DP Physics (first assessment 2025)

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Question 19M.2.HL.TZ1.5c

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 19M.2.HL.TZ1.5c
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ1
Command term Determine Question number c Adapted from N/A
c.
[Maximum mark: 3]
19M.2.HL.TZ1.5c
(c)

The graph shows the variation of the gravitational potential between the Earth and Moon with distance from the centre of the Earth. The distance from the Earth is expressed as a fraction of the total distance between the centre of the Earth and the centre of the Moon.

Determine, using the graph, the mass of the Moon.

[3]

Markscheme

read off separation at maximum potential 0.9 ✔

equating of gravitational field strength of earth and moon at that location OR ✔

7.4 × 1022 «kg» ✔

Allow ECF from MP1

Examiners report

This question was left blank by many candidates, and very few who attempted it were able to successfully recognize that the gravitational fields of the Earth and Moon balance at 0.9r and then use the proper equation to calculate the mass of the Moon.

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