AQA · Physics · 8463
GCSE Physics: Our solar system
Space physics · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.8.1.1. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Our solar system", and every card links back to the page it came from. Separate science only. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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What is the name of the only star in our solar system?
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The Sun.
How many planets orbit the Sun in our solar system?
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Eight.
What is a natural satellite?
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A moon — a natural object that orbits a planet.
Our solar system is a small part of the ? galaxy.
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Milky Way
Besides the eight planets, which other bodies orbit the Sun directly?
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Dwarf planets.
What is a nebula?
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A cloud of dust and gas in space — the material from which a star such as the Sun forms.
Which force pulled together the dust and gas that formed the Sun?
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Gravitational attraction (gravity).
Why does gravity pulling dust and gas together start fusion in a new star?
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Gravitational collapse compresses the material, raising its temperature and pressure until nuclei fuse.
Which two effects are in equilibrium in a stable star?
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Gravitational collapse (inwards) and expansion due to fusion energy (outwards).
In a stable star, the inward gravitational collapse is balanced by the outward expansion caused by ? energy.
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fusion
What type of nuclear reaction releases energy in a star?
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Nuclear fusion.
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