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Edexcel A-Level Physics A2 5.6.167 Hertzsprung Russell Diagram Questions

Review Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams in Edexcel A-Level Physics through luminosity-temperature axes, stellar regions and Sun-relative positions.

Syllabus
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level
Course
Physics XPH11/YPH11
Level
A2

Exam points

  • label reverse logarithmic temperature axes and luminosity scales on H-R diagrams
  • place stars by temperature and luminosity relative to the Sun on the H-R diagram
  • identify main sequence, red giant and white dwarf regions from graph positions

Edexcel A-Level Physics A2 5.6.167 Hertzsprung Russell Diagram Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 6]

The astronomer Hertzsprung used parallax to determine the distances to some of the variable stars known as Cepheids.

Question (a)

(a)

The Sun is a yellow star with a surface temperature of about 6000 K . In the 20th century, astronomers discovered a large variety of stars in our galaxy. Hertzsprung and Russell developed the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram as a way of classifying stars.

An HR diagram is shown below.

Figure for Question (a) — Edexcel A-Level Physics A2
[ 6 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Label the x-axis of the HR diagram. You should include approximate values.

[ 3 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

There are five zones, Z 1, Z 2, Z 3, Z 4 and Z 5, identified on the HR diagram. Complete the following table. You should match one zone with each description.

Table for Question (ii) — Edexcel A-Level Physics A2
[ 3 ]
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