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Questions on the Earth in Space

Q3. The diagram shows the Earth in orbit around the Sun.

(a)

(i) Give the name of one planet in the Solar System which is closer to the Sun than the Earth is. (1 mark)

any one from

  • Mercury
  • Venus

(ii) Give the name of one planet in the Solar System which is further away from the Sun than the Earth is (1 mark)

any one from

  • Mars
  • Jupiter
  • Saturn
  • Uranus
  • Neptune
  • Pluto

(b) Night-time is when Britain is in the Earth's shadow. Daytime is when Britain is in sunlight. Explain why Britain has both day and night. (1 mark)

The Earth spins (or turns or rotates) on its own axis.

Do not accept 'the Earth rotates round the Sun' or 'the Earth goes round'

Your answer needs to be clearly expressed - a day is related to spinning on its axis whereas a year is related to it orbiting (going round) the Sun.

(c)

(i) On the diagram, draw the position of the Earth nine months later than shown. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain why you have drawn the Earth in this position. (1 mark)

Three months is a quarter of a year and it takes one year to go all the way round therefore it will go a quarter of the way around its orbital path.

This mark is awarded only ifthe Earth is drawn in the correct position in part (i)

Maximum 5 marks