Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2020

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15) Paper 01
Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations
and Cosmology
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same

treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in
exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates
must be rewarded for what they have shown they can
do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme
not according to their perception of where the grade
boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the
mark scheme should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be
awarded. Examiners should always award full marks if
deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark
scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award
zero marks if the candidate’s response is not worthy of
credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will
provide the principles by which marks will be awarded
and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application
of the mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team
leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the
candidate has replaced it with an alternative response.

3
 Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle

The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed up by
examples. It is not a set of model answers.

For example:

(iii) Horizontal force of hinge on table top

66.3 (N) or 66 (N) and correct indication of direction [no ue]  1

[Some examples of direction: acting from right (to left) / to the left / West /
opposite direction to horizontal. May show direction by arrow. Do not
accept a minus sign in front of number as direction.]

This has a clear statement of the principle for awarding the mark, supported by some
examples illustrating acceptable boundaries.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should be
credited in every answer unless the ms has specified specific words that must be
present. Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance is
increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not accept
gravity] [ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit will
normally mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.
2.2 Incorrect use of case e.g. ‘Watt’ or ‘w’ will not be penalised.
2.3 There will be no unit penalty applied in ‘show that’ questions or in any other
question where the units to be used have been given, for example in a
spreadsheet.
2.4 The same missing or incorrect unit will not be penalised more than once within
one question (one clip in epen).
2.5 Occasionally, it may be decided not to penalise a missing or incorrect unit e.g. the
candidate may be calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not
one that should be known and is complex.
2.6 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error penalty is to be applied by means of
[no ue].

3. Significant figures
3.1 Use of an inappropriate number of significant figures in the theory papers will
normally only be penalised in ‘show that’ questions where use of too few
significant figures has resulted in the candidate not demonstrating the validity of
the given answer.
3.2 The use of g = 10 m s-2 or 10 N kg-1 instead of 9.81 m s-2 or 9.81 N kg-1 will be
penalised by one mark (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m s-2 or 9.8 N
kg-1

4. Calculations
 4.1 Bald (i.e. no working shown) correct answers score full marks unless in a ‘show
that’ question.
4.2 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks then both marks will be available for a
reverse working; if it is worth 3 marks then only 2 will be available.
4.3 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of
physically correct values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power of
10 error.
4.4 recall of the correct formula will be awarded when the formula is seen or implied
by substitution.
4.5 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.
4.6 Example of mark scheme for a calculation:

‘Show that’ calculation of weight

Use of L × W × H 

Substitution into density equation with a volume and density 

Correct answer [49.4 (N)] to at least 3 sig fig. [No ue] 

[If 5040 g rounded to 5000 g or 5 kg, do not give 3rd mark; if conversion to
kg is omitted and then answer fudged, do not give 3rd mark]
[Bald answer scores 0, reverse calculation 2/3] 3

Example of answer:

80 cm × 50 cm × 1.8 cm = 7200 cm3

7200 cm3 × 0.70 g cm-3 = 5040 g

5040 × 10-3 kg × 9.81 N/kg

= 49.4 N

5. Graphs
5.1 A mark given for axes requires both axes to be labelled with quantities and units,
and drawn the correct way round.
5.2 Sometimes a separate mark will be given for units or for each axis if the units are
complex. This will be indicated on the mark scheme.
5.3 A mark given for choosing a scale requires that the chosen scale allows all points
to be plotted, spreads plotted points over more than half of each axis and is not an
awkward scale e.g. multiples of 3, 7 etc.
5.4 Points should be plotted to within 1 mm.
• Check the two points furthest from the best line. If both OK award mark.
• If either is 2 mm out do not award mark.
• If both are 1 mm out do not award mark.
• If either is 1 mm out then check another two and award mark if both of these
OK, otherwise no mark.
• For a line mark there must be a thin continuous line which is the best-fit line for
the candidate’s results.

5
Questio Answer Mark
n
Number
1 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as paper did not absorb radiation

B is not the correct answer as both aluminium and lead absorb radiation
C is not the correct answer as paper did not absorb radiation
2 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as graph shows that low mass nuclei fusing gives
less energy than when fission of massive nucleus occurs
B is not the correct answer as graph shows that energy is released not absorbed
D is not the correct answer as graph shows that energy is released not absorbed
3 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as this is the ratio of the mean squared velocities
C is not the correct answer as this is the inverse of the correct answer
D is not the correct answer as this is the inverse of the ratio of the mean squared
velocities
4 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as there is a larger proportion of the total pd across
the LDR
C is not the correct answer as current in the circuit decreases
D is not the correct answer as current in the circuit decreases and there is a
larger proportion of the total pd across the LDR

5 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as T for the pendulum is 2.00 s not 1.00 s
C is not the correct answer as incorrect value of T used and equation has not
been correctly rearranged
D is not the correct answer as equation has not been correctly rearranged
6 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the background readings must be subtracted

B is not the correct answer as the background readings must be subtracted
C is not the correct answer as it is necessary to use the same time in each case
7 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the relationship is not linear

B is not the correct answer as a smaller thickness must cause a reduction less
than 50%
D is not the correct answer as the relationship is exponential
8 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the mean molecular kinetic energy is unchanged
B is not the correct answer as the mean molecular kinetic energy is unchanged
D is not the correct answer as the mean molecular potential energy increases

6
Question Answer Mark
Number

9 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as T is inversely proportional to the square root of k

C is not the correct answer as T is inversely proportional to the square root of k
D is not the correct answer as T is inversely proportional to the square root of k
10 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as ‘normal’ is not the correct description

C is not the correct answer as ‘optimum’ is not the correct description
D is not the correct answer as ‘damping’ is not the correct description

Question Answer Mark

Number
11 Similarity:
Both fields obey an inverse square law (for point masses/charges)
Or both fields have an infinite range (1)

Difference:
Electric fields can be attractive or repulsive, whereas gravitational fields can only
be attractive
Or electric fields exert forces on charges whereas gravitational fields exert forces
on masses
(1) 2

Total for question 11 2

Question Answer Mark

Number
12(a) The (massive) planet exerts a (large) gravitational force on the star. (1)

The velocity of the star relative to the Earth changes. (1)

(which causes a varying) Doppler shift (1) 3

12(b) Use of
∆𝜆𝜆 𝑣𝑣
= 𝑐𝑐 (1)
𝜆𝜆

v = 220 m s−1
(1) 2
Example of calculation

3.19 × 10−13 m
𝑣𝑣 = ×3.0×108 m s-1 = 220 m s-1
4.35 × 10−7 m

Total for question 12 5

7
Question Answer Mark
Number
13 (Very) high temperatures are needed to give hydrogen/nuclei/protons enough
kinetic energy to overcome the repulsive force (between charges). (1)

High densities are needed to enable a high enough collision rate (of
nuclei to sustain the fusion reactions)
Or
High densities are needed to enable a high collision rate (of nuclei) in (1)
order to sustain the fusion reactions

If the material/plasma undergoing fusion (on Earth) were to touch the

container the temperature would decrease and fusion would stop
Or
If the material/plasma undergoing fusion (on Earth) were to touch the
container then the container would melt (and containment cease) (1)

(On Earth) strong magnetic fields are required because there are containment
problems for a material undergoing fusion. (1) 4

Total for question 13 4

8
Question Answer Mark
Number
14(a)
𝐿𝐿 (1)
Use of 𝐼𝐼 =
4𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑 2

(1) 2
LSun = 3.9 × 1026 (W)

Example of calculation
2
𝐿𝐿Sun = 4π×�1.50×1011 m� × 1.37 × 103 W = 3.87 × 1026 W

14(b) Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑐𝑐 2 ∆𝑚𝑚 and use of 𝑃𝑃 =

∆𝑊𝑊 (1)
∆𝑡𝑡

(1) 2
𝛥𝛥𝑚𝑚 = 1.4 × 1017 kg ecf from (a)

Example of calculation
3.87 ×1026 J 𝑠𝑠 −1 ×3.15 ×107 s
∆𝑚𝑚 = 2
=1.35 ×1017 kg
8
�3.0×10 m s-1 �

Total for question 14 4

9
Question Answer Mark
Number
15(a) One pair of readings taken from graph (1)

2 pairs of readings taken from graph (1)

(1)
Attempt to show that gr2 is constant

OR
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Use of 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑟𝑟 2 with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
(1)
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Algebra to show that 𝑚𝑚 = 𝑟𝑟 2
(1)
Statement that GM is constant
(1) 3
Example of calculation
g / N kg−1 r / RE g r2 / N kg−1 RE2
8.0 1.1 9.7
5.0 1.4 9.8
2.0 2.2 9.7

9.8 1.0 9.8

2.4 2.0 9.6
0.6 4.0 9.6

15(b)(i) (The graph shows) g is not constant (from the surface of the Earth to
height of 5RE)
Or the gravitational field is not uniform over this distance (1) 1

15(b)(ii) Use of 𝑉𝑉grav = −

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 (1)
𝑟𝑟

Use of ∆Egrav = 𝑚𝑚 ∆Vgrav (1)

∴ ∆𝐸𝐸grav =1.8 × 1011 J (1) 3

Example of calculation

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
∆𝑉𝑉grav = −
𝑅𝑅𝐸𝐸 6𝑅𝑅𝐸𝐸

6.67 ×10-11 N m2 kg -2 ×6.0 × 1024 kg 1

∴ ∆𝑉𝑉grav = 6
�1- � =5.2 × 107 J kg -1
6.4 × 10 m 6

∴ ∆𝐸𝐸grav = 3.5 × 103 kg ×5.2 ×107 J kg -1 =1.82 × 1011 J

Total for question 15 7

10
Question Answer Mark
Number
16(a) At the top of the main sequence (1) 1

Accept a sketch of H-R diagram with the stars correctly marked on the main sequence

16(b) Use of 𝜆𝜆max 𝑇𝑇 = 2.898 × 10−3 m K (1)

λmax = 9.7 × 10−8 m (1) 2

Example of calculation
2.898×10-3 m K
𝜆𝜆max = =9.66 ×10-8 m
3.00 ×104 K

16(c) Use of 𝐿𝐿 = 𝜎𝜎𝑇𝑇 4 𝐴𝐴 (1)

r = 2.3 × 1010 m (1) 2

Example of calculation
5.37 × 105 ×3.85 × 1026 W = 5.67×10-8 W m-2 K -1 ×4π×𝑟𝑟 2 ×(2.75×104 K)4

2.07 × 1032 W
∴ 𝑟𝑟 = � 4
=2.25 ×1010 m
4
5.67×10-8 W m-2 K -1 ×4π×�2.75×10 K�

11
Question Answer Mark
Number
16(d)
𝐿𝐿 (1)
Use of 𝐼𝐼 =
4𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑 2

IA = 4.6 ×10-8 Wm-2 and IM = 3.6 ×10-8 Wm-2

Or
𝐼𝐼A
= 1.25 (1)
𝐼𝐼M
(1)
Comparison of the intensities of the two stars and appropriate deduction.
Dependent on MP1

OR

Alnilam is about 6 times as luminous as Mintaka, but Alnilam is twice as far away
𝐿𝐿
And the intensity of a star is given by 𝐼𝐼 =
4𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑 2
Or The intensity of a star is proportional to luminosity and inversely proportional to the
distance squared
Dependent on MP1 (1)

Hence the intensity of Alnilam is greater than that from Mintaka and so Mintaka has the
lower intensity.
Dependent on MP1 and MP2. (1)

Example of calculation 3

𝐼𝐼A 𝐿𝐿A 𝑑𝑑M 2 (1)

= � �
𝐼𝐼M 𝐿𝐿M 𝑑𝑑A
2
𝐼𝐼A 5.37 × 105 8.7 × 1018 m
∴ = × � � =1.25
𝐼𝐼M 9.0 × 104 1.9 × 1019 m

Total for question 16 8

12
Question Answer Mark
Number
17(a) Use of circumference = 2πr (1)

4π 𝑟𝑟 3
Use of 𝑉𝑉 = 3 (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

(1)
Use of 𝑝𝑝𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇
(1)
Excess pressure calculated

Excess pressure is 79 kPa, so ball meets FA rules (1) 6

Example of calculation

0.685 m
𝑟𝑟 = = 0.109 m
2π
4π
𝑉𝑉 = ×(0.109 m)3 =5.42×10-3 m3
3

𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇 2.5 × 1023 × 1.38 × 10-23 J K -1 ×(16+273)

𝑝𝑝 = = =1.84 × 105 Pa
𝑉𝑉 5.42 × 10-3 m3

Excess pressure = 1.84 × 105 Pa – 1.05 × 105 Pa = 7.9 × 104 Pa (79 kPa)

13
Question Answer Mark
Number
*17(b) This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and
shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and
lines of reasoning.

Number of marks awarded for

structure of answer and
sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure with
linkages and fully sustained lines of reasoning 2
demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some linkages
1
and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is
0
unstructured

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks for
structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0

Indicative content
• As the temperature of the air decreases the average/mean kinetic energy of the
molecules decreases
• So the (root mean square) velocity/speed of the molecules decreases
𝑝𝑝2
Or (Since 𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘 = ) the (average) momentum of the molecules decreases
2𝐺𝐺

• The change of momentum of a molecule during a collision with the container

walls decreases
• The rate of collision of molecules with the walls of the container decreases
• So the rate of change of momentum decreases and so the force on the container
walls decrease s
• Hence the pressure exerted by the gas decreases, since p = F/A 6

Total for question 17 12

14
Question Answer Mark
Number
18(a)
48
20Ca + 249
98Cf →
294
118Og + 𝟑𝟑 × 10n (1) 1

18(b)(i) Cyclotron
Or Linac
Or Particle accelerator (1) 1
18(b)(ii) Conversion of energy to J (1)

Conversion of mass to kg (1)

1 (1)
Use of 𝐸𝐸k = 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 2
2

(1)
v = 3.1 × 107 m s−1
(1) 5
Comparison of calculated value of v and c and valid conclusion

Example of calculation

Ek = 245 × 106 eV × 1.6 × 10−19 J eV−1 = 3.92 × 10−11 J

m = 47.95 × 1.66 x 10-27 kg = 7.96 × 10−27 kg

2 ×3.92 × 10-11 J
𝑣𝑣 =� =3.14 × 107 m s -1
7.96 × 10-26 kg

18(c) Use of 𝜆𝜆 = 𝑡𝑡
ln2 (1)
1/2
Use of 𝑁𝑁 = 𝑁𝑁0 𝑒𝑒 −𝜆𝜆 𝑡𝑡 (1)

𝑁𝑁0 = 3.5 × 103 (1) 3

Example of calculation

0.693
𝜆𝜆= =779 s-1
0.89 × 10-3 s
-1 × 2.5 × 10−3
500 = 𝑁𝑁0 e-780 s s

500
𝑁𝑁0 = = 3.50 × 103
0.142

15
Question Answer Mark
Number
18(d) Handle the source with tongs
(1)
As alpha particles can only travel a few cm in air
[Accept alpha particles have a very short range]
Or The greater the distance, the lower the intensity of radiation received (1)

OR
Handle the source for as short a time a possible (1)

As the ionising effect is cumulative (1) 2

Total for question 18 12

Question Answer Mark

Number
19(a) The natural frequency of the water molecule is about 10 GHz (1)

The microwave radiation frequency (2.45 GHz) is not at/about the natural
frequency of the water molecule and so this is not resonance
Or
The driving frequency is not is not at/about the natural frequency of the water
(1) 2
molecule and so this is not resonance
19(b)(i) The (rotating) water molecules collide with other molecules (in the food) (1)
There is a transfer of kinetic energy to (adjacent) molecules (in the food) (1)
This increases the internal energy and hence the temperature of the food
Or this increases the (average) kinetic energy (of the molecules) and hence the
(1) 3
temperature of the food

19(b)(ii) Ice is a solid and so the molecules have fixed positions (1)

This prevents the molecules in the solid ice from rotating

Or only molecules in liquid water around the ice can rotate (1) 2

16
Question Answer Mark
Number
19(c)(i) ∆𝑊𝑊
Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐∆𝜃𝜃 and use of 𝑃𝑃 = ∆𝑡𝑡 (1)

useful power output

Use of efficiency =
power input
Or
Use of efficiency =
useful energy output (1)
energy input

(1) 3
Efficiency = 56 %, so the manufacturer’s claim is invalid

Example of calculation

0.325 kg×4190 J kg-1 K-1 ×(85.0 -25.0) °C

𝑃𝑃 = = 363 W
225 s
363 W
efficiency= × 100 % = 55.8 %
650 W

19(c)(ii) Energy transfer from water cooling =

energy transfer to melt ice + energy transfer to heat ice (1)

Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐∆𝜃𝜃 (1)

Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿 (1)

θ = 59 oC (1) 4

Example of calculation
Energy transfer from water cooling = energy transfer to melt ice + energy transfer to
heat ice
𝑚𝑚water 𝑐𝑐 ∆𝜃𝜃water = 𝑚𝑚ice 𝐿𝐿 + 𝑚𝑚ice 𝑐𝑐 ∆𝜃𝜃ice
0.325 kg ×4190 J kg -1 K -1 (85.0- θ)
= 0.0625 kg × 3.33 × 105 J K -1 +0.0625 kg ×4190 J kg -1 K -1 (θ -0.0 )
1362 𝜃𝜃 + 262 𝜃𝜃 = +1.16 × 105 J − 2.08 × 104 J
9.52 × 104
∴ 𝜃𝜃= = 58.8 °C
1620

Total for question 19 14

17
Question Answer Mark
Number
20(a) (For simple harmonic motion the) acceleration is:
• (directly) proportional to displacement from equilibrium position (1)

• acceleration is in the opposite direction to displacement (1)

Or (always) acting towards the equilibrium position

OR

(For simple harmonic motion the resultant) force is:

• (directly) proportional to displacement from equilibrium position (1)

(1) 2
•
force is in the opposite direction to displacement
Or (always) acting towards the equilibrium position
(An equation with symbols defined correctly is a valid response for both marks
For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed
point/position or central point/position)

20(b) Use of 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑁𝑁∆𝑥𝑥 (1)

𝐺𝐺
Use of 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋� (1)
𝑘𝑘

2π
Use of 𝑣𝑣𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝜔𝜔𝐴𝐴 with 𝜔𝜔 = (1)
𝑇𝑇

1
Use of 𝐸𝐸k = 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣2 (1)
2
(1)
𝐸𝐸k = 9.1 × 10-3 J

OR
Use of 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑁𝑁∆𝑥𝑥 (1)

Statement that Ek max = ΔEel (1)

Because energy is conserved (1)

1
Use of ∆𝐸𝐸𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝐹𝐹∆𝑥𝑥 with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑁𝑁∆𝑥𝑥 (1)
2
(1)
𝐸𝐸k = 9.1 × 10-3 J 5

Example of calculation
𝐹𝐹 0.25 kg ×9.81 N kg-1
𝑁𝑁 = = =14.9 N m-1
∆𝑥𝑥 0.165 m

0.25 kg
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋� = 0.814 s
14.9 N m-1

2
1 2π×3.5×10-2 m
𝐸𝐸k = ×0.25 kg × � � = 9.13×10-3 J
2 0.814 s

18
 Question Answer Mark
Number
20(c) Sinusoidal curve with twice the frequency of displacement graph (1)

Always positive and maximum Ek at t = 0 (1) 2

Example of graph

20(d)
There would be viscous/drag forces on the mass as it moved through the water (1)
This would remove energy (from the oscillation)
Or this causes damping (1)
The amplitude would decrease over time (dependent on MP2)
(1) 3
Total for question 20 12

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19
Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2021

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15/01)
Paper 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations
and Cosmology
Question Answer Mark
Number

1 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as the mean velocity of the oxygen molecules and the mean
velocity of the nitrogen molecules are both zero.
B is not the correct answer, as the mean speed of the oxygen molecules is less than the
mean speed of the nitrogen molecules.
C is not the correct answer, as the mean kinetic energy of any molecule is determined by
the temperature of the gas.
2 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as dark matter neither absorbs not emits electromagnetic
radiation.
C is not the correct answer, as we can detect dark matter as a result of the
gravitational force it exerts.
D is not the correct answer, as we cannot say what dark matter is.
3 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as α-particles are highly ionising.
C is not the correct answer, as γ-radiation is weakly ionising.
D is not the correct answer, as γ-radiation is very penetrating.
4 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as, λmax increases as the metal bar cools.
C is not the correct answer, as λmax decreases as the metal bar is heated.
D is not the correct answer, as λmax decreases as the metal bar is heated.
5 C is the correct answer, as the amplitude of oscillation is proportional to the (1)
square root of the energy of the oscillation.
6 C is the correct answer, as I = 1/4πd2 (1)
7 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as the weight is only zero at an infinite distance.
C is not the correct answer, as this is the weight somewhere between the orbit height
and the Earth’s surface.
D is not the correct answer, as this is the weight at the Earth’s surface.
8 C is the correct answer, as L = 4π2σT4 (1)
9 A is the correct answer, as acceleration and displacement must be in antiphase. (1)
10 C is the correct answer, as the acceleration graph is equal to the gradient of the (1)
velocity graph.
Question Answer Mark
Number
11 Use of 𝑔𝑔 =
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 (1)
𝑟𝑟 2

