Cambridge IGCSE Physics

6.1.2The Solar System

The Solar System in Cambridge IGCSE Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

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Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

6.1.2.1Describe the Solar System: the Sun, the eight planets in order, minor planets such as dwarf planets and asteroids, moons and comets.
6.1.2.2Know that the four inner planets are small and rocky and the four outer planets large and gaseous, and explain this with the accretion model.
6.1.2.3Know that the gravitational field at a planet's surface depends on its mass and that the field weakens with distance.
6.1.2.4Calculate how long light takes to travel large distances, such as between objects in the Solar System.
6.1.2.5Know that the Sun holds most of the Solar System's mass, which is why the planets orbit it.
6.1.2.6Know that the Sun's gravitational attraction keeps objects in orbit around it.
6.1.2.7Supplement: know that planets, minor planets and comets have elliptical orbits with the Sun not at the centre unless the orbit is nearly circular.
6.1.2.8Supplement: analyse planetary data on orbital distance, orbital period, density, surface temperature and surface gravitational field strength.
6.1.2.9Supplement: know that the Sun's field and the planets' orbital speeds decrease with distance from the Sun.
6.1.2.10Supplement: know that a body in an elliptical orbit moves faster near the Sun and explain this using conservation of energy.

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