Oct/Nov 2021

A student measures the volume of a sample of water. Which apparatus is appropriate?

Physical quantities and measurement techniques

A scientist uses an electric motor to raise a load by a vertical height of $2.0\,\text{m}$. He then raises the input power supplied to the motor and carries out the experiment again. The efficiency of the motor remains unchanged. Which row correctly shows the effect of this on the useful work done lifting the load and the time needed to lift it?

Energy, work and power

A box has a weight of $15\,\text{N}$. It is standing on a horizontal surface, with face P touching the surface. How much does the pressure on the surface change if the box topples so that face Q is in contact with the surface?

Pressure

A liquid is undergoing evaporation. It is not boiling. Which statement about the liquid is correct at a particular moment in time?

Kinetic particle model of matter

Which row gives the correct description of how particles move in solids and liquids?

Kinetic particle model of matter

A copper bar that is long and narrow is warmed gently and uniformly along its entire length. What happens to the bar?

Thermal properties and temperature

The diagram shows a flask that has been filled with liquid X at room temperature. When the flask is placed in warm water, the liquid moves further up the tube. When the flask is placed in cold water, the liquid falls below the starting level in the tube. The experiment is then repeated with an identical flask, but a different liquid Y. The starting level of liquid in the tube is the same as in the original experiment. Liquid Y expands more, for each 1 °C rise in temperature, than liquid X. Which row gives the correct level of the liquid?

Thermal properties and temperature

The diagram shows a pan for cooking food. Which row gives the correct materials used for the pan’s base and handle?

Transfer of thermal energy

Which row shows the correct description of a sound wave?

Sound

The diagram illustrates a wave. Which row correctly shows the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave?

General properties of waves

A beam of green light travels through a glass prism, as illustrated. Which colours of light are refracted in the way shown in the table?

Light

The diagrams present distance-time graphs for four objects. Which graph shows an object whose speed is increasing?

Motion

In the diagram, a ray of light in air strikes a glass block. Part of the light is refracted and part of the light is reflected. Two angles, $p$ and $q$, are labelled on the diagram. Which row identifies the angle of incidence and states whether total internal reflection takes place?

Light

The diagram shows a light ray travelling in glass and striking the boundary between the glass and air. What happens if the angle of incidence is increased so that it becomes greater than the critical angle for the glass?

Light

Which section of the electromagnetic spectrum provides the radiation used in a television remote controller?

Electromagnetic spectrum

Light from two rays is of different colours. Which row is correct?

Light

What does ultrasound mean?

Sound

A bar magnet is moved close to a rod made of an unknown material. The rod is attracted by each end of the bar magnet. Which material is the rod made from?

Simple phenomena of magnetism

In which circuit does the ammeter measure the flow of charge through the lamp?

Electric circuits

In circuit 1, a negative charge moves clockwise. The bulb is bright. In circuit 2, the battery is turned around as shown. The bulb is just as bright. Which charge moves in circuit 2, and in which direction?

Electric circuits

The diagram represents a circuit with two resistors whose resistances are $1.0\,\Omega$ and $2.0\,\Omega$. A voltmeter is connected across the $1.0\,\Omega$ resistor by joining P to X. The voltmeter reading is $6.0\,\text{V}$. P is then shifted to point Y in the circuit. What is the voltmeter reading now?

Electric circuits

The step-down transformer illustrated lowers the mains voltage to $12\,\text{V}$. As the transformer operates, some energy is transferred to the surroundings. Which type of energy is transferred to the surroundings?

Transfer of thermal energy

The gravitational field strength on the Moon is lower than the gravitational field strength on the Earth. A scientist studies a rock that has been returned from the Moon. He measures three quantities. 1 the density of the rock 2 the mass of the rock 3 the weight of the rock Which quantities have the same value on the surface of the Earth and on the surface of the Moon?

Mass and weight

Which circuit includes a fuse?

Electrical safety

An electric circuit is shown in the diagram. Which row gives the correct numbers of the different components in the circuit?

Electric circuits

Two resistors, with resistances $R_1$ and $R_2$, are joined in parallel. The resistance $R_1$ is larger than the resistance $R_2$. What is the resistance of the parallel combination?

Electric circuits

The metal casings of electrical appliances are linked to an earth wire. Which statement is not correct?

Electrical safety

A teacher asks, ‘Why is a fuse included in a mains circuit?’ Student 1 replies, ‘It stops the wiring from becoming too hot.’ Student 2 replies, ‘It stops us receiving an electric shock if we touch the live wire.’ Which student is correct?

