Earth & The Solar System

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Apuntes de la lección

The Earth, Moon & Sun

Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, causing day and night.
Earth orbits the Sun once every 365 days (one year).
Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from the vertical, causing the seasons.
The Moon is a natural satellite orbiting Earth every 28 days; it rotates once per orbit so the same side always faces Earth.
Moon phases result from reflected sunlight; order: new moon → first quarter → full moon → last quarter.
Day and night are caused by Earth's rotation; seasons are caused by the combination of Earth's orbit and axial tilt.

The apparent path of the Sun across the sky at noon during different seasons

The Solar System

The Solar System consists of the Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
Planets in order from Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
Inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are rocky and small; outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are gaseous and large.
Asteroids are rocky objects found mainly in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Comets are icy objects with highly elliptical orbits; they develop a tail when near the Sun.
Dwarf planets (e.g., Pluto) have weaker gravity and cannot clear their orbits of debris.

The eight planets of the Solar System

Formation of the Solar System

The Solar System formed about 4.5 billion years ago from a nebula (cloud of dust and gas).
Gravity pulled the nebula together; the Sun formed at the centre, and an accretion disc of leftover matter formed around it.
In the hot inner region, only metals and rocky materials could solidify → inner rocky planets.
In the cool outer region, light gases (H, He) condensed → outer gas giants.
Accretion is the process where particles stick together under gravity to form larger objects.

Formation of the Solar System from a nebula

Light Speed Calculations

Light travels at 3 × 10⁸ m/s in a vacuum.
Time for light to travel a distance: time = distance / speed of light.
Light from Sun takes 8 minutes to reach Earth, ~3 minutes to Mercury, ~5 hours to outer Solar System.
Light from the nearest star (Proxima Centauri) takes 4 years to reach Earth.

Gravitational Field Strength

Gravitational field strength at a planet's surface depends on its mass and radius.
Greater mass → stronger gravitational field; greater distance from planet → weaker field.
The Sun contains >99% of the Solar System's mass, so its gravity keeps planets in orbit.
As distance from Sun increases, orbital speed decreases and orbital period increases.

Earth orbiting the Sun with gravitational force indicated

Orbital Speed Equation (Extended)

For a circular orbit, orbital speed v = 2πr / T, where r is orbital radius and T is orbital period.
Orbital radius is measured from the centre of the orbited body.
Ensure units: convert km to m, minutes to seconds as needed.
Example: Earth's orbital speed ≈ 30 km/s (from data table).

Diagram illustrating the calculation of orbital radius and orbital speed

Elliptical Orbits (Extended)

Planets have slightly elliptical orbits; comets have highly elliptical orbits.
The Sun is at one focus of the ellipse (not the centre).
As a comet approaches the Sun, its speed increases (KE increases, GPE decreases).
As it moves away, its speed decreases (GPE increases, KE decreases); energy is conserved.

