14 All Answers HL

– 25 – M16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Option D — Astrophysics
Question Answers Notes Total
17 a made of dust and/or gas
formed from supernova
can form new stars 1 max
some radiate light from enclosed stars
some absorb light from distant stars
b 1 Answer must be in metres,

d= OR 120 «pc » watch for POT.
8.32 × 10 −3 2
120 × 3.26 × 9.46 × 1015 = 3.70 × 1018 m
c distances are so big/large OR to avoid using large powers of 10 OR they are based on
convenient definitions 1
18 a 2.9 × 10 −3 Answer must be to at least

T = 2SF.
740 × 10 −9 2
3900 K
Accept use of 39004 to give

b
( )
2
L = 5.67 × 10 –8 × 4π × 3.1× 1010 × 4000 4
1.6 × 1029 W. 2
= 1.8 × 1029 W
c absorption lines in spectra Accept “emission lines in

spectra”. 2
are specific to particular elements
d helium 1

18 e helium flash
expansion of outer shell OR surface temperature increase
planetary nebula phase 3 max
only the core remains
if below 1.4 MS/Chandrasekhar limit then white dwarf
19 a i ∆λ Do not allow just “redshift”.

z= where ∆λ is the redshift of a wavelength and λo is the wavelength measured at
λo 1
rest on Earth OR it is a measure of cosmological redshift
a ii R R 1 R 1 Do not accept answer 1.16.

«z = − 1, o = » so o = « » = 0.86 1
Ro R z +1 R 1.16
a iii v = zc = 0.16 × 3 × 108 = 4.8 × 10 4 «km s –1 »
v 4.8 × 10 4 2
d= = = 706 Mpc OR 2.2 × 1025 m
H0 68
b as the universe expanded it cooled/wavelength increased Value is required for MP2.

the temperature dropped to the present approximate 3 K OR wavelength stretched to the 2
present approximate 1 mm

20 a a gas cloud will collapse to form a star
if «the magnitude of» the gravitational potential energy of the particles is greater than the 2
kinetic energy of the particles OR mass of the cloud is greater than the Jeans mass
b Ia have consistent maxima in their light curves but II vary

Ia has a strong ionized SiII line but II has hydrogen lines in their spectra
Ia was a white dwarf but II are massive stars 3 max
Ia form from binary systems but II are the result of core collapse of a star
Ia can be used as standard candles but II are not

21 a i curve beginning on R = 0 before present time and ending after present time on R = 0
a ii curve starting earlier than C with general shape shown above Judge by eye.
2
coincides with curve C at present time

21 b rotation speeds of galaxies is greater at the edges than expected Accept any other valid piece
of evidence, eg gravitational
so the density at the edges must be greater than that supplied by luminous matter
lensing, which provides a 2
alone
good measure of galactic
cluster masses.

14 a i stars fusing hydrogen «into helium»  1
a ii 1 Accept reverse working.

M = M (4 × 105 ) 3.5 = 39.86M 
1
«M ≈ 40M »
a iii T4 Accept use of substituted

4 × 105 = 132 × 
6000 4 values into L = σ 4πR 2T 4.
2
T ≈ 42000 «K » 
a iv 1AU2 Accept use of correct values

4 × 10−11 = 4 × 105 ×  L
d2 into b = .
4πd 2 2
d = 1× 108 « AU» 
b the gravitation «pressure» is balanced by radiation «pressure»  Award [1 max] if pressure

that is created by the production of energy due to fusion in the core / OWTTE  and force is inappropriately
mixed in the answer.
2
Award [1 max] for
unexplained "hydrostatic
equilibrium is reached".

14 c the Sun will evolve to become a red giant whereas Theta 1 Orionis will become a red super
giant 
the Sun will explode as a planetary nebula whereas Theta 1 Orionis will explode as a 3
supernova 
the Sun will end up as a white dwarf whereas Theta 1 Orionis as a neutron star/black hole 

15 a i black body radiation / 3 K  Do not accept: CMB provides
evidence for the Big Bang
highly isotropic / uniform throughout model.
2
OR
filling the universe 
a ii 2.9 × 10 −3
«λ = » ≈ 1.0 «mm»  1
2.8
b the universe is expanding and so the wavelength of the CMB in the past was much smaller 
2
indicating a very high temperature at the beginning 
c i v Award [1 max] for POT error.

«z = ⇒» v = 0.16 × 3 × 105 «= 0.48 × 105 km s−1» 
c
2
v 0.48 × 105
«d = ⇒v = = 706» ≈ 710 «Mpc » 
H0 68
c ii R R
z= − 1⇒ = 1.16 
R0 R0
2
R0
= 0.86 
R

16 a a star will form out of a cloud of gas 
when the gravitational potential energy of the cloud exceeds the total random kinetic energy of
the particles of the cloud 2
OR
the mass exceeds a critical mass for a particular radius and temperature
b 1010 × 365 × 24 × 3600 × 3.8 × 1026

number of reactions is −12
= 2.79 × 1055 
4.3 × 10 2
H mass used is 2.79 × 10 × 4 × 1.67 × 10 −27 = 1.86 × 1029 «kg» 
55
c nuclear fusion reactions produce ever heavier elements depending on the mass of the star /
temperature of the core 
2
the elements / nuclear reactions arrange themselves in layers, heaviest at the core lightest in
the envelope 

17 a curve starting earlier, touching at now and going off to infinity 
b i there is dark matter that does not radiate / cannot be observed  Unexplained mention of "dark
matter" is not sufficient for the 1
mark.
b ii ρ Λ = 0.68 ρc = 0.68 × 10 −26 «kgm−3 » 
2
energy in 1 m3 is therefore 0.68 × 10 −26 × 9 × 1016 ≈ 6 × 10 −10 «J» 

17. a core: helium  Accept no other elements.
2
outer layer : hydrogen 
b 1
 10 4  3.5 2
ratio of masses is  3   10 
 10 
3
 10  3
ratio of volumes is  1   10 6 
 10 
10 2 Allow ECF for MP3 from earlier MPs

so ratio of densities is 6
 10 4 
10
c i line to the right of X, possibly undulating, very roughly horizontal  Ignore any paths beyond this as the star disappears
1
from diagram.
c ii gravitation is balanced by a pressure/force due to neutrons/neutron Do not accept electron degeneracy.
1
degeneracy/Pauli exclusion principle 
c iii L   AT 4  5.67  10 8  4  (2.0  10 4 ) 2  (10 6 ) 4 
L  3  10 26 « W » Allow ECF for [1 max] if r 2 used (gives 7 10 25 « W ») 2

OR Allow ECF for a POT error in MP1.
L  2.85  1026 « W » 
c iv 2.9  10 3
 6
 2.9  10 9 « m » 
10 2
this is an X-ray wavelength 

18. a theory in which all space/time/energy/matter were created at a point/singularity  OWTTE
at enormous temperature  2 max
with the volume of the universe increasing ever since or the universe expanding 
b CMB has a black-body spectrum 
wavelength stretched by expansion 
is highly isotropic/homogenous  2 max
but has minor anisotropies predicted by BB model  For MP4 and MP5 idea of “prediction”
is needed
T «  2.7 K » is close to predicted value 
c i v
 z  v  0.084  3  10 5  2.52  10 4 « kms 1 » 
c
Allow ECF from MP1 to MP2. 2
v 2.52  10 4
d   370.6  370 « Mpc » 
H0 68
c ii type Ia have a known luminosity/are standard candles  Must refer to type Ia. Do not accept
other methods (parallax, Cepheids)
measure apparent brightness  3
L
determine distance from d  
4b

19. a i the cosmological origin of redshift implies that the wavelength is proportional to the Evidence of correct algebra is needed
scale factor:   R  k
as relationship T  is given.
R
1
combining this with Wien’s law  
T
2
OR
hc
use of kT  

«gives the result»
a ii 1
use of T  
R 2
 2.8  1100  3080  3100 « K » 
b CMB anisotropies are related to fluctuations in density which are the cause for the OWTTE
1
formation of structures/nebulae/stars/galaxies 

20. a dark matter is invisible/cannot be seen directly OWTTE
OR
does not interact with EM force/radiate light/reflect light 
interacts with gravitational force 2

OR
accounts for galactic rotation curves
OR
accounts for some of the “missing” mass/energy of galaxies/the universe 
b 4G  4Gk Substitution of ρ must be seen.

«from data booklet formula» v  r substitute to get v  
3 3
1
c curve A shows that the outer regions of the galaxy are rotating faster than predicted  OWTTE
this suggests that there is more mass in the outer regions that is not visible 2
OR
more mass in the form of dark matter 
15. a i a galaxy is much larger in size than a solar system ✔ Any other valid statement.
a galaxy contains more than one star system / solar system ✔ 1 max
a galaxy is more luminous ✔
15. a ii a comet is a small icy body whereas a planet is mostly made of rock or gas ✔
a comet is often accompanied by a tail/coma whereas a planet is not ✔
1 max
comets (generally) have larger orbits than planets ✔
a planet must have cleared other objects out of the way in its orbital neighbourhood ✔
16. a i the wavelengths of the dips correspond to the wavelength in the

emission spectrum ✔
the absorption lines in the spectrum of star X suggest it contains predominantly
hydrogen 2
OR
main sequence stars are rich in hydrogen ✔
16. a ii peak wavelength: 290  10 «nm» ✔ Substitution in equation must be

seen.
2.9  103 2
T  «10 000  400 K» ✔ Allow ECF from MP1.
290  109
(continued…)
(Question 16 continued)
16. b i 35  5Ls ✔ 1
16. b ii Lx Rx2  Tx4 Allow ECF from (b)(i).


