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8 Space physics

8 Space physics

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Question 6

A space probe exploring the outer reaches of the solar system is transmitting telemetry signals back to Earth. As the probe moves directly away from Earth, its signals exhibit red-shift.

a.

Describe how the wavelength and frequency of the radio waves received from the probe change when observed from Earth because of this red-shift.

[2]
b.

The average orbital radius of a hypothetical Kuiper Belt object is measured to be approximately 7.3 × 104 gigametres (Gm).

Which of the following is equivalent to this distance in metres (m)?

  • 7.3 × 1010 m
  • 7.3 × 1013 m
  • 7.3 × 1016 m
  • 7.3 × 1019 m
[1]
c.

A team of astronomers publishes a paper claiming to have observed a tenth major planet in our solar system using a novel infrared telescope, but their observations contradict existing sky surveys. Explain why it is important for these new observations to undergo peer review before they are widely accepted.

[1]
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8 Space physics Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /8 Space physics

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