Elliptical orbit of a comet around the Sun

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Preguntas de práctica

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1.Which of the planets listed is the gaseous planet which is closest to the Sun?
Easy
- AJupiter
- BMars
- CSaturn
- DUranus
2.Which of the following objects are described as orbiting the Sun? 1. Asteroids 2. Comets 3. Galaxies 4. Moons
Easy
- A1 and 2 only
- B1, 2 and 3
- C1, 2, and 4
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
3.What creates the periodic nature of the seasons?
Medium
- AThe tilting of the Earth's axis
- BThe orbiting of the Earth around the Sun
- CThe combination of the orbiting of the Earth around the Sun and the Earth's tilting axis
- DThe change in temperature of the Sun
4.Which of the following statements about the strength of a gravitational field is correct?
Medium
- AAt the surface of a planet it depends on the diameter of the planet
- BAround a planet it decreases as the distance from the planet increases
- CAround a planet it increases as the distance from the planet increases
- DAt the surface of a planet it depends on the mass of the planet
5.Which type of object orbits the Sun?
Easy
- Aan interstellar cloud of gas and dust
- Ba comet
- Ca galaxy
- Danother star
6.Which line in the table best describes the angle of the Earth’s axis from the vertical, and the effect of this tilt? | Angle of tilt | Effect of tilt | |---------------|----------------| | A 23.4° | Rising and setting of the Sun | | B 23.4° | Changing of the seasons | | C 66.6° | Rising and setting of the Sun | | D 66.6° | Changing of the seasons |
Medium
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
7.Which line in the table correctly identifies the length of one year, one day and daylight hours during an equinox, all as experienced on Earth? | One Earth year / days | One Earth day / hours | Daylight hours during an equinox / hours | |-----------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------------| | A 356 | 8 | 8 | | B 364 | 12 | 12 | | C 365 | 12 | 8 | | D 365 | 24 | 12 |
Easy
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
8.Extended tier only Which of the following statements about orbits is true?
Medium
- AAll planets, minor planets and comets have elliptical orbits
- BThe Sun is at the centre of an elliptical orbit
- COnly comets and minor planets have elliptical orbits
- DAn object in an elliptical orbit has a constant orbital radius

