Whole Topic Checklist

•  PHY ONLY: List the types of body that make up the solar system and describe our solar system as part of a galaxy
•  PHY ONLY: Explain how stars are formed
•  PHY ONLY: Describe the life cycle of a star the size of the Sun and of a star which is much more massive than the Sun
•  PHY ONLY: Explain how fusion processes lead to the formation of new elements and how supernovas have allowed heavy elements to appear in later solar systems
•  PHY & HT ONLY: Explain that, for circular orbits, the force of gravity leads to a constantly changing velocity but unchanged speed
•  PHY & HT ONLY: Explain that, for a stable orbit, the radius must change if the speed changes
•  PHY ONLY: Explain, qualitatively, the red-shift of light from galaxies that are receding and how this red-shift changes with distance from Earth
•  PHY ONLY: Explain why the change of each galaxy’s speed with distance is evidence of an expanding universe
•  PHY ONLY: Explain how scientists are able to use observations to arrive at theories, such as the Big Bang theory and discuss that there is still much about the universe that is not understood

Quiz