Physics 5054 · O Level · Earth and the Solar System

Earth and the Solar System — practice question

The Earth has a radius of $6.4 \times 10^6\,$m and completes one turn about its axis every 24 hours. Fig. 9.1 shows that, as the Earth spins, points on its surface travel in circular paths around the axis of rotation.
(a(i))[3]

Calculate the speed of an object at the equator as it moves along a circular path around the axis of rotation.

(a(ii))[2]

Explain why the speed around the axis of rotation of an object on the Earth decreases as the object's distance from the equator increases.

(b(i))[2]

The Earth moves round the Sun because a force acts on it. State what supplies this force.

(b(ii))[2]

The orbit of the Earth around the Sun is an ellipse. Describe what happens to the size of the force acting on the Earth as it travels in this elliptical orbit.

(b(iii))[2]

Explain why the Earth travels the slowest when it is at its greatest distance from the Sun.

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