LibGuides: VCE Physics Unit 2: Option 2.1: What are stars?

Option 2.1: What are stars?

Observations of the night sky have changed over time from using just the naked eye to the use of sophisticated instruments. This option involves the examination of the birth, life and death of stars in the Universe. Students explore how the properties of starlight can provide information, including the star’s distance from Earth, its temperature, composition, age and future.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply concepts of light and nuclear physics to describe and explain the genesis and life cycle of stars, and describe the methods used to gather this information.

Stellar life cycle

Classification of stars

Astronomical measurement

Electromagnetic radiation
Spectroscopy
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