The diagram represents the Moon in its orbit around the Earth. Which arrow represents the direction of the resultant force acting on the Moon at the instant shown?
Correct answer: C. A
- A. B
- B. D
- C. A
- D. C
Explanation
The resultant force acting on the Moon at the instant shown is (A) towards the center of the Earth.The Moon is in a circular orbit around the Earth, which means that it is moving in a straight line at a constant speed. However, because the Earth is curved, the Moon's path appears to be curved. The Moon is constantly accelerating towards the center of the Earth, which is what keeps it in orbit.The force that is accelerating the Moon towards the center of the Earth is the gravitational force. The gravitational force is a force of attraction between two objects that have mass. The more mass two objects have, the stronger the gravitational force between them. The Earth has a much larger mass than the Moon, so the gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon is very strong.The direction of the gravitational force is always towards the center of the Earth. Therefore, the resultant force acting on the Moon at the instant shown is towards the center of the Earth.
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About Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple harmonic motion is oscillation in which acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position. Work includes displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, period, frequency, amplitude and energy, with applications to springs and simple pendulums. The restoring force and the conditions for SHM distinguish it from general periodic motion.
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