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Introduction
Introduction
In this chapter you will examine the formation of the solar system from a nebula, particularly the formation of the Sun from hydrogen gas into a protostar until it reaches the main sequence. The source of materials for formation of the planets will also be described.
You will then move on from the main sequence to describe the pathways for small stars from the main sequence through red giants, white dwarfs, and finally black dwarfs. In addition you will learn the life cycle of larger stars, from main sequence to red supergiant, supernova and neutron star/black holes. You will learn the role of supernovae in the production of heavy elements. This topic also covers the orbits of planets, with higher-tier students learning the role of centripetal force and acceleration in more detail for planets and artificial satellites.
In addition you will discover the evidence for an expanding universe prompted by the red-shift of the majority of galaxies leading to Edwin Hubble’s conclusions. This, combined with the evidence provided by the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) provides evidence for the Big Bang theory. Finally, you will cover the models predicting the distant future of the universe touching on the role of dark matter and dark energy.
Specification link:
Task 1: Know
Task 1: Know
Task 1a: Use look, cover, write check and quizlet to learn the answers to the core questions and the keywords for this topic
Learn
Learn
Task 2: Life cycle of a star and Solar System
Task 2: Life cycle of a star and Solar System
Task 2a: Watch the videos
Task 2b: Read through the slides
Task 2d: Make notes that:
List the parts of the Solar System
Explain how the Solar System formed
List the steps for the creation of a star (Slide 18)
Draw a flow chart which shows the life cycle of both stars of a similar size to the Sun and stars larger than the Sun.
Task 2e: Complete the BBC Bitesize Life cycle of stars Quiz
Task 2f: Complete and self mark the exam question
Task 3: Planets and Orbits
Task 3: Planets and Orbits
Task 3b: Read through the slides
Task 3c: Make notes that:
Explain the difference between speed and velocity
Explain how an object can stay in a circular orbit (for example the Earth around the Sun) and draw a diagram to help explain it.
Draw and label a diagram to show what happens to a satellite in orbit if its speed is too slow or too fast.
Explain what affects the speed required for an object to maintain its orbit.
Task 3d: Complete the BBC Bitesize Solar System quiz
Task 3e: Complete the exam question
Task 3f: Complete the Checkpoint quiz
Task 4: The Expanding Universe
Task 4: The Expanding Universe
Task 4b: Read through the slides
Task 4c: Make notes that:
Define red-shift
Explain what happens to the light waves from a star or galaxy if it is moving a) away from us. b) towards us
Describe what Edwin Hubble’s observations of light from distant galaxies showed and what it tells us about the Universe.
Explain what it means if the light from one galaxy is red-shifted more than the light from another galaxy
Optional activity: Make your own spectroscope so you can see the absorption lines
Task 4d: Complete the exam questions
Task 5: The Beginning and Future of the Universe
Task 5: The Beginning and Future of the Universe
Task 5a: Read through the slides
Task 5b: Watch the videos on the Big Bang Theory
Task 5c: Make notes that:
Explain the key points of the Big Bang theory
Explain the key points of the Steady State theory
Define CMBR
Explain how CMBR and red-shift provide evidence for the Big Bang theory.
Describe the two possible scenarios for the future of the Universe - You should include a reference to density in your explanation.
Watch the video on dark matter and Describe how the existence of dark matter and dark energy will affect the future of the Universe.
Task 6: Summary
Task 6: Summary
Task 6a: Complete the Seneca task:
Task 6b: Make a mind map or single page revision summary of this topic. Use the specification links to help you.
All of section 4.8 (End of page 72 to page 75)
Task 7: Check
Task 7: Check
Complete the progress quiz, ensuring you achieve the pass mark to check your understanding of this unit.
Extend
Extend
Complete as many of the higher tier sample exam questions as you can from the BBC Bitesize Space Physics page.
Space news updates
Space news updates
Explore a bit more
Explore a bit more
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Related A level content
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A level exam questions
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