Physics 0625 · IGCSE
Oct/Nov 2022
120 questions from this paper, with worked solutions and instant marking.
The times taken for 10 swings of a pendulum are recorded as shown. What is the mean time for one swing?
Motion
These statements refer to what occurs when a machine’s power is increased. Which are correct?
Energy, work and power
Which quantities, apart from the acceleration of free fall $g$, determine the pressure at the bottom of a pond of water?
Pressure
A fixed mass of gas is enclosed in a container. Its temperature is raised while its volume remains unchanged. What effect does this have on the average kinetic energy of the molecules and on the pressure exerted on the container walls?
Kinetic particle model of matter
Which row gives the correct description of how particles are arranged and how they move in a solid?
Kinetic particle model of matter
What temperature interval separates the fixed points on the $^{\circ}\text{C}$ temperature scale?
Thermal properties and temperature
In the diagram, every box shows a state of matter and each arrow shows a change of state. Which row correctly names the changes of state?
Kinetic particle model of matter
Four thermometers, each with bulbs painted in different colours, are positioned the same distance from a radiant heater. Which thermometer records the slowest increase in temperature when the heater is switched on for the first time?
Transfer of thermal energy
Which method of thermal energy transfer occurs because of changes in density?
Transfer of thermal energy
The diagrams illustrate two collections of wavefronts in a ripple tank. A student puts forward two statements about the waves. Which statements are right?
General properties of waves
In what sequence do the colours appear in the spectrum of white light?
Light
A car is initially at rest. The table gives the speedometer readings at intervals of $10\,\text{s}$. Which row describes the car’s motion in the first $30\,\text{s}$ and in the last $30\,\text{s}$?
Motion
An object is positioned $30\text{ cm}$ in front of a plane mirror. Which statement describes the image formed by the object?
Light
A light ray is directed at the surface of a mirror. Which pair of angles shows the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?
Light
The diagram illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum. The numbers show the approximate wavelength at the edges between the different regions of the spectrum. For a device to be able to use electromagnetic radiation, it must have an aerial with a size approximately equal to the wavelength of the radiation it is intended to receive. Which statement is correct?
Electromagnetic spectrum
Microwaves and X-rays are parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which statement about microwaves and X-rays is correct?
Electromagnetic spectrum
An observer is positioned at the finishing line of a $100\,\text{m}$ race and wants to measure the winner’s time. He begins his stop-watch when he notices the smoke from the starter’s gun, rather than when he hears the bang. What is the reason for doing this?
Light
Which statement correctly describes a current in a metal?
Electrical quantities
The diagram illustrates a circuit that includes a variable resistor linked to a variable power supply. The table gives the currents for different values of the potential difference (p.d.) and the resistance. What sequence do the currents follow, from the smallest to the largest?
Electric circuits
The e.m.f. of the cell in this circuit is $1.5\,\text{V}$. What does the abbreviation e.m.f. represent?
Electrical quantities
A plastic rod P carries a negative charge and is held above a plastic rod Q that carries a positive charge. In what directions do the electrostatic forces on rod P and on rod Q act?
Electrical quantities
A student measures the resistance of a resistor. Which circuit is used to measure the potential difference (p.d.) across the resistor and the current through it?
Electric circuits
A stone is put on a balance, as illustrated. Which row states the stone’s mass and weight?
Mass and weight
The circuit diagram depicts a variable potential divider. The slider is shifted from P towards Q. What effect does this have on the voltmeter reading and on the brightness of the lamp?
Electric circuits
The diagram illustrates a circuit that includes a cell, a variable resistor and two bulbs, P and Q. The resistance of the variable resistor is raised. What change occurs in the brightness of each bulb?
Electric circuits
Which diagram shows a circuit that includes a battery, a fuse and a buzzer?
Electric circuits
What is the purpose of a fuse in an electric circuit?
Electrical safety
The diagram shows a transformer. Which row identifies materials that are suitable for the core and the primary coil?
Electromagnetic effects
The diagrams illustrate the magnetic field lines surrounding a wire through which a current, $I$, flows. Which of the diagrams are correct?
Simple phenomena of magnetism
A wire is positioned between the poles of a magnet. Which statements are correct?
Electromagnetic effects
The nuclide notation for the isotope lithium-7 is $^{7}_{3}\text{Li}$. How many neutrons are present in one atom of lithium-7?
The nuclear model of the atom
A radioactive substance is emitting $\alpha$-particles. The radioactive substance is being used in a demonstration for a school laboratory experiment. Which safety precaution must the person doing the experiment take?
Radioactivity
The graph illustrates the way the count rate from a radioactive isotope varies with time. What half-life does this isotope have?
Radioactivity
The diagram gives the dimensions of a solid rectangular block of metal with mass $m$. Which expression is used to determine the density of the metal?
Density
A student uses a detector of ionising radiation to measure the count rate close to a radioactive source. The arrangement is shown in the diagram. The counter shows $75$ counts per minute. After the source is removed, the counter reading falls to $5$ counts per minute. What is the rate of emission from the radioactive source when the counter reading is adjusted for background radiation?
Radioactivity
A force $F$ acts on an object at a distance $x$ from a pivot. Which two changes both make the moment of the force about the pivot larger?
Forces
The diagrams show the only two forces acting on an object. Which object might be travelling to the right at constant speed?
Forces
The diagram depicts a uniform rod whose midpoint is supported by a pivot. Two weights $X$ and $Y$ are suspended from the rod. The rod is balanced in equilibrium. Which statement is correct?
Forces
Brakes are used to reduce the speed of a car that is moving. As the car slows, into which form of energy is most of its kinetic energy transformed?
Energy, work and power
What is one drawback of nuclear fission as an energy source?
Radioactivity
Which measuring instrument could be used to determine the volume of a small stone?
Physical quantities and measurement techniques
A mass is raised from the ground from rest to Y. Air resistance is absent. P is the increase in gravitational potential energy of the mass. Q is the kinetic energy of the mass at Y. Which expression is equal to the work done on the mass?
Energy, work and power
A pressure gauge is lowered into the sea. As the pressure gauge is lowered, readings of pressure and depth are recorded. Which statement explains how the pressure changes as the gauge is lowered and why this happens?
Pressure
The pressure of a fixed mass of gas in a cylinder is measured. The gas volume in the cylinder is reduced gradually. The temperature of the gas remains unchanged. Which graph indicates how the gas pressure changes during this process?
Kinetic particle model of matter
Which statement about molecular motion describes the process of evaporation?
Kinetic particle model of matter
The diagram illustrates a thermometer marked in degrees Celsius. What are the readings of the lower fixed point and the upper fixed point on the Celsius scale?
Physical quantities and measurement techniques
What occurs to a solid as its temperature rises?
Kinetic particle model of matter
Which item of equipment is intended to generate a form of electromagnetic wave?
Electromagnetic spectrum
Particles are able to move and pass on thermal energy, as illustrated. In which states of matter does this movement take place?
Kinetic particle model of matter
The diagram illustrates plane water waves in a ripple tank as they travel through a gap between two barriers and then spread out. What name is given to this effect?
General properties of waves
Which labels are correct for the ray diagram?
Light
The diagrams present speed-time graphs for four different bodies over $6.0\,\text{s}$. Which body covered the smallest distance?
Motion
The diagram depicts an object placed in front of a plane mirror. At which labelled position is the image of the object produced?
Light
An incident ray makes an angle of $70^{\circ}$ with the surface of a plane mirror that reflects the ray. Find the angle of incidence.
Light
The frequency of visible light is about $5.0 \times 10^{14}\,\text{Hz}$. M and N are two additional forms of electromagnetic radiation. For M, the frequency is $5.0 \times 10^{6}\,\text{Hz}$. For N, the frequency is $5.0 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz}$. Which forms of radiation are M and N?
Electromagnetic spectrum
Two students are talking about two different kinds of electromagnetic radiation. Student 1: This radiation is used in communication systems. Student 2: This radiation is used in remote controls. Which row gives the possible type of radiation described by each student?
Electromagnetic spectrum
An $100\,\text{m}$ race begins when a gun is fired. The gun produces a bang and a puff of smoke at the same instant. At what time does the finishing judge see the smoke, and at what time does he hear the bang?
Sound
An electric hairdryer is specified as $230\,\text{V}, 2\,\text{A}$. Which circuit could be used to verify that these ratings are correct?
Electric circuits
The diagram illustrates a circuit designed to regulate the potential difference (p.d.) across a lamp. The variable resistor is altered until the p.d. across the lamp reaches $6.0\,\text{V}$. The current through the lamp is $0.5\,\text{A}$. What is the resistance of the lamp?
Electrical quantities
What units are used for electromotive force (e.m.f.)?
Electrical quantities
A plastic rod is rubbed using a dry woollen cloth. The rod then acquires a positive charge. Which statement is correct?
Electrical quantities
A circuit is arranged with a cell, a resistor and a lamp, as illustrated. A student joins a voltmeter to the circuit in one of the positions shown. At which position will the voltmeter measure the potential difference (p.d.) across the lamp?
Electric circuits
Which row gives the mass and weight of an object close to the Earth’s surface?
Mass and weight
The diagram illustrates a potential divider circuit. The temperature of the thermistor rises. What happens to the resistance of the thermistor, and what happens to the reading on the voltmeter?
Electric circuits
A student assembles four circuits with identical batteries and three identical lamps. In which circuit will every lamp be at its brightest?
Electric circuits
Which diagram illustrates the circuit symbol for a fuse?
Electric circuits
If the insulation in a mains cable is damaged, two of the wires inside it may come into contact and create a short circuit. Which row is correct?
Electrical safety
Four small compasses are positioned around a solenoid. A current is then switched on in the solenoid. Which diagram shows the compass needles’ new directions correctly?
Simple phenomena of magnetism
Transformers are used when electrical power is transmitted to houses. Which type of transformer is used at the power station before it is connected to the power lines, and which type is used before the supply is delivered to the houses?
Electromagnetic effects
The diagrams illustrate the coils in two simple direct current (d.c.) motors. Coil P has three turns of wire, whereas coil Q has two turns. Coil P is the same size as coil Q. Both coils are placed in identical magnetic fields. Which coil gives the greatest turning effect?
Electromagnetic effects
A cobalt nuclide has 27 protons and 32 neutrons. Which symbol shows this nuclide?
The nuclear model of the atom
Everybody is exposed to background radiation. Which sources produce background radiation?
Radioactivity
The diagram illustrates apparatus used to identify the type of emissions produced by a radioactive source. The absorbers may be lifted out of, or lowered into, the route taken by the radiation from the source to the detector. The apparatus is evacuated. The table presents a set of results for one particular radioactive source. Which types of radiation are emitted by the radioactive source?
Radioactivity
The diagram illustrates four items of laboratory apparatus. Which of these apparatus are used to determine the density of a liquid?
Density
A sample of radioactive material has a half-life of 400 years. After how much time will only $\frac{1}{4}$ of this sample be left undecayed?
Radioactivity
What unit is used for the moment of a force about a point?
Forces
On which ball does a non-zero resultant force act?
Forces
Which statements have to be true for an object to be in equilibrium?
Forces
An object descends toward the surface of the Earth. What happens to the object’s gravitational potential energy and to its kinetic energy?
Energy, work and power
Which source of energy is not presently used to produce electrical energy?
Energy, work and power
A student measures the length of a spring with a ruler. The readings obtained are: $14.9\,\text{cm}$, $14.8\,\text{cm}$, $14.8\,\text{cm}$, $14.7\,\text{cm}$. What is the mean length of the spring to three significant figures?
Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Under certain circumstances, a force performs work. Which combination of conditions makes the amount of work done by the force greater?
Energy, work and power
The diagram illustrates a simple mercury barometer. Which labelled distance gets smaller when atmospheric pressure increases?
Pressure
The pressure of a fixed mass of gas in a cylinder is measured. The gas volume in the cylinder is reduced gradually. The temperature of the gas stays constant. Which graph shows the way the pressure of the gas changes during this process?
Kinetic particle model of matter
A liquid is undergoing evaporation. What is removed from its surface?
Kinetic particle model of matter
The diagram depicts a thermometer marked in degrees Celsius. What are the readings at the lower fixed point and the upper fixed point on the Celsius scale?
Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Which statement describes the term ‘melting point’?
Thermal properties and temperature
Which item of equipment is designed to generate a kind of electromagnetic wave?
Electromagnetic spectrum
In what way is energy transferred from the Sun to the Earth?
Transfer of thermal energy
Wavefronts are incident on a boundary. What must happen for the wave to refract at the boundary?
General properties of waves
A $60^{\circ}$ glass prism splits white light into colours, as illustrated. The spectrum is seen coming out of the prism. Which spectrum shows the colours in the correct sequence?
Light
A velocity-time graph for a car is displayed. What distance does the car travel in $35\,\text{s}$?
Motion
The diagram illustrates an object placed in front of a plane mirror. At which labelled position is the object's image formed?
Light
The diagram illustrates how a thin converging lens affects two light rays. These rays originate from the top of an object O. An inverted image I is produced. What name is given to the distance RS?
Light
Visible light has a frequency of approximately $5.0 \times 10^{14}\,\text{Hz}$. M and N are two other forms of electromagnetic radiation. M has a frequency of $5.0 \times 10^{6}\,\text{Hz}$. N has a frequency of $5.0 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz}$. What are the types of radiation for M and N?
Electromagnetic spectrum
Which wave is not classified as an electromagnetic wave?
General properties of waves
A $100\,\text{m}$ race is begun by firing a gun. At that instant, the gun produces both a bang and a puff of smoke. When will the finishing judge notice the smoke, and when will he hear the bang?
Sound
Copper wires are used to join an electric circuit. When the circuit is switched on, which particles move through the wires?
Electrical quantities
A student is investigating a resistance wire. She measures the current in a $50\,\text{cm}$ section of resistance wire. The student then repeats the experiment with a $100\,\text{cm}$ section of the same resistance wire. What effect does this change have on the current in the circuit and on the wire’s resistance?
Electrical quantities
What does the abbreviation e.m.f. stand for?
Electrical quantities
A plastic rod is rubbed using a dry woollen cloth. The rod then gains a positive charge. Which statement is correct?
Electrical quantities
The diagram illustrates the circuit that a student uses to determine the resistance of resistor R. Which row identifies meter 1 and meter 2?
Electric circuits
Which of the following statements about weight are correct?
Mass and weight
The diagram illustrates a potential divider circuit. The thermistor's temperature rises. What happens to the thermistor's resistance, and what happens to the voltmeter reading?
Electric circuits
The diagram shows a series circuit that includes a fixed voltage power supply, a thermistor, a light-dependent resistor (LDR) and a lamp. Which set of conditions makes the lamp the brightest?
Electric circuits
The diagram shows a circuit with a cell, a lamp and two ammeters. Ammeter 2 shows a current of $0.20\ \text{A}$. What is the name of this type of circuit, and what is the reading on ammeter 1?
Electric circuits
A fuse is included in the circuit that connects a room heater to the mains electricity supply. As the fuse melts, it disconnects the circuit. Why does the fuse wire melt?
Electrical safety
Four small compasses are arranged around a solenoid. A current is then turned on in the solenoid. Which diagram shows the possible new directions of the compass needles?
Simple phenomena of magnetism
What metal is used as the core of a transformer?
Simple phenomena of magnetism
The diagram illustrates the structure of a relay. Two components are labelled N and P. Which metal is N made from, and which metal is P made from?
Electromagnetic effects
A cobalt nuclide has 27 protons and 32 neutrons. Which symbol shows this nuclide?
The nuclear model of the atom
In the processes illustrated, X and Y are elements. Which process represents $\alpha$-decay?
Radioactivity
A high-voltage power supply is linked to a metal grid and a wire, as illustrated. When the radioactive source is brought near the grid, sparks are seen at the position marked. Which statement explains why the sparks are produced?
Radioactivity
The diagram displays four items of laboratory apparatus. Which of these are used to determine the density of a liquid?
Density
A radioactive substance has a half-life of $6$ hours. Its starting rate of emission is $120$ counts per second. How much time will pass before this rate of emission decreases to $30$ counts per second?
Radioactivity
To tighten a nut on a bicycle wheel, a spanner is used. A force $F$ is required. How can the force $F$ be reduced?
Forces
Which ball has a non-zero resultant force acting on it?
Forces
The diagram depicts a bus with an upper deck and a lower deck. Passengers on the upper deck are prohibited from standing when the bus is in motion. Standing passengers reduce the bus’s stability. Why is this?
Forces
An object drops towards the Earth’s surface. What happens to the object’s gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy?
Energy, work and power
What is the unit for work?
Energy, work and power