ASSESSMENT TASK NOTIFICATION
Date of issue: 6th August 2010
Subject: Physics Preliminary CourseTitle: Task 4: Research task
Weighting: 10%
Total: 30 marks
Date: Tuesday 17th August 2010
Components covered: Module 8.5 – The Cosmic Engine
Task Description:
· Nature of Task: Students will be required to provide a written response to a number of questions that relate to the outcomes listed below. Students are permitted to bring ONE double-sided A4 page of notes for use in this assessment task.
· Time allowed: 10 days research and 40 minutes of lesson time
Outcomes being assessed by the task
· P3: assesses the impact of particular technological advances on understanding inphysics
· P4 describes applications of physics which affect society or the environment
· P5: describes the scientific principles employed in particular areas of research in
physics
· P12: discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first-hand
investigations and secondary sources
· P14: draws valid conclusions from gathered data and information
Ø outline how the Sun is a typical star, emitting electromagnetic radiation and particles that influence the Earth
15. identify that energy may be released from the nuclei of atoms
16. describe the nature of emissions from the nuclei of atoms as radiation of alpha a, beta b and gamma g rays in terms of ionising power, penetrating power, effect of magnetic field and effect of electric field
18. identify the nature of emissions reaching the Earth from the Sun
19. describe the particulate nature of the solar wind
20. describe sunspots as representing regions of strong magnetic activity and lower temperature
21. outline the cyclic nature of sunspot activity and its impact on Earth through solar winds
22. identify data sources, gather and process information and use available evidence to assess the effects of sunspot activity on the Earth’s power grid and satellite communications