AQA A Level Physics Paper 3 Section B: Astrophysics June 2017 question paper 7408/3BA

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.

The minimum angular resolution of a telescope can be determined using the Rayleigh criterion.

Explain what is meant by the Rayleigh criterion.

Discuss which of the two telescopes in Table 1 would be better at resolving the images of two objects that are close together.

Define the parsec. You may use a diagram as part of your answer.

Deduce which star is larger, Kornephoros or Rutilicus.

One of the four stars has the peak in its black-body radiation curve at a

Calculate the corresponding temperature for this curve.

Explain which star produced the black-body radiation curve described in question 03.3.

Which star has the brightest absolute magnitude? Tick () the correct box.

Determine the absolute magnitude of Sarin.

Sketch, on the axes in Figure 1, the light curve for a typical type 1a supernova. Label the axes with suitable scales.

Type 1a supernovae can be used as standard candles.

Explain what is meant by a standard candle.

Measurements of type 1a supernovae in 1999 led to a controversy concerning the behaviour of the Universe.

Describe this controversy and how the measurements led to it.

Discuss the difficulties associated with the detection of an Earth-like planet orbiting a Sun-like star. In your answer you should compare the methods that are used in the search and suggest which may be the most successful.