D.

1 Structured QP [141 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 4]
A satellite moves around Earth in a circular orbit.

(a) Draw an arrow on the diagram to represent the direction of the

acceleration of the satellite. [1]

Markscheme

arrow normal to the orbit towards the Earth ✓

(b) The following data are given:

Mass of Earth, M = 5.97 × 1024 kg

Radius of Earth, R = 6.37 × 106 m
Orbital period of the satellite, T = 5.62 × 103 s

(b.i) Kepler’s Third Law of orbital motion states that T 2 = kr

3

where k is a constant and r is the orbital radius of the satellite.

4π
2

Show that k =
GM
. [1]

Markscheme
 2πr GM
use of v orbital =
T
AND either v orbital = √
r
or
2
mv
orbital

r
=
GM m

r
2
correctly manipulated ✓

4π
2

«to yield T 2 = (
GM
)r
3
»

Allow use of ω.

(b.ii) Determine the height of the satellite above the Earth’s surface. [2]

Markscheme

−11 24 2
2 3 6.67×10 ×5.97×10 ×(5620)
r = √
3 GM T

4π
2
= √
4π
2
✓

= 6. 83 × 10
6
«m»

6 6 5
height = «6. 83 × 10 − 6. 37 × 10 =» 4. 6 × 10 «m» ✓

2. [Maximum mark: 5]
(a) A comet orbits the Sun in an elliptical orbit. A and B are two
positions of the comet.

Explain, with reference to Kepler’s second law of planetary

motion, the change in the kinetic energy of the comet as it moves
from A to B.
 [3]

Markscheme

The areas swept out in unit time by the Sun-comet line are the same at A and
B✓

At B, the distance is greater hence the orbital speed/distance moved in unit

time is lower «so that the area remains the same» ✓

A decrease in speed means that the kinetic energy also decreases ✓

(b) An asteroid (minor planet) orbits the Sun in a circular orbit of

radius 4.5 × 108 km. The radius of Earth’s orbit is 1.5 × 108 km.
Calculate, in years, the orbital period of the asteroid. [2]

Markscheme

2 3
An attempt to use Kepler’s 3rd law, e.g., ( T1 ) = (
4.5

1.5
) ✓

1.5
T =« ( =» 5.2 «years» ✓
4.5
)
1.5

3. [Maximum mark: 7]
One of Kepler’s laws suggests that for moons that have circular orbits around a
planet:
2
T
= k
4πr
3

where T is the orbital period of the moon, r is the radius of its circular orbit about
the planet, and k is a constant.

(a) Show that k =

1
. [2]
GM
 Markscheme

Equates centripetal force (with Newton’s law of gravitation

)
2 GM m
mr ω = 2
r

OR

2π
T =
ω
✓

Uses both equation correctly with clear re-arrangement ✓

(b) The table gives data relating to the two moons of Mars.

Moon T / hour r / Mm
Phobos 7.66 9.38
Deimos 30.4 -

Determine r for Deimos. [2]

Markscheme

2 3
T r
r
3
De
=
De

2
Ph
seen or correct substitution ✓
T
Ph

23.5 Mm ✓

(c) Determine the mass of Mars. [3]

Markscheme

Converts T to 27.6 ks and converts to m from Mm ✓

k = 7. 33 × 10
−14
«s2 m−3» ✓
 «M =
1

kG
»= 2. 04 × 10
23
«kg» ✓

MP1 can be implicit

4. [Maximum mark: 6]
(a) Show that T ∝ r
3

for the planets in a solar system where T is

2

the orbital period of a planet and r is the radius of circular orbit

of planet about its sun. [2]

Markscheme

Equates centripetal force (with Newton’s law gravitation mr ω 2 )

GM m
= 2
r

AND

2π
T =
ω
✓

4π
2

leads to T 2 = r
3
× (
GM
) hence result ✓

(b.i) Outline what is meant by one astronomical unit (1 AU) [1]

Markscheme

«mean» Distance from centre of Sun to centre of Earth ✓

OR

Suitable ratio in terms of parsec and arcsecond ✓

(b.ii) Pluto is a dwarf planet of the Sun that orbits at a distance of 5.9 ×
109 km from the Sun. Determine, in years, the orbital period of
Pluto.
 [3]

Markscheme

3
r
T
2
Pluto
= T
2
Earth r 3
Pluto
used ✓
Earth

Earth orbital radius = 1.5 × 1011 m (from AU) AND uses 1 earth year (in any
units) ✓

247 years ✓

5. [Maximum mark: 1]
orbital speed; [1]

Markscheme

−11 24

«√ 6.67×10 ×5.97×10
6
=»7. 71 × 10
3
«m s−1» ✓
6.70×10

6. [Maximum mark: 7]
(a) The radius of the dwarf planet Pluto is 1.19 x 106 m. The
acceleration due to gravity at its surface is 0.617 m s−2.

Determine the escape speed for an object at the surface of Pluto. [4]

Markscheme

v esc = √
2GM

r
AND g =
GM

r
2
seen ✓

2
2gr
v esc = √
r
✓

Leading to v esc = √ 2gr ✓

 1.2 km s−1 ✓

(b) Pluto rotates about an axis through its centre. Its rotation is in the
opposite sense to that of the Earth, i.e. from east to west.

Explain the advantage of an object launching from the equator

of Pluto and travelling to the west. [3]

Markscheme

Object at equator has the maximum linear/tangential speed possible ✓

It therefore has maximum kinetic energy before takeoff (and this is not
required from the fuel) ✓

Idea that the object is already moving in direction of planet before takeoff ✓

7. [Maximum mark: 12]

A space probe of mass 95 kg is designed to land on the surface of an asteroid. The
gravitational field strength g of the asteroid at its surface is 2.7 × 10−3 m s−2.

(a) The radius r of the asteroid is 230 km. Calculate the mass of the
asteroid. [2]

Markscheme

−3 5 2
2
gr 2.7×10 ×(2.3×10 )
M = « G
= » −11
✔
6.67×10

18
2. 1 × 10 « kg » ✔

(b) The probe is carried to the asteroid on board a spacecraft.

 [1]
Calculate the weight of the probe when close to the surface of
the asteroid.

Markscheme

0.25−0.26 «N» ✔

(c.i) As the probe approaches the surface of the asteroid, a rocket

engine is fired to slow its descent. Explain how the engine
changes the speed of the probe. [3]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1
the engine exerts an upward/opposing force «on the probe» ✔
«upward» force is greater than weight/grav force OR there is an upward
resultant/net force ✔
« by NII » this causes deceleration/reduction in speed ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2
the engine/probe exerts a force on the fuel molecules/gas ✔
«by NIII» an equal and opposite force acts on the engine/probe ✔
« by NII » this causes deceleration/reduction in speed ✔

ALTERNATIVE 3
engine causes change in momentum to fuel molecules/gas ✔
«by conservation of momentum» the probe has an equal and opposite
change in momentum ✔
this results in deceleration/reduction in speed ✔
 Marks may only be awarded from one alternative.
Examiners should determine which alternative provides the most marks.
MP3 must have a reduction in speed not just a change in speed

(c.ii) A constant force of 12.0 N is exerted by the rocket engine.

Determine the time for which the rocket must fire to reduce the
speed of the probe from 0.64 m s−1 to zero. State your answer to
an appropriate number of significant figures. [4]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

net force on probe=12−0.26=«11.7» «N» ✔

change in momentum=0.64×95=« 60.8 Ns » ✔

time=« 60.8/11.7»=5.2 to 5.3 « s » ✔

any answer to 2 s.f. ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2

net force on probe=12−0.26=« 11.7 » «N» ✔

acceleration «=F/m »=11.7/95 «=0.12 » ✔

time=« 0.64/0.12 »=5.2 to 5.3 « s » ✔

any answer to 2 s.f. ✔

Allow ECF from 1b

(d) As the probe lands, a small stone resting on a rock on the

asteroid’s surface is projected horizontally from the top of the
 rock. The horizontal speed of the stone is 34 m s−1 from a height
of 1.9 m above the surface of the asteroid.

Estimate the horizontal distance from the stone’s point of

projection along the line AB at which the stone lands. Ignore the [2]
curvature of the asteroid.

Markscheme

time to reach surface = «√ »37. 5 «s» ✔

2×1.9
−3
=
2.7×10

distance travelled horizontally=« 34 × 37.5 »=1300 «m» ✔

Award [2] for BCA

(Allow unrounded correct answers e.g. 1275)
Check units match power of ten e.g. 1.3 km scores both marks
Award [1 max] for 21 «m» (g taken as 9.81)
Watch for ECF from incorrect t.

8. [Maximum mark: 10]

Ceres is a dwarf planet in the asteroid belt. The following data are available.

Mean distance of Ceres from the Sun = 4.4 × 1011 m

Mean power output of the Sun = 3.8 × 1026 W

(a.i) Determine the mean temperature of Ceres assuming that it acts as

a black-body radiator. [3]
 Markscheme

average intensity at Ceres orbit

26
3.8×10
= ( 2
)« = 156 W m
−2
»✔
4×π×(4.4×10
11
)

156
average incident intensity= 4
=≪ 39 ≫ ✔

temperature «
39
= ( −8
) » = 160 ≪ K ≫ ✔
5.67×10

Allow ECF from MP1 and MP2

(a.ii) Ceres has a solid rocky core covered with solid ice. The mean
temperature is higher than your answer in (a)(i) because
radioactive nuclei in the centre of Ceres are decaying. Outline
how the energy from the radioactive decay reaches the surface. [2]

Markscheme

«kinetic» energy of decay products is converted to/transferred as thermal

energy ✔
«primarily» by conduction ✔

(b) At low temperatures such as the mean temperature of Ceres,

water undergoes a phase change directly from solid to gas.

(b.i) Compare the molecular conditions of the solid phase and the gas
phase at the same temperature. [3]

Markscheme

gases have no/weaker intermolecular forces/bonds <<than for solids>> ✔

gases larger intermolecular distances <<than for solids>> ✔
molecules in gases move freely <<but in solids do not>> ✔
 <<same temperature so>> same Ek ✔

Accept reverse arguments

(b.ii) The maximum surface temperature of Ceres is −38 °C.

Observations show that significant quantities of water vapour are
released from the surface of Ceres every second when the
temperature is at this maximum. Calculate the mean kinetic
energy of a molecule of water vapour at this temperature. [1]

Markscheme

4.9×10−21 «J» ✔

(b.iii) The following data are available.

Radius of Ceres = 4.7 × 105 m

Mass of Ceres = 9.0 × 1020 kg
Show that the gravitational potential at the surface of Ceres is
about −105 J kg−1. [1]

Markscheme

−11 20
(6.67×10 ×9×10 )
GM
<<use of r
>> << - >> 5
4.7×10

OR

<< - >> 1.3×105 seen ✔

Award [1] for correct substitution

9. [Maximum mark: 14]

A space probe of mass 95 kg is designed to land on the surface of an asteroid. The
gravitational field strength g of the asteroid at its surface is 2.7 × 10−3 m s−2.
(a) The radius r of the asteroid is 230 km. Calculate the mass of the
asteroid. [2]

Markscheme

2
2 −3 5
gr 2.7×10 ×(2.3×10 )
M = « G
= » −11
✔
6.67×10

18
2. 1 × 10 « kg » ✔

(b) The probe is carried to the asteroid on board a spacecraft.

Calculate the weight of the probe when close to the surface of

the asteroid. [1]

Markscheme

0.25 – 0.26 «N» ✔

(c.i) As the probe approaches the surface of the asteroid, a rocket

engine is fired to slow its descent. Explain how the engine
changes the speed of the probe. [3]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1
the engine exerts an upward/opposing force <<on the probe>> ✔
<<upward>> force is greater than weight/grav force OR there is an upward
resultant/net force ✔
« by NII » this causes deceleration/reduction in speed ✔
ALTERNATIVE 2
 the engine/probe exerts a force on the fuel molecules/gas ✔
<<by NIII>> an equal and opposite force acts on the engine/probe ✔
« by NII » this causes deceleration/reduction in speed ✔
ALTERNATIVE 3
engine causes change in momentum to fuel molecules/gas ✔
« by conservation of momentum » the probe has an equal and opposite
change in momentum ✔
this results in deceleration/reduction in speed ✔

Marks may only be awarded from one alternative.

Examiners should determine which alternative provides the most marks.
MP3 must have a reduction in speed not just a change in speed

(c.ii) A constant force of 12.0 N is exerted by the rocket engine.

Determine the time for which the rocket must fire to reduce the
speed of the probe from 0.64 m s−1 to zero. State your answer to
an appropriate number of significant figures. [4]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

net force on probe = 12−0.26 = « 11.7 » «N» ✔

change in momentum = 0.64 × 95 = « 60.8 Ns » ✔

time = « 60.8/11.7 » = 5.2 to 5.3 « s » ✔

any answer to 2 s.f. ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2

net force on probe = 12 − 0.26 = « 11.7 » «N» ✔

acceleration « =F/m » = 11.7/95 «=0.12 » ✔

time = « 0.64/0.12 » = 5.2 to 5.3 « s » ✔

 any answer to 2 s.f. ✔

Allow ECF from 1b

(d.i) Show that the escape speed v esc of the asteroid is given by

v esc = √2gr. [1]

Markscheme

)r« = √ 2gr» OR similar seen ✔

GM
v esc = √ 2( 2
r

Watch out for incorrect answers that equate forces

e.g. mv2/r = GMm/r2 and then include a factor of ½ to give the final expression.

(d.ii) Calculate the escape speed of the asteroid. [1]

Markscheme

35 «m s−1» ✔

(e) As the probe lands, a small stone resting on a rock on the

asteroid’s surface is projected horizontally from the top of the
rock. The horizontal speed of the stone is 34 m s−1 from a height
of 1.9 m above the surface of the asteroid.
 Estimate the horizontal distance from the stone’s point of
[2]
projection along the line AB at which the stone lands. Ignore the
curvature of the asteroid.

Markscheme

time to reach surface = «√ »37. 5 «s» ✔

2×1.9
−3
=
2.7×10

distance travelled horizontally = «34 × 37.5» = 1300 «m» ✔

Check units match power of ten e.g. 1.3 km scores both marks
Award [1 max] for 21 <<m>> (g taken as 9.81)
Watch for ECF from incorrect t.

10. [Maximum mark: 11]

A moon M orbits a planet P. The gravitational field strength at the surface of P due
to P is gP.
The gravitational field strength at the surface of M due to M is gM.

For M and P: = 0.27 and = 0.055

radius of M mass of M

radius of P mass of P

(a) Determine
gM
. [2]
gP

Markscheme

m
Work using g ∝ r
2
✓

2
gM mM rP

gP
=
mP
(
rM
) = 0.75 ✓

(b) Point O lies on the line joining the centre of M to the centre of P.
 The graph shows the variation of gravitational potential V with
distance x from the surface of P to O.

The gradient of the graph is zero at point O.

(b.i) State and explain the magnitude of the resultant gravitational

field strength at O. [2]

Markscheme

g=0✓

ΔV g
As g «= − Δr
which» is the gradient of the graph

OR
As the force of attraction/field strength of P and M are equal ✓

(b.ii) Outline why the graph between P and O is negative. [2]

Markscheme

The gravitational field is attractive so that energy is required «to move away
from P» ✓
 the gravitational potential is defined as 0 at ∞, (the potential must be
negative) ✓

(b.iii) Show that the gravitational potential VP at the surface of P due to

the mass of P is given by VP = −gP RP where RP is the radius of the
planet. [2]

Markscheme

VP = − AND gP = (at surface) ✓

GM GM
2
RP RP

Suitable working and cancellation of G and M seen ✓

VP = −gP RP

Must see negative sign

(b.iv) The gravitational potential due to the mass of M at the surface of

P can be assumed to be negligible.

