Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 20N.3.HL.TZ0.24 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | 0 - no time zone |
Command term | State | Question number | 24 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation is observed to have anisotropies.
State the nature of the anisotropies observed in the CMB radiation.
Identify two possible causes of the anisotropies in (a).
Markscheme
the temperature/«peak» wavelength/intensity «of the CMBR» varies «slightly» / is not constant in different directions ✓
quantum fluctuations «that have expanded» ✓
density perturbations «that resulted in galaxies and clusters of galaxies» ✓
dipole distortion «due to the motion of the Earth» ✓
Examiners report
This was not the best answered question in the Option. Candidates oscillated between correct identification of characteristics of the CMB radiation and more generic explanations about the Big Bang.
Those who correctly identified specific characteristics of the CMB radiation were able to quote causes for this during the early Big Bang.