AQA · GCSE Physics

Exoplanet orbit and infrared heating challenge

Can you get 100%? Use Webb observations of a planet on a stretched orbit to test gravity, changing velocity and infrared energy transfer.

Read how Webb watches an exoplanet heat up

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Question

7 marks

Answer all parts. Show your working and give units where appropriate.

1(a)

The planet follows a curved orbit around its star. Explain why the planet is accelerating even at an instant when its speed is not changing.

[2 marks]

1(b)

Explain the role of gravity in producing the orbit and why the path changes direction more rapidly during the close part of the orbit.

[2 marks]

1(c)

Webb measures infrared radiation from the planet before, during and after the close pass. Explain why this can reveal both the temperature change and how quickly the atmosphere responds to heating.

[3 marks]

Start the question to write your answer, receive marks and ask Sherlock Ohms for text help.