Theme E: Nuclear and quantum physics

IB Physics E.5 Fusion and stars: practice questions and video explanations

Nuclear fusion as the energy source of stars, stellar equilibrium, the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, stellar evolution and stellar parallax.

SL and HL

What you need to know for E.5 Fusion and stars

  • Explain fusion and the conditions needed in stellar cores
  • Describe the equilibrium between radiation pressure and gravity
  • Read the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and stellar evolution paths
  • Use stellar parallax to find distances to nearby stars

E.5 Fusion and stars questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
17
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
14
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
3
Free to try
4

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

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Try a free E.5 Fusion and stars question

Real questions from the question bank. Choose an answer and check it, then see the mark scheme and the video explanation.

Free question · 1 of 1Topic E.5Paper 1 styleEasy
“Star X” has a luminosity L and an apparent brightness b. “Star X” is at a distance d from Earth. “Star Y” has the same apparent brightness as “X” but is four times more luminous. What is the distance of “Star Y” from Earth?
Choose your answer

More from theme E: Nuclear and quantum physics

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.