# Our Solar System contains several types of object that orbit the Sun. Describe the differences between asteroids, comets, and planets in terms of their orbit shapes, the material they are made from, and where they are found in the Solar System.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Planets have nearly circular (elliptical) orbits / comets have highly elongated (elliptical) orbits
2. Asteroids are made of rock and/or metal
3. Comets are made of ice and dust / rock and ice
4. Asteroids are mainly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
5. Comets travel from the outer Solar System towards the Sun and back / spend most of their time far from the Sun

## Key terms

- [asteroid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/asteroid)
- [comet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/comet)
- [planet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/planet)
- [orbit](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/orbit)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/our-solar-system-contains-several-types-3c530001) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.