What this topic covers
Topic 7: Astronomy has 3 subtopics:
- Gravity, the Solar System and orbital motion
- Red-shift and models of the Universe
- Star life cycles and observing the Universe
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GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics · Topic 7 of 15
Topic 7: Astronomy – GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Astronomy, red-shift and stellar evolution. 10 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Topic 7: Astronomy for GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics, including Gravity, the Solar System and orbital motion and Red-shift and models of the Universe.
10
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic 7: Astronomy lessons by subtopic
10 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Gravity, the Solar System and orbital motion
- Formation of the Solar System
- Components of Our Solar System
- Star Size and Life Cycle
- Fusion, Supernova and Element Creation
- Circular Orbits and Gravity
- Planets, Moons, and Satellites
Red-shift and models of the Universe
- Red-Shift and the Expanding Universe
- The Big Bang: Evidence and Expansion
- Big Bang and Steady State models of the Universe: Compare the Big Bang and Steady State models and relate each one to red-shift evidence.
Star life cycles and observing the Universe
- How observation of the Universe has changed over time: Describe changing observation methods and explain why some telescopes are placed outside Earth's atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 7: Astronomy?
Astronomy, red-shift and stellar evolution. 10 lessons in 3 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.