O-LevelPhysicsNuclear Physics5054/21 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q38 Marks
A type of nuclear reaction takes place at the centre of the Sun. The reaction releases thermal energy.
- (a)State the name of the type of nuclear reaction that takes place at the centre of the Sun.[1]
- (b)(i)Thermal energy is emitted from the surface of the Sun into space. The energy is transferred through the vacuum of space by thermal radiation. Describe the radiation that is emitted from the surface of the Sun.[2]
- (b)(ii)State the speed of this radiation in a vacuum. speed =[1]
- (b)(iii)The Earth is 1.5 × 10¹¹ m from the surface of the Sun. Calculate the time taken for this radiation to travel to Earth. time =[2]
- (c)Explain one advantage of wearing white clothes on sunny days.[2]
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [B1] (nuclear) fusion
- [B1] electromagnetic (waves)
- [B1] produced by hot objects or infrared (radiation)
- [B1] 3.0 x 10⁸ m/s
- [C1] (t =) x / v or 1.5 × 10¹¹ / 3.0 × 10⁸
- [A1] 500 s
- [B1] white surfaces are (good) reflectors / poor absorbers of radiation
- [B1] less thermal energy absorbed / wearer stays cooler
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