Hubble constant
What Hubble constant means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definitions of Hubble constant
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Hubble constant in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Describes how fast the universe expands, relating recession speed to distance as v = H₀d, so it has units of s⁻¹.
H₀ links a galaxy's recession speed v to its distance d through v = H₀d, so it is the gradient of a v–d graph.
The constant H₀ in Hubble's law, with units of s⁻¹, often quoted as km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹.
Topics that use Hubble constant
- Cosmology (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Age of the universe
- Astronomical distance units
- Baseline
- Big Bang nucleosynthesis
- Big Bang theory
- Cosmic microwave background
- Cosmic microwave background radiation
- Cosmological redshift
Using Hubble constant in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge