Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2006 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 1
9702/11/M/J/06 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper20 pages
Mark scheme2 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · Which pair includes a vector quantity and a scalar quantity?
1 Which pair includes a vector quantity and a scalar quantity? A displacement; acceleration B force; kinetic energy C power; speed D work; potential energy
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · For which quantity is the magnitude a reasonable estimate?
2 For which quantity is the magnitude a reasonable estimate? A frequency of a radio wave 500 pHz B mass of an atom 500 µg C the Young modulus of a metal 500 kPa D wavelength of green light 500 nm
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · The following physical quantities can be either positive or negative
3 The following physical quantities can be either positive or negative. s : displacement of a particle along a straight line θ : temperature on the Celsius scale q : electric charge V : readings on a digital voltmeter Which of these quantities are vectors? A s, θ, q, V B s, q, V C θ, V D s only
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · A light meter measures the intensity I of the light falling on it
4 A light meter measures the intensity I of the light falling on it. Theory suggests that this varies as the inverse square of the distance d. light meter d Which graph of the results supports this theory? A B I I 0 0 0 d 0 d C D I I 0 0 0 d 2 0 1 d 2
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · The cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) display shows the waveform produced by an…
5 The cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) display shows the waveform produced by an electronic circuit. The c.r.o. time-base is set at 10 ms per division. What is the period of the signal shown? A 20 ms B 30 ms C 40 ms D 80 ms
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · The resistance R of an unknown resistor is found by measuring the potential difference V…
6 The resistance R of an unknown resistor is found by measuring the potential difference V across V . The voltmeter reading has the resistor and the current I through it and using the equation R = I a 3 % uncertainty and the ammeter reading has a 2 % uncertainty. What is the uncertainty in the calculated resistance? A 1.5 % B 3 % C 5 % D 6 %
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · An experiment is done to measure the acceleration of free fall of a body from rest
7 An experiment is done to measure the acceleration of free fall of a body from rest. Which measurements are needed? A the height of fall and the time of fall B the height of fall and the weight of the body C the mass of the body and the height of fall D the mass of the body and the time of fall
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · The velocity of an object during the first five seconds of its motion is shown on the…
8 The velocity of an object during the first five seconds of its motion is shown on the graph. 20 velocity / m s–1 15 10 5 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 time / s What is the distance travelled by the object in this time? A 4 m B 20 m C 50 m D 100 m
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · The diagram shows a velocity-time graph for a mass moving up and down on the end of a…
9 The diagram shows a velocity-time graph for a mass moving up and down on the end of a spring. Which point represents the velocity of the mass when at the lowest point of its motion? UP A velocity B D 0 0 time DOWN C
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · A cyclist is riding at a steady speed on a level road
10 A cyclist is riding at a steady speed on a level road. According to Newton’s third law of motion, what is equal and opposite to the backward push of the back wheel on the road? A the force exerted by the cyclist on the pedals B the forward push of the road on the back wheel C the tension in the cycle chain D the total air resistance and friction force
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · In perfectly elastic collisions between two atoms, it is always true to say that A the…
11 In perfectly elastic collisions between two atoms, it is always true to say that A the initial speed of one atom will be the same as the final speed of the other atom. B the relative speed of approach between the two atoms equals their relative speed of separation. C the total momentum must be conserved, but a small amount of the total kinetic energy may be lost in the collision. D whatever their initial states of motion, neither atom can be stationary after the collision.
Mark scheme: B
Q12 · Two railway trucks of masses m and 3m move towards each other in opposite directions with…
12 Two railway trucks of masses m and 3m move towards each other in opposite directions with speeds 2v and v respectively. These trucks collide and stick together. What is the speed of the trucks after the collision? v v 5v A B C v D 4 2 4
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · The diagrams show three forces acting on a body
13 The diagrams show three forces acting on a body. In which diagram is the body in equilibrium? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · A force F is applied to a beam at a distance d from a pivot
14 A force F is applied to a beam at a distance d from a pivot. The force acts at an angle θ to a line perpendicular to the beam. F θ pivot d Which combination will cause the largest turning effect about the pivot? F d θ A large large large B large large small C small small large D small large small
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · A rigid uniform bar of length 2.4 m is pivoted horizontally at its mid-point
15 A rigid uniform bar of length 2.4 m is pivoted horizontally at its mid-point. 0.8 m 0.8 m 200 N 300 N Weights are hung from two points of the bar as shown in the diagram. To maintain horizontal equilibrium, a couple is applied to the bar. What is the torque and direction of this couple? A 40 N m clockwise B 40 N m anticlockwise C 80 N m clockwise D 80 N m anticlockwise
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · What is the internal energy of an object?
16 What is the internal energy of an object? A It is the energy associated with the object’s movement through space. B It is the energy associated with the random movement of the molecules in the object. C It is the energy due to the attractions between the molecules within the object. D It is the sum of all the microscopic potential and kinetic energies of the molecules.
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · A motorist travelling at 10 m s–1 can bring his car to rest in a braking distance of 10 m
17 A motorist travelling at 10 m s–1 can bring his car to rest in a braking distance of 10 m. In what distance could he bring the car to rest from a speed of 30 m s–1 using the same braking force? A 17 m B 30 m C 52 m D 90 m
Mark scheme: D
Q18 · A stone of weight 4.0 N in the Earth’s gravitational field is moved from P to Q and then…
18 A stone of weight 4.0 N in the Earth’s gravitational field is moved from P to Q and then to R along the path shown. Q 40 m R 30 m 50 m P Earth's surface How much potential energy does the stone gain? A 120 J B 200 J C 280 J D 1200 J
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q19 · Below are four short paragraphs describing the molecules in a beaker of water at 50 oC
19 Below are four short paragraphs describing the molecules in a beaker of water at 50 oC. Which paragraph correctly describes the molecules? A The molecules all travel at the same speed. This speed is not large enough for any of the molecules to leave the surface of the water. There are attractive forces between the molecules. B The molecules have a range of speeds. Some molecules travel sufficiently fast to leave the surface of the water. There are no forces between the molecules. C The molecules have a range of speeds. Some molecules travel sufficiently fast to leave the surface of the water. There are attractive forces between the molecules. D The molecules have a range of speeds. The fastest molecules are unable to leave the surface of the water. There are attractive forces between the molecules.
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · In an experiment to demonstrate Brownian motion, smoke particles in a container are…
20 In an experiment to demonstrate Brownian motion, smoke particles in a container are illuminated by a strong light source and observed through a microscope. The particles are seen as small specks of light that are in motion. What causes the Brownian motion? A collisions between the smoke particles and air molecules B collisions between the smoke particles and the walls of the container C convection currents within the air as it is warmed by the light source D kinetic energy gained by the smoke particles on absorption of light
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · In describing the behaviour of a spring, the spring constant is used
21 In describing the behaviour of a spring, the spring constant is used. Different loads are used to extend the spring by different amounts. To find the spring constant, which quantities are required? A the elastic limit and the loads B the elastic limit, extensions and the length of the spring C the loads and the extensions of the spring D the loads and the length of the spring
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · The graph shows the behaviour of a sample of a metal when it is stretched until it starts…
22 The graph shows the behaviour of a sample of a metal when it is stretched until it starts to undergo plastic deformation. force / N 550 Y 500 X 0 0 10.0 12.0 extension / mm What is the total work done in stretching the sample from zero extension to 12.0 mm? Simplify the calculation by treating the region XY as a straight line. A 3.30 J B 3.55 J C 3.60 J D 6.60 J
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · Which phenomenon is associated with transverse waves but not longitudinal waves?
23 Which phenomenon is associated with transverse waves but not longitudinal waves? A polarisation B reflection C refraction D superposition
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · A displacement-time graph is shown for a particular wave
24 A displacement-time graph is shown for a particular wave. displacement 0 time A second wave of similar type has twice the intensity and half the frequency. When drawn on the same axes, what would the second wave look like? A B displacement displacement 0 0 time time C D displacement displacement 0 0 time time
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · The frequency of a certain wave is 500 Hz and its speed is 340 m s–1
25 The frequency of a certain wave is 500 Hz and its speed is 340 m s–1. What is the phase difference between the motions of two points on the wave 0.17 m apart? π π 3 π A rad B rad C rad D π rad 4 2 4
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · Where, in a standing wave, do the vibrations of the medium occur?
26 Where, in a standing wave, do the vibrations of the medium occur? A only at the nodes B only at the antinodes C at all points between the nodes D at all points between the antinodes
Mark scheme: C
Q27 · Monochromatic light is incident on a diffraction grating and a diffraction pattern is…
27 Monochromatic light is incident on a diffraction grating and a diffraction pattern is observed. Which line of the table gives the effect of replacing the grating with one that has more lines per metre? number of orders of angle between first and diffraction visible second orders of diffraction A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · A double-slit interference experiment is set up as shown
28 A double-slit interference experiment is set up as shown. * red light source single double screen slit slit not to scale Fringes are formed on the screen. The distance between successive bright fringes is found to be 4 mm. Two changes are then made to the experimental arrangement. The double slit is replaced by another double slit which has half the spacing. The screen is moved so that its distance from the double slit is twice as great. What is now the distance between successive bright fringes? A 1 mm B 4 mm C 8 mm D 16 mm
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · Two parallel metal plates are at potentials of +800 V and +1300 V
29 Two parallel metal plates are at potentials of +800 V and +1300 V. Which diagram best shows the electric field between the metal plates? A B +800 V +1300 V +800 V +1300 V C D +800 V +1300 V +800 V +1300 V
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · An electron of charge e is introduced between two metal plates a distance d apart
30 An electron of charge e is introduced between two metal plates a distance d apart. A potential difference V is applied to the plates as shown in the diagram. F d electron V Which expression gives the electric force F on the electron? eV V dV A B eVd C D d ed e
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · The current in the circuit is 4.8 A
31 The current in the circuit is 4.8 A. R X Y What is the rate of flow and the direction of flow of electrons through the resistor R? A 3.0 × 1019 s–1 in direction X to Y B 6.0 × 1018 s–1 in direction X to Y C 3.0 × 1019 s–1 in direction Y to X D 6.0 × 1018 s–1 in direction Y to X
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · Which equation is used to define resistance?
32 Which equation is used to define resistance? A energy = (current)2 × resistance × time B potential difference = current × resistance C power = (current)2 × resistance D resistivity = resistance × area ÷ length
Mark scheme: B
Question 33
33 A p.d. of 12 V is connected between P and Q. 500 Ω 1000 Ω X P Q Y 2000 Ω 1000 Ω What is the p.d. between X and Y? A 0 V B 4 V C 6 V D 8 V
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · The diagram shows a low-voltage circuit for heating the water in a fish tank
34 The diagram shows a low-voltage circuit for heating the water in a fish tank. source heater The heater has a resistance of 3.0 Ω. The voltage source has an e.m.f. of 12 V and an internal resistance of 1.0 Ω. At what rate does the voltage source supply energy to the heater? A 27 W B 36 W C 48 W D 64 W
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · The diagram shows an arrangement of resistors
35 The diagram shows an arrangement of resistors. 10 Ω X 10 Ω 10 Ω Y 10 Ω What is the total electrical resistance between X and Y? A less than 1 Ω B between 1 Ω and 10 Ω C between 10 Ω and 30 Ω D 40 Ω
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · When four identical lamps P, Q, R and S are connected as shown in diagram 1, they have…
36 When four identical lamps P, Q, R and S are connected as shown in diagram 1, they have normal brightness. P Q P Q R S R S diagram 1 diagram 2 The four lamps and the battery are then connected as shown in diagram 2. Which statement is correct? A The lamps do not light. B The lamps are less bright than normal. C The lamps have normal brightness. D The lamps are brighter than normal.
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The diagram shows a light-dependent resistor (LDR) and a thermistor forming a potential…
37 The diagram shows a light-dependent resistor (LDR) and a thermistor forming a potential divider. + – Under which set of conditions will the potential difference across the thermistor have the greatest value? illumination temperature A low low B high low C low high D high high
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · What is a correct order of magnitude estimate for the diameter of a typical atomic…
38 What is a correct order of magnitude estimate for the diameter of a typical atomic nucleus? A 10–14 m B 10–18 m C 10–22 m D 10–26 m
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · The decay of a nucleus of neptunium is accompanied by the emission of a β-particle and…
39 The decay of a nucleus of neptunium is accompanied by the emission of a β-particle and γ-radiation. What effect (if any) does this decay have on the proton number and the nucleon number of the nucleus? proton number nucleon number A increases decreases B decreases increases C unchanged decreases D increases unchanged
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · Radon-220 is radioactive and decays to Polonium-216 with the emission of an α-particle
40 Radon-220 is radioactive and decays to Polonium-216 with the emission of an α-particle. The equation for the radioactive decay is shown. 220 Rn → 216 Po + He 4 86 84 2 How many neutrons are in the radon and polonium nuclei? Rn Po A 86 84 B 134 132 C 220 212 D 220 216
Mark scheme: B
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
3Practical circuits3Elastic and plastic behaviour2Equations of motion2Errors and uncertainties2Kinetic theory of gases2Linear momentum and its conservation2Physical quantities2Potential dividers2Progressive waves2Scalars and vectors2Turning effects of forces2Uniform electric fields2Electric current1Energy conservation1Equilibrium of forces1Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy1Interference1Internal energy1Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion1Resistance and resistivity1Simple harmonic oscillations1Stationary waves1The diffraction grating1Transverse and longitudinal waves1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2006 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.