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Mark Scheme (Results)

Summer 2023

Pearson Edexcel International

Advanced Level in Physics (WPH15)
Paper 1
Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation,
Oscillations and Cosmology
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Summer 2023
Question Paper Log Number: P73460RA
Publications Code: WPH15_01_2306_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2023
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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.

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 e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
information are needed for 1 mark.
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 This does not apply in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question where the
units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.
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2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only once
within one clip in epen.
2.4 Occasionally, it may be decided not to insist on a 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.
2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by placing brackets
around the unit.

3. Significant figures
3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not prevent a
mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer in the MS.
3.2 Too few significant figures will mean that the final mark cannot be awarded in
‘show that’ questions where one more significant figure than the value in the
question is needed for the candidate to demonstrate the validity of the given
answer.
3.3 The use of one significant figure might be inappropriate in the context of the
question e.g. reading a value off a graph. If this is the case, there will be a clear
indication in the MS.
3.4 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
3.5 In questions assessing practical skills, a specific number of significant figures will
be required e.g. determining a constant from the gradient of a graph or
uncertainty calculations. The MS will clearly identify the number of significant
figures required.

4. Calculations
4.1 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.
4.2 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks, then both marks will be available for a
reverse working. If the question is worth 3 marks then only 2 marks will be
available.
4.3 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.

5. Quality of Written Expression

5.1 Questions that asses the ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer are marked with an asterisk.
5.2 Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured.
5.3 Linkage between ideas, and fully-sustained reasoning is expected.
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Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not correct, as this would lead to a flet universe
C is not correct, as density values (and not mass values) must be compared
D is not correct, as density values (and not mass values) must be compared

2 C is the correct answer, as 𝜆observed = 𝜆 + 0.025𝜆 (1)

3 1 (1)
C is the correct answer, as (distance to star) = (parallax angle)

4 𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚 (1)

B is the correct answer, as Δ(𝑃𝐸)grav = − − (− )
𝑟final 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙

5 B is the correct answer, as 𝑣 = 𝐻0 𝑑 (1)

6 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as this describes an elastic material
C is not correct, as this describes a strong material
D is not correct, as this describes a stiff material

7 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as the longer the count time the larger the count
B is not correct, as background count rate varies from place to place
D is not correct, as different detectors have different sensitivities

𝑀Mars 2
𝑟moon
8 C is the correct answer, as 𝑔Mars = × × 𝑔moon (1)
𝑀moon 2
𝑟Mars

9 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as the pressure, volume and temperature of each gas is the same
B is not correct, as the temperature of each gas is the same
D is not correct, as the temperature and the number of molecules is the same for each gas

10 B is the correct answer, as the gradient of the velocity-time graph gives the (1)
displacement time graph
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Question
Answer Mark
Number
11(a) Top line correct (1)

Bottom line correct (1) 2

Example of calculation

187 187
75Re → 76Os + −10β− + 00𝜈̅
11(b) Use of 1 eV = 1.6 × 10−19 J [4.16× 10−16] (1)

1 (1)
Use of 𝐸𝑘 = 2 𝑚𝑣 2 [Allow use of the mass of an proton]

(1) 3
v = 3.0 × 107 m s−1

Example of calculation
1
2.6 × 103 × 1.6 × 10−19 J = × 9.11 × 10−31 kg × 𝑣 2
2

2 × 4.16 × 10−16 J
∴𝑣=√ = 3.02 × 107 m s−1
9.11 × 10−31 kg

Total for question 11 5

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
12(a) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

N = 2.1 × 1024 [min 2sf] (1) 3

[Correct answer from use of pV=nRT gets full marks, otherwise only MP2
available]

Example of derivation

1.24 × 105 Pa × 7.08 × 10−2 m3

𝑁= = 2.13 × 1024
1.38 × 10−23 J K −1 × (273 + 25) K
12(b) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

ΔN = 1.5 × 1024 (allow ecf from (a)) (1) 2

Example of calculation
𝑝2 𝑁2
=
𝑝1 𝑁1

3.45 × 104 Pa
𝑁2 = 2.13 × 1024 × ( ) = 5.93 × 1023
1.24 × 105 Pa

ΔN = 2.13 × 1024 − 5.93 ×1023 = 1.54 × 1024

[Use of ‘Show that’ value from (a) gives ΔN = 1.44× 1024]

Total for question 12 5

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
13 The thickness of the track related to the ionising ability of the particle (not its (1)
mass)

Alpha is strongly ionising and beta is only moderately ionising (so alpha tracks
are thick and beta tracks are thin) (1)
[Allow a comparison of ionising power of alpha with that of beta]

The shape of the track related to the mass of the particle (not its ionising ability) (1)

Alpha particles are massive particles and beta particles are not massive particles
(so alpha tracks are straight and beta tracks are twisted) (1) 4
[Allow a comparison of alpha mass with beta mass]

Total for question 13 4

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
14(a) Determine V using given dimensions (1)

𝑚
Use of 𝜌 = (1)
𝑉

𝑚 = 0.022 (kg) [min 2sf] (1) 3

Example of calculation
𝑉 = (2.5 × 10−2 m)2 × 3.5 × 10−2 m = 2.19 × 10−5 m3

𝑚
1.00 × 103 kg m−3 =
2.19 × 10−5 m3

∴ 𝑚 = 0.0219 kg

14(b) Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝐿 (1)

∆𝐸 (1)
Use of 𝑃 = ∆𝑡

P = 79 W so not 110 W
[Use of show that value for m gives 71 W]
(allow ecf from (a))

Or t = 8.5 min not 12 mins so the energy is not transferred at a rate of 110 W
[Use of show that value for m gives 7.8 min (467 s)]
(allow ecf from (a))

Or ∆𝐸 = 7.92 × 104 J not 5.65 × 104 J so the energy is not transferred at a rate of
110 W
[Use of show that value for m gives 4.06 × 104 J]
(allow ecf from (a)) (1) 4

Example of calculation
∆𝐸 = 6 × 0.022 kg × 4180 J kg −1 K −1 × 22.5 K = 1.24 × 104 J

∆𝐸 = 6 × 0.022 kg × 3.34 × 105 J kg −1 = 4.41 × 104 J

(1.24 × 104 + 4.41 × 104 )J 5.65 × 104

𝑃= = = 78.5 W
(12 × 60) s 720
Or
(1.24 × 104 + 4.41 × 104 )J
𝑡= 110 W
= 514 s = 8.5 min

Or
Δ𝐸 = 110 W × (12 × 60)s = 7.92 × 104 J

Total for question 14 7

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
15(a) Conversion of beats minute−1 to Hz [Accept calculation of T] (1)

Use of 𝜔 = 2π𝑓 (1)

Use of 𝑣 = −𝐴𝜔 sin 𝜔𝑡 with sin 𝜔𝑡 = 1 (1)

A = 1.5 (mm) (1) 4

[Allow max displacement = 2A]

Example of calculation
142
𝑓= = 2.37 Hz
60 s

𝜔 = 2π × 2.37 s −1 = 14.9 rad s−1

22.0 × 10−3 m s −1
𝐴= = 1.48 × 10−3 m = 1.48 mm
14.9 s−1

15(b) For an object to move with simple harmonic motion

there must be an acceleration/(resultant) force that is proportional to the
displacement from the equilibrium position (1)

and (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

(For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed point/position

or central point/position)
[MP2 Accept acceleration/force is in the opposite direction to the displacement]
[An attempt to use the equation can only score if all terms are defined and the
minus sign explained]

Total for question 15 6

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Calculation of mass difference (1)

Use of 1 u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚 (1)

∆E = 7.6 ×10−13 (J) (1) 4

Example of calculation
∆𝑚 = (230.0331 − 226.0254 − 4.0026) u = 5.1 × 10−3 u

∆𝑚 = 5.1 × 10−3 × 1.66 × 10−27 kg = 8.47 × 10−30 kg

∆𝐸 = (3.00 × 108 m s−1 )2 × 8.47 × 10−30 kg = 7.62 × 10−13 J

[Use of 1 u = 1.67 × 10−27 kg gives ∆𝐸 = 7.67 × 10−13 J]

[Use of 931.5 MeV factor scores full marks if final answer correct, otherwise MP1
is only mark that may be awarded]

16(b) ln 2 (1)
Use of 𝜆 = 𝑡½

Use of 𝑁 = 𝑁0 𝑒 −𝜆 𝑡 (1)
𝑁
Use of 90% [ = 0.1] (1)
𝑁0

t = 2.5 × 105 (years) (1) 4

Example of calculation

ln 2 0.693
𝜆= = = 9.19 × 10−6 year −1
𝑡½ 75400 years

−6
0.1 = 𝑒 −9.19×10 𝑡

ln 0.1
𝑡= = 2.51 × 105 years
−9.19 × 10−6 year −1

[Calculation of the time taken for 90% to remain gives t = 1.15× 104 years]

Total for question 16 8

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a) In the fusion process mass decreases (1)

So energy is released according to ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚

Or energy is released to conserve mass-energy
Or binding energy per nucleon increases (1) 2

17(b) Max 4

Very high temperature so that the nuclei have sufficient kinetic energy (1)

Nuclei must overcome electrostatic repulsion/forces (1)

[Allow a reference to overcome repulsion/forces due to positively charged nuclei]
(1)
So that the nuclei come close enough to fuse
4
Sufficient density so that the collision rate (between nuclei) is high (enough) (1)

Sufficient collision rate to maintain the (very high) temperature (1)

17(c) Values of B.E./nucleon read from graph [min 2 values] (1)

Calculation of binding energies (1)

Energy released = 17.4 (MeV) [Allow 17.3 MeV – 17.5 MeV] (1) 3

Example of calculation

B.E./nucleon of 2H = 1.1 MeV

B.E./nucleon of 3H = 2.8 MeV
B.E./nucleon of 4He = 7.0 MeV

So energy released = 4 × 7.0 MeV – (2 × 1.1 MeV + 3 × 2.8 MeV) = 17.4 MeV

Total for question 17 9

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
*18 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.

The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and
lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for structure of
answer and sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical
structure with linkages and fully
2
sustained lines of reasoning
demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with
1
some linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between
0
points and is unstructured

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 Max final
mark 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 The internal energy of the wax decreases during cooling
Or The internal energy of the wax decreases as time passes
IC2 The internal energy of the wax is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy
of the molecules
IC3 As the temperature of the wax decreases, the (molecular) kinetic energy
decreases
IC4 Between times X and Y the (liquid wax is solidifying and the molecular)
potential energy decreases
IC5 Between times X and Y the temperature is constant and so there is no change in 6
(molecular) kinetic energy
IC6 At time Y the wax has solidified
Total for question 18 6
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Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a) 𝑡mean (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 30
[tmean = 13.675 s]

𝑚 (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 2π√
𝑘
𝑘 2π
[Allow use of 𝜔2 = 𝑚 with 𝑇 = 𝜔
]

(1)
Use of factor of 2 applied to either m or k
(1) 4
k = 20.9 (N m−1), so label is correct.

Example of calculation
(13.65 + 13.70)⁄
𝑇= 2 = 0.456 s
30

0.22 kg
0.456 s = 2π√
𝑘

4π2 × 0.22 kg
∴𝑘= = 41.8 N m−1
(0.456 s)2

41.8 N m−1
𝑘= = 20.9 N m−1
2

19(b)(i) When the driving frequency is equal to the natural frequency of the mass-spring
system (1)

Resonance occurs
(1)
There is a maximum transfer of energy (to the mass-spring system and the 3
amplitude increases) (1)

[Allow spring for mass-spring system]

