Name ________________________
Gravity Study Guide
Earth and Space Science 1 (ES1) – Gravity
Learning Target: (ES1-D) I can predict what would happen to an orbiting object if gravity were
increased, decreased, or taken away.
1. Define mass.
2. What tool is used to measure mass and what unit is it recorded in?
3. Define weight.
4. What tool is used to measure weight and what unit is it recorded in?
5. What two factors determine the surface gravity on a planet?
6. Explain how mass and weight would be affected if you changed your location from:
□ Sea level:
□ Top of a mountain:
□ Space:
□ Moon:
□ Jupiter:
7. Describe the path of an object that is moving forward and is being pulled down by gravity.
8. What is the unbalanced force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?
9. What would happen to the planets without the force you mentioned in the previous question?
10. What planet do you think would have the fastest orbital speed?
11. Why does a star’s “wobble” indicate that a planet is nearby?
12. Predict what would happen to the motion of a planet if the mass of the Sun was:
□ Increased:
□ Decreased:
□ Removed:
13. How is the motion of a planet near a star different from a planet that is far from a star?
14. Describe Newton’s Law of Inertia and how it applies to planets and moons.
15. Describe Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation.
16. What is an unbalanced force and how does it affect objects?
Self Assessment: Are you ready to take an assessment on Gravity (ES1-D)?
Check off each as you complete them:
□ The Gravity test is on ______________________.
□ I completed my study guide.
□ I reviewed my notes and the readings in my notebook about gravity.
□ I studied my study guide.
□ I asked for help on anything about gravity I didn’t understand.
□ I had someone use my study guide to quiz me on gravity.