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Question 19M.2.HL.TZ2.aii

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

Suppose the star could contract to half its original radius without any loss of mass. Discuss the effect, if any, this has on the total energy of the planet.

[2]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

«at the position of the planet» the potential depends only on the mass of the star /does not depend on the radius of the star ✔

the potential will not change and so the energy will not change ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2

r / distance between the centres of the objects / orbital radius remains unchanged ✔

since  E T o t a l = − 1 2 G M m r , energy will not change ✔

 

Examiners report

A large number of candidates thought that the total energy of the planet would change, mostly double.

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