Space Physics
The solar system, orbits, the life cycle of stars and red-shift.
4 topics
Space Physics is a short Triple-only unit covering the solar system, the life cycle of stars, orbital motion, red shift and the Big Bang theory.
The life cycle of a star is the most examined content, and it rewards learning both routes — the path taken depends on the mass of the star, and questions frequently specify which. Orbital motion questions expect the idea that a stable orbit requires a change in speed if the radius changes, and that the force acting is gravitational and directed towards the centre. Red shift is the evidence for an expanding universe, and answers need the observation and the conclusion linked explicitly. Students lose marks by describing the Big Bang as an explosion in space rather than the expansion of space itself.