Science

2008 School Certificate Test

General Instructions

Total marks 100

Reading time: 10 minutes

Section 1

Working time: 2 hours

Pages 222

Write using black or blue pen

You may use a pencil to draw

or complete diagrams

60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for
this section

Attempt ALL questions

Calculators may be used

Detach the Stimulus Booklet

provided at the end of this paper
and use it where required
throughout the test

Write your Centre Number and

Student Number at the top of
pages 25, 29 and 33

This section has TWO parts

Part A Questions 150
50 marks
Part B Questions 5160
10 marks

Section 2
Pages 2534
40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
This section has EIGHT questions
Question 61
9 marks
Question 62
2 marks
Question 63
2 marks
Question 64
2 marks
Question 65
6 marks
Question 66
8 marks
Question 67
4 marks
Question 68
7 marks

S11

Section 1
60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for this section
Part A
Questions 150

50 marks

Use the Section 1 Part A Answer Sheet for Questions 150

Instructions for answering multiple-choice questions

Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the
response oval completely.
Sample:

2+4=

(A) 2
A

(C) 8
C

(D) 9
D

If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect
answer and fill in the new answer.
A

(B) 6

If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the
correct answer, then indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct
and drawing an arrow as follows.

correct
A

Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

(A) In the nucleus
(B)

As part of the electron cloud

(C) As a pair attached to electrons

(D) Distributed equally throughout the atom
2

Which process has a role in the growth and repair of tissue in multicellular
organisms?
(A) Coordination
(B)

Cell division

(C) Mutation
(D) Sexual reproduction
3

Which of the following measuring cylinders contains the largest volume of

water? The cylinders are not drawn to scale.
mL
60
50
40
30
20
10

mL

mL

35
30
25
20
15
10
5

200
100

mL
35
30
25
20
15
10
5

(A) 1
(B)

(C) 3
(D) 4
4

The burning of coal in power stations produces carbon dioxide.

Which chemical reaction produces the carbon dioxide?
(A) Acidification
(B)

Combustion

(C) Decomposition
(D) Neutralisation
3

NOT TO
SCALE

What occurs when a new compound is formed?

(A) Atoms are lost.
(B)

Energy is destroyed.

(C) New matter is created.

(D) Atoms are rearranged.

The cross-sections show widely separated outcrops of rock layers at

locations X and Y.
Grey limestone

Unconsolidated
glacial deposits

Conglomerate

Brown siltstone

Tan limestone

Grey limestone

Green shale

Conglomerate

Grey siltstone

Tan limestone

Location X

Location Y

Which rock layer is the oldest?

(A) Green shale
(B)

Grey siltstone

(C) Tan limestone

(D) Unconsolidated glacial deposits

The human stomach contains acid. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is often found
as a component of antacids, which are used to settle upset stomachs. It reacts in
a similar way to normal carbonates, causing people to burp.
Why does sodium bicarbonate make people burp?
(A) It produces hydrogen gas.
(B)

It solidifies in the stomach.

(C) It produces carbon dioxide gas.

(D) It settles on top of the stomach contents.

Use the sector graph to answer Questions 89.

Water usage in Sydney homes, 2003
10%
16%

Key
27%

Outdoor
Bathroom
Laundry

20%

Toilet
Kitchen
27%
Graph Courtesy of Sydney Water Corporation, 2008

What percentage of the water used in Sydney homes in 2003 was used to flush
toilets?
(A) 10
(B)

16

(C) 20
(D) 27
9

Which of the following combinations uses the most water?

(A) Bathroom and toilet
(B)

Bathroom and kitchen

(C) Laundry and toilet

(D) Outdoor and kitchen
10

What causes sea-floor spreading and continental drift?

(A) Varying sea levels
(B)

Convection currents in the mantle

(C) Changes in Earths magnetic field

(D) Contraction of the crust as Earth cools

11

The shaded areas show the location of recent earthquakes in our region.

What is the best explanation of the location of these earthquakes?

