AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2023: Question 4
11 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Analyze old versus current solar system models, planetary data, stellar life cycles, and black body radiation properties.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
04 Figure 10 shows an old scientific model of the solar system that has now
been replaced.
Figure 10
04.1 Which statement is a reason for replacing an old scientific model with a newer
scientific model?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
The old model cannot explain new observations.
The old model has been used by scientists for a long time.
The old model is too simple. 17
04.2 Compare the model of the solar system used now with the old model of the
solar system shown in Figure 10.
[4 marks]
Table 1 shows data about four planets.
Table 1
Mean distance from the Time taken for one
Planet Sun in millions of orbit in Earth years
kilometres
Mercury 58 0.25
Venus 108 0.60
Earth 150 1.00
Mars 228 1.90
04.3 How does the time taken for one orbit change as the mean distance from the
Sun increases?
[1 mark]
04.4 The bar chart in Figure 11 shows some of the data from Table 1.
Figure 11
Complete the bar chart.
Use data from Table 1.
[2 marks]
04.5 All stars have a life cycle.
A, B and C in Figure 12 represent three stages in the life cycle of the Sun.
The stages are in the correct order.
Draw one line from each stage to the name of the stage.
[2 marks]
Figure 12
04.6 Stars act like black bodies.
Which statement is true for perfect black bodies?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
They are good reflectors of radiation.
They are the best emitters of radiation.
They easily transmit radiation.
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 4
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
04.1 the old model cannot explain 1 AO1
new observations 4.8.1.1
AO /
Answers Mark
Question Spec. Ref.
Level 2: Scientifically relevant features are identified; the way(s) in 3-4 AO1
04.2
which they are similar / different is made clear and (where AO3
appropriate) the magnitude of the similarity / difference is noted. 4.8.1.1
4.8.1.3
Level 1: Relevant features are identified and differences noted. 1-2
No relevant content. 0
Indicative content
Similarities
in both models:
• the orbits of the Moon and / or planets are circular / elliptical
• the Moon orbits the Earth
• there is one star / Sun
Differences
In the current model:
• the planets orbit the Sun, whereas in the old model the planets
orbit the Earth
• there are (two) more planets
• there are also dwarf planets, whereas no dwarf planets are
shown in the old model
• other planets have moons, whereas other planets have no
moons shown in the old model
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.3 it increases 1 AO3
4.8.1.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.4 three bars drawn correctly allow tolerance of half a small 1 AO2 13
square 4.8.1.1
three bars correctly labelled
AO /
Question Answers Mark
Spec. Ref.
04.5 2 AO1
4.8.1.2
2 marks for all lines correct
1 mark for 2 lines correct
additional line from a box on the left negates the mark for that box
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.6 they are the best emitters of 1 AO1
radiation 4.6.3.1
Total Question 4 11
How to answer it
Solar System Models and Stellar Evolution Study Guide
This question assesses your knowledge of the solar system models (geocentric vs heliocentric), interpretation of astronomical data tables and bar charts, the life cycle of a star like the Sun, and the properties of black bodies.
Part (04.1) - Scientific Models
Reason for replacing old scientific models
✅ Correct Answer
The old model cannot explain new observations.
💡 Key Knowledge
Scientific models change over time when new evidence is gathered that contradicts the existing theory. Simplicity or age of a model is not a valid scientific reason for replacement.
Part (04.2) - Comparing Models
Comparing the current model of the solar system with the old (geocentric) model
✅ Correct Answer (Level 2 Response)
A top-level response identifies clear similarities and differences with relevant details:
- Similarities: Both models show circular or elliptical orbits, the Moon orbiting the Earth, and one central star/Sun.
- Differences: In the current model, planets orbit the Sun, whereas in the old model, planets orbit the Earth. The current model also includes more planets, dwarf planets, and moons orbiting other planets.
🧠 Exam Technique
This is a Level of Response question (worth 4 marks). To hit Level 2 (3–4 marks), you must make explicit comparative statements (e.g., "In the current model... whereas in the old model..."). Avoid just listing features of one model.
Part (04.3) - Data Interpretation
Relationship between distance from the Sun and orbital time
✅ Correct Answer
it increases
💡 Key Knowledge
Looking at Table 1, as the mean distance from the Sun increases (Mercury = 58 million km, Mars = 228 million km), the time taken for one orbit also increases (0.25 years to 1.90 years).
Part (04.4) - Graphical Skills
Completing the bar chart
✅ Correct Answer
Three bars drawn correctly for Venus, Earth, and Mars with correct labels on the horizontal axis.
- Venus height: 0.60
- Earth height: 1.00
- Mars height: 1.90
❌ Common Errors
Students often lose the second mark by forgetting to label the bars with the correct planet names on the x-axis, or by plotting the heights inaccurately. Plotting has a tolerance of half a small square.
Part (04.5) - Life Cycle of a Star
Matching stages of the Sun's life cycle
✅ Correct Answer
- A (First stage) links to Main sequence
- B (Middle stage) links to Red giant
- C (Final stage for a low-mass star) links to White dwarf
🧠 Exam Technique
Draw straight lines from boxes A, B, and C to their correct matching name. Warning: If you draw more than one line coming out from a box on the left, you automatically negate the mark for that box!
Part (04.6) - Black Body Radiation
Properties of perfect black bodies
✅ Correct Answer
They are the best emitters of radiation.
💡 Key Knowledge
A perfect black body is an object that absorbs all of the radiation incident on it and does not reflect or transmit any. Because it is a perfect absorber, it is also the best possible emitter of radiation at any given temperature.
Topics
Physics · P6: Waves · P8: Space Physics (physics only)
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2023. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.