19(b)(ii) Some of the energy from the student’s hand is transferred to the oscillating mass (1)
and some of the energy is transferred to surroundings

When the amplitude is a maximum, minimum energy is transferred to surroundings (1)

[Accept “at the natural frequency” or “resonance” for when the amplitude is a
maximum] (1)
. 3
(In a closed system) total energy is constant so the student is incorrect.
Or She is incorrect as energy is always conserved (in a closed system)

Total for question 19 10

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a) Reverse scale (1)

Approximately logarithmic values (1) 2

[With realistic values of temperature. Max temperature range 50000 – 2000 K,
with temperature of Sun about 6000 K]

20(b) (This star cluster is not a young star cluster because)

This cluster has red giant stars on the top right of the diagram (1)

And white dwarf stars bottom left of diagram (1)

A young cluster would only have a main sequence (1) 3

Or Red giant stars only occur in the later stages of a star’s evolution
Or White dwarf stars only occur in the later stages of a star’s evolution

If no marks can be awarded, award max 1 for:

The cluster has red giant stars and white dwarf stars

[Accept positions of red giant stars and white dwarf stars shown on the diagram]

20(c) The luminosity of the standard candle is known (1)

Measure/determine intensity of radiation from V1 [standard candle] (1)

[do not accept ‘calculate’]

Use inverse square law to calculate distance (to cluster)

𝐿 (1) 4
Or use 𝐼 = 2 to determine distance, where I is intensity and L is luminosity
4𝜋𝑑

Distance is too large (for V1 to be in a nearby cluster)

(1)
[Must have the idea of being too far away, rather than just being far away]

Total for question 20 9

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Question
Answer Mark
Number
21(a)(i) λmax read from graph (1)

2.898 × 10−3 m K (1)

Use of 𝑇 =
𝜆max
(1) 3
T = 3400 (K) (accept 3350K – 3450K) [min 2 sf]

Example of calculation
λmax = 850 nm

2.898 × 10−3 m K
𝑇= = 3410 K
850 × 10−9 m

21(a)(ii) Use of 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 2 (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 (1)

Use of LSun = 3.83 × 1026 W (1)

𝐿 (1)
= 0.35% (allow ecf from(a)(i))
𝐿Sun

Calculated value of ratio compared with 0.5% and conclusion made (1)
Or

Use of 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 2 (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 (1)

Use of LSun = 3.83 × 1026 W (1)

LRoss = 1.34 ×1024 W and 0.5% LSun = 1.92 × 1024 W (1)

Calculated values of LRoss and 0.5% LSun compared and conclusion made (1) 5

[Use of show that value of T gives LRoss = 8.04 × 1023 W m−2

Use of show that value gives ratio = 0.0021]

Example of calculation
𝐿 = 4π(1.18 × 108 )2 × 5.67 × 10−8 W m−2 K −4 × (3400)4 = 1.33 × 1024 W m−2

𝐿 1.33 × 1024 W
= = 0.00346
𝐿Sun 3.83 × 1026 W

∴ 𝐿 = 0.35% of 𝐿Sun which is less than 0.5%, so statement is correct

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21(b) 𝐺𝑀𝑚 (1)

Equate 𝐹 = 𝑟2
and 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟

2π (1)
Use of 𝜔 = 𝑇
(1)
T = 2.29 × 106 s

OR

𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑣 2 (1)
Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 =
𝑟2 𝑟

2π𝑟
(1)
Use of 𝑣 = 𝑇

T = 2.29 × 106 s (1) 3

[Full credit for a correct answer from use of memorised relationship between
T2 and r3, incorrect answer scores 0 unless equation is derived and values substituted]

Example of calculation
𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟
𝑟2

𝐺𝑀 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −2 × 3.38 × 1029 kg

∴𝜔=√ 3 =√ = 2.75 × 10−6 rad s−1
𝑟 (0.096 × 1.50 × 1011 m)3

2π 2π
𝑇= = = 2.29 × 106 s
𝜔 2.75 × 10−6 s −1

Total for question 21 11

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