The solar system
4 marks · NormalThe diagram below shows a simplified view of the solar system.
Name the star at the center of our solar system.
Give the number of planets that orbit the Sun in our solar system.
State what the word 'orbit' means in the context of the solar system.
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(a) the Sun
(b) 8
(c) The path a planet follows as it moves around the Sun.
Common mistakes: Incorrect count of planets; Confusing orbit with rotation
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly names the Sun as the star at the center.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · States that there are eight planets orbiting the Sun.
B3 (c) · 2 marks · Provides a correct definition that 'orbit' means the path (or elliptical path) taken by a planet around the Sun (1) mentioning motion around the Sun (1).
Worked solution
a) The star at the center of our solar system is the Sun.
b) There are 8 planets that orbit the Sun in our solar system.
c) In the context of the solar system, 'orbit' means the path that a planet follows as it moves around the Sun in an elliptical shape.