C24EarthandtheSolarSystem

Which time period is approximately equal to 24 hours?

• the time for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis

• the time for the Earth to orbit the Sun

• the time for the Moon to orbit the Earth

• the time for the Sun to orbit the Earth

The Earth is a planet that orbits the Sun once in approximately 365 days.

What does this enable us to explain?

• the cycle of day and night

• the cycle of phases of the moon

• the periodic nature of the seasons

• the apparent daily motion of the Sun

A student draws a simplified diagram showing the Sun and the different movements of the Moon and the Earth

Which arrow represents a motion taking 365 days to complete?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The table gives information about four of the planets in our Solar System.

Two of these planets are gaseous and two are rocky.

Which two planets are rocky?

• 1 and 2

• 1 and 4

• 2 and 3

• 3 and 4

Which list correctly shows the planets in decreasing order of distance from the Sun?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The diagram shows a comet moving in an elliptical orbit around the Sun.

At which position is the comet moving with the greatest speed?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Approximately how long does the Moon take to orbit the Earth?

• 1 day

• 7 days

• 28 days

• 365 days

• A

• B

• C

• D

The radius of the orbit of Venus around the Sun is 110 x 10⁶ km

The radius of the orbit of the Earth around the Sun is 150 x 10⁶ km

The speed of light is 0.30 x 10⁶ km/s

How long does light take to travel from Venus to the Earth when these planets are closest to each other?

• 130 s

• 370 s

• 500 s

• 870 s

A planet in the Solar System is at the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Sun.

Which row is correct?

• A

• B

• C

• D