Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — Astronomy
The Solar System is composed of a central star, the Sun, and all the objects that orbit it. The modern understanding of our solar system is known as the Heliocentric Model, which identifies the Sun as being at the centre.
To meet the requirements of the specification, you must be able to state the names of the eight Planets in their correct sequence, starting from the Sun (closest) to the edge of the system (furthest):
A popular mnemonic to help you remember the correct order is: "My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming"
This corresponds to the first letter of each planet: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
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Students often confuse Mercury and Mars because they both start with 'M'. Remember that Mercury is the shorter word and is the one closest to the Sun.
The command word 'Recall' means you must be able to provide this list from memory without any prompts or tables provided in the exam.
Do NOT include Pluto in your list of planets. Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet; including it as a ninth planet will result in lost marks in sequencing questions.
Ensure you read the question carefully to see if it asks for the order starting 'from the Sun' or 'starting from the furthest planet'. Most questions start from the Sun.
Solar System
A system consisting of one star (the Sun) and everything gravitationally bound to orbit it.
Heliocentric Model
The modern scientific model of the solar system with the Sun positioned at the centre.
Planet
A large body that orbits a star, has enough gravity to form a spherical shape, and has cleared its orbital path of other objects.
Dwarf Planet
Planet-like objects that orbit the Sun but have not 'cleared their orbit' of other debris and are too small to be classified as full planets (e.g. Pluto).
Put your knowledge into practice — try past paper questions for Physics
Solar System
A system consisting of one star (the Sun) and everything gravitationally bound to orbit it.
Heliocentric Model
The modern scientific model of the solar system with the Sun positioned at the centre.
Planet
A large body that orbits a star, has enough gravity to form a spherical shape, and has cleared its orbital path of other objects.
Dwarf Planet
Planet-like objects that orbit the Sun but have not 'cleared their orbit' of other debris and are too small to be classified as full planets (e.g. Pluto).
