Gravity plays a crucial role in the motion of celestial objects within our solar system, primarily by holding them in orbit around the sun. The sun's massive gravitational pull is what keeps the planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and other bodies in stable orbits around it.
Here's a brief overview of how gravity affects celestial objects, in relation to the options you provided:
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Creating solar flares and coronal mass ejections: These phenomena are primarily driven by the sun's magnetic field and activity, not directly by gravity.
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Driving their rotation on their axes: While gravitational forces can influence rotation over long periods (like tidal forces), the initial rotation of celestial objects is largely a result of their formation and the conservation of angular momentum.
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Generating heat and light in the sun: This is a result of nuclear fusion in the sun's core, not due to gravity directly.
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Holding them in orbit around the sun: This is the correct option. The sun's gravity binds the solar system together, preventing celestial bodies from drifting away into space.
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Causing them to collide with each other: While gravity can lead to interactions between celestial objects and potentially cause collisions, it is not the primary function of gravity; rather, it structures the orbits and paths they follow.
In summary, the primary role of gravity in the solar system is to keep celestial objects in orbit around the sun.
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