Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Motion in the Universe
55 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
1–10 of 27 · Easy
Question 1
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →What is the correct unit for measuring the mass of a planet?
- A.kilogram (kg)
- B.metre (m)
- C.second (s)
- D.newton (N)
Question 2
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Name the force responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the Sun. State its unit.
Question 3
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the name of our galaxy.
Question 4
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows a simplified arrangement of part of the solar system.
(a)[1 mark]Solar system diagram with star and two objects labelled. A is a planet. B is a moon. Which object, A or B, orbits the Sun directly?
(b)[1 mark]State the object that B (the moon) orbits directly.
(c)[1 mark]What is the name given to the path followed by a planet around the Sun?
Question 5
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the unit used to measure the time it takes for a planet to orbit the Sun once.
Question 6
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Objects in the solar system have different types of motion.
(a)[1 mark]State what is meant by a 'satellite' in the context of the solar system.
(b)[1 mark]Give one example of a natural satellite found within our solar system.
(c)[1 mark]State whether an asteroid is a satellite or not. Explain your answer.
Question 7
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which list correctly describes structures from smallest to largest?
- A.Moon, planet, star, galaxy
- B.Planet, moon, galaxy, star
- C.Star, moon, planet, galaxy
- D.Galaxy, planet, star, moon
Question 8
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
Question 9
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A small stone is tied to a string and whirled in a horizontal circle above your head.
The Moon orbits Earth in a similar way, but with no string.
(a)[2 marks]Explain what provides the force that acts like the string for the Moon's orbit.
(b)[1 mark]State what happens to the Moon if the Earth's gravity suddenly disappeared.
Question 10
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which of the following objects is an artificial satellite?
- A.The Moon orbiting Mars
- B.A GPS satellite orbiting Earth
- C.Jupiter's moon Europa
- D.The planet Venus orbiting the Sun