Chapter 3, Problem 5RAT

If gravity between Sun and Earth suddenly vanished, Earth would continue moving in

(a) a curved path.

(b) a straight-line path.

(c) an outward spiral path.

(d) an inward spiral path.

To determine

The correct option for the statement "If gravity between Sun and Earth suddenly vanished, Earth would continue moving in".

Answer to Problem 5RAT

The correct option for the statement "If gravity between Sun and Earth suddenly vanished, Earth would continue moving in" is option (b).

Explanation of Solution

Newton's first law of motion states that the object which is at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line remains in the same state until some external force or means act over it. This law is also stated as the law of inertia.

In a given problem, the earth is initially rotating around the sun with some velocity, but if the gravitational pull between sun and earth vanishes suddenly, which binds the earth to the sun. Now, the earth remains in the state of motion, but it follows a straight path with a previous moving velocity. Thus, it is concluded that the earth is moving in a straight path if the gravity between sun and earth vanished suddenly.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement "If gravity between Sun and Earth suddenly vanished, Earth would continue moving in" is option (b).