Describe the scale of the universe, from the smallest to the largest structures, including the position of our Solar System within these structures.

WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 4.3 Orbits and the wider universe · Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

The Solar System contains the Sun and the planets (and other bodies) that orbit it.
The Solar System is part of a galaxy called the Milky Way.
A galaxy is a large collection of billions of stars held together by gravity.
The universe contains billions of galaxies.
The universe is the largest structure and contains everything that exists.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms: Solar System, Milky Way, galaxy, universe. Show the hierarchical order from smallest to largest. Keep each point brief and separate with line breaks.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the Milky Way with the Solar System. Using vague words like ‘space’ instead of ‘universe’. Omitting the fact that the universe contains all structures.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. The Solar System contains the Sun and the planets (and other bodies) that orbit it
  2. The Solar System is part of a galaxy called the Milky Way
  3. A galaxy is a large collection of billions of stars held together by gravity
  4. The universe contains billions of galaxies
  5. The universe is the largest structure / contains everything that exists

Key terms in this question

Solar System · universe

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