90 Section 8 — Astrophysics

The Universe
Grade

1 Which of the following correctly describes a galaxy? 3-4

A a star surroundedby orbiting planets

B a collection of billions of stars
C a collection of billions of universes
D a collection of 5 to 10 stars
[Total 1 mark]

Grade
2 Earth is part of our Sun's solar system. 4-6

a) State the name of the galaxy in which our solar system is found.

b) Approximately what shape are the orbits of the planets in our solar system?

c) The diagram below shows the Moon in orbit around the Earth. The direction of the Moon's
instantaneous velocity is shown. Draw an arrow to show the direction of the force which keeps
the Moon in orbit. Label the arrow you draw with the name of the force.
instantaneous
velocity

Moon

[Total 4 marks]

Score
Exam Practice Tip
This is just one of those areas of physics whereyou needto learn a lot of words and facts I'm afraid.
So make sureyou can rememberwhat makesup a universeand a galaxy. You also needto be able to
explain how and why objects move in orbits around each other in space. 5

Section 8 — Astrophysics
 Gravity and Orbits
Grade

1
Whichof the following correctly describes the typical shape of a moon's orbit? 3-4

helical
C] A
B perfectly circular
elliptical
C] C slightly
D highly elliptical
[Total I mark]

Grade
2 The diagrams below represent the orbits of four different objects in space. 60

co
OO O
O DO

a) Which of the objects, A, B, C or D, is most likely to be a comet? Explain your answer.

[2]

b) ObjectsA and D have the same time period and orbital radius. Object D has an orbital speed of
1.2km/s. What is the orbital speed of object A? Give a reason for your answer.

c) Object B has an orbital radius of 42 000 km and a time period of 24 hours.

Calculatethe orbital speed of object B.

Orbital speed = m/s

[Total 6 marks]

Section 8 — Astrophysics
 radius and speed. Grade
3 A comet orbits a star with a varying orbital speed 6-7
years and its orbital
It completes one orbit in precisely 72
is 48.1 km/s at the fastest point in its orbit.

Assume there are 365 days in a year.

a) Calculate the time period of the comet's orbit in seconds.

Time period = S

b) At which point in the comet's orbit will its speed be greatest? Explain your answer.

[21

c) A planet travels in a circular orbit around the same star.

It has the same orbital period as the comet and a constant orbital speed of 7.4 km/s.
Calculate the orbital radius of this planet in metres.

Orbital radius = m
[31
[Total 6 marks]

Score:
13

Section 8 — Astrophysics