The Solar System: past paper questions
Real questions on the solar system
The newest 10 of 10 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/43 · October/November 2025 · Q9c[2]
The Big Bang Theory includes statements about the beginning of the Universe that are supported by astronomical observations. Give two statements about the beginning of the Universe included in the Big Bang Theory.
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · May/June 2025 · Q9a(i)[1]
Name our galaxy.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · May/June 2025 · Q9a(i)[1]
Name the planet between Earth and Jupiter.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · May/June 2025 · Q9a(ii)[2]
State two other types of objects in the Solar System that are not shown in Fig. 9.2.
See it on the paper → - 0653/41 · May/June 2025 · Q9c(i)[2]
The satellite orbits the Earth at a distance of 15 000 km from the centre of the Earth. The orbital speed of the satellite is 17 km / s. Calculate the orbital period T of the satellite. T = s
See it on the paper → - 0653/41 · May/June 2025 · Q9c(ii)[1]
The satellite is used to study the Universe. State the approximate age of the Universe.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2025 · Q9a[1]
State the approximate age of the Universe.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2025 · Q9b[3]
Describe how a stable star is formed.
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2025 · Q9a(i)[1]
State how many planets there are in the Solar System. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2025 · Q9a(ii)[1]
State the name of the galaxy that contains the Solar System. (ii)
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Generally quite well answered. The most common incorrect answers were Venus and Neptune.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/33 Q9(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Some candidates answered this question well, giving two objects from the list. Others mentioned stars or galaxies. Candidates should be aware that the Sun is our star, and any other stars are outside the Solar System. The Sun is one of many billions of stars that make up the Milky Way, our galaxy, so we would not find a galaxy in the Solar System.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/33 Q9(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Many candidates had learned the equation for orbital speed and were able to rearrange it and calculate T correctly. Others used the value 15 000 (÷ 17) instead of 2 π 15 000 (÷ 17). Slight variations in the final answer were accepted to allow for variations in the exact value used for pi.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/41 Q9(c)(i) (Cambridge)
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