10
QuizMultiple Choice

Gravity and Motion

Question 10 • AZ-Earth and Space Science A (SC301)

A student is asked to describe the path of a paper airplane that is thrown in the classroom.Which statement best describes the path of the paper airplane?

Answer
A
The paper airplane will move in a straight line, according to Newton’s first law of motion.
B
The paper airplane will drop straight to the ground once its inertia gives in to the force of gravity.
C
The paper airplane will create a curved path toward the floor as it is pulled toward Earth’s center.
D
The paper airplane will orbit around the desk because it is the object with the largest mass in the room.

Explanation

Gravity pulls the paper airplane downward toward Earth while its forward motion carries it across the room. The combination of these motions makes its path curve toward the floor. The airplane does not move in a straight line because gravity changes its motion, and inertia does not “give in” or disappear.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.