Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) · Physics (1PH0)

The Solar System, gravity and orbits: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 2 written questions with worked solutions. All on The Solar System, gravity and orbits.

7 questions14 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

What is the correct order of the first four planets in our Solar System, starting from the one closest to the Sun?

Question 2

1 mark

The Big Bang and Steady State theories are two models of the Universe. Which of the following observations provides evidence that specifically supports the Big Bang theory but cannot be explained by the Steady State theory?

Question 3

1 mark

A star much more massive than the Sun is reaching the end of its life cycle. Which of the following describes the correct sequence of stages this star will pass through after leaving the main sequence?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following bodies is found in our Solar System and is described as a natural satellite?

Question 5

1 mark

A star much larger than the Sun has completed its main sequence phase. Which of the following describes the most likely sequence of events for the remainder of its life cycle?

Question 6

2 marks

State the names of the eight planets in our Solar System in order of their distance from the Sun, starting with the one closest to the Sun.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 7

7 marks

Stars undergo a complex life cycle driven by the balance of internal forces. Consider a star with a mass much larger than that of our Sun.

(a) Describe the forces that are in balance while the star is in the main sequence stage.
(b) Explain the stages of evolution for this high-mass star after it leaves the main sequence, until its final state.
(c) Briefly explain why some telescopes used to observe distant stars are placed in orbit around the Earth rather than on the surface.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

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