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Figure 8 shows island A, a fully developed island off the mainland coast - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 8
Question 5
Figure 8 shows island A, a fully developed island off the mainland coast. The island is connected to the mainland by a fibre optic cable lying along the seabed and i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 8 shows island A, a fully developed island off the mainland coast - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 8
Step 1
Outline the way each communications system operates
Answer
Fibre Optic Cabling
Fibre optic communication involves transmitting data as light through thin strands of glass or plastic (optical fibers). The main principles are:
- Total Internal Reflection (TIR): Light travels through the fiber by bouncing off the internal walls, allowing it to remain within the core of the fiber.
- Components: The system includes transmitters (which convert electrical signals into light), the optical fiber (which carries the light), and receivers (which convert light back into electrical signals).
Satellite Communication
Satellite communication utilizes satellites in orbit to relay signals between two points on Earth. Key features include:
- Typical Frequency: Frequencies between 12 to 18 GHz are commonly used for uplink and downlink transmissions.
- Line of Sight: A clear line of sight between the ground station (dish) and the satellite is critical for effective communication.
- Components: The system includes a satellite dish (for transmission and reception), uplink/downlink equipment, and ground stations.
Step 2
Suggest, with reasons, your choice of system for each solution
Answer
For Island B
I recommend using fibre optic cabling for island B. The reasons are:
- High Bandwidth: Fibre optics provide greater data transfer rates, essential for a holiday resort's communication needs.
- Low Interference: Unlike radio signals, fibre optic signals are not affected by electromagnetic interference, ensuring a stable connection.
- Scalability: The network can be easily expanded as the resort grows.
For Oil Rig C
For the oil rig C, a satellite communication system would be ideal due to:
- Flexibility and Mobility: The rig moves to different locations, making a fixed fibre optic solution impractical.
- Wide Coverage: Satellite communication can cover vast areas, which is necessary given the offshore location of the rig.
- Immediate Deployment: Satellite systems can be set up more rapidly than laying down fiber optics, which is crucial for the short-term exploration period.