AQA · GCSE Physics

The Hunter's Moon: reflected light, colour and orbit

Can you get 100%? Explain the light from a full Moon, use a supplied scattering rule and challenge a statement about circular motion.

Read the Hunter's Moon guide

Your full PhysicsUK membership

Exam Studio is just one part of PhysicsUK membership.

More Physics toolsPhysicsUK Solve, QWC, MCQ and Worksheet Studio give you different ways to practise.
Saved progressKeep your answers, feedback and markbook evidence together across your course.
Personalised next stepsSee the topic or skill PhysicsUK recommends from your recent work.

£9.99/month per pupil

Cancel anytime.

See what membership gets you Create a pupil account

Question

8 marks

Answer all parts. The colour rule you need is supplied below. No knowledge of full-Moon dates or names is required.

1(a)

A pupil says that the Moon produces the visible light we see during a full Moon. State the original source of this light and describe what happens at the Moon before the light reaches Earth.

[2 marks]

1(b)

Use this rule: air scatters shorter-wavelength blue light away from a direct beam more strongly than longer-wavelength red light. Explain why a low Moon near the horizon can look more orange than the same Moon high in the sky.

[3 marks]

1(c)

Model the Moon as travelling at constant speed in a circular orbit around Earth. A pupil says, "Its speed is constant, so it is not accelerating and needs no resultant force." Explain why the statement is incorrect and identify the force maintaining the orbit.

[3 marks]

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