University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 13 - Gravitation - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 424: Q13.6

Answer

The moon orbits the Earth.

Work Step by Step

The moon is in a roughly circular orbit around the Earth, and the gravitational attraction provides the centripetal force that keeps the moon in that orbit. It is akin to the tension in a string keeping a ball flying around your hand. Though the force attracts the orbiting body toward the center, it does not appreciably decrease the distance between them.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.