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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section

Satellites and moons

16 practice questions

Start practising (8 questions)

Practice questions

1–8 of 8 · Normal

  1. Question 1

    3 marks · Normal

    The planet Jupiter has many moons orbiting it. One of these moons, Europa, follows a nearly circular orbit due to the gravitational attraction from Jupiter.

    (a)

    State what provides the force needed to keep Europa moving in its orbit around Jupiter.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain why Europa does not fly off into space.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 2

    3 marks · Normal

    The table below shows the average distance of two moons from Saturn and the time each takes to orbit Saturn once:

    Moons of Saturn
    MoonAverage distance from Saturn (km)Orbital period (days)
    Mimas186,0000.94
    Titan1,221,90015.95
    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 3

    2 marks · Normal

    Saturn has many moons, all held in orbit by gravity. State two factors on which the size of the gravitational force between Saturn and one of its moons depends.

    Answer and see the solution →

  4. Question 4

    4 marks · Normal

    The planet Neptune is much farther from the Sun than Earth.

    (a)

    State how the gravitational force between Neptune and the Sun compares with that between the Earth and the Sun.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain how this difference in gravitational force affects Neptune’s orbit compared to Earth’s.

    [3 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 5

    1 mark · Normal

    Which of the following is NOT an artificial satellite?

    1. A.A weather satellite orbiting the Earth
    2. B.The Moon orbiting the Earth
    3. C.The International Space Station
    4. D.A communications satellite orbiting Mars
    Answer and check →

  6. Question 6

    3 marks · Normal

    A comet has an orbit that is much more elongated (stretched out) than the nearly circular orbit of a planet around the Sun.

    Answer and see the solution →

  7. Question 7

    3 marks · Normal

    Below is a simple diagram showing a planet and its moon.

    Geometry diagram with points Planet, MoonPlanetMoon
    Planet and Moon
    (a)

    On the diagram, draw an arrow to show the direction of the gravitational force acting on the moon.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain why this force does not pull the moon directly into the planet.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  8. Question 8

    1 mark · Normal

    Name the type of satellite that the Moon is.

    Answer and see the solution →