A small ice particle moves in a circular orbit around Uranus. The orbit is viewed from above, and positions and directions are given as compass directions, as on a map. Measurements at two positions in the orbit are shown.
| Observation | Position of the particle | Direction of motion | Speed in km/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | east of Uranus | north | 11.0 |
| B | north of Uranus | west | 11.0 |
Explain, using the data, why the particle is accelerating even though its speed is unchanged.
State the direction of the resultant force on the particle at observation B.
80 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 7.1 The Solar System and gravity, covering 7.1.1 Weight and g on different bodies in space, 7.1.2 The Solar System, 7.1.3 Changing ideas about the Solar System, 7.1.4 Orbits of moons, planets, comets and satellites, and 7.1.5 Gravity and orbital motion. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.