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Learning objective

Explain that the Solar System consists of: (a) a single star known as the Sun, (b) eight specific planets in their sequence from the Sun, (c) smaller celestial bodies that revolve around the Sun, including dwarf planets like Pluto and asteroids found in the asteroid belt, and (d) natural satellites that orbit the planets.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceSpace physicsCore content

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Quick explanation

Explain that the Solar System consists of: (a) a single star known as the Sun, (b) eight specific planets in their sequence from the Sun, (c) smaller celestial bodies that revolve around the Sun, including dwarf planets like Pluto and asteroids found in the asteroid belt, and (d) natural satellites that orbit the planets

  • This point belongs to The Solar System, especially The Solar System outcomes.
  • You need to be able to explain that the Solar System consists of: (a) a single star known as the Sun, (b) eight specific planets in their sequence from the Sun, (c) smaller celestial bodies that revolve around the Sun, including dwarf planets like Pluto and asteroids found in the asteroid belt, and (d) natural satellites that orbit the planets.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe, Explain, and Identify.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplainIdentifyOutline

Why it matters

This objective helps connect The Solar System outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for The Solar System.

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Paper 3 structured question: The Solar System

Paper 3Theory (Core)3 marks

Description

Components of the Solar System

The Solar System consists of the Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, and natural satellites.

  1. a

    Describe the main components of the Solar System.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
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