SubjectCover

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

The solar system

15 practice questions

Start practising (8 questions)

Practice questions

1–8 of 8 · Normal

  1. Question 1

    4 marks · Normal

    The diagram below shows a simplified view of the solar system.

    (a)

    Name the star at the center of our solar system.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Give the number of planets that orbit the Sun in our solar system.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    State what the word 'orbit' means in the context of the solar system.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 2

    1 mark · Normal

    Which of the following lists objects in increasing order of size (smallest to largest)?

    1. A.Moon, Planet, Star, Galaxy
    2. B.Planet, Moon, Star, Galaxy
    3. C.Star, Planet, Galaxy, Moon
    4. D.Galaxy, Star, Planet, Moon
    Answer and check →

  3. Question 3

    4 marks · Normal

    The universe contains many structures.

    Answer the following questions about these structures.

    (a)

    State what a galaxy is.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Name the galaxy in which our solar system is found.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  4. Question 4

    3 marks · Normal

    The solar system contains a range of objects with different motions.

    (a)

    State one difference between the motion of a planet and a moon in the solar system.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Name one other type of object (not a planet or moon) found in our solar system.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 5

    2 marks · Normal

    Why is the Sun described as a star and not a planet? Explain your answer.

    Answer and see the solution →

  6. Question 6

    3 marks · Normal

    Scientists classify some objects as planets and others as dwarf planets.

    Solar System Data
    ObjectOrbitDoes it clear its orbit?
    JupiterSunYes
    PlutoSunNo
    EarthSunYes
    (a)

    Using the information in the table, state one reason why Jupiter is classified as a planet but Pluto is not.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    What is the main difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  7. Question 7

    3 marks · Normal

    Describe the difference between the terms galaxy, solar system, and universe.

    Answer and see the solution →

  8. Question 8

    4 marks · Normal

    Use the list below to answer the questions.

    Mercury
    planet
    Europa
    moon
    Vesta
    asteroid
    Andromeda
    galaxy
    (a)

    Which object is not in our solar system?

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Name the object that is a moon and state which planet it orbits.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    State what an asteroid is.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →