Matter in the Solar System
100: What is the percentage of mass in our solar system contained in the sun?
100: The Sun contains about 99.8% of the mass in our solar system.
100: What happens to masses without the force of gravity?
100: Without gravity, masses would float freely and not come together or form orbits.
100: What paths do stars and planets typically follow in galaxies?
100: Stars and planets typically follow curved paths within the arms of galaxies.
100: How does Earth's mass compare to that of a human?
100: Earth’s mass is about 6 trillion trillion times more than the mass of a human.
100: What does the size of the universe indicate about gravity?
100: The size of the universe shows gravity pulls matter into structures like galaxies and clusters.
200: Why do planets orbit the sun rather than another body?
200: Planets orbit the Sun because its massive gravity pulls them in while their motion keeps them from falling into it.
200: How do particles come together to form larger masses?
200: Particles stick together through gravity and collisions, growing into larger masses over time.
200: What evidence suggests gravity pulls bodies toward each other in galaxies?
200: The motion of stars and gas clouds toward each other shows gravity's pull.
200: What is a black hole?
200: A black hole is a region of space with gravity so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.
200: How do distant objects relate to more massive objects?
200: Distant objects are often attracted to massive objects, showing gravity works over huge distances.
300: What forces contributed to the formation of planets and other bodies?
300: Gravity and collisions between particles helped form planets and other bodies.
300: What type of motion do planets exhibit due to gravity?
300: Planets move in elliptical orbits due to the Sun's gravitational pull and their inertia.
300: How do galaxies and nebulas show the effects of gravity?
300: Galaxies and nebulas form and change as gravity pulls matter together into clusters and shapes.
300: How much more massive is the sun compared to Earth?
300: The Sun is about 333,000 times more massive than Earth.
300: What role does the Milky Way galaxy play in our solar system?
300: The Milky Way is our solar system’s home and its gravity holds stars and planets together.
400: How does gravity affect the motion of objects in the solar system?
400: Gravity keeps planets in orbit, moons around planets, and causes objects to move in predictable paths.
400: What is the effect of gravitational attractions on nearby particles?
400: Gravitational attractions pull particles closer, forming clumps that grow into stars, planets, and other objects.
400: What is the significance of circular or elliptical paths in the universe?
400: Circular and elliptical paths show how gravity balances motion, creating stable orbits.
400: Why is the gravitational force at a black hole's surface extremely strong?
400: A black hole’s gravity is extreme because all its mass is concentrated in a tiny space.
400: How can we observe gravity’s effects in distant galaxies?
400: Gravity’s effects in distant galaxies can be observed through lensing, where light bends around massive objects.
500: Describe the role of gravity in the formation of galaxies.
500: Gravity pulled gas and dust together to form galaxies by creating dense regions that grew larger over time.
500: Describe the movement of matter when the solar system formed.
500: Matter moved in spiraling motions, clumping together to form the Sun, planets, and other solar system objects.
500: How does gravity shape the structure of the universe?
500: Gravity pulls matter into clumps and structures like galaxy clusters and filament-like shapes in the universe.
500: What happens to light near a black hole?
500: Light near a black hole is bent by its gravity and can even be pulled in completely.
500: What similarities exist between stars in our galaxy and those in other galaxies?
500: Stars across galaxies share similar lifecycles and are shaped by gravity in comparable ways.