Question 23M.3.SL.TZ2.4
| Date | May 2023 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 10] | Reference code | 23M.3.SL.TZ2.4 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ2 |
| Command term | Calculate, Explain, Identify, Show that, State, Write down | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Star A and star B are separated by a fixed distance of 4.8 light years as measured in the reference frame in which they are stationary. An observer P at rest in a space station moves to the right with speed 0.78c relative to the stars. A shuttle S travels from star A to star B at a speed of 0.30c relative to the stars.
State the value of the maximum distance between the stars that can be measured in any reference frame.
[1]
4.8 «light years» ✓
Write down the speed of shuttle S relative to observer P using Galilean relativity.
[1]
«−» 0.48c ✓
Ignore sign
Calculate the distance between star A and star B relative to observer P.
[2]
= 1.6 ✓
D = = 3 «ly» ✓
Allow ECF from MP1
Show that the speed of shuttle S relative to observer P is approximately 0.6c.
[2]
✓
«−» 0.63c ✓
Award [2] if MP1 correct and correct answer given to 1 significant figure.
Calculate the time, according to observer P, that the shuttle S takes to travel from star A to star B.
[2]
OR
✓
= 19 OR 20 «years» ✓
Award [2] for BCA
Identify and explain the reference frame in which the proper time for shuttle S to journey from star A to star B can be measured.
[2]
shuttle measures proper time ✓
as the events occur at the same place for the shuttle / shuttle is at both events ✓