Physics - Objects in the Universe
OCR A-Level Physics 2022
Flashcards
Planets and dwarf planets
What are the four characteristics of a planet (ORFC)?
- It is in _ _ O _ _ rbit around a star
- It has a mass large enough that gravity makes it _ _ R _ _ ound
- It has no _ _ F _ _ usion reactions
- It has _ _ C _ _ leared its orbit of most other objects
What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?
A dwarf planet has not cleared its neighbourhood.
Asteroids, comets and other bodies
What are the two big categories of planetary satellites?
- Moons
- Satellites
What are comets?
Small, icy and irregular bodies made up of ice that orbit the sun in mainly eccentric elliptical orbits.
What are the two main differences between an asteroid and a comet?
- Comets are icy, whereas asteroids aren’t.
- Comets have highly eccentric and elliptical orbits, whereas asteroids have near-circular orbits.
The solar system and planet order
What is the mnemonic for the order of the planets?
- My
- Very
- Eager
- Mother
- Just
- Served
- Us
- Noodles
What is the order of planets from the sun?
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune