Orbital Motions (HS-ESS1-4): Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.

Using mathematical or computational representations allows for the prediction of the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system. By applying principles of physics and mathematics, such as gravitational forces and orbital mechanics, scientists can model and forecast the trajectories and positions of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies over time. These predictions help in understanding the dynamics of the solar system and the interactions between its components.

Main Concepts:

  1. Newtonian gravitational laws, also known as Newton's laws of motion, were discovered by Sir Isaac Newton in the late 17th century. These laws describe the behavior of objects in motion, including those in the solar system. They are essential to understanding how planets, moons, and other celestial bodies move around each other.
  2. An object in orbit around another object is constantly falling towards it, but its forward momentum keeps it moving in a circular path. This motion is determined by the mass of the orbiting object, the mass of the object it is orbiting, and the distance between them. For example, the Moon orbits around the Earth because the Earth's gravitational pull is strong enough to keep the Moon in its path.
  3. According to Newton's law of gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects decreases as the distance between them increases. This means that if two objects are moved farther apart, the gravitational force between them will weaken. Conversely, if they are moved closer together, the gravitational force will strengthen.
  4. The closer an object is to another object, the stronger the gravitational force between them. This is because the gravitational force is dependent on the distance between the objects. The closer the objects are, the less distance there is between them, resulting in a stronger gravitational force.
  5. The motion of objects in space can be affected by a variety of factors, including gravitational forces, collisions, and momentum. For example, the gravitational pull of Jupiter affects the orbits of asteroids in the asteroid belt, and collisions between asteroids can alter their trajectories. Additionally, the momentum of objects can cause them to continue moving in a straight line, even in the presence of gravitational forces. Understanding these factors is crucial to predicting the behavior of objects in space and ensuring the safety of spacecraft and satellites.

NGSS Aligned Testing Question

The model below shows the Moon in four positions in its orbit around Earth and the distances between Earth and the Moon at these four positions. Below the model, claims about the Moon’s visibility, distance from Earth, and orbital velocity are listed.

...

Claim 1: The amount of the Moon visible is increasing from one day to the next.
Claim 2: The amount of the Moon visible is decreasing from one day to the next.
Claim 3: The distance between Earth and the Moon is increasing from one day to the next.
Claim 4: The distance between Earth and the Moon is decreasing from one day to the next.
Claim 5: The orbital velocity of the Moon is increasing from one day to the next.
Claim 6: The orbital velocity of the Moon is decreasing from one day to the next.

Which set of claims correctly predicts the amount of the Moon visible, the distance from Earth, and the orbital velocity for the Moon during the waning gibbous phase?
1 claims 1, 4, and 5
2 claims 2, 4, and 5
3 claims 1, 3, and 6
4 claims 2, 3, and 6

Choice 2

General Question and Answer Section:

  1. What is the fundamental law governing the motion of objects in the solar system?
    Answer: Gravity is the fundamental law governing the motion of objects in the solar system.
  2. What is the relationship between the mass of two objects and the gravitational force between them?
    Answer: The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses.
  3. How does the distance between two objects affect the gravitational force between them?
    Answer: The gravitational force between two objects decreases as the distance between them increases.
  4. What determines the motion of an object in orbit?
    Answer: The motion of an object in orbit is determined by its mass, the mass of the object it is orbiting, and the distance between them.
  5. How does the gravitational force between two objects change as they get closer to each other?
    Answer: The gravitational force between two objects increases as they get closer to each other.
  6. What types of objects can be predicted using mathematical and computational models?
    Answer: The motion of planets, moons, asteroids, and human-made satellites can be predicted using mathematical and computational models.
  7. What is the role of Newtonian gravitational laws in predicting the motion of objects in the solar system?
    Answer: Newtonian gravitational laws govern the motion of objects in the solar system and are essential for predicting their motion.
  8. How do scientists use mathematical models to predict the motion of objects in the solar system?
    Answer: Scientists use mathematical models to calculate the gravitational force between two objects and then use that force to predict the motion of the objects.
  9. How accurate are predictions made using mathematical models of the motion of objects in the solar system?
    Answer: Predictions made using mathematical models of the motion of objects in the solar system are incredibly accurate.
  10. Why is understanding the motion of objects in the solar system important?
    Answer: Understanding the motion of objects in the solar system is essential to understand the dynamics of our universe and to explore space.

*continue your studies by accessing another review sheet below*

Space Systems: HS-ESS1-1 : HS-ESS1-2 : HS-ESS1-3 : HS-ESS1-4 : HS-ESS1-7

History of the Earth: HS-ESS1-5 : HS-ESS1-6 : HS-ESS2-1

Earth's Systems: HS-ESS2-2 : HS-ESS2-3 : HS-ESS2-5 : HS-ESS2-6 : HS-ESS2-7

Weather and Climate: HS-ESS2-4 : HS-ESS3-5 : HS-ESS2-8

Human Sustainability: HS-ESS3-1 : HS-ESS3-2 : HS-ESS3-3 : HS-ESS3-4 : HS.ESS3-6

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to serve as a study guide based on a contextual analysis of the NGSS standards for the Earth and Space Science assessment. These study guides should be used as a supplement to your overall study strategy, and their alignment to the actual test format is not guaranteed. We recommend that you consult with your instructor for additional guidance on exam preparation.