Más preguntas

9.Extended tier only The orbit of the Earth around the Sun can be thought of as following a circular path with a circumference of 942 × 10⁶ km. What is the approximate orbital speed of the Earth?
Medium
- A10 000 km/h
- B100 000 km/h
- C2.5 × 10⁶ km/h
- D50 × 10⁶ km/h
10.Extended tier only Comets travel faster within the Solar System than they do when they are outside it. Which of the following gives the correct reason for this?
Hard
- AA comet near to the Sun has more gravitational potential energy.
- BComets closer to the Sun transfer gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy due to conservation of energy.
- CA comet which is outside the Solar System has less energy than one which is passing through it.
- DComets closer to the Sun transfer kinetic energy to gravitational potential energy due to conservation of energy.
11.Select the combination which best defines and describes an accretion disc. 1. Gases rotating around a star 2. Ring of rocky material 3. Leads to formation of orbiting planets 4. Explains the range of elements in rocky planets 5. Explains the range of elements in the parent star
Medium
- A1, 3 and 5
- B2, 3 and 5
- C1, 3 and 4
- D2, 3 and 4
12.The Earth and Moon are held together by a gravitational force acting between them. Which row describes possible changes to the mass of the Earth and the distance between the Earth and the Moon that would cause the gravitational force to increase? | Mass of Earth | Distance between Earth and Moon | |---------------|----------------------------------| | A Double | Drop to one quarter | | B Stay the same | Stay the same | | C Halve | Stay the same | | D Drop to one quarter | Double |
Hard
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
13.The table shows data for four planets. | Planet | Distance from Sun / million km | Orbital speed / km/s | |---|---|---| | Mercury | 58 | 47.9 | | Venus | 108 | 35.0 | | Earth | 150 | 29.8 | | Mars | 228 | 24.1 | Which planet has the greatest orbital speed?
Medium
- AMercury
- BVenus
- CEarth
- DMars
14.The orbital radius of Neptune is 4.5 × 10¹² m and its orbital period is 5.2 × 10⁹ s. What is its orbital speed?
Medium
- A5.4 × 10³ m/s
- B5.4 × 10⁴ m/s
- C2.7 × 10³ m/s
- D2.7 × 10⁴ m/s
15.A space probe travels from Earth to Mars. The distance from the Sun to Earth is 1.5 × 10¹¹ m and to Mars is 2.3 × 10¹¹ m. Light travels at 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s. How much longer does it take for light from the Sun to reach Mars than to reach Earth?
Hard
- A270 s
- B500 s
- C770 s
- D1300 s
16.Which of the following lists the planets in order of increasing distance from the Sun?
Easy
- AMercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
- BMercury, Earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
- CVenus, Mercury, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
- DMercury, Venus, Mars, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
17.The table shows how the orbital speed of planets varies with distance from the Sun. | Planet | Distance from Sun / million km | Orbital speed / km/s | |---|---|---| | Mercury | 58 | 47.9 | | Venus | 108 | 35.0 | | Earth | 150 | 29.8 | | Mars | 228 | 24.1 | | Jupiter | 778 | 13.1 | Which statement is correct?
Easy
- AThe further a planet is from the Sun, the slower its orbital speed.
- BThe further a planet is from the Sun, the faster its orbital speed.
- COrbital speed is constant for all planets.
- DOrbital speed increases then decreases with distance.
18.A comet travels in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. At which point in its orbit does it have the greatest kinetic energy?
Medium
- AWhen it is closest to the Sun
- BWhen it is farthest from the Sun
- CWhen it is at the midpoint of its orbit
- DKinetic energy is constant throughout the orbit
19.The Moon takes 28 days to orbit the Earth. About how many degrees does it move in its orbit each day?
Medium
- A13°
- B15°
- C24°
- D360°
20.What is the main cause of the seasons on Earth?
Medium
- AThe tilt of Earth's axis combined with its orbit around the Sun
- BThe changing distance of Earth from the Sun
- CThe rotation of Earth on its axis
- DThe varying output of the Sun
21.The gravitational field strength at the surface of a planet is g. If the mass of the planet doubles and its radius stays the same, what is the new gravitational field strength at its surface?
Medium
- A2g
- Bg
- Cg/2
- D4g
22.A new moon is seen from Earth on day 0. Which phase of the Moon will be seen 7 days later?
Medium
- AFirst quarter
- BFull moon
- CLast quarter
- DNew moon
23.A satellite orbits Earth at a height of 200 km above the surface. Earth's radius is 6400 km. The satellite takes 90 minutes to complete one orbit. What is its orbital speed?
Hard
- A7.8 km/s
- B8.0 km/s
- C7.6 km/s
- D8.2 km/s
24.Which of the following is a natural satellite of Earth?
Easy
- AThe Moon
- BThe International Space Station
- CA weather satellite
- DA comet
25.Which of the following is the main cause of day and night on Earth?
Easy
- AThe Earth's rotation on its axis
- BThe Earth's orbit around the Sun
- CThe tilt of the Earth's axis
- DThe changing distance from the Sun
26.What is the approximate tilt angle of the Earth's axis from the vertical?
Easy
- A23.5°
- B45°
- C66.6°
- D90°
27.A student measures the time for light to travel from the Sun to Jupiter. The distance from the Sun to Jupiter is 778 million km. The speed of light is 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s. What is the time taken?
Medium
