Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2008 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 1
9702/11/O/N/08 · 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 · A laser emits light of wavelength 600 nm
1 A laser emits light of wavelength 600 nm. What is the distance, expressed as a number of wavelengths, travelled by the light in one second? A 5 × 108 B 5 × 1011 C 5 × 1014 D 5 × 1017
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · At temperatures close to 0 K, the specific heat capacity c of a particular solid is given…
2 At temperatures close to 0 K, the specific heat capacity c of a particular solid is given by c = bT 3, where T is the thermodynamic temperature and b is a constant characteristic of the solid. What are the units of constant b, expressed in SI base units? A m2 s –2 K–3 B m2 s–2 K–4 C kg m2 s–2 K–3 D kg m2 s–2 K–4
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · The table shows the x-component and y-component of four force vectors
3 The table shows the x-component and y-component of four force vectors. Which force vector has the largest magnitude? x-component / N y-component / N A 2 9 B 3 8 C 4 7 D 5 6
Mark scheme: A
Q4 · A student uses a digital ammeter to measure a current
4 A student uses a digital ammeter to measure a current. The reading of the ammeter is found to fluctuate between 1.98 A and 2.02 A. The manufacturer of the ammeter states that any reading has a systematic uncertainty of ± 1 %. Which value of current should be quoted by the student? A (2.00 ± 0.01) A B (2.00 ± 0.02) A C (2.00 ± 0.03) A D (2.00 ± 0.04) A
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · A calibration graph is produced for a faulty ammeter
5 A calibration graph is produced for a faulty ammeter. 1.0 ammeter reading / A 00 1.0 true current / A Which ammeter reading will be nearest to the correct value? A 0.2 A B 0.4 A C 0.6 A D 0.8 A
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · The diagram shows a velocity-time graph for a car
6 The diagram shows a velocity-time graph for a car. 12 velocity / m s–1 10 8 6 4 2 0 0 1 2 3 4 time / s What is the distance travelled during the first 4.0 s? A 2.5 m B 3.0 m C 20 m D 28 m
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · A stone is thrown upwards and follows a curved path
7 A stone is thrown upwards and follows a curved path. Air resistance is negligible. Why does the path have this shape? A The stone has a constant horizontal velocity and constant vertical acceleration. B The stone has a constant horizontal acceleration and constant vertical velocity. C The stone has a constant upward acceleration followed by a constant downward acceleration. D The stone has a constant upward velocity followed by a constant downward velocity.
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · Which graph represents the motion of a car that is travelling along a straight road with…
8 Which graph represents the motion of a car that is travelling along a straight road with a speed that increases uniformly with time? A B acceleration acceleration 00 00 time time C D displacement displacement 00 00 time time
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · A ball falls vertically and bounces on the ground
9 A ball falls vertically and bounces on the ground. The following statements are about the forces acting while the ball is in contact with the ground. Which statement is correct? A The force that the ball exerts on the ground is always equal to the weight of the ball. B The force that the ball exerts on the ground is always equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force the ground exerts on the ball. C The force that the ball exerts on the ground is always less than the weight of the ball. D The weight of the ball is always equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force that the ground exerts on the ball.
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · Two spheres approach each other along the same straight line
10 Two spheres approach each other along the same straight line. Their speeds are u1 and u2 before collision, and v1 and v2 after collision, in the directions shown below. before collision u1 u2 after collision v1 v2 Which equation is correct if the collision is perfectly elastic? A u1 – u2 = v2 + v1 B u1 – u2 = v2 – v1 C u1 + u2 = v2 + v1 D u1 + u2 = v2 – v1
Mark scheme: D
Q11 · A box of mass 8.0 kg rests on a horizontal, rough surface
11 A box of mass 8.0 kg rests on a horizontal, rough surface. A string attached to the box passes over a smooth pulley and supports a 2.0 kg mass at its other end. box smooth 8.0 kg pulley rough surface 2.0 kg When the box is released, a friction force of 6.0 N acts on it. What is the acceleration of the box? A 1.4 m s–2 B 1.7 m s–2 C 2.0 m s–2 D 2.5 m s–2
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · A wooden block rests on a rough board
12 A wooden block rests on a rough board. The end of the board is then raised until the block slides down the plane of the board at constant velocity v. block v board Which row describes the forces acting on the block when sliding with constant velocity? frictional force on block resultant force on block A down the plane down the plane B down the plane zero C up the plane down the plane D up the plane zero
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · A particle is in a uniform field
13 A particle is in a uniform field. The particle experiences a force in the opposite direction to the field. Which field is the particle in, and on which property of the particle is the field acting? property of particle field on which the field acts A electric charge B electric current C gravitational mass D gravitational weight
Mark scheme: A
Q14 · Which pair of forces acts as a couple on the circular object?
