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Multiple Choice
Which of these factors does not cause seasonal change according to Newton's Law of Gravity?
A
The distance between Earth and the Sun
B
The tilt of Earth's axis
C
The elliptical shape of Earth's orbit
D
The gravitational pull of the Moon
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand 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 is expressed as: , where is the gravitational force, is the gravitational constant, and are the masses, and is the distance between the centers of the two masses.
Identify the factors that contribute to seasonal changes on Earth. These include the tilt of Earth's axis, which affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received at different times of the year, and the elliptical shape of Earth's orbit, which causes variations in distance from the Sun, affecting the amount of solar energy received.
Recognize that the gravitational pull of the Moon primarily affects tides on Earth rather than seasonal changes. Seasonal changes are more directly related to Earth's axial tilt and orbital shape.
Consider the role of Earth's axial tilt, which is approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different parts of Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the seasons.
Conclude that while the distance between Earth and the Sun and the tilt of Earth's axis are factors in seasonal changes, the gravitational pull of the Moon does not directly cause seasonal changes according to Newton's Law of Gravity.