Friday 3 August 2018

newtonian mechanics - Is the Moon in a "Freefall" Around the Earth?





The force of gravity keeps our Moon in orbit around Earth. Is it correct to say that the Moon is in “free fall” around Earth? Why or why not?



I think the answer is yes. The moon is falling towards the Earth due to gravity; but, it's also orbiting the Earth as fast as it's falling towards it. This balance between the 2 forces means the moon is essentially "freefalling" towards the Earth. Is my thinking correct? Thanks.




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