5 (a) Put a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1

The correct order of the stages in the evolution of a star similar to the Sun is as follows:

1. nebula
2. main sequence star
3. red giant
4. white dwarf

Part Q of the electromagnetic spectrum is labelled as 'infrared'.

Some telescopes are located outside the Earth’s atmosphere because:

• They are above the atmosphere, avoiding issues such as air, dust, and pollution that can distort the images.
• Telescopes in space can observe wavelengths like gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet that are absorbed by the atmosphere, allowing for clearer and more detailed observations.

Modern telescopes have significantly enhanced our understanding of the Universe in various ways:

1. Wavelength Coverage: They can observe a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths, including infrared, ultraviolet, and gamma rays, which provides insights into different astronomical phenomena.

2. Improved Resolution: Enhanced optical systems allow for sharper images, helping scientists detect distant galaxies and fine details in celestial objects.

3. Deep Sky Surveys: Telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope have conducted deep field surveys, revealing thousands of galaxies and the structure of the universe.

4. Real-time Data: Modern telescopes often use advanced technology to capture data in real-time, facilitating instant analysis and furthering scientific discoveries.

5. Collaboration and Data Sharing: They enable collaboration among scientists globally, sharing data that leads to collective advancements in space research.

6. Understanding Cosmic Events: Telescopes have also allowed us to study transient events, such as supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, which contribute to our knowledge of cosmic evolution.