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Edexcel A Level Physics

Topic questions Space physics The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram

9 questions · 41 marks · about 50 minutes

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram questions

TopicThe Hertzsprung-Russell diagram

Edexcel 9PH0 The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram 9 questions

Paper 2: Advanced Physics II June 2025, Question 21 13 marks

All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.

(a)

State what is meant by absolute zero.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 21(a)
(b)

The graph shows how the intensity of radiation emitted by the Earth varied with wavelength in 2020.

Figure for question 21

Explain the differences between this graph and a graph representing the emission of radiation by the Earth in 2050. Assume that the average global temperature increases over time.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 21(b)
(c)

At the end of the 19th century, Wien investigated the radiation emitted by hot objects and formulated a law.

The table shows data for some stars.

Starλmax / nmT / K
Bellatrix13221 500
Rigel24511 600
Sirius2879910

Deduce whether Wien’s law is confirmed by this data.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 21(c)
(d)

The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram below shows part of the main sequence of stars. The star Sirius A is marked on the diagram.

Figure for question 21

On a website it states that the radius of Sirius A is twice the radius of the Sun. Deduce whether this statement is correct. radius of the Sun = 6.96×108m surface temperature of the Sun = 5800 K

[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 21(d)

Paper 2: Advanced Physics II June 2024, Question 1 1 mark

A Hertzsprung–Russell diagram for stars in our galaxy is shown. V, W, X, Y and Z are positions on the diagram.

Figure for question 1

Which of the following gives a sequence of positions of the Sun during its lifetime?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1

Paper 2: Advanced Physics II June 2022, Question 5 1 mark

Betelgeuse is a red giant star.

The surface temperature of Betelgeuse is TB and the surface area of Betelgeuse is AB. The surface temperature of the Sun is TS and the surface area of the Sun is AS. Which row in the table shows a correct comparison of the surface temperature and surface area of Betelgeuse with those of the Sun?

Figure for question 5
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5

Paper 2: Advanced Physics II November 2021, Question 15 7 marks

One of the largest stars in our galaxy is VY Canis Majoris. This star’s radius is 1420 times the radius of the Sun. The luminosity of this star is 270 000 times the luminosity of the Sun.

A student states that the surface temperature of VY Canis Majoris must be much greater than the surface temperature of the Sun.

(a)

Determine whether the student’s statement is correct.

surface temperature of Sun = 5780 K

Question 15, shown as an image
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(a)
(b)

Calculate the wavelength with maximum intensity in the black body radiation spectrum of VY Canis Majoris.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(b)
(c)

Add the position of VY Canis Majoris to the Hertzsprung Russell diagram to determine which type of star it is.

Figure for question 15
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(c)

Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics November 2021, Question 9 15 marks

A Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram shows how the luminosity L depends on the surface temperature T for a group of stars.

The HR diagram below is for a young star cluster.

Figure for question 9
(a)(i)

Explain how we can tell that the young star cluster is in the early stages of its evolution.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Explain why the most massive stars in the cluster have the greatest luminosities.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)(ii)
(b)

The HR diagram on the previous page shows an approximately linear relationship for stars in this cluster.

(b)(i)

It is suggested that the relationship between luminosity L and surface temperature T is of the form

where k and n are constants.

Explain why a graph of log L against log T would give a straight line.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The table shows data for stars in this cluster.

Figure for question 9

Plot a graph of log L against log T on the grid opposite. Use the columns provided to show any processed data.

[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Determine a value for n.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(iii)

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