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Date November 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17N.2.SL.TZ0.4
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone no time zone
Command term Identify Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

Computer simulations are often used in situations where practical experimentation is, for some reason, not possible. One of these reasons could be an ethical issue.

Distinguish between a computer model and a computer simulation.

[4]
a.

Identify two reasons why some systems are difficult to model successfully.

[2]
b.

With clear reference to the ethical issue, describe one example where practical experimentation would not be possible for ethical reasons.

[3]
c.i.

State three other advantages, apart from ethical reasons, of simulating a computer model rather than constructing a physical one.

[3]
c.ii.

Markscheme

Award up to [4 max].
A computer model is a representation of a system;
Made up of variables and formulae/mathematical representation;
Whereas a computer simulation is a process that uses the model;
In order to see the outcome(s) when different values are used for the variables (in the model);

a.

Either all of the variables are not known/difficult to define;
Or the relationships between them cannot be expressed accurately/mathematically;

b.

Example
Experiments on living animals in a high school science class;
Such as effects of altering diet;
It is not ethically acceptable to harm animals (for such purposes);
Note: Accept reasonable examples, provided they are sufficiently explained.

c.i.

Award up to [3 max].
Computer models/simulations allow the designers to:
Make alterations and quickly see the outcomes;
Repeat tests several times over;
Model dangerous situations safely;
Learn from “what if?” scenarios;
Saves costs if several different models have to be built; 

c.ii.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.i.
[N/A]
c.ii.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Modelling and simulation » B.1 The basic model
Option B: Modelling and simulation

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