Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Astrophysics
156 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
41–50 of 78 · Normal
Question 41
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table below shows the classification and some properties of certain stars:
Star Class Colour Alpha K orange Beta B blue-white Gamma M red Delta G yellow (a)[2 marks]Which of the stars in the table above is likely to have the highest surface temperature? State your answer and explain your reasoning.
(b)[2 marks]Which star class in the table is most similar to the Sun? Give the name and class.
Question 42
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe the overall structure of the Milky Way galaxy. Name the type of galaxy and state where the Sun is located within it.
Question 43
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A group of students observe three stars through a telescope. The results are recorded in the table below.
Observed star properties Star Colour Estimated surface temperature Star A red 2500 K Star B yellow 5800 K Star C blue 33000 K (a)[2 marks]State the relationship between the colour of a star and its surface temperature.
(b)[2 marks]Which of these stars is likely to belong to the class O? Explain your answer.
Question 44
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State the name of the process that causes hydrogen nuclei to join together at the start of a star's life. What form of energy is released during this process?
Question 45
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A star forms from a cloud of gas with an initial temperature of K. Due to gravitational compression, its temperature increases by a factor of . Calculate the final temperature of the star once it reaches its main sequence stage.
Question 46
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table below shows the absolute magnitudes and surface temperatures of three stars:
Properties of different stars Star Absolute Magnitude Surface Temperature (K) Alpha 3.5 6,000 Beta −5.0 18,000 Gamma 12.0 3,500 (a)[1 mark]Which star is the brightest? Explain your answer.
(b)[1 mark]Which of the stars is likely to be a white dwarf? Give a reason for your choice.
(c)[2 marks]State what the star Beta's temperature suggests about its stage in its lifecycle.
Question 47
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below represents simplified stages in the life of a star with a mass much greater than our Sun.
Stages in the lifecycle of a massive star (a)[2 marks]Describe what happens to the star as it moves from red supergiant (C) to supernova (D).
(b)[2 marks]Explain the main difference between the neutron star and black hole outcomes (E, F).
Question 48
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why gravitational forces become dominant over outward pressure at the end of the main sequence stage of a star similar to our Sun.
Question 49
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which part of the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram represents the main sequence?
- A.A diagonal band from high temperature/bright to low temperature/dim.
- B.A cluster at the top right corner.
- C.A horizontal line at the bottom.
- D.A vertical line at the left edge.
Question 50
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State two differences between a red giant and a white dwarf star in terms of their physical properties.