(1) 2
𝑅𝑅m = 3.4 × 106 m

Example of calculation

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
𝑔𝑔 = 2
∴ 𝑟𝑟 = �
𝑟𝑟 𝑔𝑔

𝑅𝑅m 𝐺𝐺m 𝑔𝑔E

=� ×
𝑅𝑅E 𝐺𝐺E 𝑔𝑔m

1
∴ 𝑅𝑅m = 6.37 × 106 m × � × 2.6 = 3.37 × 106 m
9.3

Total for question 11 2

Question Answer Mark
Number
12(a) ∆𝐸𝐸 (1)
Use of 𝑃𝑃 =
∆𝑡𝑡
(1)
Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚∆𝜃𝜃
(1) (3)
𝑡𝑡 = 216 (s)
Example of calculation

𝑃𝑃 ∆𝑡𝑡 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚∆𝜃𝜃
0.165 kg × 4190 J kg −1 K −1 × (100 − 12.5) K
∴ 𝑡𝑡 = = 216 s
280 W

12(b)
Use of ΔE from (a)
∆𝐸𝐸
Or use of 𝑃𝑃 = using value for Δt from (a)
∆𝑡𝑡
Or use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚∆𝜃𝜃 with ∆𝜃𝜃 = (100 − 87.7) (1)

Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚∆𝜃𝜃 and ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (1)

𝑚𝑚 = 3.7 × 10−3 kg (allow ecf from (a) (1) (3)

Example of calculation

𝑃𝑃 ∆𝑡𝑡 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚∆𝜃𝜃 + 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

280 W × 216 𝑠𝑠 = 0.165 kg × 4190 J kg -1 K −1 × (87.7 − 12.5) K

+ 𝑚𝑚 × 2.29 × 106 J kg -1

∴ 6.05 × 104 J = 5.20 × 104 J + 𝑚𝑚 × 2.29 × 106 J kg −1

6.05 × 104 J − 5.20 × 104 J

∴ 𝑚𝑚 = = 3.71 × 10−3 kg
2.29 × 106 J kg -1

Total for Question 12 6

Question Answer Mark
Number
13(a) kg m2 s−2 (1) (1)

13(b)(i) ℓ (1)
Use of 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋�𝑔𝑔

(1) (2)
ℓ = 0.99 m

Example of calculation

ℓ
2.000 s = 2𝜋𝜋�
9.81 m s-2
2s 2
-2
∴ ℓ = 9.81 m s × � � = 0.994 m
2𝜋𝜋

13(b)(ii) g varies depending upon location

Or the metre would depend upon an accurate measurement of time
Or the metre would depend upon the definition of the second (1) (1)
Total for Question 13 4

Question Answer Mark

Number
14(a) Use of 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇 (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

𝑝𝑝 = 5.1 × 105 Pa (1) (3)

Example of calculation

7.5 × 1024 × 1.38 × 10−23 J K −1 × (273 + 20)K

𝑝𝑝 = = 5.05 × 105 Pa
6.0 × 10−2 m3

14(b) (1)
Use of 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇 with 288 K
Percentage remaining = 91(%) (1) (2)

Example of calculation

4.5 × 105 Pa × 6.0 × 10−2 m3

𝑁𝑁 = = 6.79 × 1024
1.38 × 10−23 J K −1 × 288 K
6.8 × 1024
Percentage remaining = × 100 % = 90.5 %
7.5 × 1024

Total for Question 14 5

Question Answer Mark
Number
15 Log expansion of 𝑅𝑅 = 𝑅𝑅0 𝑒𝑒 −𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 (1)
μ identified as (-) gradient (1)
Gradient calculated (1)
ln 2 (1)
Use of 𝑅𝑅 = 𝑅𝑅0 𝑒𝑒 −𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 Or use 𝑥𝑥½ = 𝜇𝜇 (1)
Half-value thickness = 1.5 cm (1)
Conclusion consistent with half-value thickness

OR

Log expansion of 𝑅𝑅 = 𝑅𝑅0 𝑒𝑒 −𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 (1)

ln R0 identified as intercept (1)
Intercept read from graph (1)
R0/2 calculated and x read from graph (1)
Half-value thickness = 1.5 cm (1)
Conclusion consistent with half-value thickness (1) (6)

Example of calculation

ln R = lnR0 – μx

5.20 − 6.85
𝜇𝜇 = − � � = 0.471 cm−1
3.5 cm

𝑅𝑅0 −1
= 𝑅𝑅0 𝑒𝑒 −0.471 cm 𝜇𝜇
2

∴ ln2 = 0.471 cm-1 𝑥𝑥

∴ 𝑥𝑥 = 1.47 cm

Total for Question 15 6

Question Answer Mark
Number
16(a)(i)
Redshift is the (fractional) increase in the wavelength received (1)
Due to the source of radiation moving away from the observer (1)
(2)
[Accept answers in terms of frequency]
𝑣𝑣
16(a)(ii) Use of 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑐𝑐 (1)
Use of 𝑣𝑣 = 𝐻𝐻0 𝑑𝑑 (1)

𝑑𝑑 = 2.9 × 1024 m (1) (3)

Example of calculation

𝑣𝑣 = 0.0158 × 3.00 × 108 m s −1 = 4.74 × 106 m s-1

4.74 × 106 m s -1
𝑑𝑑 = = 2.93 × 1024 m
1.62 × 10−18 s-1

16(b)
The force between the galaxies obeys the inverse square law
Or 𝐹𝐹 =
𝐺𝐺 𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2 1
Or 𝐹𝐹 ∝ 𝑟𝑟 2 (1)
𝑟𝑟 2

F = ma, so as the (resultant) force increases, so does the acceleration (1)

(2)
Total for Question 16 7
Question Answer Mark
Number
17(a)(i)
Equate 𝐹𝐹 =
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚
with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝑟𝑟 (1)
𝑟𝑟 2
2𝜋𝜋 (1)
Use of 𝜔𝜔 = 𝑇𝑇
to calculate T
8.64×104 s (1)
Use of 𝑛𝑛 = 𝑇𝑇
to calculate number of orbits in 1 day
(1)
In 1 day Salyut 1 would make 16.3 orbits, and so the claim is correct.

OR
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚 (1)
Equate 𝐹𝐹 =
𝑟𝑟 2
with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝑟𝑟
(1)
2𝜋𝜋
Use of 𝜔𝜔 = 𝑇𝑇
8.64×104 s (1)
Use of 𝑇𝑇 = to calculate orbital time if 16 orbits in 1 day
16 (1)
5310 s < 5400 s and so the claim is correct.

OR
(1)
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚 2
Equate 𝐹𝐹 =
𝑟𝑟 2
with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔 𝑟𝑟 (1)
2𝜋𝜋
Use of 𝜔𝜔 = 𝑇𝑇
to calculate T
(1)
Use their value of T to calculate time t for 16 orbits (4)
(1)
If t < 8.64 × 104 s, then claim is correct.

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 2 2𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟

Accept use of 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑟𝑟 2
with 𝐹𝐹 = for MP1 and use of 𝑣𝑣 = for MP2.
𝑟𝑟 𝑇𝑇

Example of calculation
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚
𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝑟𝑟 =
𝑟𝑟 2

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 6.67 × 10−11 Nm2 kg -2 × 5.98 × 1024 kg

∴ 𝜔𝜔2 = ∴ 𝜔𝜔 = �
𝑟𝑟 3 (6.37 × 106 m + 2.11 × 105 m)3

∴ 𝜔𝜔 = 1.183 × 10−3 rad s-1

2𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 rad
∴ 𝑇𝑇 = = = 5311 s
𝜔𝜔 1.183 × 10−3 rad s -1
8.64×104 s
Number of orbits = 5310 s
= 16.3
8.64×104 s
If 16 sunrises per day, 𝑇𝑇 = 16
= 5400 s
17(a)(ii)
Use of 𝑝𝑝𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑟𝑔𝑔𝑣𝑣 = −
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 (1)
𝑟𝑟

(1)
Recognises that ∆𝐸𝐸grav = 𝑚𝑚 × ∆𝑝𝑝grav
(1) (3)
∆𝐸𝐸grav = (−)3.7 × 1010 J

Example of calculation

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
∆𝑝𝑝grav = − +
𝑟𝑟2 𝑟𝑟1

1 1
∆𝑝𝑝grav = 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 � − �
𝑟𝑟1 𝑟𝑟2
1 1
∆𝑝𝑝grav = 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −2 × 5.98 × 1024 kg � − �
6.58 × 10 m 6.37 × 106 m
6

∴ ∆𝑝𝑝grav = −2.00 × 106 J kg −1

∴ ∆𝐸𝐸grav = −2.00 × 106 J kg −2 × 18400 kg = −3.67 × 1010 J

17(b)
A (large) drag force acted on the satellite (1)
Work is done on satellite (by drag force) and temperature of satellite increases (1)
OR
Air in front of satellite is compressed (1)
Energy is transferred to satellite (from hot air) and temperature of satellite increases (1) (2)
MP2 dependent upon MP1

Total for Question 17 9

Question Answer Mark
Number
18(a) (For simple harmonic motion the) acceleration is:
• (directly) proportional to displacement from equilibrium position (1)
• acceleration is in the opposite direction to displacement
Or (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1)
OR
(For simple harmonic motion the resultant) force is:
• (directly) proportional to displacement from equilibrium position
(1)
• force is in the opposite direction to displacement
Or (always) acting towards the equilibrium position
(1) (2)

18(b)(i) Use of 𝜔𝜔 = 2π𝑓𝑓 (1)

Use of 𝑣𝑣 = 𝐴𝐴𝜔𝜔 sin 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 with sin 𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡 = 1 (1)

𝐴𝐴 = 1.49 × 10−3 (m) (1) (3)

Example of calculation

𝜔𝜔 = 2π × 240 Hz = 1508 rad s -1

2.25 m s -1
𝐴𝐴 = = 1.49 × 10−3 m
1508 rad s -1

18(b)(ii) Use of 𝑎𝑎 = −𝜔𝜔2 𝑥𝑥 (1)

𝑎𝑎 = (−)3390 m s-2 (Allow ecf from (b)(i)) (1) (2)

Example of calculation
2
𝑎𝑎 = −�1508 rad s -1 � × 1.49 × 10−3 m = 3388 m s -2

18(c)(i) Material returns to its original shape (and size) once (deforming) force removed (1) (1)

18(c)(ii)
An oscillating system is driven/forced at its natural frequency (1)
There is a maximum transfer of energy (1)
Resulting in an increasing/maximum amplitude of oscillation (1) (3)
18(c)(iii)
Max 2:
The frequency of oscillation of the wings is a multiple of the muscle frequency (1)
Impulses are always applied at the same point in the cycle (of the wing's oscillation) (1)
So there will still be an efficient transfer of energy from the muscles to the wings (1) (2)
[dependent upon either MP1 or MP2]
Total for Question 18 13
Question Answer Mark
Number
19(a)(i) Top line correct (1)
Bottom line correct (1) (2)

Example of calculation
40 40
19K → 20Ca + −10β− + 00𝜈𝜈̅e
19(a)(ii)
Calculation of mass difference (1)
Conversion from u to kg (1)
2 (1)
Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚 ∆𝑚𝑚
Use of 1.6 × 10−19 to convert energy to eV (1)
∆𝐸𝐸 = 0.80 (MeV) (1) (5)

Example of calculation:

Mass difference = 39.963998 u − 39.962591 u − 0.00054858 u = 8.584 × 10−4 u

Mass difference = 8.584 × 10−4 u × 1.66 ×10−27 kg u−1 = 1.425 × 10−30 kg

∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚 2 ∆𝑚𝑚 = (3.00 × 108 m s -1 )2 ×1.425 × 10-30 kg = 1.282 × 10-13 J

1.282 × 10−13 J
∆𝐸𝐸 = = 0.802 MeV
1.60 × 10−13 J MeV −1

19(a)(iii) Momentum/KE is given to 3 particles in the decay

Or (KE of Ca is negligible so) KE for the beta-neutrino pair was constant (1)

The energy split between the beta particle and the neutrino is random
Or the momentum of the emitted beta particle varies
Or The (anti) neutrino energy varies (1) (2)
19(b)(i) Use of 𝜆𝜆 = 𝑡𝑡
ln2 (1)
1/2
(1)
Δ𝑁𝑁
Use of Δ𝑡𝑡
= (−)𝜆𝜆𝑁𝑁
(1) (3)
𝐴𝐴 = 1.94 × 105 (Bq)

Example of calculation:
ln2 0.693
𝜆𝜆 = = = 1.76 × 10-17 s−1
𝑡𝑡1/2 1.25 ×109 ×3.15×107 s
Δ𝑁𝑁
= 𝜆𝜆𝑁𝑁=1.76 × 10-17 s -1 ×1.10 × 1022 = 1.94 ×105 Bq
Δ𝑡𝑡

Use of 𝐴𝐴 = 𝐴𝐴0 𝑒𝑒 −𝜆𝜆 𝑡𝑡 (1)

19(b)(ii)
𝑡𝑡 = 8.6 × 107 years, so claim is false.
(1) (2)
Or Activity after 50 years = 1.94 × 105 Bq so claim is false (valid calculation needed)

(ecf activity from (i))

Example of calculation
−17
1.85 × 105 = 1.94 × 105 𝑒𝑒 −1.76×10 𝑡𝑡
1.85 × 105 Bq
−1.76 × 10−17 s−1 × 𝑡𝑡 = ln � �
1.94 × 105 Bq
−0.0475
𝑡𝑡 = = 2.70 × 1015 s = 8.57×107 years
−1.76×10−17

Total for question 19 14

Question Answer Mark
Number
20(a) Star on main sequence with a relative luminosity of 1 (1) (1)

*20(a)(ii)
This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and
shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and
lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for
structure of answer and sustained
line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure 2
with linkages and fully sustained lines of
reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some 1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is 0
unstructured

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks for
structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6

5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1

0 0 0 0

Indicative content
IC1 When hydrogen fusion ends main sequence stars evolve into red giant stars
IC2 This happens first for stars near the top of the main sequence
Or this happens first for the (most) massive main sequence stars
IC3 Red giant stars are located above the main sequence
IC4 When helium fusion ends red giant stars evolve into white dwarf stars
IC5 White dwarf stars are located below the main sequence
IC6 Red giant stars are larger (in surface area) and have a lower (surface)
temperature
Or White dwarf stars are smaller (in surface area) and have a higher (surface) (6)
temperature
20(b)(i) λ value read from graph (1)

∆𝜆𝜆 𝑣𝑣
Use of 𝜆𝜆
= 𝑐𝑐 for either spectral line (1)

𝑣𝑣 = (−)3.05 × 105 m s -1 (1)

Andromeda is moving towards the Earth (1) (4)

Example of calculation

393.0 nm − 393.4 nm 𝑣𝑣
=
393.4 nm 3.00 × 108 m s−1
−0.4 nm
∴ 𝑣𝑣 = 3.00 × 108 m s−1 × � � = −3.05 × 105 m s−1
393.4 nm

20(b)(ii)
A layer of dust around the candle would reduce the intensity
(1)
Intensity obeys an inverse square law
𝐿𝐿
Or 𝐼𝐼 = (symbol I or L defined) (1)
4𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑2
A smaller value of intensity would lead to larger (calculated) distance, so
claim is valid (1) (3)
Total for question 20 14

Pearson Education Limited. Registered company number 872828

with its registered office at 80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL, United Kingdom
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Mark Scheme (Provisional)

Summer 2021

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary

Level in Physics (WPH15)
Paper 05 Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and
Cosmology
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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
mo
.w
1 D is the correct answer (1)

or
dp
re
A is not the correct answer as the background is already included in the count

ss
.c
B is not the correct answer as the background cwill still add a systematic error

om
C is not the correct answer as the background will still add a systematic error

/
2 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as H0 does not give the size of the universe
C is not the correct answer as 1/H0 gives the age of the universe
D is not the correct answer as H0 does not give the size of the universe
3 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as damping occurs at all frequencies

B is not the correct answer as energy is transferred at all frequencies
C is not the correct answer as energy is dissipated at all frequencies
4 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as helium is not being fused in the Sun
B is not the correct answer as fusion doesn’t require a large number of H nuclei
C is not the correct answer as fusion does not require a large mass of H
5 𝐺𝑀
B is the correct answer as 𝑔 = 2 and 𝑀 ∝ 𝜌 (as both have the same volume) (1)
𝑟
6 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as this would have a much lower temperature than the Sun
C is not the correct answer as this would have a much higher luminosity than the Sun
D is not the correct answer as this would have a much lower luminosity than the Sun
7 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as mean square velocity increases as the gas is heated
B is not the correct answer as 𝑝 ∝ 𝑇, so T quadruples when p quadruples
D is not the correct answer as 𝑝 ∝ 𝑇, so T quadruples when p quadruples
8 D is the correct answer as 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 , so 𝐿 ∝ 𝑇 4 (as both have the same radius) (1)

9 B is the correct answer as 𝑣max = 𝜔𝐴 and 𝜔 =

2π 2π
, so 𝑣max = ( ) × 𝐴 (1)
𝑇 𝑇

10 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as λmax is less for X, so surface temperature is higher
C is not the correct answer as the max intensity of X (hence luminosity) is higher
D is not the correct answer as the max intensity of X (hence luminosity) is higher
and λmax for X is less, so surface temperature must be higher
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Question Answer Mark

de
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Number

ro
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11(a)

m
The atoms/molecules make more frequent collisions with the glass tube

.w
or
Or The atoms/molecules have a higher rate of collision with the glass tube

dp
Or The atoms/molecules make more collisions per second with the glass

re
ss
tube (1)

.c
om
(Do not accept collisions between molecules)

/
The rate of change of momentum of the atoms/molecules increases (1)

The force exerted on the glass tube increases (1)

(Pressure exerted by the gas increases) as pressure is force per unit area (1) 4

11(b) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

(1) 2
𝑁 = 6.3 × 1022

Example of calculation

1.05 × 105 Pa ×2.43×10-3 m3

𝑁= =6.31 × 1022
1.38 × 10-23 J K -1 ×293 K
Total for question 11 6
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Question Answer Mark

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Number

ro
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12(a) A standard candle is a (astronomical) object of known luminosity (1) 1

m
.w
or
dp
12(b)(i) Use of 𝑃 =
∆𝐸
(1)

re
∆𝑡

ss
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om
𝑃 (1)
Use of 𝐼 =

/
𝐴

𝐿
Use of 𝐼 = (1)
4𝜋𝑑 2

𝐿 = 2.2 × 1035 (W) (1) 4

Example of calculation

9.40 × 10−23 J
𝑃= = 8.17 × 10−20 W
1.15 × 10−3 s

8.17 × 10−20 W
𝐼= = 8.17 × 10−16 W m-2
1.00 × 10−4 m2

𝐿 = 4𝜋𝑑 2 𝐼 = 4𝜋 × (4.60 × 1024 m)2 × 8.17 × 10−16 = 2.17 × 1035 W

12(b)(ii)
Source luminosity is much larger than the luminosity of the Sun
Or source is equivalent to the combined output of many Suns
Or LFRB/LSun ~ 5 ×108 (1)

So such a large power output is unlikely to be artificially produced.

(1) 2
Or the temperature would be much greater than that of the Sun (so not likely to
be artificially produced)
[dependent on MP1]
Response consistent with their calculated value in (b)(i)
Total for question 12 7
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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
o
13

m
(1)

.w
𝑚
Use of 𝜌 =

or
dp
𝑉

re
ss
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

.c
om
(1)

/
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝐿∆𝑚
∆𝐸
Use of 𝑃 = [to calculate time to melt completely]
∆𝑡
∆𝐸
Or use of 𝑃 = to calculate energy received from the Sun in 1 day (1)
∆𝑡

𝑡 = 1.21 × 105 s or
Or ∆𝐸 = 7.47 × 1010 J (1)
t = 33.7 hours, so palace would not melt completely in a day
Or energy required is 9.09 × 1010 𝐽, so more energy required than
would be transferred in 1 day, so palace would not melt completely. (1) 6

(Allow full credit for responses in which 1 day is 12 hours)

Example of calculation

𝑚 = 𝜌𝑉=1325 kg m-3 ×1250 m3 =1.66 × 106 kg

∆𝐸=1.66 × 106 ×1.30 × 103 J kg -1 K -1 ×(36.0-28.5) K = 1.62 × 1010 J

∆𝐸 = 4.5 × 104 J kg -1 ×1.66 × 106 kg = 7.47 × 1010 J

Energy required = 1.62 × 1010 J + 7.47 × 1010 J = 9.09 × 1010 𝐽

(1.62+7.47) × 1010 J
𝑡= =1.21 × 105 s
7.5 × 105 W

1.21 × 105 s
𝑡= =33.7 hour
3600 s hour -1

In 1 day, ∆𝐸 = 7.5 × 105 W ×24 ×3600 s = 6.48 × 1010 𝐽

Total for question 13 6

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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
o
14(a)(i)

m
Same time period as velocity and constant amplitude (1)

.w
or
dp
Wave shifted a quarter cycle to the right [i.e. a positive sine wave, displacement (1) 2

re
is zero at time zero.]

ss
.c
om
14(a)(ii)
T = 2.0 s from graph (1)

/
Use of 𝑇 = 2𝜋√
ℓ
(accept any value of T that could be read from the graph) (1)
𝑔

ℓ = 0.99 m
(1) 3

Example of calculation

ℓ
2.0 s=2π√
9.81 m s -2

(2.0 s)2 ×9.81 m s -2

ℓ= =0.994 m
4π2
14(b)
EITHER

Suitable data logger application identified (1)

Reason why data logger is an advantage in this situation (1)

OR
Max 2 from
When data has to be collected over a very short time interval (1)
When multiple data sets have to be collected simultaneously (1)
When data has to be collected over a very long time interval (1) 2

Total for question 14 7

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.c
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or
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ro
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//b
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Examples of possible responses:
Q14(a)(i)
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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
o
15(a)

m
λmax = 0.37 → 0.40 (μm) (1)

.w
or
dp
Use of 𝜆max 𝑇=2.898 × 10-3 m K (1)

re
ss
𝑇 = 7600 K (accept answer consistent with their stated value of λmax) (1) 3

.c
om
/
Example of calculation
2.898 × 10-3 m K
𝑇= = 7626 K
0.38 × 10-6 m
15(b)
Corresponding pair of wavelengths recorded (one from each spectrum)
(1)
Wavelength shift calculated (dependent upon MP1)
∆𝜆 𝑣 (1)
Use of ≈ (value of λ must be taken from lab spectrum)
𝜆 𝑐 (1)
v = 1.5 × 10 m s−1 [1.8 × 107 m s−1 if smaller wavelength pair used]
7

(v will depend upon in-range values used) (1)

Star is receding (1) 5

Example of calculation

λstar = 654 nm → 658 nm λlab = 622 nm → 626 nm

Or

λstar = 479 nm or 480 nm λlab = 452 nm → 456 nm

(656 nm-624 nm)

𝑣 = 3.00 × 108 m s-1 × = 1.54 × 107 m s-1
624 nm

Total for question 15 8

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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
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16(a)

m
Either (1)

.w
or
𝐺𝑀𝑚
Use of 𝐹 = 2 with 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟

dp
(1)

re
𝑟

ss
2𝜋 (1)

.c
Use of 𝜔 =

om
𝑇

/
T = 5800 s
Or
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑣 2
(1)
Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 =
𝑟2 𝑟 (1)
2𝜋𝑟
Use of 𝑣 = (1)
𝑇 3
T = 5800 s

Example of calculation
𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟
𝑟2

GM
∴𝜔=√
r3

6.67 × 10-11 N m2 kg -2 ×6.0 × 1024 kg

∴𝜔=√ =1.09 × 10-3 rad s-1
(6.4 × 106 m+5.5 × 105 m)3

2π rad
𝑇= = 5755 s
1.09×10−3 rad s-1
16(b)
Either
𝐺𝑀𝑚
(𝐹 = , so) the (gravitational) force is greater for a low Earth orbit (1)
𝑟2
2π 2
𝐹 = 𝑚( ) 𝑟
𝑇 (1)
So if F increases when r decreases, then T must decrease (1)
(MP3 dependent upon MP1 or MP2)
Or
2𝜋 GM 4𝜋2 𝑟 3
( =√ , so) 𝑇 2 =
𝑇 r3 𝐺𝑀
(1)
G and M are constant, so 𝑇 ∝ √𝑟 3
(1)
So when r is smaller, T is smaller.
(1)
(MP3 dependent upon MP1 or MP2) 3

[Accept converse argument]

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16(c) 𝐺𝑀

de
Use of 𝑉grav = (−) (1)

nt
𝑟

ro
mo
.w
1 1
Use of ∆𝐸𝑘 = 𝐺𝑀𝑚 ( − )

or
𝑟1 𝑟2 (1)

dp
re
3

ss
(1)
∆𝐸k =1.1×109 J

.c
om
/
(Do not credit use of ΔEgrav = mgΔh, as g is not constant)

Example of calculation
1 1
∆𝐸k =6.67×10-11 N m2 kg -2 × 6.0 × 1024 kg × 227 kg ( - )
6.4 × 106 m (6.4×106 +5.5×105 )m

∴ ∆𝐸k =1.12×109 J

Total for question 16 9

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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
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17(a)

m
(The mass meets the conditions for simple harmonic motion as)

.w
or
dp
There is a (resultant) force acting on the mass which is proportional to its

re
ss
displacement from its equilibrium position. (1)

.c
om
The force is always directed towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

/
(An equation with symbols defined, and the negative sign justified, may be a
valid response for both marks
For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed
point/position or central point/position)
17(b)(i)
Use of ∆𝐹 = 𝑘∆𝑥 (1)
𝑘 =26.2 (N m-1 ) (1) 2

Example of calculation

0.2 kg ×9.81 N kg -1
𝑘= -2
=26.16 N m-1
7.5 × 10 m
17(b)(ii)
𝑚 1 𝑘 (1)
Combine 𝑇 = 2π√ with 𝑓 = to obtain 𝑓 2 = 𝑚−1
𝑘 𝑇 4π2

𝑘
Compare with 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 to identify gradient as (1)
4π2

Gradient of graph calculated (1)

Large triangle used for gradient calculation (1)
-1
𝑘 =26.7 N m (1)
A conclusion consistent with the value calculated in (i) (1)
6
(accept comparison with “show that” value from (i))

Example of calculation
4π2 𝑚 𝑘
𝑇2 = ∴ 𝑓2 = 2 𝑚
𝑘 4π
𝑘
So gradient = 2
4π
(3.25 - 0.00) s -2
Gradient= = 0.677 kg s -2
(5.00- 0.20) kg -1
𝑘=4π2 × 0.677 kg s -2 =26.7 N m-1

Total for question 17 10

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Question Answer Mark

de
nt
Number

ro
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18(a) A massive/large nucleus splits into smaller fragments (1) 1

m
.w
or
dp
18(b) (i)

re
Steeply rising curve near to origin (1)

ss
.c
Slowly decreasing curve after peak 2

om
(1)

/
18(b) (ii)
Iron-56 marked at peak of curve (1) 1

Example of graph for (i) and (ii)

Iron-56

18(c) (1)
Top line correct
Bottom line correct (1) 2

236
92U → 93
38Sr + 141
54Xe + 2 × 1
0n

18(d)
Calculation of mass defect (1)
Binding energy per nucleon = 7.38 (MeV) (1) 2

Example of calculation
Mass defect = (92×0.93827+144×0.93956-219.8750) GeV/c 2
Mass defect =1.74248 GeV/c 2
Binding energy/nucleon = 1.74248 GeV/236 = 7.383 MeV
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*18(e)

de
This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically

nt
ro
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.

mo
.w
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is

or
dp
structured and shows lines of reasoning.

re
ss
.c
Number of marks awarded

om
for structure of answer and

/
sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure 2
with linkages and fully sustained lines of
reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some 1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is 0
unstructured
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure
and lines of reasoning.
Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the
marks for structure and lines of reasoning

IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark

6 4 2 6

5 3 2 5

4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1

0 0 0 0

Indicative content
IC1 Energy from the α particles is transferred to atoms/molecules in the
air
IC2 An electron in the atom/molecule is promoted to a higher energy state
Or the atom/molecule/electron is excited
IC3 When the electron return to a lower energy state a photon (of uv-
radiation) is emitted
Or when the atom/molecule/electron de-excites, a photon (of uv-
radiation) is emitted
IC4 α radiation is strongly ionising and so has a short range in air
IC5 Ultraviolet radiation is weakly ionising (and has long range in air)
IC6 UV-radiation can be detected much further from the source so is safer 6
Total for question 18 14
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Question Answer Mark

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Number

ro
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19(a)

m
Calculation of mass difference (1)

.w
or
dp
Conversion from u to kg, using a conversion factor of 1.66 ×10−27 kg u−1 (1)

re
ss
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚 (1)

.c
om
/
Conversion of energy to eV (1)
∆𝐸 = 5.61 (MeV) (1) 5

Example of calculation

Mass difference = 237.999089 u − 233.991578 u − 4.001506 u = 6.005 × 10−3 u

Mass difference = 6.005 × 10−3 u × 1.66 ×10−27 kg = 9.9683 × 10−30 kg u−1

∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚 = (3.00 × 108 m s -1 )2 × 9.9683 × 10-30 kg = 8.9715 × 10-13 J

8.9715 × 10−13 J
∆𝐸 = = 5.607 MeV
1.60 × 10−13 J MeV −1

19(b) Convert α-particle energy from MeV to J (1)

Use of 𝜆 =
ln2 (1)
𝑡1/2

Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −𝜆 𝑡
(1)
∆𝐸
Use of 𝑃 =
∆𝑡 (1)
P = 0.083 (W) (1) 5

Example of calculation
5.6 MeV = 5.6 × 1.60 × 10−19 J MeV−1 = 8.96 × 10−13 J
ln2 0.693
𝜆= = = 7.90 × 10-3 year -1
𝑡1/2 87.7 year
−3 year−1 ×40 year
6.75 × 1010 Bq = 𝐴0 e−7.90 × 10
∴ 𝐴0 = 9.26 × 1010 Bq
𝑆𝑜 𝑃 = 9.26 × 1010 s -1 ×8.96 × 10-13 J = 0.0830 W
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19(c)

de
Maximum energy of beta particles read from graph 1

nt
ro
(in range 210 keV → 225 keV) (1)

mo
.w
or
dp
Beta particle range read from graph 2 (in range 0.05 cm → 0.08 cm)

re
ss
.c
Or max. energy for 0.5 cm polyethylene read from graph.2

om
(in range 1000 keV → 1200 keV)

/
(1)

Conclusion that 0.5 cm polyethylene would be sufficient (1) 3

MP3 dependent on MP1 and MP2

Total for question 19 13

Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2021

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced

Subsidiary Level in Physics
(WPH15) Paper 01
Thermodynamics, Radiation,
Oscillations and Cosmology
Question Answer Mark
Number
1 C is the correct answer (1)
A, B, D are incorrect as C is the definition of a standard candle.
2 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as it is true to say that he electric force between the
nuclei is repulsive.
C is not the correct answer as it is true to say that the gravitational force and the
electric force both increase.
D is not the correct answer as it is true to say that the gravitational force between
the nuclei is attractive.
3 D is the correct answer (1)
ℓ 𝑔𝑔Earth
A, B, C are incorrect as 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋� and 𝑔𝑔moon =
𝑔𝑔 6
4 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as alpha radiation would not penetrate the body
B is not the correct answer as alpha radiation is not very penetrating
C is not the correct answer as gamma radiation is not very ionising
5 C is the correct answer (1)

A is incorrect as the frequency has been substituted for the period

B is incorrect as period has been substituted for frequency and the half amplitude
value used
D incorrect as half amplitude has been substituted
6 C is the correct answer (1)
ln2
A, B and D re incorrect as 𝜆𝜆 = and this has been substituted incorrectly in
𝑡𝑡½
ΔN
the expression = (−)𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆
Δ𝑡𝑡
7 D is the correct answer (1)

A is incorrect as this is the binding energy per nucleon of 3He

B is incorrect as this is the energy required to remove a single nucleon
C is incorrect as this is the energy required to remove 2 nucleons
8 D is the correct answer (1)

A is incorrect as stars do not evolve along the main sequence

B is incorrect as white dwarf stars do not evolve into main sequence stars
C is incorrect as stars do not evolve along the main sequence
9 D is the correct answer (1)

A is incorrect as mass of stars increases along the main sequences

B is incorrect as on an HR-diagram the temperature scale is an reverse scale
C is incorrect as white dwarfs have smaller masses than main sequence stars
10 D is the correct answer (1)
2𝜋𝜋 𝑎𝑎
A, B and C are incorrect because 𝑇𝑇 = and 𝜔𝜔 = �
𝜔𝜔 𝑥𝑥
Question Answer Mark
Number
11 𝐿𝐿 (1)
Use of 𝐼𝐼 =
4π𝑑𝑑 2

(1) 2
d = 8.1 × 1016 m

Example of calculation
𝐿𝐿 8.94 × 1027 W
𝑑𝑑 = � =� = 8.08 × 1016 m
4πI 4π × 1.09 × 10−7 W m−2

Total for question 11 2

Question Answer Mark
Number
12 Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚∆𝜃𝜃 (1)

Use of 𝑃𝑃 =
∆𝐸𝐸 (1)
∆𝑡𝑡

(1)
Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿

m = 0.189 kg
(1) 4
Example of calculation

0.855 kg × 4190 J kg −1 K −1 × (100 − 21.5) K

𝑃𝑃 = = 2.45 × 103 W
115 s

2.45 × 103 W × 175 s = 𝑚𝑚 × 2.26 ×106 J kg-1

2.45 × 103 W × 175 s

∴ 𝑚𝑚 = = 0.189 kg
2.26 ×106 J kg-1

Total for question 12 4

Question Answer Mark
Number
13(a) Mass difference calculated (1)

Conversion from u to kg (1)

Use of ∆𝐸𝐸 = 𝑚𝑚 2 ∆𝑚𝑚 (1)

ΔE = 5.53 (MeV) (1) 4

For full marks to be awarded some working should be shown – a bald answer
scores zero. “Some working” must include at least two of the steps to the
answer.

Example of calculation

Mass difference = (228.02873 - 224.02021 - 4.00260) u = 5.92 × 10−3 u

Mass difference = 5.92 × 10−3 u × 1.66 × 10−27 kg u−1 = 9.83 × 10−30 kg

−1 2
∆𝐸𝐸 = �3.00 × 108 m s � × 9.83 × 10−30 kg = 8.85 × 10−13 J

8.85 × 10−13 J
∆𝐸𝐸 = = 5.53 MeV
1.60 × 10−13 J MeV −1

13(b) (Mathematical) statement of momentum conservation (1)

𝑝𝑝2
Use of 𝐸𝐸k =
2𝑚𝑚
1
(1)
Or use of 𝐸𝐸k = 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 2 and 𝑝𝑝 = 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣
2

(Mathematical) statement of energy conservation (1)

𝐸𝐸k =5.4 MeV and statement is correct (1) 4

Example of calculation
𝑝𝑝α = −𝑝𝑝Ra

2𝑚𝑚𝛼𝛼 𝐸𝐸𝛼𝛼 = 2𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 𝐸𝐸𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎

𝑚𝑚𝛼𝛼
𝐸𝐸𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 = × 𝐸𝐸𝛼𝛼
𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎

𝐸𝐸𝛼𝛼 + 𝐸𝐸𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 = 5.5 MeV

𝑚𝑚𝛼𝛼
𝐸𝐸𝛼𝛼 + × 𝐸𝐸𝛼𝛼 = 5.5 MeV
𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎
𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎
𝐸𝐸𝛼𝛼 = × 5.5 MeV
𝑚𝑚𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑚𝑚𝛼𝛼
224
So 𝐸𝐸k = ×5.53 MeV=5.43 MeV
228

Total for question 13 8

Question Answer Mark
Number
14(a) Use of 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 𝜆𝜆𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇 (1)

Temperature conversion (1)

N = 6.02 × 1023 (1) 3

Example of calculation

𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 1.01 × 105 Pa × 0.0241 m3

𝜆𝜆 = = = 6.02 × 1023
𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇 1.38 × 10−23 J K −1 × (20.0 + 273) K

14(b) 1 3 (1)
Use of 𝑚𝑚〈𝑚𝑚 2 〉 = 𝑁𝑁𝑇𝑇
2 2

(1)
Use of 60.5 %
(1) 3
Ratio = 2.7 (Do not award MP3 if a value for either mass has been assumed)

Example of calculation

1 1
𝑚𝑚1 〈𝑚𝑚1 2 〉 = 𝑚𝑚2 〈𝑚𝑚2 2 〉
2 2
𝑚𝑚1 〈𝑚𝑚2 2 〉
∴ =
𝑚𝑚2 〈𝑚𝑚1 2 〉

〈𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 2 〉
= 0.6052 = 0.366
〈𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2 〉

𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐 〈𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2 〉 1
= 2
= = 2.73
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 〈𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 〉 0.366

Total for question 14 6

Question Answer Mark
Number
*15
This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and
shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and
lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for
structure of answer and sustained
line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure 2
with linkages and fully sustained lines of
reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some 1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is 0
unstructured

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks for
structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6 (1)

5 3 2 5 (1)
4 3 1 4
(1)
3 2 1 3
(1)
2 2 0 2
(1)
1 1 0 1

0 0 0 0 (1) 6

Indicative content
IC1 There is a very high temperature (in the core)
IC2 (So) nuclei/protons have a high kinetic energy
IC3 (Sufficient) to overcome electrostatic repulsion
IC4 And allow nuclei/protons to get close enough to fuse
IC5 Gravitational forces produce a very high density (in the core)
IC6 (So) the collision rate is high enough to sustain fusion

Total for question 15 6

Question Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Hα / nm Point
656.2837 B
656.2797 C
656.2757 A
(1) 1
16(b)
MAX 2 from:
Light from the edge of the Sun moving toward the Earth is received with a
shorter wavelength [Accept “point A” for “edge moving toward the Earth” and
“blue shift” for “shorter wavelength”] (1)
Light from the edge of the Sun moving away from the Earth is received with a
longer wavelength [Accept “point B” for “edge moving away from the Earth”
and “red shift” for “longer wavelength”] (1)

There is a variation in the relative velocity between the Earth and different
points on the Sun’s surface [Can be awarded if A and B incorrectly linked to
change in wavelength] (1) 2
[Reference to Doppler effect can score max 1]
16(c) ∆𝜆𝜆 𝑣𝑣
Use of = with λ = 656.2797 nm (1)
𝜆𝜆 𝑐𝑐

Use of 𝑣𝑣 =
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
to calculate T (1)
𝑇𝑇
Conversion of T into days. (1)
T = 27.8 days which is approximately 28 days (1)
OR
Conversion of T = 28 days into seconds
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 (1)
Use of 𝑣𝑣 = to calculate v [1820 m s−1]
𝑇𝑇
∆𝜆𝜆 𝑣𝑣 (1)
Use of = with λ = 656.2797 nm
𝜆𝜆 𝑐𝑐 (1)
v = 1830 m s−1 which is approximately 1820 m s−1
(1)
OR
Conversion of T = 28 days into seconds
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
Use of 𝑣𝑣 = to calculate v [1820 m s−1] (1)
𝑇𝑇
∆𝜆𝜆 𝑣𝑣
Use of = with λ = 656.2797 nm to calculate Δλ (1)
𝜆𝜆 𝑐𝑐
Δλ = 3.98 × 10−3 m which is approximately 4.0 × 10−3 m (1)
(1) 4
Full credit for other approaches e.g. comparison of calculated value of v/c from
∆𝜆𝜆
T = 28 days and calculated value of v/c from
𝜆𝜆

Example of calculation
∆𝜆𝜆 (656.2837 − 656.2797) nm
𝑣𝑣 = 𝑚𝑚 × = 3.00 × 108 m s −1 × = 1828 m s −1
𝜆𝜆 656.2797 nm
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 × 7.0 × 108 m
𝑇𝑇 = = = 2.41 × 106 s
𝑣𝑣 1828 m s −1
2.41 × 106 s
𝑇𝑇 = = 27.8 days
86400 s day −1
Total for question 16 7
Question Answer Mark
Number
17(a)
Find (angular) displacement of the star (as Earth moves around the Sun) over a 6
month period
Or find (angular) displacement of the star (as Earth moves around the Sun) over a
diameter of the Earth’s orbit (1)

Measurements are made against the background of (more) distant stars (1)

Radius/diameter of the Earth’s orbit about the Sun must be known/measured (to
calculate the distance to the star) (1) 3
[For full credit, it must be clear that angles are being measured]

[Marks can be obtained from an annotated diagram]

[Accept the symmetrical diagram seen in many textbooks]

17(b)
EITHER
Distant galaxies are receding (1)
The velocity of recession can be calculated from the redshift (1)
A graph of recessional velocity against distance has a gradient equal to the Hubble
constant H0
(1)
The age of the universe is 1/H0
(1)
OR
Distant galaxies are receding (1)
The redshift can be calculated (1)
A graph of redshift against distance has a gradient equal to H0 /c (1)
The age of the universe is 1/H0 (1) 4
Total for question 17 7
Question Answer Mark
Number
18(a)(i) Use of ∆𝐹𝐹 = 𝑁𝑁∆𝑥𝑥 (1)

k = 346 (N m−1) (1) 2

Example of calculation

15.0 kg × 9.81 m s -2
𝑁𝑁 = = 346.2 N m-1
0.425 m

18(a)(ii) (When the cradle is displaced):

there is a (resultant) acceleration/force that is

proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position (1)

and (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

(An equation with symbols defined correctly is a valid response for both marks
For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed point/position or
central point/position)

18(a)(iii) 𝑚𝑚
Use of 𝑇𝑇 = 2π� (1)
𝑘𝑘

T = 1.1 s (1) 2

Example of calculation

(7.25+2.55) kg
𝑇𝑇 = 2π� =1.05 s
350 N m-1

18(b) The maximum load the spring can support when oscillating is less than the maximum
load the spring supports when in equilibrium. (1)

As when the mass is below the equilibrium position the force exerted on the spring is
greater than the force at equilibrium. (1) 2

Total for question 18 8

Question Answer Mark
Number
19(a)(i) Top line correct (1)
Bottom line correct (1) 2

Example of calculation
60 60
27Co → 28Ni + −10β− + 00ν�𝑒𝑒
19(a)(ii) The mass of the Ni nucleus is much larger than total mass of the other two particles (1) 1

19(b) ln2 (1)

Use of 𝜆𝜆 =
t½

Use of 𝐴𝐴 = 𝐴𝐴0 𝑒𝑒−𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆 (1)

t = 6.0 (years)
(1) 3

Example of calculation

ln2
𝜆𝜆 = = 4.16 × 10-9 s-1
5.27 × 3.16 × 107 s
14 −9
1.85 × 1014 Bq = 4.07 × 10 Bq e−4.16 × 10 × 𝜆𝜆

4.07 × 1014 Bq
ln � �
1.85 × 1014 Bq
∴ 𝜆𝜆 = = 1.886 × 108 s
4.16 × 10−9 s −1

1.894 × 108 s
∴ 𝜆𝜆 = = 5.996 years
3.16 × 107 s year −1

19(c)
Required % transmission calculated (1)
Distance x read from graph for required transmission (1)
x =1.1 cm, so shielding would be insufficient (1)
OR
Required % transmission calculated (1)
% transmission read from graph for 1.0 cm shielding (1)
% transmission ≈ 33%, so shielding would be insufficient (1) 3

Example of calculation
1.2 × 1014 Bq
Required % transmission ≤ × 100% = 30 %
4.0 × 1014 Bq
From graph, for required % transmission thickness of shielding = 1.1 cm,

Total for question 19 9

Question Answer Mark
Number
20(a) A main sequence star is fusing hydrogen (into helium) in the core of the star (1) 1

20(b)(i) Use of 𝐿𝐿 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑇𝑇 4 and 𝐴𝐴 = 4𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2 (1)

r = 6.94 × 108 (m) (1) 2

Example of calculation

𝐿𝐿 3.83 × 1026 W
𝜋𝜋 = � = � = 6.94 × 108 m
4𝜋𝜋𝐴𝐴𝑇𝑇 4 4π × 5.67 × 10−8 W m−2 K −4 (5780 K)4

20(b)(ii) Use of 𝐿𝐿 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑇𝑇 4 and 𝐴𝐴 = 4𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2 (1)

Use of 𝜆𝜆𝑚𝑚ax 𝑇𝑇 = 2.898 × 10−3 m K

(1)
−7
𝜆𝜆𝑚𝑚ax = 9.8 × 10 (m) (ecf value of r from (i))
(1) 3
Example of calculation

4 𝐿𝐿 4 1600 × 3.83 × 1026 W

𝑇𝑇 = � = �
4𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2 𝐴𝐴 4π (150 × 7.0 × 108 m)2 × 5.67 × 10−8 W m−2 K −4
= 2972 K

2.898 × 10−3 m K
𝜆𝜆𝑚𝑚ax = = 9.75 × 10−7 m
2972 K

20(b)(iii) λmax is not in the wavelength range for red light

Or λmax is in the infrared wavelength range (1)

There is a range of wavelengths emitted around the value of λmax (1)

The most intense region of the visible spectrum will be red light (dependent
(1) 3
upon MP2)
[Accept annotated sketches of the black body curve]
20(c)
(The mass of the Sun decreases and so) the gravitational force exerted on the planet
(1)
decreases
The gravitational force provides a centripetal force (1)
𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝜋𝜋, ω decreases and so T must increase
(1)
OR
(The mass of the Sun decreases and so) the gravitational force exerted on the planet
(1)
decreases
The gravitational force provides a centripetal force (1)
𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 2
𝐹𝐹 = , v will decrease and so T must increase (1)
𝜋𝜋

OR
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚
Equate 𝐹𝐹 = with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝜋𝜋 (1)
𝜋𝜋 2

Derive expression for T (1)

Deduce that T will increase (1) 3
Total for question 20 12
Question Answer Mark
Number
21(a)(i) Use of 𝑝𝑝grav = −
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 (1)
𝜋𝜋

Vgrav = (−) 5.53 × 107 (J kg−1)

(1) 2
Example of calculation

6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg−2 × 5.98 × 1024 kg

𝑝𝑝grav = − = −5.532 × 107 J kg−1
�6.36 × 106 + 8.5 × 105 � m

21(a)(ii) Use of ∆𝑝𝑝 × 𝑚𝑚 (1)

∆𝐸𝐸𝑔𝑔𝜋𝜋𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑣 = 3.7 × 1010 J (1) 2

Example of calculation

∆𝐸𝐸grav = (−5.53 − (−6.27)) × 107 J kg −1 × 4990 kg = 3.69 × 1010 J

21(b)
Equate 𝐹𝐹 =
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚
with 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝜋𝜋 (1)
𝜋𝜋 2
2π
Substitute for ω using 𝜔𝜔 = (1)
𝑇𝑇
4𝜋𝜋2 𝜋𝜋 3
Use of 𝑇𝑇 2 = (1)
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺

T = 6090 s Or T = 1.69 hours (1)

Number of orbits in 1 day = 14.2, so claim is not valid (1)

OR
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 2 (1)
Equate 𝐹𝐹 = with 𝐹𝐹 =
𝜋𝜋 2 𝜋𝜋

Substitute for v using 𝑣𝑣 =

2π𝜋𝜋 (1)
𝑇𝑇
4𝜋𝜋2 𝜋𝜋 3
Use of 𝑇𝑇 2 =
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 (1)
T = 6090 s Or T = 1.69 hours (1)
Number of orbits in 1 day = 14.2, so claim is not valid (1) 5

Example of calculation
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚
= 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝜋𝜋
𝜋𝜋 2

6 5 3
𝜋𝜋 3 (6.36 × 10 m + 8.5 × 10 m)
∴ 𝑇𝑇 = 2π × � = 2π × � = 6091 s
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg−2 × 5.98 × 1024 kg

6090 s
∴ 𝑇𝑇 = = 1.69 hours
(60 × 60) s hour −1
24 hours
Number of orbits in 1 day = = 14.2
1.69 hours
21(c) Advantage: satellite can cover more of the Earth’s surface
Or satellite passes close to the polar regions (1)
Or better resolution, as satellite closer to the Earth

Disadvantage: satellite has to be tracked in the sky

Or satellite data cannot be received continuously (1) 2
Or cannot provide continuous viewing of a single location
Total for question 21 11
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Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2022

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced

Subsidiary Level In Physics (WPH15) Paper 01
Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and
Cosmology
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1 (1)

-b
B is the correct answer, as this is part of the definition of s.h.m.

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2 B is the correct answer (1)

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A is incorrect, as this would increase the value of LV
C is incorrect, as it’s not necessary to stir boiling water
D is incorrect, as this would increase the value of LV
3 (1)
D is the correct answer, as 𝑇 = 2π and T = 2 × 8.25s

4 C is the correct answer, as the activity halves in each half-life period (1)
5 A is the correct answer, as 𝑝𝑉 ∝ 𝑇 (1)
6 D is the correct answer, as this is a statement of Hubble’s law (1)
7 B is the correct answer (1)
A is incorrect, as background count rate varies from place to place
C is incorrect, as the background count is not constant
D is incorrect, as some detector are more sensitive than others
8 (1)
B is the correct answer, as 𝐼 =
9 B is the correct answer (1)
A is incorrect, as the lines may be shifted into any region of the spectrum
C is incorrect, as the intensity of the lines is not related to the redshift
D is incorrect, as the wavelengths of the emitted lines is not affected
10 D is the correct answer, (1)
A is incorrect, as 56Fe is the most stable isotope
B is incorrect, as the graph shows the binding energy per nucleon
C is incorrect, as high mass nuclei could be fused as long as energy is supplied

Question Answer Mark

Number
11 At least 1 cycle of a sinusoidal graph (1)

Displacement axis shows amplitude as 5 cm (1)

Use of 𝑎 = (−)𝜔 𝑥 and 𝜔 = to calculate T (1)

(1) 4
Time axis shows period as calculated value of T

Example of calculation

8.0 cm s
𝜔= = 1.26 s
5.0 cm
2π
𝑇= = 4.97 s
1.26 s

Total for question 11 4

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12 Energy transferred energy transferred energy transferred (1)

d
= +

en
from hot liquid to ice to cold water

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[This may be implicit]

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Use of 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃
(1)
Use of 𝐸 = 𝑚𝐿
(1)
Mass of ice required to cool drink to 58 oC is 2.4 × 10−2 kg
Or Final temperature using 4 g of ice is 69 oC
(1)
Valid conclusion based on a consideration of their calculated value in
comparison with a corresponding value in the question.
(1) 5

Example of calculation

Energy transferred energy transferred energy transferred

= +
from hot liquid to ice to cold water

0.275 kg × 3750 J kg K × (71.5 − 58.0)K

= m × 3.34 × 10 J kg + m × 4190 J kg K × (58.0 − 0)K

∴ 1.39 × 10 J = m × (3.34 × 10 + 2.43 × 10 ) J kg

. ×
∴𝑚= = 2.41 × 10 kg = 24 g
. ×
So 4 g would not bring the temperature below the ideal serving
temperature.

Total for question 12 5

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13(a) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

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Temperature converted to kelvin (1)

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(1) 3
V = 6.9 m3

Example of calculation

𝑝𝑉
= a constant
𝑇

8.4 × 10 Pa × 𝑉 1.02 × 10 Pa × 7.50 m

=
(273 − 48) K (273 + 22.5)K

1.02 × 10 Pa × 7.5 m × (273 − 48) K

∴𝑉= = 6.93 m
(273 + 22.5)K × 8.4 × 10 Pa

13(b) Use of 𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = 𝑘𝑇 (1)

Decrease = 1.5 × 10−21 J (1) 2

Example of calculation
3
∆(mean kinetic energy) = 1.38 × 10 JK (−48 − 22.5)K
2

∴ ∆(mean kinetic energy) = −1.46 × 10 J

Total for question 13 5

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14 Max kinetic energy read from graph (1)

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Use of 15.6 eV to calculate number of nitrogen molecules ionised (1)

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Use of 250 to calculate range of β particle (1)

Range of β particle read from graph (1)

Comparison of their two ranges with conclusion (1)

OR

Max kinetic energy read from graph (1)

Use of 15.6 eV to calculate number of nitrogen molecules ionised (1)

Range of β particle read from graph (1)

Use of range to calculate number of molecules ionised (1)

Comparison of their two numbers of molecules with conclusion (1) 5

Example of calculation

Maximum Ek = 0.52 MeV→ 0.55 MeV

5.3 × 10 eV
𝑁= = 3.40 × 10
15.6 eV

3.40 × 10
Range = = 136 cm = 1.36 m
250 cm

Range of β particle = 1.2 m → 1.4 m

Total for question 14 5

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15 λmax read from graph [450 nm → 500 nm] (1)

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Use of 𝜆 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10 mK (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 (1)

Use of 𝐴 = 4𝜋𝑟 (1)

DP = 4.6 × DSun so statement is incorrect (1) 5

Or DP = 3.2 × 109 m, which is more than twice Sun’s diameter, so statement is
incorrect

Example of calculation

2.898 × 10 mK
𝑇= = 6170 K
470 × 10 nm

2.65 × 10 W
𝐴= = 3.22 × 10 m
5.67 × 10 W m K × (6170 K)
3.22 × 10 m
𝑟= = 1.60 × 10 m
4π
𝐷 2 × 1.60 × 10 m
= = 4.6
𝐷 6.96 × 10 m

Total for question 15 5

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43
𝑀

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𝑣∝

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𝑟 (1)

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Within the central region M changes a lot (so v increases)
Or
Outside the central region M is approximately constant (so v decreases)

As r increases v reaches a peak value as shown on the graph (1)

[A bald description of the graph having a peak value can score MP3] (1) 3

16(a)(ii) There must be more mass (than we can observe) (1)

[Accept statement that there must be a greater gravitational force]
(1) 2
There is dark matter present (in the galaxy)

16(b) (For a closed universe) the density of the universe must be greater than the
critical density (1)

And the (average) density of the universe is uncertain (1) 2

Or the amount of dark matter is uncertain

Total for question 16 7

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43
17(a) Either

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Current carrying coil/conductor in a magnetic field (1)

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Coil experiences a force (1)

Force changes direction with current (as current is changing direction) (1)

Or
Current in coil causes a magnetic field (1)

Field interacts with permanent magnet's field, so force on coil (1)

3
Field changes direction with current so force changes direction (1)

17(b)(i) Use of 𝜔 = 2π𝑓 (1)

Use of 𝑣 = −𝐴𝜔 sin 𝜔𝑡 (1)

(1) 3
v = 0.82 m s−1

Example of calculation

𝜔 = 2π rad × 75 s = 471 rad s

𝑣 = 1.75 × 10 m × 471 s × 1 = 0.8247 m s

17(b)(ii) At the equilibrium/undisplaced/central/middle (position) (1) 1

17(c) MAX 2

The driver frequency of the coil matches the natural frequency of the
cone (1)

There is a maximum transfer of energy (from the coil to the cone)

(1)
Resonance occurs (1) 2

[For full marks the response must be related to the question context]

Total for question 17 9

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18(a) Use of 𝑇 = 𝐾𝑅 (1)

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K for Earth = 2.96 × 10 (s m ) (1)

p/
K for Mars = 2.97 × 10 (s m ) (1) 3

Example of calculation

𝑇 (3.16 x 10 s)
𝐾= = = 2.959 × 10 s m
𝑅 (1.50 x 10 m)

𝑇 (5.93 x 10 s)
𝐾= = = 2.967 × 10 s m
𝑅 (2.28 x 10 m)
18(b) Either
Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 = (1)
( )
Re-arrangement with 𝑣 = to identify K as (1)

K = 2.97 × 10−19 (s2 m−3) (1)

Or
(1)
Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔 𝑟
( )
Re-arrangement with 𝜔 = to identify K as (1)

K = 2.97 × 10−19 (s2 m−3) (1) 3

Example of calculation

𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔 𝑟
𝑟

𝐺𝑀 2𝜋
= 𝑟
𝑟 𝑇

(2𝜋)
𝑇 = 𝑟
𝐺𝑀

4π
𝐾= = 2.97 × 10 s m
6.67 × 10 N m kg × 1.99 × 10 kg
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18(c) Use of 𝑇 = 𝐾𝑅 (1)

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T = 43 hours (1) 2

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Example of calculation

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𝑇 𝑅
=
𝑇 𝑅

4.22 × 10 m
𝑇= × (172 hour) = 42.6 hours
1.07 × 10 m

Total for question 18 8

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19(a)

-b
Use of trigonometry to calculate the parallax angle

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Or Use of trigonometry to calculate distance (1)

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(Smallest) parallax angle = 3.3 × 10−7 (rad )
Or max distance = 6.25 × 1017 (m)
(1)
Comparison of calculated value with corresponding value in question with valid conclusion
(1) 3
Example of calculation
1.5 × 10 m
sin 𝛼 =
𝑑
1.5 × 10 m
𝛼 = sin = 3.26 × 10 rad
4.6 × 10 m
. ×
Or 𝛼 = = 3.26 × 10 rad (small angle approximation)
. ×

19(b) The intensity (of radiation from the candle) is measured (1)
The luminosity of the standard candle is known (1)
The inverse square law is used to determine the distance
(1) 3
[Accept reference to I=L/4πd2 with symbols defined]

19(c)(i) Axis labelled with T / K (1)

Reverse logarithmic scale (1)
6000 K in correct position on scale
(1) 3
Example of graph labelling
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High mass hot stars Z1 (1)

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Low mass cool stars Z5 (1)
Low mass hot stars Z2 (1) 3
19(c)(iii)
This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and
shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and lines of
reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for structure of
answer and sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical
structure with linkages and fully sustained 2
lines of reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some
1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and
0
is unstructured

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks for
structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0
Indicative content
IC1 The star is fusing hydrogen in its core
IC2 When fusion ceases (the core of the star cools and) the core
collapses/contracts (under gravitational forces)
IC3 The star (moves to Z4 as it expands and) becomes a red giant star
IC4 Temperature (in the core) is high enough for helium fusion to begin
IC5 Helium begins to run out and then fusion ceases
IC6 The star becomes a white dwarf (in Z2)
6

Total for question 18 18

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iti
Number

sh
stu
20(a)

d
en
Top row correct (1)

tro
om
-b
Bottom row correct (1) 2

43
0a
.w
Example of calculation

eb
.ap
p/
20(b) Use of 1 u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 ∆𝑚 (1)

Use of 1 J = 1.6 × 10−19 eV (1)

1 u = 934 (MeV) (1) 4

Example of calculation

∆𝐸 = (3.0 × 10 m s ) × 1.66 × 10 kg = 1.494 × 10 J

1.494 × 10 J
∴ ∆𝐸 = = 934 MeV
1.6 × 10 J MeV
20(c) Use of 1 u = 934 MeV (ecf from (b) [Accept calculation from first principles] (1)

The mass of the Fr nucleus is much greater than the mass of the α (1)

Momentum is conserved so (recoil) velocity of Fr nucleus is much less than the

velocity of the α (1)

So the kinetic energy of the α is much greater than the kinetic energy of the Fr
Or (after the decay) the α has most of the kinetic energy (1)
[MP4 dependent upon MP2 or MP3]

OR

Use of 1 u = 934 MeV (ecf from (b) [Accept calculation from first principles] (1)

Mathematical statement of momentum conservation (1)

Use of 𝐸 =
(1)
Or use of 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 and p = mv

Ek calculated and statement that Ek is just less than 5.9 MeV

(1) 4
Or Ek calculated and statement that α has most of the kinetic energy

Example of calculation
ΔE = 6.35 × 10−3 u × 934 MeV u−1 = 5.93 MeV
[5.91 MeV if “show that” value used]
 ht
tp
s:/
20(d) Use of 𝜆 𝑡 = ln2 (1)

/b
/

r
iti
sh
stu
d
(1)

en
Use of 𝐴 = −𝜆𝑁

tro
om
-b
43
Use of 𝑁 = 𝑁 𝑒 (1)

0a
.w
eb
.ap
(1)

p/
N = 5.6 × 1013 4

Example of calculation

ln2
𝜆= = 8.10 × 10 s
9.9 × 24 × 3600 s

7.4 × 10 s
𝑁= = 9.13 × 10
8.10 × 10 s
. × × . × ×
𝑁 = 9.13 × 10 ×𝑒 = 5.59 × 10

Total for question 20 14

Mark Scheme (Results)

June 2022

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15)
Paper 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations
and Cosmology
Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as large values could fit on a linear scale
C is not the correct answer, as distance from the star only affects the intensity
D is not the correct answer, as the temperature and luminosity scales are independent
2 C is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as 𝑎 = (2π𝑓) 𝐴
B is not the correct answer, as 𝐸 = 𝑚(2π𝑓𝐴)
D is not the correct answer, as 𝑇 =
3 C is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as angular velocity has units (rad) s−1
B is not the correct answer, as frequency has units Hz = s−1
D is not the correct answer, as rate of decay has units Bq = s−1
4 (1)
B is the correct answer, as 𝐹 =
5 D is the correct answer, as the temperature must be very high for the nuclei to (1)
come close enough for fusion and the density must be very high for the rate of
collision of nuclei to be sufficient to sustain fusion.
6 (1)
B is the correct answer, as 𝑔 = and 𝑀 = π𝜌𝑟
7 C is the correct answer, as the mean momentum of the molecules is zero (1)
8 C is the correct answer, as the molecules do not have to be identical (1)
9 D is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as this graph shows N decreasing with t
B is not the correct answer, as this graph shows N decreasing with t
C is not the correct answer, as this graph shows an increasing rate of change of N
10 A is the correct answer, as the velocity is the gradient of the graph of (1)
displacement against time, and the gradient of this graph starts at zero and then
becomes negative for the first half cycle.
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11 Use of L = 14800 LSun (1)

Use of 𝐼 = (1)
(1) 3
d = 1.1 × 1023 m

Example of calculation
Lcandle = 14 800 × 3.83 × 1026 W = 5.67 × 1030 W

𝐿 5.67 × 10 W
𝑑= = = 1.11 × 10 m
4π𝐼 4π × 3.64 × 10 W m

Total for question 11 3

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12(a)(i) Use of 𝑣 = 𝐻 𝑑 (1)
𝐻 = 2.33 × 10 (s ) (1) 2

Example of calculation
72 × 103 m s−1
𝐻 = = 2.33 × 10 s
3.09 × 10 m

12(a)(ii) Use of 𝑡 = (1)

(1) 2
t = 1.36 × 1010 (years) ecf from (i)

Example of calculation
1
𝑡= = 4.29 × 10 s
2.33 × 10 s
4.29 × 10 s
𝑡= = 1.36 × 10 years
3.16 × 10 s year

12(b) H0 is halved (for the same recessional velocity) (1)

So the (calculated) age of the universe doubles (1)
(dependent upon MP1)
OR
The universe would have taken twice as long to expand to its current size (1)
(assuming it expanded at the same rate)
So the age of the universe is double what was previously thought (1) 2
(dependent upon MP1)

Allow 1 mark max for H0 is lower so universe is older than previously thought
Or universe would have taken longer to expand to current size so it is older than
previously thought.
Total for question 12 6
Question
Answer Mark
Number
13(a) Top line correct (1)
Bottom line correct (1) 2
Example of calculation

K→ Ca + β + ν

13(b) Any TWO from:

Both have the same mass (1)
Both are leptons (1)
Both are fundamental particles (1)
Both have the same magnitude charge (1)
Both are deflected in electric/magnetic fields (1)
Both are (weakly) ionising (1) 2
 (1)
13(c) Use of 𝜆 =
/
(1)
Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴 𝑒 to find time for activity to fall to background level
(1)
t = 8.6 × 109 years, so claim is incorrect
OR

Use of 𝜆 = (1)
/

Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴 𝑒 to find activity after 9 × 109 years (1)

3
A = 0.33 Bq so claim is incorrect (1)

Example of calculation
ln 2
𝜆= = 5.55 × 10 year
1.25 × 10 years
0.42 Bq
ln = −5.55 × 10 years ×𝑡
48.6 Bq
−4.75
∴𝑡= = 8.56 × 10 years
5.55 × 10 years

Total for question 13 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14 This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is
structured and shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for
structure and lines of reasoning.
Number of marks
awarded for
structure of answer
and sustained line of
reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure with 2
linkages and fully sustained lines of reasoning
demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some linkages and 1
lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is 0
unstructured
Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the
marks for structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0
Indicative content
IC1 Striking the glass sets the glass into (free) oscillation.
IC2 Energy is transferred from glass/system and the amplitude (of
oscillation) decreases (quickly to zero).
Or the oscillation is damped and the amplitude (of oscillation)
decreases (quickly to zero).
IC3 Sliding a wet finger around the top of the glass drives/forces the
glass/system into oscillation.
IC4 The driving frequency (produced by the wet finger) is equal/close to
the natural frequency (of oscillation) of the glass/system
IC5 Resonance occurs and there is an efficient/maximum transfer of
energy
IC6 The amplitude (of oscillation) increases (and transfers energy to the
air)
Total for question 14 6
Question
Answer Mark
Number
(1)
15(a)(i) Mass difference calculation
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 ∆𝑚 (1)

∆E = 8.7 ×10−13 (J) (1) 3

Example of calculation
∆𝑚 = (3.48572 − 3.41918 − 0.0664437) × 10 kg = 9.63 × 10 kg
∆𝐸 = (3.00 × 10 m s ) × 9.63 × 10 kg = 8.67 × 10 J

15(a)(ii) Use of 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 (1)

7 −1
v = 1.6 × 10 m s (allow ecf from (a)(i)) (1) 2

Example of calculation
1
0.98 × 8.67 × 10 J= × 6.64437 × 10 kg × 𝑣
2

2 × 0.98 × 8.67 × 10 J
∴𝑣= = 1.60 × 10 m s
6.64437 × 10 kg

15(b) Momentum must be conserved (in the decay) (1)

The lead nucleus must recoil after the decay
Or the lead nucleus moves in the opposite direction to the alpha particle (1) 2

Total for question 15 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a)(i) Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔 𝑟 (1)

( )
Re-arrangement with 𝜔 = to obtain 𝑇 = 𝑟 (1)

Statement that G, M (and ) are constants, so 𝑇 ∝ 𝑟 (dependent upon MP2) (1)

OR

Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 = (1)

Re-arrangement with 𝑣 = to obtain 𝑇 =

( )
𝑟 (1)
(1) 3
Statement that G, M (and ) are constants, so 𝑇 ∝ 𝑟 (dependent upon MP2)
Example of calculation
𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔 𝑟
𝑟
𝐺𝑀 2π
= 𝑟
𝑟 𝑇
(2𝜋)
𝑇 = 𝑟
𝐺𝑀
∴𝑇 ∝𝑟
16(a)(ii) Use of 𝑇 ∝ 𝑟 (1)
TJ = 142 months (11.9 years) (1)

Use of 𝜔 = and 𝜔 = (1)

Calculation of time elapsed for planets to be in opposition

(1)
Time between opposition is 13.1 months, with an appropriate conclusion
(dependent upon MP4) (1) 5
Example of calculation

𝑇 7.8 × 10 m
=
1 year 1.5 × 10 m

7.8 × 10 m
𝑇 = 12 months × = 142 months
1.5 × 10 m

At the next opposition Earth will have done one more orbit than Jupiter plus
whatever fraction of an orbit Jupiter has completed.
If t is the time to next opposition, both planets will have the same angular
displacement, so equating θ = 2 t/T for both planets where for Earth the time is
(t -12).
2π rad (𝑡 − 12) month 2π rad 𝑡
= ∴ 𝑡 = 13.1 month
12 month 142 month

16(b) Use of 𝑉 = (−) (1)

(1)
Use of ∆𝑉 × 𝑚
(1) 3
ΔEgrav = 3.3 × 1034 J

Example of calculation
1 1
∆𝑉 = −𝐺𝑀 −
𝑟 𝑟
∆𝑉 = −6.67 × 10 N m kg × 2.0 × 10 kg
1 1
× −
8.2 × 10 m 7.4 × 10 m
∆𝑉 = 1.76 × 10 J kg
∴ ∆𝐸 = 1.76 × 10 J kg × 1.9 × 10 kg = 3.34 × 10 J

Total for question 16 11

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a) There is a (resultant) force/acceleration that is:
Proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position (1)
and (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

17(b)(i) Use of 𝑘 = − ∆
∆ (1)
(1) 2
k = 4100 (N m−1)

Example of calculation
𝑚𝑔 75 kg × 9.81 N kg
𝑘=− = = 4088 N m
∆𝑥 0.18 m

17(b)(ii) (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 2π

Use of 𝑓 = (1)
f = 1.2 Hz (allow ecf from (b)(i)) (1) 3

Example of calculation

75 kg
𝑇 = 2π = 0.85 s
4090 N m
1
𝑓= = 1.18 Hz
0.85 s
17(c) The resultant force on the man = (mg – R) where R is the (normal) contact force
from the board (1)
R decreases as his displacement (from the equilibrium position) increases
(1)
Man loses contact with board when R = 0
Or Man loses contact with board when resultant force on man is equal to his
weight (1)

OR
Acceleration (for SHM) increases as displacement increases (1)
Maximum (downward) acceleration of man is g (1)
Man loses contact with board when acceleration of the board is equal to g (1)
3

Total for question 17 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
18(a)(i) Use of trigonometry to calculate distance
Or use of small angle approximation to calculate distance (1)

Distance to Wolf 359 = 7.5 × 1016 (m)

(1) 2
Example of calculation

1.50 × 10 m
tan(2.01 × 10 )=
𝑑
1.50 × 10 m
∴𝑑= = 7.46 × 10 m
2.01 × 10

18(a)(ii) Parallax angle decreases as distance from the Earth increases (1)
Or parallax is only suitable for (relatively) close stars
As parallax angle is too small to measure for distant stars (1) 2

18(b)(i) λmax read from graph (1)

Use of 𝜆 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10 mK (1)
T = 2680 (K) [accept 2635 K → 2760 K] (1) 3

Example of calculation
2.898 × 10 mK
𝑇= = 2683 K
1.08 × 10 m

18(b)(ii) Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 (1)

𝐿 = 4.70 × 10 W (allow ecf from (b)(i)) (1)
Comparison of calculated value of L with LSun and appropriate conclusion
Or comparison of calculated L/LSun percentage with 0.1% and appropriate conclusion (1) 3

Example of calculation
𝐿 = 4π (0.16 × 6.96 × 10 m) × 5.67 × 10 Wm K (2700 K)
𝐿 = 4.70 × 10 𝑊
𝐿 4.70 × 10 𝑊
× 100% = × 100% = 0.12%
𝐿 3.83 × 10 𝑊
Question Total for question 18 10
Answer Mark
Number
19(a) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

Use of 𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = 𝑘𝑇 (1)

1 (1) 3
𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = 5.8 × 10 J
2

Example of calculation
. × × . ×
𝑇= = = 2800 K
. × × . ×

1 3
𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = × 1.38 × 10 JK × 2800 K = 5.80 × 10 J
2 2

19(b) Use of =
∆
with wavelength measured on Earth in denominator (1)

v = 13500 m s−1 (1)

The student is correct to say that the star is moving towards the Earth, as the measured
wavelength is less than that from the lamp spectrum. (1)
−1
Comparison of calculated velocity with 1400 m s and appropriate conclusion. (1) 4

Example of calculation
Δ𝜆 (576.933-576.959)×10-9 m
𝑣= 𝑐= ×3.00×108 m s -1 = (-)1.35×10 m s-1
𝜆 576.959 ×10-9 m
So the star’s velocity is much larger than 1400 m s−1

19(c) On the main sequence, above the position of the Sun

Or above and to the left of the position of the Sun (1) 1
Total for question 18 8
Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a)(i) Use of appropriate equation of motion (1)
t = 2.9 (s) (1) 2
Example of calculation
1
𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡
2
∴ −41.5 m = 0.5 × (−9.81 m s )𝑡

−41.5 m
𝑡= = 2.91 s
−0.5 × 9.81 m s

20(a)(ii) Use of 𝑉 = π𝑟 (1)

(1)
Use of 𝜌 =
(1)
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃
Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝐿∆𝑚 (1)
∆
Use of 𝑃 = ∆ (1)
P = 1.6 W (allow ecf from (a)(i)) (1) 6
Example of calculation
4
𝑉 = π(1.2 × 10 m) = 7.24 × 10 m
3
𝑚 = 7.24 × 10 m × 1.13 × 10 kg m = 8.18 × 10 kg
𝐸 = 8.18 × 10 kg × 130 J kg K × (615 K − 370 K) = 2.61 J
𝐸 = 8.18 × 10 kg × 2.47 × 10 J kg = 2.02 J
(2.61 J + 2.02 J)
𝑃= = 1.60 W
2.9 s

20(b)(i) Change in gravitational potential energy of the lead shot and change in internal energy
are both proportional to the mass of lead shot
Or 𝐸 (= 𝑚𝑣 ) and ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 both include the same mass
Or 𝐸 (= 𝑚𝑔∆ℎ) and ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 both include the same mass (1)

So, mass cancels and Δθ is independent of the mass (if no energy is transferred to the
surroundings) (dependent upon MP1) (1) 2

20(b)(ii) Not all the energy will be used to increase the temperature of the lead shot
Or some energy will be transferred to the surroundings
Or not all the lead shot will fall through a distance d
(1)
The method will not be accurate, as it will give a value of c that is too large
(1) 2
Or The method will not be accurate as the (measured) temperature change will be too
small
Total for question 20 12
Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2022

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15/01)
Paper 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations
and Cosmology
Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle

The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed up
by examples. It is not a set of model answers.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should
be credited in every answer unless the MS has specified specific words that must be
present. Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’

1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
information are needed for 1 mark.

1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance is
increased”.

1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not accept
gravity] [ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit will
normally mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.

2.2 This does not apply in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question where the
units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.

2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only once
within one clip in ePen.

2.4 Occasionally, it may be decided not to insist on a unit e.g the candidate may be
calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not one that should be
known and is complex.

2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by means of [no
ue].

3. Significant figures

3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not be prevent a
mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer in the MS.

3.2 Too few significant figures will mean that the final mark cannot be awarded in
‘show that’ questions where one more significant figure than the value in the
question is needed for the candidate to demonstrate the validity of the given
answer.
3.3 The use of one significant figure might be inappropriate in the context of the
question e.g. reading a value off a graph. If this is the case, there will be a clear
indication in the MS.

3.4 The use of g = 10 m s-2 or 10 N kg-1 instead of 9.81 m s-2 or 9.81 N kg-1 will mean
that one mark will not be awarded (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m
s-2 or 9.8 N kg-1

3.5 In questions assessing practical skills, a specific number of significant figures will
be required e.g. determining a constant from the gradient of a graph or in
uncertainty calculations. The MS will clearly identify the number of significant figures
required.

4. Calculations

4.1 Bald (i.e. no working shown) correct answers may score full marks.

4.2 Some working is expected for full marks to be scored in a ‘show that’ question
or an extended calculation question.

4.3 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks, then both marks will be available for a
reverse working. If the question is worth 3 marks then only 2 marks will be available.

4.4 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of
physically correct values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power of 10
error.

4.5 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.

5. Quality of Written Expression

5.1 Questions that asses the ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer are marked with an asterisk.

5.2 Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured.

5.3 Linkage between ideas, and fully-sustained reasoning is expected.

Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as fission produces radioactive isotopes.
C is not the correct answer, as a very high temperature is only required for
fusion.
D is not the correct answer, as only fission occurs spontaneously.
2 B is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as for volume to be proportional to temperature, the
temperature must be measured in kelvin.
C is not the correct answer, as the law only applies to a fixed mass of gas.
D is not the correct answer, as the volume occupied by the gas must stay
constant
3 C is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as alpha radiation would be stopped by a sheet of
paper
B is not the correct answer, as some gamma radiation would penetrate the lead
sheet.
D is not the correct answer, as some gamma radiation would penetrate the lead
sheet.
4 D is the correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as the temperature scale must be a reverse
logarithmic scale
B is not the correct answer, as the temperature scale must be a reverse scale
C is not the correct answer, as the temperature scale must be a logarithmic
scale
5 D is the correct answer, (1)
A is not the correct answer, as each decay path is defined.
B is not the correct answer, as half of the unstable nuclei have decayed after a
half-life.
C is not the correct answer, as this is a definition of spontaneous decay.
6 𝐻 (1)
D is the correct answer, as 𝑧 = ( 𝑐0 ) 𝑑, so 𝐻0 = (gradient) × 𝑐
7 1 1 (1)
A is the correct answer, as ∆𝐸grav = −𝐺𝑀𝑚 (𝑅 − 2𝑅)
8 𝑇2𝑔 (1)
C is the correct answer, as 𝑙 = 4𝜋2
9 𝐿 𝐿 2
𝐼𝐶 ×𝑑𝐶 𝐼𝐶 𝑑2 (1)
C is the correct answer, as 𝐼 = 4𝜋𝑑2 , so 𝐿𝐶 = = × 𝑑𝐶2
𝑆 𝐼𝑆 ×𝑑𝑆2 𝐼𝑠 𝑆

10 D is the correct answer. as both the amplitude and the natural frequency (1)
increase
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11 Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

Use of volume flow rate to calculate V (1)

𝑚
Use of 𝜌 = to calculate mass of shower water (1)
𝑉

Energy used to heat bathwater

Use of Energy used to heat shower water
Or calculates 10 × (energy used to heat shower water) (1)

Taking a bath uses 12 times as much energy

Or 1.14 × 107 J > 9.34 × 106 J so bath uses more than 10 × shower
energy (1) 5

Example of calculation

∆𝐸 = 160 kg × 4180 J kg −1 K −1 × (32 − 15)K = 1.14 × 107 J

In 1 second, 𝑚 = 1.00 × 103 kg m−3 × 1.8 × 10−5 m3 = 0.018 kg

𝑚 = 0.018 kg s −1 × 9 × 60 s = 9.72 kg

∆𝐸 = 9.72 kg × 4180 J kg −1 K −1 × (38 − 15) K = 9.34 × 105 J

1.14 × 107 J
Energy ratio = = 12.2
9.34 × 105 J

Total for question 11 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12 Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 [must see substitution of values of p, k and T] (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

𝑚
Use of 𝜌 = [allow substitution of mass of one molecule] (1)
𝑉

Use of m = N × mass of a molecule (1)

(1) 5
 = 180 kg m−3

Example of calculation
𝑁 × 5.3 × 10−26 kg 𝑝 × 5.3 × 10−26 kg
𝜌= =
𝑉 𝑘𝑇

1.4 × 107 Pa × 5.3 × 10−26 kg

∴𝜌= = 180.4 kg m−3
1.38 × 10−23 m2 kg s −2 K −1 × (273 + 25)K

Total for question 12 5

Questio
n Answer Mark
Number
*13
This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is
structured and shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for
structure and lines of reasoning.
Number of marks
awarded for
structure of answer
and sustained line of
reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure with 2
linkages and fully sustained lines of reasoning
demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some linkages and 1
lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is 0
unstructured
Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the
marks for structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0

Indicative content
IC1 Use (stellar) parallax to determine distance to a nearby standard
candle,
IC2 Measure the intensity of radiation from the standard candle
Or Measure λmax and use Wien’s law to determine the (surface)
temperature of the standard candle
IC3 Use inverse square law to calculate the luminosity of the standard
candle
Or Use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to determine the
luminosity of the standard candle
IC4 Locate standard candle (in nearby galaxy)
IC5 Standard candle has a known luminosity
IC6 Measure intensity of radiation from the standard candle and use
inverse square law to calculate distance to nearby galaxy 6
 Alternative for IC1, IC2 and IC3:
IC1 Identify/observe a (Cepheid) variable star
IC2 Measure the period/frequency of intensity variation
IC3 Use a known relationship between period and luminosity to
calculate the luminosity of the star
Total for question 13 6

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14(a) Determines period from at least 2 cycles [to within 1 square] (1)

Converts period into hours (1)

T = 12.0  13.0 (hours) (1) 3

Example of calculation
13T = (6.9 – 0.2) × 24 hours = 160.8 hours
160.8 hours
𝑇= = 12.4 hours
13

14(b)
Period of the tide matches natural period of oscillation of water in the bay
[accept references to frequency] (1)

Efficient/maximum transfer of energy (into water in the bay)

Or Resonance occurs (1)

Amplitude (of tide) increases

Or There is a maximum amplitude (1) 3

Total for question 14 6

Question
Answer Mark
Number
15(a) ∆𝜆
Use of 𝑧 = 𝜆 (1)

λo = 1.60 × 10−6 m (1) 2

Example of calculation

∆𝜆 (𝜆o − 134 × 10−9 m)

𝑧= = = 10.96
𝜆 134 × 10−9 m

∴ 𝜆o = (10.96 × 134 × 10−9 m) + 134 × 10−9 m = 1.60 × 10−6 m

15(b) d between 13 and 14 (× 109 ly) (1)

Use of 𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 (1)

s = 1.3 × 1026 (m) [Accept answers in range 1.2 × 1026  1.3 × 1026] (1) 3

Example of calculation

d = 13.4 × 109 ly

1 ly = 3.0 × 108 m s−1 × 3.15 × 107 s = 9.45 × 1015 m

s = 9.45 × 1015 m × 13.4 × 109 = 1.26 × 1026 m

15(c) Very distant galaxies have (very) large red shifts (1)

So their light has become infrared when it arrives (at the telescope) (1) 2
[MP2: Do not credit statements that light is emitted in IR region of
spectrum]
Total for question 15 7
Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) fmax read from graph (1)

Use of 𝑐 = 𝑓𝜆 (1)

Use of 𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10−3 m K (1)

T = 3100 (K) (1) 4

Example of calculation

fmax = 3.2 × 1014 Hz

3.0 × 108 m s −1
𝜆max = = 9.38 × 10−7 m
3.2 × 1014 Hz

2.898 × 10−3 m K
𝑇= = 3090 K
9.38 × 10−7 m

16(b) Use of 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 2 (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 (1)

L = 4.52 × 1024 W [ecf from (a)]

Or T = 5300 K [ecf from (a)] (1)

Conclusion made from comparison of calculated L with 10% of luminosity

of the Sun [3.83 × 1025 W]
Or conclusion made from comparison of T for a star with 10% of
luminosity of the Sun with T calculated in (a) (1) 4

Example of calculation

𝐿 = 4π (2.62 × 108 m)2 × 5.67 × 10−8 W m−2 K −4 (3100 K)4

𝐿 = 4.52 × 1024 𝑊
𝐿 4.52 × 1024 𝑊
× 100% = × 100% = 1.18%
𝐿𝑆𝑢𝑛 3.83 × 1026 𝑊

Luminosity of Gliese-876 is less than 10% of Sun’s luminosity. so claim is

correct.

Temperature of Gliese-876 is less than surface temperature of a star with

10% of the Sun’s luminosity, so claim is correct.

