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Edexcel IGCSE Physics 8 Astrophysics Question Bank

Practise astrophysics facts, orbit diagrams, stellar comparisons, data-table reasoning and calculations using orbital speed and units.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Physics 4PH1

Covered syllabus points

Astrophysics units(b) Motion in the universe(c) Stellar evolution(d) Cosmology

8 Astrophysics question 1

[Maximum number: 5]

This question is about astrophysics.

Question (a)

(a)

Which of these is a large collection of billions of galaxies?

A

Milky Way

B

nebula

C

solar system

D

universe

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Which of these is a correct unit for gravitational field strength, g?

A

kilogram (kg)

B

newton (N)

C

newton kilogram (N kg)

D

newton per kilogram (N/kg)

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Which statement explains why the gravitational field strength on the Moon is less than the gravitational field strength on Earth?

A

the Moon is further away from the Sun than the Earth

B

the Moon has less atmosphere than the Earth

C

the Moon has less mass than the Earth

D

the Moon has greater density than the Earth

[ 1 ]

Question (d)

(d)

Describe the differences between the orbit of the Moon and the orbit of a comet. You may include a diagram to support your answer.

[ 2 ]

8 Astrophysics question 2

[Maximum number: 13]

This question is about astrophysics.

Question (a)

(a)

Diagrams A , B , C and D show different orbital paths for object Y orbiting object X .

Figure for Question (a) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics
[ 4 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Table 1 gives some possible names for object X and object Y .Complete the table by placing one tick ( ✓ ) in each row to show which orbital path is correct for each combination of object X and object Y .Each orbital path may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

Table for Question (i) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics
[ 3 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Give the name of the force that causes one object to orbit another object in space.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Table 2 gives information about four different stars in the same galaxy as the Sun.

Table 2

Table 2

[ 9 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Give the name of the galaxy that contains the Sun and the stars shown in table 2.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Explain how the stars in table 2 can be classified according to their colour.

[ 3 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

Describe the likely future evolution of Antares.

[ 3 ]

Question (iv)

(iv)

Describe what additional information is needed to predict the next evolutionary stage for Vega.

[ 2 ]

8 Astrophysics question 3

[Maximum number: 7]

The Big Bang theory suggests that the Universe is approximately 14 billion years old.

Question (a)

(a)

Describe the evolution of the Universe from the Big Bang until the present day.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Describe the evidence that supports the Big Bang theory.

[ 4 ]
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