Ls Rs2  Ts4
OR Accept values in the range: 2.0 to 2.3Rs .
LX Ts4
RX   Rs ✔
LsTX4 3
Allow TS in the range: 5500 K to 6500 K.
35  6000 4
RX   Rs (mark for correct substitution) ✔
10000 4
RX  2.1Rs ✔
16. b iii 1 Allow ECF from (b)(i).

M X  (35)3.5 Ms ✔ 1
Do not accept M X  (35 )3.5 for first 2
MX  2.8Ms ✔ marking point.
Accept values in the range: 2.6 to 2.9Ms .
16. c the star «core» collapses until the «inward and outward» forces / pressures are
balanced ✔
2
the outward force / pressure is due to electron degeneracy pressure «not
radiation pressure» ✔
17. a experiments and collecting data are extremely costly ✔ OWTTE

1 max
data from many projects around the world can be collated ✔
17. b v  «zc  0.19  3  108 » 5.7  107 « ms1 » ✔ Correct units must be present for MP2
to be awarded.
v 5.7  104 2
d «  »  810Mpc OR 8.1 108 pc ✔ Award [2] for BCA.
H0 70
17. c ALTERNATIVE 1
Rnow
 1  z  1.19 ✔
Rthen
tnow
so (assuming constant expansion rate)  1.19 ✔ MP1 can be awarded if MP2 clearly
t seen.
14
t  11.7By  12 «By (billion years)» ✔
1.19 3
ALTERNATIVE 2
light has travelled a distance: (810  106  3.26 )2.6  109 ly ✔ Accept 2.5 10 25 m for MP1.
so light was emitted: 2.6 billion years ago ✔
MP1 can be awarded if MP2 clearly
so the universe was 11.4 billion years old ✔ seen.
18. a a white dwarf accretes mass «from a binary partner» ✔

when the mass becomes more than the Chandrasekhar limit (1.4Ms ) «then a 2
supernova explosion takes place» ✔
18. b i L 5  105  3.8  10 26 At least 3 sig fig required for MP2.

d  ✔
4b 4  1.6  10 6 2
d  3.07  10 «m» ✔
18
18. b ii type Ia supernova can be used as standard candles ✔

there is no dust absorbing light between Earth and supernova ✔ 1 max
their supernova is a typical type Ia ✔
19. a mv 2 GMm
 and correct rearranging ✔ 1
r r2
19. b linear /rising until R0 ✔

then «almost» constant ✔ 2
19. c for v to stay constant for r greater than R0, M has to be proportional to r ✔
but this contradicts the information from the M-r graph ✔
OR
2 max
1
if M is constant for r greater than R0, then we would expect v  r 2 ✔
but this contradicts the information from the v-r graph ✔

16. a photon/fusion/radiation force/pressure balances gravitational OWTTE
force/pressure ✓
gives both directions correctly (outwards radiation, inwards gravity) ✓ 2
16. b «L M3.5 for main sequence»

1
luminosity of P 2.5 «luminosity of the Sun» ✓
16. c i LGacrux 5.67 10 8
4 (58.5 109 )2 36004 ✓
LGacrux 4.1 1029 « W » ✓

3
LGacrux 4.1 1029
« » 1.1 103 ✓
L 3.85 1026
16. c ii if the star is too far then the parallax angle is too small to be measured OWTTE
OR 1
stellar parallax is limited to closer stars ✓
(continued…)

16. d i line or area roughly inside shape shown – judge by eye ✓ Accept straight line or straight area at roughly 45°
16. d ii P between 1 L and 101 L on main sequence drawn ✓

1
(continued…)

3
16. d iii at 10 L , further to right than 5000 K and to the left of 2500 K
(see shaded region)✓
(continued…)

16. e ALTERNATIVE 1 OWTTE for both alternatives
Main sequence to red giant ✓
planetary nebula with mass reduction/loss
OR
planetary nebula with mention of remnant mass ✓
white dwarf ✓
ALTERNATIVE 2
Main sequence to red supergiant region ✓ 3
Supernova with mass reduction/loss

OR
Supernova with mention of remnant mass ✓
neutron star
OR
Black hole ✓

17. a v 1 d
use of gradient or any coordinate pair to find H0 « » or « » ✓ Allow final answers between
d H0 v 3.7 × 1017 and 3.9 × 1017 «s» or 4 × 1017 «s»
82 103
convert Mpc to m and km to m «for example »✓
106 3.26 9.46 1015
1
age of universe « » 3.8 1017 « s » ✓ 3
H0
17. b non-accelerated/uniform rate of expansion OWTTE

OR 1
H 0 constant over time ✓
17. c v 4.6 104 103

z« » 0.15 ✓
c 3.00 108
R
«z 1» 1.15 ✓
R0
3
R0 1
« » 0.87
R 1.15
OR
87 % of the present size ✓

18. a «For a star to form»: magnitude of PE of gas cloud KE of gas cloud Accept Ep Ek 0
OR
Mass of cloud Jean's mass
OR
Jean’s criterion is the critical mass ✓
hence a hot diffuse cloud could have KE which is too large/PE too small
2
OR
hence a cold dense cloud will have low KE/high PE
OR
a cold dense cloud is more likely to exceed Jeans mass
OR
a hot diffuse cloud is less likely to exceed the Jeans mass ✓
18. b Neutron capture creates heavier isotopes / heavier nuclei / more unstable nucleus ✓ OWTTE
β- decay of heavy elements/iron increases atomic number «by 1» ✓ 2

19. a «rotational» velocity of stars are expected to decrease as distance from centre of OWTTE
galaxy increases ✓
1st and 2nd marking points can
the observed velocity of outer stars is constant/greater than predicted ✓ be awarded from an annotated
sketch with similar shape as the
implying large mass on the edge «which is dark matter» ✓
one below
19. b data from type 1a supernovae shows universe expanding at an accelerated rate ✓ OWTTE
gravity was expected to slow down the expansion of the universe
OR
this did not fit the hypotheses at that time ✓
3
dark energy counteracts/opposes gravity
OR
dark energy causes the acceleration ✓

17. a i LX = 5.03.5 L = 279.5L ✔ Correct working or answer to 4 sig figs required. 1
17. a ii LX R2 T 4 Award [2] for bald correct answer.

= 280 = X2 X4 ✔
L R T
2
TX 280
«= 4 » = 2.3 ✔
T 3.22
17. b i the position of the star is recorded 6 months apart For MP2 accept a correctly labelled parallax angle
on a diagram.
OR
Award MP2 only if background distance stars are
the radius/diameter of the Earth orbit clearly labelled on a diagram ✔ mentioned. 2
the parallax is measured from the shift of the star relative to the
background of the distant stars ✔
17. b ii 1
d= = 8.0 «pc » ✔
0.125
9.46 × 1015 2
d = 8.0 × 3.26 × « AU» ✔
1.5 × 1011
«= 1.64 × 106 AU»
(continued…)

17. b iii ALTERNATIVE 1 Award [2] for bald correct answer.
280
bX 4π (1.6 × 106 )2
=
1400 1
4π (1)2
OR
279.5 L
bx = and b = ✔
4π × (1.6 × 10 × 1.5 × 10 )
6 11 2
4π × (1.5 × 1011 )2
2
bX = 1.5 × 10 −7 « W m−2 » ✔
ALTERNATIVE 2
bx Lx  d  
2
b 280 b
__x = 1.094 10 –10 Wm −2 ✔
= ×  2  OR x = 6 2 OR ×
b L  d x  b (1.6 × 10 ) b Allow ECF from MP1 to MP2
bx = 1.09375 × 10 −10 × 1400 bx = 1.5 × 10 −7 Wm −2 ✔
(continued…)

17. c i Allow any region with L below Sun and left to the
main sequence.
17. c ii an electron degeneracy « pressure develops that opposes

gravitation » /reference to Pauli principle ✔ 1
17. c iii thermal energy/internal energy ✔

1
17. c iv « temperature decreases so » luminosity decreases ✔ 1


18. a i « the received » wavelength is longer than that emitted ✔ Allow context of Doppler redshift
as well as cosmological redshift. 1
18. a ii v = zc = 0.15 × 3.0 × 105 = 4.5 × 10 4 «km s−1» ✔ Award [2] for bald correct
answer.
v 4.5 × 10 4 2
d= = = 625 «Mpc » ✔ Accept in other units, eg,
H0 72 1.95 x 1025m.
18. b i the radiation has a black body spectrum/it is black body radiation ✔
the radiation is highly isotropic/uniform ✔
2 max
matched the « predicted » wavelength/temperature if the Big Bang had increased/cooled
by expansion ✔
18. b ii peak wavelength read off graph as (1.1 ± 0.05) «mm» ✔

2
substitution into Wien’s law to get T = (2.5 to 2.8) «K » ✔

19. a i ALTERNATIVE 1
a white dwarf star in a binary system accretes mass from the
companion star ✔
when the white dwarf star mass reaches the Chandrasekhar limit the
star explodes « due to fusion reactions » ✔ 2
ALTERNATIVE 2
it can be formed in the collision of two white dwarf stars ✔
where shock waves from the collision rip both stars apart ✔
19. a ii a red supergiant star explodes when its core collapses ✔ 1
19. b « it was necessary » to measure the distance « of very distant

objects more accurately » ✔
2
type I a are standard candles/objects of known luminosity ✔

20. a « according to general relativity » space expands stretching distances between far away Do not accept references to
objects ✔ the Doppler effect.
2
wavelengths of photons « received a long time after they were emitted » are thus longer
leading to the observed redshift ✔
20. b i
✔
20. b ii 1
« since T ∝ » the temperature drops for both models ✔
R 2
but in the accelerating model R increases faster and so the temperature drops faster ✔

18. a i Cepheid variables expand and contract OWTTE
OR
Do not reward ‘change in
Radius increases and decreases luminosity/brightness’ as this is
OR given in the question.
2 max
Surface area increases and decreases ✔ Accept changes in reverse
Surface temperature decreases then increases✔ order
Surface becomes transparent then opaque ✔
18. a ii the «peak» luminosity/actual brightness depends on the period OWTTE

OR
More luminous Cepheid variables have greater period✔
measurements of apparent brightness allow distance determination 2
OR
L
Mention of b = ✔
4πd 2
(continued…)

18. b i d = «273 × 3.26 × 9.46 × 1015 =» 8.42 × 1018 «m» ✔
L 7.70 × 1029
b=« = =» 8.6 × 10 −10 « Wm−2 » ✔
(
4πd 2 4π 8.42 × 1018 )
2
18. b ii 2.9 × 10 −3
«T = »
4.29 × 10 −7 1
= 6800 «K» ✔
18. c Data subject to peer review/checks by others ✔ OWTTE

Compare light from stars with Earth based light sources ✔
1max
measurements are corroborated by different instruments/methods from different
teams ✔

19. a i d = «1.6 × 108 × 9.46 ×1015 =» 1.51×1024 «m» ✔ Answer given, correct working required or at least 3sf
needed for MP2.
v = «H0d = 2.3× 10 −18 × 1.51×1024 =» 3.48× 106 «ms–1» ✔
19. a ii
λ0v 4.86 × 10 −7 × 3.48 × 106
∆λ = « = =» 5.64 «nm» ✔
c 3 × 108
observed λ = «486 + 5.64 =» 492 «nm» ✔
19. b all distant galaxies exhibit red-shift ✔ OWTTE 1


20. a the letter S should be in the region of the shaded area ✔
(continued…)

20. b the fusion of hydrogen in the core eventually stops Ignore any mention of the evolution past the red
giant stage
OR
core contracts ✔
the hydrogen in a layer around the core will begin to fuse ✔

3max
Sun expands AND the surface cools ✔
helium fusion begins in the core ✔
Sun becomes more luminous/brighter✔
20. c electron degeneracy <<prevents further compression>> ✔ Ignore mention of the Chandrasekhar limit.
Award [0] for answer mentioning radiation pressure 1
or fusion reactions.
20. d «use of L = σ AT 4 »
2 4
10 −4  RD   10 000 
=  ×  ✔
104  RG   3000 
RD
= 9 × 10 −6 ✔ 2
RG

21. a white dwarf attracts mass from another star ✔ OWTTE
explodes/becomes supernova when mass equals/exceeds the
Chandrasekhar limit / 1.4MSUN ✔ 3
hence luminosity of all type I a supernova is the same ✔
21. b «successive» rapid neutron capture ✔ OWTTE

faster than «β» decay can occur ✔ 2 max
results in formation of heavier/neutron rich isotopes ✔

22. a total energy = kinetic energy + potential energy Answer given so for MP2 look for clear evidence
OR 4
that MUniverse ( π r 3 ρ ) is stated and substituted.
3
1 GMm
total energy = mv 2 − ✔
2 r 2
4 3
substitution of M = πr ρ ✔
3
«Hence answer given»
22. b substitutes H0r for v ✔ Answer given, check working carefully.
«total energy = 0»
1 4
mH0 2r 2 = πG ρ r 2m ✔ 2
2 3
3H0 2
«hence ρc = »
8πG
22. c 9.5 ×10 –27 « kgm–3 » ✔ 1

– 24 – N16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

21. a two stars orbiting about a common centre «of mass/gravity»  Do not accept two stars orbiting each other. 1
b i stars are roughly at the same distance from Earth Award [2] for a bald correct answer.
OR
d is constant for binaries  2
L A 1.5
= = 3.0 
LB 0.5
b ii Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

