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Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Spec 8.7-8.12P

Star Colour, Magnitude and the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

Covers link star colour to surface temperature, Distinguish apparent and absolute magnitude and Interpret the main regions of an H-R diagram.

Physics revision video

Star Colour, Magnitude and the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

Spec 8.7-8.12P

What you need to know

  • Link star colour to surface temperature
  • Distinguish apparent and absolute magnitude
  • Interpret the main regions of an H-R diagram

Active recall

Quick check

Answer each question before opening the answer.

Which colour stars are hottest?

Blue

What standard distance defines absolute magnitude?

10 parsecs

Where are white dwarfs on an H-R diagram?

Lower left: hot but dim

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