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Question 19M.3.SL.TZ2.b

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.3.SL.TZ2.b
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Describe Question number b Adapted from N/A
b.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.3.SL.TZ2.b

The speed of a spaceship is measured to be 0.50c by an observer at rest in the Earth’s reference frame.

Use your answer to (a)(ii) to describe the paradigm shift that Einstein’s theory of special relativity produced.

[2]

Markscheme

c is the same in all frames

OR

c is maximum velocity possible ✔

velocity addition frame dependent ✔

length/time/mass/fields relative measurements ✔

Newtonian/Galilean mechanics valid only at low speed ✔

Examiners report

Most candidates correctly stated that in special relativity the velocity of light, c, is the maximum possible velocity or is invariant. Only a few added that Galilean relativity only applies at speeds much less than the speed of light.

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