5.

5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Mark scheme – Astrophysics and Cosmology

Questio Mark
Answer/Indicative content Guidance
n s

Allow: with sin (θ) = O/H

Not: unless “c=0” seen.

Examiner’s Comments

Candidates found this item tricky even if they realised that

and then re–arranged the equation into a form
comparable with the general equation of a straight line, “y=mx +c”.
Unless that comparison was clear, then the mark could not be
credited.

Exemplar 8

1 a
compared with
B1
“y=mx+c”

The exemplar shows a clear way of demonstrating how to show that

the gradient of the line of the graph should be sin(θ).

Allow: gradient in range 0.70–0.76.

Allow: evaluation of θ = 44−50 (degrees) in place of gradient
C1
(Straight line of best fit showing)
gradient = 0.73

Allow: any subject

(dsin θ = nλ)
b i

C1
Note: Gradient in range 0.70−0.76 gives λ in range (5.8 – 6.4) × 10−7
m
λ = 6.1 × 10–7 (m)
A1
Examiner’s Comments
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Many candidates could plot the best fit straight line and attempted to
calculate the gradient. Not many candidates after that point realised
that the gradient had given them sin(θ) and could make no further
meaningful progress. Common errors included not calculating d
correctly from the quoted number of lines mm−1 or, less frequently,
was using a value different from 2 for n.

Ignore: error too small

(Scales/distances are large compared

Examiner’s Comments
with the absolute uncertainty so)
ii absolute uncertainty is too small to
20 per cent of candidates did not attempt this item. Some candidates
be shown (reasonably on this graph’s B1
were on the right lines but very few mentioned about absolute
scale) (AW)
uncertainty and that for these instruments and this graph, the
absolute uncertainty was too small to view on this scale.

Examiner’s Comments
(The values for λ or θ will be) less
ii precise (as independent About two fifths of candidates appreciated that the precision would
i measurements less likely to agree) not be as good with a protractor, as repeated measurements would
B1 be less likely to cluster in close proximity.
(AW)

Precision

The term ‘precision’ is defined of page 40 the Practical Skills Handbook, along
with other useful terms that attempt to describe the quality of data

Total 6

2 C 1

Total 1

Allow synonyms for ‘observed’ e.g. perceived / detected / measured

Allow any correct description of relative motion e.g. when source

moves towards an observer (but not when source / observer moves)

Allow the change in observed frequency / the apparent change or

shift in frequency when source moves relative to observer

Observed frequency is different to

Allow wavelength in place of frequency
source frequency when source moves
3 B1
relative to observer.
Answers must convey the difference between observed frequency
and source frequency rather than a change in source frequency

Examiner’s Comments

Very few candidates were able to score this mark.

5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Misconception

When a wave source moves towards or away from an observer, the

frequency of the wave does not change; it only appears to have
changed when viewed by the observer.

Exemplar 9

Exemplar 9 illustrates a typical incorrect response.

Total 1

4 Dark matter / black holes B1 Allow: anti-matter / dark energy

Total 1

Allow M⨀ for solar mass

(A white dwarf has mass equal to or)
Allow reference to neutron star (over Chandrasekhar limit)
5 less than 1.4(4) solar masses / B1
Allow correct reference to electron degeneracy pressure / Pauli
Chandrasekhar limit (ORA)
Exclusion Principle

Total 1

Recessional speed / velocity of galaxy

6 B1
is proportional to its distance (from us)

Total 1

Allow: red supergiant for B

7 A = white B1
and B = red giant Not: neutron star for A
dwarf

Total 1

Arrow acting along line from planet

8 B1 Any arrow length
towards sun

Total 1

9 A 1

Total 1

1
A 1
0

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments
1
D 1
1
The key to this question is to find the energy of the photon (from E =
hf) which gives 2.72 × 10−19 J. The energy level X is this amount of
energy below −5.40 × 10−19 J, which can only be answer D.

Total 1
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

1
C 1
2

Total 1

1
A 1
3

Total 1

1
B 1
4

Total 1

1
C 1
5

Total 1

Allow: density of Universe (approximately) constant throughout

Not: references/idea of isotropic/”looks the same in all directions”

1 Uniform distribution of matter Examiner’s Comments

B1
6 (everywhere in the Universe)
Just under half of the candidates got this term correct. The majority
that did not confused this term with isotropic or used insufficiently
clear language, such as ‘the universe is the same everywhere’.

Total 1

1
D 1
7

Total 1

1
A 1
8

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

1 The Chandrasekhar limit for the mass of a white dwarf is 1.4 solar
D 1
9 masses. The mass of the Sun is 2.0 × 1030 kg, so the mass limit for a
white dwarf is 2.8 ×1030 kg. Only star D exceeds this limit, so it
cannot be a white dwarf.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

Option D is the speed of light, so the galaxy cannot be travelling this

fast.
2
B 1
0 The change in wavelength for the galaxy is 20 nm. The laboratory
wavelength for this light is 590 nm. The relationship we need is that
the fractional change in wavelength for light from a galaxy
approximately equals the fraction of the speed of light for that galaxy.
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

The fractional change in wavelength is 20/590 = 3.39 %

3.39% of the speed of light = 1.02 × 107 m s-1, i.e. option B.

Option A was the most common incorrect response, which is the

speed when the change is wavelength is divided by the wavelength
of light from the galaxy.

Total 1

2
D 1
1

Total 1

2
D 1
2

Total 1

2
B 1
3

Total 1

2
B 1
4

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments
2 This question required the temperatures to be converted into kelvin
B 1
5 before finding the peak wavelength, giving option B rather than option
A.
This question provided opportunities for middle-grade candidates.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments
This question did not discriminate very well at all. The key point is
2
B 1 that the emission lines all undergo the same fractional wavelength
6
increase, so that the longer wavelengths will have larger absolute
increase, as indicated by option B. Option A gives lines which are all
the same absolute increase.

Total 1

2 Examiner’s Comments
C 1
7 This question proved particularly straightforward and accessible to
nearly all candidates.

Total 1

2
C 1
8

Total 1
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

2
B 1
9

Total 1

Any two from:

• Black hole has smaller mass /

radius / size
• Black hole has higher
density/gravitational field
B1
3 strength/ stronger
Allow black hole emits Hawking radiation
0 gravitational field
B1
• black hole absorbs light / does
not emit visible light
• Has an escape velocity => c
• No fusion in a black hole
(ORA)

Total 2

3 λ1 = d sin 12.5 = 4.33 × 10−7 m

C1 or λ2 = d sin 14.0 = 4.84 × 10−7 (m)
1 giving 1/d = 5 × 105 or d = 2 × 10−6

λ3 = sin 19.0/5 × 105 = 6.51 × 10−7 (m)

or

λ1 = d sin 12.5 = 4.33 × 10−7 and λ3 = d A1

sin 19.0

so λ3 = 4.33 × 10−7 sin 19.0/sin 12.5 =

or use λ2 = d sin 14.0 = 4.84 × 10−7 m sin 19.0/sin 12.5 = 0.326/0.216
6.51 × 10−7 (m)
= 1.50

Total 2

(Stronger) gravitational attraction

3
i between nearby galaxies affects B1
2
motion / clustering of galaxies

Expansion rate may not have been

constant / non-linear expansion / effect
ii B1
of dark energy causing accelerating
rate of expansion

Total 2

3 λmax × T should be constant if Wien’s

M1
3 law is obeyed.

Ignore POT
At least data from three stars is used
Note λmax × T values are 2.91 (× 10−3),
to carry out the test and a clear A1
2.91 (× 10−3), 2.88 (× 10−3) and 2.99 (× 10−3) − hence
conclusion.
expect ‘yes the law is obeyed’.

Total 2
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

This is a ‘show that’ question so the mark is for giving the full
substitution of values leading to an answer correct to 3 SF

Examiner’s Comments

This question was successfully attempted by the majority of

candidates.

E = (hc/λ) = 6.63 x 10-34 x 3(.00) x 108/ Exemplar 8

3 486 x 10-9 B1
i
4 B1
E = 4.09 x 10-19 (J)

Exemplar 8 shows the most common incorrect response. The

candidate has not realised that, in a ‘show that’ question, an
equation, full substitution and calculated response are all required.
This includes inserting numerical values for the constants h and c.

(vertical) arrow pointing downwards

B1B Examiner’s Comments
ii
from -1.36 to -5.45 1
The majority of candidates scored at least 1 mark, although some
would have been helped by better presentation.

Total 3

(λT = constant)

3
i 550 × 5800 = 370 × T
5 C1 Allow however expressed

T = 8600 (K)
A1 Answer is 8620 to 3 sf

Allow: ECF from (b)(i)

Note: temperature of Sun is 5800 K.

Examiner’s Comments
P on the main sequence and to LEFT
ii B1
of Sun.
This whole question was well answered in general. Very few could
not identify white dwarf and red giant stars. The calculation of the
surface temperature was straightforward with a minority suggesting
that λmax ∝ T. In either case, most candidates plotted the position of
Beta Pictoris on the HR plot successfully.

Total 3

3
a i X at closest point on orbit to the Sun B1 Allow X on the orbit to the left of the Sun
6

(When the asteroid orbits the sun a) B1 Allow this mark on diagram (no labelling required)
ii
line segment joining the asteroid to the Allow ‘equal area swept in same time’
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal

time (intervals)
B1
Longer distance (in orbit for the same
time)

Work done per unit mass to move an

b i B1 Not ‘ work done on 1 kg’
object from infinity (to that point)

ii Manipulation of V(g) = (−) GM/r B1

gradient = (−)30.4 or equivalent

working C1

Allow ± 2

ii candidate’s gradient or expression = C1

i 6.67 × 10−11 × M
Possible ECF from incorrect gradient
and M calculated correctly from that
Allow any subject
gradient
A0
M = 4.6 × 1011 (kg)

Method 1: C1
Evidence of 2.3 × 10−3 and 600−1 or
(2.3 × 10−3)−1 and 600
C1 Possible ECF from (b)(iii) for either value of GM or M
½ = 6.67 ×
v2 10−11 × 4.6 × 1011 × (2.3 Allow ½ v2 = 30 × (2.3 × 10−3 − 600−1)
× 10−3 − 600−1)
A1 Note answer can be 0.19 or 0.20 or 0.2 m s−1
c v = 0.20 (m s−1)
Note answer can be 0.19 or 0.20 or 0.2 m s−1

Method 2: (C1) Allow correct use of one piece of data arriving at a value for v for 1
Evidence of 7.0 × 10−2 and 5.1 × 10−2 mark max
from graph (C1)
½ v2 (= ΔV(g) ) = 7.0 × 10−2 − 5.1 × 10−2
v = 0.19 (m s−1) (A1)

Total 10

Examiner’s Comments
Many candidates muddled up emission (lines emitted by a source)
and omission (as in lines absorbed by a low pressure gas when a
Electron(s) makes a transition to a
3 continuous spectrum passes through it, as in an absorption
a i lower (energy) level / loses energy and B1
7 spectrum), so could not score the mark. Some focused on the
emitting a photon(s) / EM radiation
experimental procedure of using a diffraction grating. A third of
candidates correctly stated that the electron dropped down to a lower
energy state, releasing a photon or the equally acceptable ‘EM
radiation’

Allow ‘use finer grating’ or ‘use grating with more lines mm−1’
Not ‘smaller slit size’

Reduce grating separation / increase

ii B1 Examiner’s Comments
distance between grating and screen
This item tested knowledge of specification 5.5.2 (g) and PAG 5. It
would be advisable for Centres, where possible, to allow candidates
to observe the effect of changing the slit separation and the grating-
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

screen separation independently.

Approximately a third of students correctly suggested making one of

those adjustments, even if they expressed the former as ‘increase the
number of lines per mm’.

Some candidates presented arguments about plotting the graph on a

smaller scale or measuring the wavelength in picometres in an
attempt to resolve the peaks in the plot, which was a mis-
interpretation of the question.

Allow: between 661 and 662 nm

Note: check divided by 656.3 nm
Range of acceptable answers. 2.1(5)−2.6(1) × 106

wavelength (of peak) = 661.5 nm C1 Examiner’s Comments

ii
v = 3.0 × 108 × (661.5 − 656.3) / 656.3 C1 Examiners were pleased to see this item answered well, with the
i
recession velocity = 2.4 × 106 (m s−1) A1 majority of candidates gaining either two or three marks. Those that
did not either misread the position of the red-shifted spectral peak,
did not recognise that they were looking for the peak wavelength or
did not use the ‘at rest’ wavelength for the denominator of the
expression for the change in wavelength.

Allow ‘Hydrogen commonly found in stars’ (AW)

i (Relative) abundance of hydrogen

B1 Examiner’s Comments
v (AW)
Just over half of all candidates realised that the useful property of
hydrogen was its relative abundance in stars and hence galaxies.

Allow ‘greater red shift’ / ‘greater Doppler shift’ / ‘to the right’ for
longer wavelength

Allow argument referring to splitting of line because of relative

velocities of two component stars.
Less intense
B1 Not idea of blue shift.

Galaxy is moving faster and therefore

B1 Examiner’s Comments
b greater / longer wavelength (AW)
Some 9% of all candidates declined to answer this item, the highest
rate for any item on this paper.
Periodic shift in wavelength (if plane of
B1
orbit is in line of sight) (ORA)
The most common correct response linked higher distance with
higher recessional velocity and thus higher increase in wavelength.

Higher ability candidates explained that the orbiting stars would have
different velocities relative to the Earth resulting in a periodic change
in wavelength from the central peak. References to blue-shifting were
erroneous and contradictory.

Total 9

Apparent motion or displacement of a

3
star relative to the position of more B1
8
distant stars.

Caused by the Earth’s orbit around the

B1
Sun.
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

An angle of parallax of 1 arcsecond

when displacement of Earth is 1AU B1
corresponds to distance 1 pc

Total 3

the uncertainty in the measurement of

3 angle is the same for all angles and
i B1
9 the bigger the angle measured the
smaller the % error

ii nmax = d sin 90 C1

= 1/(5 × 105 × 4.33 × 10−7) = 4.6 but n

ii A1
is an integer so n = 4

Total 3

Any four from

• reduction in energy released

by fusion
• gravitational force is greater
than that from radiation and
gas pressure
• core collapses
• fusion no longer takes place
4 B1 ×
in the core Ignore current or previous stages of the Sun’s evolution
0 4
• fusion continues in the shell
around the core
• outer layers of star expand
and cool
• outer layers are released
• reference to planetary nebula
• reference to white dwarf (left
as remnant hot core)

Total 4

Allow: Any correct velocity if unit matches.

C1
v = 68 × 200 = 13600 (km s−1) or 13.6
× 106 m s−1

Allow: ECF for incorrect v

4
i (change in λ =) 13600 × 103 × 280/3.00
1 C1
× 108 or 13 (nm) or 13 × 10−9 (m)

Answer to 3 sf is 293 (nm)

(λ = 280 + 13)
Allow: ECF for incorrect Δλ

λ = 290 (nm)
A1 Examiner’s Comments

This is a more challenging question with several steps. In multiplying

the distance in Mpc by the H0 as quoted, the velocity of the galaxy
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

was 13600 km s−1. Some candidates handled the units well in this
question, reaching a change in wavelength of 13 nm. If the candidate
got as far as that, then approximately half then went on to add the
change in wavelength correctly. The change is added as the galaxy is
going away from us.

Exemplar 7

This candidate has laid out the calculation very carefully. It is obvious
that they have handled the idea that the speed of light is given in m
s−1 and that the galaxy’s velocity is in km s−1. This gives the correct
change in wavelength and eventually the correct wavelength.

Allow: singularity
Allow: physical radius ≤ event horizon radius
Allow: Distorts space(time) significantly / bends light significantly
Allow: Emits Hawking radiation
Any suitable one from:
Examiner’s Comments
• Very/infinitely dense Lots of candidates had some good ideas here, and had clearly read
ii B1
• Idea that escape velocity ≥ or widely about black holes. The better answers were those that were
‘light cannot escape it‘ specific to black holes rather than merely ‘high mass’, for example.
Good ideas included:

• ‘has an escape velocity greater (or equal to) the speed of

light’
• ‘infinitely dense’
• ‘emits Hawking radiation’
• ‘event horizon greater than physical radius’

Total 4

λT = constant however expressed

C1

4 500 × 5.8 × 103 = 240 × T and T Note answer is 12080 (K) to 4 SF

i C1
2 correctly evaluated Allow any subject

A0
T = 12000 (K)

(L = 4πr2σT4) C1
ii Note 12080 K gives 5.5 × 1010 (m)
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

4.62 × 1031 = 4π × 5.67 × 10−8 × r2 × A1

120004
radius = 5.6 × 1010 (m)

Total 4

Any three from:

1. At the Big Bang the Universe

Allow for point 1: fundamental forces unified
is a singularity / very dense /
very hot
2. Expansion / inflation / high
energy (gamma) photons but
no matter
4 3. Quarks and leptons form /
3 Quark−Gluon Plasma phase M1x
4. Quarks combine to form 3
Ignore: Any phase after nuclei phase e.g. recombination era
neutrons / protons / hadrons
/formation of atoms/formation of CMBR
5. Hadrons / neutrons and
protons / nucleons combine
Examiner’s Comments
to make nuclei
Many candidates did well on this question as they had learnt the
stages and the order of those stages well. The most common reason
All candidate’s points in the correct
for loss of marks was not including details about leptons or getting
sequence
the stages in the wrong order.

Total 4

4
i 3 downward arrows correctly labelled. B1 longest being 4.33 × 10−7 (m)
4

ii ΔE = hc/λ C1

λ = 6.63 × 10−34 × 3 × 108/ 4.8 × 10−20

ii A1
= 4.1(4) × 10−6 (m)

ii region: infra red B1 allow ecf if wavelength calculation incorrect.