14 Which pair of forces acts as a couple on the circular object? A B C D F F 2F F F 2F F F
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · A block of weight W is pulled up a rough slope by a force F
15 A block of weight W is pulled up a rough slope by a force F. When the block has moved a distance x along the slope, it has risen height h. x F h W Which expressions give the amount of work done on the block and the amount of gravitational potential energy gained by the block? gravitational potential work done energy A Fx Wh B Fh Wx C Wx Fh D Wh Fx
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · An object is thrown into the air
16 An object is thrown into the air. Which graph shows how the potential energy Ep of the object varies with height h above the ground? A B C D Ep Ep Ep Ep 0 0 0 0 0 h 0 h 0 h 0 h
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q17 · A pendulum bob oscillates between P and R
17 A pendulum bob oscillates between P and R. P R y Q x Assuming the gravitational potential energy lost in moving from P to Q is converted into kinetic energy, what is the speed of the bob at Q? A 2 gx B 2gx C 2 gy D 2gy
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q18 · Which operation involves the greatest mean power?
18 Which operation involves the greatest mean power? A a car moving against a resistive force of 0.4 kN at a constant speed of 20 m s–1 B a crane lifting a weight of 3 kN at a speed of 2 m s–1 C a crane lifting a weight of 5 kN at a speed of 1 m s–1 D a weight being pulled across a horizontal surface at a speed of 6 m s–1 against a frictional force of 1.5 kN
Mark scheme: D
Q19 · Which properties best describe modelling clay?
19 Which properties best describe modelling clay? A brittle and ductile B ductile and elastic C elastic and plastic D plastic and ductile
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · Why does the pressure of a gas increase when the gas is compressed at constant…
20 Why does the pressure of a gas increase when the gas is compressed at constant temperature? A The gas molecules collide more often with each other. B The gas molecules expand under pressure. C The gas molecules hit the walls of the container more frequently. D The gas molecules travel faster.
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · A number of similar springs, each having the same spring constant, are joined in four…
21 A number of similar springs, each having the same spring constant, are joined in four arrangements. The same load is applied to each. Which arrangement gives the greatest extension? A B C D load load load load
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · The graphs show how force varies with extension and stress varies with strain for the…
22 The graphs show how force varies with extension and stress varies with strain for the loading of a metal wire. force stress 00 00 extension strain The Young modulus for this wire is equal to A the gradient of the force-extension graph. B the area between the force-extension graph and the extension axis. C the gradient of the stress-strain graph. D the area between the stress-strain graph and the strain axis.
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · For a wire, Hooke’s law is obeyed for a tension F and extension x
23 For a wire, Hooke’s law is obeyed for a tension F and extension x. The Young modulus for the material of the wire is E. Which expression represents the elastic strain energy stored in the wire? A 1 E x B E x C 1 F x D F x 2 2
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · The diagram shows two waves X and Y
24 The diagram shows two waves X and Y. displacement wave X 0 0 time wave Y Wave X has amplitude 8 cm and frequency 100 Hz. What are the amplitude and frequency of wave Y? amplitude / cm frequency / Hz A 2 33 B 2 300 C 4 33 D 4 300
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · Light can exhibit all of the properties listed
25 Light can exhibit all of the properties listed. Which property can sound not exhibit? A interference B polarisation C refraction D total internal reflection
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · The diagram represents the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope displaying two sound…
26 The diagram represents the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope displaying two sound waves labelled X and Y. X Y intensity of sound wave X What is the ratio ? intensity of sound wave Y 9 3 3 1 A B C D 1 1 1 1
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · T is a microwave transmitter placed at a fixed distance from a flat reflecting surface S
27 T is a microwave transmitter placed at a fixed distance from a flat reflecting surface S. S T A small microwave receiver is moved from T towards S and receives signals of alternate maxima and minima of intensity. The distance between one maximum and the next is 15 mm. What is the frequency of the microwaves? A 1.0 × 107 Hz B 2.0 × 107 Hz C 1.0 × 1010 Hz D 2.0 × 1010 Hz
Mark scheme: C
Q28 · The diagram shows two loudspeakers producing sound waves that are in phase
28 The diagram shows two loudspeakers producing sound waves that are in phase. X loud quiet L d loud quiet loudspeakers loud Y As a student moves from X to Y, the intensity of the note she hears is alternately loud and quiet. The distance between adjacent loud and quiet regions may be reduced by A decreasing distance d. B increasing distance L. C decreasing the amplitude. D increasing the frequency.
