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Telescopes: AQA A‑Level Physics questions

Every AQA A-Level Physics exam question on 3.9.1 Telescopes, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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2,714 questions

  1. Q02.1

    June 2025 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.1: Draw a ray diagram for an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment. Include in your diagram: • three non-axial rays • labelled principal foci for the lenses.

  2. Q02.2

    June 2025 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    6 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.2: An astronomer has two telescopes A and B. The astronomer uses each telescope to make observations of Mars when Mars is 0.55 AU from the Earth. Table 1 gives inf

  3. Q02.3

    June 2025 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.3: One advantage of using a CCD with a telescope is that the data can be stored and processed on a computer. Explain two other advantages of using a CCD rather tha

  4. Q01.1

    June 2024 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.1: The eyepiece has a focal length of 22 mm. Determine the distance between the eyepiece and the objective lens. [2 marks] distance = m

  5. Q01.2

    June 2024 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.2: When viewed through the telescope, the image of Jupiter subtends an angle of 1.7 × 10−2 rad. Calculate, in km, the distance between the Earth and Jupiter. mean

  6. Q01.3

    June 2024 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    3 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.3: State and explain the effect that the addition of the cap has on the chromatic aberration caused by the lens. [3 marks]

  7. Q01.4

    June 2024 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    4 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.4: Explain two other effects that the addition of the cap has on the image of Jupiter. [4 marks] 1 2

  8. Q02.1

    June 2023 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    1 mark3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.1: State what is meant by normal adjustment when applied to an astronomical refracting telescope. [1 mark]

  9. Q02.2

    June 2023 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    1 mark3.9.1 Telescopes
    Mark scheme (PDF)
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.2: Which combination of lenses gives the largest angular magnification when used as an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment? Tick () one box. [1 mark] Obje

  10. Q02.4

    June 2023 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.4: V1031 is just visible to the naked eye of an astronomer when her pupil diameter is 7 mm. Suggest whether she can observe WASP-82 using a telescope with an objec

  11. Q02.5

    June 2023 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    3 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 02.5: CCDs are often connected to telescopes. Explain two reasons why this improves the ability of astronomers to observe dim stars. [3 marks] 1 2

  12. Q03.2

    June 2023 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    4 marks3.9.1 Telescopes3.9.2 Classification of stars
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 03.2: In 2019, astronomers linked several radio telescopes to produce a single telescope called the EHT. The resolution of the EHT is the same as the resolution that

  13. Q01.1

    June 2022 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    1 mark3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.1: Draw a ray diagram to show how a converging lens can cause spherical aberration. [1 mark] principal axis

  14. Q01.2

    June 2022 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    3 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.2: Draw a labelled ray diagram for an astronomical refracting telescope in normal adjustment. Show three non-axial rays passing through both lenses. Label the prin

  15. Q01.3

    June 2022 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.3: The James Lick telescope is an astronomical refracting telescope. When in normal adjustment, the distance between the lenses of the telescope is 17.4 m and the

  16. Q01.4

    June 2022 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    3 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.4: The James Lick telescope can be used to identify binary stars. Two techniques are available using this telescope: • using a processed image from a CCD, and • di

  17. Q05.1

    November 2021 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 05.1: Explain what is meant by the Rayleigh criterion. [2 marks]

  18. Q05.2

    November 2021 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    3 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 05.2: A telescope uses wavelengths in the range 90 nm to 120 nm. Explain why this telescope must be located in space. Go on to discuss one advantage that this telesco

  19. Q05.3

    November 2021 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    3 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 05.3: Table 1 shows information about two telescopes. Table 1 Telescope Diameter / m Dish shape Arecibo 305 spherical Lovell 76 parabolic Each telescope detects radio

