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Beyond Earth

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Question 12

This question is about stellar evolution and the nuclear processes that power stars.

a.

Match each stage to its correct description:

Stages:

  1. Protostar
  2. Main Sequence Star
  3. Supernova
  4. White Dwarf

Descriptions:

  • A: A hot, dense remnant left behind after a low-mass star ceases nuclear fusion in its core.
  • B: An early stage of stellar evolution formed by the gravitational contraction of an interstellar cloud.
  • C: A colossal stellar explosion that disperses heavy elements into space.
  • D: The longest, stable stage of a star's life during which hydrogen is converted into helium in its core.
[2]
b.

Which stage in the lifecycle of a star with a mass similar to our Sun immediately follows the main sequence? Select from: red giant, red supergiant, neutron star, black hole.

[1]
c.

What process in the core of a star provides the energy to produce the outward radiation pressure opposing gravity? Select from: chemical combustion, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, beta decay.

[1]
d.

Complete the sentence describing a star on the stable main sequence. Select from: equal to, greater than, less than.

"The outward radiation pressure of the star is ____________________ the inward pull of gravity."

[1]
e.

Consider the two nuclear equations represented below:

  • Equation P: 612C+24He→816O{}^{12}_{6}\text{C} + {}^{4}_{2}\text{He} \rightarrow {}^{16}_{8}\text{O}612​C+24​He→816​O
  • Equation Q: n+94239Pu→54134Xe+40103Zr+3 n\text{n} + {}^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow {}^{134}_{54}\text{Xe} + {}^{103}_{40}\text{Zr} + 3\,\text{n}n+94239​Pu→54134​Xe+40103​Zr+3n

Which equation shows nuclear fusion? (Answer P or Q)

[1]
f.

Which equation shows nuclear fission? (Answer P or Q)

[1]
Markscheme

Beyond Earth Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Beyond Earth

27 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Physics Beyond Earth. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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