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

3635 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between acceleration, speed and velocity?


A single wind turbine has a maximum power output of 2 000 000 W. The wind turbine operated continuously at maximum power for 6 hours. Calculate the energy output in kilowatt-hours of the wind turbine.


An apple is suspended a string and a spring in parallel. When the string is cut, the apple falls, and the spring stretches and contracts repeatedly as the apple bounces. Describe the energy conversions that occur during this process.


Describe the ways energy can be transmitted through a substance?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning