Gravity and Space Physics practice problems for 8th grade

📚 Topic Summary

Gravity is the force that pulls everything towards each other. The more massive something is, the stronger its gravity. This is why planets orbit the Sun! In space, gravity is the key to understanding how everything moves, from planets in our solar system to distant galaxies. We'll tackle some problems to help understand gravity's effect on space and objects.

🔭 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the terms with their definitions:

Match the following:

• 🔍 1. Gravity matches with C. The force that attracts objects with mass toward each other.
• 🪐 2. Orbit matches with B. The path one object takes around another in space.
• ✨ 3. Planet matches with D. A celestial body that orbits a star.
• 🌟 4. Star matches with A. A giant ball of hot gas that produces light and heat.
• ⚖️ 5. Mass matches with E. The amount of matter in an object.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks using the following words: gravity, mass, orbit, speed, Sun.

The Earth moves around the __________ in an ___________. This is because of ___________. The greater the ___________ of an object, the greater its gravitational pull. Changing the ____________ of an orbiting object can affect its orbit.

• ☀️ The Earth moves around the Sun in an orbit.
• ⬇️ This is because of gravity.
• 💪 The greater the mass of an object, the greater its gravitational pull.
• 🚀 Changing the speed of an orbiting object can affect its orbit.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Imagine you are an astronaut on the Moon. How would your weight and mass be different compared to when you are on Earth? Explain why.

• ⚖️ On the Moon, your weight would be less than on Earth because the Moon has less mass and, therefore, weaker gravity.
• ⚛️ Your mass, however, would remain the same because mass is the amount of matter in your body, which doesn't change regardless of location.