Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2011 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 2
9702/12/M/J/11 · 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 · Stress has the same SI base units as force
1 Stress has the same SI base units as force . A mass force . B length force . C area D energy.
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · To check calculations, the units are put into the following equations together with the…
2 To check calculations, the units are put into the following equations together with the numbers. Which equation must be incorrect? A force = 300 J / 6 m B power = 6000 J × 20 s C time = 6 m / 30 m s–1 D velocity = 4 m s–2 × 30 s Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · In making reasonable estimates of physical quantities, which statement is not correct?
3 In making reasonable estimates of physical quantities, which statement is not correct? A The frequency of sound can be of the order of GHz. B The wavelength of light can be of the order of 600 nm. C The Young modulus can be of the order of 1011 Pa. D Beta radiation is associated with one unit of negative charge.
Mark scheme: A
Q4 · The uncertainty in the value of the momentum of a trolley passing between two points X…
4 The uncertainty in the value of the momentum of a trolley passing between two points X and Y varies with the choice of measuring devices. Measurements for the same trolley made by different instruments were recorded. 1 distance between X and Y using a metre rule with cm divisions = 0.55 m 2 distance between X and Y using a metre rule with mm divisions = 0.547 m 3 timings using a wristwatch measuring to the nearest 0.5 s at X = 0.0 s and at Y = 4.5 s 4 timings using light gates measuring to the nearest 0.1 s at X = 0.0 s and at Y = 4.3 s 5 mass of trolley using a balance measuring to the nearest g = 6.4 × 10–2 kg 6 mass of trolley using a balance measuring to the nearest 10 g = 6 × 10–2 kg Which measurements, one for each quantity measured, lead to the least uncertainty in the value of the momentum of the trolley? A 1, 3 and 6 B 1, 4 and 6 C 2, 3 and 6 D 2, 4 and 5 Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · The time-base on a cathode-ray oscilloscope is set at 6 ms / cm
5 The time-base on a cathode-ray oscilloscope is set at 6 ms / cm. A trace consisting of two pulses is recorded as shown in the diagram. 2.5 cm 4.5 cm What is the time interval between the two pulses? A 0.42 ms B 0.75 ms C 1.33 ms D 27 ms
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · A bullet is fired horizontally with speed v from a rifle
6 A bullet is fired horizontally with speed v from a rifle. For a short time t after leaving the rifle, the only force affecting its motion is gravity. The acceleration of free fall is g. the horizontal distance travelled in time t Which expression gives the value of ? the vertical distance travelled in time t vt v 2 vt 2 v A B C D g gt g gt Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · A particle moves in the manner shown by the velocity-time graph
7 A particle moves in the manner shown by the velocity-time graph. The displacement of the particle has been measured so that it is zero at t = 0. Point Q refers to a point in its motion. velocity Q 2 / m s–1 0 0 5 10 15 20 time / s –2 Which row of the table is correct? times for maximum acceleration at displacement / s point Q / m s–2 A 2.5 12.5 2 B 5 15 2 C 2.5 12.5 0 D 5 15 0 Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · A tennis ball falls freely, in air, from the top of a tall building
8 A tennis ball falls freely, in air, from the top of a tall building. Which graph best represents the variation of distance s fallen with time t ? A B s s 0 0 00 t t C D s s 00 00 t t Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · A small glider moves along a friction-free horizontal air track as shown below
9 A small glider moves along a friction-free horizontal air track as shown below. elastic buffer glider air track air At each end of the air track there is a perfectly elastic buffer. Which graph represents the variation with time t of the velocity v of the glider as it moves between the two buffers? A B v v 0 0 0 t 0 t C D v v 0 0 0 t 0 t Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · A force F is applied to a freely moving object
10 A force F is applied to a freely moving object. At one instant of time, the object has velocity v and acceleration a. Which quantities must be in the same direction? A a and v only B a and F only C v and F only D v, F and a
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · The momentum of an object changes from 160 kg m s–1 to 240 kg m s–1 in 2 s
11 The momentum of an object changes from 160 kg m s–1 to 240 kg m s–1 in 2 s. What is the mean resultant force on the object during the change? A 40 N B 80 N C 200 N D 400 N
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · A car accelerates in a straight line
12 A car accelerates in a straight line. A graph of the momentum of the car is plotted against time. What is evaluated by finding the gradient of the graph at a particular time? A the acceleration of the car B the resultant force on the car C the kinetic energy of the car D the power supplied to the car Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · The diagram shows a particle P, travelling at speed v, about to collide with a stationary…
13 The diagram shows a particle P, travelling at speed v, about to collide with a stationary particle Q of the same mass. The collision is perfectly elastic. v P Q Which statement describes the motion of P and of Q immediately after the collision? A P rebounds with speed 2 1 v and Q acquires speed 2 1 v. B P rebounds with speed v and Q remains stationary. C P and Q both travel in the same direction with speed 2 1 v. D P comes to a standstill and Q acquires speed v.
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · A stone is projected horizontally in a vacuum and moves along the path shown
14 A stone is projected horizontally in a vacuum and moves along the path shown. path of stone H X T V X is a point on this path. XV and XH are vertical and horizontal lines respectively through X. XT is the tangent to the path at X. Along which directions do forces act on the stone at X? A XV only B XH only C XV and XH D XT only Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · The diagrams all show a pair of equal forces acting on a metre rule
15 The diagrams all show a pair of equal forces acting on a metre rule. Which diagram shows forces that provide a couple and zero resultant force? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · A uniform rod XY of weight 10.0 N is freely hinged to a wall at X
16 A uniform rod XY of weight 10.0 N is freely hinged to a wall at X. It is held horizontal by a force F acting from Y at an angle of 30° to the horizontal, as shown. F wall 60° 30° X Y 10.0 N What is the value of F ? A 5.0 N B 8.7 N C 10.0 N D 20.0 N Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · The diagram shows two fixed pins, Y and Z
17 The diagram shows two fixed pins, Y and Z. A length of elastic is stretched between Y and Z and around pin X, which is attached to a trolley. Y 50 mm X 80 mm P trolley 30 mm Z X is at the centre of the elastic and the trolley is to be propelled in the direction P at right angles to YZ. The tension in the elastic is 4 N. What is the force accelerating the trolley in the direction P when the trolley is released? A 2.4 N B 3.2 N C 4.8 N D 6.4 N
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · An electric motor produces 120 W of useful mechanical output power
18 An electric motor produces 120 W of useful mechanical output power. The efficiency of the motor is 60 %. Which row is correct? electrical power waste heat power input / W output / W A 72 48 B 192 72 C 200 72 D 200 80 Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q19 · A hammer with 10 J of kinetic energy hits a nail and pushes it 5.0 mm into a plank
19 A hammer with 10 J of kinetic energy hits a nail and pushes it 5.0 mm into a plank. Both the hammer and nail come to rest after the collision. What is the average force that acts on the nail while it moves the 5.0 mm? A 0.050 N B 2.0 N C 50 N D 2000 N
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · The diagram shows two vessels, P and Q, both with sides inclined at 45°
20 The diagram shows two vessels, P and Q, both with sides inclined at 45°. vessel P vessel Q Vessel P tapers outwards and vessel Q tapers inwards, as shown. Both vessels contain a liquid. The depth of the liquid in the vessels is the same. The liquid in vessel P is twice as dense as the liquid in vessel Q. pressure due to the liquid on the base of P What is the ratio ? pressure due to the liquid on the base of Q 2 2 1 1 A B C D 1 1 2 2 Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · Two solid substances P and Q have atoms of mass MP and MQ respectively
21 Two solid substances P and Q have atoms of mass MP and MQ respectively. They have nP and nQ atoms per unit volume. The density of P is greater than the density of Q. What must be correct? A MP > MQ B nP > nQ C MP nP > MQ nQ M > M D P Q n n P Q
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · The table summarises some descriptions of evaporation
22 The table summarises some descriptions of evaporation. Which row of the table is correct? involves a reduction in the involves a change in state occurs at a fixed average kinetic energy from liquid to vapour temperature of the remaining atoms A true true true B true false true C true false false D false true false Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · The behaviour of a wire under tensile stress may be described in terms of the Young…
23 The behaviour of a wire under tensile stress may be described in terms of the Young modulus E of the material of the wire and of the force per unit extension k of the wire. For a wire of length L and cross-sectional area A, what is the relation between E and k ? E = kL A E = L kA E = A kL E = kA L A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · The diagram shows the structure of part of a mattress
24 The diagram shows the structure of part of a mattress. spring layer 1 layer 2 The manufacturer wants to design a softer mattress (one which will compress more for the same load). Which change will not have the desired effect? A using more layers of springs B using more springs per unit area C using springs with a smaller spring constant D using springs made from wire with a smaller Young modulus
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · In which order of magnitude are the frequencies of electromagnetic waves in the visible…
25 In which order of magnitude are the frequencies of electromagnetic waves in the visible spectrum? A 1012 Hz B 1013 Hz C 1014 Hz D 1015 Hz Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q26 · A transverse progressive wave is set up on a string
26 A transverse progressive wave is set up on a string. The graph shows the variation with time of displacement for a point on this string. displacement X Y 0 0 time The separation XY on the graph represents the ……1…… of the wave. X and Y have equal ……2…… . Which words correctly complete gaps 1 and 2? 1 2 A time period amplitudes B time period displacements C wavelength amplitudes D wavelength displacements
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · If a wave can be polarised, it must be A a longitudinal wave
27 If a wave can be polarised, it must be A a longitudinal wave. B an electromagnetic wave. C a sound wave. D a transverse wave. Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · In which situation does diffraction occur?
