M21 Physics Markscheme
M21 Physics Markscheme
Markscheme
May 2021
Physics
On-screen examination
15 pages
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This markscheme is confidential and for the exclusive use of examiners in this examination session.
It is the property of the International Baccalaureate and must not be reproduced or distributed to any
other person without the authorization of the IB Global Centre, Cardiff.
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The following are the annotations available to use when marking responses.
Markscheme instructions
1 Mark positively. Give candidates credit for what they have achieved and what is correct. Do not deduct marks for incorrect responses.
4 The maximum mark for each subpart is indicated in the “Total” column.
5 Where a mark is awarded a tick should be placed in the text at the precise point where it is clear the candidate deserves the mark.
6 Each marking point in a question part should be awarded separately unless there is an instruction to the contrary in the Notes column.
7 A question subpart may have more marking points than the total allows. This will be indicated by the word “max” in the Answer column. Further guidance may be
given in the Notes column.
8 Additional instructions on how to interpret the markscheme are in bold italic text in the Answer column.
9 Alternative wording may be indicated in the Answer column by a slash (/). Either alternative is equally acceptable but the candidate cannot be rewarded for both as
they are associated with the same marking point.
10 Alternative answers are indicated in the Answer column by “or”. Either alternative is equally acceptable but the candidate cannot be rewarded for both as they are
associated with the same marking point.
11 If two related points are required to award a mark, this is indicated by “and” in the answer column.
12 Words in brackets ( ) in the Answer column are not necessary to gain the mark.
14 In some questions a reverse argument is also acceptable. This is indicated by the abbreviation ORA (or reverse argument) in the Notes column. Candidates should
not be rewarded for reverse arguments unless ORA is given in the Notes column.
15 If the candidate’s response has the same meaning or is clearly equivalent to the expected answer the mark should be awarded. In some questions this is
emphasized by the abbreviation WTTE (words to that effect) in the Notes column.
16 When incorrect answers are used correctly in subsequent question parts the follow through rule applies. Award the mark and add ECF (error carried forward) to the
candidate response.
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17 The order of marking points does not have to be the same as in the Answer column unless stated otherwise.
18 Marks should not be awarded where there is a contradiction in an answer. Add CON to the candidate response at the point where the contradiction is made.
19 Do not penalize candidates for errors in units or significant figures unless there is specific guidance in the Notes column.
20 Questions with higher mark allocations will generally be assessed using a level response method using task specific clarifications developed with reference to the
criteria level descriptors. A candidate’s work should be reviewed to determine holistically the mark for each row of the holistic grid and a mark awarded for each row.
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2 A
b Diffraction 1 A
c Evidence of conversion of km to m Seen or implied
2 a
2 A
60 ± 2 (h) 2 A
Award 2 marks for correct answer with no
working shown
d Half-life (time period) is suitable to allow treatment or short enough to limit the long-term
effects
2 A
Beta or gamma radiation can kill cancer cells or tumours Ignore references to penetrating power
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(–) 10.4166…
1 A
f Burning fuel produces carbon dioxide/ CO2 Do not accept unnamed greenhouse gas
emissions or pollution
Link to climate change or greenhouse effect 2 D
WTTE
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4 a How does the distance a ball roll affect the time taken? WTTE 1 B
3 B
IV – distance only
DV – time only
Use of Newton’s Second Law or F = ma or Newton’s First Law to correctly link force and No need to explain why the force is
acceleration constant (and link this to the constant
acceleration) for the second marking point
d B 3 B
4.7961 or 4.8 or 4.796 or 5 Seen or implied. Accept 4.79 for 1 mark for
correct calculated value incorrectly 3 C
4.80 rounded
5 a (If) The surface area increases and (then) the time taken to fall will increase WTTE Accept correct responses 3 B
appearing in any box
(because) air resistance will increase
(because) the parachute will have more collisions with air particles
b
1 2 3 4
V time implied as independent variable of independent variable of independent variable of
(Variables) dependent variable surface area and surface area and surface area and
dependent variable of dependent variable of dependent variable of
time stated time stated and time stated and
two control variables two control variables
stated stated and with correct
justification
E equipment to measure equipment to measure
(Equipment) time or length time and length
M attempt at a method method is described with complete method is
(Method) linked to surface area or measurements of surface described with
time area and time but not measurements of surface
13 B
detailed enough to be area and time and could
followed by another easily be followed by
student another student
D at least five increments or at least five increments at least five increments
(Data) three trials and three trials and three trials and plans
to calculate an average
S mentions a relevant
(Safety) precaution for example
when working at height,
use of scissors for cutting
materials or to make sure
the drop area is clear
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Column headings (using symbols or words) and units in header only Accept non-subscripts for do and di
c m 3 C
5.87
0.170
d 0.187 1 C
e C 2 C
A correct justification, for example [max 1] Correct graph must be selected to award
• the equation shows that a straight line or linear relationship is expected the justification mark
• the best fit line should not include the anomalous data point
• reference to numbers of data points above and below the best fit line
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7 a A
2 A
Forces are unbalanced or net force is not zero WTTE
b
1 2 3
Ad a statement of an advantage a statement of two or more a statement of two or more
(Advantages) advantages advantages with at least one
or explained
a statement of one advantage
with an explanation
8
1 2 3 4
Env a statement of one a statement of one use a statement of at least a statement of at least
(Environmental) use of drones in of drones in two uses of drones in two uses of drones in
environmental environmental environmental environmental
monitoring monitoring and how this monitoring and a monitoring and a
use relates to science statement of how one statement of how these
or use is a benefit to uses are a benefit to
at least two statements science science
of the use of drones in
environmental
monitoring