Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Astrophysics
156 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
11–20 of 78 · Easy
Question 11
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the name of our galaxy.
Question 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
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 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?