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Orbits and the wider universe: Eduqas A‑Level Physics questions

Every Eduqas A-Level Physics exam question on 2.8 Orbits and the wider universe, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,592 questions

  1. Q7(b)(iii)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    5 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 7(b)(iii): The mass of the star is 1.6 × 1029 kg. Assuming this is far greater than the mass of the planet, calculate the mass of the planet. [5]

  2. Q7(a)(i)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    1 mark2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(a)(i): A planet is in an elliptical orbit around a star as shown. Mark on the diagram with the letter X another possible location for the star. [1] planet star

  3. Q7(a)(ii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(a)(ii): In the diagram below, the area of section A = area of section B. planet B A star Referring to Kepler’s 2nd law of planetary motion, describe the motion of the p

  4. Q7(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(b)(i): Show that the data are consistent with Kepler’s 3rd law of planetary motion. [2]

  5. Q7(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    3 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(b)(ii): Determine the mass of Jupiter. [3]

  6. Q7(c)(i)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(c)(i): Calculate the orbital speed of a dust particle at a distance of 8.2 × 1020 m from the centre of the galaxy. [2]

  7. Q7(c)(ii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    3 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(c)(ii): The observed velocity is greater than the calculated velocity. Explain how the Higgs boson was thought by some to be responsible for the difference in the veloc

  8. Q7(d)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 7(d): In 2021 the following article appeared in an astronomical publication. Date: December 6, 2021 Source: Royal Astronomical Society Astronomers have found no trace

  9. Q8(a)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 8(a): The star and planet orbit their mutual centre of mass. Show that the distance of the centre of mass from the centre of the star is approximately 400 km. [2]

  10. Q8(a)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(a): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  11. Q8(c)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    3 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(c): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  12. Q8(d)(i)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    3 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(d)(i): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  13. Q8(d)(ii)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    4 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(d)(ii): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  14. Q8(e)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(e): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  15. Q8(f)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(f): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  16. Q8(g)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(g): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  17. Q5(b)(ii)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    3 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 5(b)(ii): When the rocket has reached a height of 300 km, it is given a sideways thrust so that it can ‘catch up’ with the orbiting spacecraft. This is illustrated below.

  18. Q7(a)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    2 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 7(a): Part of the line absorption spectrum for light from the Sun is shown. 500 nm 520 nm increasing wavelength 500 nm 520 nm increasing wavelength A star, similar to

  19. Q8(a)(i)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    4 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 8(a)(i): Use the Principle of Conservation of Energy to show that the critical density, ρc, of the universe is given by: [4] = 3H0 2 cρ 8 G π