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · The diagram shows the electric field near a point charge and two electrons X and Y
29 The diagram shows the electric field near a point charge and two electrons X and Y. Y X Which row describes the forces acting on X and Y? direction of force magnitude of force on X A radially inwards less than force on Y B radially inwards greater than force on Y C radially outwards less than force on Y D radially outwards greater than force on Y
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · A particle has a charge of 4.8 × 10–19 C
30 A particle has a charge of 4.8 × 10–19 C. The particle remains at rest between a pair of horizontal, parallel plates having a separation of 15 mm. The potential difference between the plates is 660 V. What is the weight of the particle? A 2.1 × 10−14 N B 2.1 × 10−15 N C 2.1 × 10−17 N D 1.1 × 10−23 N
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · Two wires P and Q made of the same material and of the same length are connected in…
31 Two wires P and Q made of the same material and of the same length are connected in parallel to the same voltage supply. Wire P has diameter 2 mm and wire Q has diameter 1 mm. What is the ratio current in P ? current in Q 1 1 2 4 A B C D 4 2 1 1
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · An electric power cable consists of six copper wires c surrounding a steel core s
32 An electric power cable consists of six copper wires c surrounding a steel core s. c c c s c c c 1.0 km of one of the copper wires has a resistance of 10 Ω and 1.0 km of the steel core has a resistance of 100 Ω. What is the approximate resistance of a 1.0 km length of the power cable? A 0.61 Ω B 1.6 Ω C 160 Ω D 610 Ω
Mark scheme: B
Q33 · Which graph best represents the way the current I through a filament lamp varies with the…
33 Which graph best represents the way the current I through a filament lamp varies with the potential difference V across it? A B C D I I I I 0 0 0 0 0 V 0 V 0 V 0 V
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · The charge that a fully-charged 12 V car battery can supply is 100 kC
34 The charge that a fully-charged 12 V car battery can supply is 100 kC. The starter motor of the car requires a current of 200 A for an average period of 2.0 s. The battery does not recharge because of a fault. What is the maximum number of times the starter motor of the car can be used? A 21 B 25 C 42 D 250
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · The diagram shows a circuit containing three resistors in parallel
35 The diagram shows a circuit containing three resistors in parallel. 12 V 10 Ω A 10 Ω X The battery has e.m.f. 12 V and negligible internal resistance. The ammeter reading is 3.2 A. What is the resistance of X? A 2.1 Ω B 4.6 Ω C 6.0 Ω D 15 Ω
Mark scheme: D
Question 36
36 The e.m.f. of the battery is 9.0 V. The reading on the high-resistance voltmeter is 7.5 V. 9.0 V I V 15 Ω What is the current I ? A 0.10 A B 0.50 A C 0.60 A D 2.0 A
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · The diagram shows a potentiometer circuit
37 The diagram shows a potentiometer circuit. E1 R X T Y E2 The contact T is placed on the wire and moved along the wire until the galvanometer reading is zero. The length XT is then noted. In order to calculate the potential difference per unit length on the wire XY, which value must also be known? A the e.m.f. of the cell E1 B the e.m.f. of the cell E2 C the resistance of resistor R D the resistance of the wire XY
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · Which conclusion can be drawn from the results of the experiment showing the scattering…
38 Which conclusion can be drawn from the results of the experiment showing the scattering of α-particles by gold foil? A Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus in well-defined paths. B Nuclei of different isotopes contain different numbers of neutrons. C The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons. D The nucleus is very small compared with the size of the atom.
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · A nucleus Q has the notation Q y
39 A nucleus Q has the notation Q y . x Which of the following is an isotope of Q? A y − 1 Q B y Q C y Q D y − 1 Q x x− 1 x+ 1 x + 1
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · A 238 U nucleus decays in two stages to a 234 Pa nucleus
40 A 238 U nucleus decays in two stages to a 234 Pa nucleus. 92 91 What was emitted in these two stages? A α + β B α + γ C β + β D β + γ
Mark scheme: A
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.
3Resistance and resistivity3Atoms, nuclei and radiation2Elastic and plastic behaviour2Electric fields and field lines2Energy conservation2Errors and uncertainties2Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy2Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion2Practical circuits2Progressive waves2Stress and strain2Electric current1Equilibrium of forces1Interference1Kinetic theory of gases1Linear momentum and its conservation1Physical quantities1Polarisation1Potential dividers1Radioactive decay1Scalars and vectors1SI units1Stationary waves1Turning effects of forces1Uniform electric fields1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2008 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.