The Solar System, Gravity & Orbits — Practice · Grade 6 Science

Chapter: Earth, Moon, Sun & Space Models

What this practice covers

By the end of The Solar System, Gravity & Orbits you should be able to:

8 questions, written answer and multiple choice, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: orbit, star, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.

Problem 1

Why is brightness an incomplete classification test?
Answer and explanation

Distance, size, reflection, and emission affect appearance. Classification needs the body’s nature and relationship.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 2

Why can gravity matter in space?
Answer and explanation

It acts across distance between masses, so a lack of air or contact does not eliminate the interaction.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 3

What is missing from “an orbit has no gravity”?
Answer and explanation

Gravity supplies the changing direction in the basic orbit model; the statement removes the mechanism it needs.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 4

May the sketch be used to calculate actual distance?
Answer and explanation

Only if its scale and geometry support that purpose. Otherwise use a labeled distance record.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 5

Develop a complete response: Explain which model is better and how a no-gravity prediction would differ. Include relevant evidence and one method or model limit.
Answer and explanation

A is the better basic explanation. Gravity changes the moving satellite’s direction rather than vanish outside the atmosphere. Without the modeled force, its motion would not follow the same curved path around Earth. The drawing still omits precise speed, distance scale, and other influences needed for a full numerical prediction.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 6

Apply the unit independently: An illustration shows the Sun and planets at equal sizes. Must their actual diameters be equal? Give a reason and a relevant qualification.
Answer and explanation

No. It may emphasize order or relationships. Use labeled diameter data and a stated scale rather than infer real sizes from an unscaled sketch.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 7

Which statement correctly uses orbit in The Solar System, Gravity & Orbits?
  1. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
  2. Gravity stops at the top of the atmosphere.
  3. A bright reflected object must be a star.
  4. orbit: A curved path arising from motion and gravitational interaction around a system.
Answer and explanation

orbit: A curved path arising from motion and gravitational interaction around a system.

A curved path arising from motion and gravitational interaction around a system. A is the better basic explanation. Gravity changes the moving satellite’s direction rather than vanish outside the atmosphere. Without the modeled force, its motion would not follow the same curved path around Earth. The drawing still omits precise speed, distance scale, and other influences needed for a full numerical prediction.

Problem 8

Which statement correctly uses star in The Solar System, Gravity & Orbits?
  1. star: A body that emits light through its internal energy processes, such as the Sun.
  2. Gravity stops at the top of the atmosphere.
  3. A bright reflected object must be a star.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

star: A body that emits light through its internal energy processes, such as the Sun.

A body that emits light through its internal energy processes, such as the Sun. A is the better basic explanation. Gravity changes the moving satellite’s direction rather than vanish outside the atmosphere. Without the modeled force, its motion would not follow the same curved path around Earth. The drawing still omits precise speed, distance scale, and other influences needed for a full numerical prediction.

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