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The Solar System
Explain that the Solar System consists of: (a) one star, the Sun, (b) eight named planets in their order from the Sun, (c) minor planets like dwarf planets such as Pluto and asteroids that orbit the Sun, (d) moons that orbit the planets, and (e) smaller bodies like comets and natural satellites.
10
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100
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70
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90 min
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CambridgeIGCSEPhysicsSpace physics
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The Solar System outcomes10 objectives
- Explain that the Solar System consists of: (a) one star, the Sun, (b) eight named planets in their order from the Sun, (c) minor planets like dwarf planets such as Pluto and asteroids that orbit the Sun, (d) moons that orbit the planets, and (e) smaller bodies like comets and natural satellites.
- Understand that the four planets closest to the Sun are small and rocky, while the four farthest are large and gaseous, and explain this distinction using the accretion model of Solar System formation, which includes: (a) the role of gravity, (b) the variety of elements in interstellar gas and dust clouds, and (c) the rotation of material leading to the formation of an accretion disc.
- Recognize that the strength of a planet's gravitational field (a) at its surface is determined by the planet's mass and (b) decreases with increasing distance from the planet.
- Calculate the time required for light to travel significant distances, such as between objects within the Solar System.
- Acknowledge that the Sun holds the majority of the Solar System's mass, which accounts for the planets' orbits around it.
- Understand that the gravitational attraction of the Sun is the force that keeps objects in orbit around it.
- Recognize that planets, minor planets, and comets follow elliptical orbits, noting that the Sun is not at the center of these orbits unless they are nearly circular.
- Analyze and interpret data regarding planets, focusing on their orbital distance, duration, density, surface temperature, and uniform gravitational field strength at the surface.
- Understand that the strength of the Sun's gravitational field diminishes with distance, and that the orbital speeds of planets decrease as they move further from the Sun.
- Recognize that an object in an elliptical orbit moves faster when it is closer to the Sun, and explain this phenomenon using the principle of conservation of energy.
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