SECTION A : STRUCTURE

1. Diagram 1 shows the Moon orbiting around the Earth. The period, T, of the Moon’s orbit is 2.36 x 106 s.
The radius, r, of the Moon from the Earth is 3.84 x 108 m.

Moon

Earth

Diagram 1

(a) On Diagram 1, show with arrow the direction of the orbiting velocity, v and the centripetal acceleration, a.

(2 marks)

(b) Calculate,

(i) the orbital velocity of the Moon

(2 marks)

(ii) the centripetal acceleration of the Moon.

(2 marks)

(iii) the force exerted by the Earth on the Moon. [Mass of the Moon = 7.35 x 1022 kg]

(2 marks)

(c) Based on your answer in 1(b),

(i) Deduce the value of the gravitational acceleration, g, on the Moon from the centre of the Earth.

___________________________________________________________________________
(1 mark)

(ii) Give one reason for your answer in 1(c)(i)

___________________________________________________________________________
(1 mark)

TOTAL : 10 MARKS
2. A satellite is launched into Geostationary Earth Orbit as shown in Diagram 2.

Earth

Satellite

Diagram 2

(a) State three orbital features of a satellite that is launched into Geostationary Earth Orbit.

i. __________________________________________________________________________

ii. __________________________________________________________________________

iii. __________________________________________________________________________

(b) Show a derivation for period of revolution, T for a satellite in a geostationary orbit.
4 𝜋2
T is given by the formula, T2 = r3
𝐺𝑀

where r is the radius of the orbit, M is the mass of the Earth and G is the gravitational constant.

(3 marks)

(c) Calculate,

(i) the height above the Earth’s surface of the geostationary satellite.

[Radius of the Earth = 6.37 x 106 m , mass of the Earth = 5.97 x 1024 kg]

(2 marks)

(ii) the orbiting velocity of the satellite.

(2 marks)

TOTAL : 10 MARKS
 SECTION B : ESSAY (Decision Making)

3. You are required to plan a trip to a planet in a spacecraft. Suggest and explain how to equip the
spacecraft to ensure the passenger can travel safely to and back from the planet of destination. In your
explanation, describe the following aspects:

(i) size and shape of the spacecraft

(ii) Design of the rocket to launch the spacecraft
(iii) Electricity supply in the spacecraft
(iv) Food and water supply in the spacecraft
(v) Exercise equipment to overcome the effects of reduced gravity
ANSWER SHEET

SCORE
30

NO SECTION A : STRUCTURE

ANSWER MARK

1 a) Draw and label 2

b) (i) Show your calculation

(ii) Show your calculation 2

(iii) Show your calculation 2

c) (i) 1

(ii) 1

10 MARKS

2 a) i.

ii.
3

iii.

b)

c) (i) Show your calculation 2

 (ii) Show your calculation 2

10 MARKS

SECTION B : ESSAY (Decision Making) MARK

Characteristics Explanantion

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

10 MARKS