Discover the Source of Earth's Centripetal Force: Is It Gravity?

[UrbanXrisis]

Earth goes around the sun. The centripetal force always acts towards the sun. What is the source of this force? Is it gravity?

 

[James R]

Gravity is the centripetal force.

 

[UrbanXrisis]

Gravity isn't a force is it? Gravity isn't defined in Newtons.

 

[teclo]

Gravity isn't a force is it? Gravity isn't defined in Newtons.

it is

F(grav) = (G*m1*m2)/(r^2)

if you're using vectors you tack on a unit vector to give it direction from the center of mass from one object to the other (and vice versa)

 

[UrbanXrisis]

you're right, I was thinking about g (acceleration due to gravity), not gravity itself.