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. 

AP
Answered by Alicia P. Physics tutor

3405 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If 10 N is required to move an object 2m, what is the work done?


Explain Ohms Law


What is the equation linking Power, Time, and energy? and Calculate the work done by a cyclist when his power output is 200 W for 1800 seconds?.


What are the 8 forms of energy? How can I remember them?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning