Mark Scheme (Provisional)

Summer 2021

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary

Level in Physics (WPH15)
Paper 05 Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and
Cosmology
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Summer 2021
Question Paper Log Number P67821A
Publications Code WPH01_01_2106_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2018
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for
what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark
scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to
a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with
an alternative response.
Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle

The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed up by
examples. It is not a set of model answers.

For example:

(iii) Horizontal force of hinge on table top

66.3 (N) or 66 (N) and correct indication of direction [no ue] ✓ 1

[Some examples of direction: acting from right (to left) / to the left / West
/ opposite direction to horizontal. May show direction by arrow. Do not
accept a minus sign in front of number as direction.]

This has a clear statement of the principle for awarding the mark, supported by some examples
illustrating acceptable boundaries.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should be
credited in every answer unless the ms has specified specific words that must be
present. Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance is
increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not accept
gravity] [ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit will
normally mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.
2.2 Incorrect use of case e.g. ‘Watt’ or ‘w’ will not be penalised.
2.3 There will be no unit penalty applied in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question
where the units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.
2.4 The same missing or incorrect unit will not be penalised more than once within one
question (one clip in epen).
2.5 Occasionally, it may be decided not to penalise a missing or incorrect unit e.g. the
candidate may be calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not
one that should be known and is complex.
2.6 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error penalty is to be applied by means of
[no ue].

3. Significant figures
3.1 Use of an inappropriate number of significant figures in the theory papers will
normally only be penalised in ‘show that’ questions where use of too few significant
figures has resulted in the candidate not demonstrating the validity of the given
answer.
3.2 The use of g = 10 m s-2 or 10 N kg-1 instead of 9.81 m s-2 or 9.81 N kg-1 will be
penalised by one mark (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m s-2 or 9.8 N kg-
1
4. Calculations
4.1 Bald (i.e. no working shown) correct answers score full marks unless in a ‘show that’
question.
4.2 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks then both marks will be available for a
reverse working; if it is worth 3 marks then only 2 will be available.
4.3 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of physically
correct values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power of 10 error.
4.4 recall of the correct formula will be awarded when the formula is seen or implied by
substitution.
4.5 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.
4.6 Example of mark scheme for a calculation:

‘Show that’ calculation of weight

Use of L × W × H ✓

Substitution into density equation with a volume and density ✓

Correct answer [49.4 (N)] to at least 3 sig fig. [No ue] ✓

[If 5040 g rounded to 5000 g or 5 kg, do not give 3rd mark; if conversion to kg
is omitted and then answer fudged, do not give 3rd mark]
[Bald answer scores 0, reverse calculation 2/3] 3

Example of answer:

80 cm × 50 cm × 1.8 cm = 7200 cm3

7200 cm3 × 0.70 g cm-3 = 5040 g

5040 × 10-3 kg × 9.81 N/kg

= 49.4 N

5. Quality of Written Communication

5.1 Indicated by QoWC in mark scheme. QWC – Work must be clear and organised in a
logical manner using technical wording where appropriate.
5.2 Usually it is part of a max mark, the final mark not being awarded unless the QoWC
condition has been satisfied.

6. Graphs
6.1 A mark given for axes requires both axes to be labelled with quantities and units, and
drawn the correct way round.
6.2 Sometimes a separate mark will be given for units or for each axis if the units are
complex. This will be indicated on the mark scheme.
6.3 A mark given for choosing a scale requires that the chosen scale allows all points to
be plotted, spreads plotted points over more than half of each axis and is not an
awkward scale e.g. multiples of 3, 7 etc.
6.4 Points should be plotted to within 1 mm.
• Check the two points furthest from the best line. If both OK award mark.
• If either is 2 mm out do not award mark.
• If both are 1 mm out do not award mark.
• If either is 1 mm out then check another two and award mark if both of these
OK, otherwise no mark.
• For a line mark there must be a thin continuous line which is the best-fit line
for the candidate’s results.
Question Answer Mark
Number

1 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the background is already included in the count
B is not the correct answer as the background cwill still add a systematic error
C is not the correct answer as the background will still add a systematic error
2 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as H0 does not give the size of the universe
C is not the correct answer as 1/H0 gives the age of the universe
D is not the correct answer as H0 does not give the size of the universe
3 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as damping occurs at all frequencies

B is not the correct answer as energy is transferred at all frequencies
C is not the correct answer as energy is dissipated at all frequencies
4 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as helium is not being fused in the Sun
B is not the correct answer as fusion doesn’t require a large number of H nuclei
C is not the correct answer as fusion does not require a large mass of H
5 𝐺𝑀 (1)
B is the correct answer as 𝑔 = 2 and 𝑀 ∝ 𝜌 (as both have the same volume)
𝑟
6 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as this would have a much lower temperature than the Sun
C is not the correct answer as this would have a much higher luminosity than the Sun
D is not the correct answer as this would have a much lower luminosity than the Sun
7 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as mean square velocity increases as the gas is heated
B is not the correct answer as 𝑝 ∝ 𝑇, so T quadruples when p quadruples
D is not the correct answer as 𝑝 ∝ 𝑇, so T quadruples when p quadruples
8 D is the correct answer as 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 , so 𝐿 ∝ 𝑇 4 (as both have the same radius) (1)

9 2π 2π (1)
B is the correct answer as 𝑣max = 𝜔𝐴 and 𝜔 = , so 𝑣max = ( ) × 𝐴
𝑇 𝑇

10 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as λmax is less for X, so surface temperature is higher
C is not the correct answer as the max intensity of X (hence luminosity) is higher
D is not the correct answer as the max intensity of X (hence luminosity) is higher
and λmax for X is less, so surface temperature must be higher
Question Answer Mark
Number
11(a) The atoms/molecules make more frequent collisions with the glass tube
Or The atoms/molecules have a higher rate of collision with the glass tube
Or The atoms/molecules make more collisions per second with the glass
tube (1)
(Do not accept collisions between molecules)
The rate of change of momentum of the atoms/molecules increases (1)

The force exerted on the glass tube increases (1)

(Pressure exerted by the gas increases) as pressure is force per unit area (1) 4

11(b) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

(1) 2
𝑁 = 6.3 × 1022

Example of calculation

1.05 × 105 Pa ×2.43×10-3 m3

𝑁= =6.31 × 1022
1.38 × 10-23 J K -1 ×293 K
Total for question 11 6
Question Answer Mark
Number
12(a) A standard candle is a (astronomical) object of known luminosity (1) 1

12(b)(i) ∆𝐸
Use of 𝑃 = (1)
∆𝑡

𝑃 (1)
Use of 𝐼 =
𝐴

𝐿
Use of 𝐼 = (1)
4𝜋𝑑 2

𝐿 = 2.2 × 1035 (W) (1) 4

Example of calculation

9.40 × 10−23 J
𝑃= = 8.17 × 10−20 W
1.15 × 10−3 s

8.17 × 10−20 W
𝐼= = 8.17 × 10−16 W m-2
1.00 × 10−4 m2

𝐿 = 4𝜋𝑑 2 𝐼 = 4𝜋 × (4.60 × 1024 m)2 × 8.17 × 10−16 = 2.17 × 1035 W

12(b)(ii)
Source luminosity is much larger than the luminosity of the Sun
Or source is equivalent to the combined output of many Suns
Or LFRB/LSun ~ 5 ×108 (1)

So such a large power output is unlikely to be artificially produced.

(1) 2
Or the temperature would be much greater than that of the Sun (so not likely to
be artificially produced)
[dependent on MP1]
Response consistent with their calculated value in (b)(i)
Total for question 12 7
Question Answer Mark
Number
13
𝑚 (1)
Use of 𝜌 =
𝑉

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

(1)
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝐿∆𝑚
∆𝐸
Use of 𝑃 = [to calculate time to melt completely]
∆𝑡
∆𝐸
Or use of 𝑃 = to calculate energy received from the Sun in 1 day (1)
∆𝑡

𝑡 = 1.21 × 105 s or
Or ∆𝐸 = 7.47 × 1010 J (1)
t = 33.7 hours, so palace would not melt completely in a day
Or energy required is 9.09 × 1010 𝐽, so more energy required than
would be transferred in 1 day, so palace would not melt completely. (1) 6

(Allow full credit for responses in which 1 day is 12 hours)

Example of calculation

𝑚 = 𝜌𝑉=1325 kg m-3 ×1250 m3 =1.66 × 106 kg

∆𝐸=1.66 × 106 ×1.30 × 103 J kg -1 K -1 ×(36.0-28.5) K = 1.62 × 1010 J

∆𝐸 = 4.5 × 104 J kg -1 ×1.66 × 106 kg = 7.47 × 1010 J

Energy required = 1.62 × 1010 J + 7.47 × 1010 J = 9.09 × 1010 𝐽

(1.62+7.47) × 1010 J
𝑡= =1.21 × 105 s
7.5 × 105 W

1.21 × 105 s
𝑡= =33.7 hour
3600 s hour -1

In 1 day, ∆𝐸 = 7.5 × 105 W ×24 ×3600 s = 6.48 × 1010 𝐽

Total for question 13 6

Question Answer Mark
Number
14(a)(i)
Same time period as velocity and constant amplitude (1)
Wave shifted a quarter cycle to the right [i.e. a positive sine wave, displacement (1) 2
is zero at time zero.]
14(a)(ii)
T = 2.0 s from graph (1)

Use of 𝑇 = 2𝜋√
ℓ
(accept any value of T that could be read from the graph) (1)
𝑔

ℓ = 0.99 m
(1) 3

Example of calculation

ℓ
2.0 s=2π√
9.81 m s -2

(2.0 s)2 ×9.81 m s -2

ℓ= =0.994 m
4π2
14(b)
EITHER

Suitable data logger application identified (1)

Reason why data logger is an advantage in this situation (1)

OR
Max 2 from
When data has to be collected over a very short time interval (1)
When multiple data sets have to be collected simultaneously (1)
When data has to be collected over a very long time interval (1) 2

Total for question 14 7

Q14(a)(i)
Examples of possible responses:
Question Answer Mark
Number
15(a)
λmax = 0.37 → 0.40 (μm) (1)
Use of 𝜆max 𝑇=2.898 × 10-3 m K (1)
𝑇 = 7600 K (accept answer consistent with their stated value of λmax) (1) 3

Example of calculation
2.898 × 10-3 m K
𝑇= = 7626 K
0.38 × 10-6 m
15(b)
Corresponding pair of wavelengths recorded (one from each spectrum)
(1)
Wavelength shift calculated (dependent upon MP1)
∆𝜆 𝑣 (1)
Use of ≈ (value of λ must be taken from lab spectrum)
𝜆 𝑐 (1)
v = 1.5 × 10 m s−1 [1.8 × 107 m s−1 if smaller wavelength pair used]
7

(v will depend upon in-range values used) (1)

Star is receding (1) 5

Example of calculation

λstar = 654 nm → 658 nm λlab = 622 nm → 626 nm

Or

λstar = 479 nm or 480 nm λlab = 452 nm → 456 nm

(656 nm-624 nm)

𝑣 = 3.00 × 108 m s-1 × = 1.54 × 107 m s-1
624 nm

Total for question 15 8

Question Answer Mark
Number
16(a)
Either (1)
𝐺𝑀𝑚
Use of 𝐹 = 2 with 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 (1)
𝑟
2𝜋 (1)
Use of 𝜔 =
𝑇

T = 5800 s
Or
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑣 2
(1)
Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 =
𝑟2 𝑟 (1)
2𝜋𝑟
Use of 𝑣 = (1)
𝑇 3
T = 5800 s

Example of calculation
𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟
𝑟2

GM
∴𝜔=√
r3

6.67 × 10-11 N m2 kg -2 ×6.0 × 1024 kg

∴𝜔=√ =1.09 × 10-3 rad s-1
(6.4 × 106 m+5.5 × 105 m)3

2π rad
𝑇= = 5755 s
1.09×10−3 rad s-1
16(b)
Either
𝐺𝑀𝑚
(𝐹 = , so) the (gravitational) force is greater for a low Earth orbit (1)
𝑟2
2π 2
𝐹 = 𝑚( ) 𝑟
𝑇 (1)
So if F increases when r decreases, then T must decrease (1)
(MP3 dependent upon MP1 or MP2)
Or
2𝜋 GM 4𝜋2 𝑟 3
( =√ , so) 𝑇 2 =
𝑇 r3 𝐺𝑀
(1)
G and M are constant, so 𝑇 ∝ √𝑟 3
(1)
So when r is smaller, T is smaller.
(1)
(MP3 dependent upon MP1 or MP2) 3

[Accept converse argument]

16(c) 𝐺𝑀
Use of 𝑉grav = (−) (1)
𝑟

1 1
Use of ∆𝐸𝑘 = 𝐺𝑀𝑚 ( − )
𝑟1 𝑟2 (1)
(1) 3
∆𝐸k =1.1×109 J

(Do not credit use of ΔEgrav = mgΔh, as g is not constant)

Example of calculation
1 1
∆𝐸k =6.67×10-11 N m2 kg -2 × 6.0 × 1024 kg × 227 kg ( - )
6.4 × 106 m (6.4×106 +5.5×105 )m

∴ ∆𝐸k =1.12×109 J

Total for question 16 9

Question Answer Mark
Number
17(a)
(The mass meets the conditions for simple harmonic motion as)
There is a (resultant) force acting on the mass which is proportional to its
displacement from its equilibrium position. (1)
The force is always directed towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

(An equation with symbols defined, and the negative sign justified, may be a
valid response for both marks
For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed
point/position or central point/position)
17(b)(i)
Use of ∆𝐹 = 𝑘∆𝑥 (1)
𝑘 =26.2 (N m-1 ) (1) 2

Example of calculation

0.2 kg ×9.81 N kg -1
𝑘= -2
=26.16 N m-1
7.5 × 10 m
17(b)(ii)
𝑚 1 𝑘 (1)
Combine 𝑇 = 2π√ with 𝑓 = to obtain 𝑓 2 = 𝑚−1
𝑘 𝑇 4π2

𝑘
Compare with 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 to identify gradient as (1)
4π2

Gradient of graph calculated (1)

Large triangle used for gradient calculation (1)
-1
𝑘 =26.7 N m (1)
A conclusion consistent with the value calculated in (i) (1)
6
(accept comparison with “show that” value from (i))

Example of calculation
4π2 𝑚 𝑘
𝑇2 = ∴ 𝑓2 = 2 𝑚
𝑘 4π
𝑘
So gradient = 2
4π
(3.25 - 0.00) s -2
Gradient= = 0.677 kg s -2
(5.00- 0.20) kg -1
𝑘=4π2 × 0.677 kg s -2 =26.7 N m-1

Total for question 17 10

Question Answer Mark
Number
18(a) A massive/large nucleus splits into smaller fragments (1) 1

18(b) (i)
Steeply rising curve near to origin (1)
Slowly decreasing curve after peak (1) 2

18(b) (ii)
Iron-56 marked at peak of curve (1) 1

Example of graph for (i) and (ii)

Iron-56

18(c) (1)
Top line correct
Bottom line correct (1) 2

236
92U → 93
38Sr + 141
54Xe + 2 × 1
0n

18(d)
Calculation of mass defect (1)
Binding energy per nucleon = 7.38 (MeV) (1) 2

Example of calculation
Mass defect = (92×0.93827+144×0.93956-219.8750) GeV/c 2
Mass defect =1.74248 GeV/c 2
Binding energy/nucleon = 1.74248 GeV/236 = 7.383 MeV
*18(e)
This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is
structured and shows lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded
for structure of answer and
sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure 2
with linkages and fully sustained lines of
reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some 1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is 0
unstructured
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure
and lines of reasoning.
Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the
marks for structure and lines of reasoning

IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark

6 4 2 6

5 3 2 5

4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1

0 0 0 0

Indicative content
IC1 Energy from the α particles is transferred to atoms/molecules in the
air
IC2 An electron in the atom/molecule is promoted to a higher energy state
Or the atom/molecule/electron is excited
IC3 When the electron return to a lower energy state a photon (of uv-
radiation) is emitted
Or when the atom/molecule/electron de-excites, a photon (of uv-
radiation) is emitted
IC4 α radiation is strongly ionising and so has a short range in air
IC5 Ultraviolet radiation is weakly ionising (and has long range in air)
IC6 UV-radiation can be detected much further from the source so is safer 6
Total for question 18 14
Question Answer Mark
Number
19(a) Calculation of mass difference (1)
Conversion from u to kg, using a conversion factor of 1.66 ×10−27 kg u−1 (1)
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚 (1)
Conversion of energy to eV (1)
∆𝐸 = 5.61 (MeV) (1) 5

Example of calculation

Mass difference = 237.999089 u − 233.991578 u − 4.001506 u = 6.005 × 10−3 u

Mass difference = 6.005 × 10−3 u × 1.66 ×10−27 kg = 9.9683 × 10−30 kg u−1

∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚 = (3.00 × 108 m s -1 )2 × 9.9683 × 10-30 kg = 8.9715 × 10-13 J

8.9715 × 10−13 J
∆𝐸 = = 5.607 MeV
1.60 × 10−13 J MeV −1

19(b) Convert α-particle energy from MeV to J (1)

ln2 (1)
Use of 𝜆 =
𝑡1/2

Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −𝜆 𝑡
(1)
∆𝐸
Use of 𝑃 =
∆𝑡 (1)
P = 0.083 (W) (1) 5

Example of calculation
5.6 MeV = 5.6 × 1.60 × 10−19 J MeV−1 = 8.96 × 10−13 J
ln2 0.693
𝜆= = = 7.90 × 10-3 year -1
𝑡1/2 87.7 year
−3 year−1 ×40 year
6.75 × 1010 Bq = 𝐴0 e−7.90 × 10
∴ 𝐴0 = 9.26 × 1010 Bq
𝑆𝑜 𝑃 = 9.26 × 1010 s -1 ×8.96 × 10-13 J = 0.0830 W
19(c) Maximum energy of beta particles read from graph 1
(in range 210 keV → 225 keV) (1)

Beta particle range read from graph 2 (in range 0.05 cm → 0.08 cm)
Or max. energy for 0.5 cm polyethylene read from graph.2
(in range 1000 keV → 1200 keV)
(1)

Conclusion that 0.5 cm polyethylene would be sufficient (1) 3

MP3 dependent on MP1 and MP2

Total for question 19 13

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