Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2010 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 3
9702/13/O/N/10 · 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 paper24 pages
Mark scheme2 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · Which physical quantity would result from a calculation in which a potential difference…
1 Which physical quantity would result from a calculation in which a potential difference is multiplied by an electric charge? A electric current B electric energy C electric field strength D electric power
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · The diagram shows a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) being used to measure the rate of…
2 The diagram shows a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) being used to measure the rate of rotation of a flywheel. flywheel 10 cm M coil The flywheel has a small magnet M mounted on it. Each time the magnet passes the coil, a voltage pulse is generated, which is passed to the c.r.o. The display of the c.r.o. is 10 cm wide. The flywheel is rotating at a rate of about 3000 revolutions per minute. Which time-base setting will display clearly separate pulses on the screen? A 1 s cm–1 B 10 ms cm–1 C 100 µs cm–1 D 1 µs cm–1 Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · A fixed quantity x0 is measured many times in an experiment that has experimental…
3 A fixed quantity x0 is measured many times in an experiment that has experimental uncertainty. A graph is plotted to show the number n of times that a particular value x is obtained. Which graph could be obtained if the measurement of x0 has a large systematic error but a small random error? A B n n 0 0 x0 x x0 x C D n n 0 0 x0 x x0 x Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · A signal has a frequency of 2.0 MHz
4 A signal has a frequency of 2.0 MHz. What is the period of the signal? A 2 µs B 5 µs C 200 ns D 500 ns
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · The angular deflection of the needle of an ammeter varies with the current passing…
5 The angular deflection of the needle of an ammeter varies with the current passing through the ammeter as shown in the graph. angular deflection 0 0 current Which diagram could represent the appearance of the scale on this meter? A B 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 8 0 9 C D 2 3 45 6 7 8 3 4 5 6 1 0 1 2 7 8 9 0 9 Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · The velocity-time graph below is for a stone thrown vertically up into the air
6 The velocity-time graph below is for a stone thrown vertically up into the air. Air resistance is negligible. velocity X 0 0 t time Y The stone is thrown up at time zero. Area X represents a distance of 5 m. Area Y represents a distance of 3 m. What is the displacement of the stone from its initial position at time t ? A 2 m B 3 m C 5 m D 8 m
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · A metal sphere of radius r is dropped into a tank of water
7 A metal sphere of radius r is dropped into a tank of water. As it sinks at speed v, it experiences a drag force F given by F = kr v, where k is a constant. What are the SI base units of k ? A kg m2 s–1 B kg m–2 s–2 C kg m–1 s–1 D kg m s–2 Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · The gravitational field strength on the surface of planet P is one tenth of that on the…
8 The gravitational field strength on the surface of planet P is one tenth of that on the surface of planet Q. On the surface of P, a body has a mass of 1.0 kg and a weight of 1.0 N. What are the mass and weight of the same body on the surface of planet Q? mass on Q / kg weight on Q / N A 1.0 0.1 B 1.0 10 C 10 10 D 10 100
Mark scheme: B
Q9 · A body, initially at rest, explodes into two masses M1 and M2 that move apart with speeds…
9 A body, initially at rest, explodes into two masses M1 and M2 that move apart with speeds v1 and v2 respectively. v ? What is the ratio 1 v 2 M M M M A 1 B 2 C 1 D 2 M M M M 2 1 2 1 Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · Two experiments are carried out using two trolleys of equal mass
10 Two experiments are carried out using two trolleys of equal mass. All moving parts of the trolleys are frictionless, as is the surface that the trolleys move over. In both experiments, trolley X moves towards trolley Y, which is initially stationary. X Y After the collision in experiment 1, X is stationary and Y moves off to the right. After the collision in experiment 2, the trolleys join and move off together. What types of collision occur in these experiments? experiment 1 experiment 2 A elastic elastic B elastic inelastic C inelastic elastic D inelastic inelastic
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · A ball is thrown horizontally in still air from the top of a very tall building
11 A ball is thrown horizontally in still air from the top of a very tall building. The ball is affected by air resistance. What happens to the horizontal and to the vertical components of the ball’s velocity? horizontal component vertical component of velocity of velocity A decreases to zero increases at a constant rate B decreases to zero increases to a constant value C remains constant increases at a constant rate D remains constant increases to a constant value Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q12 · In order that a train can stop safely, it will always pass a signal showing a yellow…
12 In order that a train can stop safely, it will always pass a signal showing a yellow light before it reaches a signal showing a red light. Drivers apply the brake at the yellow light and this results in a uniform deceleration to stop exactly at the red light. The distance between the red and yellow lights is x. What must be the minimum distance between the lights if the train speed is increased by 20 %, without changing the deceleration of the trains? A 1.20 x B 1.25 x C 1.44 x D 1.56 x
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · A street lamp is fixed to a wall by a metal rod and a cable
13 A street lamp is fixed to a wall by a metal rod and a cable. cable wall P metal rod lamp Which vector triangle represents the forces acting at point P? A B C D Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · A rigid L-shaped lever arm is pivoted at point P
14 A rigid L-shaped lever arm is pivoted at point P. P 5 N 2 m 2 m 10 N 3 m 1 m 15 N Three forces act on the lever arm, as shown in the diagram. What is the magnitude of the resultant moment of these forces about point P? A 15 N m B 20 N m C 35 N m D 75 N m
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · Two parallel forces, each of magnitude F, act on a body as shown
15 Two parallel forces, each of magnitude F, act on a body as shown. F d s F What is the magnitude of the torque on the body produced by these forces? A F d B F s C 2F d D 2F s Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · A steam turbine is used to drive a generator
16 A steam turbine is used to drive a generator. The input power to the turbine is PI and the output power PO. The power loss in the turbine is PL, as shown below. input power PI output power PO turbine generator power loss PL What is the efficiency of the turbine? P PI PL PO A L B C D P P P P O O I I Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · The diagram shows a lift system in which the elevator (mass m1) is partly counterbalanced…
17 The diagram shows a lift system in which the elevator (mass m1) is partly counterbalanced by a heavy weight (mass m2). motor v v elevator m1 m2 At what rate does the motor provide energy to the system when the elevator is rising at a steady speed v ? (g = acceleration of free fall) A 1 m1 v 2 2 B 1 (m1 – m2)v 2 2 C m1gv D (m1 – m2)gv
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q18 · What is the internal energy of a system?
