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Atoms And Molecules

Question
CBSEENSC9006241

In what sense does the moon fall towards the earth? Why does it not actually fall on the earth's surface?

Solution

Moon is orbiting around the Earth in a circular orbit. The centripetal force which is provided by the force of attraction of the Earth will enable the moon to go in a circular orbit. So, at each point of its orbit, the moon falls towards the earth instead of going straight.