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

Motion in the Universe

55 practice questions

Start practising (28 questions)

Topics covered

Practice questions

11–20 of 28 · Normal

  1. Question 11

    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 →

  2. Question 12

    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 →

  3. Question 13

    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 →

  4. Question 14

    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.

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  5. Question 15

    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 →

  6. Question 16

    1 mark · Normal

    Name the type of satellite that the Moon is.

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  7. Question 17

    2 marks · Normal

    State two factors that determine the gravitational field strength at the surface of a planet.

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  8. Question 18

    3 marks · Normal

    A satellite orbits Earth at a radius of 7000 km. It completes one orbit every 5800 seconds. Calculate the orbital speed of the satellite. Give your answer to two significant figures.

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  9. Question 19

    1 mark · Normal

    Which planet has a lower gravitational field strength than Earth?

    PlanetGravitational field strength (N/kg)
    Earth10
    Mars4
    Neptune11
    Jupiter23
    1. A.Earth
    2. B.Mars
    3. C.Neptune
    4. D.Jupiter
    Answer and check →

  10. Question 20

    4 marks · Normal

    A student says "If a satellite is closer to Earth, it must travel faster in its orbit."

    (a)

    Explain in terms of gravitational field strength why this statement is true.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    State the equation used to calculate the orbital speed of a satellite.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Describe one use for low Earth orbit satellites.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →