GCSE Physics: Space Physics Revision

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What does red-shift of distant galaxies show?

Space Physics is a core part of GCSE Physics. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Light-yearThe distance light travels in one year (~9.5×10¹⁵ m).

Orbital speedv = 2πr ÷ T for a body in a circular orbit.

Main sequence starA stable star fusing hydrogen to helium, gravity balanced by radiation pressure.

Red giant & white dwarfLate stages of a low-mass star's life.

SupernovaThe explosive death of a massive star, leaving a neutron star or black hole.

Red-shiftLight from distant galaxies stretched to longer wavelengths — the universe is expanding.

What your exam board covers

Where Space Physics sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQASpace physics (physics only)Spec 8463

Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites
Red-shift

Source: AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

CCEA2.5 Space physicsSpec 1210

Part of: Unit 2 — Waves, light, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and space physics

Source: CCEA GCSE Physics (2017) specification, accessed 9 July 2026.

Eduqas/WJECSpace physicsSpec C420P (QAN 601/8624/0)

Solar system, stability of orbital motions and satellites
Red shift, the 'Big Bang' and universal expansion

Source: Eduqas/WJEC GCSE Physics specification (from 2016), accessed 24 June 2026.

Cambridge IGCSESpace physicsSpec 0625

The Earth and the Solar System
Stars and the Universe

Source: Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Space Physics step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Other boards:Edexcel OCR Edexcel IGCSE

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

What does red-shift of distant galaxies show?✗ The galaxies are red-hot. ✓ They are moving away — the universe is expanding.

What is a light-year?✗ A length of time. ✓ A distance — how far light travels in a year.

What happens to a star like the Sun at the end of its life?✗ It explodes as a supernova and forms a black hole. ✓ It becomes a red giant, then a white dwarf.

Practise Space Physics — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 22 games in the Revision Arcade →

Space Physics

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Space Physics — free games

More GCSE Physics topics