Physics 5054 · O Level · Circular motion

Circular motion — practice question

Venus moves around the Sun at a steady speed of $3.5 \times 10^4\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ and needs a time $T_v$ to finish one orbit.
(a)[2]

Since Venus remains $1.1 \times 10^{11}\,\text{m}$ from the Sun, calculate $T_v$.

(b)[1]

Explain why speed is classed as a scalar quantity.

(c(i))[2]

Velocity is a vector quantity. Explain what happens to the velocity of Venus while it orbits the Sun.

(c(ii))[1]

Venus experiences a resultant force as it moves around the Sun. The force acts at right angles to Venus’s direction of motion. State why this force is needed.

(c(iii))[1]

Fig. 9.1 shows Venus’s orbit around the Sun. On Fig. 9.1, draw an arrow to indicate the resultant force on Venus.

(c(iv))[2]

State what produces the force acting on Venus.

(d(i))[1]

One planet in the Solar System lies closer to the Sun than Venus. State the name of this planet.

(d(ii))[2]

Compare the time needed for this planet to complete one orbit of the Sun with $T_v$ and explain why they differ.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Use T = 2\pir / v

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