1.5 × 3.8 × 1026
r = 
5.67 × 10 −8 × 4π × 5800 4 2
= 8.4 × 108 « m » 
c L
«A = » B and A have similar temperatures 
σT 4
2
so areas are in ratio of luminosities 
«so B radius is less than A»
d radiation pressure/force outwards 
gravitational pressure/force inwards  3
forces/pressures balance 

e Alpha Centauri A within allowable region 
some indication of star moving right and up then left and down ending in
white dwarf region as indicated 
106
104
102 acceptable
Lstar 2
location of
L Alpha Centauri A
100 Sun
10–2
acceptable
white dwarf
10– 4 region
40 000 20 000 10 000 5000 2500

temperature / K

22. from first graph period = 5.7 «days» ± 0.3 «days» 
L Accept answer from interval 240 to 270 pc If unit omitted,

from second graph = 2300 « ± 200»  assume pc
LSUN 3
2500 × 3.8 × 1026 Watch for ECF from mp1

d =« = 8.3 × 1018 m » =250 «pc» 
4π × 1.1× 10 −9

23. a isotropic/appears the same from every viewing angle 
homogenous/same throughout the universe  2 max
black-body radiation 
b 23 100 «cm»
OR 1
231 «m» 
24. a white dwarf must have companion «in binary system» 
white dwarf gains material «from companion»  3
when dwarf reaches and exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit/1.4 MSUN supernova can occur 
b a standard candle represents a «stellar object» with a known luminosity  OWTTE
this supernova occurs at an certain/known/exact mass so luminosity/energy released is also MP1 for indication of known
2
known  luminosity, MP2 for any
relevant supportive
argument.
c distant supernovae were dimmer/further away than expected 
hence universe is accelerating  3
dark energy «is a hypothesis to» explain this 


25. a 4 πG ρ 4
v =« r» = × π × 6.67 × 10 −11 × 5.0 × 10 −21 × (4000 × 3.1× 10 16 ) 
3 3
2
–1 –1
v is about 146 000 «m s » or 146 «km s »  Accept answer in the range of
140 000 to 160 000 «m s–1».
b rotation curves/velocity of stars were expected to decrease outside core of galaxy 

2
flat curve suggests existence of matter/mass that cannot be seen – now called dark matter 

17. a i «nuclear» fusion  Do not accept “burning’’ 1
17. a ii L Accept answer in terms of Jupiter

brightness depends on luminosity and distance/ b =  for MP2
4π d 2 2
Vega is much further away but has a larger luminosity 
17. b i a group of stars forming a pattern on the sky AND not necessarily close in distance to OWTTE
1
each other 
17. b ii the star’s position is observed at two times, six months apart, relative to distant stars  Answers may be given in
diagram form, so allow the
parallax angle is half the angle of shift  marking points if clearly drawn
(continued…)
17. b iii 1
= 7.7 « pc » 
0.13
2
so d = 7.7 × 3.26 = 25.1 « ly » 
18. a two stars orbiting a common centre «of mass»  Do not accept “stars which orbit each other” 1
18. b « λ × T = 2.9 × 10 −3 »
2.9 × 10−3 1
T= = 25 217 « K » 
115 × 10−9
18. c M 
3.5 Conclusion is given, justification must be stated
use of the mass-luminosity relationship or  Sirius  =1 
 M Sun 
2
L  Allow reverse argument beginning with
if Sirius B is on the main sequence then  SiriusB  = 1 «which it is not»  luminosity
 L Sun 
(continued…)

18. d i  L SiriusB 
  = 0.025 
 L Sun 
2
4
 5800 
r Sirius = « 0.025 ×   = » 0.0085 r Sun 
 25000 
18. d ii white dwarf  1
18. e i Sirius A on the main sequence above and to the left of Both positions must be labelled
the Sun AND Sirius B on white dwarf area as shown 
Allow the position anywhere within the limits shown.
1 000 000
10 000
100
1
luminosity
A
25 000 10 000 6000 3000
temperature / K
(continued…)

1 000 000
18. e ii arrow goes up and right and then loops to white dwarf area 
10 000
100
luminosity
A 1
25 000 10 000 6000 3000
temperature / K
19. a galaxies are moving away Do not accept just red-shift

OR 1
space «between galaxies» is expanding 
19. b ∆λ 1.04 v Accept 2.7 × 106 «m s –1»
« =» = 
λ 115 c Award [0] if 116 is used for λ 2
0.009c 

20. a interstellar gas/dust «from earlier supernova» 
gravitational attraction between particles 
if the mass is greater than the Jean’s mass/Mj the interstellar gas coalesces  MP3 can be expressed in terms of 4
potential and kinetic energy
as gas collapses temperature increases leading to nuclear fusion 
20. b fluctuations in CMB due to differences in temperature/mass/density 
during the inflationary period/epoch/early universe 
3 max
leading to the formation of galaxies/stars/structures 
gravitational interaction between galaxies can lead to collision 
(continued…)

