Question

In which of the following cases does gravitational force act as centripetal force?

• A. A ship floating in the sea
• B. The Moon revolving round the Earth
• C. A leaf falling down a tree
• D. The Earth revolving around the Sun

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The Earth revolving around the Sun

Centripetal force is the force that comes into picture when a body is moving in a circular path. It acts towards the centre of the circular path, thus changing the direction of motion at every instant.

In case of moon's revolution, the gravitational force of Earth on the moon causes it to revolve around the Earth. This is also the same with the Earth and the Sun. Hence, gravitational force acts as centripetal force whenever there is revolution of a body around another body.