Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Motion in the Universe
55 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
11–20 of 55
Question 11
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The solar system contains a range of objects with different motions.
(a)[2 marks]State one difference between the motion of a planet and a moon in the solar system.
(b)[1 mark]Name one other type of object (not a planet or moon) found in our solar system.
Question 12
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Why is the Sun described as a star and not a planet? Explain your answer.
Question 13
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Scientists classify some objects as planets and others as dwarf planets.
Solar System Data Object Orbit Does it clear its orbit? Jupiter Sun Yes Pluto Sun No Earth Sun Yes (a)[2 marks]Using the information in the table, state one reason why Jupiter is classified as a planet but Pluto is not.
(b)[1 mark]What is the main difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?
Question 14
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe the difference between the terms galaxy, solar system, and universe.
Question 15
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Use the list below to answer the questions.
- Mercury
- planet
- Europa
- moon
- Vesta
- asteroid
- Andromeda
- galaxy
(a)[1 mark]Which object is not in our solar system?
(b)[2 marks]Name the object that is a moon and state which planet it orbits.
(c)[1 mark]State what an asteroid is.
Question 16
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
Question 17
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 18
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
Question 19
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Explain why moons always orbit their planets rather than moving away into space.
Question 20
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →If the distance between a planet and its moon is doubled, by what factor does the gravitational force between them change?