Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 2 - Think and Discuss - Page 38: 79

Answer

Inertia is not a "thing/force" that keeps the Earth moving.

Work Step by Step

Gravitational attraction from the Sun curves the Earth's path, but that force isn't necessary to keep the Earth moving. Nothing at all is necessary to keep the Earth moving through space. That is the concept of inertia, the name given to the property that objects in motion will remain in motion.
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