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Cambridge IGCSE Physics

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316 views196 pages

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

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maoyutao2009

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2

1 Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for a vehicle accelerating from rest.

speed 25
m/s
20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(a) Calculate the acceleration of the vehicle at time t = 30 s.

acceleration = ........................................................... [3]

(b) Without further calculation, state how the acceleration at time t = 100 s compares to the
acceleration at time t = 10 s.
Using ideas about forces, explain why any change in the acceleration has occurred.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [2]

distance = ........................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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3

2 (a) Complete the definitions by giving the name of each quantity.

mass × acceleration = ........................................................

force × time = ........................................................

[2]

(b) Fig. 2.2 shows a man using a golf club to hit a ball.

golf club ball

Fig. 2.2

The ball has a mass of 0.046 kg. The golf club is in contact with the ball for a duration of
5.0 × 10–4 s and the ball leaves the golf club at a speed of 65 m / s.

(i) Calculate the momentum of the ball as it leaves the golf club.

momentum = ........................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate the average resultant force acting on the ball while it is in contact with the golf
club.

average force = ........................................................... [2]

(iii) While the golf club is in contact with the ball, the ball becomes compressed and changes
shape.

State the type of energy stored in the ball during its contact with the golf club.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 7]

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2
4

3 Fig. 3.1 shows solar cells that use radiation from the Sun to generate electrical power.

Fig. 3.1

(a) (i) State the name of the process which releases energy in the Sun.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe what happens in this process.

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

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Apart from solar cells, there are other energy resources used on Earth for which the radiation
from the Sun is the main source.

State the name of one of these energy resources and explain whether it is renewable.

name of energy resource ...........................................................................................................

explanation ................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................
[2]

advantage 1 ...............................................................................................................................

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

advantage 2 ...............................................................................................................................

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

disadvantage 1 ..........................................................................................................................

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

disadvantage 2 ..........................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................
[4]

[Total: 9]
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5

4 Fig. 4.1 shows a balloon filled with helium that is used to lift measuring instruments to a great
height above the Earth’s surface.

Fig. 4.1

(a) Using ideas about momentum, explain how the atoms of helium produce a force on the wall
of the balloon.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) At ground level, the pressure of the helium in the balloon is 1.0 × 105 Pa. The volume of the
helium is 9.6 m3.

The balloon is released and it rises quickly through the atmosphere. The volume of the helium
increases. The temperature of the helium remains constant.

(i) Explain why the pressure in the balloon decreases as the balloon rises.
You should refer to helium atoms in your answer.

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

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate the pressure of the helium when its volume is 12 m3.

pressure = ........................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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6

5 (a) Compare the arrangement and motion of the particles in ice and in liquid water.

arrangement ..............................................................................................................................

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

motion ........................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) A lake has a layer of ice on its surface. The area of the lake is 1800 m2. The ice has a
thickness of 0.025 m. The density of ice is 920 kg / m3.

(i) Calculate the mass of ice on the lake.

mass = ........................................................... [2]

(ii) At night, the temperature of the ice on the lake falls by 3.5 °C.
The specific heat capacity of ice is 2.1 × 103 J / kg °C.
Calculate the change in energy as the temperature falls.

energy = ........................................................ J [2]

[Total: 6]

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8

6 (a) Fig. 6.1 shows a converging lens and its principal axis. The points F1 and F2 are each a
principal focus of the lens.

O
principal axis

F1 F2

Fig. 6.1

An object O is placed between F1 and the lens.

(i) On Fig. 6.1, draw two rays from the top of the object O to locate the image.
Label the image I. [3]

(ii) The object O is moved to the left along the principal axis so that it is further from the lens
than F1.

Fig. 6.2 is a diagram of the new arrangement with the new image shown.

F1 F2

principal axis

image

Fig. 6.2

Underline three of the terms below that describe the image shown in Fig. 6.2.

diminished enlarged inverted real same size upright virtual

[2]

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9

(b) Fig. 6.3 shows yellow light passing through a glass prism.

Fig. 6.3

Blue light enters the prism along the same path as the yellow light.

On Fig. 6.3, draw the path of the blue light as it enters, passes through and leaves the prism.
[2]

[Total: 7]

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10

7 (a) State a typical value for the speed of sound in air.

speed = ........................................................... [1]

(b) A sound wave in air has a wavelength of 22 mm.

Using your value for the speed of sound in (a), calculate the frequency of the sound wave.

frequency = ........................................................... [2]

(c) Fig. 7.1 shows a solid block made from hot liquid metal. As the liquid cooled, a bubble formed
inside the block. The bubble is not visible from outside the block.

bubble inside
metal block

metal
block

Fig. 7.1

Describe and explain how to use ultrasound to determine the size and position of the bubble
inside the metal block. You may draw on the diagram.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [4]

[Total: 7]

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11

8 Fig. 8.1 is a circuit diagram.

24 V

8.0 4.0

Y Z
6.0

Fig. 8.1

(a) Calculate the combined resistance between Y and Z.

resistance = ........................................................... [4]

(b) Calculate the potential difference (p.d.) across the 8.0 Ω resistor.

p.d. = ........................................................... [2]

[Total: 6]

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12

9 Fig. 9.1 shows a conducting ball that oscillates between two charged plates.

clamp
insulating
thread

positive plate
negative plate

ball

+ –

very high sensitive

voltage supply ammeter

Fig. 9.1

As the ball oscillates, it touches each plate in turn.

(a) Referring to the charge on the ball, explain why the ball moves to the positive plate after
touching the negative plate.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) State which particles move when there is a current and state the direction in which they move
through the sensitive ammeter.

particles: ....................................................................................................................................

direction: ....................................................................................................................................
[2]

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13

(c) For each complete oscillation of the ball moving between the plates, a charge of 8.5 × 10–10 C
is transferred from one plate to the other. The frequency of oscillation is 4.0 Hz.

Calculate the current shown on the sensitive ammeter.

current = ........................................................... [3]

[Total: 7]

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14

10 (a) (i) An americium (Am) nucleus decays by the emission of an α-particle into a neptunium
(Np) nucleus.

Complete the nuclear equation for this decay.

241
95
Am →
[2]

(ii) Americium is used in smoke detectors.

Explain why beta (β) emitters or gamma (γ) emitters are not used in smoke detectors.

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

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) The half-life of this americium nuclide is 470 years. A sample of this nuclide contains
8.0 × 1014 atoms. After some time, 6.0 × 1014 americium atoms have decayed.

Calculate the time required for this decay.

time = ........................................................... [3]

[Total: 6]

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15

11 (a) Describe and explain how a stable star is formed.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) Describe and explain what can be deduced from cosmic microwave background radiation
(CMBR).

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

............................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 6]

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16

12 Fig. 12.1 shows a transformer.

240 V
mains

8000
turns

Fig. 12.1

There are 8000 turns in the primary coil of the transformer. The primary coil is connected to a
240 V mains supply. A 6.0 V lamp connected to the secondary coil operates at full brightness.

(a) Calculate the number of turns in the secondary coil.

number of turns = ........................................................... [2]

(b) The current in the lamp is 2.0 A. The transformer operates with 100% efficiency.

Calculate the current in the primary circuit.

current = ........................................................... [2]

[Total: 4]

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2020 0625/04/SP/23

14
3

1 (a) A boat crosses a river. The boat points at right angles to the river bank and it travels at a
speed of 3.5 m / s relative to the water.

A river current acts at right angles to the direction the boat points. The river current has a
speed of 2.5 m / s.

By drawing a scale diagram or by calculation, determine the speed and direction of the boat
relative to the river bank.

speed = ...............................................................

direction relative to the river bank = ...............................................................

[4]

(b) Speed is a scalar quantity and velocity is a vector quantity.

State the names of one other scalar quantity and one other vector quantity.

scalar quantity ..........................................................................................................................

vector quantity ..........................................................................................................................

[2]

[Total: 6]

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4

2 Fig. 2.1 shows a ship loaded with containers.

containers
ship

water

Fig. 2.1

(a) The ship is made of steel.

The density of steel is 7800 kg / m3 and the density of water is 1000 kg / m3.

Explain why the ship floats in the water.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The containers with the greatest mass are loaded near the bottom of the ship.

State and explain the effect on the stability of the ship of loading the containers in this way.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Calculate the energy transferred to the gravitational potential energy stored in the container.

energy = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 6]
© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23
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5

3 (a) State the principle of conservation of energy.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A wind turbine has a maximum output power of 1.8 MW. The turbine operates at maximum
power for 4.0 h.

(i) Define the unit kW h.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the energy produced by the wind turbine operating at maximum power for
4.0 h. Give your answer in kW h.

energy = ................................................. kW h [2]

State two energy resources that are not due to radiation from the Sun.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 7]

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6

4 Fig. 4.1 shows a metal pan on an electric hotplate. The pan contains 200 cm3 of water.

water

metal pan

hotplate

Fig. 4.1

The pan is heated. The temperature of the water in the pan increases.

(a) Thermal energy is transferred through the metal pan by conduction.

State and explain the two ways that thermal energy is conducted in a metal.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) (i) The water boils and leaves the liquid as a gas.

Explain, in terms of forces and distances between particles, why the gas occupies a
much greater volume than it does as a liquid.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State two ways in which boiling differs from evaporation.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

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7

(c) The water is replaced with 200 cm3 of milk.

The initial temperature of the milk is 20.0 °C. The boiling point of milk is 95.0 °C.

The milk starts to boil when 60 700 J of thermal energy has been transferred to it. The density
of milk is 1.03 g / cm3.

Calculate the value of the specific heat capacity of milk. Give your answer to 3 significant
figures.

specific heat capacity = ......................................................... [4]

[Total: 11]

© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23 [Turn over

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8

5 (a) Fig. 5.1 shows a semicircular transparent plastic block.

semicircular
transparent
plastic block

Fig. 5.1

A ray of light is incident normally on the curved surface of the block. The refractive index of
the plastic is 1.5.

(i) Calculate the critical angle for the plastic.

critical angle = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) On Fig. 5.1, draw the path of the ray in the block and after the ray emerges from the
block. [2]

(b) Fig. 5.2 is a full‑scale diagram of a lens and an object O.

lens

F O

Fig. 5.2

The point marked F shows the position of a principal focus of the lens.

(i) Determine the focal length of the lens.

focal length = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) On Fig. 5.2, draw two rays from the object to locate the image. Label the image I. [3]
© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23
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9

(c) Fig. 5.3 shows a simplified diagram of an eye with rays from a distant object and the path of
the rays inside the eye of a person with short sight.

retina

lens

Fig. 5.3

On Fig. 5.4, draw an additional lens outside the eye to correct short‑sightedness and show
the path of the rays inside the eye.

Fig. 5.4
[2]

[Total: 10]

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10

6 (a) Sound waves have compressions and rarefactions.

Explain what is meant by compression and rarefaction.

compression .............................................................................................................................

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

rarefaction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) We can see light from the Sun but we cannot hear any sound from it.

State the reason for this.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) During a thunderstorm, an observer sees the lightning almost immediately but hears the
sound of the thunder several seconds later. The thunder and lightning are produced at the
same time.

The sound of the thunder is heard 9.0 s after the lightning is seen. The speed of sound in air
is 340 m / s.

Calculate the distance from the thunderstorm to the observer.

distance = ......................................................... [2]

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(d) In a lightning strike, there is a current of 3.0 × 104 A for 48 ms.

Calculate the charge that flows.

charge = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23 [Turn over

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12

7 (a) Define potential difference (p.d.).

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) (i) State the equation which defines electromotive force (e.m.f.) E.

[1]

(ii) The e.m.f. of a battery is 9.0 V. The battery is in a circuit.

Calculate the work done by the battery when it moves a charge of 30 C around a complete
circuit.

work done = ......................................................... [2]

(c) A circuit consists of a d.c. power supply, a lamp and a thermistor.

(i) Draw a circuit diagram of these components connected in series.

[2]

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13

(ii) Explain what happens in the circuit you have drawn in (c)(i) when the temperature of the
thermistor is increased.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23 [Turn over

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14

8 Fig. 8.1 shows a horizontal, flat coil in a magnetic field

coil

axis
B

N A

Fig. 8.1

The coil is connected to a cell. The coil rotates.

(a) Determine the direction of movement of the side AB relative to the plane of the coil.

direction of movement = ......................................................... [1]

(b) Explain how you determined the direction in (a).

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(d) To operate as a motor, a split‑ring commutator and brushes are added to the parts shown in
Fig. 8.1.

Explain the effects of the split‑ring commutator and the brushes on the action of the motor.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 8]

© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23

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15

9 (a) A nuclear power station has a reactor where controlled nuclear fission of uranium‑235 takes
place.

(i) Explain what is meant by nuclear fission.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) State one advantage and one disadvantage of generating electrical power in nuclear
power stations compared with electrical power generated using wind turbines.

advantage .........................................................................................................................

disadvantage .....................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen (H) with 1 proton and 1 neutron. Nuclear fusion occurs
when two nuclei of deuterium combine. An isotope of helium (He) and a neutron are formed.

