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

3265 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

calaculate the resistance if two 3 ohm resitsors are placed in series and another 3 ohm was attached in parallel


Why do Physicists take multiple readings in experiments?


Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?


How can an object be at rest without friction?


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