Total 4

Note the mark is for substitution, value of G is not required

Ignore: minus sign

Allow 1 mark for 1.4 x 104 N ;use of mass of star instead of mass of
F = GMm/r2
galaxy.
4 C1
a i F = G x (2.0 x 1041)2 / (1.4 x 1023)2
5 A1 Examiner’s Comments

force = 1.4 x 1026 (N)

While some lower level responses included an attempt to find the
gravitational field strength rather than the force most selected the
correct formula. After selecting the correct relationship, most
candidates could then correctly find the force, provided that they
remembered to multiply the masses and square the distance of
separation.
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

density = 1011 x 2.0 x 1030/2.7 x 1069

M1
ii
A0
density = 7.4 x 10-29 (kg m-3)

e.g.
black holes, dark energy/matter, expanding universe

Examiner’s Comments

Any reasonable answers questioning

This was a question about challenging the model of the universe. The
ii modelsuch as observed average
B1 model takes into account an average mass and average distance of
i distance may be different, average
separation, so answers that referred to a variation in masses or
mass may be wrong etc.
distances between galaxies did not score. Higher level responses
included that the universe was expanding, so that the distances
involved were always changing, or that dark matter was not included
in the calculations. There was no indication that candidates were
constrained by time in this paper.

Allow distance in the range 2.9 to 3.2 cm

Examiner’s Comments
distance between positions = 3.1 cm
M1
Almost all candidates scored a mark for measuring the distance
b i 2p = 3.1/2 (any subject) M1
between promixa centauri’s positions 6 months apart. The scale was
A0
well understood, giving an angle of approximately 1.5 arc seconds.
p = 0.78 arc seconds
The parallax angle is defined to be half of this value, giving a parallax
angle in this case of 0.75 arc seconds. This final step was what
prevented candidates receiving the second mark.

Allow: their value for p

Possible ECF from (a)(i)

(d = 1 / p); d = 1 / 0.8) or 1.25 (pc)

Answer is 4.2 using 0.78 arc seconds
C1
ii d =1.25 x 3.26
A1
Examiner’s Comments
d = 4.1 (ly)
Most candidates used the data in the previous part of the question ie
that the parallax angle was 0.8 arc seconds or trusted their own value
which was close to 0.8 arc seconds. Nearly everyone that presented
a distance in parsecs could then calculate the distance in light years.

Total 8

Mark is for substitution of values

L (= 4πr2σT4) = 4 × π × (7.0 × 108)2 ×
M1 Allow σ for 5.67 × 10−8
5.67 × 10−8 × 58004
4
i
6 Examiner’s Comments
A0
L = 3.95 × 1026 (W)
Most candidates successfully used the formula for Stefan’s Law.

By ratios: 25 = 1.72 x (T/5800)4 or T4 = 25L/4πσ(1.7r)2

C1

ii

ECF for L in a(i) but only if L = 4 x 1026 to 1s.f.

C1
ECF for incorrect σ in a(i)
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

A1 Allow 9.9 × 1015 (using L = 4 x 1026)

T4 = 9.8 × 1015 Allow 10,000 K

T = 9950 (K) Examiner’s Comments

Higher ability candidates successfully used the more elegant ratios

method to reach the correct response. Lower ability candidates had
more success if they broke their calculation down into smaller steps,
such as calculating and writing down T4 rather than going straight to
T. Candidates should be encouraged to consider whether their
responses to calculations are reasonable as this will alert them to a
possible error. For example, some candidates calculated the
temperature of Sirius (which they were told is the brightest star in the
night sky) to be less than 1K.

Total 4

4
i C1
7

i C1

i A1

Hydrogen is most common element in

ii stars or Hydrogen has most intense B1
(spectral) lines.

Intensity of light from other elements

ii may be too low for accurate B1
measurement.

Total 5

Allow ionisation level defined as zero as AW for ‘represents electron

must gain energy to leave atom / move up energy level’
Allow potentials for attractive forces are negative.

Examiner’s Comments
electron bound to nucleus / represents
This item provided good discrimination between the candidates.
4 energy electron must gain to leave the
i B1 Many responses referred incompletely to the negative charge of the
8 atom / total energy of electron in atom
electron being the only factor, whereas the correct explanation is
is less than that of a free electron
much more to do with the electron requiring energy to leave the atom
and the ionization level being defined as the zero point.

Some candidates were on the right path when they referred to the
equivalent statement for gravitational potential energies.

1 energy = 2.55 (eV) B1 Ignore sign

2 energy = 2.55 × 1.60 × 10−19 (J) C1 Possible ECF from (ii)1
ii

C1
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

wavelength = 4.9 × 10−7 (m)

wavelength = 490 (nm)

A1 Note: wavelength = 488 (nm) to 3 sf

Examiner’s Comments
Virtually all candidates correctly evaluated the energy difference to
be 2.55 eV. Negative values were condoned but are unlikely to be
accepted in future series.

Many candidates correctly calculated the wavelength of emitted light,

although a minority did not convert the energy into joules or
performed the required conversion to nanometres incorrectly.

