AQA_2024: A-level Physics - Paper 3 Section B Astrophysics. (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)

AQA_2024: A-level Physics - Paper 3 Section B Astrophysics. (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) Please write clearly in block capitals. Centre number Surname Forename(s) Candidate signatu re A-level PHYSICS Paper 3 Section B I declare this is my own work. Astrophysics Candidate number Monday 17 June 2024 Materials For this paper you must have:  a pencil and a ruler  a scientific calculator  a Data and Formulae Booklet  a protractor. Instructions Morning Information  The marks for questions are shown in brackets.  The maximum mark for this paper is 35.  Use black ink or black ball-point pen.  Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.  Answer all questions. Time allowed: The total time for both sections of this paper is 2 hours. You are advised to spend approximately 50 minutes on this section.  You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the box around each page or on blank pages.  If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).  Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.  You are expected to use a scientific calculator where appropriate.  A Data and Formulae Booklet is provided as a loose insert. IB/M/Jun24/E6 For Examiner’s Use Question Mark 1 2 3 4 TOTAL  Show all your working. 7408/3BA 2 For A-Level Physics Paper 3 Section B: Astrophysics, focus on the following key areas: 1. The Universe and its Structure:  The Big Bang Theory: Understand the key ideas of the Big Bang, the expansion of the universe, and how redshift and cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) support this theory.  Redshift: Be familiar with how redshift is used to measure the velocity of distant galaxies and how it provides evidence for the expanding universe.  Cosmological Models: Study models of the universe, including the steady state theory and the expanding universe. Understand how observations of distant galaxies and cosmic background radiation contribute to these models. 2. Stellar Formation and Evolution:  Star Lifecycle: Understand the stages in the lifecycle of a star, from nebula to main sequence star, red giant, and the end states such as white dwarf, supernova, and neutron star.  Fusion in Stars: Study the process of nuclear fusion, particularly in main-sequence stars where hydrogen fuses to form helium, and the release of energy that powers stars.  Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram: Be able to interpret the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram, which plots stars based on their luminosity and temperature. Understand how this diagram relates to the stages in a star’s life cycle. 3. Black Holes and Neutron Stars:  Black Holes: Understand the formation of black holes from the collapse of massive stars and the concept of the event horizon. Know the relationship between the mass of a star and the formation of a black hole.  Neutron Stars: Study the formation and properties of neutron stars following the collapse of stars with mass below the black hole threshold. 4. Astronomical Distances:  Light Years and Parallax: Understand how light years are used to measure vast distances in space. Know the technique of stellar parallax to calculate distances to nearby stars.  Standard Candles: Study the use of standard candles (such as Cepheid variables) to measure distances to far-off galaxies. Do not write outside the IB/M/Jun24/7408/3BA 3 Do not write outside the IB/M/Jun24/7408/3BA Section B Answer all questions in this section. box 0 1 A student uses a refracting telescope in normal adjustment to make observations of Jupiter. The telescope has an angular magnification of 75 0 1 . 1 The eyepiece has a focal length of 22 mm. Determine the distance between the eyepiece and the objective lens. [2 marks] distance = m 0 1 . 2 When viewed through the telescope, the image of Jupiter subtends an angle of 1.7 × 10−2 rad. Calculate, in km, the distance between the Earth and Jupiter. mean radius of Jupiter = 7.0 × 104 km [2 marks] distance = km 4 Do not write outside the box IB/M/Jun24/7408/3BA 11 The student places a cap over one end of the telescope. The cap has a circular hole in its centre. Figure 1 shows the end of the telescope, the objective lens and the cap. Figure 1 0 1 . 3 State and explain the effect that the addition of the cap has on the chromatic aberration caused by the lens. [3 marks] 0 1 . 4 Explain two other effects that the addition of the cap has on the image of Jupiter. [4 marks] 1 2 5 Turn over ► Do not write outside the box IB/M/Jun24/7408/3BA 6 Do not write outside the box IB/M/Jun24/7408/3BA 0 2 The apparent change in position of a nearby star relative to distant stars is due to an effect known as parallax. Figure 2 shows how parallax arises. As the Earth moves from point P to point Q, an observer on the Earth sees the position of a nearby star S change in relation to distant stars. Figure 2 Angle A is the parallax angle. This angle can be used to determine the distance to a nearby star, provided that the relative motion b