Resultant force as vector sum of gravitational attractions

Steps:

• Identify forces: Gravity from Earth pulls Moon toward Earth; gravity from Sun pulls Moon toward Sun.
• Represent as vectors: Earth's vector points to Earth; Sun's vector points to Sun, longer due to stronger pull.
• Add vectors head-to-tail: Resultant direction is between the two, slightly toward Sun.
• Match to arrows: Select arrow aligning with this net direction.

Why A is correct:

• A matches the vector sum per Newton's law of universal gravitation, directing Moon's orbital acceleration.

Why the others are wrong:

• B points only toward Earth, ignoring Sun's force.
• C points toward Sun, overemphasizing Sun's pull.
• D points opposite, contradicting both attractions.

Final answer: A