The Solar System, Gravity & Orbits — Practice · Grade 6 Science
Chapter: Earth, Moon, Sun & Space ModelsWhat this practice covers
By the end of The Solar System, Gravity & Orbits you should be able to:
- I can state what the strength of gravity between two objects depends on.
- I can explain why an orbiting satellite does not fall to Earth even though gravity acts on it.
- I can explain why the outer planets take so much longer to orbit the Sun.
8 questions, written answer and multiple choice, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: orbit, star, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Distance, size, reflection, and emission affect appearance. Classification needs the body’s nature and relationship.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
It acts across distance between masses, so a lack of air or contact does not eliminate the interaction.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
Gravity supplies the changing direction in the basic orbit model; the statement removes the mechanism it needs.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
Only if its scale and geometry support that purpose. Otherwise use a labeled distance record.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 5
Answer and explanation
A is the better basic explanation. Gravity changes the moving satellite’s direction rather than vanish outside the atmosphere. Without the modeled force, its motion would not follow the same curved path around Earth. The drawing still omits precise speed, distance scale, and other influences needed for a full numerical prediction.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 6
Answer and explanation
No. It may emphasize order or relationships. Use labeled diameter data and a stated scale rather than infer real sizes from an unscaled sketch.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 7
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
- Gravity stops at the top of the atmosphere.
- A bright reflected object must be a star.
- orbit: A curved path arising from motion and gravitational interaction around a system.
Answer and explanation
orbit: A curved path arising from motion and gravitational interaction around a system.
A curved path arising from motion and gravitational interaction around a system. A is the better basic explanation. Gravity changes the moving satellite’s direction rather than vanish outside the atmosphere. Without the modeled force, its motion would not follow the same curved path around Earth. The drawing still omits precise speed, distance scale, and other influences needed for a full numerical prediction.
Problem 8
- star: A body that emits light through its internal energy processes, such as the Sun.
- Gravity stops at the top of the atmosphere.
- A bright reflected object must be a star.
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation
star: A body that emits light through its internal energy processes, such as the Sun.
A body that emits light through its internal energy processes, such as the Sun. A is the better basic explanation. Gravity changes the moving satellite’s direction rather than vanish outside the atmosphere. Without the modeled force, its motion would not follow the same curved path around Earth. The drawing still omits precise speed, distance scale, and other influences needed for a full numerical prediction.