GCSE Physics (AQA) chapter 8: Space physics MCQs with answers
By Team Megalecture · Updated 4 Nov 2026
20 exam-style questions on Space physics, each with the answer and a short explanation. Ten of them are below to try. The chapter test draws ten fresh questions each time and is marked the moment you finish, with your score by topic.
Solar system, life cycle of a star and orbital motion (AQA 4.8.1)11 questions
Red-shift and the expanding universe (AQA 4.8.2)9 questions
Ten Space physics questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. These ten stay the same; the test draws new ones every time.
1. Which is the correct life cycle of a star about the same size as the Sun?
A
nebula → protostar → main sequence star → red giant → white dwarf → black dwarf
B
nebula → protostar → main sequence star → red supergiant → supernova → neutron star
C
nebula → main sequence star → protostar → red giant → white dwarf
D
nebula → protostar → main sequence star → red giant → supernova → black hole
Show answer
Answer: A. A Sun-sized star swells to a red giant, then shrinks to a white dwarf that cools to a black dwarf. Supernovas happen only to stars much more massive than the Sun.
2. Most distant galaxies show red-shift. What does this tell us about their motion?
A
they are moving towards us
B
they are stationary relative to us
C
they are moving away from us
D
they are rotating but not moving
Show answer
Answer: C. Red-shift shows a source moving away from the observer, so most galaxies are moving away from us.
3. In the core of a main sequence star, what do hydrogen nuclei fuse to form?
A
helium nuclei
B
iron nuclei
C
uranium nuclei
D
neutrons only
Show answer
Answer: A. Main sequence stars fuse hydrogen into helium, releasing energy.
4. How was the Sun formed?
A
from the remains of a planet that exploded
B
from a red giant star that cooled down
C
from a collision between two stars
D
from a cloud of dust and gas pulled together by gravitational attraction
Show answer
Answer: D. The Sun formed from a nebula, a cloud of dust and gas, which was pulled together by gravity until fusion began.
5. Why is a star stable during its main sequence period?
A
no forces act on the star
B
gravity has no effect on a star this size
C
the outward force from fusion energy balances the inward pull of gravity
D
fusion has stopped in the core
Show answer
Answer: C. Fusion energy creates an outward pressure that is in equilibrium with gravity pulling inwards, so the star neither expands nor collapses.
6. Where are elements heavier than iron produced?
A
by fusion in main sequence stars
B
in the Big Bang
C
in white dwarfs
D
in supernova explosions
Show answer
Answer: D. Fusion in stars makes elements up to iron. Heavier elements are made in supernovas, which also spread them through the universe.
7. Which of these do scientists still not understand?
A
what causes red-shift
B
whether galaxies exist
C
dark mass and dark energy
D
how fusion releases energy in stars
Show answer
Answer: C. Although there is extensive research, dark mass and dark energy are still not understood.
8. What is the Moon an example of?
A
a natural satellite
B
a planet
C
a dwarf planet
D
an artificial satellite
Show answer
Answer: A. Moons are natural satellites that orbit planets. Artificial satellites are made by people.
9. Compared with light from the same source in a laboratory, what is true of light from a distant galaxy?
A
it has a shorter wavelength and a higher frequency
B
it has a longer wavelength and a higher frequency
C
it has the same wavelength but a lower speed
D
it has a longer wavelength and a lower frequency
Show answer
Answer: D. Red-shift means the wavelength is longer. The speed of light is the same, so from v = fλ the frequency must be lower.
10. A satellite moves in a circular orbit at a constant speed. Which statement is correct?
A
its velocity is constant
B
there is no resultant force on it
C
its velocity is changing because its direction changes, so it is accelerating towards the Earth
D
it is accelerating away from the Earth
Show answer
Answer: C. In circular motion the direction constantly changes, so the velocity changes even though the speed does not. Gravity gives an acceleration towards the centre.
20, each with the answer and a short explanation, across 2 topics: Solar system, life cycle of a star and orbital motion (AQA 4.8.1), Red-shift and the expanding universe (AQA 4.8.2). Every chapter test draws ten of them, so you can take it many times.
Is the GCSE Physics (AQA) chapter 8 test free?
Yes. The test, the answers and the explanations are free and need no sign-up. Sign in only if you want your scores kept across devices.
How is the chapter test marked?
The moment you press Finish: your score, the right answer and an explanation for every question, and the ones you got wrong saved in My mistakes to retry.