18 What is the internal energy of a system? A the amount of heat supplied to the system B the energy of the atoms of the system C the total kinetic energy of the system D the total potential energy of the system Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · The graph shows how force depends on extension for a certain spring
19 The graph shows how force depends on extension for a certain spring. 10.0 F / N 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 0 10 20 30 40 50 extension / mm What is the energy stored in the spring when the extension is 30 mm? A 0.095 J B 0.19 J C 0.25 J D 0.95 J
Mark scheme: A
Q20 · The Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean has a depth of about 10 km
20 The Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean has a depth of about 10 km. Assuming that sea water is incompressible and has a density of about 1020 kg m–3, what would be the approximate pressure at that depth? A 105 Pa B 106 Pa C 107 Pa D 108 Pa Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q21 · A wire consists of a 3.0 m length of metal X joined to a 1.0 m length of metal Y
21 A wire consists of a 3.0 m length of metal X joined to a 1.0 m length of metal Y. The cross-sectional area of the wire is uniform. X 3.0 m Y 1.0 m load A load hung from the wire causes metal X to stretch by 1.5 mm and metal Y to stretch by 1.0 mm. The same load is then hung from a second wire of the same cross-section, consisting of 1.0 m of metal X and 3.0 m of metal Y. What is the total extension of this second wire? A 2.5 mm B 3.5 mm C 4.8 mm D 5.0 mm Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q22 · A student writes some statements about solids, liquids and gases
22 A student writes some statements about solids, liquids and gases. 1 Solids are rigid because the molecules in a solid vibrate. 2 Liquids flow because the molecules in a liquid are closer than in a gas. 3 Gases are less dense than liquids because the molecules in a gas move randomly. Which statements are correct? A 1 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D none of the above
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · A stationary wave is produced by two loudspeakers emitting sound of the same frequency
23 A stationary wave is produced by two loudspeakers emitting sound of the same frequency. X Y speaker speaker 1 2 1.5 m When a microphone is moved between X and Y, a distance of 1.5 m, six nodes and seven antinodes are detected. What is the wavelength of the sound? A 0.50 m B 0.43 m C 0.25 m D 0.21 m Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · When plane-polarised light of amplitude a is passed through a polarising filter as shown…
24 When plane-polarised light of amplitude a is passed through a polarising filter as shown, the amplitude of the light emerging is a cosθ. amplitude = a intensity = I θ plane polarised light amplitude = a cos θ polarising filter The intensity of the initial beam is I. What is the intensity of the emerging light when θ is 60.0°? A 0.250 I B 0.500 I C 0.750 I D 0.866 I
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · The diagram shows a vertical cross-section through a water wave moving from left to right
25 The diagram shows a vertical cross-section through a water wave moving from left to right. At which point is the water moving upwards with maximum speed? B A C D Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q26 · Which electromagnetic wave would cause the most significant diffraction effect for an…
26 Which electromagnetic wave would cause the most significant diffraction effect for an atomic lattice of spacing around 10–10 m? A infra-red B microwave C ultraviolet D X-ray
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · The graph shows how the displacement of a particle in a wave varies with time
27 The graph shows how the displacement of a particle in a wave varies with time. displacement / cm 2 1 0 2 4 6 time / s _ 1 _ 2 Which statement is correct? A The wave has an amplitude of 2 cm and could be either transverse or longitudinal. B The wave has an amplitude of 2 cm and must be transverse. C The wave has an amplitude of 4 cm and could be either transverse or longitudinal. D The wave has an amplitude of 4 cm and must be transverse. Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · Electrons are accelerated and then directed into the uniform electric field between two…
28 Electrons are accelerated and then directed into the uniform electric field between two parallel plates in a vacuum. electrons What best describes the shape of the path followed by the electrons in the field? A a downwards curve along a line that is part of a circle B a downwards curve along a line that is not part of a circle C an upwards curve along a line that is part of a circle D an upwards curve along a line that is not part of a circle
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · A charged particle is in the electric field between two horizontal metal plates connected…
29 A charged particle is in the electric field between two horizontal metal plates connected to a source of constant potential difference, as shown. There is a force F on the particle due to the electric field. charged particle The separation of the plates is doubled. What will be the new force on the particle? F F A B C F D 2F 4 2 Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · An electron is in an electric field of strength 5 × 104 V m–1
30 An electron is in an electric field of strength 5 × 104 V m–1. The field is the only influence on the electron. The mass and charge of an electron are known. Which quantity can be calculated without any more information? A the force on the electron B the momentum of the electron C the kinetic energy of the electron D the speed of the electron
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · A relay is required to operate 800 m from its power supply
31 A relay is required to operate 800 m from its power supply. The power supply has negligible internal resistance. The relay requires 16.0 V and a current of 0.60 A to operate. A cable connects the relay to the power supply and two of the wires in the cable are used to supply power to the relay. The resistance of each of these wires is 0.0050 Ω per metre. What is the minimum output e.m.f. of the power supply? A 16.6 V B 18.4 V C 20.8 V D 29.3 V Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · The current in the circuit shown is 4.8 A
32 The current in the circuit shown is 4.8 A. R X Y What is the direction of flow and the rate of flow of electrons through the resistor R? direction of flow rate of flow A X to Y 3.0 × 1019 s–1 B X to Y 6.0 × 1018 s–1 C Y to X 3.0 × 1019 s–1 D Y to X 6.0 × 1018 s–1
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · The diagram shows part of a circuit
33 The diagram shows part of a circuit. 40 Ω 160 Ω 120 Ω What is the total resistance of the combination of the three resistors? A 320 Ω B 240 Ω C 190 Ω D 80 Ω Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · A copper wire is cylindrical and has resistance R
34 A copper wire is cylindrical and has resistance R. What will be the resistance of a copper wire of twice the length and twice the radius? R R A B C R D 2R 4 2
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · In the circuit below, P is a potentiometer of total resistance 10 Ω and Q is a fixed…
35 In the circuit below, P is a potentiometer of total resistance 10 Ω and Q is a fixed resistor of resistance 10 Ω. The battery has an e.m.f. of 4.0 V and negligible internal resistance. The voltmeter has a very high resistance. X P Y V 4.0 V Q The slider on the potentiometer is moved from X to Y and a graph of voltmeter reading V is plotted against slider position. Which graph would be obtained? A B C D V V V V 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 X 0 X X Y X Y Y Y slider position slider position slider position slider position Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q36 · Which component has the I-V graph shown?
36 Which component has the I-V graph shown? I 0 0 V A filament lamp B light-dependent resistor C semiconductor diode D thermistor
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · The diagram shows an arrangement of resistors
37 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 Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · Which nuclear equation shows the beta decay of a nucleus of argon (Ar) into potassium (K)?
38 Which nuclear equation shows the beta decay of a nucleus of argon (Ar) into potassium (K)? A 44 Ar → 40 K + He 4 21 19 2 B 40 Ar → 40 K + e 0 1 20 19 C 40 Ar → 40 K + 0 e 18 19 − 1 D 40 Ar → 40 K + γ 0 0 19 19
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · Uranium-235 may be represented by the symbol 235 U
39 Uranium-235 may be represented by the symbol 235 U . 92 Which row shows the numbers of nucleons, protons and neutrons in a 235 92U nucleus? nucleons protons neutrons A 92 235 143 B 143 92 235 C 235 92 143 D 235 143 92
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · When a magnesium nucleus 25 Mg is hit by a gamma ray, a sodium nucleus 24 Na is formed…
40 When a magnesium nucleus 25 Mg is hit by a gamma ray, a sodium nucleus 24 Na is formed and 12 11 another particle is emitted. What are the nucleon number (mass number) and proton number (atomic number) of the other particle produced in this nuclear reaction? nucleon number proton number A 0 –1 B 0 1 C 1 –1 D 1 1 Space for working
Mark scheme: D
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.
3Physical quantities3Resistance and resistivity3Uniform electric fields3Linear momentum and its conservation2Practical circuits2Progressive waves2Turning effects of forces2Atoms, nuclei and radiation1Density and pressure1Diffraction1Elastic and plastic behaviour1Electric current1Energy conservation1Equilibrium of forces1Errors and uncertainties1Gravitational field1Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy1Internal energy1Kinetic theory of gases1Mass defect and nuclear binding energy1Polarisation1Potential difference and power1Potential dividers1Radioactive decay1SI units1Stationary waves1Stress and strain1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2010 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 3. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.