The reason the planets in our solar system don't fall into the Sun, despite its strong gravitational pull, is primarily due to their orbital motion. Here's how it works:
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Inertia: Planets are not only influenced by gravity; they also possess inertia due to their velocity. Inertia is an object's tendency to resist changes in its state of motion. When a planet moves through space, it tends to continue traveling in a straight line at a constant speed.
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Orbital Motion: The planets have a velocity that is perpendicular to the gravitational pull of the Sun. As a planet moves forward, the Sun's gravity pulls it inward. This creates a balance: the planet's inertia tries to move it in a straight line, while the Sun's gravity pulls it towards the center, causing the planet to follow a curved path, or orbit, around the Sun.
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Centripetal Force: The gravitational pull of the Sun acts as a centripetal force, continuously changing the direction of the planet's velocity to maintain its orbital path. This balance between the gravitational force pulling the planet inward and the inertial force of its forward motion keeps the planets in stable orbits.
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Stable Orbits: The specific speed and distance of each planet from the Sun result in stable orbits. Each planet is in a delicate balance between gravity and inertia, allowing them to orbit the Sun rather than spiraling into it.
In summary, the interplay between gravity, inertia, and orbital motion keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun instead of falling into it.
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