SPACE
In this area, the topics covered are: space exploration; cosmology.
SUB UNIT HEADING |
DETAILS |
Space exploration |
- Basic awareness of our current understanding of the universe. - Use of the following terms correctly and in context: planet, dwarf planet, moon, Sun, asteroid, solar system, star, exoplanet, galaxy, universe. - Awareness of the benefits of satellites: GPS, weather forecasting, communications, scientific discovery and space exploration (for example Hubble telescope, ISS). - Knowledge that geostationary satellites have a period of 24 hours and orbit at an altitude of 36 000 km. - Knowledge that the period of a satellite in a high altitude orbit is greater than the period of a satellite in a lower altitude orbit. - Awareness of the challenges of space travel: - travelling large distances with the possible solution of attaining high velocity by using ion drive (producing a small unbalanced force over an extended period of time) - travelling large distances using a ‘catapult’ from a fast moving asteroid, moon or planet - manoeuvring a spacecraft in a zero friction environment, possibly to dock with the ISS - maintaining sufficient energy to operate life support systems in a spacecraft, with the possible solution of using solar cells with area that varies with distance from the Sun - Awareness of the risks associated with manned space exploration: - fuel load on take-off - potential exposure to radiation pressure differential - re-entry through an atmosphere - Knowledge of Newton’s second and third laws and their application to space travel, rocket launch and landing. - Use of an appropriate relationship to solve problems involving weight, mass and gravitational field strength, in different locations in the universe. W = mg |
Cosmology |
- Use of the term ‘light year’ and conversion between light years and metres. - Basic description of the ‘Big Bang’ theory of the origin of the universe. - Knowledge of the approximate estimated age of the universe. - Awareness of the use of the whole electromagnetic spectrum in obtaining information about astronomical objects. - Identification of continuous and line spectra. - Use of spectral data for known elements, to identify the elements present in stars. |
Summary Notes & Questions
Remember to continual check your past paper attempts and review unknown areas with your summary notes. Websites like BBC Bitesize and Mr MacKenzie Fizzics will also help your revision. Ask your teacher if you are unsure of how to proceed with your revision plan and to clarify areas you are unsure about.