Physics · Forces and Motion

Since the tangential velocity of the Earth around the Sun is constant (because all the years last the same for the orbit around the Sun), then the tangential acceleration will be zero.

This is the reason why the acceleration of the Earth around the sun in its orbit is always radial.

The term "tangential" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the radial direction. In the context of circular motion, the tangential direction is the direction of motion along the circumference of the circle. While the Earth does move tangentially in its orbit, this is not the only type of acceleration acting on it. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

The acceleration of the Earth around the Sun is always radial, which means it is directed toward or away from the center of the orbit. This radial acceleration is responsible for keeping the Earth in its orbit around the Sun.

If the Earth's acceleration in its orbit were zero, it would imply that there are no forces acting on the Earth. However, the Earth does experience a gravitational force exerted by the Sun, which causes it to accelerate. Thus, option C is incorrect.

This option implies that none of the given options are correct. However, we can eliminate option D since the Earth does experience acceleration in its orbit due to gravitational forces.