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3. The Universe (a) Which row of the table shows these objects in the correct order of size? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2013 - Paper 1
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3. The Universe (a) Which row of the table shows these objects in the correct order of size? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. smalle... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3. The Universe (a) Which row of the table shows these objects in the correct order of size? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which row of the table shows these objects in the correct order of size?
Answer
The correct order of size from smallest to biggest is: Solar System < Milky Way < Universe. Therefore, option B (Milky Way, Universe, Solar System) is incorrect. The accurate option demonstrates that Solar System is the smallest.
Step 2
Explain why the images produced by telescopes on Earth are less clear than the images produced by telescopes in space.
Answer
Telescopes on Earth are affected by the Earth's atmosphere, which can distort and absorb light, causing a loss of clarity. The atmosphere contains turbulence, pollution, and weather conditions that scatter light and create blurring effects. In contrast, space telescopes are above the atmosphere, allowing for clearer images.
Step 3
Explain what these redshifts predict about the position and movement of the two galaxies.
Answer
The presence of redshift in the light from galaxy 1 and galaxy 2 indicates that both galaxies are moving away from us. This suggests they are part of the expansion of the universe, with their velocities directly related to their distance from Earth, as described by Hubble's law.
Step 4
Describe how this process continues for stars much more massive than the Sun.
Answer
For massive stars, the process begins similarly with the formation of a protostar in a nebula. As gravity pulls the material together, the protostar evolves into a main sequence star. Eventually, these stars exhaust their hydrogen fuel, expanding into a supergiant. Following this, they undergo a supernova explosion, leaving behind either a neutron star or a black hole, depending on the mass. More massive stars have shorter lifespans due to their rapid fusion processes.