Solutions

Final test: Edexcel Core - Solar System and Radiation P1.1 P1.2 (15 marks)

1 a. The Sun emits lots of ultraviolet radiation which can be harmful. Which of the following statements about UV radiation is correct. (circle the correct answer)

  1. Ultraviolet radiation is used to carry light waves from the Sun to the Earth.
  2. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the DNA of skin cells.
  3. Ultraviolet radiation can cause the environment to heat up.
  4. Ultraviolet radiation has a lower frequency than Infrared radiation.

(1 mark)

b. The diagram shows a light wave passing from air into glass. At which point A, B, C, or D is the ray likely to

strike the back surface of the glass?

A B C D

Answer C

(1 mark)

2.Waves are described as either transverse or longitudinal.

Draw two lines from each type of wave to show the properties of that wave.

/ Particle displacement is parallel to the wave direction
Transverse waves /
Waves travel as peaks and troughs
Longitudinal waves / / Particle displacement is at right angles to the wave direction
Waves travel as compressions and rarefactions

(4 marks)

3. The diagram shows the amount of each wavelength of radiation that is absorbed by the atmosphere.

Use this information to explain why 1m radio waves are used for communications whilst UV radiation is not.

  • 1m radio waves are not absorbed by the atmosphere
  • Therefore, they can be used for communications
  • UV waves are largely absorbed by the atmosphere (3 marks)

4. QWC: Herschel discovered invisible rays beyond the visible spectrum. Describe the experiment he used

to discover these rays.

QWC Suggested marking guidance (Total 6 marks)
Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written Communication (QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response. Teachers should and apply a ‘best-fit’ approach to the marking.
0 marks / Level 1 (1-2 marks) / Level 2 (3-4 marks) / Level 3 (5-6 marks)
No relevant content. / Attempt at a description 1-2 marking points.
The spelling, punctuation and grammar are very weak. / Brief description 3-4 marking points.
There is reasonable accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar, although there may still be some errors / Clear description almost all marking points.
The answer shows almost faultless spelling, punctuation and grammar.
  • He produced a spectrum of light
  • He used a thermometer to measure temperature
  • For different colours of the spectrum
  • Temperature increased towards the red end of the spectrum
  • Temperature continued increasing beyond visible red light
  • He assumed there were invisible rays beyond red light
  • He called these infrared.

(6 marks)

1

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