These are two different scientific models of light - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 9
These are two different scientific models of light.
Which statement describes a scientific model?
Tick one box.
A scientific model is:
- an idea used to explain o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:These are two different scientific models of light - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which statement describes a scientific model?
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Answer
The correct statement that describes a scientific model is: 'an idea used to explain observations and data.'
Step 2
Why do scientists sometimes have different models like the wave and particle models of light?
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Answer
Scientists use different models because a particular model may not be able to explain all observations in different situations.
Step 3
Explain why scientists replace an old scientific model with a new model.
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Answer
Scientists replace an old scientific model with a new one when new experimental evidence or data cannot be explained by the existing model. For example, when the particle theory of light could not account for certain phenomena like interference patterns, researchers developed quantum models that better explained these observations.
Step 4
Explain why refraction happens at the boundary between the deep water and shallower water.
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Answer
Refraction occurs at the boundary because the speed of wave fronts is slower in shallow water than in deep water. As part of the wave enters shallower water, it slows down while the remaining part in deeper water continues at a higher speed, leading to a change in direction of the wave fronts.
Step 5
Explain why the wave fronts in Figure 17 do not refract at the boundary.
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Answer
The wave fronts in Figure 17 do not refract because every point on the wave front enters shallow water at the same time, resulting in uniform speed across the wave front.
