8.1.1Space Physics
The Solar System
5 min read 8 parts Lesson 1 of 10
Section 1 of 8The Solar System
Calculate the
- Calculate the Calculate the time taken for light from the Sun to reach Mercury
This
- This is why in our everyday life things like switching on a light seem to be instant
However, this
- However, this However, this is only because the light travels very fast and the distances are very small
At large
- At large At large astronomical distances, which can be millions or even billions of kilometres, the speed-of-light limit starts to have an effect
For example,
- For example, For example, it takes light 8 minutes to travel from the Sun to the Earth
Section 2 of 8Star Formation
1
Fundamental principles, definitions, and physical or chemical laws governing this topic.
2
Key interactions, structural properties, and process dynamics observed in experiments.
3
Quantitative relationships, key formulas, and criteria required by specification mark schemes.
Section 3 of 8The Life Cycle of Solar Mass Stars
The Life Cycle of Solar Mass Stars
The nebulae that form stars
- The nebulae that form stars are made from hydrogen, whilst the ones that are formed when stars die are made from much heavier elements, such as helium
These
- These are known as planetary nebulae, but you do not need to know about them for the AQA GCSE exam
Remember that
- Remember that Remember that the lifecycle of a solar mass star starts when it is a nebula up till a black dwarf
You need
- You need You need to learn each step, but the life cycle is also slightly different for a star
Section 4 of 8The Life Cycle of Larger Stars
Core Concept
- Core Concept Fundamental principles, definitions, and physical or chemical laws governing this topic.
Mechanism & Behavior
- Mechanism & Behavior Key interactions, structural properties, and process dynamics observed in experiments.
Exam Applications
- Exam Applications Quantitative relationships, key formulas, and criteria required by specification mark schemes.
Section 5 of 8Fusion in Stars
1
Fundamental principles, definitions, and physical or chemical laws governing this topic.
2
Key interactions, structural properties, and process dynamics observed in experiments.
3
Quantitative relationships, key formulas, and criteria required by specification mark schemes.
Section 6 of 8Circular Orbits
Circular Orbits
Core Concept
- Core Concept Fundamental principles, definitions, and physical or chemical laws governing this topic.
Mechanism & Behavior
- Mechanism & Behavior Key interactions, structural properties, and process dynamics observed in experiments.
Exam Applications
- Exam Applications Quantitative relationships, key formulas, and criteria required by specification mark schemes.
Section 7 of 8Non-Circular Orbits
Core Concept
- Core Concept Fundamental principles, definitions, and physical or chemical laws governing this topic.
Mechanism & Behavior
- Mechanism & Behavior Key interactions, structural properties, and process dynamics observed in experiments.
Exam Applications
- Exam Applications Quantitative relationships, key formulas, and criteria required by specification mark schemes.
Section 8 of 8Exam Checklist & Tips
Specification Mastery Checklist
- Key Definitions Ensure precise recall of terms and units as required by examination mark schemes.
- Equations & Formulas Double-check balanced state symbols, subscripts, and SI unit conversions.
- Common Misconceptions Verify experimental conditions, controls, and comparative trends across groups.