Question

Which statement supports Newton’s first law of motion?

Planets can change the direction of their own orbital path.
Planets with more inertia will not be impacted by the Sun’s gravity.
Planets can move at a varying speed due to forces exerted in space.
Planets with a greater mass will orbit more quickly than smaller planets.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. Due to the forces exerted in space, planets can move at varying speeds. Any moving object in space will always travel in a straight line at the same speed, including planets. The planet will move in a straight line, but the sun’s gravity pulls it towards the planet, and gravity causes the moving planet to orbit the sun in a roughly circular orbit. (They have been orbiting the sun for billions of years, because other forces are too weak to change their orbits in any significant way)

Answer 2

Answer:

Option (b) Planets with more inertia will not be impacted by the Sun’s gravity.

Explanation:

We have to first understand what inertia and the law of inertia are.

• Inertia: This tendency to resist changes in their state of motion is described as inertia. 

• Newton's first law: Newton's first law states that every object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force. This is normally taken as the definition of inertia.

Explanation of why more inertia will not be impacted by suns gravity: By also acknowledging this law, we also know that mass can impact an objects inertia. Inertia of an object is directly proportional to its mass. so heavier planets experience more inertia, causing it to be not affected by the sun's gravity to much extent. Inertia, by defintion, is inability of an object to change, so more inertia for an object means less change.