Cognito · AQA Physics 2026/27The Universe and Red-Shift
Key facts
The solar system and universe — fill in the table
Term
Definition
Solar system
Galaxy
Universe
Light-year
Planet orbits
Life cycle of stars — fill in the table
Term
Fact
Small star (like our Sun)
Large star
Main sequence
Supernova
Red-shift and the Big Bang — fill in the table
Term
Fact
Red-shift
What red-shift indicates
Universe expansion
Big Bang theory
Evidence for the Big Bang
Exam questions — 4 questions · 12 marks
⚡ Extended questions included. Show all working for calculation questions. The AI marks against the real AQA mark scheme.
1 markRed-shift evidenceAQA 8463 P2 style
What does the red-shift of light from distant galaxies tell us about the universe?
A The universe is contracting and all galaxies are moving towards us
B The universe is expanding — distant galaxies are moving away from us
C The temperature of distant galaxies is decreasing
D Distant galaxies have different chemical compositions to our galaxy
4 marksLife cycle of a large starAQA 8463 P2 style
Describe the life cycle of a star much more massive than the Sun from protostar to its final state. (4 marks)
Hint: Follow the sequence: nebula → protostar → main sequence → red supergiant → supernova → neutron star/black hole. The more massive the star, the more dramatic the ending.