Total for question 16 8

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a)(i) 𝐺𝑀𝑚
Use of 𝐹 = 𝑟 2 (1)

(1) 2
𝐹 = 7.3 × 1017 (N)

Example of calculation

6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −2 × 1.99 × 1030 kg × 9.38 × 1020 kg

𝐹=
(4.14 × 1011 m)2
17
∴ 𝐹 = 7.26 × 10 N

17(a)(ii) Use of 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 (1)

2π
Use of 𝜔 = (1)
𝑇

Conversion to years (1)

T = 4.6 year [ecf from (i)] (1)

Or

𝑚𝑣 2 (1)
Use of 𝐹 = 𝑟

2π𝑟 (1)
Use of 𝑣 = 𝑇
(1)
Conversion to years
(1) 4
T = 4.6 year [ecf from (i)]

Example of calculation

𝐹 7.26 × 1017 N
𝜔=√ =√ = 4.32 × 10−8 rad s−1
𝑚𝑟 9.38 × 1020 kg × 4.14 × 1011 m

2π 2π rad
𝑇= = = 1.45 × 108 s
𝜔 4.32 × 10−8 rad s −1
1.45 × 108 s
∴𝑇= = 4.61 year
3.15 × 107 s year −1
17(b) 𝐺𝑀 (1)
Use of 𝑔 = to calculate g for Ceres
𝑟2

Ratio of field strengths calculated

Or 5% of g for Mercury calculated (1)

gc is 7.7% of gm so claim is inaccurate

Or
(1) 3
𝑔𝑐 = 0.283 N kg −1 and 5% of gm = 0.185 N kg−1, so claim is inaccurate

Example of calculation

6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −2 × 9.38 × 1020 kg

𝑔𝐶 = = 0.283 N kg −1
(4.7 × 105 m)2
𝑔𝑐 0.283 N kg −1
∴ = = 0.0765
𝑔𝑚 3.7 N kg −1

Total for question 17 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
18(a)(i) X is a neutron (1) 1

18(a)(ii) Decrease in mass calculated (1)

Energy in (G)eV calculated from mass difference (1)

Conversion of energy in eV to J (1)

Energy released = 8.0 × 10−14 (J) (1) 4

Example of calculation

Δm = (25.1333 + 3.7274) GeV/c2 − (27.9206 + 0.9396) GeV/c2

= 5.00 × 10−4 GeV/c2

ΔE = 5.00 × 10−4 GeV

∆𝐸 = 5.00 × 10−4 × 109 eV × 1.6 × 10−19 J eV −1 = 8.0 × 10−14 J

18(b) Positrons annihilate with electrons to produce gamma radiation (1)

Gamma radiation can penetrate the body (1)

Half life is long enough to allow the procedure to be performed (1)

Half life is short enough to avoid unnecessarily large radiation dose (1) 4

Total for question 18 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a) (When the object is displaced):

there is a (resultant) force that is proportional to the displacement from the

equilibrium position (1)

and (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

[Accept force is in the opposite direction to displacement]

(Accept ‘acceleration’ for ‘force’)

(For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed
point/position or central point/position, do not accept mean position)

19(b)(i) Frequency/period calculated from oscillations per minute (1)

T = 0.22 s [can be seen on graph] (1)

Use of 𝜔 = 2π𝑓
2π
Or Use of 𝜔 = 𝑇 (1)

(1)
Use of 𝑣 = 𝐴𝜔 sin 𝜔𝑡
(1)
v = 1.1 m s−1 [can be seen on graph]

At least 1 cycle of a sinusoidal graph with calculated values of v and T on

axes (1) 6

Example of calculation
270 min−1
𝑓= = 4.5 Hz
60 s min−1
𝜔 = 2π rad × 4.5 s −1 = 28.3 rad s−1
8.0 × 10−2 m
𝑣=( ) × 28.3 s−1 = 1.13 m s−1
2
19(b)(ii) Use of 𝑎 = −𝜔2 𝑥 (1)

a = 32 m s−2 [ecf from (i)] (1) 2

Example of calculation
𝑎 = −(28.3 s −1 )2 × 4.0 × 10−2 m = 32.0 m s −2
19(b)(iii) The particles are free to move inside the can
Or Not all the particles will move with simple harmonic motion
Or Amplitude/frequency/period of oscillation of particles is different to
amplitude of can
Or The particles may continue to move upwards as the can starts moving
downwards
Or The particles may collide with each other
Or the force on the paint particles is not equal to the force on the can. (1) 1
Total for question 16 11

Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a) A massive nucleus splits into two (or more) smaller nuclei/fragments (of (1) 1
roughly equal mass and some neutrons)

20(b)(i) Top line correct (1)

Bottom line correct (1) 2

137 137
55Cs → 56Ba + −10β− + 00ν̅
20(b)(ii) Momentum is conserved (so the Ba nucleus recoils) (1)

Energy released is shared (randomly) between the β− and 𝜈̅

Or the energy is shared between the 3 particles in the decay (1) 2
20(c)(i) mass of caesium
Use of 𝑁 = mass of caesium atom (1)

(1)
Use of 1 u = 1.66 × 10-27 kg

ln 2 (1)
Use of 𝜆 = 𝑡
1/2
(1)
Use of 𝐴 = 𝜆𝑁

𝐴 = 7.7 × 1016 Bq (1)

Valid conclusion based on calculated value of activity

(1) 6
Example of calculation
24 kg
𝑁= = 1.06 × 1026
(136.9 × 1.66 × 10−27 ) kg

ln 2
𝜆= = 7.29 × 10−10 s−1
(30.2 × 3.15 × 107 )s

𝐴 = −7.29 × 10−10 s −1 × 1.06 × 1026 = −7.73 × 1016 Bq

7.7 × 1016 Bq is not equal to 7.3 × 1016 Bq (so statement is incorrect)

Or 7.7 × 1016 Bq is approximately equal to 7.3 × 1016 Bq (so statement is
correct)

20(c)(ii) Use of 500 Bq per 100 g to calculate initial count rate (1)

Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡 (1)

t = 5.37 × 109 s [171 year] [ecf from (i)] (1) 3

Example of calculation
1
𝐴0 = × 500 Bq = 125 Bq
4
150
𝐴= = 2.5 Bq
60 s
−10 −1
2.5 Bq = 125 Bq𝑒 −7.28×10 s ×𝑡
2.5 𝐵𝑞
∴ ln = −7.28 × 10−10 𝑠 −1 × 𝑡
125 𝐵𝑞
−3.91
∴𝑡= = 5.37 × 109 s
−7.28 × 10−10 s −1

Total for question 20 14

Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2023

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15/01)
Paper 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations
and Cosmology
Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not correct, as this will decrease the accuracy
C is not correct, as this should not change the accuracy
D is not correct, as this will decrease the accuracy

2 B is the correct answer, as the mean molecular kinetic energy only depends upon (1)
the temperature of the gas.

3 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as the magnitude of nuclear B.E is not the least for 56Fe
B is not correct, as the magnitude of nuclear B.E. is not the greatest for 56Fe
C is not correct, as the magnitude of B.E. per nucleon is the greatest for 56Fe

4 A is the correct answer, as 𝐿 = (1)

5 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as frequency shifts do not allow acceleration to be detected
B is not correct, as frequency shifts do not allow acceleration to be detected
C is not correct, as frequency would be shifted to lower frequencies for a star
moving way from the Earth

6 A is the correct answer, as ∆𝑚 =

∆ × . × (1)

7 B is the correct answer, as the intensity half-thickness is 0.4 cm (1)

8 C is the correct answer, as there are white dwarf stars but no red giants in the (1)
cluster

9 B is the correct answer as 𝑣 = (1)

10 B is the correct answer, as the acceleration time graph is given by the gradient of (1)
the velocity time graph, and so the gradient of the velocity graph must start with a
zero value and then become positive in the first quarter cycle.
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11(a) Use of 𝜌 = (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

ΔE = 1.3 × 1011 J (1) 3

[For MP2, must have a temperature difference. Allow a temperature difference

with 273 added].

Example of calculation
𝑚 = 998 kg m × 2750 m = 2.74 × 10 kg
∆𝐸 = 2.74 × 10 kg × 4190 J kg × (28.0 − 16.5) C = 1.32 × 10 J

11(b) Energy is transferred (from the water) to the surroundings

Or Not all of the energy from the heater is used to raise the water temperature (1) 1

[Do not accept vague statements such as “energy is lost”

Allow “energy is lost to surroundings”
Allow “heat” for “energy”]

Total for question 11 4

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12(a) Use 𝑉 = − to obtain ΔE (1)

Equate ΔE to 𝑚𝑣 and re-arrangement to obtain 𝑣 = (1) 2

Example of derivation

𝐺𝑀𝑚
∆𝐸 = 𝑚 × 𝑉 =
𝑟

1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝑚𝑣 =
2 𝑟

2𝐺𝑀
∴𝑣 =
𝑟

2𝐺𝑀
∴𝑣=
𝑟

12(b)(i) (1)
Use of 𝑣 =

v = 1.12 × 104 (m s1) (1) 2

Example of calculation
2 × 6.67 × 10 N m kg × 5.98 × 10 kg
𝑣=
6.36 × 10 m

∴ 𝑣 = 1.12 × 10 m s

12(b)(ii) There is a range of molecular speeds

Or Some molecules will be travelling (much) faster than 1900 m s (1)

So there will be some molecules with a speed greater than the escape velocity
Or There will be some molecules with enough kinetic energy to escape
(1) 2
[A correct comparison of the escape velocity (1.1 × 10 m s ) with
〈𝑐 〉 (1900 m s ) scores a maximum of 1 mark.]

Total for question 12 6

Question
Answer Mark
Number
13 Use of
∆
= [Must see lab wavelength (393.4 nm) in denominator] (1)

Use of 𝑣 = 𝐻 𝑑 [d = 5.18 × 1023 m] (1)

Use of 𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 with u = c and t = 3.15 × 107 s (1)

Conversion of d to light-year
Or conversion of 55 million light years to m [5.20 × 1023 m] (1)

d = 54.8 × 106 light-year which is the website value so statement is accurate.

Or comparison of 5.18 × 1023 m with 5.20 × 1023 m so statement is accurate. (1) 5

Example of calculation
(394.5 − 393.4) × 10 m 𝑣
=
393.4 × 10 m 3.0 × 10 m s

1.1 × 10 m
𝑣 = 3.0 × 10 m s × = 8.39 × 10 m s
393.4 × 10 m

𝑣 8.39 × 10 m s
𝑑= = = 5.18 × 10 m
𝐻 1.62 × 10 s

1 light year = 3.0 × 10 m s × 3.15 × 10 s = 9.45 × 10 m

5.18 × 10 m
𝑑= = 5.48 × 10 light-year
9.45 × 10 m (light year)

∴ 𝑑 ≈ 55 × 10 light-year so website statement is correct

Total for question 13 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14(a) Horizontal line drawn at 19 mJ (1) 1

14(b) Elastic potential energy at 1.0 cm read from graph (1)

[accept values in range 4.0 (mJ) – 5.0 (m J)]

Use of energy conservation

[e.g. kinetic energy = total energy – elastic potential energy] (1)

(1)
Use of 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣
(1) 4
1
v = 0.44 m s

[A response in which the kinetic energy curve is drawn and the value of kinetic
energy read off directly can score MP1 and MP2]

Example of calculation
At 1.0 cm Eelas = 4.5 mJ

∴ 𝐸 = (19 − 4.5) × 10 J = 1.45 × 10 J

1
1.45 × 10 J= × 0.15 kg × 𝑣
2

2 × 1.45 × 10 J
∴𝑣= = 0.440 m s
0.15 kg

Total for question 14 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
15(a) Top line correct (1)

Bottom line correct (1) 2

Example of equation

Cs → Ba + β + ν
15(b) Use of 𝜆 = (1)
½

Use of = −𝜆𝑁 (1)

Use of u = 1.66 × 1027 kg (1)

𝑚 = 2.3 × 10 (kg) (1) 4

Example of calculation
ln 2
𝜆= = 7.29 × 10 s
30.2 × 3.15 × 10 s

7400 s
𝑁= = 1.02 × 10
7.28 × 10 s

𝑚 = 1.02 × 10 × 137 × 1.66 × 10 kg = 2.31 × 10 kg

Total for question 15 6

 Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Dark matter has mass (1)
Or Dark matter exerts a gravitational force

Dark matter does not emit electromagnetic radiation (1) 2

16(b) Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 ∆𝑚 (1)

Use of 1 eV = 1.6 × 1019 J (1)

m = 8.5 × 1019 (kg) (1) 3

Example of calculation

4.8 × 10 GeV × 1.6 × 10 J GeV

𝑚= = 8.53 × 10 kg
(3.0 × 10 m s )

16(c) The ultimate fate of the universe depends upon the (average) density of the
universe (1)
Or the (average) density of the universe must be compared with the critical
density of the universe

The amount of dark matter is uncertain (so the average density is uncertain) (1) 2
Total for question 16 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 [Allow temperature substituted in oC] (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

Use of Δp = p2 p1 (1)

Δp = 1.1 × 106 Pa [If pressure rounded to 1.4 × 107 Pa, then Δp = 1.2 × 106 Pa] (1) 4

Example of calculation
𝑝 𝑝
=
𝑇 𝑇

(42.5 + 273) K
𝑝 = 1.28 × 10 Pa × = 1.39 × 10 Pa
(17.5 + 273) K

∆𝑝 = (1.39 × 10 − 1.28 × 10 )Pa = 1.10 × 10 Pa

*17(b) This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.

Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and
shows lines of reasoning.

The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and lines of
reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for structure of
answer and sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical
structure with linkages and fully sustained 2
lines of reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some
1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and
0
is unstructured

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks for
structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0
Indicative content
IC1 As the temperature increases the (average) kinetic energy of the (air) molecules
increases
IC2 So mean/average speed of the air molecules increases
[Accept mean/average velocity/momentum]
IC3 The (average/mean) change of momentum of air molecules when colliding with the
tank/walls increases
IC4 The rate of collision of air molecules with the tank/walls increases [Accept “collision
frequency” or “number of collisions per second” for “rate of collision”]
IC5 The rate of change of momentum increases and so the force on the tank/walls,
increases 6
IC6 The pressure (exerted by the gas) increases, since p = F/A
[If atoms/particles referred to, then max 1 linkage mark]

Total for question 17 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
18(a)(i) The star is viewed from two positions at 6 month intervals
Or the star is viewed from opposite ends of the diameter of the Earth's orbit about
the Sun (1)

The change in angular position of the star against backdrop of distant/fixed stars is
measured [Accept “parallax angle” or “angular displacement” for “change in (1)
angular position of star”]

Trigonometry is used to calculate the distance to the star [Do not accept (1)
Pythagoras]
(1) 4
The diameter/radius of the Earth’s orbit about the Sun must be known

Full marks may be obtained from a suitably annotated diagram

[Accept the symmetrical diagram seen in many text books]

18(a)(ii) Stars were too far away for changes in angular position to be measured
Or the parallax angles were too small to be measured

[Allow stars are (very) far away and parallax angles are (very) small] (1) 1

18(b)(i) A (stellar) object of known luminosity (1) 1

18(b)(ii) Identify/locate standard candle (in nearby galaxy) (1)

Measure intensity of radiation from the standard candle [Do not accept “calculate” (1)
for “measure”]
(1) 3
Use inverse square law to calculate distance [If response refers to 𝐼 = it must
be clear that L is luminosity and I is intensity]

Total for question 18 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a) The car (body) is driven/forced into oscillation at its natural frequency
Or The driving/forcing frequency is the same as the natural frequency of the car
(body)
Or the driving/forcing frequency from the road is the same as the natural (1)
frequency (of the car body)
(1)
There is a maximum transfer of energy (to the car body) 2

[Accept “similar” or “close to” for “the same as” in MP1]

[If neither MP is met, MAX 1 mark for a general statement such as “ the driving
frequency is equal to the natural frequency”]

19(b) Use of 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔 (1)

Use of ∆𝐹 = (−)𝑘∆𝑥 (1)

(1)
Use of 𝑇 = 2π [Allow use of 𝜔 = and 𝑇 = ]

Use of 𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 (1)

u = 17 m s1 (1) 5

Example of calculation
65 kg × 9.81 N kg
𝑘= = 2.55 × 10 N m
2.5 × 10 m

1365 kg
𝑇 = 2π × = 1.45 s
2.55 × 10 N m

25 m
𝑢= = 17.2 m s
1.45 s

19(c) (Kinetic) energy is transferred from the car (1)

Or (Kinetic energy transferred to the suspension/dampers
[Accept “removed” for “transferred”]
[Accept reference to “oscillating system”] (1) 2

The energy is dissipated to the surroundings [so the vibration energy decreases]

Total for question 19 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a) EITHER
Use of r = R1 + R2 [0.165 m] (1)

Use of 𝐹 = (1)
Maximum force = 2.83 × 107 N [Allow 7.1 × 108 N if diameters added] (1)
Conclusion consistent with calculated values
(1)
[e.g. 2.83 × 10-7 (N) < 50 × 10-6 (N) so it can’t be measured]
OR
Use of r = R1 + R2 [0.165 m] (1)

Use of 𝐹 = (1)
(Maximum) separation (to give minimum measurable force) = 0.012 m (1)
(1) 4
Conclusion consistent with calculated values
[e.g. 0.012 (m) < 0.165 (m), so it can’t be measured]
Example of calculation

6.67 × 10 N m kg × 158 kg × 0.73 kg

𝑟= = 0.012 m
5.0 × 10 N

0.305 m 0.025 m
𝑟= + = 0.165 m
2 2

20(b)(i) EITHER (1)

Correct equation re-arranged to make G the subject
Base units substituted to obtain required units (1)

OR
Units of G = N m2 kg2 and N = kg m s (1)
So units of G = kg m s m kg = m kg s
(1) 2
Example of derivation
𝑚 𝑚 𝐹𝑟
𝐹=𝐺 ∴𝐺=
𝑟 𝑚 𝑚

Units of 𝐺 = = = m kg s

20(b)(ii) % difference calculated [9.4%] (1)

Appropriate comment based on their calculated % difference
(1) 2
[One value expressed as a ratio/percentage of the other with an appropriate
comment can score MAX 1mark]
Example of calculation
(6.67 × 10 − 6.04 × 10 ) N m kg
% difference = × 100% = 9.4 %
6.67 × 10 N m kg

Total for question 20 8

Question
Answer Mark
Number
21(a)(i) Use of 𝜆 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10 m K (1)

T = 3570 (K) (1) 2

Example of calculation
2.898 × 10 m K
𝑇= = 3569 K
8.12 × 10 m

21(a)(ii) Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 and 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 (1)

Use of 𝐼 = (1)

Use of intensity of radiation at the Earth (1)

Intensity = 0.42 IE (ecf from (a)(i))

Or 552 (Wm−2) ≈ 583.0 (W m ) (1) 4

[Using the ‘show that’ value of T gives I = 604 W and I = 0.44 IE]

Example of calculation
𝐿 = 5.67 × 10 W m K × 4π × (2.03 × 10 m) × (3570 K)

∴ 𝐿 = 4.76 × 10 W

4.76 × 10 W
𝐼= = 583.0 W m
4π × (2.55 × 10 m)

583 𝑊 𝑚
Intensity = 𝐼 = 0.422 𝐼
1380 𝑊 𝑚

I = 0.4 × 1380 Wm−2 = 552 Wm−2

21(b) Use of 𝑉 = π𝑟 (1)

Use of 𝜌 = (1)

Use of 𝑔 = (1)

g = 18.4 N kg1 [Intermediate rounding gives g = 18.3 N kg−1] (1)

(1) 5
Conclusion consistent with calculated value for g compared with 4g

Example of calculation
4
𝑉 = π × (1.02 × 10 ) = 4.45 × 10 m
3

𝑚 = 6.44 × 10 kg m × 4.45 × 10 m = 2.86 × 10 kg

6.67 × 10 N m kg × 2.86 × 10 kg
𝑔= = 18.4 N kg
(1.02 × 10 m)

.
Ratio = = 1.87 which is less than 4, so humans could survive the
.
gravitational field strength

Total for question 21 11

Mark Scheme (Results)
Summer 2023

Pearson Edexcel International

Advanced Level in Physics (WPH15)
Paper 1
Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation,
Oscillations and Cosmology
General Marking Guidance
All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first
candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.

• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for

what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark
scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by
which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a
candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with
an alternative response.

Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle
The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed up by
examples. It is not a set of model answers.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should be
credited in every answer unless the MS has specified specific words that must be
present. Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
information are needed for 1 mark.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance is
increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not accept
gravity] [ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit will
normally mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.
2.2 This does not apply in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question where the
units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.
2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only once
within one clip in epen.
2.4 Occasionally, it may be decided not to insist on a unit e.g the candidate may be
calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not one that should
be known and is complex.
2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by placing brackets
around the unit.

3. Significant figures
3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not prevent a
mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer in the MS.
3.2 Too few significant figures will mean that the final mark cannot be awarded in
‘show that’ questions where one more significant figure than the value in the
question is needed for the candidate to demonstrate the validity of the given
answer.
3.3 The use of one significant figure might be inappropriate in the context of the
question e.g. reading a value off a graph. If this is the case, there will be a clear
indication in the MS.
3.4 The use of g = 10 m s−2 or 10 N kg−1 instead of 9.81 m s−2 or 9.81 N kg−1 will be
penalised by one mark (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m s−2 or 9.8
N kg−1
3.5 In questions assessing practical skills, a specific number of significant figures will
be required e.g. determining a constant from the gradient of a graph or
uncertainty calculations. The MS will clearly identify the number of significant
figures required.

4. Calculations
4.1 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of
physically correct values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power of
10 error.
4.2 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks, then both marks will be available for a
reverse working. If the question is worth 3 marks then only 2 marks will be
available.
4.3 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.

5. Quality of Written Expression

5.1 Questions that asses the ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer are marked with an asterisk.
5.2 Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured.
5.3 Linkage between ideas, and fully-sustained reasoning is expected.
Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 B is the correct answer (1)
A is not correct, as this would lead to a flet universe
C is not correct, as density values (and not mass values) must be compared
D is not correct, as density values (and not mass values) must be compared

2 C is the correct answer, as 𝜆observed = 𝜆 + 0.025𝜆 (1)

3 1 (1)
C is the correct answer, as (distance to star) = (parallax angle)

4 B is the correct answer, as Δ(𝑃𝐸)grav = −

𝐺𝑀𝑚
− (−
𝐺𝑀𝑚
) (1)
𝑟final 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙

5 B is the correct answer, as 𝑣 = 𝐻0 𝑑 (1)

6 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as this describes an elastic material
C is not correct, as this describes a strong material
D is not correct, as this describes a stiff material

7 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as the longer the count time the larger the count
B is not correct, as background count rate varies from place to place
D is not correct, as different detectors have different sensitivities

8 C is the correct answer, as 𝑔Mars =

𝑀Mars
×
2
𝑟moon
× 𝑔moon (1)
𝑀moon 2
𝑟Mars

9 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not correct, as the pressure, volume and temperature of each gas is the same
B is not correct, as the temperature of each gas is the same
D is not correct, as the temperature and the number of molecules is the same for each gas

10 B is the correct answer, as the gradient of the velocity-time graph gives the (1)
displacement time graph
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11(a) Top line correct (1)

Bottom line correct (1) 2

Example of calculation

187 187
75Re → 76Os + −10β− + 00𝜈̅
11(b) Use of 1 eV = 1.6 × 10−19 J [4.16× 10−16] (1)

1
Use of 𝐸𝑘 = 2 𝑚𝑣 2 [Allow use of the mass of an proton] (1)

(1) 3
v = 3.0 × 107 m s−1

Example of calculation
1
2.6 × 103 × 1.6 × 10−19 J = × 9.11 × 10−31 kg × 𝑣 2
2

2 × 4.16 × 10−16 J
∴𝑣=√ = 3.02 × 107 m s−1
9.11 × 10−31 kg

Total for question 11 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12(a) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

N = 2.1 × 1024 [min 2sf] (1) 3

[Correct answer from use of pV=nRT gets full marks, otherwise only MP2
available]

Example of derivation

1.24 × 105 Pa × 7.08 × 10−2 m3

𝑁= = 2.13 × 1024
1.38 × 10−23 J K −1 × (273 + 25) K
12(b) Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

ΔN = 1.5 × 1024 (allow ecf from (a)) (1) 2

Example of calculation
𝑝2 𝑁2
=
𝑝1 𝑁1

3.45 × 104 Pa
𝑁2 = 2.13 × 1024 × ( ) = 5.93 × 1023
1.24 × 105 Pa

ΔN = 2.13 × 1024 − 5.93 ×1023 = 1.54 × 1024

[Use of ‘Show that’ value from (a) gives ΔN = 1.44× 1024]

Total for question 12 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
13 The thickness of the track related to the ionising ability of the particle (not its (1)
mass)

Alpha is strongly ionising and beta is only moderately ionising (so alpha tracks
are thick and beta tracks are thin) (1)
[Allow a comparison of ionising power of alpha with that of beta]

The shape of the track related to the mass of the particle (not its ionising ability) (1)

Alpha particles are massive particles and beta particles are not massive particles
(so alpha tracks are straight and beta tracks are twisted) (1) 4
[Allow a comparison of alpha mass with beta mass]

Total for question 13 4

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14(a) Determine V using given dimensions (1)

𝑚
Use of 𝜌 = (1)
𝑉

𝑚 = 0.022 (kg) [min 2sf] (1) 3

Example of calculation
𝑉 = (2.5 × 10−2 m)2 × 3.5 × 10−2 m = 2.19 × 10−5 m3

𝑚
1.00 × 103 kg m−3 =
2.19 × 10−5 m3

∴ 𝑚 = 0.0219 kg

14(b) Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝐿 (1)

∆𝐸 (1)
Use of 𝑃 = ∆𝑡

P = 79 W so not 110 W
[Use of show that value for m gives 71 W]
(allow ecf from (a))

Or t = 8.5 min not 12 mins so the energy is not transferred at a rate of 110 W
[Use of show that value for m gives 7.8 min (467 s)]
(allow ecf from (a))

Or ∆𝐸 = 7.92 × 104 J not 5.65 × 104 J so the energy is not transferred at a rate of
110 W
[Use of show that value for m gives 4.06 × 104 J]
(allow ecf from (a)) (1) 4

Example of calculation
∆𝐸 = 6 × 0.022 kg × 4180 J kg −1 K −1 × 22.5 K = 1.24 × 104 J

∆𝐸 = 6 × 0.022 kg × 3.34 × 105 J kg −1 = 4.41 × 104 J

(1.24 × 104 + 4.41 × 104 )J 5.65 × 104

𝑃= = = 78.5 W
(12 × 60) s 720
Or
(1.24 × 104 + 4.41 × 104 )J
𝑡= 110 W
= 514 s = 8.5 min

Or
Δ𝐸 = 110 W × (12 × 60)s = 7.92 × 104 J

Total for question 14 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
15(a) Conversion of beats minute−1 to Hz [Accept calculation of T] (1)

Use of 𝜔 = 2π𝑓 (1)

Use of 𝑣 = −𝐴𝜔 sin 𝜔𝑡 with sin 𝜔𝑡 = 1 (1)

A = 1.5 (mm) (1) 4

[Allow max displacement = 2A]

Example of calculation
142
𝑓= = 2.37 Hz
60 s

𝜔 = 2π × 2.37 s −1 = 14.9 rad s−1

22.0 × 10−3 m s −1
𝐴= = 1.48 × 10−3 m = 1.48 mm
14.9 s−1

15(b) For an object to move with simple harmonic motion

there must be an acceleration/(resultant) force that is proportional to the
displacement from the equilibrium position (1)

and (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

(For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed point/position

or central point/position)
[MP2 Accept acceleration/force is in the opposite direction to the displacement]
[An attempt to use the equation can only score if all terms are defined and the
minus sign explained]

Total for question 15 6

Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Calculation of mass difference (1)

Use of 1 u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚 (1)

∆E = 7.6 ×10−13 (J) (1) 4

Example of calculation
∆𝑚 = (230.0331 − 226.0254 − 4.0026) u = 5.1 × 10−3 u

∆𝑚 = 5.1 × 10−3 × 1.66 × 10−27 kg = 8.47 × 10−30 kg

∆𝐸 = (3.00 × 108 m s−1 )2 × 8.47 × 10−30 kg = 7.62 × 10−13 J

[Use of 1 u = 1.67 × 10−27 kg gives ∆𝐸 = 7.67 × 10−13 J]

[Use of 931.5 MeV factor scores full marks if final answer correct, otherwise MP1
is only mark that may be awarded]

16(b) Use of 𝜆 =
ln 2 (1)
𝑡½

Use of 𝑁 = 𝑁0 𝑒 −𝜆 𝑡 (1)
𝑁
Use of 90% [ = 0.1] (1)
𝑁0

t = 2.5 × 105 (years) (1) 4

Example of calculation

ln 2 0.693
𝜆= = = 9.19 × 10−6 year −1
𝑡½ 75400 years

−6
0.1 = 𝑒 −9.19×10 𝑡

ln 0.1
𝑡= = 2.51 × 105 years
−9.19 × 10−6 year −1

[Calculation of the time taken for 90% to remain gives t = 1.15× 104 years]

Total for question 16 8

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a) In the fusion process mass decreases (1)

So energy is released according to ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚

Or energy is released to conserve mass-energy
Or binding energy per nucleon increases (1) 2

17(b) Max 4

Very high temperature so that the nuclei have sufficient kinetic energy (1)

Nuclei must overcome electrostatic repulsion/forces (1)

[Allow a reference to overcome repulsion/forces due to positively charged nuclei]
(1)
So that the nuclei come close enough to fuse
4
Sufficient density so that the collision rate (between nuclei) is high (enough) (1)

Sufficient collision rate to maintain the (very high) temperature (1)

17(c) Values of B.E./nucleon read from graph [min 2 values] (1)

Calculation of binding energies (1)

Energy released = 17.4 (MeV) [Allow 17.3 MeV – 17.5 MeV] (1) 3

Example of calculation

B.E./nucleon of 2H = 1.1 MeV

B.E./nucleon of 3H = 2.8 MeV
B.E./nucleon of 4He = 7.0 MeV

So energy released = 4 × 7.0 MeV – (2 × 1.1 MeV + 3 × 2.8 MeV) = 17.4 MeV

Total for question 17 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
*18 This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.

Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and
shows lines of reasoning.

The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and
lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for structure of
answer and sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical
structure with linkages and fully
2
sustained lines of reasoning
demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with
1
some linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between
0
points and is unstructured

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks for
structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage Max final
mark mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0
Indicative content
IC1 The internal energy of the wax decreases during cooling
Or The internal energy of the wax decreases as time passes
IC2 The internal energy of the wax is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy
of the molecules
IC3 As the temperature of the wax decreases, the (molecular) kinetic energy
decreases
IC4 Between times X and Y the (liquid wax is solidifying and the molecular)
potential energy decreases
IC5 Between times X and Y the temperature is constant and so there is no change in 6
(molecular) kinetic energy
IC6 At time Y the wax has solidified
Total for question 18 6
Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a) 𝑡mean (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 30
[tmean = 13.675 s]

𝑚 (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 2π√
𝑘
𝑘 2π
[Allow use of 𝜔2 = 𝑚 with 𝑇 = 𝜔
]

(1)
Use of factor of 2 applied to either m or k
(1) 4
k = 20.9 (N m−1), so label is correct.

Example of calculation
(13.65 + 13.70)⁄
𝑇= 2 = 0.456 s
30

0.22 kg
0.456 s = 2π√
𝑘

4π2 × 0.22 kg
∴𝑘= = 41.8 N m−1
(0.456 s)2

41.8 N m−1
𝑘= = 20.9 N m−1
2

19(b)(i) When the driving frequency is equal to the natural frequency of the mass-spring
system (1)

Resonance occurs
(1)
There is a maximum transfer of energy (to the mass-spring system and the 3
amplitude increases) (1)

[Allow spring for mass-spring system]

19(b)(ii) Some of the energy from the student’s hand is transferred to the oscillating mass (1)
and some of the energy is transferred to surroundings

When the amplitude is a maximum, minimum energy is transferred to surroundings (1)

[Accept “at the natural frequency” or “resonance” for when the amplitude is a
maximum] (1)
. 3
(In a closed system) total energy is constant so the student is incorrect.
Or She is incorrect as energy is always conserved (in a closed system)

Total for question 19 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a) Reverse scale (1)

Approximately logarithmic values (1) 2

[With realistic values of temperature. Max temperature range 50000 – 2000 K,
with temperature of Sun about 6000 K]

20(b) (This star cluster is not a young star cluster because)

This cluster has red giant stars on the top right of the diagram (1)

And white dwarf stars bottom left of diagram (1)

A young cluster would only have a main sequence (1) 3

Or Red giant stars only occur in the later stages of a star’s evolution
Or White dwarf stars only occur in the later stages of a star’s evolution

If no marks can be awarded, award max 1 for:

The cluster has red giant stars and white dwarf stars

[Accept positions of red giant stars and white dwarf stars shown on the diagram]

20(c) The luminosity of the standard candle is known (1)

Measure/determine intensity of radiation from V1 [standard candle] (1)

[do not accept ‘calculate’]

Use inverse square law to calculate distance (to cluster)

𝐿 (1) 4
Or use 𝐼 = 2 to determine distance, where I is intensity and L is luminosity
4𝜋𝑑

Distance is too large (for V1 to be in a nearby cluster)

(1)
[Must have the idea of being too far away, rather than just being far away]

Total for question 20 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
21(a)(i) λmax read from graph (1)

Use of 𝑇 =
2.898 × 10−3 m K (1)
𝜆max
(1) 3
T = 3400 (K) (accept 3350K – 3450K) [min 2 sf]

Example of calculation
λmax = 850 nm

2.898 × 10−3 m K
𝑇= = 3410 K
850 × 10−9 m

21(a)(ii) Use of 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 2 (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 (1)

Use of LSun = 3.83 × 1026 W (1)

𝐿
= 0.35% (allow ecf from(a)(i)) (1)
𝐿Sun

Calculated value of ratio compared with 0.5% and conclusion made (1)
Or

Use of 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 2 (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 (1)

Use of LSun = 3.83 × 1026 W (1)

LRoss = 1.34 ×1024 W and 0.5% LSun = 1.92 × 1024 W (1)

Calculated values of LRoss and 0.5% LSun compared and conclusion made (1) 5

[Use of show that value of T gives LRoss = 8.04 × 1023 W m−2

Use of show that value gives ratio = 0.0021]

Example of calculation
𝐿 = 4π(1.18 × 108 )2 × 5.67 × 10−8 W m−2 K −4 × (3400)4 = 1.33 × 1024 W m−2

𝐿 1.33 × 1024 W
= = 0.00346
𝐿Sun 3.83 × 1026 W

∴ 𝐿 = 0.35% of 𝐿Sun which is less than 0.5%, so statement is correct

21(b) Equate 𝐹 =
𝐺𝑀𝑚
and 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 (1)
𝑟2

2π (1)
Use of 𝜔 = 𝑇
(1)
T = 2.29 × 106 s

OR

𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑣 2 (1)
Use of 𝐹 = with 𝐹 =
𝑟2 𝑟

2π𝑟
(1)
Use of 𝑣 = 𝑇

T = 2.29 × 106 s (1) 3

[Full credit for a correct answer from use of memorised relationship between
T2 and r3, incorrect answer scores 0 unless equation is derived and values substituted]

Example of calculation
𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟
𝑟2

𝐺𝑀 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −2 × 3.38 × 1029 kg

∴𝜔=√ 3 =√ = 2.75 × 10−6 rad s−1
𝑟 (0.096 × 1.50 × 1011 m)3

2π 2π
𝑇= = = 2.29 × 106 s
𝜔 2.75 × 10−6 s −1

Total for question 21 11

Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2023

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15)
Paper 01 Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation,
Oscillations and Cosmology
Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 A is the only correct answer (1)
B is not the correct answer, as temperature must be high for fusion
C is not the correct answer, as density must be high for fusion
D is not the correct answer, as temperature and density must be high for fusion
2 A is the only correct answer (1)
B is not the correct answer, as parallax measurements do not involve intensity
C is not the correct answer, as parallax measurements do not involve luminosity
D is not the correct answer, as parallax measurements do not involve the Hubble
constant
3 D is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as B.E./nucleon has a maximum for 56Fe
B is not the correct answer, as B.E./nucleon has a maximum for 56Fe
C is not the correct answer, as B.E./nucleon has a maximum for 56Fe
4 B is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as acceleration is always towards the equilibrium point
C is not the correct answer, as acceleration is always towards the equilibrium point
D is not the correct answer, as this would increase the energy of oscillation
5 D is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as motion does not change the wavelength of emission
B is not the correct answer, as motion does not change the wavelength of emission
C is not the correct answer, as the wavelength increases when the source is receding
6 B is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as gravitational potential increases
C is not the correct answer, as gravitational force decreases and gravitational potential
increases
D is not the correct answer, as gravitational force decreases
7 B is the only correct answer, as F = mg and g = (9.81 m s−2) /4 (1)

8 B is the only correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as penetration is high
C is not the correct answer, as ionising power is low and penetration is high
D is not the correct answer, as ionising power is low
9 B is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as main sequence stars to not go direct to white dwarfs
C is not the correct answer, as stars do not move down the main sequence
D is not the correct answer, as red giants do not return to the main sequence
10 ℓ (1)
A is the only correct answer, as 𝑇 = 2π
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11 Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 to calculate T or kT (1)

Use of 𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = 𝑘𝑇 (1)

[use of 𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = gets MP1 and MP2]

1
𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = 5.9 × 10 J (1) 3
2

Example of calculation

1.15 × 10 Pa × 1.77 × 10 m
𝑇= = 286 K
5.15 × 10 × 1.38 × 10 JK

1 3
𝑚〈𝑐 〉 = × 1.38 × 10 JK × 286 K = 5.93 × 10 J
2 2

Total for question 11 3

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12 Two pairs of p, V readings from graph (1)

Additional pair(s) of p, V readings from graph (1)

pV = 0.66 (× 103 Pa m3) (1)

[calculated for at least one pair of p, V readings]

Comment that value of pV is constant and so the student’s claim is valid (1) 4
[dependent upon pV calculated for at least two pairs of p, V readings]

Example of calculation

p = 110 kPa, V = 0.006 m

𝑝𝑉 = 110 × 10 Pa × 0.006 m = 660 Pa m

p = 60 kPa, V = 0.011 m3
𝑝𝑉 = 60 × 10 Pa × 0.011 m = 660 Pa m

p = 51 kPa, V = 0.013 m3
𝑝𝑉 = 51 × 10 Pa × 0.013 m = 663 Pa m

Total for question 12 4

Question
Answer Mark
Number
13(a) Calculation of mass difference (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 ∆𝑚 (1)

Conversion of energy from J to eV (1)

E = 1.2 (MeV) (1) 4

[If correct answer has been obtained by using 1 u = 931.5 MeV, then full
marks can be awarded.
If incorrect answer has been obtained by using 1 u = 931.5 MeV, MP1 can be
awarded provided substitutions for mass difference are correct. This is the
only mark that can be awarded]

Example of calculation

(2.82185 × 10−26 + 1.67299 × 10−27) – (2.32451 × 10−26 + 6.64432 × 10−27)

= (2.98915 – 2.98894) × 10−26 = 2.07 × 10−30 kg

∆𝐸 = (3.0 × 10 m s ) × 2.07 × 10 kg = 1.863 × 10 J

1.89 × 10 J
∆𝐸 = = 1.16 × 10 eV = 1.16 MeV
1.6 × 10 J eV

13(b) Momentum (and energy) is conserved (1)

[Accept symbols for momentum i.e. mv or p]

(So) products must have Ek / momentum after the reaction (as the alpha
particle has momentum before the reaction) (1) 2

Total for question 13 6

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14(a) The light/radiation (received) from the galaxies is red shifted
Or Wavelength of light/radiation (received) from the galaxies was longer than
expected (1) 1

14(b) EITHER
A straight line through the origin would be consistent with Hubble’s
expression (1)

There is scatter about the line but the points are distributed evenly (1)

So the expression may be valid (dependent upon MP2) (1)

OR
A straight line through the origin would be consistent with Hubble’s
expression (1)

(But) there are outliers and these are far from the line
Or (But) only some of the points are close to the line (1)

So the expression may not be valid (dependent upon MP2) (1)

OR
The gradient of the line is equal to H0 (1)

There is scatter about the line, so the value of H0 is uncertain (1)

So the expression may not be valid (dependent upon MP2) (1) 3

Total for question 14 4

Question
Answer Mark
Number
*15 This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured
and shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure
and lines of reasoning.
Number of marks
awarded for structure
of answer and
sustained line of
reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure with 2
linkages and fully sustained lines of reasoning demonstrated
throughout
Answer is partially structured with some linkages and lines 1
of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is unstructured 0

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks
for structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark

6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0

Indicative content
IC1 Connect the thermistor to a suitable circuit with voltmeter and ammeter
Or Connect the thermistor to an ohmmeter
IC2 Place the thermistor in a water bath
Or place the thermistor in a beaker of water
IC3 Add ice to reduce the water temperature to 0oC
IC4 Heat the water and use a thermometer to measure the temperature
Or Heat the water and use a temperature sensor and datalogger to
measure the temperature
IC5 Determine the resistance R (for each temperature) using R = V/I
Or Measure the resistance (for each temperature) by reading from
ohmmeter
IC6 Stir the water (to ensure that the thermistor is at the temperature
measured by the thermometer)
Or Place the thermometer near to the thermistor (to ensure that the
thermistor is at the temperature measured by the thermometer)
Or Stop heating and wait before taking readings
Or Use small current/p.d. (to prevent it heating the thermistor)
Or Switch current off between readings
Or Read thermometer at eye level 6
Total for question 15 6
Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Use of 𝜌 = (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

∆ (1)
Use of 𝑃 = ∆

𝑃 = 1630 (W) [at least 3 sig fig required] (1) 4

[rounded data may give 1640 W]
[If reverse calculation shown then MAX 3 marks]
[Do not allow intermediate rounding to less than 3 sig figs for m or ΔE]

Example of calculation

𝑚 = 4.25 × 10 m × 998 kg m = 0.424 kg

∆𝐸 = 0.424 kg × 4190 J kg K × (100 − 22) K = 1.386 × 10 J

1.386 × 10 J
𝑃= = 1631 W
85 s

16(b) Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝐿∆𝑚 (1)

Use of 𝑃 =
∆ (1)
∆

𝑡 = 440 s (ecf from (a)) [show that value for P gives 449 s] (1) 3

Example of calculation

∆𝐸 = 0.75 × 0.424 kg × 2.26 × 10 J kg = 7.19 × 10 J

7.19 × 10 J
𝑡= = 441 s
1630 W

Total for question 16 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a) Use of 𝑔 = (1)

𝑔 = 0.40 N kg [allow m s−2 for unit]

(1) 2
[The correct value is 0.4045 to 4 sig figs, as the value is 0.404459…]

Example of calculation
6.67 × 10 N m kg × 3.1 × 10 kg
𝑔= = 0.404 N kg
(7.15 × 10 m)
17(b) Equates 𝐹 = with 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔 𝑟 (1)

Use of 𝜔 = (1)
TM = 9.7 × 109 s (1)

Conversion between seconds and years (1)

[Must see a unit for T, either in MP3 or MP4]

Calculates ratio of orbital time of Makemake with orbital time of Pluto (1)
[Ratio includes a percentage calculation]
(1)
Comparison of values and consistent conclusion

OR
Equates 𝐹 = with 𝐹 = (1)
(1)
Use of 𝑣 =
(1)
TM = 9.7 × 109 s

Conversion between seconds and years (1)

Calculates ratio of orbital time of Makemake with orbital time of Pluto (1)
[Ratio includes a percentage calculation]

Comparison of values and consistent conclusion (1) 6

Example of calculation
𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔 𝑟
𝑟
𝐺𝑀 6.67 × 10 N m kg × 1.99 × 10 kg
𝜔= =
𝑟 (6.80 × 10 m)
∴ ω = 6.50 × 10 rad 𝑠
2π 2π rad 9.67 × 10 s
𝑇= = = 9.67 × 10 s =
𝜔 6.50 × 10 rad s 3.15 × 10 s year
= 307 year
307 year
orbital time ratio = = 1.24
248 year
The orbital time of Makemake is 24% greater than that of Pluto, so website
statement is not quite accurate
Total for question 17 8
Question
Answer Mark
Number
18(a) Use of 𝑉 = π𝑟 (1)

(1)
Use of 𝜌 =

Use of 𝐹 = (1)

𝐹 = 7.4 × 10 N (1) 4

Example of calculation
4 4 5.65 m
𝑉 = π𝑟 = π = 94.437 m
3 3 2

𝑚 = 𝜌 𝑉 = 1950 kg m × 94.437 m = 1.842 × 10 kg

𝐺𝑚 𝑚
𝐹=
𝑟
6.67 × 10 N m kg × 5.98 × 10 kg × 1.842 × 10 kg
=
(6.38 × 10 m + 3.59 × 10 m)

∴ 𝐹 = 7.39 × 10 N
18(b) Use of 𝑉 = (−) (1)

(1)
Use of 𝐸 =𝑚×𝑉
(1) 3
∴ ∆𝐸 = (−) 4.1 × 10 J (Allow ecf for mass from (a))

[Either mass can be used for M in the potential equation, but to award MP2 the
multiplier m. must not be the mass used in the potential equation.]