Electrical safety

Which graph shows an alternating current (a.c.)?

Electrical quantities

The current in a small electric heater is $4.0\,\text{A}$. The cable attached to the heater can carry currents of up to $10\,\text{A}$. Fuses with ratings of $1\,\text{A}$, $3\,\text{A}$, $5\,\text{A}$ and $13\,\text{A}$ are available. Which fuse should be chosen?

Electrical safety

One highly significant experiment increased scientists’ understanding of the structure of matter. In it, $\alpha$-particles were directed at a thin gold foil. What was observed?

The nuclear model of the atom

Some sources of background radiation occur naturally, whereas others result from human activity. Which of the sources is natural?

Radioactivity

A radioactive source is positioned close to a detector. The detector gives a count rate of 28 000 counts/min. If a piece of card is inserted between the source and the counter, the reading falls to 25 000 counts/min. If an aluminium sheet is inserted between the source and the counter, the reading stays at 25 000 counts/min. If a sheet of lead is inserted between the source and the counter, the reading falls to 19 000 counts/min. What is emitted by the radioactive source?

Radioactivity

Which substance in the table has the smallest density?

Density

A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 3 years. A sample records a count rate of 100 counts/min on a detector. Which calculation is used to predict the count rate after 12 years?

Radioactivity

A 100 cm beam is in equilibrium as illustrated. The pivot is shifted 10 cm towards the left. How will this alteration affect the anticlockwise moment and the clockwise moment about the pivot?

Forces

A spacecraft is moving through space, and there is neither a resultant force nor a resultant moment acting on it. Which statement correctly describes the spacecraft?

Motion

The graph displays the total energy transferred by an electric motor as time passes. In which part of the graph is the motor producing the greatest power?

Energy, work and power

Electrical energy can be generated from nuclear fission. What is the order of the energy transfers in this process?

Radioactivity

The diagram illustrates an electric circuit. Once the switch is closed, the lamp lights up. Which row gives the form of energy stored in the cell and explains how this energy is usefully transferred to the lamp?

Energy, work and power

Which list arranges units of length from smallest to largest in terms of magnitude (size)?

Physical quantities and measurement techniques

A rope attached to a pulley system and motor is used to raise various objects by different distances. The time taken to lift every object is the same. The diagrams are not drawn to scale. Which motor needs the greatest power?

Energy, work and power

The diagram illustrates a simple mercury barometer. Which length is measured to show atmospheric pressure in a simple mercury barometer?

Pressure

A liquid is undergoing evaporation. It is not boiling. Which statement about the liquid is correct at that particular moment?

Kinetic particle model of matter

The temperature of the gas in a sealed container with constant volume falls from $20\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ to $12\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. Which row is the correct one?

Kinetic particle model of matter

A long, narrow copper bar is warmed gently and uniformly over its entire length. What occurs to the bar?

Thermal properties and temperature

A teacher says, ‘Object P has a greater thermal capacity than object Q’. What is the meaning of this statement?

Thermal properties and temperature

The diagram shows a pan that is used for cooking food. Which row gives the correct materials for the base and the handle of the pan?

Transfer of thermal energy

The diagrams illustrate two patterns formed by water waves. Which two wave effects are represented in the diagrams?

General properties of waves

Which row is incorrect for a wave travelling on the surface of water?

General properties of waves

A thin converging lens makes parallel light rays meet at one point called the principal focus. Which statement accounts for this?

Light

Which graph shows an object moving at a constant speed?

Motion

The diagram illustrates a ray of light in air striking a glass block. Part of the light is refracted and part is reflected. The diagram labels two angles, $p$ and $q$. Which row identifies the angle of incidence and says whether total internal reflection occurs?

Light

The letter F is viewed in a mirror. What will the optical image appear like?

Light

Visible light, X-rays and microwaves are all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which of the following statements about these waves is correct?

Electromagnetic spectrum

Which type of radiation has a frequency greater than that of red light?

Electromagnetic spectrum

What does the term ultrasound mean?

Sound

Which substance is magnetic?

Simple phenomena of magnetism

Which circuit symbol shows the component used to measure electric current?

Electric circuits

Four wires made from the same metal have different lengths and different diameters. Which wire has the smallest resistance?

Electrical quantities

The circuit diagram contains two resistors with resistances of $1.0\,\Omega$ and $2.0\,\Omega$. To connect the voltmeter across the $1.0\,\Omega$ resistor, P is connected to X. The voltmeter reads $6.0\,\text{V}$. P is then changed to point Y in the circuit. What will the voltmeter now read?

Electric circuits

Which device measures the flow of charge in an electrical circuit?

Electrical quantities

Which of the following statements about the equation shown is correct? $W = mg$

Mass and weight

In which circuit is a fuse included?

Electrical safety

A student plans a circuit that switches on a fan as the temperature rises. Which component should the student use in her circuit?

Electric circuits

Two resistors, having resistances $R_1$ and $R_2$, are joined in parallel. The resistance $R_1$ is larger than $R_2$. What is the resistance of the parallel combination?

Electric circuits

The diagram illustrates a motor attached to an a.c. supply. The circuit is not complete. Which device must be placed between point X and point Y so that the wires do not overheat if a fault in the motor makes the current become too large?

Electrical safety

A hairdresser is using a hairdryer that has a plastic casing. He notices that no wire is connected to the plug’s earth pin. Why is an earth connection not required?

Electrical safety

Four orientations of a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field, as found in a d.c. motor, are illustrated. In diagrams 2 and 4, the coil makes an angle of $45^\circ$ with the field lines. Which row is correct?

Electromagnetic effects

An electric drill that runs from a supply voltage of $240\ \text{V}$ draws a current of $3.5\ \text{A}$. Which fuse rating should be selected to protect the drill cable?

Electrical safety

One highly significant experiment led scientists to a better grasp of the structure of matter. In the experiment, $\alpha$-particles were directed at a thin gold foil. What occurred?

The nuclear model of the atom

A sample has $0.0016\ \text{g}$ of a radioactive isotope. After $4.0$ hours, the mass of the radioactive isotope in the sample decreases to $0.00080\ \text{g}$. Calculate the half-life of the radioactive isotope.

Radioactivity

A $100\ \text{g}$ sample of a radioactive isotope is given. Its half-life is $6.0$ hours. Which graph represents the decay of this isotope?

Radioactivity

In the table, which substance has the smallest density?

Density

Which statement gives the best description of background radiation?

Radioactivity

The diagram illustrates a simple balance. The two loads, $X$ and $Y$, may be moved along the beam. Which graph shows how the moment created by load $Y$ changes as the perpendicular distance $d$ from the pivot changes?

Forces

A spacecraft is moving through space with no resultant force and no resultant moment acting on it. Which statement about the spacecraft is true?

Motion

A student performs an investigation by dragging four different boxes along the floor. The results are presented in the table. On which box is the greatest amount of work done?

Energy, work and power

Electrical energy can be generated from nuclear fission. What is the sequence in which energy is transferred in this process?

Radioactivity

A stone descends. Which row shows the energy changes?

Energy, work and power

A teacher asks a student to determine the volume of a pencil sharpener. Which piece of apparatus would be of no use?

Physical quantities and measurement techniques

A man, attached to an elastic cord, jumps off a platform. He drops $60\,\text{m}$ before he begins to move upward again. The length of the unextended cord is $30\,\text{m}$. The diagrams illustrate four consecutive stages of his descent. At which position are elastic (strain) energy and kinetic energy present?

Energy, work and power

A tank contains liquid. The area of its base is $2.2\,\text{m}^2$ and the pressure at the base caused by the liquid is $15\,000\,\text{Pa}$. What is the weight of the liquid?

Pressure

A liquid is undergoing evaporation. It is not boiling. Which statement about the liquid is correct at a particular moment in time?

Kinetic particle model of matter

The diagram depicts a sealed gas cylinder fitted with a piston that can move. The piston is pushed down slowly, and the gas temperature does not change. What happens to the mean separation between the gas molecules and to the pressure of the gas?

Kinetic particle model of matter

A long, narrow bar made of copper is heated gently and evenly across its whole length. What happens to the bar as it is heated?

Thermal properties and temperature

The diagrams illustrate four instances of thermal expansion. In three of the instances, thermal expansion is useful. In one of the instances, expansion is not wanted and must be allowed for. In which instance is thermal expansion not wanted?

Thermal properties and temperature

The diagram shows a pan that is used for cooking food. Which row gives the correct materials used for the pan's base and handle?

Transfer of thermal energy

The diagrams illustrate two patterns formed by water waves. Identify the two effects represented in the diagrams?

General properties of waves

Which row gives the correct definitions of a wave's frequency and speed?

General properties of waves

A thin beam of light moves through glass. It arrives at the boundary of the glass and is refracted into the air. What is the angle of refraction?

Light

The graph illustrates how a car’s speed changes with time at the beginning of a journey. Which distance-time graph shows the car’s motion over the same time interval?

Motion

The diagram shows a ray of light travelling in air and striking a glass block. Part of the light is refracted and part is reflected. The diagram labels two angles, $p$ and $q$. Which row identifies the angle of incidence and states whether total internal reflection occurs?

Light

A photographer views his image, as illustrated. What might $X$ be?

Light

Visible light, X-rays and microwaves are all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which statement about these waves is correct?

Electromagnetic spectrum

Which medium can transfer some kinds of transverse waves, but not longitudinal waves?

General properties of waves

What does ultrasound mean?

Sound

Which method would be the least effective for magnetising a steel bar?

Simple phenomena of magnetism

An electric current in a copper wire is caused by the movement of charge. Which particles are travelling along the wire?

Electrical quantities

Which row correctly identifies a conductor and an insulator?

Electrical quantities

The circuit diagram contains two resistors with resistances of $1.0\,\Omega$ and $2.0\,\Omega$. A voltmeter is connected across the $1.0\,\Omega$ resistor by connecting P to X. The voltmeter reading is $6.0\,\text{V}$. P is then moved to point Y in the circuit. What will the voltmeter now read?

Electric circuits

Which unit is used for electromotive force (e.m.f.)?

Electrical quantities

A student uses a force meter to determine the weights and a balance to find the masses of four different objects. He records his measurements in a table. Which row is recorded correctly?

Mass and weight

In which circuit is a fuse included?

Electrical safety

A student assembles the circuit illustrated, leaving a gap at $XY$. She wants to place a component between $X$ and $Y$ so that she can change the lamp’s brightness. Which component should be used?

Electric circuits

Two resistors, having resistances $R_1$ and $R_2$, are joined in parallel. Resistance $R_1$ is larger than resistance $R_2$. What is the resistance of the parallel combination?

Electric circuits

Circuit breakers and fuses are protective devices that prevent a circuit from becoming overloaded. Which statement correctly explains how a circuit breaker differs from a fuse?

Electrical safety

Why could using an electrical appliance in damp conditions be dangerous?

Electrical safety

Which diagram illustrates the magnetic field surrounding a straight wire carrying current?

Electromagnetic effects

During house wiring, it is essential to choose the appropriate cables. The current ratings for four different cables are given. All four cables are connected in series in the same circuit. Which cable is most likely to overheat?

Electric circuits

One highly significant experiment advanced scientists’ knowledge of matter’s structure. In it, $\alpha$-particles were directed at a thin gold foil. What was observed?

The nuclear model of the atom

A nuclide is represented by the symbol $^{{23}}_{{11}}\text{Na}$. Which of the following statements is true for every atom of this nuclide?

The nuclear model of the atom

Lead-202 has a half-life of $52\,500$ years. A sample of lead-202 gives $800$ counts$/\text{s}$. After how many years will the count rate decrease to $100$ counts$/\text{s}$?

Radioactivity

Which substance in the table has the smallest density?

Density

Why does protecting people from a source of $\gamma$-rays require a thick lead shield?

Radioactivity

The diagram represents a uniform beam with a length of $100\ \text{cm}$. The diagram is not drawn to scale. The beam is in equilibrium on a pivot at the $50\ \text{cm}$ mark, under the influence of forces of $4.0\ \text{N}$, $5.0\ \text{N}$ and $6.0\ \text{N}$. The $4.0\ \text{N}$ force acts at the $20\ \text{cm}$ mark, and the $6.0\ \text{N}$ force acts at the $60\ \text{cm}$ mark. At what point on the beam does the $5.0\ \text{N}$ force act?

Forces

A spacecraft is moving through space with no resultant force and no resultant moment acting on it. Which statement about the spacecraft is correct?

Motion

A weightlifter lifts a stone ball and sets it onto a shelf. Each lift is completed in the same amount of time. Which situation needs the greatest power?

Energy, work and power

Electrical energy can be produced by nuclear fission. What is the sequence of energy transfers in this process?

Radioactivity

A person picks up a book from the floor and places it on a shelf. It drops to the floor, and then a second person raises it back onto the shelf. Which statement must be true?

Energy, work and power