Transit depth
What Transit depth means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Transit depth
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Transit depth in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A quantity that relates approximately to the square of the ratio of planet radius to star radius, so a deeper transit indicates a larger planet relative to its star.
Topics that use Transit depth
- Detection of exoplanets (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Angular separation
- Baseline
- Doppler shift
- Radial velocity method
- Transit method
- Contrast
- Coronagraphs
- Depth
Using Transit depth 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