20. c ALTERNATIVE 1
1 1
kinetic energy of galaxy mv 2 = mH 2r 2 «uses Hubble’s law» 
2 2
GMm 4 m
potential energy = = G πr 3 ρ «introduces density» 
r 3 r
KE = PE to get expression for critical ρ 
.
ALTERNATIVE 2 3
2GM
escape velocity of distant galaxy v = 
r
2GM
where H0r = 
r
4 3
substitutes M = πr ρ to get result 
3

17. a In cluster, stars are gravitationally bound OR constellation not ✔
In cluster, stars are the same/similar age OR in constellation not ✔
Stars in cluster are close in space/the same distance
OR 2 max
in constellation not ✔
Cluster stars appear closer in night sky than constellation ✔
Clusters originate from same gas cloud OR constellation does not ✔
17. b i d = 275 «pc» ✔ 1
17. b ii because of the difficulty of measuring very small angles ✔ 1
17. c mass of gas cloud > Jeans mass ✔
«magnitude of» gravitational potential energy > Ek of particles ✔ 2 max
cloud collapses/coalesces «to form a protostar» ✔


18. a i 2.9 × 10 −3
λ =« = » 630 « nm » ✔ 1
4600
18. a ii black body curve shape ✔
2
peaked at a value from range 600 to 660 nm ✔
18. a iii 2 4
L  0.73R   4600 
=   × ✔
L  R   5800  2
L = 0.211 L ✔
18. b 1
M = « 0.213.5 M = » 0.640 M ✔ Accept reverse argument 0.643.5 = 0.21
1
18. c ME
TE L 0.64
=« E = = » 3.0 ✔
T M 0.21 2
L
T ≈ 27 billion years ✔
18. d red giant ✔ do NOT accept supernova, red supergiant, neutron star or black hole
as stages
planetary nebula ✔ 3
white dwarf ✔

19. a measured redshift «z» of star ✔ OWTTE
c ∆λ 2
use of Doppler formula OR z~v/c OR v = to find v ✔
λ
19. b use of gradient or any point on the line to obtain any
v d
expression for either H = or t = ✔
d v
correct conversion of d to m and v to m/s✔
3
= 4.6 × 1017 « s » ✔

20. a energy filling all space ✔
resulting in a repulsive force/force opposing gravity ✔
2 max
accounts for the accelerating universe ✔
makes up about 70% of «the energy» of universe✔
20. b black hole ✔
brown dwarf ✔
massive compact halo object /MACHO✔
2 max
neutrinos ✔
weakly interacting massive particle /WIMP ✔

21. a «wavelength of light/CBR» λ ∝ R ✔ OWTTE
1
reference to Wien’s law showing that λ ∝ ✔ 3
T
combine to get result ✔
21. b Rpast 3
= = 0.01 ✔ 1
Rnow 300
–2 – N19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

15. a stars in a cluster are gravitationally bound OR in constellation are not ✔
stars in a cluster are the same/similar age OR in constellation are not ✔ Take care to reward only 1 comment
from a given marking point for MP1 to
stars in a cluster are close in space/the same distance away OR in constellation MP5.
are not ✔ 2 max
stars in a cluster originate from same gas cloud OR in constellation do not ✔

stars in a cluster appear much closer in night sky than in a constellation ✔
15. b i 2.9 × 10 −3 Answer 6000 K is given in the question.

«T = »
490 × 10 −9 Answer must be to at least 2 s.f. OR
1
correct working.
5900 K ✔
15. b ii «from b∝ L∝ R2 T4 » Award [2] for answer 0.46 from inverted

ratio.
b
realization that R 2 ∝ «for binary stars which are same distance away» ✔
T4
 1.1× 10 −9 
 
RA  5.4 × 10 −11  3
= 4 ✔
RB  5900 
 4100 
 
RA
= 2.2 ✔
RB
(continued…)

15. b iii «use of L = 4πd 2b »
L = 4π × (1.8 × 1017 )2 × 1.1× 10 −9 « = 4.48 × 10 26 W » ✔ 2

L = 1.2 L ✔
15. c i
approximately correct position on the main sequence as shown, within highlighted

region ✔
(continued…)

15. c ii main sequence star
OR 1
type F or G star ✔
15. c iii M 1
= 1.2 3.5 = 1.05 ✔
M 1
15. c iv mass of the «remnant» star < 1.4M  OR Chandrasekhar limit

