Three and four mark questions
These are similar to one and two mark questions but you will be expected to write in more depth for three and four mark questions.
Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
Sample question 1 - Foundation and Higher
Scientists no longer accept the geocentric model of the Universe but it was the accepted theory for hundreds of years.
Question
Explain why the evidence available at the time supported the geocentric model. [3 marks]
At the time, there was only naked-eye evidence because telescopes had not been invented. This indicated that the Sun, Moon and planets appear to move across the sky in the same direction each day.
Sample question 2 - Foundation and Higher
Question
The Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory are two theories about the origin of the Universe. The discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) led scientists to accept only one of the theories. Explain why red-shift supports both theories but CMBR supports only one of them. [3 marks]
Red-shift indicates that the Universe is expanding so supports both theories. CMBR indicates that the Universe is expanding but also indicates that the Universe had a beginning, so supports only the Big Bang Theory.
For the best chance to achieve full marks ensure that you mention what each theory indicates.
Sample question 3 - Foundation and Higher
Question
The figure below shows some lines in the absorption spectra from four different galaxies (A, B, C and D) and from a laboratory source. All the spectra are aligned and to the same scale.
Explain, using the figure above, which galaxy is furthest away from us. [3 marks]
Galaxy C has the greatest red-shift so this galaxy has the greatest speed. The galaxy with the greatest speed will be furthest away.
Each spectra shows the same pattern of absorption lines. When a galaxy is moving away, its pattern of absorption lines is shifted towards a longer wavelength. The further the pattern is shifted, the greater the speed of the galaxy and also the further it is away.