  20. Q01.1

    November 2020 · Paper 3 Astrophysics

    2 marks3.9.1 Telescopes
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2020 Paper 3 Astrophysics, question 01.1: Draw a ray diagram for a Cassegrain telescope. Your diagram should show the paths of two rays up to the eyepiece lens. The rays should initially be parallel to
All 36 questions on Telescopes, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.1 (2 marks): Draw a ray diagram for an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment. Include in your diagram: • three non-axial rays • labelled principal foci for the lenses.
  2. June 2025, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.2 (6 marks): An astronomer has two telescopes A and B. The astronomer uses each telescope to make observations of Mars when Mars is 0.55 AU from the Earth. Table 1 gives inf
  3. June 2025, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.3 (2 marks): One advantage of using a CCD with a telescope is that the data can be stored and processed on a computer. Explain two other advantages of using a CCD rather tha
  4. June 2024, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.1 (2 marks): The eyepiece has a focal length of 22 mm. Determine the distance between the eyepiece and the objective lens. [2 marks] distance = m
  5. June 2024, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.2 (2 marks): When viewed through the telescope, the image of Jupiter subtends an angle of 1.7 × 10−2 rad. Calculate, in km, the distance between the Earth and Jupiter. mean
  6. June 2024, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.3 (3 marks): State and explain the effect that the addition of the cap has on the chromatic aberration caused by the lens. [3 marks]
  7. June 2024, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.4 (4 marks): Explain two other effects that the addition of the cap has on the image of Jupiter. [4 marks] 1 2
  8. June 2023, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.1 (1 mark): State what is meant by normal adjustment when applied to an astronomical refracting telescope. [1 mark]
  9. June 2023, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.2 (1 mark): Which combination of lenses gives the largest angular magnification when used as an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment? Tick () one box. [1 mark] Obje
  10. June 2023, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.4 (2 marks): V1031 is just visible to the naked eye of an astronomer when her pupil diameter is 7 mm. Suggest whether she can observe WASP-82 using a telescope with an objec
  11. June 2023, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.5 (3 marks): CCDs are often connected to telescopes. Explain two reasons why this improves the ability of astronomers to observe dim stars. [3 marks] 1 2
  12. June 2023, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q03.2 (4 marks): In 2019, astronomers linked several radio telescopes to produce a single telescope called the EHT. The resolution of the EHT is the same as the resolution that
  13. June 2022, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.1 (1 mark): Draw a ray diagram to show how a converging lens can cause spherical aberration. [1 mark] principal axis
  14. June 2022, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.2 (3 marks): Draw a labelled ray diagram for an astronomical refracting telescope in normal adjustment. Show three non-axial rays passing through both lenses. Label the prin
  15. June 2022, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.3 (2 marks): The James Lick telescope is an astronomical refracting telescope. When in normal adjustment, the distance between the lenses of the telescope is 17.4 m and the
  16. June 2022, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.4 (3 marks): The James Lick telescope can be used to identify binary stars. Two techniques are available using this telescope: • using a processed image from a CCD, and • di
  17. November 2021, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q05.1 (2 marks): Explain what is meant by the Rayleigh criterion. [2 marks]
  18. November 2021, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q05.2 (3 marks): A telescope uses wavelengths in the range 90 nm to 120 nm. Explain why this telescope must be located in space. Go on to discuss one advantage that this telesco
  19. November 2021, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q05.3 (3 marks): Table 1 shows information about two telescopes. Table 1 Telescope Diameter / m Dish shape Arecibo 305 spherical Lovell 76 parabolic Each telescope detects radio
  20. November 2020, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.1 (2 marks): Draw a ray diagram for a Cassegrain telescope. Your diagram should show the paths of two rays up to the eyepiece lens. The rays should initially be parallel to
  21. November 2020, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.2 (3 marks): A spacecraft passes Pluto at a distance of 12 500 km. The telescope on board has an aperture of diameter 0.21 m and operates at a wavelength of 450 nm. Discuss
  22. November 2020, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.3 (2 marks): The Hubble telescope has an aperture of diameter 2.4 m. Compare the collecting power of the Hubble telescope with the telescope on the spacecraft in Question 01
  23. November 2020, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.4 (3 marks): An astrophysicist had to decide whether to use a reflecting telescope or a refracting telescope on the spacecraft in Question 01.2. Discuss which type of telesc
  24. June 2019, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.1 (1 mark): The lenses used in refracting telescopes can cause chromatic aberration. Complete Figure 1 to show how a lens produces chromatic aberration. [1 mark] Figure 1
  25. June 2019, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.2 (1 mark): A Cassegrain telescope uses mirrors. What are the shapes of the primary and secondary mirrors in a Cassegrain telescope? Tick () one box. [1 mark] Primary mirr
  26. June 2019, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.3 (6 marks): Table 1 contains information about two telescopes, A and B. Each telescope is planned to be the biggest of its type in the world. Table 1 Telescope A B Type Opt
  27. June 2018, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.1 (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength of light for which the Griffith telescope has a minimum angular resolution of 1.8 × 10−6 rad [2 marks] wavelength = m
  28. June 2018, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.2 (3 marks): The Griffith telescope is used to observe two point objects which subtend an angle of 1.8 × 10–6 rad at the unaided eye. The typical human eye has a minimum ang
  29. June 2018, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.3 (3 marks): The asteroid Apophis has a diameter of 325 m It has been calculated that, in 2029, its distance of closest approach to the Earth’s surface will be 3.0 × 104 km
  30. June 2017, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01 (2 marks): Draw the ray diagram for a Cassegrain telescope. Your diagram should show the paths of two rays, initially parallel to the principal axis, as far as the eyepiec
  31. June 2017, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.1 (3 marks): The telescopes are used to view the same object. Suggest which telescope in Table 1 produces the brighter image. Support your answer with a suitable calculation
  32. June 2017, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.2 (2 marks): The minimum angular resolution of a telescope can be determined using the Rayleigh criterion. Explain what is meant by the Rayleigh criterion. [2 marks
  33. June 2017, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q02.3 (2 marks): Discuss which of the two telescopes in Table 1 would be better at resolving the images of two objects that are close together. [2 marks
  34. Specimen, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.1 (2 marks): The concave mirrors used in some reflecting telescopes can suffer from spherical aberration. 0 1 Draw a diagram to show what is meant by spherical aberration wh
  35. Specimen, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.2 (6 marks): The concave mirrors used in some reflecting telescopes can suffer from spherical aberration. 0 1 The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) and the Gran Teles
  36. Specimen, Paper 3 Astrophysics, Q01.3 (2 marks): The concave mirrors used in some reflecting telescopes can suffer from spherical aberration. 0 1 The Charge Coupled Device (CCD) is an important part of the det

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