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Motion in the universe

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Question 17
a.

Complete the following sentences about our Solar System and the wider Universe:

  1. The attractive force that provides the centripetal force keeping moons in orbit around their parent planets is the \text{________________} force.
[1]
b.
  1. Two types of astronomical bodies, other than planets or dwarf planets, that orbit our Sun are \text{________________} and \text{________________}.
[2]
c.
  1. The Milky Way, which contains our Solar System, is a large collection of stars, dust, and gas held together by gravity, known as a \text{________________}.
[1]
d.

The diagram shows the highly eccentric elliptical orbit of a comet as it travels around a central star, Star SSS. Points AAA, BBB, CCC, and D D\,D are positions along its orbital path.

Eccentric elliptical orbit of a comet around Star S

(i) At which of the points shown is the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted on the comet by Star S S\,S the greatest?

[1]
e.

(ii) At which of the points shown does the comet have the greatest kinetic energy?

[1]
f.

(iii) At which of the points shown does the comet have the greatest gravitational potential energy?

[1]
g.

(iv) State the direction of the gravitational force acting on the comet when it is at point DDD.

[1]

Motion in the universe Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Motion in the universe