Total 5

4
i C1
9

i Δλ = 1.56 (nm) C1

i λ = 486 + 1.56 = 488 (nm) A1

d = 1.25 × 10−6 m

ii C1

ii θ = 51° A1 Allow 1 mark ; incorrect

488 nm used instead of 486 nm.

Total 5

Allow 1.2π/0.5 or 2.4π

= 7.54 (m s-1)

Alternative method:
T = 0.50 (s) or f = 2.0 (Hz) ω = 4π or 12.6 (rad s-1) (C1)
C1 v (= r ω) = 0.60 x 12.6 or 2.4π (M1)
5
i v = (2πr/T =) 2π x 0.60/0.5 M1 = 7.54 (m s-1) (A0)
0
A0
v = 7.5 (m s )
-1

Examiner’s Comments

Most candidates scored this mark. Some tried to use the Doppler
equation to find the speed of the sound (rather than the speed of the
loudspeaker).

Note that c represents the velocity of sound

∆f (≈ vf/c) = (7.5 x 1700) / 330

C1 Examiner’s Comments
ii
A1
∆f = 40 (Hz) (or 39Hz)
The question had stated clearly that the students were investigating
the Doppler effect, and candidates were expected to use the Doppler
equation Δf/f ͌ v/c.
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Allow as a minimum one labelled point i.e. 1740 or 1660

ECF(c)(ii) for incorrect ∆f

Examiner’s Comments

Many candidates left 6(c)(iii) blank, although full marks could have
been given from ECF from (c)(ii). The most common error here was
using + and – the value obtained in (c)(ii), rather than subtracting or
adding it to 1700, as demonstrated in Exemplar 10 below.

ii
y-axis labelled with correct scale B1 Exemplar 10
i

Examiner’s Comments

i X labelled at lowest point of circle on

B1 The purpose of this question was to test whether candidates could
v Fig. 6.1
associate a maximum decrease in observed frequency (a ‘red shift’)
with motion directly away from the observer / microphone.
Unfortunately, not many were able to place the cross correctly, with
many leaving this response blank.

Total 6

Level 3 (5−6 marks) Use level of response annotation in RM Assessor, e.g. L2 for 4
Correct calculations for radius and marks, L2^ for 3 marks etc.
temperature range or distance or
intensity for Earth-like temperature Indicative scientific points may include:
within given distance range, with clear
explanation. Explanation

There is a well-developed line of • TRAPPIST-1 is cooler than the Sun

reasoning which is clear and logically • The planets are closer to TRAPPIST-1
5
structured. The information presented B1x6 • Possible for temperature on planets to be like Earth
1
is relevant and substantiated. • For life to exist, temperature is not the only factor
• L = 4πr2σT4 (Any subject)
Level 2 (3−4 marks)
Radius calculated or at least one Calculations
temperature of planet calculated and
some explanation. • Calculation of ’constant’ for Earth: 4(.19) x 105
• For inner-most planet, T = 430 K
There is a line of reasoning presented • For outer-most planet, T = 180 K
with some structure. The information • Calculation of distance for T = 290 K, i.e. 3.4 x 109 (m)
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

presented is in the most-part relevant • There must therefore be a planet with temperature similar to
and supported by some evidence. that of the Earth
• L = 4πr2σT4 used to calculate radius of TRAPPIST-1
Level 1 (1−2 marks) • Radius of TRAPPIST-1 is 8.5 x 107 (m) or L/T4 is smaller for
Some explanation and an attempt at TRAPPIST-1
least one calculation. • Comparison of calculated intensities at extreme distances
around TRAPPIST-1 to intensity at Earth
There is an attempt at a logical
structure with a line of reasoning. The
information is in the most part relevant.
Examiner’s Comments
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of This level of response question was very well answered, largely due
credit. to the highly mathematical content. Higher level responses showed
clarity of method as well as one of a range of ways of supporting the
idea that life may be possible on the planets of TRAPPIST-1.

Many candidates opted to show that that the temperature of the

nearest planet was approximately 430 K while that at the furthest
planet was approximately 180 K. The argument went that there must
be a distance at which the temperature was approximately 290 K.
Other methods found the distance from TRAPPIST-1 that would give
a surface temperature of 290 K and showed that lay within the range
of distances given in the table.

