P16 - Space - P16.1, Half of 16.2 Done

Question 1

What are comets and what orbits do they follow?

Answer 1

Comets are frozen rocks that follow elliptical orbits. They orbit the sun

Question 2

How was our Solar System formed?

Answer 2

Billions of years ago, lots of gas and dust was drawn together by gravitational attraction, creating the sun as it compacted in the centre. The Sun’s heat evaporated ice and drove all of this material away again, which left rocks and gas in its path - the planets

Question 3

What specifically caused the sun to form?

Answer 3

The cloud of rocks and gas moved inwards quicker and quicker over time due to its own gravitational force, causing more and more high paced collisions - causing the sun to get hotter and hotter. The cloud of gas and rocks formed a protostar. When the cloud is hot enough, the nuclei of the hydrogen atoms inside it form, and it begins to emit light and shine - a new star is born

Question 4

What is a main sequence star?

Answer 4

A star that radiates energy due to hydrogen fusion being performed at its core. They are called main sequence stars as this is the main stage of their life

Question 5

Why is The Sun stable?

Answer 5

Because the gravitational pull inwards is mirrored and counteracted by the energy being radiated that acts outwards

Question 6

What is the order of the planets from closest to furthest from The Sun?

Answer 6

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune