May 2022 Physics Paper Markscheme
May 2022 Physics Paper Markscheme
Markscheme
May 2022
Physics
On-screen examination
19 pages
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This markscheme is confidential and for the exclusive use of examiners in this examination session.
It is the property of the International Baccalaureate and must not be reproduced or distributed to any
other person without the authorization of the IB Global Centre, Cardiff.
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The following are the annotations available to use when marking responses.
Markscheme instructions
1 Mark positively. Give candidates credit for what they have achieved and what is correct. Do not deduct marks for incorrect responses. Do not deduct
marks for spelling errors.
4 The maximum mark for each subpart is indicated in the “Total” column.
5 Where a mark is awarded a tick should be placed in the text at the precise point where it is clear the candidate deserves the mark.
6 Each marking point in a question part should be awarded separately unless there is an instruction to the contrary in the Notes column.
7 A question subpart may have more marking points than the total allows. This will be indicated by the word “max” in the Answer column. Further
guidance may be given in the Notes column.
8 Additional instructions on how to interpret the markscheme are in bold italic text in the Answer column.
9 Alternative wording may be indicated in the Answer column by a slash (/). Either alternative is equally acceptable but the candidate cannot be
rewarded for both as they are associated with the same marking point.
10 Alternative answers are indicated in the Answer column by “or”. Either alternative is equally acceptable but the candidate cannot be rewarded for both
as they are associated with the same marking point.
11 If two related points are required to award a mark, this is indicated by “and” in the answer column.
12 Words in brackets ( ) in the Answer column are not necessary to gain the mark.
14 In some questions a reverse argument is also acceptable. This is indicated by the abbreviation ORA (or reverse argument) in the Notes column.
Candidates should not be rewarded for reverse arguments unless ORA is given in the Notes column.
15 If the candidate’s response has the same meaning or is clearly equivalent to the expected answer the mark should be awarded. In some questions
this is emphasized by the abbreviation WTTE (or words to that effect) in the Notes column.
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16 When incorrect answers are used correctly in subsequent question parts the follow through rule applies. Award the mark and add ECF (error carried
forward) to the candidate response.
17 The order of marking points does not have to be the same as in the Answer column unless stated otherwise.
18 Marks should not be awarded where there is a contradiction in an answer. Add CON to the candidate response at the point where the contradiction is
made.
19 Do not penalize candidates for errors in units or significant figures unless there is specific guidance in the Notes column.
20 Questions with higher mark allocations will generally be assessed using a level response method using task specific clarifications developed with
reference to the criteria level descriptors. A candidate’s work should be reviewed to determine holistically the mark for each row of the holistic grid
and a mark awarded for each row.
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2 A
Accept magnetic force or normal
force for vertical component
or
2 correct
All correct
c Less than
WTTE
The drag force or air resistance is reduced WTTE 3 A
The forces are balanced or resultant force is zero (at constant speed)
d Evidence of speed x time or area calculation Seen or implied (eg 61x62)
Use of 2 data points from graph to calculate area of trapezium or average speed
3 A
3600 or 3596 (m) Accept answers in the range 3534 to
3627(m) for 3 marks. Rounding not
required
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2 A
Power supplied (98% efficiency) 14112 (W) Accept correct answer rounded to 2 A
2sf or more in W or kW for 2 marks
3 a
1 A
All correct
b D 1 A
c Condensation Accept “it condenses”
1 A
d Condensation occurs on cold surfaces
or 1 A
Salt water is only cold at the top of the cup
e Any two points from the list, [max 2] WTTE for all points
• salt water is more dense (than pure water)
• melted cold water remains near surface
• convection of salt water does not occur or less convection in saltwater than in
pure water
3 A
Conclusion: (so) heat is transferred less quickly (in the salt water) WTTE
4 a How does the length of a tube affect the frequency of the sound produced? WTTE
1 B
Correct calculation using pair of points or double IV and halve DV or comparing Award 1 mark only if the candidate
products of x and y values identifies the fact that as length
increases, frequency decreases but
performs no calculation or
processing to confirm if this is
inverse proportionality 3 C
2 C
Data point plotted correctly (2.5, 860) Award the mark if the point is plotted
within the correct square i.e.
