The Sun is at the centre of our solar system - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
The Sun is at the centre of our solar system.
What type of object is the Sun?
[1 mark]
What is the name of the galaxy our solar system is part of?
Tick (✓) one b... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Sun is at the centre of our solar system - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
What type of object is the Sun?
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Answer
The Sun is classified as a star. It is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity.
Step 2
What is the name of the galaxy our solar system is part of?
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Answer
The name of the galaxy our solar system is part of is the Milky Way.
Step 3
What is a moon?
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Answer
A moon is a natural satellite that orbits a planet. It can vary in size and composition, but it generally revolves around a planet due to gravitational attraction.
Step 4
Give one reason why each of the student's conclusions is wrong.
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Answer
The conclusion that 'dwarf planets are always smaller than moons' is incorrect because, for example, Charon (a moon of Pluto) is smaller than some dwarf planets like Eris.
The conclusion that 'planets are always bigger than moons' is wrong because there are moons, such as Ganymede, which are larger than some planets.
Step 5
Give one other similarity and one difference between the orbit of the Earth's Moon and the orbit of the International Space Station.
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Answer
Similarity: Both the Earth's Moon and the International Space Station follow a circular orbit around the Earth.
Difference: The International Space Station orbits at a much lower altitude with a period roughly of 90 minutes, whereas the Moon orbits at a higher altitude and takes about 27.3 days to complete one orbit.
Step 6
Suggest one reason why very few people have been to the International Space Station.
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Answer
One reason why very few people have been to the International Space Station is that it is expensive and requires extensive training and preparation.