(A) Earthquakes occur in shallow oceans.
(B)

Earthquakes occur in an east/west line.

(C) Earthquakes occur close to plate boundaries.

(D) Earthquakes only occur close to coastal areas.

12

The table provides information from a box containing breakfast cereal.

Component

Amount per 100 g

Carbohydrate

83 g

Energy

1800 kJ

Fat

3g

Protein

8g

How much protein would be contained in a 50 g serving of this breakfast cereal?

(A) 3 g
(B)

4g

(C) 8 g
(D) 83 g

13

The Southern Cross is a constellation of stars in the night sky in the Southern
hemisphere. It appears to rotate around a point in the sky in a clockwise
direction and completes a whole revolution every 24 hours.

If the constellation appears as shown in the diagram above at 6 pm, what will it
look like at 9 pm on the same night?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Refer to the graph and information to answer Questions 1415.

Melanoma is a skin cancer caused by exposure to the sun.
Incidence of melanoma
Incidence of melanoma
per 100 000 people/year

30
25
20
15
10
5
0

14

Australia

New Zealand

USA

Denmark

If Australias present population is 20 million people, how many cases of

melanoma will occur this year?
(A) 30
(B)

600

(C) 6000
(D) 30 000

15

What type of disease is melanoma?

(A) Immune
(B)

Infectious

(C) Non-infectious
(D) Reproductive

16

Our sun is a medium size star. As it gets older it will use up its fuel.
What is most likely to happen during the next stage of its life?
(A) Contract
(B)

Expand

(C) Explode
(D) No change

17

A person on Earth has a mass of 100 kg. What would their mass be on the moon?
(A) 100 kg
(B)

Less than 100 kg

(C) More than 100 kg

(D) This cannot be predicted.
Refer to the flowchart to answer Questions 1819.

Awaiting copyright

18

Which material is recycled in sewage treatment?

(A) Clarified sewage
(B)

Digested sludge

(C) Flocculant
(D) Magnetite
19

Methane produced in sewage treatment can be used as an alternative energy

source.
What is an advantage of using sewage instead of fossil fuels as a source of
methane?
(A) Digested sludge is used in potting mix.
(B)

Methane from sewage is non-renewable.

(C) Fossil fuel sources of methane will run out.

(D) The methane from sewage will not pollute.
9

Use the information to answer Questions 2022.

The table represents part of a row of a simplified Periodic Table.
5

10

Ne

11

12

14

16

19

20

The following information can be gathered from the table.

6
Symbol

C
Total number of
protons and neutrons
in the carbon atom

12

20

Number of protons
in the carbon atom

How many protons are in the atom of oxygen (O) shown?

(A) 6
(B)

(C) 16
(D) 24

21

How many neutrons are in the atom of fluorine (F) shown?

(A) 9
(B)

10

(C) 19
(D) 28

22

On what basis are elements arranged from left to right across a row of the
Periodic Table?
(A) The atoms gain a proton.
(B)

The atoms lose two protons.

(C) The atoms lose a neutron.

(D) The atoms gain two neutrons.

10

23

A car is moving in a straight line at a constant speed. What would the correct
distance versus time graph look like?
(B)
distance

distance

(A)

time

time

distance

(D)
distance

(C)

time

24

time

Students studied the growth of 100 corn seeds and graphed the results.

Average
plant
height

time
Which alternative correctly identifies the independent and dependent variables
in their investigation?
Independent variable

Dependent variable

(A)

time

height

(B)

height

time

(C)

time

number

(D)

height

number

11

25

Which group contains only biotic features of the environment?

(A) Rocks, soil, air
(B)

Fungi, soil, rocks

(C) Plants, bacteria, air

(D) Plants, fungi, bacteria
26

The figures show how a lens can be used to correct short sightedness.
Eye

Artificial lens

Figure 1
short-sightedness

Eye

Figure 2
Lens used to correct
short-sightedness

What is the purpose of the artificial lens in Figure 2?

