Asked in PMC Practice Test 21 (2021) 2021

What force provides the centripetal force for planets moving around the sun?

Correct answer: B. Gravitational force

  • A. Coulombs force
  • B. Gravitational force
  • C. Magnetic force
  • D. None of these options are correct

Explanation

In the case of an orbiting planet, the force is gravity. The gravitational attraction of the Sun is an inward (centripetal) force acting on Earth. This force produces the centripetal acceleration of the orbital motion.

Written and checked by , contributorLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Law of Universal Gravitation

Every two masses attract each other with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of their separation, expressed as F = Gm₁m₂/r². Questions also involve the gravitational constant, vector direction, superposition of gravitational forces, and the distinction between gravitational force and gravitational field strength.

Practise Gravitation

265 free Gravitation MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 11 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Law of Universal Gravitation questions