(2.5±0.1, 860±20)
Line of best fit has roughly equal distribution of data points above and below line
(judge by eye)
g
1 C
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h Calculation seen and points separated by more than 1000Hz in y Consistent with their LOBF in part g
Results in order
d Accept any relevant suggestion for example, [max 1]
• increased range of data
• repeat measurements
• values of the IV in between the values already used
• regular intervals of the IV
2 C
Accept any correctly linked justification for example, [max 1]
• pattern in data will be more clearly visible
• reduce the effect of random errors on the line of best fit
• line of best fit would be more accurate/reliable
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e Accept any reasonable IV, for example [max 1] Award 0 marks for this question
• length if tension is selected as IV
• thickness or diameter
• material
• temperature
6 a Accept any reasonable suggestion, for example [ max 1] Do not accept “to take an average”,
• increased reliability Do not accept “to improve
• reference to background noise accuracy/validity” without
• to identify anomalies clarification 1 C
WTTE
b 113
1 C
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6 d
1 2 3 4
sound intensity level as sound intensity level as IV and DV correct and independent,
dependent variable dependent variable one control variable dependent variable and
or and stated and justified two control variables
number of number of or are stated and
Variables
layers/thickness of layers/thickness of IV and DV correct and justified
cardboard as cardboard as two control variables
independent variable independent variable stated
If Earth was the centre, Mars would orbit in a circular path/ellipse around Earth WTTE
or
2 D
Mars would seem to follow a straight-path or an arc
or
reference to changing distance between Earth and Mars
8
1 2 3 4
One technical One technical Two technical Two technical
challenge is stated challenge is stated challenges stated challenges stated
with a partial with a scientific with a scientific
Technical (planning
explanation explanation for at explanation for both
the journey)
or least one
Two technical
challenges stated
One economic One economic One economic One economic
advantage or advantage and advantage and one advantage and one
Economic
disadvantage is disadvantage is disadvantage are disadvantage are
advantages and
stated stated stated with further stated with further
disadvantages
or discussion for one discussion for both
(for the government
Two advantages or
of a country)
disadvantages are 13 D
stated
One political One political Two political
implication is stated implication is stated implications are
with further stated and further
Political discussion discussion for one
implications or
two political
implications are
stated
A simple conclusion A concluding
appraisal with
Concluding appraisal
reference to issues
raised
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Criteria B
Ques&on 6 d
On one side of the wall, they will have a buzzer, and on the other side of the wall, they will have a sound
level meter.
Design an inves:ga:on to find out how the number of layers of cardboard in the wall affects the sound
intensity level. In your plan, you should include:
• your independent and dependent variables and the jus:fica:on of two control variables
• a hypothesis which is explained using scien:fic reasoning
• a detailed method for how you will collect data
• an explana:on of how you will collect sufficient data.
Answer
Independent variable: The number of layers of cardboard in the wall.
Dependent variable: The sound intensity level on the other side of the wall. (in dB)
Control variable 1: The source of the sound (the buzzer) should remain the same throughout the experiment. This
can be achieved by using the same buzzer with the same power output for each trial.
Control variable 2: The posi>on of the sound level meter should be the same for each trial. This can be achieved by
placing the sound level meter at the same distance and angle from the wall for each trial.
Hypothesis: As the number of layers of cardboard in the wall increases, the sound intensity level on the other side of
the wall will decrease. This is because each layer of cardboard will absorb some of the sound energy, reducing the
intensity of the sound that passes through the wall.
At last, plot the results on a graph to visualize the rela>onship between the number of cardboard layers (x-axis) and
the sound intensity level in dB (y-axis).
Technical Challenges:
One of the most significant challenges of planning a mission to Mars is the distance and the associated :me
delay. Mars is about 140 million miles away from Earth, and depending on the alignment of the planets, a
trip to Mars can take anywhere from six to eight months. During the journey, astronauts will be exposed to
high radia:on levels and low levels of gravity, which can cause several health issues. Addi:onally, Mars has
a thin atmosphere, making it challenging to land safely, and the planet's extreme temperature fluctua:ons
pose challenges for the equipment and the crew.
Economic Advantages:
Despite the technical challenges, there are several economic advantages to sending humans to Mars. First,
the mission can s:mulate technological advancements and innova:ons that can have prac:cal applica:ons
on Earth. For example, advancements in life support systems, radia:on shielding, and propulsion
technologies can be beneficial for long-term space explora:on, but also have poten:al applica:ons in
healthcare, transporta:on, and energy industries. Addi:onally, a Mars mission can create jobs and drive
economic growth, as it requires a significant workforce in engineering, manufacturing, and research and
development.
Economic Disadvantages:
On the flip side, a Mars mission can also be an expensive endeavor, cos:ng up to $100 billion over 30 to 40
years. Governments have to invest in research, development, and tes:ng of new technologies, spacecraV
and launch vehicles, which can significantly strain their budgets. Moreover, space explora:on is a long-term
risky investment, as there are many chances of an unsuccessful mission, as in the case of USSR/ Russia,
where the government has invested billions of dollars from 1960-2016 and not even a single mission was
successful. Thus, it’s a ma_er of challenge for governments looking for short-term benefits.
PoliBcal ImplicaBons:
The poli:cal implica:ons of a_emp:ng to put a human on Mars are significant. A Mars mission can
symbolise na:onal pres:ge and technological leadership, showcasing a country's scien:fic and
technological prowess. This can be a source of pride for ci:zens, fostering na:onal unity and inspiring
future genera:ons of scien:sts and engineers. Addi:onally, interna:onal coopera:on in a Mars mission can
promote diploma:c rela:ons and help build alliances.
However, the poli:cal implica:ons can also be nega:ve. The high costs of the mission can lead to cri:cism
from taxpayers and poli:cians, who might ques:on the priori:za:on of space explora:on over other
pressing na:onal issues. Moreover, space explora:on is a highly poli:cized issue, and the mission can
become a subject of poli:cal controversy and influence public opinion on government spending.
Concluding Appraisal:
In conclusion, a government's decision to a_empt to send humans to Mars is a complex one, requiring
careful considera:on of the technical, economic, and poli:cal implica:ons. While a Mars mission can bring
significant benefits in terms of technological advancements, economic growth, and na:onal pres:ge, it also
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comes with significant challenges and risks. Governments must weigh the benefits and risks carefully and
make informed decisions based on a long-term vision for space explora:on and a commitment to scien:fic
advancement.
Ques&on 9
Scien>fic principles would be applied when establishing a seQlement on Mars. Discuss how scien>fic principles could
be used to build appropriate living condi>ons for humans. In your answer, you should consider:
• the effect of temperature
• the effect of radia>on
• the effect of low gravity
• a sugges>on for how each of these effects can be overcome.
Answer:
Establishing a se_lement on Mars is a complex and challenging endeavor that requires the applica:on of
scien:fic principles to create appropriate living condi:ons for humans.
Effect of Temperature:
Mars has an average temperature is -62°C, and extreme temperature fluctua:ons, with temperatures
ranging from -126 °C in winter to 21 °C in summer, and the Night-:me temperatures can be 90°C lower
than day:me temperatures. Therefore, one of the primary challenges of establishing a se_lement on Mars
is to create a habitat that can maintain a stable and comfortable temperature for humans.
One way to overcome this challenge is to use insula:on to regulate the temperature inside the habitat.
Insula:on materials such as fibreglass, polyurethane foam, or aerogel can be used to create a barrier
between the interior and exterior of the habitat, preven:ng heat loss and maintaining a stable
temperature. Addi:onally, hea:ng and cooling systems can be installed to maintain a comfortable
temperature range inside the habitat.
Effect of RadiaBon:
Mars has a thin atmosphere, the layer of gas is 100 :mes thinner than Earth’s, and the atmospheric
pressure is far lower. There is no protec:on from the Sun's radia:on on Mars. The amount of high-energy
UV radia:on from the Sun is many :mes greater than on Earth. Radia:on exposure can cause several
health issues for humans, including cancer, gene:c muta:ons, and central nervous system damage.
To overcome the radia:on challenge, habitats on Mars can be built with radia:on-shielding materials, such
as water, concrete, or polyethylene. These materials can absorb or deflect radia:on, reducing the exposure
levels inside the habitat. Addi:onally, living spaces can be placed underground, using the Mar:an soil as a
natural shield against radia:on.
To overcome the low-gravity challenge, habitats on Mars can be designed with ar:ficial gravity systems,
such as centrifuges or rota:ng habitats. These systems can simulate Earth's gravity, providing a comfortable
and healthy human living environment. Addi:onally, astronauts can perform regular exercise rou:nes to
maintain their physical health and wear a weighted suit to mi:gate the effects of low gravity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, scien:fic principles can be applied to build appropriate living condi:ons for humans on Mars
by addressing the effects of temperature, radia:on, and low gravity. Insula:on, hea:ng and cooling
systems, radia:on shielding materials, underground habitats, and ar:ficial gravity systems are some of the
solu:ons that can be used to overcome these challenges. By applying scien:fic principles to establish a
se_lement on Mars, humans can create a sustainable and comfortable living environment, enabling long-
term explora:on and scien:fic research on the Red Planet.
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