Despite the Sun's immense gravitational pull pulling all solar system bodies inward, the planets do not…

Despite the Sun's immense gravitational pull pulling all solar system bodies inward, the planets do not collapse into the Sun. Why?
  1. The magnetic repulsion of the planets pushes them away from the Sun.
  2. Their high revolving orbital speed produces a motion that balances gravity.
  3. The solar wind forms a physical barrier holding the planets back.
  4. Outer gas giants pull the inner planets outward with equal force.

Solution

The high forward motion (orbital velocity) of the planets creates a continuous sideways movement whose curvature matches the Sun's gravitational pull, keeping them in stable orbits.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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