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Recognize that the Sun holds the majority of the Solar System's mass, which accounts for the planets' orbits around it.

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Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceSpace physicsCore content

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Recognize that the Sun holds the majority of the Solar System's mass, which accounts for the planets' orbits around it

This point belongs to Stars and the Universe, especially Stars and the Universe outcomes.
You need to be able to recognize that the Sun holds the majority of the Solar System's mass, which accounts for the planets' orbits around it.
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ExplainIdentify

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Paper 3 structured question: Stars and the Universe

Paper 3Theory (Core)3 marks

Description

The Solar System

The Sun is the central star of the Solar System, containing 99.86% of its total mass. This mass is crucial for the gravitational forces that keep the planets in orbit around it.

a
Explain the significance of the Sun's mass in maintaining the orbits of the planets.
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[3]

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Related learning objectives

Understand that the Sun is the nearest star to Earth and that astronomical distances are measured in light-years, defined as the distance light travels in one year in a vacuum.
Stars and the Universe outcomes
Calculate the duration it takes for light to cover significant distances, such as between celestial bodies in the Solar System.
Stars and the Universe outcomes
Define orbital speed using the formula 2 r π v = T, where r represents the orbit's radius and T is the orbital period, and be able to recall and apply this equation.
Stars and the Universe outcomes
Understand that the gravitational pull of the Sun is the force that keeps objects in orbit around it.
Stars and the Universe outcomes
Know that the Sun is a medium-sized star primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, emitting most of its energy in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Stars and the Universe outcomes

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