(A) To absorb the light rays
(B)

To reflect the light rays

(C) To refract the light rays

(D) To scatter the light rays
27

The relationship between frequency ( ), wavelength ( ) and speed (v) is

represented by the formula v = .
DRAWN TO
SCALE
The wave shown has a frequency of 10 Hz.
Measure the wavelength and then using the formula calculate the speed of
the wave.
(A) 2 cm/s
(B)

5 cm/s

(C) 10 cm/s
(D) 20 cm/s
12

28

An astronomical observatory is being built in Antarctica. Its location is

4100 metres above sea level at one of the calmest, coldest places on Earth. The
observatory will be controlled by satellite.
Why is this observatory being built in Antarctica?
(A) The extreme cold will aid light absorption.
(B)

The atmosphere is unpolluted and will allow clearer images to be obtained.

(C) The hole in the ozone layer will allow astronomers to gather more
information.
(D) The altitude and polar location mean it is closer to some stars, allowing
them to be seen in greater detail.

Use the following information to answer Questions 2930.

This label appeared on a bottle of zinc acetate.
zinc acetate
Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O
Harmful if swallowed.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Irritating to respiratory system.

29

Which elements make up zinc acetate?

(A) zinc and acetate
(B)

zinc, acetate and water

(C) zinc, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

(D) zinc, carbon, helium, oxygen and water

30

Which of the following safety equipment is the most important when using zinc
acetate in a laboratory?
(A) Gloves
(B)

Lab coat

(C) Fire blanket

(D) Safety goggles

13

31

Where is DNA found in the cell?

(A) In the genes
(B)

In the nucleus

(C) In the membrane

(D) In the cytoplasm

32

In which organ are sperm produced?

(A) The penis
(B)

The prostate gland

(C) The scrotum

(D) The testes

33

What happens to DNA as a result of a mutation?

(A) It unwinds.
(B)

It splits in two.

(C) It replicates exactly.

(D) It is not identical to the original.

34

Sheep frequently give birth to twins. Identical twins grow up to be different sizes
when adults.
What is the main cause of this difference?
(A) Environmental factors
(B)

Genetic differences between the twins

(C) A combination of genetic and environmental factors

(D) Nothing to do with genetic or environmental factors

35

What is an example of a neutralisation reaction?

(A) Sodium hydroxide + hydrochloric acid
(B)

Calcium carbonate

calcium oxide + carbon dioxide

(C) Lead nitrate + potassium iodide

(D) Methane + oxygen

sodium chloride + water

lead iodide + potassium nitrate

carbon dioxide + water

14

36

The scale shows the reactivity of various metals.

Sodium

Calcium

Magnesium

Aluminium

Zinc

Iron

Tin

Lead

Copper

Silver

Decreasing reactivity

Which metal is more reactive than lead but less reactive than aluminium?
(A) Copper
(B)

Magnesium

(C) Sodium
(D) Tin
37

Which is the best explanation of the greenhouse effect?

(A) A decrease in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps more heat and allows
more ultraviolet radiation to reach Earths surface.
(B)

An increase in the ozone layer decreases the amount of ultraviolet radiation

that reaches Earths surface.

(C) A decrease in the ozone layer allows more radiation to reach Earths
surface.
(D) An increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps more heat radiation
from Earth.
38

A student was studying chemicals found in the kitchen and noted that tea and
coffee are both clear brown fluids. If lemon juice is added to both, the tea turns
an orange colour but the coffee does not.
Based on these results, which conclusion is correct?
(A) Tea acts as an indicator.
(B)

Coffee acts as an indicator.

(C) Both tea and coffee act as indicators.

(D) Neither tea nor coffee acts as an indicator.
39

What does the Big Bang theory explain?

(A) The formation of Earth
(B)

The formation of stars

(C) The formation of the solar system

(D) The formation of the universe
15

40

The diagram shows the differences in beak shape among different finch species.

