Multiple Choice
Which of the following describes a role of gravity in the early stages of the solar system?
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8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation
Newton's Law of Gravity
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According to Newton's Law of Gravity, what is the major cause of seasonal changes on Earth?
A
The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun.
B
The varying distance between Earth and the Sun during the year.
C
The gravitational pull of the Moon on Earth's oceans.
D
The rotation of Earth on its axis.
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding Newton's Law of Gravity, which states that every mass attracts every other mass with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. This law primarily explains the gravitational attraction between celestial bodies.
Consider the concept of Earth's axial tilt. Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt is crucial in understanding seasonal changes, as it affects the angle and intensity of sunlight reaching different parts of Earth during its orbit.
Analyze how the axial tilt leads to varying solar energy distribution. As Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt causes different hemispheres to receive more direct sunlight at different times of the year, leading to the seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Evaluate the other options provided in the problem. The varying distance between Earth and the Sun does affect the intensity of sunlight but is not the major cause of seasonal changes. The gravitational pull of the Moon affects tides, not seasons. Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night, not seasonal changes.
Conclude that the major cause of seasonal changes on Earth is the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun, as this tilt leads to the variation in sunlight distribution across the planet throughout the year.
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