Fig. 10.1 illustrates the Earth’s orbit and the path of a comet as it moves around the Sun. Orbit A is the smaller, almost circular path around the Sun. Orbit B is the much larger, stretched-out path around the Sun.
(a)[1]
State which orbit, A or B, is the orbit of the comet. Explain your answer.
(b)[2]
Describe and explain how the motion of the comet changes as it orbits the Sun.
(c(i))[1]
State the meaning of light-year.
(c(ii))[2]
Determine the distance in metres between the comet and the Earth.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “B AND Sun is not at the centre of the orbit OR comets have an elliptical orbit” …