Awaiting copyright

Which process caused the development of these species?

(A) Asexual reproduction
(B)

Ecological cycles

(C) Migration
(D) Natural selection
41

Two different models that attempt to explain the structure of the atom are
shown.

Awaiting copyright

Why is Rutherfords model considered to be a more accurate representation of

the structure of the atom?
(A) It suggests that atoms are solid spheres.
(B)

It suggests that electrons orbit the nucleus.

(C) It suggests that electrons are negatively charged.

(D) It suggests the location of neutrons in the nucleus.

16

Refer to Source A in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Question 42.

42

Why is mercury from dumped Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs

considered a pollutant in ecosystems?
(A) It is part of the air.
(B)

It has a metallic taste.

(C) It can be harmful to organisms.

(D) It is undetectable in the environment.

Refer to Source B in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 4347.

43

What type of waves are radio waves?

(A) Electromagnetic
(B)

Electrostatic

(C) Gravitational
(D) Sound

44

What is the main role of satellites used in the Australian Tsunami Warning
System?
(A) To detect changes in weather conditions
(B)

To detect changes in water pressure on the ocean floor

(C) To receive and transmit information about changes in the size of water
waves
(D) To receive and transmit radio waves about seismic movements on the
ocean floor

45

Seismic and water waves are shown in the Tsunami Warnings diagram.
What is each type of wave carrying?
Seismic wave

Water wave

(A)

energy

water

(B)

magma

energy

(C)

shocks

water

(D)

energy

energy
17

46

Which component of Earth is the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS)

designed to protect?
(A) Atmosphere
(B)

Biosphere

(C) Hydrosphere
(D) Lithosphere

47

What is the geological structure labelled X in the Tsunami Warnings diagram?

(A) A fault
(B)

A fold

(C) A mid ocean ridge

(D) A volcano

Refer to Source C in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 4849.

48

Which group of trilobite became extinct before the beginning of the Ordovician
period?
(A) Lichida
(B)

Proetida

(C) Odontopleurida
(D) Redlichiida

49

Approximately how long did Odontopleurida survive on Earth?

(A) 145 million years
(B)

260 million years

(C) 360 million years

(D) 505 million years

18

Refer to Source D in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Question 50.

50

A sunscreen is effective in blocking UV rays of wavelengths 280 nm 430 nm.

Which types of ultraviolet rays are blocked by the sunscreen?
(A) UVA and UVB
(B)

UVB and UVC

(C) UVA and UVC

(D) UVA, UVB and UVC

Please turn over

19

Section 1 (continued)
Part B
Questions 5160

10 marks

Use the Section 1 Part B Answer Sheet for Questions 5160

Instructions for answering Questions 5160

Write firmly and clearly.

Use BLOCK LETTERS for words.

Like this:
NOT like this:

A L P H A B E T
a

p h a b e

Numbers must be used for numerical answers.

Decimal points and negative signs must be clearly shown in separate boxes.

Do NOT let any part of the letter or number touch the sides of the answer
boxes.

Examples:

7 2 =

How many days are in a week?

What is the fifth month?

M A Y

If you make a mistake, cross out the incorrect answer and write the correct
answer above the boxes.

M A Y
Like this:

J U N E

20

Use this diagram to answer Questions 5152.

Female human reproductive system
R

S
Q

51

Which letter correctly labels the ovary?

52

Which letter correctly labels the site where the embryo develops?

Refer to Source A in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 5354.

53

How many more milligrams of mercury are emitted by coal power stations to
run an incandescent bulb compared to a CFL bulb over 5 years? Give your
answer to the nearest whole number.

54

What is the saving in electricity costs per year if a CFL bulb is used instead of an
incandescent bulb?

Refer to Source B in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Question 55.

55

What is the length to the nearest metre of the whale pictured?

Refer to Source D in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Question 56.

56

Name the molecule that contains genetic material as shown in Source D.

21

Use this graph to answer Questions 5758.

