AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2023: Question 7

8 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Analyze satellite orbits, determine speed from distance-time graphs, interpret red-shift spectra of galaxies, and evaluate peer review in scientific observations.

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Question

Question text

07 Figure 17 shows the Hubble Space Telescope orbiting the Earth.

Figure 17

07.1 What name is given to an object that orbits a planet?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A comet

A satellite

A star

07.2 The Earth exerts a gravitational force on the Hubble Space Telescope.

Draw an arrow on Figure 17 to show the gravitational force.

[1 mark]

07.3 Figure 18 shows how the distance travelled by the Hubble Space Telescope during

its orbit changes with time.

Figure 18

The gradient of the line in Figure 18 gives the speed of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Determine the speed of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Give your answer in km/s.

[3 marks]

Speed = km/s

The Hubble Space Telescope can detect the visible light spectra from

distant galaxies.

The visible light spectra from stars and galaxies include dark lines at specific

wavelengths.

Figure 19 shows the visible light spectra from the Sun and three galaxies.

*29* Figure 19

07.4 Which galaxy is moving away from the Earth the fastest?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Galaxy A

Galaxy B

Galaxy C 31

07.5 Which galaxy is the furthest away from the Earth?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Galaxy A

Galaxy B

Galaxy C

07.6 New scientific observations indicate that many galaxies rotate too quickly for the

known mass of the stars they contain.

Why is it important that new scientific observations are peer reviewed?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

To check the observations are correct

To identify control variables

To provide more proof

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

Question 7

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

07.1 a satellite 1 AO1

4.8.1.3

AO /

Spec. Ref.

07.2 arrow drawn towards the centre 1 AO1

of the Earth from the Hubble 4.8.1.3

Space Telescope

AO /

Spec. Ref.

07.3 any correct change in distance e.g. 38 (km) and 5 (s) 1 AO2

with the correct change in time 4.5.6.1.4

a correct substitution of a 38

e.g. 𝑣𝑣 = 1

correct pair of values 5

a correctly calculated answer e.g. v = 7.6 (km/s)

AO /

Spec. Ref.

07.4 galaxy C 1 AO3

4.8.2

AO /

Spec. Ref.

07.5 galaxy C 1 AO3

4.8.2

AO /

Spec. Ref.

07.6 to check the observations are 1 AO1

correct 4.8.2

Total Question 7 8

How to answer it

GCSE Physics Study Guide: Space Physics & Orbital Mechanics

What this question tests

This question assesses your understanding of orbital motion, gravitational forces, interpreting distance-time graph gradients to find speed, red-shift in the light spectra of distant galaxies, and the role of peer review in the scientific community.

Question 07.1

Orbital Objects

✅ Correct Answer

Tick: A satellite

💡 Key Knowledge

Any object that orbits another body in space (like a planet or a star) is defined as a satellite. Moons are natural satellites, while the Hubble Space Telescope is an artificial satellite.

Marks: 1 mark | AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding

Question 07.2

Gravitational Force Direction

✅ Correct Answer

An arrow drawn starting from the Hubble Space Telescope pointing directly towards the centre of the Earth.

🧠 Exam Technique

Gravity is an attractive force. When drawing the arrow, make sure the arrowhead touches or points precisely towards the centre of the Earth, as this is the line of action for the gravitational force keeping the satellite in orbit.

Marks: 1 mark | AO1: Apply knowledge of gravitational fields

Question 07.3

Calculating Speed from a Distance-Time Graph

📐 Calculation Steps

Identify values: Choose a clear point on the line. For example, at time t = 5 s , distance = 38 km (or use t = 0 to 5 giving distance change of 38 km ).
Substitute into formula: Speed = change in distance / change in time -> v = 38 / 5
Calculate answer: v = 7.6 km/s

❌ Common Errors

Students often misread graph grid lines or fail to show their working out. Always draw construction lines on the graph to show examiner where your values came from to secure method marks.

Marks: 3 marks | AO2: Apply graphing skills to physics contexts

Question 07.4

Red-Shift and Speed

✅ Correct Answer

Tick: Galaxy C

💡 Key Knowledge

When an object moves away from Earth, its light is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum (longer wavelengths). The greater the speed of the galaxy away from us, the greater the red-shift (lines shift further to the right towards red).

Marks: 1 mark | AO3: Interpret spectral data

Question 07.5

Distance and Red-Shift

✅ Correct Answer

Tick: Galaxy C

💡 Key Knowledge

According to Hubble's Law, the further away a galaxy is from the Earth, the faster it is moving away. Therefore, the galaxy with the greatest red-shift (Galaxy C) is also the furthest away.

Marks: 1 mark | AO3: Link distance and velocity via red-shift

Question 07.6

The Importance of Peer Review

✅ Correct Answer

Tick: To check the observations are correct

💡 Key Knowledge

Peer review is carried out by other scientists in the same field to detect false claims, check validity, validate methodology, and ensure observations and conclusions are accurate before publication.

Marks: 1 mark | AO1: Recall scientific working practices

Topics

Physics · P5: Forces · P8: Space Physics (physics only)

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2023. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.