This key facts covers What Keeps Objects in Orbit? within Orbits for GCSE Physics. Revise Orbits in Space Physics for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 8 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 2 of 8
Practice
13 questions
Recall
10 flashcards
📚 What Keeps Objects in Orbit?
Gravity provides the centripetal force:
- An orbiting object is constantly changing direction (curved path)
- Changing direction = changing velocity = acceleration
- This acceleration is caused by gravitational force pulling towards the centre
- Gravity acts as the centripetal force — always pointing towards the central body
💡 Key insight: The object doesn't fall INTO the planet because its sideways velocity is great enough to keep "missing" as it falls.
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Orbits. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Orbits
What is a protostar?
Explain why a main sequence star remains stable (in equilibrium) for billions of years.
Quick Recall Flashcards
13 questions on Orbits — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 10 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
Try PrepWise Free