Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation on the moon

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the forces exerted on the Moon during a solar eclipse when it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The Sun exerts a significant gravitational force on the Moon, but the Earth's gravity is stronger due to the shorter distance, keeping the Moon in orbit. The Sun also exerts a gravitational force on the Earth, but the comparative distances affect the overall force experienced by the Moon. The conclusion is that the Earth's gravitational pull is dominant, preventing the Sun from capturing the Moon. The question raises curiosity about whether a numerical comparison of these forces would yield additional insights.
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Homework Statement


During a solar eclipse, the Moon, the Earth, and the Sun all lie on the same line, with the Moon between the Earth and the Sun. (a) What force is exerted by the sun on the moon? (b) What force is exerted by the Earth on the Moon? (c) What force is exerted by the sun on the Earth? (d) compare the answers to parts (a) and (b). Why doesn't the Sun capture the Moon away from the Earth?


Homework Equations


None, its conceptual


The Attempt at a Solution


For part (a) i concluded that the Sun is exerting large force on the moon, but the Earth is keeping the Moon in orbit because of the distance between the Earth an the Moon.
For part (b) i said that the Earth's gravity is keeping the Moon in orbit
For part (c) I just simply said thatthe Suns' gravity is acting on the Earth
For part (d) I said that since the distance bwtween the Moon and the Sun is so much greater than the distance between the Moon and the Sun, the Sun is exerting less force on the moon than the Earth

The question just seemed too easy to me.. maybe it is actually that easy but somehow i keep thinking that there is something more to the question than that.
 
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