13.1 Trigonometric Parallax Flashcards Preview

A-Level Physics EDEXCEL Year 2 > 13.1 Trigonometric Parallax > Flashcards

Flashcards in 13.1 Trigonometric Parallax Deck (10)
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1
Q

How long is an Astronomical Unit?

A

1.5 x 10^11 m

2
Q

What is an astronomical unit?

A

The mean distance between the Earth and the Sun

3
Q

What is the distance of one light year? What is the speed

A

9.5 x 10^15 m

3 x 10^8

4
Q

What is a light year?

A

The distance travelled by light in one year

5
Q

What is 1 Parsec in m?

A

3.1 x 10^16m

6
Q

How to calculate 1 Parsec ?

A

Set up a triangle with opposite side of 1 AU and an angle of 1 arc second. Parsec is the value of the adjacent side.

7
Q

What is the value of an arc second?

A

1 / 60^2

8
Q

What is trigonometric parallax ? What does it depend on ?

A

The show of closer objects changing positions more relative to objects further away from us.

It depends on the size of the parallax angle.

9
Q

What does greater parallax angle mean?

A

Object is closer , so it will have more movement relative to other objects.

10
Q

What is a ‘wobble’?

A

The difference between angles of parallax of the earth to a star in positions six months apart.

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