Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 19M.3.HL.TZ1.20 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | 1 |
Command term | Draw | Question number | 20 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The graph shows the variation with time of the cosmic scale factor R of the universe for the flat model of the universe without dark energy.
Light from distant galaxies is redshifted. Explain the cosmological origin of this redshift.
Draw, on the axes, a graph to show the variation with time of the cosmic scale factor R for the flat model of the universe with dark energy.
Compare and contrast, the variation with time of the temperature of the cosmic background (CMB) radiation, for the two models from the present time onward.
Markscheme
«according to general relativity» space expands stretching distances between far away objects ✔
wavelengths of photons «received a long time after they were emitted» are thus longer leading to the observed redshift ✔
Do not accept references to the Doppler effect.
✔
«since T ∝ » the temperature drops for both models ✔
but in the accelerating model R increases faster and so the temperature drops faster ✔
Examiners report
Cosmological origin of redshift. The cosmological redshift and variation with time of the cosmic scale factor proved to be a well-mastered concept by many students.
Cosmological origin of redshift. The cosmological redshift and variation with time of the cosmic scale factor proved to be a well-mastered concept by many students.
In (ii) however, many candidates did not directly answer the question, making little to no reference of temperature.