Estimate, using the graph, the gravitational potential at the

surface of M due to the mass of M. [2]

Markscheme

VM gM RM
« VP
= gP RP
= 0.75 × 0.27» = 0.20 ✓

VM = «−6.4 × 107 × 0.2 =» «−»1.3 × 107 «J kg−1»✓

(b.v) Draw on the axes the variation of gravitational potential between

O and M. [1]

Markscheme
 Line always negative, of suitable shape and end point below −8 and above
−20 unless awarding ECF from b(iv) ✓

11. [Maximum mark: 11]

(a) The centres of two identical fixed conducting spheres each of
charge +Q are separated by a distance D. C is the midpoint of the
line joining the centres of the spheres.

(a.i) Sketch, on the axes, how the electric potential V due to the two
charges varies with the distance r from the centre of the left
charge. No numbers are required. Your graph should extend from
r = 0 to r = D.
 [3]

Markscheme

Constant, non-zero within spheres ✓

A clear, non-zero positive minimum at C ✓

Symmetric bowl shaped up curved shape in between ✓

Do not allow a bowl shaped down curve for MP3.

(a.ii) Calculate the work done to bring a small charge q from infinity to
point C.

Data given:

Q = 2.0 × 10−3 C,

q = 4.0 × 10−9 C

D = 1.2 m [2]

Markscheme
 9 −3

» = 6.0 × 107 «V» ✓

8.99×10 ×2.0×10
V «= 2 × 0.60

W = «qV = 6.0 × 107 × 4.0 × 10−9 =» 0.24 «J» ✓

Allow ECF from MP1

(b) The small positive charge q is placed a distance x to the right of C.

The distance x is very small compared to D.

(b.i) The magnitude of the net force on q is given by D x. Explain

32kQq
3

why the charge q will execute simple harmonic oscillations about

C. [2]

Markscheme

The restoring force/acceleration is opposite to the displacement/towards

equilibrium / OWTTE ✓

and proportional to displacement from equilibrium / OWTTE✓

Allow discussions based on the diagram (such as towards C for towards equilibrium).

Accept F ∝ x OR a ∝ x for MP2

(b.ii) The mass of the charge q is 0.025 kg.

Calculate the angular frequency of the oscillations using the data

in (a)(ii) and the expression in (b)(i). [2]

Markscheme
 OR use of F =mω2r OR F = 1.33x OR a = 53.3x ✓
32kQq
ω=√ mD
3

9 −3 −9

«√ » = 7.299 «s−1»
32×8.99×10 ×2.0×10 ×4.0×10
3
0.025×1.2

(c) The charges Q are replaced by neutral masses M and the charge q
by a neutral mass m. The mass m is displaced away from C by a
small distance x and released. Discuss whether the motion of m
will be the same as that of q. [2]

Markscheme

the net force will no longer be a restoring force/directed towards equilibrium

OR

the gravitational force is attractive/neutral mass would be pulled towards

larger masses/OWTTE ✓

«and so» no, motion will not be the same/no longer be SHM / OWTTE ✓

12. [Maximum mark: 6]

A satellite is launched from the surface of Earth into a circular orbit.

The following data are given.

Mass of the satellite = 8.0 × 102 kg

Height of the orbit above the surface of Earth = 5.0 × 105 m

Mass of Earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg

Radius of Earth = 6.4 × 106 m

(a) The diagram shows field lines for an electrostatic field. X and Y are
two points on the same field line.

