The solar system
3 marks · EasyObjects in the solar system have different types of motion.
State what is meant by a 'satellite' in the context of the solar system.
Give one example of a natural satellite found within our solar system.
State whether an asteroid is a satellite or not. Explain your answer.
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(a) A satellite is an object that orbits a planet.
(b) The Moon (or any named moon of a planet, e.g., Europa, Ganymede, Titan).
(c) No. An asteroid is not a satellite because it does not orbit a planet; it usually orbits the Sun.
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly defines satellite as an object that orbits a planet.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Gives a correct example of a natural satellite (e.g., Moon, Europa, Titan).
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Explains correctly that an asteroid is not a satellite as it does not orbit a planet.
Worked solution
a: A satellite is any object that orbits a planet.
b: Example: the Moon.
c: An asteroid is not a satellite because it orbits the Sun, not a planet.