Accelerate means to increase the velocity or speed of an object. In astronomy, it often refers to the change in motion of celestial bodies due to gravitational forces or other influences.
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Acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
In the context of planetary motion, acceleration can result from gravitational forces exerted by larger celestial bodies.
Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion describe how planets accelerate as they orbit the Sun.
Isaac Newton's second law of motion states that Force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma), which is fundamental in understanding celestial mechanics.
Galileo's observations and experiments laid the groundwork for understanding how objects accelerate under various forces.
Review Questions
What role does acceleration play in Kepler's laws of planetary motion?
How did Isaac Newton's second law contribute to our understanding of acceleration in space?
Why is acceleration considered a vector quantity?
Related terms
Velocity: The speed of something in a given direction.
Force: An influence that can change the motion of an object, described by Newton's second law (F=ma).
Gravitational Force: The force by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its center.