| Date | November 2014 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 14N.3.SL.TZ0.16 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Describe | Question number | 16 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
This question is about cosmology.
Newton assumed that the universe was infinite, uniform and static. The Big Bang model suggests space and time originated at one point around 14 billion years ago. At this time the temperature was very high.
In 1965, Penzias and Wilson discovered cosmic radiation with a wavelength that corresponded to a temperature of around 3 K. Outline how cosmic radiation in the microwave region is consistent with the Big Bang model.
Markscheme
the temperature has cooled considerably since the Big Bang / the Big Bang model predicted cooling and the present temperature;
this cooling was caused by the expansion of the universe/the stretching of spacetime;
Examiners report
Most could not link the CBR causatively with the Big Bang in (b).
