What this topic covers
Space physics (physics only) has 2 subtopics:
- Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only)
- Red-shift (physics only)
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GCSE AQA Higher Physics · Topic 8 of 9
Space physics (physics only) – GCSE AQA Higher Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Space physics (physics only) covers Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only) and Red-shift (physics only) in GCSE AQA Higher Physics. 8 lessons in 2 subtopics.
Revise Space physics (physics only) for GCSE AQA Higher Physics, including Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only).
8
Lessons
2
Subtopics
Space physics (physics only) lessons by subtopic
8 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only)
- Formation of the Solar System: Explore the origins of our solar system, from the initial dust cloud to the formation of the Sun and planets.
- Components of Our Solar System: Identify the key components of our solar system, including the Sun, planets, dwarf planets, and natural satellites, within the context of the Milky Way galaxy.
- Star Size and Life Cycle: An introduction to the life cycle of stars, focusing on the factors that influence it, including the size of the sun and other more massive stars. Also covers how a star goes through a life cycle which is determined by the size of the star.
- Fusion, Supernova and Element Creation: Explore how fusion processes in stars create elements, and how supernovae distribute these elements throughout the universe. Discover how elements heavier than iron are formed.
- Circular Orbits and Gravity: Explore how gravity affects circular orbits, focusing on the relationship between force, speed, and radius in stable orbits.
- Planets, Moons, and Satellites: Compare and contrast planets, natural satellites (moons), and artificial satellites, highlighting their unique characteristics.
Red-shift (physics only)
- Red-Shift and the Expanding Universe: Explore red-shift, its cause, and how it provides evidence for an expanding universe.
- The Big Bang: Evidence and Expansion: Examine the Big Bang theory, its supporting evidence from red-shift, and the accelerating expansion of the universe.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Space physics (physics only)?
Space physics (physics only) covers Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only) and Red-shift (physics only) in GCSE AQA Higher Physics. 8 lessons in 2 subtopics.
What is the order of the planets from the Sun?
The eight planets in order of distance from the Sun are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The Components of Our Solar System notes cover this in full.
How many moons does Jupiter have?
Jupiter has over 80 moons, including four large ones discovered by Galileo in 1610, and Saturn has more than 80 too. The Components of Our Solar System notes cover this in full.
How far away is the Moon?
The Moon orbits about 384,000 km from Earth and takes a whole month to complete one orbit. The Planets, Moons, and Satellites notes cover this in full.
How old is the universe?
The Big Bang theory says the universe began from an extremely hot, dense point about 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since. The The Big Bang: Evidence and Expansion notes cover this in full.
How old is the Sun?
The Sun has been converting hydrogen into helium in its core for about 4.6 billion years, and it will continue for another 5 billion years or so. The Star Size and Life Cycle notes cover this in full.
What is a black hole?
A black hole is an object with gravity so strong that even light cannot escape. The Star Size and Life Cycle notes cover this in full.
What is dark matter?
Dark matter is invisible matter that makes up about 27% of the universe, detected only through its gravitational effects on visible matter. The The Big Bang: Evidence and Expansion notes cover this in full.
How many Earths could fit inside the Sun?
Over a million Earths could fit inside the Sun's volume. The Star Size and Life Cycle notes cover this in full.