The only force operating on the moon is gravity.
Net force = rate of change of momentum = mass * acceleration
In the case of the moon the acceleration is centripetal, toward earth center, causing circular orbit around earth. Ac = v^2/R
If the gravity stops
no more acceleration
no more rate of change of velocity
so
goes in a straight line at whatever velocity it had when the gravitational string broke.
which of the following would happen to the moon if gravity no longer affected it ?
a) the moon would continue to move on it's orbital path
b) the moon stop moving all together
c) the moon would move in a spiral toward earth
d) the moon would move in a straight line
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