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WalesPhysics

Unit 2: Space and the Universe

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do stars form, live and die, and how does this depend on their mass?

The life cycle of a star from nebula to main sequence, and the different fates of low-mass and high-mass stars.
A focused answer to WJEC GCSE Physics topic 2.5 on the life cycle of stars, covering star formation from a nebula, the main sequence, and the different fates of low-mass stars (red giant, white dwarf) and high-mass stars (red supergiant, supernova, neutron star or black hole).
9 min answer →

What makes up the solar system, and how is a star kept stable?

The structure of the solar system, the difference between stars, planets and other bodies, and the balance of forces in a stable star.
A focused answer to WJEC GCSE Physics topic 2.5 on stars and planets, covering the structure of the solar system, the difference between stars, planets, moons and other bodies, how a star forms, and the balance of gravity and radiation pressure that keeps a star stable.
9 min answer →

What is red shift, and how does it support the Big Bang theory?

Red shift of light from distant galaxies, the expanding Universe, the Big Bang theory and the cosmic microwave background radiation.
A focused answer to WJEC GCSE Physics topic 2.6 on the Universe, covering the red shift of light from distant galaxies, the evidence for an expanding Universe, the Big Bang theory, and the cosmic microwave background radiation.
9 min answer →