- A2600 s
- B2600 ms
- C0.39 s
- D3.9 × 10^−4 s
28.A satellite orbits Earth at a height of 200 km above the surface. Earth's radius is 6400 km. The satellite takes 90 minutes to complete one orbit. What is its orbital speed in km/h?
Medium
- A27600 km/h
- B13800 km/h
- C6900 km/h
- D55200 km/h
29.Which of the following objects orbit the Sun?
Easy
- AAsteroids and comets only
- BPlanets and moons only
- CPlanets, asteroids, and comets
- DStars and galaxies
30.What is the order of the planets from the Sun outward?
Easy
- AMercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
- BMercury, Earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus
- CVenus, Mercury, Earth, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune
- DEarth, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
31.Which row correctly describes the causes of day and night and the seasons?
Easy
- ADay and night: Earth's rotation; Seasons: Earth's orbit and tilted axis
- BDay and night: Earth's orbit; Seasons: Earth's rotation
- CDay and night: Earth's tilted axis; Seasons: Earth's rotation
- DDay and night: Earth's rotation; Seasons: Earth's rotation
32.During an equinox, what is the approximate length of daylight at all locations on Earth?
Easy
- A12 hours
- B8 hours
- C24 hours
- D0 hours
33.Which of the following statements about dwarf planets is correct?
Easy
- AA dwarf planet's gravitational field is strong enough to pull in nearby objects.
- BA dwarf planet is similar to a planet but much smaller.
- CDwarf planets orbit the Earth.
- DPluto is the only dwarf planet in the Solar System.
34.Which of the following is an artificial satellite?
Easy
- AThe Moon
- BA comet
- CThe International Space Station
- DMars
35.Which of the following correctly describes the motion of a comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun?
Easy
- AIt moves fastest when farthest from the Sun.
- BIt moves fastest when closest to the Sun.
- CIts speed is constant throughout the orbit.
- DIt moves slowest when closest to the Sun.
36.The Moon takes 28 days to orbit the Earth. What is its approximate orbital speed if the orbital radius is 384,000 km? (Assume circular orbit, use π ≈ 3.14)
Medium
- A3,600 km/h
- B1,100 km/h
- C2,800 km/h
- D5,400 km/h
37.The table shows data for planets in the Solar System. | Planet | Surface gravity / N/kg | |---|---| | Earth | 9.8 | | Jupiter | 23.1 | | Saturn | 9.0 | | Neptune | 11.0 | Which planet has the greatest surface gravity?
Easy
- AEarth
- BJupiter
- CSaturn
- DNeptune
38.The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5° from the vertical.
Easy
True or false?
39.What is the approximate time taken for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis?
Easy
- A12 hours
- B24 hours
- C28 days
- D365 days
40.The Moon produces its own light that we see from Earth.
Easy
True or false?
41.Which of the following statements about the seasons is correct?
Easy
- ASeasons are caused by the Earth's distance from the Sun changing throughout the year.
- BSeasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.
- CSeasons are caused by the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth.
- DSeasons are caused by the Sun's changing brightness.
42.Match each object to its description.
Medium
- Asteroid
- Comet
- Dwarf planet
- Small rocky object orbiting the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt
- Object made of dust and ice with a highly elliptical orbit
- Object similar to a planet but with weaker gravity that cannot clear its orbit
43.The Sun contains more than 99% of the mass of the Solar System.
Easy
True or false?
44.Arrange the following events in the formation of the Solar System in the correct order.
Medium
- Formation of an accretion disc
- Collapse of a nebula under gravity
- Formation of the Sun at the centre
- Formation of planets from leftover matter
45.Match each object to the body it orbits.
Easy
- Moon
- Earth
- Comet
- Artificial satellite
- Earth
- Sun
- Sun
- Earth
46.Which of the following are natural satellites? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe Moon
- BInternational Space Station
- CA moon of Jupiter
- DA weather satellite
- EA comet
47.Complete the sentence.
Easy
The four inner planets are rocky and small, while the four outer planets are ____ and large.
48.The orbital radius of the Moon is 384,000 km. It takes 28 days to orbit the Earth. Calculate its orbital speed in km/s. (Assume circular orbit; use π ≈ 3.14)
Medium
49.Complete the sentence about the phases of the Moon.
Easy
When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the phase is called a ____. When the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, the phase is called a ____.
50.The orbital radius of Neptune is 4.5 × 10¹² m and its orbital period is 5.2 × 10⁹ s. What is its orbital speed in m/s? (Use π = 3.14)
Medium
51.Explain why the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are gaseous and large while the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are rocky and small. Use the accretion model of Solar System formation.
Hard
52.The orbital radius of the Moon is 384,000 km. It takes 28 days to orbit the Earth. Calculate its orbital speed in km/s. (Assume circular orbit; use π ≈ 3.14)
Medium
- A1.02 km/s
- B3.02 km/s
- C0.02 km/s
- D2.02 km/s
53.The orbital radius of Neptune is 4.5 × 10¹² m and its orbital period is 5.2 × 10⁹ s. What is its orbital speed in m/s? (Use π = 3.14)
Medium
- A4887 m/s
- B5973 m/s
- C5430 m/s
- D6516 m/s

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