Chapter 3.3, Problem 24R

To determine

To explain: The reason for the planets to orbit the Sun instead of travelling off into space.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The force requires for the movement of the particle along a circular path is called the centrifugal force. Its direction is always towards the center of the circular path. This force restricts the object to move other than the circular path. Another similar force named centripetal force acts in the opposite direction of the centrifugal force.

The gravitational force acts between the two large masses. The nature of this force is always attractive. The gravitational pull of the Sun acts on every planet around it. This gravitational force provides the necessary centrifugal force for planets to move around the Sun.

The gravitational attraction of the sun prevents the travelling off into space from the orbit.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the gravitational attraction of the sun restricts to planets to travelling off into the space.