Use nuclide notation to write down the nuclide equation for this reaction.

[3]

[Total: 8]

© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23 [Turn over

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16

10 (a) The time taken for Mars to orbit the Sun is 690 Earth days. The average orbital radius of Mars
is 2.28 × 108 km. An Earth day is 24 h.

Calculate the average orbital speed of Mars in km / s.

average speed = ......................................................... [3]

(b) State the shape of the orbits of the planets.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Light from a distant galaxy is redshifted.

(i) Explain what is meant by redshift.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State the quantity that the redshift of a galaxy is used to calculate.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 7]

Permission to reproduce items where third‑party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer‑related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2023 0625/42/F/M/23

28
2

1 Fig. 1.1 shows a straight section of a river where the water is flowing from right to left at a speed of
0.54 m / s.

river

current

0.54 m / s

P
swimmer

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

A swimmer starts at point P and swims at a constant speed of 0.72 m / s relative to the water and at
right angles to the current.

(a) (i) Determine, relative to the river bank, both the magnitude and direction of the swimmer’s
velocity.

magnitude of velocity = ...............................................................

direction of velocity ...............................................................

[4]

(ii) After 1.5 minutes, the swimmer reaches point Q.

Calculate the distance between P and Q.

distance = ......................................................... [3]

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3

(b) When the swimmer is crossing the river, his actions produce a constant forward force on his
body.

Explain why he moves at a constant speed.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 9]

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4

2 Fig. 2.1 shows a motorcyclist accelerating along a straight horizontal section of track.

Fig. 2.1

The motorcyclist and motorcycle have a combined mass of 240 kg.

(a) On the straight horizontal section of the track, the motorcyclist accelerates from rest at
7.2 m / s2.

(i) The motorcyclist reaches the end of the straight section of track in 5.3 s.

Calculate the speed of the motorcyclist at the end of the straight section.

speed = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate the resultant force on the motorcyclist and motorcycle on the straight section
of track.

resultant force = ......................................................... [2]

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5

(b) At the end of the straight section, the track remains horizontal but bends to the right, as
shown in Fig. 2.1.

When the motorcyclist reaches the bend, she travels around the bend in a circular path at a
constant speed.

(i) Velocity is a vector quantity.

State how a vector quantity differs from a scalar quantity.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe what happens to the velocity of the motorcyclist as she travels around the bend
at constant speed.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Explain why there must be a resultant force on the motorcyclist as she travels around the
bend.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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6

3 A rubber balloon is inflated with helium and sealed so that no helium escapes.

The balloon is positioned immediately below the ceiling in a room.

Heaters are switched on and the temperature of the air in the room increases.

(a) When the heaters are first switched on, the temperature of the air immediately below the
ceiling increases more quickly than the temperature of the air in the rest of the room.

Explain why this happens.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The temperature of the helium in the balloon increases and as the rubber stretches, the
volume occupied by the helium increases.

(i) State what happens to the motion of the helium particles as the temperature increases.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) As the rubber stretches and the volume of the helium increases, the pressure of the
helium remains constant.

Explain, in terms of the particles of helium, how the pressure of the helium remains
constant.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 6]

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8

4 A student investigates the efficiency of a filament lamp. Fig. 4.1 shows the filament lamp with its
glass bulb immersed in water in a beaker.

thermometer

to power supply
water

beaker
filament lamp

Fig. 4.1

The reading on the thermometer in the water is 19.0 °C.

Only the glass of the lamp is in contact with the water and the electrical connections are completely
insulated.

The lamp is switched on.

At the end of the experiment, the temperature of the water is 21.5 °C.

(a) The mass of the water in the beaker is 600 g and the specific heat capacity of water is
4200 J / (kg °C).

(i) Show that the increase in the internal energy of the water is 6300 J.

[3]

(ii) In the experiment, the lamp is switched on for 500 s. The power supplied to the filament
lamp is 13 W. The useful energy from the lamp is transferred as light. The energy that
increases the temperature of the water is wasted energy.

Determine the maximum possible efficiency of the filament lamp.

maximum possible efficiency = ......................................................... [4]

(b) The efficiency of the lamp is less than the value determined in (a)(ii).

Suggest one reason for this.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 8]

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5 Fig. 5.1 shows a block ABCD made of glass that has a refractive index of 1.5. The block has one
curved side AB and three straight sides, BC, CD and DA.

B
monochromatic light

glass block

P
A θ
air

D C

Fig. 5.1

There are right angles at C and D. The curved side AB is one quarter of the circumference of a
circle that has its centre at point P.

A ray of monochromatic light enters the block through the curved side AB and strikes side BC at P.
Some light emerges into the air and some is reflected.

(a) State what is meant by monochromatic.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Explain why the ray of light does not change direction when it enters the block through side
AB.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[2]

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(d) Fig. 5.1 shows that the angle between the ray of light and line AP is θ, where line AP is at right
angles to side BC.

Angle θ increases to 45°.

(i) State and explain what happens to the light that strikes P.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) When θ = 45°, the reflected light strikes side CD.

Describe what happens when this reflected light strikes side CD.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 8]

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12

6 A mobile phone (cell phone) network uses microwaves of frequency 1.9 × 109 Hz to transmit and
receive signals.

The speed of microwaves in air is 3.0 × 108 m / s.

(a) Calculate the wavelength of these microwaves in air.

wavelength = ......................................................... [2]

(b) State two reasons why microwaves are used for mobile phone (cell phone) signals.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

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

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(i) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how a digital signal differs from an analogue signal.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) State two advantages of using digital signals rather than analogue signals.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

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

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 9]

© UCLES 2023 0625/41/M/J/23

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13

7 Fig. 7.1 shows a circuit that contains a battery, a switch, a voltmeter and three 40 Ω resistors, R1,
R2 and R3.

R1 V

R3 R2

Fig. 7.1

The switch is open and resistors R1 and R2 form a potential divider.

(a) Describe what is meant by a potential divider.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The reading on the voltmeter is 7.5 V.

(i) Calculate the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery.

e.m.f. = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) The switch is closed.

Calculate the resistance of the complete circuit.

resistance = ......................................................... [3]

reading = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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8 The electricity supplied to a town is transmitted using a high-voltage cable. A transformer in the
town has a soft-iron core.

(a) Explain the principle of operation of a simple iron-cored transformer.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(b) The transformer steps the supply voltage down from 220 000 V to 33 000 V.

(i) There are 450 turns on the secondary coil.

Calculate the number of turns on the primary coil.

number of turns = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) The electrical power transferred to the transformer by the high-voltage cable is 77 MW.

Calculate the current in the primary coil.

current = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 9]

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9 Fig. 9.1 represents all the particles in a neutral atom of a radioactive isotope X1.

Fig. 9.1 (not to scale)

(a) Determine the number of neutrons in this atom and explain how the answer is obtained.

number of neutrons = ...............................................................

explanation

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

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The isotope X1 is a beta emitter that decays to the stable isotope X2.

(i) Describe how a nucleus of X2 differs from a nucleus of X1.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Suggest why isotope X2 is stable whereas X1 is not stable.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(c) The half-life of X1 is approximately 20 ms.

(i) Define the term half-life.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Suggest one reason why isotopes with very short half-lives are especially hazardous.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 8]

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10 Pluto is a dwarf planet. Fig. 10.1 shows the direction of motion of Pluto as it follows its elliptical
orbit around the Sun.

Pluto

X Sun

orbit
direction
of motion

Fig. 10.1 (not to scale)

(a) Point X is the point in the orbit closest to the Sun and point Y is the point furthest away.

The orbital speed of Pluto varies as it orbits the Sun.

(i) Describe how the speed of Pluto varies as it moves from X to Y and then back to X.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain, in terms of energy transfers, why the speed of Pluto varies in this way.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

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(b) The average temperature on the surface of Pluto is 43 K.

(i) Convert this temperature to a value in degrees Celsius (°C).

temperature = .................................................... °C [1]

(ii) Pluto has a white surface, as shown in Fig. 10.2. As Pluto rotates, the white surface
alternately faces towards and away from the Sun.

white surface

Fig. 10.2

Explain how this affects the temperature of Pluto as it rotates on its own axis.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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1 (a) Fig. 1.1 shows a helicopter which is stationary at a height of 1500 m above the ground.

1500 m

ground

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

(i) State the two conditions necessary for the helicopter to remain in equilibrium.

condition 1 .........................................................................................................................

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

condition 2 .........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) The mass of the helicopter is 3200 kg.

Calculate the change in the gravitational potential energy of the helicopter as it rises
from the ground to 1500 m.

change in gravitational potential energy = ......................................................... [2]

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(b) Fig. 1.2 shows a vertical speed–time graph for a parachutist who jumps from a stationary
hot-air balloon.

A
speed

B
0
0 time

Fig. 1.2

The parachutist jumps from the balloon at time = 0 and reaches the ground at B. The point A
indicates when the parachute opens.

(i) On Fig. 1.2, label a point on the graph where the acceleration is:
• zero with ‘1’
• negative with ‘2’
• decreasing with ‘3’. [3]

(ii) Explain, in terms of forces, the changes in motion which occur from when the parachutist
leaves the hot-air balloon until point A.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [4]

[Total: 11]

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2 A student catches a cricket ball. The speed of the ball immediately before it is caught is 18 m / s.
The mass of the cricket ball is 160 g.

(a) Calculate the kinetic energy stored in the cricket ball immediately before it is caught.

kinetic energy = ......................................................... [3]

(b) It takes 0.12 s to catch the ball and bring it to rest.

Calculate the average force exerted on the ball.

average force = ......................................................... [2]

Explain the effect of this action on the student’s hands.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 6]

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3 (a) Fig. 3.1 shows a person moving across an ice-covered pond to reach a ball on the ice.

ball

ice

Fig. 3.1

Explain why this way of moving across the ice is safer than walking. Use your understanding
of pressure in your answer.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) Fig. 3.2 shows a side view of the pond with a layer of ice floating freely on the water.

ice
pond
0.45 m
water
X

Fig. 3.2

The surface area of the pond is 5.0 m2.

The mass of the ice is 690 kg.
The density of water is 1000 kg / m3.
Point X is 0.45 m below the ice.

Calculate the pressure at point X due to the ice and the water.

pressure = ......................................................... [4]

[Total: 7]
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4 (a) The temperature of a fixed mass of gas at constant volume is decreased.

State and explain, in terms of particles, how the pressure of the gas changes.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) (i) State the value of absolute zero in °C.

value of absolute zero = .................................................... °C [1]

(ii) Explain what is meant by the term absolute zero. Refer to particles in your answer.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Cylinder 1 contains 350 cm3 of gas at a pressure of 9.0 × 104 Pa. The gas is transferred to
cylinder 2 and the pressure increases to 1.6 × 105 Pa. The temperature remains constant.

Calculate the volume of cylinder 2.

volume = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 9]

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5 (a) Fig. 5.1 shows an electric heater used to heat a room.

Fig. 5.1

The dimensions of the room are 4.5 m × 6.1 m × 2.4 m.

The density of air is 1.2 kg / m3.

(i) Show that the mass of air in the room is 79 kg.

[2]

(ii) The power of the heater is 1100 W. The specific heat capacity of air is 1000 J / (kg °C).

Calculate the time taken to increase the temperature of the air in the room from 16.0 °C
to 20.0 °C.

time = ......................................................... [4]

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(iii) Suggest one reason why the time calculated in (a)(ii) is the minimum time needed to
increase the temperature of the air in the room from 16.0 °C to 20.0 °C.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Fig. 5.2 shows a cross-section of a double-glazed window in the room.

outer
glass
pane

narrow air gap

inner glass pane

Fig. 5.2

State the main methods of thermal energy transfer from the room to outside which are
reduced by this type of window.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 8]

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6 Two types of seismic waves are P-waves and S-waves.

(a) State the types of wave that P-waves and S-waves can be modelled as.

P-waves ....................................................................................................................................

S-waves ....................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The velocity of a P-wave in the Earth’s solid crust is 7.2 km / s and its frequency is 4.5 Hz.

Calculate the wavelength of this P-wave.

wavelength = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 5]

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7 Fig. 7.1 shows a container of oil.

container x
oil

Fig. 7.1

A ray of light shines on the surface of the oil. The refractive index of the oil is 1.47.

(a) On Fig. 7.1, draw the normal at the point where the ray enters the oil. [1]

(b) The angle x is 56°.

Calculate the value of the angle of refraction.

angle of refraction = ......................................................... [3]

(c) State the approximate speed of light in air.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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(d) Calculate the speed of light in the oil.

Give your answer to three significant figures.

speed = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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8 (a) (i) State what is meant by a magnetic field.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Define the direction of a magnetic field.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Fig. 8.1 shows a negatively charged metal sphere.

–
– –

– –

– –
–

Fig. 8.1

On Fig. 8.1, draw four lines to show the electric field and its direction. [2]

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(c) Fig. 8.2 shows a circuit.

Fig. 8.2

The three cells are identical and have zero resistance.

The resistors R1, R2 and R3 are identical.
The reading on the voltmeter is 6.0 V.
When the diode is conducting, it has zero resistance and zero potential difference (p.d.)
across it.

(i) Determine the e.m.f. of one cell.

e.m.f. = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Determine the ratio of the p.d. across R2 to the p.d. across R3.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) All the cells are reversed.

1. State and explain the change in current in R1.

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

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

2. Determine the new value of the ratio of the p.d. across R2 to the p.d. across R3.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 8]

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9 (a) Table 9.1 shows some properties and values for α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation.

Complete Table 9.1.

Table 9.1

type of number of number of charge / C stopped by

radiation protons neutrons
α 2 + 3.2 × 10–19 thin sheet of
paper
β 0 thin sheet of
aluminium
γ 0

[3]

(b) State how β-decay changes the nucleus of an atom.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) A radiation detector used in a laboratory detects a background count rate of 30 counts / min.
A radioactive source is placed in front of the radiation detector. The initial reading on the
detector is 550 counts / min. The half-life of the source is 25 minutes.

Calculate the expected reading on the detector after 75 minutes.

reading = ...................................... counts / min [4]

(d) State two safety precautions taken when moving, using or storing radioactive sources in a
laboratory.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 10]

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10 (a) State the equation that defines the average orbital speed v of a planet. State the meaning of
any symbols you use.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Suggest why countries that are a significant distance from the Equator experience significant
temperature variation throughout the year.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

The stage that follows the stable state in the life cycle of the star is the

....................................... stage.

It then explodes as a supernova to form a ....................................... , this leaves behind a

....................................... or a ....................................... .
[4]

(d) A galaxy is moving away from the Earth with a speed of 33 000 km / s.
The value of the Hubble constant is 2.2 × 10–18 per second.

Calculate the distance from the galaxy to the Earth. Give your answer in light-years.

distance = ....................................... light-years [2]

[Total: 9]

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1 Fig. 1.1 shows a balloon filled with helium gas.

Fig. 1.1

The mass of the balloon is 120 kg.

(a) Calculate the weight of the balloon. Show your working.

weight = ......................................................... [1]

(b) The resultant force on the balloon is 54 N.

Show that the acceleration of the balloon is 0.45 m / s2.

[2]

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Calculate the velocity of the balloon after 8.0 s.

velocity = ......................................................... [2]

(d) Calculate the distance travelled by the balloon in the first 8.0 s.

distance = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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2 (a) (i) Define pressure.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe how pressure in a liquid varies with its depth and with its density.

variation with depth

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

variation with density

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) State two energy resources for which the Sun is not the main source.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(i) power generation in a nuclear power station

statement ..........................................................................................................................

explanation ........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) power generation from waves in the sea

statement ..........................................................................................................................

explanation ........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 9]

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3 (a) (i) State which state of matter, solid, liquid or gas, has the greatest thermal expansion and
which has the least.

greatest expansion ...........................................

least expansion ................................................

[2]

(ii) Describe, in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles, the structures of solids
and gases.

solids .................................................................................................................................

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

gases .................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) (i) Define specific heat capacity.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) A student carries out an experiment to determine the specific heat capacity of a metal. A
cylinder of the metal is heated by a 12 W electrical heater.

State the readings that the student takes.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 10]

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4 (a) Fig. 4.1 is an incomplete ray diagram showing an object O, a converging lens and the principal
axis. The focal points of the lens are each labelled F.

F F
O

Fig. 4.1

(i) Complete the ray diagram to draw the image formed by the lens. Label your image I. [3]

(ii) Circle three descriptions in the list which describe the image formed in (i).

diminished enlarged inverted same size

real upright virtual

[3]

(b) (i) State the name for the defect of vision that can be corrected by a converging lens.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe how a converging lens corrects the defect in (i).

You may find it helpful to sketch a ray diagram.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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5 (a) Two types of electromagnetic radiation are used in glass optical fibres for high-speed
broadband.

(i) State the type of electromagnetic radiation, other than visible light, which is used in glass
optical fibres.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Give two reasons why these two types of electromagnetic radiation are used in glass
optical fibres for high-speed broadband.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

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

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) (i) The critical angle of the glass in an optical fibre is 45°.

Calculate the refractive index of the glass.

refractive index = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Fig. 5.1 shows an optical fibre made of the glass described in (i).

Fig. 5.1

On Fig. 5.1, draw carefully a ray of light in the fibre undergoing total internal reflection.
[2]

[Total: 7]

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6 An electric heater uses a resistance wire of resistance 26 Ω. The power dissipated in the resistance
wire is 2500 W.

(a) Calculate the current in the resistance wire.

current = ......................................................... [3]

(b) The resistance wire of the heater has a length of 1.2 m and a cross-sectional area of
7.9 × 10–7 m2.

A new heater is designed using wire of the same material with length 1.8 m and cross-
sectional area 5.8 × 10–7 m2.

Calculate the resistance of this wire.

resistance = ......................................................... [3]

Calculate the cost of using the heater continuously for two days.

cost = ............................................. dollars [2]

[Total: 8]

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7 The voltage across the primary coil of a 100% efficient transformer is 220 V and the voltage across
the secondary coil is 12 V.

(a) The current in the secondary coil is 2.5 A.

Calculate the current in the primary coil.

current = ......................................................... [3]

(b) Calculate the ratio of the number of turns on the primary coil to the number of turns on the
secondary coil of the transformer.

ratio = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 5]

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8 (a) During β-decay, one of the neutrons in the nucleus changes.

(i) State what happens to this neutron.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain how charge is conserved during this change.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Complete the nuclide equation for the α-decay of radon-212 to form an isotope of polonium,
symbol Po.

212
86
Rn

[3]

[Total: 6]

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9 Fig. 9.1 shows the Sun as the central dot and the planets Saturn, Jupiter and Earth labelled S0,
J0 and E0. The planets orbit the Sun anticlockwise. From the Earth’s orbit, the planets appear
aligned.

Fig. 9.1 (not to scale)

Assume that Saturn takes 30 years to orbit the Sun and that Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the
Sun.

(a) On Fig. 9.1, mark the positions of Saturn and Jupiter 5.0 years after the original positions
shown.

Label these positions S1 and J1. Show your working.

[3]

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(b) (i) On Fig. 9.1, mark the positions of Saturn and Jupiter 20 years after the original positions
shown in Fig. 9.1.

Label these positions S2 and J2.

[1]

(ii) State what is observed from the Earth’s orbit after 20 years.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

gaseous large rocky small

Jupiter ...............................................................................................................................

Earth ..................................................................................................................................
[1]

(ii) The average density of Jupiter is much less than that of the Earth.
The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is greater than that at the surface
of the Earth.

Explain how these differences in density and in gravitational field strength are consistent
with your answers to (c)(i).

density

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

gravitational field strength

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

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(d) The average density of Jupiter is 1300 kg / m3 and its volume is 1.4 × 1015 km3.

Calculate the mass of Jupiter.

mass = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 12]

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10 (a) Show that 1 light-year = 9.5 × 1015 m.

[4]

(b) (i) State one measurement that is taken when determining the speed v at which a galaxy is
moving away from the Earth.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Write down an equation relating v and the distance d of a far galaxy.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) State how the distance d of a far galaxy can be determined other than by using the
equation in (ii).

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 7]

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1 (a) Oil of density 0.80 g / cm3 is poured gently onto the surface of water of density 1.0 g / cm3. The
oil and the water do not mix.

Describe and explain the final position of the oil relative to the water.

description ................................................................................................................................

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

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) An irregularly shaped solid object has a density of 2.7 g / cm3.

(i) Describe a method to measure the volume of the irregularly shaped solid object.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) The volume of the object is 83 cm3.

Calculate the mass of the object.

mass = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 7]

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2 (a) Fig. 2.1 is a graph that shows how the extension of a spring varies with the load suspended
from it.

extension / cm

4.0

0
0 14 load / N

Fig. 2.1

(i) Determine the spring constant of this spring.

spring constant = ......................................................... [3]

(ii) On Fig. 2.1, mark the limit of proportionality and label this point L. [1]

(b) Fig. 2.2 shows a car travelling at constant speed around corner A on a road.

corner B corner A

CA
R

Fig. 2.2

(i) On Fig. 2.2, mark with an arrow the direction of the resultant force acting on the car as it
travels around corner A. [2]

(ii) Corner B has a smaller radius than corner A. The car travels at the same speed around
corner B as around corner A.

State how the resultant force changes due to the car travelling around a corner of smaller
radius.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 7]
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3 Fig. 3.1 shows a boy throwing a ball at an object in a fairground.

object

Fig. 3.1

The ball has a mass of 190 g and travels horizontally with a constant speed of 6.9 m / s.

(a) Calculate the momentum of the ball.

momentum = ......................................................... [2]

(b) After hitting the object, the ball bounces back along the same straight path with a speed of
1.5 m / s. The object has a mass of 1.8 kg.

Calculate the speed of the object after it is hit by the ball.

speed = ......................................................... [3]

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Calculate the change in total kinetic energy of the ball and object during the collision.

change in total kinetic energy = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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4 (a) The lowest possible temperature is zero kelvin (0 K).

(i) State the name of this lowest possible temperature.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Nitrogen boils at 77 K.

Calculate the boiling point of nitrogen on the Celsius scale.

boiling point = .................................................... °C [2]

(b) The temperature of a fixed mass of gas at constant volume changes from 300 K to 400 K.

State and explain, in terms of particles, the effect on the pressure of the gas.

statement ..................................................................................................................................

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

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

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

Calculate the new pressure of the gas.

pressure = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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5 (a) Fig. 5.1 is a scale diagram of wavefronts of red light approaching a gap in a barrier.

barrier
wavelength

wavefronts

Fig. 5.1

On Fig. 5.1, draw three wavefronts after the wave has passed through the gap. [3]

(b) Fig. 5.2 shows the same barrier and gap. A wave of blue light approaches this barrier.

barrier

Fig. 5.2

On Fig. 5.2:

• draw three wavefronts of this wave before it reaches the barrier

• draw three wavefronts after the wave passes through the gap.
[3]

[Total: 6]

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6 (a) On Fig. 6.1, sketch the current–voltage graph of a filament lamp and explain its shape.

Fig. 6.1

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Fig. 6.2 shows an electric circuit.

12.0 V 3.0 V
+ –

A 4.2 Ω

2.1 Ω
V

Fig. 6.2

(i) Calculate the reading on the voltmeter.

voltmeter reading = ......................................................... [2]

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9

(ii) Calculate the current in the 4.2 Ω resistor.

current = ......................................................... [2]

(iii) Determine the current in the 2.1 Ω resistor.

current = ......................................................... [1]

(iv) Determine the reading on the ammeter.

ammeter reading = ......................................................... [1]

(v) Calculate the electrical power transferred in the 4.2 Ω resistor.

power = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 11]

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7 (a) Fig. 7.1 shows the electric field pattern around point X.

Y
X

Fig. 7.1

(i) On Fig. 7.1, draw an arrow to indicate the direction of the force on a negative point
charge placed at point Y. [2]

(ii) State what is at point X to produce the field pattern shown in Fig. 7.1.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) A piece of plastic is charged positively by friction.

State what charge transfers occur during this process.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 8]

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8 (a) Fig. 8.1 shows the single turn coil of a simple direct current (d.c.) motor.

S N

current coil
O

Fig. 8.1

(i) Explain the direction of the turning effect as seen by an observer at O.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) The coil is replaced by an otherwise identical new coil with three turns and the same
current in the coil.

State how the turning effect compares with the turning effect in (i).

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) A third coil is identical to the coil in (i) except that its resistance is three times greater.
The potential difference (p.d.) across the coil is the same as the p.d. in (i).

State how the turning effect compares with the turning effect in (i).

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(b) Fig. 8.2 is a voltage–time graph showing the output of a simple alternating current (a.c.)
generator at times t0, t1, t2 and t3.

voltage

time

t0 t1 t2 t3

Fig. 8.2

Fig. 8.3 is an end view of the plane of the coil of the generator at time t0. The coil is rotating
clockwise.

A
axis of rotation

Fig. 8.3

(i) Draw an end view of the position of the plane of the coil at time t1. Include the labels
A and B.

[1]

(ii) Draw an end view of the position of the plane of the coil at time t2. Include the labels
A and B.

[1]

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(iii) Draw an end view of the position of the plane of the coil at time t3. Include the labels
A and B.

[1]

[Total: 7]

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14

9 (a) For each application of radioactive isotopes, state and explain which type of radioactive
emission is suitable and suggest an appropriate half-life for the isotope.

(i) household smoke alarm

type of radioactive emission ..............................................................................................

explanation ........................................................................................................................

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

half-life ...............................................................................................................................
[3]

(ii) measuring the thickness of aluminium strips produced in a factory

type of radioactive emission ..............................................................................................

explanation ........................................................................................................................

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

half-life ...............................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Lead-208 (208

82Pb) has the highest nucleon number of the stable isotopes of lead.

Explain why lead-214 (214

82Pb) is radioactive.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) State two different sources of background radiation.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 10]

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10 (a) (i) 1. State what is represented in space physics by the symbol H0.

............................................................................................................................... [1]

2. Write down the equation that defines H0 in terms of the speed that a far galaxy is
moving away from the Earth and its distance from the Earth.

............................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) The numerical value of H0 is 2.2 × 10–18. State the unit of H0.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Use this value of H0 to determine an estimate for the age of the Universe in seconds.

age of the Universe = ...................................................... s [2]

(b) State when cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) was formed and where we
detect it coming from.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 7]

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1 A car accelerates uniformly in a straight line from rest at time t = 0. At t = 3.2 s, the speed of the car
is 13.0 m / s.

(a) (i) Calculate the acceleration of the car.

acceleration = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Explain in words what is meant by the term acceleration.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) The car travels at 13.0 m / s from t = 3.2 s to t = 12.0 s.

(i) Plot the speed–time graph for the car from t = 0 to t = 12.0 s.

14.0

speed 12.0
m/s
10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0
0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0
t/s
[2]

(ii) Determine the distance travelled by the car between t = 0 and t = 3.2 s.

distance = ......................................................... [2]

(c) The car decelerates from 13.0 m / s to 0 m / s at a constant deceleration. The mass of the car is
1350 kg. The car travels 13 m in 2.0 s as it decelerates.

Show that the work done by the car as it decelerates is approximately 1.1 × 105 J.

[4]

(d) On another day, the car in (c) travels a longer distance while it decelerates from 13.0 m / s to
0 m / s. The deceleration is constant.

Suggest and explain what causes the stopping distance to increase.

suggestion ................................................................................................................................

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

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 13]

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2 Fig. 2.1 shows an electric tumble dryer used to dry wet clothes.

drum

hot air blows

into drum

clothes
heating element

cool air
condenser leaves condenser

water

Fig. 2.1

(a) Hot air blows into the drum. The air gains water vapour from the clothes and then leaves the
drum. The moist air enters the condenser. Cool air leaves the condenser, passes through the
heating element and enters the drum again.

(i) State the process by which the hot air removes water from the wet clothes.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) The air is cooled as it passes through the condenser.

Describe and explain one other way in which the air leaving the condenser is different
from the air entering the condenser.

description .........................................................................................................................

explanation ........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The drum of the tumble dryer rotates, lifting up the wet clothes which then fall down through
the hot air.

(i) Name the force that causes the clothes to fall down.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) When the drum rotates too fast the clothes remain in contact with the wall of the drum.

State the direction of the resultant force on the clothes during the circular motion.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(c) Suggest why using a clothesline to dry clothes in the open air is better for the environment
than using an electric tumble dryer.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 6]

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6

3 (a) A balloon of mass 15 g is glued to a straw. The straw is threaded onto a horizontal string, as
shown in Fig. 3.1.
The balloon is filled with air and then the air is released.

horizontal
string direction of motion of balloon

hollow straw fixed to balloon

balloon

Fig. 3.1

As the air leaves the balloon, the balloon experiences a force.

The balloon accelerates from rest until it reaches a constant speed. It then travels 0.67 m in
0.18 s at this constant speed.

(i) Explain in words what is meant by the term impulse.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the resultant impulse on the balloon while it is accelerating.

impulse = ......................................................... [3]

(iii) Explain how momentum is conserved as the balloon accelerates.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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(b) Fig. 3.2 shows the directions of two forces acting on a different balloon as it moves.

0.40 N force

0.74 N force

Fig. 3.2 (not to scale)

Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the balloon.

magnitude ...............................................................

direction relative to horizontal force ...............................................................

[4]

[Total: 10]
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8

4 Fig. 4.1 shows a bottle part-filled with water. The air inside the bottle is at the same pressure as
the air outside the bottle. The bottle and its contents are at room temperature.

bottle
air

water

Fig. 4.1

(a) The temperature of the bottle and its contents are increased.

(i) Explain, in terms of particles, how the air pressure inside the bottle changes as the
temperature increases.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) The lid is removed from the bottle.

State and explain how the air pressure inside the bottle changes.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

explanation ........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

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(b) The mass of water in the bottle is 0.18 kg. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C).

Calculate the thermal energy needed to increase the temperature of the water by 20 °C.

thermal energy = ......................................................... [2]

(c) Another plastic bottle is filled to the top with water. The height of the bottle is 40.0 cm. The
density of water is 1.0 × 103 kg / m3.

Calculate the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the water.

pressure difference = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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10

5 Fig. 5.1 shows a road junction, a moving car and a stationary truck. The road has high walls on
each side.

truck

car

Fig. 5.1

(a) The driver of the truck is at position X. The car moves around the corner.

On Fig. 5.1, label a point Y on the road where the truck driver first sees the car. [1]

(b) A plane mirror is placed at the road junction as shown in Fig. 5.2.

truck

car

Fig. 5.2

Show how this mirror allows the driver of the truck to see the car when it is at the position
shown in Fig. 5.2. [2]

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(c) The truck driver wears spectacles to correct long-sightedness. Fig. 5.3 shows how a blurred
image of an object O forms on the retina. Any effect of the cornea on the rays of light can be
ignored.

lens retina

cornea

Fig. 5.3

On Fig. 5.4, show how long-sightedness is corrected by:

• adding a suitable lens in front of the eye

• continuing the path of the three rays of light until they meet to form an image.

lens retina

Fig. 5.4
[4]

[Total: 7]

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12

6 Fig. 6.1 shows the circuit diagram for a flashlight (torch).

Fig. 6.1

The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery is 4.5 V. The circuit contains a 60 Ω fixed resistor.
The current in the light-emitting diode (LED) is 0.020 A.

(a) Calculate the potential difference (p.d.) across the LED.

p.d. = ......................................................... [2]

(b) Explain why the LED does not light up if the battery is reversed.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) The chemical energy stored in the battery is 1050 J.

Show that the flashlight operates for approximately 3 h.

[2]

(d) Calculate the total charge that flows through the LED in 3600 s.

charge = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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7 Fig. 7.1 shows some uses of electromagnetic radiation and different regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum.

use of electromagnetic region of electromagnetic

radiation spectrum

Bluetooth headset gamma rays

thermal imaging radio waves

photography of
people’s faces infrared

sterilising medical visible light

equipment

Fig. 7.1

(a) Draw a line from each use to the correct region of the spectrum. Each region of the spectrum
is used once. One line has been completed for you. [2]

(b) State the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum.

speed = ......................................................... [1]

(c) A Bluetooth headset can be used to listen to music on a mobile (cell) phone without the need
for wires to connect the headset to the phone.

(i) The headset uses frequencies in the range 2.40–2.48 GHz.

Calculate the wavelength of the radio waves when the frequency is in the middle of the
frequency range.

wavelength = ......................................................... [3]

(ii) Suggest why a Bluetooth headset only works well over short distances.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 7]

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8 The isotope uranium-235 is represented by

235
92 U.

(a) State what the numbers 92 and 235 represent in this symbol.

92 is ..........................................................................................................................................

235 is ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Uranium-235 is a fuel used in nuclear reactors.

(i) State the process by which energy is released from uranium-235 in a nuclear reactor.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) A nuclide equation for this process is

235 1 140 94 1
92 U + 0n 54 Xe + 38 Sr + 2 0 n.

Describe the mass and energy changes that take place during this process in a nuclear
reactor.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) State one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear fuels in a power station
instead of using fossil fuels.

advantage .........................................................................................................................

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

disadvantage .....................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 10]

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9 Table 9.1 gives information about three planets in the Solar System.

Table 9.1

planet mass average orbital gravitational field strength at surface

/ 1024 kg distance period N / kg
from Sun / days
/ 106 km

Earth 5.97 149.6 365.2 9.8

Jupiter 1898 778.6 4331 23.1

X 4.87 108.2 224.7 8.9

(a) State the name of planet X.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Describe the relationship shown in Table 9.1 between the mass of a planet and the
gravitational field strength at its surface.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(d) Show that the average orbital speed of the Earth is approximately 30 km / s.

[3]

[Total: 6]

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10 Complete the sentences about the life cycle of stars.

(a) Protostars are formed from .......................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................ [1]

(b) A protostar becomes a stable star when ...................................................................................

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

is balanced by ...........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The initial fuel used to power nuclear reactions in stars is .................................................... [1]

(d) Stars that are approximately the same size as the Sun become red giant stars which then

form a ........................................................................................................................................

with a white dwarf star at its centre. [1]

[Total: 5]

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

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1 A girl holds a rubber ball out of a window of a tall building. The mass of the ball is 0.20 kg. The ball
is at rest 10 m above a concrete path.

(a) Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the ball relative to the concrete path.

gravitational potential energy = ......................................................... [2]

(b) The girl releases the ball and it falls towards the path. The ball strikes the path and bounces
vertically upwards.

Fig. 1.1 shows the ball falling towards the path.

ball

10 m

concrete path

Fig. 1.1

The speed of the ball immediately before it strikes the path is 14 m / s.

The speed of the ball immediately after it strikes the path is 12 m / s.

(i) Calculate the kinetic energy of the ball immediately after it strikes the concrete path.

kinetic energy = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Show that the change in momentum of the ball when it bounces off the path is 5.2 kg m / s.

[3]
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(iii) The ball is in contact with the path for 0.25 s.

Calculate the average resultant force on the ball when it is in contact with the path.

force = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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2 A copper cooking pan contains water. Fig. 2.1 shows the pan on a hotplate of a cooker.

Fig. 2.1

Copper is a metal.

(a) Thermal energy is conducted through all solids by lattice vibrations.

Describe one other way in which thermal energy is conducted through the copper.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) The outside surface of the cooking pan is kept clean by regular polishing.

Explain one other advantage of keeping the surface of the pan shiny.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Identify the main method by which thermal energy is transferred throughout the water.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 6]

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3 Liquids are difficult to compress whereas gases can be compressed easily.

(a) Explain, in terms of particles, why it is difficult to compress liquids.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a rectangular block floating in water. The density of the water is 1000 kg / m3.

rectangular block

atmosphere

water

0.087 m

base
Fig. 3.1

The area of the base of the block is 0.014 m2. The base of the block is at a depth of 0.087 m
below the surface of the water.

(i) Show that the pressure due to the water at the base of the block is approximately 850 Pa.

[2]

(ii) Calculate the force F on the base of the block caused by the pressure given in (b)(i).

F = ......................................................... [2]

(iii) Force F is equal to the weight of the block.

Calculate the mass of the block.

mass = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]
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6

4 A radio transmitter is a very tall, thin cylinder. It is prevented from falling over by wires which have
one end fixed to the transmitter and the other end fixed in the ground. The ends of the wires in the
ground are a long distance from the transmitter.

Fig. 4.1 shows the transmitter and two of the wires.

transmitter

wire W

base ground

Fig. 4.1

(a) The centre of gravity G is shown on Fig. 4.1.

(i) State what is meant by centre of gravity.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain why the radio transmitter without the wires is a very unstable structure.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Wire W is under tension and it exerts a force T on the transmitter.

(i) On Fig. 4.1, mark an arrow to show the force T exerted by wire W on the transmitter. [1]

(ii) The force T produces a moment on the transmitter about its base.

Describe how the moment produced by T is calculated and indicate on Fig. 4.1 what is
meant by any other terms in the description.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [3]
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7

State one other use of radio waves.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 7]

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8

5 Many methods of generating electrical power involve the use of water.

(a) Describe one method of generating electrical power from energy stored in water.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) For the method you chose in (a), state one advantage and one disadvantage of generating
electricity this way.

advantage .................................................................................................................................

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

disadvantage ............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 7]

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6 A page of printed text is placed 18 cm from a converging lens of focal length 35 cm.

Fig. 6.1 is a scale diagram of the arrangement with each of the two principal focuses (focal points)
of the lens labelled F.

5.0 cm

F F
18 cm
page of printed text

lens

Fig. 6.1

(a) A length of 1.0 cm on the scale diagram represents an actual length of 5.0 cm.

(i) By drawing on Fig. 6.1, locate the image of the page produced by the lens and label it I. [3]

(ii) Using Fig. 6.1, determine the actual distance of image I from the lens.

actual distance from lens = ......................................................... [2]

(b) Converging lenses can be used as magnifying glasses.

State whether the image produced when a lens is used as a magnifying glass is real or
virtual. Explain why.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 8]

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7 (a) A plastic rod is uncharged.

When the rod is rubbed with a woollen cloth, the rod becomes negatively charged.

Explain, in terms of particles, why the rod becomes negatively charged.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Fig. 7.1 shows a negatively charged metal sphere S.

–
– –

– –

sphere S

Fig. 7.1

There is an electric field surrounding S.

(i) State what is meant by an electric field.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) On Fig. 7.1, draw the pattern of the electric field surrounding sphere S and indicate its
direction. [2]

–
– –

– –
Z
sphere S

Fig. 7.2

Charge Z experiences a force due to the electric field surrounding S.

On Fig. 7.2, draw an arrow to show the direction of this force on Z. [1]

[Total: 6]
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8 A cylinder is made of modelling clay. The modelling clay is an electrical conductor.

Fig. 8.1 shows the cylinder.

cross-sectional area

length

Fig. 8.1

The cylinder is connected into a circuit.

Fig. 8.2 shows that the circuit also includes a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 9.0 V and a
resistor P.

9.0 V

cylinder of modelling clay

Fig. 8.2

The resistance of P is 4.0 Ω. The current in P is 1.5 A.

(a) Calculate:

(i) the magnitude X of the charge that flows through P in 600 s

X = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) the resistance of the cylinder of modelling clay.

resistance = ......................................................... [3]

(b) The cylinder is removed from the circuit and replaced with a new cylinder made of the same
modelling clay.

The new cylinder is twice the length and has half the cross-sectional area of the first cylinder.

Calculate the time that it now takes for a charge of magnitude X to flow through resistor P.

time = ......................................................... [4]

[Total: 9]

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9 Many household smoke alarms contain a sample of the radioactive isotope americium-241 (Am).

(a) Americium-241 is the isotope of the element americium that has the nucleon number (mass
number) 241.

(i) State how the composition of a nucleus of americium-241 differs from that of a nucleus
of americium-242.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) An atom of a different element has a nucleon number of 241.

State two differences between the composition of a nucleus of this atom and a nucleus
of americium-241.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Americium-241 decays to an isotope of neptunium (Np) by alpha-particle (α-particle) emission.

(i) Complete the equation for this decay.

241 ..... .....
.....
Am 93
Np + .....
α
[3]

(ii) One reason for using an isotope that emits α-particles in a smoke detector is that
α-particles are more strongly ionising than beta-particles (β-particles).

Explain why α-particles are more strongly ionising than β-particles.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(iii) The isotope of neptunium produced by americium-241 is also radioactive.

The decay of this isotope of neptunium produces an isotope of protactinium which

decays by β-emission. β-particles are more penetrating than α-particles.

The half-life of neptunium is longer than two million years.

Using this information, explain the advantage of this long half-life for the use and safe
disposal of a household smoke alarm.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 10]

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10 The Milky Way is one of many billions of galaxies. Each galaxy contains many billions of stable stars.

(a) Stable stars transfer energy into space by emitting electromagnetic radiation from their
surfaces.

Describe what happens in the core of a stable star to release energy that is eventually
transferred into space.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) On the Earth, light from a distant galaxy is observed and analysed by astronomers. This
information is used to determine the speed at which the galaxy is moving away from the
Earth.

(i) Describe how the observed light is different from when it was emitted.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State the quantity that astronomers use to determine the speed at which the galaxy is
moving away.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) The Hubble constant H0 is equal to 2.2 × 10–18 per second.

(i) Calculate the distance from the Earth of a galaxy that is moving away at a speed of
1.3 × 107 m / s.

distance = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate an estimate for the age of the Universe. Give your answer in years.

age of the Universe = ............................................... years [2]

[Total: 10]

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1 A student investigates how partly covering the top of a beaker of water affects the rate at which
the water cools.

The apparatus used is shown in Fig. 1.1.

thermometer

lid partly covering

beaker

water

Fig. 1.1

(a)

–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

°C

Fig. 1.2

Read and record the room temperature θR, shown on the thermometer in Fig. 1.2.

θR = ........................................................... [1]

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(b) The student pours 100 cm3 of hot water into a beaker. She places lid A on the beaker. This
leaves half of the top of the beaker uncovered, as shown in Fig. 1.3.

She records the temperature of the water in the beaker and immediately starts a stopwatch.
She records the temperature θ of the water every 30 s. Her readings are shown in Table 1.1.

She repeats the procedure using lid B. This leaves a quarter of the top of the beaker
uncovered, as shown in Fig. 1.4.

lid A lid B beaker

beaker
uncovered area

uncovered area

Fig. 1.3 Fig. 1.4

Complete the headings row in Table 1.1.

Complete the time t column in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1

beaker with beaker with

lid A lid B
t / ..... θ / ..... θ / .....
0 80.0 81.0
77.0 79.0
74.5 77.5
72.5 76.0
70.5 75.0
69.0 74.0
68.0 73.5
[2]

(c) Describe a precaution that should be taken to ensure that the temperature readings are as
accurate as possible in the experiment.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(d) (i) Write a conclusion to this experiment, stating for which lid the rate of cooling is greater.
Justify your answer with reference to the results.

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

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Suggest a change to the apparatus that produces a greater difference between the rates
of cooling for lid A and lid B. Explain why the change produces a greater difference.

change ...............................................................................................................................

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

explanation .........................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................
[2]

(e) Another student thinks that the cooling rate is directly proportional to the percentage of
the surface area uncovered. He draws a graph of cooling rate against the percentage of
uncovered area to investigate this.

Describe how his graph line shows whether the rate of cooling and the percentage of
uncovered surface area are directly proportional.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [2]

(f) Students in other countries are doing the same experiment.

State one factor they must keep the same to obtain similar readings.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 11]

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2 A student is investigating a resistance wire. She uses the circuit shown in Fig. 2.1.

power supply

P Q
crocodile clip

resistance wire
l

Fig. 2.1

(a) (i) On Fig. 2.1, draw a voltmeter connected to measure the potential difference (p.d.) V
across terminals P and Q.[1]

(ii) The student connects the crocodile clip to a length l = 90.0 cm of the resistance wire and
measures the potential difference V across terminals P and Q and the current I in the
circuit.

2 3 0.4 0.6
1 4 0.2 0.8
0 5 0 1.0

V A

Fig. 2.2 Fig. 2.3

Read, and record in Table 2.1, the values of V and I shown on the meters in Fig. 2.2 and
Fig. 2.3. [2]

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(b) The student then connects the crocodile clip to lengths l = 60.0 cm and l = 40.0 cm of the
resistance wire. She measures the potential difference V across terminals P and Q and the
current I in the circuit. Her readings are shown in Table 2.1.

Complete the column headings in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

l / cm V/ I/ R/Ω R Ω X
/
l cm
90.0
60.0 2.5 0.49
40.0 2.3 0.74
[1]

Calculate, and record in Table 2.1, the resistance R of each length l of the wire.
(c) (i)
V
Use the readings from the table and the equation R = .
I

[2]

R
(ii) Calculate, and record in Table 2.1, the value of for each length l of the wire.
l

[1]

R
(d) Another student suggests that the values of for each length of wire should be the same.
l

State whether the results support this suggestion.

Justify your statement with reference to values from the results.

statement ...................................................................................................................................

justification .................................................................................................................................

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

....................................................................................................................................................
[1]

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(e) Suggest one difficulty which explains why different students, doing the experiment carefully
with the same equipment, may not obtain identical results.

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

............................................................................................................................................... [1]

(f) A student finds that during the experiment, the wire becomes hot because there is a high
current.

He decides to use a variable resistor to prevent this.

(i) Draw an X on the circuit in Fig. 2.1 to show where a variable resistor is connected for this
purpose in the experiment.

[1]

(ii) In the space below, sketch the circuit symbol for a variable resistor.

[1]

[Total: 11]

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3 A student investigates the magnification produced by a converging lens.

He is using the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1.

illuminated
u screen
triangle
lens

Fig. 3.1

(a) The illuminated object consists of a triangular-shaped hole in a piece of card. Fig. 3.2 shows,
full size, the illuminated object.

card

Fig. 3.2

Measure and record the height hO of the triangular-shaped hole.

hO =...................................................... cm [1]

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(b) The distance between the illuminated object and the centre of the lens is set to u = 20.0 cm.
The screen is moved until a focused image of the illuminated object is seen, as shown in
Fig. 3.3.

screen

image
hI

Fig. 3.3

The student repeats the procedure for u = 30.0 cm, u = 40.0 cm, u = 50.0 cm and u = 60.0 cm.
His results are shown in Table 3.1.

Measure, and record in the first row of Table 3.1, the height hI of the image.

hO
Using your results from (a) and the equation M = , calculate a value M and record this
hI
value in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

u / cm hI / cm M
20.0
30.0 1.5 0.93
40.0 0.9 1.6
50.0 0.6 2.3
60.0 0.5 2.8
[2]

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(c) Plot a graph of u / cm (y-axis) against M (x-axis).

You do not have to start your axes at the origin (0, 0).

[4]

(d) Determine the gradient G of the graph.

Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the necessary information.

G =.............................................................[2]

(e) Describe one difficulty that might be experienced when measuring the height of the image hI.

Suggest an improvement to the apparatus to reduce this difficulty.

difficulty ......................................................................................................................................

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

improvement ..............................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

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4 A student is investigating the factors that affect the size of the crater (hole) a ball makes when it is
dropped into sand.

Plan an experiment to investigate one factor that affects the size of the crater.

The apparatus available includes:

metal balls of different sizes

a tray of dry sand.

Write a plan for the experiment.

In your plan, you should:

• state which factor is being investigated

• state a key variable to keep constant

• list any additional apparatus needed

• explain briefly how to do the experiment, including what is measured and how this is done

• state how to obtain reliable results for this experiment

• suggest a suitable graph to be drawn from the results.

You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.

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13

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

...................................................................................................................................................... [7]

[Total: 7]
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2

1 A student determines the diameter of a marble by two methods and calculates the density of the
material from which the marble is made.

Some marbles are shown full size in Fig. 1.1.

bench

Fig. 1.1

Method 1

(a) (i) On Fig. 1.1, measure the length D.

D = ......................................................... cm

Using your value of D, calculate the average diameter d1 of one marble.

d1 = ......................................................... cm
[2]

(ii) Suggest why it is more accurate, when using a ruler, to measure D for five marbles
rather than measure the diameter of a single marble.

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[1]

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Method 2

(b) Fig. 1.2 shows two wooden blocks and one of the marbles.

wooden blocks marble

bench

Fig. 1.2

Describe how the student uses the two blocks and the marble to determine a new accurate
value for the diameter of a marble.
Draw a diagram to show the arrangement.
Describe clearly how the student ensures that the value for the diameter of a marble is as
accurate as possible.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) (i) The student uses the top pan balance as shown in Fig. 1.3 to measure the mass of the
five marbles.
He measures the mass M0 of a beaker without the marbles and then measures the mass
M5 of the same beaker containing the marbles.

beaker
marbles

top pan balance

bench
30.8 g 64.3 g

Fig. 1.3

Record the values of M0 and M5 as shown on the top pan balance in Fig. 1.3.

M0 = ............................................................ g

M5 = ............................................................ g

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4

Use these values to calculate the average mass m of one marble.

m = ...................................................... g [1]

(ii) The student pours water into a measuring cylinder.

He records the reading V1 of the water level in the measuring cylinder.

26
V1 = ........................................................ cm3

The student places the five marbles into the water in the measuring cylinder as shown in
Fig. 1.4.

measuring cylinder

water
40

marbles

bench

Fig. 1.4

Record the new reading V2 of the water level in the measuring cylinder shown in Fig. 1.4.

V2 = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(iii) Calculate a value for the average volume V of one marble. Use the values from (c)(ii)
and the equation
V2 – V1
V= .
5

V = .................................................. cm3 [1]

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(iv) Calculate a value for the density ρ of the material from which the marble is made. Use
your values of m from (c)(i), V from (c)(iii) and the equation
m
ρ= .
V

ρ = .............................................. g / cm3 [1]

(d) Describe one possible source of inaccuracy in the method described in (c) and suggest one
improvement to reduce its effect.

source of inaccuracy .................................................................................................................

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

improvement .............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

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6

2 A student investigates the cooling of hot water from different initial temperatures.

She uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.1.

clamp

thermometer boss

beaker
stand

bench

Fig. 2.1

(a) (i) The student measures the room temperature.

Record room temperature θR shown on the thermometer in Fig. 2.1.

θR = .................................................... °C [1]

(ii) Describe one precaution that the student takes to ensure that this temperature reading
is as accurate as possible.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Experiment A

The student pours a volume of 100 cm3 of hot water into the beaker and records the
temperature θA at time t = 0 s.
She records the temperature of the water in the beaker every 30 s.

Her readings for Experiment A are shown in Table 2.1.

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Experiment B

The student repeats the process. She waits until the initial temperature θB of the water is the
same value as the temperature θA at 90 s in Experiment A.
In the first line of Table 2.1, record her initial temperature θB for Experiment B. [1]

Her readings for the remainder of Experiment B are shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

t/s θA / °C θB / °C
0 92.0
30 89.5 83.5
60 87.0 81.5
90 85.0 79.5
120 83.5 78.0
150 82.0 76.5
180 80.0 75.0

(c) Write a conclusion stating how the temperature at t = 0 s affects the rate of cooling of the
water.
Justify your answer by reference to values from the results.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(d) (i) Calculate the average cooling rate x1 during the second half of Experiment A.
Use the readings from Table 2.1 and the equation
θA90 – θA180
x1 =
T
where T = 90 s and θA90 and θA180 are the temperatures at t = 90 s and t = 180 s in
Experiment A.
Include the unit for the cooling rate.

x1 = ......................................................... [1]

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(ii) Calculate the average cooling rate x2 during the first half of Experiment B.

Use the readings from Table 2.1 and the equation

θB0 – θB90
x2 =
T
where T = 90 s and θB0 and θB90 are the temperatures at t = 0 s and t = 90 s in
Experiment B.

x2 = ......................................................... [1]

(iii) A student suggests that x1 and x2 should be the same.

State whether your results support this suggestion.
Justify your statement by reference to your results.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

justification ........................................................................................................................

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(e) State two variables which must be controlled so that the comparison of x1 and x2 is valid.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

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

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

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3 A student investigates the properties of a resistance wire.

He uses the circuit shown in Fig. 3.1.

A crocodile clip

resistance wire
l

Fig. 3.1

(a) On Fig. 3.1, draw a voltmeter connected to measure the potential difference (p.d.) across
length l of the resistance wire.
[1]

(b) (i) The student connects the crocodile clip to a length l = 20.0 cm of the resistance wire.
He measures the value of potential difference V and current I for the resistance wire.

2 3 0.4 0.6
1 4 0.2 0.8

0 5 0 1.0

V A

Fig. 3.2 Fig. 3.3

Read, and record in the first line of Table 3.1, the values of V and I shown on the meters
in Fig. 3.2 and Fig. 3.3.

The student repeats the process for lengths l = 40.0 cm, l = 60.0 cm, l = 80.0 cm and
l = 100.0 cm of the resistance wire in turn.
His results are shown in Table 3.1.

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Table 3.1

l / cm V/V I /A R/Ω
20.0
40.0 1.7 0.47 3.6
60.0 2.2 0.52 4.2
80.0 2.3 0.35 6.6
100.0 2.4 0.29 8.3
[2]

(ii) For length l = 20.0 cm, calculate and record in Table 3.1 the resistance R of the resistance
wire. Use your values of V and I from (b)(i) and the equation
V
R= .
I
[1]

(c) Plot a graph of R / Ω (y-axis) against l / cm (x-axis).

Draw the straight line of best fit.

[4]

(d) (i) Determine the gradient G of the graph. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the
necessary information.

G = ......................................................... [1]

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(ii) The gradient G is numerically equal to the resistance per unit length R0 of the resistance
wire.
Write down a value of R0 for this experiment.

R0 = ............................................... Ω / cm [1]

(e) Suggest one practical reason why students carrying out this experiment may not obtain the
same readings as in Table 3.1. Assume that the procedure has been done carefully.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

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4 A student investigates the motion of a ball through the air.

Plan an experiment which will enable him to investigate how the range of the ball depends on the
angle at which it is launched.

The range is the horizontal distance that the ball travels after leaving the end of the channel
shown in Fig. 4.1 and before hitting the ground.

The apparatus available includes:

• a flexible channel, as shown in Fig. 4.1, which can be bent at different angles
• a selection of balls, each of different diameter and mass.

In your plan, you should:

• list any additional apparatus needed

• explain briefly how to do the experiment – you may add to Fig. 4.1 if it helps your explanation
• state the key variables to keep constant
• draw a table with column headings, to show how to display the readings (you are not required
to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use the results to reach a conclusion.

flexible
channel

variable angle

floor

Fig. 4.1

135
15

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

............................................................................................................................................................ [7]

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2

1 A student investigates the balancing of a metre ruler.

Fig. 1.1 shows the set-up.

50.0 cm
metre ruler
P Q
x y
0 100

90.0 cm

bench
pivot

Fig. 1.1

(a) The student places the metre ruler on the pivot at the 50.0 cm mark with the scale of the ruler
facing upwards.
He places an object Q with its centre on the metre ruler at the 90.0 cm mark.

Calculate the distance y from the centre of Q to the 100.0 cm end of the ruler.

y = ................................................... cm [1]

(b) The student places a load P of weight P = 2.0 N on the metre ruler.

He adjusts the position of the load so that the metre ruler is as near as possible to being
balanced. He measures the distance x from the centre of P to the zero end of the ruler.

He repeats the procedure using loads of weight P = 3.0 N, 4.0 N, 5.0 N and 6.0 N. The values
of P and x are shown in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1

P/N x / cm
2.0 10.2
3.0 23.1
4.0 30.0
5.0 33.8
6.0 36.8

Describe the main difficulty that a student has when doing this experiment as accurately as
possible.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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3

(c) Plot a graph of P / N (y-axis) against x / cm (x-axis).

Draw the best-fit line.

[4]

(d) Use the graph to find the value of x required to balance the ruler when P = 3.5 N. Show clearly
on the graph how you determined the value of x.

x = ......................................................... [3]

(e) Using apparatus from Fig. 1.1, explain briefly how you would determine the position of the
centre of mass of the ruler.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 11]

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4

2 A student investigates the cooling of water under different conditions.

Fig. 2.1 shows the set-up.

thermometer

beaker bench

Fig. 2.1

(a) The thermometer in Fig. 2.2 shows the room temperature θR at the beginning of the
experiment. Record θR.

–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

°C

Fig. 2.2

θR = ......................................................... [1]

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5

(b) The student pours 200 cm3 of hot water into the beaker.

She records the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. She immediately starts a
stop-watch.
She continues recording the temperature at 30 s intervals. The temperature readings are
shown in Table 2.1.

(i) Complete the column headings in Table 2.1. [1]

(ii) Complete the first column of Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

t/ θ/
92
84
78
74
71
69
67
[1]

(c) (i) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ between t = 0 and t = 180 s.

Δθ = ......................................................... [1]
Δθ
(ii) Calculate the average rate of cooling R of the water using the equation R = Δt ,
where Δt = 180 s. Include the unit.

R = ......................................................... [2]

(d) A student states that the average rate of cooling of the water decreases as the temperature
comes nearer to room temperature.

(i) Suggest one change to the experiment that you could make to test the statement.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Suggest how to display the results to make it easier to see the trend in the rate of cooling.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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6

(e) Explain briefly why it is good practice to read the thermometer scale at right angles.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(f) The student uses a measuring cylinder to measure 200 cm3 of hot water. She reads the scale
at right angles.

Suggest another precaution to obtain an accurate reading of the volume of the water.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

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7

3 A student investigates the refraction of light using a semicircular transparent block.

Fig. 3.1 and Fig. 3.2 show his ray-trace sheet.

eye

P3
A B
P Q

Fig. 3.1

(a) • On Fig. 3.1, draw the normal NL through the centre of AB.
• Continue the normal so that it passes through the curved side of the block.
• Label the normal NL.
• Label the point C where the normal NL crosses AB.
[1]

(b) (i) Draw a line DC, below line PC, at an angle i = 30° to the normal and to the left of the
normal. [1]

(ii) • Mark with neat crosses (X) the positions for two pins on line DC at a suitable
distance apart for this type of ray-trace experiment.
• Label the positions P1 and P2.
[1]

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8

(c) The student looks from the position of the eye shown in Fig. 3.1, to observe the images of P1
and P2 through side AB of the block.
He adjusts his line of sight until the images of P1 and P2 appear one behind the other.

He places two pins, P3 and P4, between his eye and the block so that P3, P4, and the images
of P1 and P2 seen through the block, appear one behind the other.

The positions of P3 and P4 are shown on Fig. 3.1.

(i) • Draw a line joining the positions of P3 and P4. Continue the line to AB.
• Label E, the end of the line furthest from AB.
[1]

(ii) Measure the acute angle α between the line NL and the line CE. (An acute angle is less
than 90°.)

α = ........................................................° [2]

(d) State one precaution that you would take in order to produce an accurate ray trace.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(e) The student moves the transparent block to a new position on the ray-trace sheet, as shown
in Fig. 3.2.

A C B
P Q

Fig. 3.2

He places pins P1 and P2 on line DC in the same positions used in (b)(ii).

He observes the images of P1 and P2 through the curved side of the block.

He places pins P5 and P6 between his eye and the block so that P5, P6, and the images of P1
and P2 seen through the block, appear one behind the other.

He draws a line CF through the positions of P5 and P6.

(i) Measure the acute angle β between the line AB and the line CF. (An acute angle is less
than 90°.)

(ii) Calculate the angle θ between line CF and the normal to line AB. Show your working.

θ = ........................................................° [2]

(f) A student suggests that angle α should be equal to angle θ. State whether your results
support the suggestion and justify your answer with reference to the results.

statement ..................................................................................................................................

justification ................................................................................................................................

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

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10

4 A student investigates the change in resistance of a lamp filament when the current in the lamp is
increased.

The following apparatus is available:

• a power supply
• a low-voltage filament lamp
• an ammeter
• a voltmeter
• connecting wires.

Other apparatus normally found in a school laboratory is also available.

Plan an experiment to investigate the change in resistance of the lamp filament when the current
in the lamp is increased.
V
Resistance R is given by the equation R = , where V is the potential difference (p.d.) across the
I
lamp and I is the current in the lamp.

You should:

• draw a diagram of the circuit used

• explain briefly how to do the investigation, including how to change the current
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display your readings (you are
not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use your readings to reach a conclusion.

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11

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

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

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2

1 A student investigates the stretching of a spring.

Fig. 1.1 shows the set-up.

spring

metre ruler
clamp stand

bench

Fig. 1.1

(a) The value l 0 is the length of the spring when the load L is 0.0 N.

The student measures the length l 0 of the spring. She records l 0 = 16 mm in Table 1.1.

Draw a diagram of the spring to show clearly the length l 0 of the spring.

[1]

(b) The student suspends a load L = 0.20 N from the spring. She records the new length l of the
spring in Table 1.1.

She repeats the procedure using loads L = 0.40 N, 0.60 N, 0.80 N and 1.00 N. The readings
are shown in Table 1.1.

(i) Calculate the extension e of the spring for each load using the equation e = (l – l 0).

Record the values of e in Table 1.1.

[2]

147
3

(ii) Complete the column headings in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1

L/ l/ e/
0.00 16 0
0.20 18
0.40 21
0.60 23
0.80 24
1.00 26
[1]

(c) Plot a graph of L (y-axis) against e (x-axis).

Draw the best-fit line.

[4]

(d) Use the graph to determine eA, the extension produced by a load of 0.50 N. Show clearly on
the graph how you obtained the necessary information.

eA = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 11]

148
4

2 A student investigates the cooling of water.

Fig. 2.1 shows the set-up.

thermometer

lid bench
beaker

Fig. 2.1

(a) The thermometer in Fig. 2.2 shows the room temperature θR at the beginning of the
experiment. Record θR.

–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

°C

Fig. 2.2

θR = ......................................................... [1]

149
5

(b) The student pours 200 cm3 of hot water into a beaker. He places a lid on the beaker. He
places the thermometer in the hot water in the beaker.

He records, in Table 2.1, the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. He immediately
starts a stop-watch.

He continues recording the temperature in Table 2.1 at 30 s intervals until he has seven sets
of readings.

(i) Complete the column headings in Table 2.1. [1]

(ii) Write the times in the first column of Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

t/ θ/
92
87
83
80
78
76
75
[1]

(c) (i) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ between t = 0 and t = 180 s.

Δθ = ......................................................... [1]
Δθ
(ii) Calculate the average rate of cooling R of the water using the equation R = ,
Δt
where Δt = 180 s. Include the unit.

R = ......................................................... [2]

(d) A student states that the water cools slowly.

Suggest two changes to the experiment that the student makes to increase the rate of
cooling of the hot water without changing the starting temperature of the hot water. Room
temperature remains constant.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

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

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

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6

(e) State one precaution that you would take to obtain accurate temperature readings.

Explain briefly the reason for this precaution.

statement ..................................................................................................................................

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(f) The student uses a measuring cylinder to measure 200 cm3 of water. He takes the reading
from the bottom of the meniscus.

Explain the reason for taking the reading at the bottom of the meniscus rather than at the top
of the meniscus.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

151
7

3 A student investigates the refraction of light using a semicircular transparent block.

Fig. 3.1 shows her ray-trace sheet.

eye

A B
P Q

Fig. 3.1

(a) (i) • Draw a normal NL through the centre of AB.

• Continue the normal so that it passes through the curved side of the block.
• Label the normal NL.
• Label the point C where the normal NL crosses AB.
[1]

(ii) • Draw a line DC, below line PC, at an angle i = 20° to the normal and to the left of the
normal. [1]

(iii) • Mark with neat crosses (X) the positions for two pins on line DC at a suitable
distance apart for this type of ray-trace experiment.
• Label the positions P1 and P2.
[1]

152
8

(b) The student looks from the position of the eye shown in Fig. 3.1, to observe the images of P1
and P2 through side AB of the block.
She adjusts her line of sight until the images of P1 and P2 appear one behind the other.

She places two pins, P3 and P4, between her eye and the block so that P3, P4, and the
images of P1 and P2 seen through the block, appear one behind the other.

The positions of P3 and P4 are shown in Fig. 3.1.

(i) • Draw a line joining the positions of P3 and P4. Continue the line to AB.
• Label E, the end of the line furthest from AB.
[1]

(ii) Measure the acute angle θ between the line NL and the line EC. (An acute angle is less
than 90°.)

θ = ......................................................... [2]

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(d) The student replaces the transparent block on the ray-trace sheet in the position shown in
Fig. 3.2.

A C B
P Q

Fig. 3.2

153
9

She replaces pins P1 and P2 on line DC in the same positions used in (a)(iii).

She observes the images of P1 and P2 through the curved side of the block. She adjusts her
line of sight until the images of P1 and P2 appear one behind the other.

She places two pins, P5 and P6, between her eye and the block so that P5, P6, and the
images of P1 and P2 seen through the block, appear one behind the other.

The positions of P5 and P6 are shown on Fig. 3.2.

(i) • Draw a line joining the positions of P5 and P6. Continue the line to C.
• Label G, the end of the line furthest from AB.

Measure the acute angle α between the line AB and the line GC. (An acute angle is less
than 90°.)

α = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the angle β between the line GC and the normal NL.

β = ......................................................... [1]

(e) A student suggests that angle β should be equal to the angle of incidence i = 20°.

State whether your result supports the suggestion and justify your answer.

statement ..................................................................................................................................

justification ................................................................................................................................

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 11]

154
10

4 A student investigates the change in current in a conducting liquid as the distance between two
electrodes is changed. The circuit is shown in Fig. 4.1.

electrodes

Fig. 4.1

Plan an experiment to investigate the change in current in the liquid as the distance between the
electrodes is changed.

You should:

• explain briefly how to do the investigation

• state the key variables to keep constant
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display your readings (you are
not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use your readings to reach a conclusion.

155
11

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

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

156
3

1 A student determines the mass MR of a metre ruler by a balancing method.

He uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.1.

load a b
metre ruler

bench

5.0 cm mark pivot 50.0 cm mark

Fig. 1.1

(a) The student places a circular load of mass M = 20 g on the metre ruler but in a position
different from that shown in Fig. 1.1.

load metre ruler

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Fig. 1.2 (not to scale)

Determine the distance d0 of the centre of the load from the zero end of the ruler, as shown in
Fig. 1.2. Fig. 1.2 is not to scale.

d0 = ................................................... cm [1]

157
4

(b) (i) The student places the metre ruler on the pivot and changes the position of the load so
that the centre of the load is at the 5.0 cm mark.

He adjusts the position of the metre ruler on the pivot until the metre ruler is as near as
possible to being balanced.

Describe a technique for ensuring that the ruler is as near as possible to being balanced.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) The student determines the scale reading p on the ruler at the position of the pivot.
He calculates the distance a between the 5.0 cm mark and the pivot and the distance b
between the 50.0 cm mark and the pivot, using the equations

a = p – 5.0

b = 50.0 – p.

He repeats the procedure for values of M = 40 g, 60 g, 80 g and 100 g.

His results are shown in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1

b
M/g a / cm b / cm
a
20 39.5 5.5
40 35.7 9.3 0.26
60 32.6 12.4 0.38
80 29.0 16.0 0.55
100 27.0 18.0 0.67

b
For the value of M = 20 g, calculate and record in Table 1.1 the value of . [1]
a

158
5

b
(c) Plot a graph of M / g (y-axis) against (x-axis).
a
Draw the best-fit line.

[4]

(d) (i) Determine the gradient G of the graph. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the
necessary information.

G = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) The mass MR of the metre ruler is numerically equal to G.

Write down the value of MR in this experiment. Include the unit.

MR = ......................................................... [1]

159
6

(e) (i) The determination of MR by this method assumes that the centre of mass of the metre
ruler is at the 50.0 cm mark.

Suggest how you could use apparatus from Fig. 1.1 to test whether the centre of mass of
the metre ruler is at the 50.0 cm mark. You may draw a diagram.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) A student finds that the centre of mass of her metre ruler is at the 48.7 cm mark.

Suggest how she changes the procedure in (b)(ii) to allow for this.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 11]

160
7

2 A student investigates a circuit containing different combinations of resistors.

She uses circuit A, shown in Fig. 2.1.

Circuit A is not yet complete.

U 3Ω

P Q

Fig. 2.1

(a) On Fig. 2.1, complete the circuit to show a voltmeter connected to measure the potential
difference (p.d.) across resistor U. [1]

(b) Circuit A

The student measures the potential difference (p.d.) V across resistor U and the current I in
the circuit.

2 3 0.4 0.6
1 4 0.2 0.8

0 5 0 1.0
V A

Fig. 2.2 Fig. 2.3

Read, and record in Table 2.1, the values of V and I shown on the meters in Fig. 2.2 and
Fig. 2.3.

Table 2.1

circuit V/V I /A R/Ω

B 2.1 0.54

P 3Ω Q

Fig. 2.4

Circuit C
3Ω

3Ω
P Q
3Ω

Fig. 2.5

The student connects two 3 Ω resistors in parallel between P and Q as shown in Fig. 2.4 to
form circuit B.

The student connects three 3 Ω resistors in parallel as shown in Fig. 2.5 to form circuit C.

For each circuit, she measures the potential difference (p.d.) V across resistor U and the
current I in the circuit. Her readings are shown in Table 2.1.

(i) Calculate, and record in Table 2.1, the resistance R of resistor U for each combination of
resistors.

Use the readings from Table 2.1 and the equation R = V .

[2]
(ii) A student suggests that the values of R should be the same.

State whether your results support this suggestion. Justify your statement by reference
to values from your results.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

justification ........................................................................................................................

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

162
9

(d) A student determines the resistance of resistor U using a variable resistor to control the
current in the circuit.

(i) Complete the circuit in Fig. 2.6 to show a variable resistor used for this purpose.

Fig. 2.6
[2]

(ii) Briefly explain one advantage of using a variable resistor to determine the resistance of
resistor U rather than the procedure carried out in (b) and (c).

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(e) A student suggests that potential difference and current for resistor U are proportional.

State how a graph of potential difference against current for resistor U can confirm this
suggestion.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

163
10

3 A student investigates the reflection of light by two plane mirrors.

The student’s ray-trace sheet is shown full-size in Fig. 3.1.

ray-trace sheet

100°
P4

mirror
P6 mirror
P2 θ

E
G
P3

A
P5

Fig. 3.1

164
11

(a) The student places two mirrors, FE and FG, at an angle of 100° to each other, as shown in
Fig. 3.1.

(i) On Fig. 3.1, draw a normal to FG at point N. Extend the normal below FG. Label the
lower end of the normal with the letter L. [1]

(ii) The student draws line AN, as shown in Fig. 3.1.

On Fig. 3.1, measure the acute angle θ1 between the lines AN and GN. (An acute angle
is less than 90°.)

θ1 = ........................................................° [1]

(b) The student places two pins, P1 and P2, on line AN, as shown in Fig. 3.1.

(i) Measure the distance d between pins P1 and P2.

d = ................................................... cm [1]

(ii) Suggest whether the two pins are a suitable distance apart for accurate ray tracing.
Explain your answer.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

explanation .........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[1]

(c) The student views the images of P1 and P2 in mirror FE.

She places two pins, P3 and P4, so that pins P3, P4 and the images of P1 and P2 all appear
one behind the other.

• Draw a line through P3 and P4. Extend the line 10 cm above FE.
• Label the upper end of this line with the letter R.
• Label the lower end of the line with the letter B.
[1]

(d) The student repeats the procedure for an angle θ2 = 40°.

She places two pins, P5 and P6, so that pins P5, P6 and the images of P1 and P2 all appear
one behind the other.

• Draw a line through pins P5 and P6. Extend the line until it crosses BR.
• Label the upper end of this line with the letter T.
• Label the lower end of the line with the letter C.

(i) Measure the acute angle α between lines BR and CT. (An acute angle is less than 90°.)

α = ........................................................° [1]

165
12

(ii) A student thinks that there is a relationship between angle α and the values of angle θ1
from (a)(ii) and angle θ2 from (d).

State what your results suggest that relationship could be. Justify your answer by
reference to values from your results.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

justification .........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(e) Suggest two precautions to take in this type of experiment to ensure accurate results.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

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

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(f) Suggest one reason why different students, all doing this experiment carefully, may not
obtain identical results.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

166
14

4 A student investigates the rate of cooling of hot water in a container which has a lid.

Plan an experiment which will enable him to compare the effect of lids of different thicknesses on
the rate of cooling.

The apparatus available includes:

• a beaker
• a supply of hot water
• insulating material from which lids can be cut.

In your plan, you should:

• list any additional apparatus needed

• explain briefly how to do the experiment, including the measurements to take so that the rate
of cooling can be determined
• state the key variables to keep constant
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display the readings (you are
not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use the readings to reach a conclusion.

You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.

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

..........................................................................................................................................................
© UCLES 2023 0625/63/M/J/23
167
15

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

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

168
2

1 A student determines the weight of a metre ruler using a balancing method.

Fig. 1.1 shows the set-up.

P metre ruler
a b

90.0 cm

pivot bench

Fig. 1.1

(a) The student places the metre ruler on the pivot. She places a load P on the metre ruler at the
90.0 cm mark. She adjusts the position of the metre ruler on the pivot so that the metre ruler
is as near as possible to being balanced.

The ruler balances with the pivot at the 75.0 cm mark.

Calculate the distance a from the 90.0 cm mark to the pivot.

Record the value of a in the first row of Table 1.1. [1]

(b) She records, in Table 1.1, the distance b from the pivot to the 0.0 cm end of the metre ruler.

She repeats the procedure placing the load P at the 85.0 cm mark, 80.0 cm mark, 75.0 cm
mark and 70.0 cm mark. She records the values of a and b in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1

a / cm b / cm
75.0
13.1 71.9
11.3 68.8
9.4 65.6
7.5 62.5

169
3

Plot a graph of a / cm (y-axis) against b / cm (x-axis). Start the y-axis at a = 0.0 cm. Start the x-axis
at a suitable value for the results.

Draw the best-fit line.

[4]

G = ......................................................... [2]

(d) The weight W of the metre ruler is numerically equal to 2G.

Calculate the weight W of the metre ruler.

W = ......................................................... [2]

170
4

(e) Suggest one practical reason why it is difficult to obtain accurate readings for a and b.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(f) Using only the apparatus provided for the experiment, explain briefly how you would determine
the position of the centre of mass of the metre ruler.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

171
6

2 A student investigates the resistance of a resistance wire.

Fig. 2.1 shows the circuit that he uses.

l
B
sliding
resistance wire
contact C
V

Fig. 2.1

(a) The student places a sliding contact C at a distance l = 20.0 cm from B.

He measures the potential difference (p.d.) V across length l of the resistance wire.
He measures the current I in the circuit.

The meters are shown in Fig. 2.2 and Fig. 2.3.

0.4 0.6 2 3
0.2 0.8 1 4
0 1.0 0 5
A V

Fig. 2.2 Fig. 2.3

172
7

Table 2.1

l/ V/ R/ R
l /
20.0
60.0 1.6 2.1 0.035
100.0 2.5 3.3 0.033

(i) Write down the current I shown on the student’s ammeter.

I = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Record the potential difference V shown on the student’s voltmeter in the first row of
Table 2.1. [1]

(iii) Calculate, and record in Table 2.1, the resistance R of 20.0 cm of the resistance wire.
V
Use the equation R = . [1]
I
R
(iv) Calculate, and record in the first row of Table 2.1, for l = 20.0 cm. [1]
l
(v) Complete the column headings in Table 2.1. [2]

(b) The student repeats the procedure using l = 60.0 cm and l = 100.0 cm. The readings and
results are shown in Table 2.1.
R
Look carefully at the values of l in Table 2.1.

(i) Write a conclusion about the relationship between R and l.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Justify your conclusion by reference to the results.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

Show your working.

R2 = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 11]

173
8

3 A student investigates the magnification of the image produced by a lens.

Fig. 3.1 shows the set-up.

illuminated
object u v
screen
lens

bench
Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.2

(a) On Fig. 3.2, measure the height hO of the illuminated object.

hO = ......................................................... [2]

(b) Fig. 3.1 is drawn to 1/10th scale.

(i) On Fig. 3.1 measure the distance u.

u = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) The actual object distance U is 20.0 cm.

• The student places the lens at the distance U = 20.0 cm from the illuminated object.
• He moves the screen slowly until a clearly focused image is formed on the screen.
• He measures the distance V between the centre of the lens and the screen. On
Fig. 3.1, this distance is represented to scale by the distance v.

Use Fig. 3.1 to determine the actual distance V between the centre of the lens and the
screen. Show your working.

V = ......................................................... [2]

174
9

V
(iii) Calculate, and record in Table 3.1, the magnification m using the equation m = U . [1]

(iv) The student measures the height of the image hI that is formed on the screen. The
reading is shown in Table 3.1.
hI
Calculate, and record in Table 3.1, the ratio .
hO
Table 3.1

hI
U / cm V / cm m hI / cm
hO
20.0 5.9
30.0 34.8 1.16 1.8 1.2
[1]

(c) The student repeats the procedure using U = 30.0 cm. The readings and results are shown in
Table 3.1.
hI
Another student suggests that the magnification m is equal to the ratio .
hO
(i) State whether the results agree with the suggestion. Justify your statement by reference
to the results.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

justification ........................................................................................................................

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Suggest how you would continue to use the same apparatus to test the suggestion that
h
the magnification m is equal to the ratio I .
hO
...........................................................................................................................................

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 11]

175
10

4 A student investigates the time taken for water to evaporate to dryness when heated from above.

Fig. 4.1 shows the set-up. The power of the heater is constant.

The following is also available:

• supply of water at room temperature

• metre ruler.

infrared heater

lead to power
supply

shallow dish
water

Fig. 4.1

Plan an experiment to investigate how one factor affects the time taken for the water to evaporate.

You do not need to write about safety precautions.

You should:

• state any additional apparatus required

• explain briefly how you would do the investigation
• state the key variables that you would keep constant
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings
(you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.

176
11

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

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

177
2

1 A student investigates the period of a pendulum.

Fig. 1.1 shows the set-up.

clamp

bob

Fig. 1.1

(a) The distance d is measured from the bottom of the clamp to the centre of the bob.

The student adjusts the length of the pendulum until d = 50.0 cm.

He displaces the bob slightly and releases it so that it swings.

He uses a stop-watch to measure the time t for 10 complete oscillations.

min sec 1/100th

00 : 14 21

Fig. 1.2

(i) Fig. 1.2 shows the reading on the stop-watch.

Record, in Table 1.1, the time t for 10 complete oscillations. [1]

(ii) Calculate and record in Table 1.1, the period T of the pendulum. The period is the time
for one complete oscillation. [1]

(iii) Calculate T 2 and record your value in Table 1.1. [1]

(iv) Write the units in the column headings. [2]

178
3

Table 1.1

d/ t/ T/ T2 /

50.0

100.0 20.20 2.02 4.08

(b) The student repeats the procedure in (a) using d = 100.0 cm. The readings and results are
shown in Table 1.1.

Another student suggests that T 2 is directly proportional to d.

Explain briefly how to test the suggestion using the results in Table 1.1.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) The procedure can be repeated to plot a graph.

Suggest additional values of d that are suitable for the experiment.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(d) Explain how you would measure the distance d as accurately as possible. Draw a diagram to
help your explanation.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(e) Explain why timing 10 oscillations gives a more accurate result for the period T than timing
one oscillation.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

179
4

2 A student investigates the resistance of a wire.

Fig. 2.1 shows the circuit used.

l
B C

V resistance wire
sliding
contact S

Fig. 2.1

(a) The student places a sliding contact S at a distance l = 40.0 cm from B.

She measures the potential difference (p.d.) V across the length l of the resistance wire.

She measures the current I in the circuit.

The meters are shown in Fig. 2.2 and Fig. 2.3.

2 3 0.4 0.6
1 4 0.2 0.8
0 5 0 1.0

V A

Fig. 2.2 Fig. 2.3

(i) Write down the current I.

I = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Record the potential difference V reading in the first row of Table 2.1. [1]

(b) The student repeats the procedure in (a) using l = 50.0 cm, 60.0 cm, 70.0 cm and 80.0 cm.

The readings are shown in Table 2.1.

(i) Calculate, and record in Table 2.1, the values of resistance R using the equation
V
R= .
I [2]

180
5

(ii) Complete the column headings in Table 2.1. [1]

Table 2.1

l/ V/ R/
40.0
50.0 1.5
60.0 1.8
70.0 2.1
80.0 2.4

Draw the best-fit line.

0
0
[4]

(d) Determine the gradient G of the graph. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the
necessary information.

G = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 11]

181
6

3 A student investigates the cooling of water under different conditions.

Fig. 3.1 shows the set-up.

thermometer

beaker
bench

Fig. 3.1

(a) The thermometer in Fig. 3.2 shows the room temperature θR at the beginning of the
experiment. Record θR.

–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 °C

Fig. 3.2

θR = ......................................................... [1]

(b) The student pours 200 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. He places the thermometer in the
water.

He records the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. He immediately starts a stop-watch.

He records the temperature at 30 s intervals. The temperature readings are shown in

Table 3.1.

(i) Write the times in the first column of Table 3.1. [1]

(ii) Complete the column headings in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

t/ θ/
95
86
78
72
68
66
65
[1]

182
7

Δθ1 = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the difference in temperature ΔθS between the temperature at time t = 0 and
room temperature θR.

ΔθS = ......................................................... [1]

(iii) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ2 between time t = 90 s and time t = 180 s.

Δθ2 = ...............................................................

Calculate the difference in temperature ΔθT between the temperature at time t = 90 s and
room temperature θR.

ΔθT = ...............................................................
[1]

(d) A student suggests that the decrease in temperature of the water in 90 s should be greater
when the starting temperature is greater.

(i) State whether the results agree with this suggestion. Justify your statement by reference
to the results.

statement ..........................................................................................................................

justification ........................................................................................................................

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

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Suggest how you would continue the experiment, using the same apparatus and method,
to investigate the suggestion.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(e) Refer to Table 3.1. Estimate the temperature of the water in the beaker after cooling for a
further 90 s.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

183
8

4 A student investigates the effect of changing the colour of light on the focal length of a lens.
uv
The focal length f of a lens is given by the equation f = .
(u + v)
The distance u is the distance between an object and the lens. The distance v is the distance
between the lens and the image that is formed on a screen.

Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of changing the colour of light on the focal length of a
lens.

The following apparatus is available to the student:

• illuminated object
• a selection of coloured filters to change the colour of the light
• converging lens
• screen
• metre ruler.

Other apparatus normally available in a school laboratory can also be used.

In your plan, you should:

• draw a labelled diagram to show the arrangement of the apparatus

• explain briefly how you would do the investigation, including the measurements you would
take
• draw a suitable table, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings
(you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• state how you would use your results to reach a conclusion.

184
9

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

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

185
2

1 Sand is a granular material composed of very small, irregularly‑shaped mineral particles. A student
determines the density of sand by two methods.

She uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2.

measuring
cylinder

sand

top-pan
balance

bench
76 g 219 g bench

Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2

Method 1

(a) (i) The student measures the mass of a 250 cm3 measuring cylinder, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

She pours sand into the measuring cylinder and measures the mass of the measuring
cylinder and sand, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Use the values shown in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2 to calculate the mass m of the sand.

m = ...................................................... g [1]

(ii) The student measures the volume V1 of the sand in the measuring cylinder.
108
V1 = ........................................................ cm3

Calculate a value for the density ρ1 of the sand sample. Use the values from (a)(i) and
m
the equation ρ1 = . Include a unit.
V1

ρ1 = ......................................................... [2]

186
3

Method 2

measuring cylinder

water
160

sand sample
150

Fig. 1.3

(b) (i) The student pours 100 cm3 of water into the measuring cylinder containing the sample of
sand.
Some of the water soaks into the sand sample and she waits for the water level to
become constant.

Record the reading V2 of the water level in the measuring cylinder shown in Fig. 1.3.

V2 = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(ii) Calculate another value for the density ρ2 of the sand sample.

m
Use the values from (a)(i) and (b)(i) and the equation ρ2 = , where k = 100 cm3.
(V2 - k)

ρ2 = ......................................................... [2]

187
4

(iii)

Fig. 1.4

On Fig. 1.4, draw an arrow showing the correct line of sight for reading the volume of
water in the measuring cylinder. [1]

(i) Explain why method 1 would not be a suitable method for him to use.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain why method 2 would give a more accurate value for the density of the particles
in this sample of sand.

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

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) Describe two possible sources of inaccuracy in the measurements taken in method 1 or
method 2, even if they are carried out carefully.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

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

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

188
5

2 A student investigates the cooling of hot water in surroundings with different temperatures.

He uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.1.

thermometer

lid

beaker A
beaker B
bench

Fig. 2.1

(a) The student pours 100 cm3 of cold water into beaker B and places the thermometer in the
water.
Measure, and record in the appropriate column heading of Table 2.1, the temperature θ1 of
the water, as shown in Fig. 2.2.

Fig. 2.2
[1]

(b) The student places beaker A inside beaker B as shown in Fig. 2.3 so that the water in beaker B
rises between the sides of the two beakers.

beaker B
beaker A

water

Fig. 2.3

He removes the lid and pours 150 cm3 of hot water into beaker A. He replaces the lid and puts
the thermometer into the hot water in beaker A.
He records, in Table 2.1, the temperature θA of the water every 30 s.

Describe one precaution that can be taken to ensure that the temperature readings are as
accurate as possible.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]
© UCLES 2023 0625/63/O/N/23 [Turn over
189
6

(c) The student repeats the process for water at a higher temperature θ2 in beaker B.
His readings are shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

beaker A beaker A
in cold water in warm water

θ1 = ...................°C 48
θ2 = ...................°C
t/s θA / °C θA / °C
0 78.5 80.0
30 72.5 77.0
60 69.0 74.5
90 66.5 73.0
120 65.0 71.5
150 63.5 70.5
180 62.0 70.0

Write a conclusion stating in what way the temperature of the water surrounding beaker A
affects the rate of cooling of the hot water in beaker A.
Justify your answer by reference to values from the readings.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(d) Calculate the average cooling rate R for beaker A cooling in cold water. Use the readings for
beaker A from Table 2.1 and the equation
θA0 – θA180
R= T
where T = 180 s and θA0 and θA180 are the temperatures of the water in beaker A at t = 0 and
t = 180 s. Include the unit for the cooling rate.

R = ......................................................... [2]

190
7

(e) Another student repeats this experiment at the same room temperature.

State two other variables that she controls in order to obtain readings as close as possible to
the readings in Table 2.1.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

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

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(f) After 180 s, the student measures the temperature of the water surrounding beaker A in the
first experiment and finds that θ1 = 49 °C.

(i) State the reason why this can affect the results of the investigation and suggest what
effect it has on the value of cooling rate R.

reason ...............................................................................................................................

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

effect on R .........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Suggest one change to the experiment to reduce the effect in (f)(i).

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

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

[Total: 11]

191
8

3 A student determines the focal length of a converging lens.

She uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1.

illuminated u v screen
object
lens
lamp
bench

Fig. 3.1

(a) The student sets the distance u between the illuminated object and the lens to 20.0 cm. She
moves the screen until a sharp image of the illuminated object is seen on the screen. She
then measures, and records in Table 3.1, the distance v between the lens and the screen.

Describe a technique to obtain an image on the screen that is as sharp as possible in this
experiment.

Include in your description:

• where the screen should be placed initially

• how an accurate position for the sharp image is obtained.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

192
9

(b) The student repeats the procedure for u = 30.0 cm, 40.0 cm, 50.0 cm and 60.0 cm.
Her readings are shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

u
u / cm v / cm v

20.0 60.0
30.0 27.3 1.10
40.0 25.8 1.55
50.0 21.4 2.34
60.0 20.0 3.00

u
For distance u = 20.0 cm, calculate, and record in Table 3.1, the value of v . [1]
u
(c) Plot a graph of u / cm (y‑axis) against v (x‑axis). Start your graph at the origin (0,0).

Draw the best‑fit line.

0
0

[4]

193
10

(d) (i) Determine the value u0 of u when u = 0.

v
u0 = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) The gradient of the graph is numerically equal to the focal length f of the lens.

Determine the value of f for this experiment.

Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the necessary information to determine the
gradient.

f = ......................................................... [2]

(e) Suggest one precaution that can be taken to ensure measurements are accurate in this
experiment.

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

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

194
11

4 A student investigates the brightness of a lamp.

Plan an experiment to investigate how the intensity (brightness) of the light produced by the lamp
is affected by the current in the lamp.

The apparatus available includes:

• a lamp and power supply

• a light meter which measures the intensity of light arriving at it
• an ammeter
• a variable resistor.

In your plan, you should:

• complete the circuit diagram in Fig. 4.1 to show the variable resistor connected to control the
current in the lamp
• state the key variables to be kept constant
• explain briefly how to do the experiment
• draw a table with column headings, to show how to display the readings (you are not required
to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use the readings to reach a conclusion.

light meter

Fig. 4.1

195
12

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

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

196

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