  20. Q8(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    3 marks2.8 Orbits and the wider universe
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 8(a)(ii): The critical density of the universe corresponds to about 5 atoms of hydrogen per m3 Evaluate whether this agrees with the value of the Hubble constant given in
All 52 questions on Orbits and the wider universe, as a list
  1. June 2025, Component 2, Q7(b)(iii) (5 marks): The mass of the star is 1.6 × 1029 kg. Assuming this is far greater than the mass of the planet, calculate the mass of the planet. [5]
  2. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(a)(i) (1 mark): A planet is in an elliptical orbit around a star as shown. Mark on the diagram with the letter X another possible location for the star. [1] planet star
  3. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): In the diagram below, the area of section A = area of section B. planet B A star Referring to Kepler’s 2nd law of planetary motion, describe the motion of the p
  4. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the data are consistent with Kepler’s 3rd law of planetary motion. [2]
  5. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(b)(ii) (3 marks): Determine the mass of Jupiter. [3]
  6. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(c)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the orbital speed of a dust particle at a distance of 8.2 × 1020 m from the centre of the galaxy. [2]
  7. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(c)(ii) (3 marks): The observed velocity is greater than the calculated velocity. Explain how the Higgs boson was thought by some to be responsible for the difference in the veloc
  8. June 2024, Component 2, Q7(d) (2 marks): In 2021 the following article appeared in an astronomical publication. Date: December 6, 2021 Source: Royal Astronomical Society Astronomers have found no trace
  9. June 2024, Component 2, Q8(a) (2 marks): The star and planet orbit their mutual centre of mass. Show that the distance of the centre of mass from the centre of the star is approximately 400 km. [2]
  10. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(a) (2 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  11. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(c) (3 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  12. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(d)(i) (3 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  13. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(d)(ii) (4 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  14. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(e) (2 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  15. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(f) (2 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  16. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(g) (2 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  17. June 2023, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (3 marks): When the rocket has reached a height of 300 km, it is given a sideways thrust so that it can ‘catch up’ with the orbiting spacecraft. This is illustrated below.
  18. June 2023, Component 2, Q7(a) (2 marks): Part of the line absorption spectrum for light from the Sun is shown. 500 nm 520 nm increasing wavelength 500 nm 520 nm increasing wavelength A star, similar to
  19. June 2023, Component 2, Q8(a)(i) (4 marks): Use the Principle of Conservation of Energy to show that the critical density, ρc, of the universe is given by: [4] = 3H0 2 cρ 8 G π
  20. June 2023, Component 2, Q8(a)(ii) (3 marks): The critical density of the universe corresponds to about 5 atoms of hydrogen per m3 Evaluate whether this agrees with the value of the Hubble constant given in
  21. June 2023, Component 2, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the galaxy is receding at approximately 65 000 km s–1 [2] (1 light year = 9.5 × 1012 km)
  22. June 2023, Component 2, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): One of the lines in the hydrogen spectrum has a wavelength of 656.3 nm when measured in a laboratory on Earth. Calculate the wavelength of the same line in the
  23. June 2023, Component 2, Q8(c) (2 marks): The Hubble space telescope can detect a portion of the infra-red and ultraviolet spectrum, as well as the visible spectrum. It has been used to study the Comet
  24. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q7(a)(iv) (2 marks): Hence calculate the separation of the stars. [2]
  25. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q7(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the total mass of the binary star system. [3]
  26. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q7(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explaining your reasoning, determine the individual masses of both star A and star B. [2]
  27. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q8(a) (3 marks): A Physics textbook states: ‘The universe was created about 14 billion years ago.’ Show that this statement is consistent with the current critical density of th
  28. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain what the astronomers can deduce about the galaxy’s movement in relation to the Earth. [No calculations are required]. [2]
  29. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): Determine the distance of NGC 4152 from the Earth. [3]
  30. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q8(c) (3 marks): The table shows data from two other galaxies in the cluster, obtained from Wikipedia. Distance from Earth / Galaxy Speed of recession / km s–1 million light yea
  31. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q7(a) (2 marks): The diagram shows the elliptical orbit of a planet around a star. Use the diagram (by adding to it) to explain Kepler’s second law of planetary motion. [2]
  32. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q7(b) (3 marks): Starting with Newton’s law of gravitation, show that for a circular orbit, the period of orbit, T, of a planet around a star is related to its distance, r, from
  33. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q7(c)(i) (3 marks): Phobos has an orbital period of 7.7 hours and the radius of its orbit is 9 400 km. Show that the mass of Mars is approximately 6.4 × 1023 kg. [3]
  34. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q8(a) (2 marks): Calculate the critical density of the universe giving appropriate units. [2]
  35. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q8(b) (3 marks): An astronomer makes the following statement: Assuming that the rate of expansion of the universe is constant, two objects a distance R apart in space will incre
  36. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q8(c)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the radial velocity of the star. [2]
  37. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q8(c)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the distance of the star from the Earth. [2]
  38. June 2019, Component 2, Q7(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the period of orbit. [2]
  39. June 2019, Component 2, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the distance of the centre of mass from the centre of the star. [2]
  40. June 2019, Component 2, Q7(b) (4 marks): The centre of mass of this star-planet system is at rest relative to the Earth and the system is viewed ‘edge-on’. When analysing light of wavelength 656.3 nm f
  41. June 2019, Component 2, Q7(c) (1 mark): Astronomers note a periodic dip in the brightness of the star as shown in the sketch graph. Intensity Time Explain this observation. [1]
  42. June 2018, Component 1, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain whether or not a moon of twice the mass of Deimos, but in a circular orbit of the same radius about Mars, would have the same speed as Deimos. [2]
  43. June 2018, Component 2, Q4(a)(i) (4 marks): Use the Principle of Conservation of Energy to show that the critical density, ρc, of the universe is given by: [4] ρc = 3H0 2 8πG
  44. June 2018, Component 2, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): Use the above equation to show that the critical density of the universe corresponds to approximately 5 atoms of hydrogen per m3 [2]
  45. June 2018, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): State why there is an increase in wavelength. [1]
  46. June 2018, Component 2, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the distance of the galaxy from Earth. [3]
  47. June 2018, Component 2, Q4(c) (3 marks): Stating an assumption, estimate the age of the universe in years. [3]
  48. June 2018, Component 2, Q5 (6 marks): The diagram shows the key features of the rotation curves for a distant spiral galaxy. Explain how these features relate to the structure and motion of the gala
  49. June 2017, Component 2, Q6(a) (3 marks): The diagram is taken from a physics text book. Describe how it is used to explain Kepler’s 2nd law. [3] 6 months A1 A2 6 months A3 6 months
  50. June 2017, Component 2, Q6(b) (3 marks): Use a formula for centripetal acceleration and Newton’s law of gravitation to show that, for a planet in circular orbit of radius, r, around a star of mass, M:
  51. June 2017, Component 2, Q6(c)(i) (4 marks): When analysing light from the low mass star, a hydrogen line at λ = 486.140 nm has a maximum Doppler shift of 0.052 nm. Further experimental measurements show t
  52. June 2017, Component 2, Q6(c)(ii) (4 marks): Astronomers believe that the mass of the neutron star is 1.8 times the mass of the Sun. Determine whether or not this is correct, stating any assumption you mak

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