Physics A-Level
estimation
What estimation means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of estimation
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Reference: AQA
Typically involves reading a spectrum to find z, using v = zc and d = v / H₀ to estimate distance, then comparing apparent flux with a known standard to estimate luminosity.
Using orders of magnitude to make rough estimates of physical quantities and to check whether an answer is sensible.
Topics that use estimation
- Estimation of physical quantities (AQA A-Level)
- Quasars (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Accretion discs and black hole mass
- Active galactic nuclei
- Communication of assumptions and uncertainty
- Cosmological redshift
- Dimensional consistency and unit conversion
- Gravitational potential energy conversion
- Hubble's law
- Inverse-square law
Using estimation in the exam
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