Question 19N.3.HL.TZ0.16
Date | November 2019 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 10] | Reference code | 19N.3.HL.TZ0.16 |
Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
Command term | Calculate, Determine, Discuss, Outline, State | Question number | 16 | Adapted from | N/A |
Outline how the light spectra of distant galaxies are used to confirm hypotheses about the expansion of the universe.
[2]
spectra of galaxies are redshifted «compared to spectra on Earth» ✔
redshift/longer wavelength implies galaxies recede/ move away from us
OR
redshift is interpreted as cosmological expansion of space ✔
«hence universe expands»
NOTE: Universe expansion is given, so no mark for repeating this.
Do not accept answers based on CMB radiation.

Light from a hydrogen source in a laboratory on Earth contains a spectral line of wavelength 122 nm. Light from the same spectral line reaching Earth from a distant galaxy has a wavelength of 392 nm. Determine the ratio of the present size of the universe to the size of the universe when the light was emitted by the galaxy.
[2]
ALTERNATIVE 1
✔
✔
ALTERNATIVE 2
✔
= 3.21 ✔

Evidence from the Planck space observatory suggests that the density of matter in the universe is about 32 % of the critical density of the universe.
State what is meant by the critical density.
[1]
density of flat/Euclidean universe
OR
density for which universe has zero curvature
OR
density resulting in universe expansion rate tending to zero ✔

Calculate the density of matter in the universe, using the Hubble constant 70 km s–1 Mpc–1.
[3]
✔
✔
✔
NOTE: MP1 for conversion of H to base units.
Allow ECF from MP1, but NOT if H is left as 70.

It is estimated that less than 20 % of the matter in the universe is observable. Discuss how scientists use galactic rotation curves to explain this.
[2]
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 the presence of dark matter» ✔