Total 6

*Level 3 (5–6 marks)

Expect T1 and T2 for the Big Bang
Big Bang Theory (T)
Theory
Expect full discussion of red shift
1. Predicts that all galaxies will be receding.
points R1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Galaxy velocity proportional to distance from Earth.
Expect at least B1 and B2 for the Blue
Shift
Red Shift (R)
Expect C1 and any three from C2, C3,
C4, C5 for CMBR
1. Radiation from Virgo shows increase in wavelength or red
shift
There is a well-developed line of
2. Change in wavelength caused by motion of galaxy or
reasoning which is clear and logically
reference to Doppler Effect
structured. The information presented
3. Evidence that Virgo is receding from Earth.
is relevant and substantiated.
5 B1 × 4. Support for Big Bang theory.
2 6
Level 2 (3–4 marks)
Blue Shift (B)
Expect T1 and T2 for the Big Bang
Theory
1. Andromeda shows blue shift
Expect R1 and R2; red shift identified
2. Andromeda approaching Earth
but no explanation why it implies an
3. Caused by gravitational attraction.
expanding Universe
Expect B1 and B2; blue shift identified
CMBR (C)
with no explanation of cause
Expect any three from C1, 2, 3, 4 and
1. Formed as gamma radiation at Big Bang
5; CMBR evidence recalled but linked
2. Galactic red shift to microwave wavelength
to the Big Bang
3. Intensity is uniform in all directions
4. Corresponds to a temperature of 2.7K
There is a line of reasoning presented
with some structure. The information
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

presented is in the most-part relevant 5. (Very small) ripples in intensity corresponding to formation
and supported by some evidence. of first stars or galaxies.

Level 1 (1–2 marks)

Expect T1 or T2 for the Big Bang
Theory
Expect R1, R2 or B1, B2; red shift or
blue shift identified but without
explanation or link to Big Bang Theory
Expect at least one from C1, 2, 3, 4
and 5; CMBR evidence recalled but not
linked to the Big Bang

The information is basic and

communicated in an unstructured way.
The information is supported by limited
evidence and the relationship to the
evidence may not be clear.

0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit.

Total 6

5
i E = hc/λ; Δε = E1 − E2 = hcΔλ/λ2 C1 allow calculation of E = hc/λ twice and difference taken
3

Δε = 6.63 × 10−34 × 3 × 108 × 0.6 ×

i C1
10−9/ 5.92 × 10−14

i Δε = 3.4 × 10−22 (J) A1

ii sin θ = nλ/d; 1/d = 3 × 105 (m−1) C1

θ1 − θ2 = sin−1 (2 × 589.6 × 3 × 10−4) −

ii M1 or similar
sin−1 (2 × 589 × 3 × 10−4)

ii θ1 − θ2 = 20.717 − 20. 695 = 0.0220 A1 allow 20.72 − 20.70

Total 6

*Level 3 (5-6 marks)

Clear use of data and discussion of
MBR.
Indicative scientific points may include:

There is a well-developed line of

reasoning which is clear and logically
structured. The information presented
Use of data
5 is relevant and substantiated.
B1x6
4
• The table of values for d and v support the idea of an
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
expanding Universe.
Some use of data and discussion of
• Calculate of H0 more than once using data.
MBR.
• age = t = used correctly to calculate t.
• Age calculated correctly in s or in y.
There is a line of reasoning presented
• Furthest galaxies travelling faster.
with some structure. The information
• Space expanding in all directions.
presented is in the most-part relevant
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

and supported by some evidence. • Use data to plot graph of v against d to determine H0 / graph
of d against v to find t.
Level 1 (1−2 marks) • More data needed since anomalies in the table.
Limited use of data or limited
discussion of MBR.

The information is basic and

communicated in an unstructured way.
The information is supported by limited Discussion of MBR (microwave background radiation)
evidence and the relationship to the
evidence may not be clear. • Early Universe extremely hot / very dense.
• High energy gamma photons existed in the early Universe.
0 marks • As space expanded the wavelength of these photons /
No response or no response worthy of waves ‘stretched’ out.
credit. • We now observe this as microwave background radiation.
• Temperature of the Universe is now 2.7 K

Total 6

Level 3 (5 - 6 marks)
Use level of response annotations in RM Assessor, e.g. L2 for 4
Clear procedure or correct
marks, L2^ for 3 marks, etc.
determination of wavelength, plus
reasonable estimation of uncertainty in L1 maximum for any answers which use formula Ϯ = ax/D
Ϯ or (sin) θ

Indicative scientific points may include:

There is a well-developed line of
reasoning which is clear and logically
Procedure
structured. The information presented
is relevant and substantiated.
• use formula nϮ = dsinθ
• n = 1 since first order spectrum
Level 2 (3 – 4 marks)
• find d using number of lines/mm = 300 mm-1
Description of procedure or correct
• find θ using distance of grating from plastic ruler = 0.50 m
determination of Ϯ, but no estimation of
and x = 0.10 m (not protractor)
uncertainty

