Satellites and moons
2 marks · EasyDescribe two differences between the orbit of a comet and the orbit of a planet.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
Comets have much more elongated (stretched out/elliptical) orbits than planets, and comets can travel much farther from the Sun at the ends of their orbits than planets do.
Also accept: Comets have elongated/elliptical orbits; planets have nearly circular orbits. Comets change speed more during their orbits. Comets can be far from the Sun at some points.
Common mistakes: All orbits are the same shape; Comets orbit planets
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Identifies one difference between a comet's orbit and a planet's orbit.
B2 · 1 mark · Identifies a second difference.
Worked solution
Comets have very elongated (oval or elliptical) orbits, while planets' orbits are nearly circular. Also, comets can be much further from the Sun on some parts of their orbit than any planet.