6.1. Earth and the Solar System
A subsection of Physics, 5054, through 6. Space physics
Listing 10 of 35 questions
represents the motion of Earth and the planet Venus around the Sun. The orbits shown are circles. On , draw an arrow to show the direction of the force exerted by the Sun on the Earth. Information about Earth and Venus is given in the table. Use the information in the table to show that Venus has a greater speed than Earth. As Earth and Venus move in their orbits, the distance between them changes. Calculate the largest possible distance between them. distance = million km not to scale Sun Earth orbit of Earth orbit of Venus planet Venus Earth time for one orbit in (Earth) years radius of orbit / million km circumference of orbit / million km 0.7 1.0
5054_s05_qp_2
THEORY
2005
Paper 2, Variant 0
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Table 11.1 shows details about eight planets in the solar system, their average distance from the Sun, their orbital period and their average surface temperature. Table 11.1 planet distance from the Sun / km orbital period / s average surface temperature / °C 5.8 × 107 7.6 × 106 Venus 1.1 × 108 1.9 × 107 Earth 1.5 × 108 3.2 × 107 Mars 2.3 × 108 5.9 × 107 −65 7.8 × 108 3.7 × 108 −110 Saturn 1.4 × 109 9.3 × 108 −140 2.9 × 109 2.6 × 109 −195 Neptune 4.5 × 109 5.2 × 109 −200 Complete Table 11.1 by adding the names of the three planets that are not given. Calculate the orbital speed of Mars as it travels around the Sun. orbital speed = km / s Describe the relationship between the distance of a planet from the Sun and its orbital period. Describe the relationship between the distance from the Sun and the average surface temperature of a planet. In your description, include any anomalies.
5054_s23_qp_21
THEORY
2023
Paper 2, Variant 1
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Table 8.1 shows data about three planets, Mercury, Venus and Earth. Table 8.1 time for one orbit of Sun / days distance from Sun / km average density kg / m3 gravitational field strength at surface N / kg Mercury 5.8 × 107 3.7 Venus 1.1 × 108 8.9 Earth 1.5 × 108 9.8 shows these planets in alignment with the Sun. They rotate around the Sun in the direction shown. Mark and label on the positions of the three planets 110 days after the position shown in . Sun Mercury Venus Earth (not to scale) Each of the three planets has a similar average density. Suggest why the gravitational field strength at the surface of Mercury is much smaller than at the surface of Venus. An object has a weight of 37 N on the surface of Mercury. Calculate its weight on the surface of the Earth. Show your working. weight = N State what is meant by a ‘moon’. The Sun will eventually run out of hydrogen. Describe what happens to the Sun when the hydrogen runs out.
5054_s24_qp_21
THEORY
2024
Paper 2, Variant 1
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shows the planet Venus orbiting the Sun in a circular orbit at constant speed. circular orbit Venus Sun (not to scale) A force acting on Venus keeps it moving in a circle. State the name of this force and the object that causes it. On , draw an arrow through Venus that represents the direction of its acceleration. The size of this acceleration is 9.7 × 10–3 m / s2 and the mass of Venus is 4.9 × 1024 kg. Calculate the size of the force acting on the planet. force = As time passes, the planet Venus moves a considerable distance around the circular orbit. State why no work is done by the force acting on the planet as it moves.
5054_w10_qp_21
THEORY
2010
Paper 2, Variant 1
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Questions Discovered
35