OR
mass OR luminosity similar to the Sun ✔
the final stage is white dwarf ✔

2
– – N19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

16. a i spectra of galaxies are redshifted «compared to spectra on Earth» ✔
redshift/longer wavelength implies galaxies recede/ move away from us Universe expansion is given, so no mark for
repeating this.
OR 2
Do not accept answers based on CMB
redshift is interpreted as cosmological expansion of space ✔ radiation.
«hence universe expands»
16. a ii ALTERNATIVE 1
392 − 122
z= = 2.21 ✔
122
R
= « 2.21 + 1 = » 3.21 ✔
R0
2
ALTERNATIVE 2
R 392
= ✔
R0 122
= 3.21 ✔
16. b i density of flat/Euclidean universe

OR
density for which universe has zero curvature 1
OR
density resulting in universe expansion rate tending to zero✔
(continued…)
– – N19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

16. b ii 70 × 10 3 MP1 for conversion of H to base units.
H =« = » 2.27 × 10 −18 « s −1 » ✔
(10 × 3.26 × 9.46 × 10 )
6 15
Allow ECF from MP1, but NOT if H is
left as 70.
3 × (2.27 × 10 −18 )2 3
ρ = 0.32 × ✔
8π × 6.67 × 10 −11
3.0 × 10−27 « kg m−3 » ✔
16. b iii rotation speed of galaxies is larger than expected away from the centre ✔
there must be more mass «at the edges» than is visually observable «indicating 2
the presence of dark matter» ✔

17. a mass
realization that lifetime T ∝ ✔
luminosity
−2.5 2
T  M  −2.5
=   = 0.12 = 200 ✔
T  M 
17. b the binding energy per nucleon is a maximum for iron ✔

formation of heavier elements than iron by fusion is not energetically possible ✔ For MP2 some reference to energy is 2
needed
17. c ALTERNATIVE 1 — s-process

s-process involves «slow» neutron capture ✔
in s-process beta decay occurs before another neutron is captured ✔
s-process occurs in giant stars «AGB stars» ✔
s-process terminates at bismuth/lead/polonium ✔
If the type of the process (r or s/rapid or
slow) is not mentioned, award [2 max]. 3 max
ALTERNATIVE 2 — r-process
r-process involves «rapid» neutron capture✔
in r-process further neutrons are captured before the beta decay occurs ✔
r-process occurs in type II supernovae ✔
r-process can lead to elements heavier than bismuth/lead/polonium ✔

14 All Answers HL

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

14 All Answers HL

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

– 25 – M16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

b 1 Answer must be in metres,

18 a 2.9 × 10 −3 Answer must be to at least

Accept use of 39004 to give

c absorption lines in spectra Accept “emission lines in

Question Answers Notes Total

19 a i ∆λ Do not allow just “redshift”.

a ii R R 1 R 1 Do not accept answer 1.16.

a iii v = zc = 0.16 × 3 × 108 = 4.8 × 10 4 «km s –1 »

b as the universe expanded it cooled/wavelength increased Value is required for MP2.

Question Answers Notes Total

b Ia have consistent maxima in their light curves but II vary

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

a ii 1 Accept reverse working.

a iii T4 Accept use of substituted

a iv 1AU2 Accept use of correct values

b the gravitation «pressure» is balanced by radiation «pressure»  Award [1 max] if pressure

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

c i v Award [1 max] for POT error.

Question Answers Notes Total

b 1010 × 365 × 24 × 3600 × 3.8 × 1026

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

10 2 Allow ECF for MP3 from earlier MPs

L  3  10 26 « W » Allow ECF for [1 max] if r 2 used (gives 7 10 25 « W ») 2

Question Answers Notes Total

at enormous temperature  2 max

b CMB has a black-body spectrum 

wavelength stretched by expansion 

is highly isotropic/homogenous  2 max

measure apparent brightness  3

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

interacts with gravitational force 2

b 4G  4Gk Substitution of ρ must be seen.

16. a i the wavelengths of the dips correspond to the wavelength in the

16. a ii peak wavelength: 290  10 «nm» ✔ Substitution in equation must be

16. b ii Lx Rx2  Tx4 Allow ECF from (b)(i).

16. b iii 1 Allow ECF from (b)(i).

17. a experiments and collecting data are extremely costly ✔ OWTTE

18. a a white dwarf accretes mass «from a binary partner» ✔

18. b i L 5  105  3.8  10 26 At least 3 sig fig required for MP2.

18. b ii type Ia supernova can be used as standard candles ✔

19. b linear /rising until R0 ✔

Question Answers Notes Total

16. b «L M3.5 for main sequence»

LGacrux 4.1 1029 « W » ✓

Question Answers Notes Total

16. d ii P between 1 L and 101 L on main sequence drawn ✓

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

Supernova with mass reduction/loss

Question Answers Notes Total

17. b non-accelerated/uniform rate of expansion OWTTE

17. c v 4.6 104 103

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

Question Answers Notes Total

17. a ii LX R2 T 4 Award [2] for bald correct answer.