A biologist was studying the number of live pups born to female dingoes in a
particular area. The results were graphed. A litter is the term used for a group of
babies born at the same time.
Dingo litters

Number of litters

0
1
2
3
Number of live pups per litter

57

How many litters were counted?

58

What is the total number of live pups counted?

Use the table to answer Questions 5960.

Four groups of students (A, B, C and D) carried out identical experiments to test
reaction time. The results of their experiments are shown.
Reaction time (seconds)
Student results

Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Group A

20

22

21

Group B

22

25

21

Group C

21

23

29

Group D

20

25

25

59

Which group has the least reliable set of results?

60

Calculate the average reaction time for Group A.

22

BLANK PAGE

23

BLANK PAGE

24
Board of Studies NSW 2008

2008 School Certificate Test

Science

Centre Number

Section 2
Student Number
40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
Questions 6168

40 marks

Answer the questions in the spaces provided.

Marks
Question 61 (9 marks)
A student investigated the change in current flow through a lamp, using
different batteries. An ammeter was connected in series and a voltmeter was
connected in parallel to the lamp.
Component

Battery

Wire

Lamp

Symbol

(a)

Ammeter

Voltmeter

Draw a circuit diagram for this experiment using the symbols given.

Question 61 continues on page 26

S12

25

Marks
Question 61 (continued)
The results obtained were tabulated. The student did not record results for
6 volts and 16 volts.

(b)

Battery voltage (volts)

Current (amps)

0.15

0.28

0.40

10

0.42

14

0.67

Plot the results and rule a line of best fit for them.

Changes in current through a lamp

0.8

Current (amps)

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Battery voltage (volts)
(c)

Use the graph to predict the current for a voltage of 6 volts.

...............................................................................................................................
(d)

Use the graph to predict the current for a voltage of 16 volts.

...............................................................................................................................
(e)

Describe the relationship between voltage and current.

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
End of Question 61
26

Marks
Question 62 (2 marks)
Refer to Source A in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.
Name an environmental advantage of using CFL bulbs and explain why it is a
benefit.

.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................

Question 63 (2 marks)
Australian scientists have made contributions to society. Describe the effect of
one of these contributions on peoples lives.

.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................

Question 64 (2 marks)
Refer to Source B in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.
Explain how the information gained from satellite tracking could be used to
conserve whales.
.........................................................................................................................................
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.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................

27

BLANK PAGE

28
Board of Studies NSW 2008

2008 School Certificate Test

Science

Centre Number

Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Marks
Question 65 (6 marks)
Refer to Source C in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.
(a)

Not all trilobites are used as index fossils.

State why Proetida is not used as an index fossil.

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b)

Identify TWO environmental conditions which led to trilobites being

preserved as fossils.

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(c)

How can the study of fossils such as Redlichiida trilobites contribute to

our understanding of evolution?

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(d)

Propose a reason why Proetida survived for so long. Justify your answer.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

S13

29

Marks
Question 66 (8 marks)
During your course you carried out first-hand investigations (experiments)
to answer scientific questions. You have been asked to present a report on one
of these investigations to your class.

(a)

State the problem, hypothesis or question that you tested.

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b)

Identify what you measured or observed.

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

Question 66 continues on page 31

30

Marks
Question 66 (continued)
(c)

Briefly describe the features of your investigation that are examples of

good experimental design.
In your answer, include:
how you carried out your investigation to obtain reliable results
safety considerations
how you recorded and analysed your results
your conclusion
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

End of Question 66

31

BLANK PAGE

32
Board of Studies NSW 2008

2008 School Certificate Test

Science

Centre Number

Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Marks
Question 67 (4 marks)
Refer to Source D in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.
(a)

Suggest why people have a greater risk of sunburn at 12 noon than

at 7 am.

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b)

Explain why outdoor activities at school should be limited to the early

morning.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

Please turn over

S14

33

Marks
Question 68 (7 marks)
A significant issue facing Australia is the provision of adequate water
supplies. Some strategies to address this issue that have been discussed in
the media are:
increasing water storage
decreasing water usage
increasing water collection options
recycling.
Describe TWO environmental problems associated with any of the strategies
listed above and identify a suitable strategy for providing water in the future,
giving reasons for your choice.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
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End of test
34
Board of Studies NSW 2008

2008 School Certificate Test

Science

Stimulus Booklet
Detach this Stimulus Booklet and use it where required during the test.

Source A Light bulbs

In the future the Government may phase out incandescent light bulbs and replace them
with Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs.
Running costs for incandescent and CFL bulbs
Power

Purchase
price

Expected life
span

Electricity
costs per
year

Incandescent

75 watts

$1.00

10002000
hours

$12.30

CFL

15 watts
(75 watts
equivalent)

$2.00

8000 hours

$2.30

Type of
bulb

CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, an environmental pollutant. The mercury is
in a gaseous form in the globes and is not dangerous in normal use. When CFL bulbs are
dumped as garbage, mercury can pollute the air, soil and waterways and accumulate in
organisms causing damage to cells.
The amount of mercury that is released to the environment by the production and use of
each type of bulb is shown in the graph.

Milligrams of mercury

Mercury emissions by
light source over 5 years
12
10

Key
Mercury emissions from
coal power stations

8
6
4

Mercury emissions from

dumped bulbs

2
0
CFL
bulb

S15

Incandescent
bulb

Source B Remote sensing

Two of the applications of satellites are in warning systems to detect tsunami, and in
tracking animal migrations.
Tsunami Warnings

In 2005 the Australian Government announced the creation of the Australian Tsunami
Warning System (ATWS). The ATWS uses satellite technology to collect and broadcast
information about pressure changes on the ocean floor.

Satellite
Radio waves

Land based
receiver

Sea based
transmitter

Water
waves

Ocean Floor
pressure sensor

Seismic
waves

X
Whale Tracking
Most populations of humpback whales
follow a regular migration route. Scientists
have been studying humpback whales by
tagging them for tracking by satellite. Before
this technology was introduced scientists
had to infer the routes taken.
None of the whales tagged in the Cook
Islands moved to Australia. This indicates
that they are a separate population from the
Australian whales and the two populations
dont interbreed. The knowledge of
the whale movements has significant
implications for conservation.

Commonwealth of Australia -Geoscience

Australia, 2005, AUSGEO News Issue 79

Cook Islands
Tagging on
10 Sept 2006

South Pacific Ocean

Key
path
of whale

New Zealand

Scale diagram of a humpback whale

Antarctica

Scale of picture: 1 cm = 2 metres

American Cetacean Society/Uko Gorter, Illustrator

Position on
22 Jan 2007

Source C Trilobites
Groups of organisms that lived for relatively short periods of time and are found in specific
types of rocks are called index fossils. Rock layers from different locations can be compared
and dated using index fossils such as trilobites. Trilobites were animals that lived in the sea.
On the chart, the dotted line shows when each trilobite group lived.

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Source D Ultraviolet radiation

There are three types of ultraviolet rays, UVA, UVB and UVC, with a wavelength between
100 and 400 nanometres (nm).
Electromagnetic radiation
Infrared

Visible

Wavelength 400 nm

Ultraviolet

315 nm 280 nm
UVB

UVA

X-rays

100 nm
UVC

Ozone layer

EFFECTS

Wrinkling of
the skin
Skin cancer

Eye damage
Sunburn

Extremely dangerous
Blocked by ozone layer

The amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth varies throughout the day, with 50%
reaching Earth Between 11 am and 2 pm.
Sun
12 noon
Sun
7 am

Sun
3 pm

r
e laye
Ozon

Surface of the Ear th

Before

The diagram shows how

ultraviolet radiation can
harm the molecule that
contains genetic material
in living organisms. The
higher the level of UV
radiation, the greater the
mutation rate.

After

Incoming UV
radiation

NASA
4

Board of Studies NSW 2008