Physics A-Level
White dwarfs
What White dwarfs means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of White dwarfs
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 White dwarfs in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Stars in the lower left region with hot surfaces but very low luminosity, which requires very small radii.
Hot but dim stars that lie below the main sequence on the left.
Topics that use White dwarfs
- The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Stars (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- HR diagram
- Main sequence
- White dwarf
- absolute magnitude
- Black hole
- Chandrasekhar limit
- Electron degeneracy pressure
- Giants and supergiants
Using White dwarfs 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.
Start free
All Physics A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge