keep the comet in its circular path
What is the equation for orbital speed orbital radius and time period
Orbital speed = (2 x pi x orbital radius) / time period
How is a comet different from a planet or moon
Comets have different orbital paths which take them far from the sun then close to it
What is galaxy
It is a large collection of billions of stars
What is a universe
It is a large collection of billions of galaxies
