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What prevents planets that are in orbit around the Sun, from crashing right into the Sun? Planets do not orbit the Sun. There are rockets guiding each planet. The inertia of the planets keeps them in orbit.

Ask by Williams Dawson. in the United States
Jan 13,2025

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Answer

Planets stay in orbit around the Sun because their movement (inertia) balances the Sun's gravitational pull, keeping them from crashing into it.

Solution

The correct explanation for why planets do not crash into the Sun is: **The inertia of the planets keeps them in orbit.** Here's a step-by-step explanation: 1. **Inertia**: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. A planet in motion will continue to move in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. 2. **Gravitational Force**: The Sun exerts a gravitational force on the planets. This force pulls the planets toward the Sun. 3. **Orbital Motion**: Instead of falling directly into the Sun, the combination of the planet's inertia (which wants to keep it moving in a straight line) and the gravitational pull of the Sun (which pulls it inward) results in a curved path. This path is what we call an orbit. 4. **Balance of Forces**: The planets are in a state of balance between the gravitational pull of the Sun and their own inertia. This balance allows them to maintain a stable orbit rather than spiraling into the Sun. In summary, it is the interplay between inertia and gravitational force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun, preventing them from crashing into it.

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The magic lies in the delicate balance between gravitational pull and the planets' inertia. As planets travel through space, they are constantly being pulled toward the Sun due to its immense gravity. However, their high speeds create a forward motion that keeps them from spiraling into the Sun, resulting in a stable orbit, much like a roller coaster that thrills while avoiding a ground-level crash! Instead of racing towards the Sun, this cosmic dance allows planets to maintain a picturesque elliptical orbit, occasionally getting closer and then drifting farther away. It’s like the ultimate space waltz, where both gravity and speed must find harmony to keep those celestial bodies gracefully gliding through the solar system!

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