CAIE IGCSE Physics: Comparing Planets

[Maximum number: 8]

Fig. 9.1 shows the Sun as the central dot and the planets Saturn, Jupiter and Earth labelled $\mathrm{S}_{0}$ , $\mathrm{J}_{0}$ and $\mathrm{E}_{0}$ . The planets orbit the Sun anticlockwise. From the Earth's orbit, the planets appear aligned.

Fig. 9.1 (not to scale)

Assume that Saturn takes 30 years to orbit the Sun and that Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the Sun.

(a)

On Fig. 9.1, mark the positions of Saturn and Jupiter 5.0 years after the original positions shown.

Label these positions $\mathrm{S}_{1}$ and $\mathrm{J}_{1}$ . Show your working.

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both positions correctly marked $\mathrm{S}_{1}$ and $\mathrm{J}_{1}$ on the diagram
Saturn moved $360 \times 5 / 30\left(=60^{\circ}\right)$ OR $\mathrm{S}_{1}$ in correct position
Jupiter moved $360 \times 5 / 12\left(=150^{\circ}\right) \mathrm{OR} \mathrm{J}_{1}$ in correct position

(b)

On Fig. 9.1, mark the positions of Saturn and Jupiter 20 years after the original positions shown in Fig. 9.1.

Label these positions $\mathrm{S}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{J}_{2}$ .

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$\mathrm{S}_{2}$ at $240^{\circ}$ AND $\mathrm{J}_{2}$ at $\left(600^{\circ}-360^{\circ}=\right) 240^{\circ}$

(c)

State what is observed from the Earth's orbit after 20 years.

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(d)

The average density of Jupiter is much less than that of the Earth.

The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is greater than that at the surface of the Earth.

Explain how these differences in density and in gravitational field strength are consistent with your answers to (c)(i).
density
gravitational field strength

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CAIE IGCSE Physics 6.1.2.8 Analyse and Interpret Planetary Data Questions

Exam points

CAIE IGCSE Physics 6.1.2.8 Analyse and Interpret Planetary Data Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)

Question (c)

Question (d)