and why not rush and stick to the sun?
2007-08-19 06:55:26 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Earth is just playing hard-to-get :-)
Seriously, Force = mass times acceleration, where force and acceleration are vectors. With vectors, it is possible to accelerate towards an object while maintaining a given distance provided motion is normal to the direction of acceleration (force). Such acceleration (perpendicular to motion) is called centripetal acceleration.
2007-08-19 07:20:51 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nice question.
The earth is spinning on its vertical axis with one revolution per 24 hrs. This creates centripetal force which is perpendicular to sun's force of action. Since both the forces are balanced, the earth remains in the same fixed orbit. This can be imagined if we tie an object with a string and swing it around, it will not come to us but move in circles.
Two more things; First we are relatively away from sun, hence sun's gravity is not that powerful. If we reach very close (say few million miles) then sun will attract and gobble the earth. Second, the earth and other plants continue moving for billions of years because of initial energy received during earlier stage of formation and seaparation state from a big star/comet. The speed of rotation continues because they rotate in vacuum space and there is no friction to slow it down.
2007-08-19 14:38:41 · answer #2 · answered by yogesh u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The mass and velocity of Earth maintains the distance from the Sun and thereby keeps it in its Orbit. The elliptical orbit of earth is due to a slight change in its velocity during orbit.
The same way in which the Moon and man-made satellites stay in orbit around Earth.
(The Sun is NOT in Orbit around the Earth).
2007-08-19 14:18:12 · answer #3 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the balance of the Sun's gravitational pull PLUS the forward momentum of the Earth, which is away from the Sun. It is a balance of the inward pull of gravity and the outward "push" of centrifugal force. In a sense, the Earth IS falling toward the Sun, but the spherical shape of the Sun results (generally) in the Earth getting no closer.
2007-08-19 14:04:48 · answer #4 · answered by cyswxman 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well if you remember the earth is not round , it's egg shape due to the suns pull.It stretches the earth out ,not up.
2007-08-19 14:20:32 · answer #5 · answered by vintagemale1951 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sun and the earth are in orbit
moving in different directions (speeds).
Orbit means the relative speeds
are close to right angles from each other.
Their attraction causes changes
in directions but those changes are
only enough for them to stay in orbit
around each other and not get closer
or get further away from each other.
They maintain the same relative speeds.
2007-08-19 14:13:56 · answer #6 · answered by Robert L 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because the sun as well as the Earth is always moving. If we rushed the sun the Earth would be a big piece of burnt toast.
2007-08-19 14:01:04 · answer #7 · answered by kari_girl84 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
centrifigul (cant spell) force pushing away from the sun, and gravity is pulling towards it. they balance out.
2007-08-19 14:06:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually the earth is 4 degrees off its axis so infact we are moving towards the sun and its why the temps have changed and have gotten hotter and its snowing in places it shouldnt
2007-08-19 14:03:58 · answer #9 · answered by aphla5 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
thats stupid question...maybe u should attend middle school
2007-08-23 09:58:56 · answer #10 · answered by boobinhard 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