Determination of wavelength
or Clear estimation of uncertainty in
1
5 wavelength but limited description of
(AO3 • calculate d (= 10-3/300) = 3.3 x 10-6 m
5 procedure and/or determination of Ϯ or
) • use x = 0.10 m and distance to grating = 0.50 m to calculate
(sin) θ
tan θ (= 0.2)
• θ = 11.3°
or Some description of procedure, an
• sin θ = 0.196
attempt to determine the wavelength,
• alternatively, calculate hypotenuse of triangle (using
and an attempt to estimate uncertainty
Pythagoras’s theorem) = 0.51 m, giving sinθ (= 0.10/2600½)
in some of the measurements (e.g. in
= 0.196
x)
• allow use of small angle rule (sinθ 㓈 tanθ 㓈 θ = 0.2)
There is a line of reasoning presented
• calculate Ϯ (= 0.196 x 10-3/300) = 650 nm
with some structure. The information
presented is in the most part relevant
Estimation of uncertainty
and supported by some evidence.

Level 1 (1 – 2 marks) • negligible uncertainty in d (and n)

A limited selection from the scientific • uncertainty in sin θ is found using uncertainty in distance
points worthy of credit. measurements
There is an attempt at a logical • uncertainty in each distance measurement is ± 1.0 mm or ±
structure with a line of reasoning. The 0.5 mm or ± 2.0 mm
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

information is in the most part relevant. • maximum % uncertainty in tan θ / θ / sin θ = 3%

• so % uncertainty in Ϯ = % uncertainty in sin θ = 3%
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit. Frontal
Examiner’s Comments

Unfortunately, a significant number of candidates did not recognise

the diffraction grating experiment here, confusing it with the double
slit experiment and so using the formula λ=ax/D. This may be
because the formula nλ = dsinθ is in the astrophysics section of the
formula sheet.

Candidates who chose to use the correct formula nλ = dsinθ were

given for choosing the correct values for n, d and θ, for a correct
calculation of λ, and for an accurate error analysis. Candidates who
did not calculate λ could still gain full marks, as long as they gave
accurate instructions as to how this could be done. Strong candidates
successfully calculated a reasonable estimate of uncertainty in λ by
combining the uncertainties in the distance measurements which had
been used to find sin θ.

AfL

The experiment to measure the wavelength of light using a diffraction

grating is PAG 5.1 and so is often carried out in Year 12. It may be
beneficial to carry out this practical activity in Year 13 instead during
the study of spectral lines, to reinforce use of the formula nλ = dsinθ.

OCR support

Being aware of the contents of the data, formulae and relationship

booklet and its layout will support candidates, alleviating the need to
recall numerical values of constants and allowing retrieval of correct
formulae, or giving assurance that the student has recalled correctly.

Exemplar 7

Exemplar 7 illustrates many aspects of a Level 1 response. Although

the correct formula has been identified, it will not give a correct value
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

for λ because incorrect values for n, d and θ have been chosen. The
response has been put at the bottom of Level 1 because, although
there is an attempt at a logical structure, almost all of the information
it contains is inaccurate and therefore not relevant.

Total 6

5 Velocity determined by Doppler shift of

i B1
6 spectral lines

Suitable straight line of best fit though

ii M1
origin

Appropriate pair of values (d, v) taken

ii M1
from line, H0 = v/d

400 km s−1 Mpc−1 ≤ H0 ≤ 600 km s−1

ii A1
Mpc−1

ii H0 = 500 × 103 / 106 × 3.1 × 1016 = 1.6

C1
i × 10−17 s−1

ii t = 1 / H0 = 1 / 1.6 × 10−17 = 6.2 × 1016

C1
i s

ii
age = 2.0 × 109 (years) A1 Accept answers between 1.6 × 109 (years) and 2.5 × 109 (years) CF
i

Total 7

5 The (total radiant) power (of a star)

i B1
7 /AW

(L = 4πr2σT4)
C1
Allow 1 mark for 5.3; square root omitted
ii
Allow 1 mark for 1:2.3 or 0.43
A1
ratio = 2.3(1)

λ(max) ∝ B1 Allow word equation

ii
i
Lower temperature star will have the B1 Note Must mention wavelength and temperature
longest wavelength, so it is Aa2

i
From their (different) colours B1
v

Any three from:

• Continuous spectrum
• Light / radiation / photons
passes through cooler
B1 ×
v gas/star’s atmosphere
3
• Photon(s) absorbed by
electron(s)
• Electron(s) excited / jump /
make transition to higher
energy level(s)
5.5 Astrophysics and Cosmology

• Electron only promoted if

energy of photon matches
energy gap between two
given levels
• Photons remitted in different
directions
• (so) idea of contrast with non-
absorbed wavelengths

Total 9