1. Gravity: The Sun's immense gravity pulls on Earth, constantly trying to draw it closer. This gravitational force is the primary force responsible for keeping Earth in orbit.
2. Earth's Velocity: Earth is constantly moving forward, traveling at a high speed (around 67,000 miles per hour). This forward velocity is what prevents Earth from falling directly into the Sun. It's like swinging a ball on a string: the ball's forward motion balances the inward pull of the string, keeping it in a circular path.
These two forces, gravity and Earth's velocity, are in a delicate balance. If Earth were moving slower, it would be pulled closer to the Sun by gravity. If it were moving faster, it would escape the Sun's gravitational pull entirely.
