Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Astrophysics
156 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
41–50 of 78 · Easy
Question 41
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Explain why two stars of different colours must have different surface temperatures.
Question 42
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Table: Surface temperature and typical colour of some star classes Star class Surface temperature (K) Colour B 20,000 blue-white G 5,800 yellow K 4,600 orange M 3,200 red Which star class in the table has a surface temperature closest to the Sun? State the colour of this class.
Question 43
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which statement describes the position of the Solar System within the Milky Way galaxy?
- A.At the centre of the galaxy
- B.Near the centre on a spiral arm
- C.About two-thirds out from the centre on a spiral arm
- D.Far outside the galaxy
Question 44
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →What are the two main forces that balance each other during the main sequence period of a star's life?
Question 45
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]Name the stage of a star's life just before it becomes a main sequence star.
(b)[1 mark]State what process starts at the beginning of the main sequence stage.
(c)[1 mark]How long does the main sequence stage typically last for a star like the Sun?
Question 46
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which of the following objects is the most dense?
- A.Red giant
- B.Main sequence star
- C.White dwarf
- D.Red supergiant
Question 47
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]A star much larger than the Sun ends its life in a different way from our Sun. Name the explosion that ends its life.
(b)[1 mark]What is one possible remnant left behind after this explosion?
Question 48
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Information on the surface temperature and absolute magnitude of three stars. Star Surface Temperature (K) Absolute Magnitude Alpha 6,000 +5 Beta 20,000 -5 Gamma 3,500 -1 Based on the data above, which star is the brightest and which is the coolest?
Question 49
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Explain why a star changes colour as it evolves from a red giant into a white dwarf.
Question 50
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[2 marks]Draw a simple labelled sequence showing the main stages in the life of a star similar to our Sun, from nebula to black dwarf.
(b)[1 mark]State the stage at which fusion of helium nuclei occurs.