GCSE Understanding Our Universe

What is a natural satellite?

• A naturally occurring object orbiting a planet

• A man-made object orbiting a planet

• A star orbiting a planet

• A planet orbiting another planet

Which of the following is an example of an artificial satellite?

• An asteroid

• A communication satellite

• Mars

• The Moon

How many planets are there in our solar system?

• Ten

• Nine

• Seven

• Eight

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

• Mars

• Mercury

• Venus

• Earth

What shape are the orbits of the planets around the Sun?

• Triangular

• Square

• Elliptical

• Perfect circles

Where is the asteroid belt located?

• Between Jupiter and Saturn

• Between Saturn and Uranus

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• Between Earth and Mars

What are comets primarily made of?

• Water and soil

• Ice and dust

• Rock and metal

• Gas and plasma

What is the main difference between asteroids and comets?

• Asteroids are made of ice, comets are made of rock

• Asteroids are mostly rock and metal, comets are mostly ice and dust

• Asteroids orbit the Sun, comets do not

• Asteroids are found in the Kuiper Belt, comets are found in the asteroid belt

What is the name of our galaxy?

• Whirlpool

• Andromeda

• Sombrero

• Milky Way

What force holds the stars together in a galaxy?

• Gravity

• Electromagnetic force

• Magnetism

• Nuclear force