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Question 19N.3.HL.TZ0.16

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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
16.
[Maximum mark: 10]
19N.3.HL.TZ0.16
(a(i))

Outline how the light spectra of distant galaxies are used to confirm hypotheses about the expansion of the universe.

[2]

Markscheme

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.

(a(ii))

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]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

z=392-122122=2.21 

RR0=«2.21+1=»3.21 

ALTERNATIVE 2

RR0=392122 

= 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.

(b(i))

State what is meant by the critical density.

[1]

Markscheme

density of flat/Euclidean universe
OR
density for which universe has zero curvature
OR
density resulting in universe expansion rate tending to zero ✔

(b(ii))

Calculate the density of matter in the universe, using the Hubble constant 70 km s–1 Mpc–1.

[3]

Markscheme

H=«70×103106×3.26×9.46×1015=»2.27×10-18«s-1»

ρ=0.32×3×2.27×10-1828π×6.67×10-11

3.0×10-27«kgm-3»

NOTE: MP1 for conversion of H to base units.
Allow ECF from MP1, but NOT if H is left as 70.

(b(iii))

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]

Markscheme

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» ✔