AQA SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
Surname
Forename(s)
Candidate signatuure
I declare this is my own work.
A-level
PHYSICS
Paper 3
Section B Astrophysics
Time allowed: The total time for
both sections of this paper is
Materials 2 hours. You are advised to
For this paper you must have: spend approximately 70 minutes
• a pencil and a ruler
on this section.
• a scientific calculator
• a Data and Formulae Booklet
• a protractor
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen. For Examiner’s Use
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
• Answer all questions. Question Mark
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write 1
outside the box around each page or on blank pages. 2
• If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of
3
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).
• Show all your working. 4
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want TOTAL
to be marked.
Information
• The marks for the questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 35.
• You are expected to use a scientific calculator where appropriate.
• A Data and Formulae Booklet is provided as a loose insert.
for more: tyrionpapers.com
708/3BA
, 2
Do not write
outside the
Section B box
Answer all questions in the spaces provided.
0 1 An astronomer uses a refracting telescope in normal adjustment to observe a
distant star. The objective lens has a focal length of 1200 mm and the eyepiece lens
has a focal length of 60 mm. The figure 1 shows a simple astronomical refracting
telescope in normal adjustment.
Figure 1
0 1 . 1 State what is meant by normal adjustment.
[1 mark]
0 1 . 2 Calculate the angular magnification of the telescope.
[2 marks]
Angular magnification=__________________
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 0 1 . 3 State the separation of the two lenses when in normal adjustment.
[1 mark]
Separation of the two lenses=___________________
0 1 . 4 The astronomer notices coloured fringing around the image of the star. State the
name of this defect and explain why it occurs. Explain why this defect has very little
effect on a Cassegrain reflecting telescope.
[3 marks]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
PREDICTED PAPER
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
Surname
Forename(s)
Candidate signatuure
I declare this is my own work.
A-level
PHYSICS
Paper 3
Section B Astrophysics
Time allowed: The total time for
both sections of this paper is
Materials 2 hours. You are advised to
For this paper you must have: spend approximately 70 minutes
• a pencil and a ruler
on this section.
• a scientific calculator
• a Data and Formulae Booklet
• a protractor
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen. For Examiner’s Use
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
• Answer all questions. Question Mark
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write 1
outside the box around each page or on blank pages. 2
• If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of
3
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).
• Show all your working. 4
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want TOTAL
to be marked.
Information
• The marks for the questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 35.
• You are expected to use a scientific calculator where appropriate.
• A Data and Formulae Booklet is provided as a loose insert.
for more: tyrionpapers.com
708/3BA
, 2
Do not write
outside the
Section B box
Answer all questions in the spaces provided.
0 1 An astronomer uses a refracting telescope in normal adjustment to observe a
distant star. The objective lens has a focal length of 1200 mm and the eyepiece lens
has a focal length of 60 mm. The figure 1 shows a simple astronomical refracting
telescope in normal adjustment.
Figure 1
0 1 . 1 State what is meant by normal adjustment.
[1 mark]
0 1 . 2 Calculate the angular magnification of the telescope.
[2 marks]
Angular magnification=__________________
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 0 1 . 3 State the separation of the two lenses when in normal adjustment.
[1 mark]
Separation of the two lenses=___________________
0 1 . 4 The astronomer notices coloured fringing around the image of the star. State the
name of this defect and explain why it occurs. Explain why this defect has very little
effect on a Cassegrain reflecting telescope.
[3 marks]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
