Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Astrophysics
156 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
11–20 of 78 · Normal
Question 11
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The universe contains many structures.
Answer the following questions about these structures.
(a)[2 marks]State what a galaxy is.
(b)[2 marks]Name the galaxy in which our solar system is found.
Question 12
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 13
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Why is the Sun described as a star and not a planet? Explain your answer.
Question 14
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 15
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe the difference between the terms galaxy, solar system, and universe.
Question 16
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 17
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The planet Jupiter has many moons orbiting it. One of these moons, Europa, follows a nearly circular orbit due to the gravitational attraction from Jupiter.
(a)[1 mark]State what provides the force needed to keep Europa moving in its orbit around Jupiter.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why Europa does not fly off into space.
Question 18
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table below shows the average distance of two moons from Saturn and the time each takes to orbit Saturn once:
Moons of Saturn Moon Average distance from Saturn (km) Orbital period (days) Mimas 186,000 0.94 Titan 1,221,900 15.95 Question 19
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →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.
Question 20
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The planet Neptune is much farther from the Sun than Earth.
(a)[1 mark]State how the gravitational force between Neptune and the Sun compares with that between the Earth and the Sun.
(b)[3 marks]Explain how this difference in gravitational force affects Neptune’s orbit compared to Earth’s.