If the moon were to grow to twice its size while remaining in the same position, its mass would increase, thereby increasing the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the moon, since gravity is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
A model shows that the moon has grown to twice its size, yet it has remained in the same place. In 1 sentence, explain how this would impact the gravity between Earth and the moon. Hint: Use the terms mass and distance in your response.
3 answers
Choose two options from the following list. Then, in 3 sentences, explain how they are different
a. star and planet
b. asteroid and comet
c. meteoroid and comet
d. galaxy and constellation
100 word limit
a. star and planet
b. asteroid and comet
c. meteoroid and comet
d. galaxy and constellation
100 word limit
I will choose option a. star and planet and option b. asteroid and comet.
A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma generating energy through nuclear fusion, while a planet is a smaller body that orbits a star and does not produce its own light. In contrast, asteroids are rocky or metallic objects that primarily exist in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, while comets are icy bodies that release gas and dust, forming tails when they approach the sun. Thus, stars and planets are distinguished by their composition and energy production, while asteroids and comets differ in their origins and physical characteristics.