Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Astrophysics
156 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
31–40 of 156
Question 31
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 32
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
Question 33
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 34
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 35
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Explain why moons always orbit their planets rather than moving away into space.
Question 36
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?
Question 37
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A planet and an artificial satellite are shown below.
Planet and satellite orbit. (a)[1 mark]Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the direction of the force acting on the satellite.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why this force is always directed towards the planet.
Question 38
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Describe two differences between the orbit of a comet and the orbit of a planet.
Question 39
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →How long does it take the Moon to orbit the Earth once? Give your answer in days.
Question 40
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.