AQA
A-level
PHYSICS
7408/3BA
Paper 3 Section B Astrophysics
Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: 1.0 Final
*236
, MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS – 7408/3BA –
JUNE 2023
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with
the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any
amendments made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is
the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation process
ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’ responses to questions and that every
associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts.
Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated
for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have
not been raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
2
, MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS – 7408/3BA –
JUNE 2023
Physics - Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
the marks available for each part of the question
the total marks available for the question
the typical answer or answers which are expected
extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate
what is acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview
of the area in which a mark or marks may be awarded.
The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the
mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on
the diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details
which confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that
marking is straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two
from’ is used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet
points is a potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the
mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different
terms in the mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which candidates have
provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that
‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of errors /
contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks
can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the mark
scheme) are not penalised.
3.2 Marking procedure for calculations
Full marks can usually be given for a correct numerical answer without working shown
3
A-level
PHYSICS
7408/3BA
Paper 3 Section B Astrophysics
Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: 1.0 Final
*236
, MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS – 7408/3BA –
JUNE 2023
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with
the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any
amendments made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is
the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation process
ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’ responses to questions and that every
associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts.
Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated
for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have
not been raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
2
, MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS – 7408/3BA –
JUNE 2023
Physics - Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
the marks available for each part of the question
the total marks available for the question
the typical answer or answers which are expected
extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate
what is acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview
of the area in which a mark or marks may be awarded.
The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the
mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on
the diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details
which confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that
marking is straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two
from’ is used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet
points is a potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the
mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different
terms in the mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which candidates have
provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that
‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of errors /
contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks
can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the mark
scheme) are not penalised.
3.2 Marking procedure for calculations
Full marks can usually be given for a correct numerical answer without working shown
3