Outline which of the two points has the larger electric potential. [2]

Markscheme

potential greater at Y ✓

ΔV e
«from E = − Δr » the potential increases in the direction opposite to field
strength «so from X to Y»

OR

opposite to the direction of the field lines, «so from X to Y»

OR

«from W = q Δ V e » work done to move a positive charge from X to Y is

positive «so the potential increases from X to Y» ✓

(b.i) Show that the kinetic energy of the satellite in orbit is about 2 ×
1010 J. [2]
 Markscheme

orbital radius = 6. 4 × 10
6
+ 5. 0 × 10
5
«= 6. 9 × 10
6
m» ✓
−11 24
1 2 6.67×10 ×6.0×10 10
KE =
2
× 8. 0 × 10 × 6
OR 2. 3 × 10 «J» ✓
6.9×10

Award [1] max for answers ignoring orbital height (KE = 2.5 × 1010 J).

(b.ii) Determine the minimum energy required to launch the satellite.

Ignore the original kinetic energy of the satellite due to Earth’s
rotation. [2]

Markscheme

change in PE
−11 24 2 1 1
= 6. 67 × 10 × 6. 0 × 10 × 8. 0 × 10 ( 6
− 6
) =
6.4×10 6.9×10

«3. 6 × 10 9 J» ✓

10
energy needed = KE + ΔPE = 2. 7 × 10 «J» ✓

Allow ECF from 8(b)(i).

13. [Maximum mark: 9]

Titan is a moon of Saturn. The Titan-Sun distance is 9.3 times greater than
the Earth-Sun distance.

(a.i) Show that the intensity of the solar radiation at the location of
Titan is 16 W m−2 [1]
 Markscheme

incident intensity 1360

9.3
2
OR 15. 7 ≈ 16 «W m−2» ✓

Allow the use of 1400 for the solar constant.

(a.ii) Titan has an atmosphere of nitrogen. The albedo of the

atmosphere is 0.22. The surface of Titan may be assumed to be a
black body. Explain why the average intensity of solar radiation
absorbed by the whole surface of Titan is 3.1 W m−2 [3]

Markscheme

exposed surface is ¼ of the total surface ✓

absorbed intensity = (1−0.22) × incident intensity ✓

0.78 × 0.25 × 15.7 OR 3.07 «W m−2» ✓

Allow 3.06 from rounding and 3.12 if they use 16 W m−2.

(a.iii) Show that the equilibrium surface temperature of Titan is about

90 K. [1]

Markscheme

σT 4 = 3.07

OR

T = 86 «K» ✓
 (b.i) The orbital radius of Titan around Saturn is R and the period of
revolution is T .

4π R
2 3

Show that T 2 =
GM
where M is the mass of Saturn. [2]

Markscheme

correct equating of gravitational force / acceleration to centripetal force /

acceleration ✓

correct rearrangement to reach the expression given ✓

GM 2πR
Allow use of √ R
=
T
for MP1.

(b.ii) The orbital radius of Titan around Saturn is 1.2 × 109 m and the
orbital period is 15.9 days. Estimate the mass of Saturn. [2]

Markscheme

T = 15. 9 × 24 × 3600 «s» ✓

3
4π (1.2×10 )
2 9

M = −11 2
= 5. 4 × 10
26
«kg» ✓
6.67×10 ×(15.9×24×3600)

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.

Allow ECF from MP1.

14. [Maximum mark: 7]

The table gives data for Jupiter and three of its moons, including the radius r of
each object.
A spacecraft is to be sent from Io to infinity.

(a) Calculate, for the surface of Io, the gravitational field strength gIo
due to the mass of Io. State an appropriate unit for your answer. [2]

Markscheme

−11 22
GM 6.67×10 ×8.9×10
« r
2
=
6
2
= »1. 8 ✓
(1.8×10 )

N kg−1 OR m s−2 ✓

(b.i) Show that the

gravitational potential due to Jupiter at the orbit of Io

gravitational potential due to Io at the surf ace of Io

is
about 80. [2]

Markscheme

27 22
1.9×10
8
AND 8.9×10
6
seen ✓
4.9×10 1.8×10

27 6

« »78 ✓
1.9×10 ×1.8×10
8 22
=
4.9×10 ×8.9×10

For MP1, potentials can be seen individually or as a ratio.

(b.ii) Outline, using (b)(i), why it is not correct to use the equation

√
2G×mass of Io

radius of Io
to calculate the speed required for the
 spacecraft to reach infinity from the surface of Io. [1]

Markscheme

«this is the escape speed for Io alone but» gravitational potential / field of
Jupiter must be taken into account ✓

OWTTE

(c) An engineer needs to move a space probe of mass 3600 kg from

Ganymede to Callisto. Calculate the energy required to move the
probe from the orbital radius of Ganymede to the orbital radius of
Callisto. Ignore the mass of the moons in your calculation. [2]

Markscheme

1 1
−GM Jupiter ( 9
− 9
) = «5. 21 × 10 7 J kg −1 » ✓
1.88×10 1.06×10

« multiplies by 3600 kg to get » 1.9 × 1011 «J» ✓

Award [2] marks if factor of ½ used, taking into account orbital kinetic energies, leading to a final answer of
9.4 x 1010 «J».

Allow ECF from MP1

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.

15. [Maximum mark: 8]

A planet is in a circular orbit around a star. The speed of the planet is constant. The
following data are given:

24
Mass of planet = 8. 0 × 10 kg
Mass of star = 3. 2 × 10
30
kg
Distance from the star to the planet R = 4. 4 × 10
10
m.
A spacecraft is to be launched from the surface of the planet to escape from the
star system. The radius of the planet is 9.1 × 103 km.

(a) Explain why a centripetal force is needed for the planet to be in a

circular orbit. [2]

Markscheme

«circular motion» involves a changing velocity ✓

«Tangential velocity» is «always» perpendicular to centripetal

force/acceleration ✓

there must be a force/acceleration towards centre/star ✓

without a centripetal force the planet will move in a straight line ✓

(b) Calculate the value of the centripetal force. [1]

Markscheme

−11 24 30
(6.67×10 )(8×10 )(3.2×10 )
23
F = 10 2
= 8. 8 × 10 «N» ✓
(4.4×10 )

(c.i) Show that the gravitational potential due to the planet and the
star at the surface of the planet is about −5 × 109 J kg−1. [3]

Markscheme

−11 24
(6.67×10 )(8×10 )
Vplanet = «−» 6
=«−» 5.9 × 107 «J kg−1» ✓
9.1×10

−11 30
(6.67×10 )(3.2×10 )
Vstar = «−» 10
=«−» 4.9 × 109 «J kg−1» ✓
4.4×10

Vplanet + Vstar = «−» 4.9 «09» × 109 «J kg−1» ✓

 Must see substitutions and not just equations.

(c.ii) Estimate the escape speed of the spacecraft from the planet–star
system. [2]

Markscheme

use of vesc = √2V ✓

v = 9.91 × 104 «m s−1» ✓

16. [Maximum mark: 10]

The moon Phobos moves around the planet Mars in a circular orbit.

(a.i) Outline the origin of the force that acts on Phobos. [1]

Markscheme

gravitational attraction/force/field «of the planet/Mars» ✔

Do not accept “gravity”.

(a.ii) Outline why this force does no work on Phobos. [1]

Markscheme

the force/field and the velocity/displacement are at 90° to each other OR

there is no change in GPE of the moon/Phobos ✔

(b.i) The orbital period T of a moon orbiting a planet of mass M is given
by

3
R
= kM
2
T

where R is the average distance between the centre of the planet

and the centre of the moon.

Show that k
G
=
4π
2
[3]

Markscheme

ALTERNATE 1

«using fundamental equations»

use of Universal gravitational force/acceleration/orbital velocity equations ✔

equating to centripetal force or acceleration. ✔

rearranges to get k =
G

4π
2
✔

ALTERNATE 2
3

«starting with R

T
2
= kM »

substitution of proper equation for T from orbital motion equations ✔

substitution of proper equation for M OR R from orbital motion equations ✔

rearranges to get k =
G

4π
2
✔

(b.ii) The following data for the Mars–Phobos system and the Earth–
Moon system are available:

Mass of Earth = 5.97 × 1024 kg

The Earth–Moon distance is 41 times the Mars–Phobos distance.

 The orbital period of the Moon is 86 times the orbital period of
Phobos.
[2]
Calculate, in kg, the mass of Mars.

Markscheme

3 2
R Mars T Earth
m Mars = (
R Earth
) (
T M ars
) m Earth or other consistent re-
arrangement ✔

6.4 × 1023 «kg» ✔

(c) The graph shows the variation of the gravitational potential

between the Earth and Moon with distance from the centre of the
Earth. The distance from the Earth is expressed as a fraction of the
total distance between the centre of the Earth and the centre of
the Moon.

Determine, using the graph, the mass of the Moon. [3]

 Markscheme

read off separation at maximum potential 0.9 ✔

equating of gravitational field strength of earth and moon at that location OR

7.4 × 1022 «kg» ✔

Allow ECF from MP1

17. [Maximum mark: 7]

The Moon has no atmosphere and orbits the Earth. The diagram shows the Moon
with rays of light from the Sun that are incident at 90° to the axis of rotation of the
Moon.

(a.i) A black body is on the Moon’s surface at point A. Show that the
maximum temperature that this body can reach is 400 K. Assume
that the Earth and the Moon are the same distance from the Sun. [2]

Markscheme

1360 0.25
T= ( σ
) ✔

390 «K» ✔
 Must see 1360 (from data booklet) used for MP1.

Must see at least 2 s.f.

(a.ii) Another black body is on the Moon’s surface at point B.

Outline, without calculation, why the aximum temperature of the

black body at point B is less than at point A. [2]

Markscheme

energy/Power/Intensity lower at B ✔

connection made between energy/power/intensity and temperature of

blackbody ✔

(b) The albedo of the Earth’s atmosphere is 0.28. Outline why the
maximum temperature of a black body on the Earth when the
Sun is overhead is less than that at point A on the Moon. [1]

Markscheme

(28 %) of sun’s energy is scattered/reflected by earth’s atmosphere OR only 72

% of incident energy gets absorbed by blackbody ✔

Must be clear that the energy is being scattered by the atmosphere.

Award [0] for simple definition of “albedo”.

(c.i) Outline why a force acts on the Moon. [1]

Markscheme

gravitational attraction/force/field «of the planet/Moon» ✔

Do not accept “gravity”.

 (c.ii) Outline why this force does no work on the Moon. [1]

Markscheme

the force/field and the velocity/displacement are at 90° to each other OR there
is no change in GPE of the moon ✔

Award [0] for any mention of no net force on the satellite.

Do not accept acceleration is perpendicular to velocity.

18. [Maximum mark: 6]

A planet of mass m is in a circular orbit around a star. The gravitational potential
due to the star at the position of the planet is V.

(ai) Show that the total energy of the planet is given by the equation
shown.

E =
1

2
mV [2]

Markscheme

1 GM GM m 1 GM m
E =
2
m
r
−
r
= −
2 r
✔

comparison with V = −
GM

r
✔

«to give answer»

(aii) Suppose the star could contract to half its original radius without
any loss of mass. Discuss the effect, if any, this has on the total
energy of the planet. [2]
 Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

«at the position of the planet» the potential depends only on the mass of the
star /does not depend on the radius of the star ✔

the potential will not change and so the energy will not change ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2

r / distance between the centres of the objects / orbital radius remains

unchanged ✔

since E T otal = −
1

2
GM m

r
, energy will not change ✔

(b) The diagram shows some of the electric field lines for two fixed,
charged particles X and Y.

The magnitude of the charge on X is Q and that on Y is q. The

distance between X and Y is 0.600 m. The distance between P and
Y is 0.820 m.

At P the electric field is zero. Determine, to one significant figure,

Q
the ratio q
.
 [2]

Markscheme

kQ kq
2
= 2
✔
(0.600+0.820) 0.820

2
Q (0.600+0.820)

q
= « 2
= 2.9988 ≈ »3 ✔
0.820

© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2025