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Date May 2018 Marks available 1 Reference code 18M.3.SL.TZ1.10
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone 1
Command term Distinguish Question number 10 Adapted from N/A

Question

Distinguish between the solar system and a galaxy.

[1]
a.i.

Distinguish between a planet and a comet. 

[1]
a.ii.

Markscheme

a galaxy is much larger in size than a solar system

a galaxy contains more than one star system / solar system

a galaxy is more luminous

Any other valid statement.

[1 mark]

a.i.

a comet is a small icy body whereas a planet is mostly made of rock or gas

a comet is often accompanied by a tail/coma whereas a planet is not

comets (generally) have larger orbits than planets

a planet must have cleared other objects out of the way in its orbital neighbourhood

[1 mark]

a.ii.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics) » D.1 – Stellar quantities
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Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics)
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