Physics 0625 · IGCSE · The Earth and the Solar System
The Earth and the Solar System — practice question
Fig. 9.1 has the Sun shown as the central point, with Saturn, Jupiter and Earth labelled $S_0$, $J_0$ and $E_0$. These planets move round the Sun in an anticlockwise direction. Seen from Earth’s orbit, the planets line up.
Take Saturn’s orbital period as 30 years and Jupiter’s orbital period as 12 years.
Fig. 9.1 (not to scale) shows three circular orbits with the Sun at the centre. The outer orbit has point $S_0$, the middle orbit has point $J_0$, and the inner orbit has point $E_0$. A dashed vertical line shows alignment.
(a)[3]
On Fig. 9.1, show where Saturn and Jupiter are $5.0$ years after the starting positions marked on the diagram. Label these positions $S_1$ and $J_1$. Show your working.
(b(i))[1]
On Fig. 9.1, show the positions of Saturn and Jupiter $20$ years after the starting positions shown in Fig. 9.1. Label these positions $S_2$ and $J_2$.
(b(ii))[1]
State what is seen from the Earth’s orbit after $20$ years.
(c(i))[1]
Choose two words from the list to describe each planet.
gaseous
large
rocky
small
Jupiter
Earth
(c(ii))[3]
Explain how these differences in density and in gravitational field strength are consistent with your answers to (c)(i).
density
gravitational field strength
(d)[3]
Calculate the mass of Jupiter.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Both S1 and J1 placed correctly” …