Skip to main content
O-LevelPhysicsKinematics5054/21 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q912 Marks

The planet Venus orbits the Sun at a constant speed of 3.5 × 10⁴ m/s and takes a time Tv to complete one orbit.

  1. (a)Venus is always 1.1 × 10¹¹ m from the Sun. Calculate Tv. Tv = ........................................................................ s[2]
  2. (b)Explain why speed is a scalar quantity.[1]
  3. (c)(i)Velocity is a vector quantity. Explain what happens to the velocity of Venus as it orbits the Sun.[2]
  4. (c)(ii)There is a resultant force on Venus as it orbits the Sun. The force is perpendicular to the direction of the motion of Venus. State why this force is needed.[1]
  5. (c)(iii)Fig. 9.1 shows the orbit of Venus around the Sun. On Fig. 9.1, draw an arrow to show the resultant force on Venus.[1]
  6. (c)(iv)State what causes the force acting on Venus.[2]
  7. (d)(i)One planet in the Solar System is closer to the Sun than Venus. State the name of this planet.[1]
  8. (d)(ii)Compare the time that this planet takes to complete one orbit of the Sun with Tv and explain the difference.[2]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [C1] (T =) 2πr / v or 2π × 1.1 × 10¹¹ / 3.5 × 10⁴
  2. [A1] 2.0 × 10⁷ (s)
  3. [B1] it / speed does not have a direction
  4. [M1] it / velocity changes
  5. [A1] (because) its direction changes
  6. [B1] to change the velocity or to keep Venus in a circular orbit or to accelerate Venus towards the centre of the orbit / Sun
  7. [B1] arrow towards Sun and on Venus
  8. [M1] it / Venus is in the gravitational field or the gravitational attraction
  9. [A1] of the Sun
  10. [B1] Mercury
  11. [B1] time taken is less and orbital speed is greater / circumference of orbit is less / closer to the Sun
  12. [B1] circumference of orbit is less and orbital speed is greater.

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Kinematics, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 12 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2023 Paper 2 Variant 1, question 9.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep