The Earth has a radius of 6.4 × 10⁶ m and rotates on its axis once in every 24 hours.

1. (a)(i)Fig. 9.1 shows that as the Earth rotates, objects on the surface of the Earth move in circular paths around the axis of rotation. [Figure 9.1] Calculate the speed of an object at the equator as it moves in a circular path around the axis of rotation. speed = ........................................................... m/s[3]
2. (a)(ii)Explain why the speed around the axis of rotation of an object on the Earth decreases as the distance of the object from the equator increases.[2]
3. (b)(i)The Earth moves around the Sun because a force acts on the Earth. State what provides this force.[2]
4. (b)(ii)The orbit of the Earth around the Sun is an ellipse. Describe what happens to the magnitude of the force that acts on the Earth as it moves in this elliptical orbit.[2]
5. (b)(iii)Explain why the Earth travels the slowest when it is at its furthest distance from the Sun.[2]

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