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CAIE IGCSE Physics Solar System Question Bank

Practise classifying Solar System objects, interpreting planetary data, calculating light travel and explaining elliptical-orbit speed through energy transfers.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • order and classify planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets from names or data
  • use distance = speed of light × time, allowing for a reflected signal's round trip
  • read elliptical orbits with the Sun at a focus and transfer between kinetic and potential energy

Covered syllabus points

6.1.2.1—Contents: (a) the Sun (one star) (b)6.1.2.2—Four inner planets are small/rocky and6.1.2.3—Strength of the gravitational field6.1.2.4—Time it takes light to travel a6.1.2.5—Sun contains most of the mass of the6.1.2.6—Force that keeps an object in orbit6.1.2.7—Planets, minor planets and comets have6.1.2.8—Analyse and interpret planetary data6.1.2.9—Strength of the Sun’s gravitational6.1.2.10—An object in an elliptical orbit

6.1.2 The Solar System question 1

[Maximum number: 7]

Question (a)

(a)

The Solar System includes the Sun and planets.
State two other types of natural object that orbit the Sun.
1
2

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

State the shape of the orbits of the planets.

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Fig. 10.1 shows the orbit of an object around the Sun. At point A, the object is closest to the Sun. At point B, the object is furthest away from the Sun.

Fig. 10.1

Fig. 10.1

State and explain the energy transfer as the object travels from point A to point B.
statement
explanation

[ 2 ]

Question (d)

(d)

Jupiter is 7.8×1011 m7.8 \times 10^{11} \mathrm{~m} from the Sun. The speed of light in a vacuum is 3.0×108 m/s3.0 \times 10^{8} \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}.

Calculate the time taken for light from the Sun to reach Jupiter.
time =

[ 2 ]

6.1.2 The Solar System question 2

[Maximum number: 6]

Jupiter and the Earth are planets in our Solar System.

Question (a)

(a)

Describe the composition of Jupiter and the Earth.

Jupiter
the Earth

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth is approximately 9.8 N/kg9.8 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{kg}. The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is approximately 23 N/kg23 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{kg}.

[ 1 ]

Question (i)

(i)

State one factor which causes the difference between the gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter and the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth.

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

State and explain the difference between the orbital speed of Jupiter and the orbital speed of the Earth.
statement
explanation

[ 3 ]
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