3-14: Factors that Impact Gravity
A. Mass and Distance
Every object in the universe has gravity, but the strength of the gravity is different. Two factors impact gravity: mass and distance.
Objects with more mass have a stronger gravitational pull than objects with less mass. For example, the Sun has a stronger gravitational pull than the Moon. When objects are closer to one another, there is also a stronger gravitational pull. This is why the moon orbits Earth as Earth orbits the Sun. The moon is much closer to Earth than it is to the Sun.
B. Mass and Gravitational Pull
Directions: Put the objects in order from weakest gravitational pull to strongest gravitational pull.
C. Distance and Gravitational Pull
Directions: Click on the pair of objects that have the stronger gravitational pull.
D. Living in Low-Gravity Environments
On Earth, gravity is quite strong. But on Mars, it’s much weaker. It is weaker because Mars has less mass than Earth. Mars and other places in space are considered low-gravity environments. Objects feel much lighter in low-gravity environments. On Mars, objects weigh less than half of what they do on Earth.
Living in low-gravity environments, such as Mars, can be challenging. Astronauts who stay there for a long time might face some challenges. Their muscles and bones might get weaker because they don’t have to work as hard against gravity. They might also find it harder to balance. That’s why scientists are working hard to figure out how to keep astronauts healthy on Mars. They’re designing special exercises and equipment to help them stay strong and healthy while in space.
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