Example of calculation
∆𝐸 = −6.67 × 10 N m kg × 1.842 × 10 kg × 5.98 × 10 kg
1 1
× −
6.38 × 10 m (6.38 × 10 + 3.59 × 10 ) m

∴ ∆𝐸 = −4.14 × 10 J

[Note the following values, but different degrees of rounding may change
these slightly:

Vfinal = (−) 6.252 × 107 J kg−1 Vinitiall = (−) 4.001 × 107 J kg−1

𝐸 = (−)1.152 × 10 J 𝐸 = (−) 7.296 × 10 J]

18(c) Work would be done on the asteroid by frictional forces

Or Drag/friction causes heating (of the asteroid) (1)

Asteroid burns up (1) 2

Total for question 18 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a)(i) Use of 𝜆 = (1)
½

(1) 2
𝜆 = 7.31 × 10 (s ) [Minimum 3 sig fig]

Example of calculation
ln 2
𝜆= = 7.31 × 10 s
30.1 × 3.15 × 10 s

19(a)(ii) Use of = −𝜆𝑁 (1)

(1)
Use of u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg with 137 [Allow use of 1.67 × 10−27 kg with 137]
(1) 3
𝑚 = 5.9 × 10 (kg) (Allow ecf from (a)(i))

Example of calculation
19 × 10 s
𝑁= = 2.60 × 10
7.31 × 10 s

𝑚 = 2.60 × 10 × 137 × 1.66 × 10 kg = 5.91 × 10 kg

19(a)(iii) Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴 𝑒 (1)

A = 18.1 GBq (Allow ecf from (a)(i)) (1) 2

Example of calculation

. × × × . ×
𝐴 = 19 × 10 Bq × e

𝐴 = 1.81 × 10 Bq

[2 years = 6.3 × 107 s]

19(b) Use of total energy released =

∆
× ∆𝑡 × 𝐸
∆
Or Use of total energy released = ∆𝑁 × 𝐸 (1)

Use of 1 eV = 1.6 × 10 J (1)

Total energy released = 4.3 × 103 (J) (1) 3

∆
[If × ∆𝑡 determined by using exponential decay equation to calculate
∆
number of undecayed nuclei after 14 days; final answer should round to
4300 (J)]

Example of calculation
𝐸 = 19 × 10 s × 14 × 86 400 s × 1.17 MeV = 2.69 × 10 MeV
𝐸 = 2.69 × 10 MeV × 10 × 1.6 × 10 J eV = 4.30 × 10 J

Total for question 19 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a) There is a (resultant) force that is
proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position (1)

and (always) acting towards the equilibrium position (1) 2

(Allow references to acceleration.

An equation with symbols defined correctly is a valid response for both marks.
For equilibrium position accept: undisplaced point/position or fixed
point/position or central point/position.)
20(b) EITHER
(1)
Use of 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔
Use of ∆𝐹 = (−)𝑘∆𝑥 (1)

Use of 𝑇 = 2π (1)

(1)
Use of 𝜔 = [Allow use of 𝜔 = for MP3 and MP4]
(1)
Use of 𝑣 = 𝜔𝑥 sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑣 = 0.34 m s (1)
OR
Use of 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔 (1)
Use of ∆𝐹 = (−)𝑘∆𝑥 (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝐹∆𝑥 (1)

(1)
Use of 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣
(1)
Use of energy conservation (1) 6
𝑣 = 0.34 m s
ℓ
[If 𝑇 = 2π is used, then correct answer scores 6 marks.
If answer is incorrect, then credit may be obtained for MP1, MP2, MP4, MP5]

Example of calculation
𝐹 = 0.150 kg × 9.81 N kg = 1.47 N
1.47 N
𝑘= = 19.6 N m
7.5 × 10 m

0.150 kg
𝑇 = 2π = 0.549 s
19.6 N m

2π rad
𝜔= = 11.4 rad s
0.549 s

𝑣 = 11.4 rad s × 3.0 × 10 m = 0.343 m s

20(c) Energy is transferred out of the oscillating system
Or energy is dissipated (to surroundings) (1)

Because work is done by/against resistive forces (1) 2

(Allow MAX 1 for reference to damping)

Total for question 20 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
21(a)(i) Use of 𝜆 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10 (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 and 𝐴 = 4π𝑟

Or Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 to calculate A and 𝐴 ∝ 𝑟 (1)

𝑟 (1)
= 990
𝑟
[Probable values for r: 𝑟 = 6.831 × 10 m and 𝑟 = 6.892 × 10 m
Watch out for variation due to rounding, particularly for T]

is approximately equal to 1000, so claim is accurate

Or is less than 1000, so claim is inaccurate
Or is not equal to 1000, so claim is inaccurate (1) 4
(Allow use of calculated ratio with consistent conclusion)

Example of calculation
2.898 × 10 m K
𝑇= = 3410 K
850 × 10 m

𝐿 4π𝜎𝑟 𝑇
=
𝐿 4π𝜎𝑟 𝑇

𝑟 𝐿 𝑇 4.49 × 10 W 5800 K
= × = × = 991
𝑟 𝐿 𝑇 3.83 × 10 W 3410 K

21(a)(ii) Sun in correct position (1)

Betelgeuse in correct position (1)
2

21(a)(iii) A main sequence star is a star that is fusing hydrogen in its core (1) 1
[Accept “burning” for “fusing”]
 21(b) Use of 𝜔 = (1)

(1)
Use of 𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔

∆
Use of = (1)

Determines range by taking 91.2 nm ± Δ [Δ is their calculated value] (1)

[This may be awarded by seeing two substitutions into the Doppler equation.
Once with Δ = (91.2 − ) and once with Δ = ( − 91.2)]

Maximum wavelength = 91.8 (nm) (1)

Minimum wavelength = 90.6 (nm) (1) 6

Example of calculation
2π 2π rad
𝜔= = = 187.6 rad s
𝑇 33.5 × 10 s

𝑣 = 10.25 × 10 m × 187.6 rad s = 1.922 × 10 m s

∆𝜆 1.922 × 10 m s
=
91.2 × 10 m 3.00 × 10 m s

∴ ∆𝜆 = 6.408 × 10 × 91.2 × 10 m = 5.84 × 10 m

Total for question 21 13

Released first on EDEXCEL AP DISCORD

https://sites.google.com/view/ap-edexcel/
Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2024

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH15)
Paper 01: Thermodynamics, Radiation,
Oscillations and Cosmology
Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 B is the only correct answer (1)
A is not the correct answer, as molecular potential energy increases
C is not the correct answer, as molecular kinetic energy doesn’t change and molecular
potential energy increases
D is not the correct answer, as molecular kinetic energy doesn’t change

2 A is the only correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer, as parallax can only be used for nearby stars
C is not the correct answer, as parallax measurements do not involve luminosity
D is not the correct answer, as the parallax effect is greatest for nearby stars

3 C is the only correct answer, as the mass-energy equivalent is calculated by (1)

converting the mass to kg and then using ∆𝐸 = 𝑐 2 ∆𝑚

4 D is the only correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as acceleration can be in the same or the opposite
direction to velocity
B is not the correct answer, as acceleration can be in the same or the opposite
direction to velocity
C is not the correct answer, as acceleration is always towards the equilibrium point

5 C is the only correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as this does not make the process spontaneous
B is not the correct answer, as this does not make the process spontaneous
D is not the correct answer, as this does not make the process spontaneous

6 B is the only correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as speed increases
C is not the correct answer, as gravitational potential energy decreases and speed
increases
D is not the correct answer, as gravitational potential energy decreases

7 B is the only correct answer, as 𝑣max = 𝜔𝐴 (1)

8 D is the only correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as the mean kinetic energy is the same for both gases
B is not the correct answer, as the mean kinetic energy is the same for both gases
C is not the correct answer, as He molecules are more massive than H molecules

9 D is the only correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer, as the peak for star Y is at the higher frequency
B is not the correct answer, as the peak for star Y is at the lower frequency
C is not the correct answer, as the peak for star X is at the higher frequency

10 A is the only correct answer, as 𝑔 =

𝐺𝑀 (1)
𝑟2
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11 Stars in area P are (massive) main sequence stars (1)

Stars in area P evolve into area S and stars in area S evolve into area Q (1)
[Allow P → S → Q, or arrows on diagram]

Stars in area S are red giant stars and stars in area Q are white dwarf stars (1) 3
[accept red supergiant for red giant]

Total for question 11 3

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12 EITHER
𝐺𝑀 (1)
Use of 𝑔 = 𝑟2

ℓ
Use of 𝑇 = 2π√𝑔 with g = 9.81 N kg−1 to calculate length [ℓ = 0.994 m] (1)

ℓ (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 2π√𝑔 with gvenus to calculate period

(1)
𝑇Venus = 2.1 s [Do not accept 2.0 s]

OR
𝐺𝑀
Use of 𝑔 = 𝑟2
(1)

ℓ (1)
Ratio of periods with 𝑇 = 2π√𝑔

𝑇Venus 𝑔
(1)
Re-arrangement to obtain 𝑇Earth
= √ 𝑔Earth
𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠

(1) 4
𝑇Venus = 2.1 s [Do not accept 2.0 s]

Example of calculation

6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −2 × 4.87 × 1024 kg

𝑔= = 8.87 N kg −1
(6.05 × 106 m)2

𝑇Venus 𝑔Earth 9.81 N kg −1

=√ =√ = 1.05
𝑇Earth 𝑔𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠 8.87 N kg −1

𝑇Venus = 1.05 × 2.00 s = 2.10 s

Total for question 12 4

Question
Answer Mark
Number
13 EITHER

Use of
∆𝑓 𝑣
≈ 𝑐 [must have flab in denominator] (1)
𝑓

𝑣 = (−)1.5 × 106 m s −1 (1)

Galaxy is receding (from the Earth) (1)
OR

∆𝑓
Use of z = 𝑓
[must have flab in denominator] (1)

z = (−) 5.0 × 10−3 (1)

Galaxy is receding (from the Earth) (1) 3

Example of calculation
6.142 × 1014 Hz − 6.173 × 1014 Hz
𝑣 = 3.0 × 108 m s−1 × ( ) = −1.51 × 106 m s−1
6.173 × 1014 Hz

Total for question 13 3

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14 Use of mass of molecule to calculate N (1)

Use of 𝑝𝑉 = 𝑁𝑘𝑇 (1)

Conversion of temperature to kelvin (1)

Difference in pressures calculated (1)

∆𝑝 = 3.6 × 104 Pa (1) 5

Example of calculation
2.00 × 10−3 kg
𝑁= = 4.28 × 1022
4.67 × 10−26 kg

4.28 × 1022 × 1.38 × 10−23 J K −1 × (22 + 273) K

𝑝= = 6.11 × 105 Pa
2.85 × 10−4 m3

∆𝑝 = 6.11 × 105 − 5.75 × 105 Pa = 3.64 × 104 Pa

Total for question 14 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
15(a) Energy is transferred from banana to liquid nitrogen (1)

The molecular potential energy of nitrogen molecules increases (as the

nitrogen boils)
Or This provides the latent heat of vaporisation (of the nitrogen) 2
Or This provides the latent heat to change state (of the nitrogen) (1)

15(b) Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝜃 (1)

Use of ∆𝐸 = 𝑚𝐿 (1)

𝑚 = 0.23 kg, which is less that 0.5 kg so the teacher’s estimate was inaccurate
Or 9.9 × 104 J > 4.5 × 104 J so the teacher’s estimate was inaccurate (1) 3

Example of calculation
∆𝐸 = 0.118 kg × 1.76 × 103 J kg −1 K −1 × (292 − 77.4) K = 4.46 × 104 J

4.46 × 104 J
𝑚= = 0.225 kg
1.98 × 105 J kg −1

Total for question 15 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Calculates surface area of Sun [using 𝐴 = 4π𝑟 2 ] (1)

Use of 𝐿 = 𝜎𝐴𝑇 4 (1)

Use of 𝐼 = 4π𝑑2
𝐿 (1)

(1) 4
𝐼 = 0.89 W m−2

Example of calculation

𝐴 = 4π × (6.96 × 108 m)2 = 6.09 × 1018 m2

𝐿 = 5.67 × 10−8 W m−2 K −4 × 6.09 × 1018 m2 × (5800 K)4 = 3.91 × 1026 W

3.91 × 1026 W
𝐼= = 0.891 W m−2
4π × (5.91 × 1012 m)2

16(b) EITHER
𝐺𝑀𝑚
Equates 𝐹 = 2 with 𝐹 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 (1)
𝑟

2π
Use of 𝜔 = 𝑇 (1)

Conversion of T to years (1)

𝑇 = 250 (years) (1)

OR
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑣 2 (1)
Use of 𝐹 = 𝑟2
with 𝐹 = 𝑟

2π𝑟
Use of 𝑣 = 𝑇 (1)

Conversion of T to years (1)

𝑇 = 250 (years) (1) 4

Example of calculation

𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟
𝑟2
𝐺𝑀 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg −1 × 1.99 × 1030 kg
𝜔=√ 3 =√
𝑟 (5.91 × 1012 m)3
∴ ω = 8.02 × 10−10 rad 𝑠 −1

2π 2π rad 7.84 × 109 s

𝑇= = −10 −1 = 7.84 × 109 s = = 249 year
𝜔 8.02 × 10 rad s 3.15 × 107 s year −1

Total for question 16 8

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17(a) The astronauts must experience a centripetal force as they orbit the Earth
Or The weight of the astronaut acts as a centripetal force
Or The astronauts are in free fall as they orbit the Earth (1)

They do not experience (normal) contact forces (1) 2

17(b) Use of ∆𝐹 = −𝑘∆𝑥 (1)

𝑚 (1)
Use of 𝑇 = 2π√ 𝑘 to calculate mass of chair

𝑚
Use of 𝑇 = 2π√ 𝑘 to calculate mass of chair plus astronaut (1)

Mass difference calculated (1)

Mass of astronaut = 67 kg (1) 5

Example of calculation
175 N
𝑘= = 606 N m−1
0.289 m

𝑘𝑇 2 606 N m−1 × (0.858 s)2

𝑚= = = 11.3 kg
4π2 4π2

606 N m−1 × (2.26 s)2

𝑚= = 78.3 kg
4π2

mass of astronaut = (78.3 − 11.3) kg = 67.0 kg

Total for question 17 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
18(a) EITHER
(1)
Use of 𝜆max 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10−3 m K
𝑇A (1)
= 1.76
𝑇B
(1)
Comparison of their ratio with 2 and conclusion

OR (1)
Use of 𝜆max 𝑇 = 2.898 × 10−3 m K
(1)
TA = 3410 K and TB = 1932 K
(1) 3
Comparison of their value of TA with 2TB and conclusion

Example of calculation
𝑇A 𝜆max,B 1500 × 10−9 m
= = = 1.76
𝑇B 𝜆max,A 850 × 10−9 m
18(b) Standard candles are stellar objects with a known luminosity (1)

Locate a standard candle in the galaxy (1)

Measure the intensity of the standard candle (on Earth) (1)

Use the inverse square law to calculate the distance to the standard candle
𝐿 (1) 4
Or Use 𝐼 = 2 [I and L must be defined]
4π𝑑

18(c) Use of 𝑣 = 𝐻0 𝑑 (1)

Use of 𝑡 =
1 (1)
𝐻0

Conversion from s to year (1)

(1) 4
𝑡 = 1.37 × 1010 year

Example of calculation
2.02 × 106 m s−1
𝐻0 = = 2.32 × 10−18 s−1
8.70 × 1023 m
1
𝑡= = 4.31 × 1017 s
2.32 × 10−18 s −1
4.31 × 1017 s
𝑡= = 1.37 × 1010 year
3.15 × 107 s year −1
Total for question 18 11
Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a) A large nucleus splits (into two nuclei plus neutrons) (1)

The binding energy increases, (so energy is released)

[Accept binding energy per nucleon increases]
Or There is a decrease in (total) mass, (so energy is released) (1) 2
19(b) Binding energy per nucleon read from graph for before and after fission (1)
Binding energy before and after fission calculated
(1)
Or Binding energy increase calculated
Energy released ≈ 240 (MeV) (1) 3
Example of calculation
Increase in binding energy per nucleon = (8.5 – 7.5) MeV = 1.0 MeV
Increase in binding energy ≈ 238 × 1.0 MeV
Energy released ≈ 240 MeV
19(c)(i) Top line correct (1)
Bottom line correct (1) 2
Example of completed equation
90 90 0 −
38Sr → 39Y + −1β + 00ν̅e
19(c)(ii) Calculates total energy released (1)

Conversion between eV and J

(1)
P = 110 (W)
(1) 3
Example of calculation
𝑃 = 1295 × 1012 s−1 × 0.546 × 106 eV × 1.6 × 10−19 J eV −1 = 113 W
19(c)(iii) Use of 𝜆 =
ln 2 (1)
𝑡½
Use of 𝐴 = 𝐴0 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡
(1)
t = 44 (years) ≠ 50 (years), so claim inaccurate
Or (After 50 years), A = 1.1 × 1015 (Bq) ≠ 1.295 × 1015 (Bq) so claim inaccurate
Or (If A 1.295 × 1015 Bq ), 𝐴0 = 4.3 × 1015 (Bq) ≠ 3.7 × 1015 (Bq) so claim
inaccurate
(1) 3
Example of calculation
ln 2
𝜆= = 0.0241 years −1
28.8
−1 × 𝑡
1295 TBq = 3700 TBq × e−0.0241 years

1295 TBq
ln ( ⁄3700 TBq)
𝑡= = 43.6 years
−0.0241 years−1

Total for question 19 13

Question
Answer Mark
Number
20(a) Alpha radiation would not pass through the sheet of paper (1)

No change in count rate when paper placed (between source and GM tube),
so there can’t be any alpha radiation (1)

There can’t be any gamma radiation, as gamma radiation would pass

through the aluminium sheet
Or There can’t be any gamma radiation, as count rate decreases to
background with aluminium sheet. (1)

It must be beta radiation as beta radiation would not pass through the
aluminium sheet. (1) 4

20(b) EITHER
(1)
Gradient of 1st graph calculated
(1)
Gradient = (−) µ
(1)
µ = 60 (cm−1)
(1)
Photon energy read from 2nd graph
(1)
Photon energy = 70 (keV) which is closest to 80 (keV) so source is 133Xe

OR
Gradient of 1st graph calculated (1)

Gradient = (−) µ (1)

µ = 60 (cm−1) (1)

µ read from 2nd graph for at least one source in table (1)

µ for 133Xe = 50 (cm−1), which is closest to 60 (cm−1) so source is 133Xe (1) 5

Example of calculation

(60 − 540)
Gradient = = −60 cm−1
8 cm

Photon energy = 70 keV

Total for question 20 9

Question
Answer Mark
Number
*21(a) This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured
and shows lines of reasoning.
The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure
and lines of reasoning.
Number of marks
awarded for structure
of answer and
sustained line of
reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure with 2
linkages and fully sustained lines of reasoning demonstrated
throughout
Answer is partially structured with some linkages and lines 1
of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and is unstructured 0

Total marks awarded is the sum of marks for indicative content and the marks
for structure and lines of reasoning
IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark

6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0

Indicative content

IC1 There must be a (very) high temperature (in the core)

IC2 To give nuclei/protons large/enough kinetic energy [accept K.E. or Ek]
IC3 So that nuclei/protons get close enough to fuse
IC4 Because there is an electrostatic repulsion between nuclei/protons
IC5 There must be a (very) high density
IC6 To give a high collision rate to maintain fusion
Or To give a high collision rate to maintain high temperature 6
21(b)(i) Mass difference calculated (1)

Energy in MeV (1)

Conversion from (M)eV to J (1)

B.E./nucleon = 1.12 × 10−12 (J) (1) 4

Example of calculation
Mass difference = 3727.6 MeV/c2 − 2 × 938.28 MeV/c2 – 2 × 939.57 MeV/c2 =
28.1 MeV/c2

Binding energy = 28.1 MeV

Binding energy = (28.1 × 106 ) eV × 1.60 × 10−19 J eV−1 = 4.496 × 10−12 J

B.E./nucleon = 4.496 × 10−12 J / 4 = 1.124 × 10−12 J

21(b)(ii) MAX 2

The B.E./nucleon is the energy required to remove a nucleon from the nucleus (1)

Large energy is required to break the helium nucleus apart (1)

Decay products (of helium) have a lower binding energy per nucleon (1) 2

Total for question 21 12