Cambridge recently added a new section to the O Level/IGCSE Physics syllabus, called Space Physics. Although its topics may seem completely new, don’t worry just yet. We have prepared a short introduction to familiarize you with this newest addition to the Physics syllabus and get you started with your O Level/IGCSE preparation!
What is Space Physics?
The new "Space Physics" section in the O Level/IGCSE Physics chapters offers a chance to explore the intricacies of the universe. This addition encompasses two major areas: "Earth and the Solar System" and "Stars and the Universe".
Earth and the Solar System:
This chapter unveils Earth’s orbit around the Sun. You will also explore the solar system's composition of planets, dwarf planets, and the asteroid belt. At the same time, you’ll be able to understand how gravity helps create orbits that keep the solar system in place!
Stars and the Universe:
This chapter will expand your view of the known universe. It introduces the Sun as a star, explaining its energy emissions and nuclear reactions. The life cycle of stars, from their formation to eventual collapse into white dwarfs or black holes, is detailed. The chapter on the Universe discusses galaxies, the concept of light-years, and redshift as evidence for the Big Bang theory!
How should I go about preparing for O Level/IGCSE Space Physics?
We recommend that you do these O Level/IGCSE Physics chapters in order. Information from the Earth and Solar System chapter can be important for making sense of topics in the second chapter. The official O Level/IGCSE Space Physics notes can be found in the Cambridge-endorsed textbook!
What kind of O Level/IGCSE Space Physics questions can I expect?
O Level/IGCSE Space Physics is intended as a surface-level overview of key concepts. You will likely not find too many numerical questions in the O Level/IGCSE past papers. Instead, expect conceptual theoretical questions, which you can even revise by looking at the detailed Physics syllabus or through the interactive O Level/IGCSE crash course at Out-Class.
Space Physics O Level/IGCSE practice questions can also be found in the specimen papers available on Cambridge’s website.
Conclusion
Space Physics is an exciting addition to the O Level/IGCSE Physics coursework. We hope that you found this guide as a useful starting point for this topic. You might find our all-inclusive O Level /IGCSE Physics crash course extremely useful for getting O Level/IGCSE Physics tips to ace your CAIE exams!
Most Common Repeated Questions:
Unlock the secrets to acing your CAIE IGCSE & O Level exams with a sneak peek into the most frequently asked questions that have graced the past papers!
- In space, an interstellar cloud of dust and gas collapses to form a protostar. The cloud contains hydrogen. Describe the energy transfers that take place as the cloud collapses and forms the protostar. (2) [May/June 2019, 2021] [Oct/Nov 2023]
- Eventually nuclear fusion occurs in the star. State two conditions required for nuclear fusion to occur in the star. (2) [May/June 2019]
FAQs:
Q. What does the "Space Physics" section in O Level/IGCSE Physics cover?
The "Space Physics" section in O Level/IGCSE Physics covers two major areas: "Earth and the Solar System" and "Stars and the Universe." It explores Earth's orbit around the Sun, the solar system's composition, and details about stars, including their life cycle and the concept of the universe.
Q. What are the chapters included in the "Earth and the Solar System" section of O Level/IGCSE Space Physics?
The "Earth and the Solar System" section includes topics such as Earth's orbit around the Sun, the composition of the solar system (planets, dwarf planets, and the asteroid belt), and the role of gravity in creating orbits.
Q. What topics are covered in the "Stars and the Universe" section of O Level/IGCSE Space Physics?
The "Stars and the Universe" section covers the Sun as a star, its energy emissions, nuclear reactions, the life cycle of stars (formation to collapse into white dwarfs or black holes), and broader concepts like galaxies, light-years, and redshift as evidence for the Big Bang theory.
Q. Is the O Level/IGCSE Physics crash course recommended for preparing for Space Physics?
Yes, the O Level /IGCSE Physics crash course at Out-Class can be extremely useful for getting tips and comprehensive preparation for the O Level Physics exam, including the Space Physics section. It offers additional resources and guidance to help students ace their CAIE exams.
