Gravity is an invisible force that pulls things towards the centre of the Earth. It pulls everything towards the Earth, whether the object is in the air, in water, or already on the ground. Even the Moon is kept moving around the Earth by the pull of Earth’s gravity.
Leaping squirrel
Gravity keeps things held to the Earth. For something to be able to lift off the ground, it has to produce a force large enough to overcome the force of gravity.
Jumping up
When the squirrel jumps, its legs push against the branch, producing an upwards force. This force is greater than the force of gravity, so the squirrel lifts off the branch.
Gaining height
There is no longer a force from the legs. The squirrel keeps moving upwards, but the force of gravity slows it down.
Falling down
The squirrel slows down so much that for a tiny moment it stays totally still in the air. Then gravity causes the squirrel to begin to fall towards the ground.
Landed
Once the squirrel landed on another branch, the force of gravity holds it there until it decides to jump again.
The Moon
The Moon has its own gravity, but because it is smaller than the Earth, its force of gravity is not so strong. The squirrel would feel lighter on the Moon, and it would be able to jump almost seven times higher.
Blast off!
A huge explosion is needed to produce enough force to overcome the force of Earth’s gravity and launch a rocket into space.
Picture Credit : Google
