Gravitational Force: What Keeps Two Bodies From Colliding?

AI Thread Summary
Gravitational pull between two bodies, like the Earth and the Sun, creates an attraction that could lead to collision. However, the Earth's initial velocity is perpendicular to this gravitational force, resulting in centripetal acceleration that allows it to orbit rather than collide. This continuous acceleration keeps the Earth at a stable distance from the Sun while maintaining its speed. The balance between gravitational attraction and the Earth's tangential velocity is what prevents collision. Thus, the interplay of forces enables stable orbits in celestial mechanics.
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If two heavenly bodies are attracted towards each other by gravitational pull,
then what stops them from colliding, as in Earth is attracted by sun's pull.
 
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If you travel along a circle with a uniform speed, you must have an acceleration towards the center of the circle (centripetal acceleration). Every acceleration is caused by a force. So, if the force was exerted by the Sun to the Earth and the initial velocity of the Earth was perpendicular to their connecting line, then the Earth might revolve around the Sun in a circle. Even though it is accelerated, its speed does not change by magnitude and it always stays the same distance from the Sun.
 

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