28 In which situation does diffraction occur? A A wave bounces back from a surface. B A wave passes from one medium into another. C A wave passes through an aperture. D Waves from two identical sources are superposed.
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · The diagrams show the arrangement of apparatus for a Young’s slits experiment and also…
29 The diagrams show the arrangement of apparatus for a Young’s slits experiment and also part of the pattern formed on the screen with a ruler placed next to it. screen laser 0.90 mm light 5.0 m dark 30 mm bright 20 mm What is the wavelength of the light? A 4.8 × 10–7 m B 5.4 × 10–7 m C 3.2 × 10–6 m D 3.4 × 10–6 m Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · The diagram shows two parallel metal plates connected to a d.c
30 The diagram shows two parallel metal plates connected to a d.c. power supply through a resistor. + – There is a uniform electric field in the region between the plates. Which change would cause a decrease in the strength of the electric field? A a small increase in the distance between the plates B a small increase in the potential difference between the plates C a small increase in the value of the resistor D a small increase to the area of both plates Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · In each electric field diagram, a positively charged particle is moved from X to Y
31 In each electric field diagram, a positively charged particle is moved from X to Y. In which diagram would the particle experience an increasing repulsive force? A B Y X X Y C D X Y Y X
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · What describes the electric potential difference between two points in a wire that…
32 What describes the electric potential difference between two points in a wire that carries a current? A the force required to move a unit positive charge between the points B the ratio of the energy dissipated between the points to the current C the ratio of the power dissipated between the points to the current D the ratio of the power dissipated between the points to the charge moved Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · A cylindrical piece of a soft, electrically-conducting material has resistance R
33 A cylindrical piece of a soft, electrically-conducting material has resistance R. It is rolled out so that its length is doubled but its volume stays constant. What is its new resistance? R R 2 R 4 R A B C D 2
Mark scheme: D
Q34 · A source of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E has a constant internal resistance r and is…
34 A source of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E has a constant internal resistance r and is connected to an external variable resistor of resistance R. As R is increased from a value below r to a value above r, which statement is correct? A The terminal potential difference remains constant. B The current in the circuit increases. C The e.m.f. of the source increases. D The largest output power is obtained when R reaches r.
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · Which graph best represents the way in which the current I through a thermistor depends…
35 Which graph best represents the way in which the current I through a thermistor depends upon the potential difference V across it? A B C D I I I I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 V V V V Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q36 · Safety on railways is increased by using several electrical switches
36 Safety on railways is increased by using several electrical switches. In the diagram, switches P, Q, R, S and T control the current through a green lamp. P Q S R green lamp T Which row does not allow the green lamp to light? P Q R S T A closed closed closed open closed B closed open closed closed open C closed open open closed closed D open open closed open closed Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The diagram shows a fixed resistor and a light-dependent resistor (LDR) in series with a…
37 The diagram shows a fixed resistor and a light-dependent resistor (LDR) in series with a constant low-voltage supply. + – When the LDR is in the dark, the fixed resistor and the LDR have the same value of resistance. Light is shone on the LDR. What happens to the potential differences across the two components? p.d. across resistor p.d. across LDR A decreased increased B increased decreased C no change increased D no change decreased
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · The diagram shows a d.c
38 The diagram shows a d.c. circuit. 6 Ω P Q 3 Ω 6 Ω 6 Ω What is the resistance between the points P and Q due to the resistance network? A 0.47 Ω B 2.1 Ω C 3.0 Ω D 21 Ω Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · The uranium nucleus 238 U undergoes α-decay, producing nucleus X
39 The uranium nucleus 238 U undergoes α-decay, producing nucleus X. 92 Nucleus X undergoes β-decay, producing nucleus Y. For nucleus Y, what are the values of the proton number and nucleon number? proton number nucleon number A 89 234 B 89 236 C 91 234 D 91 236
Mark scheme: C
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 Space for working
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.
4Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion3Practical circuits3Atoms, nuclei and radiation2Density and pressure2Energy conservation2Equilibrium of forces2Physical quantities2Resistance and resistivity2SI units2Diffraction1Elastic and plastic behaviour1Electric fields and field lines1Electromagnetic spectrum1Errors and uncertainties1Interference1Internal energy1Linear momentum and its conservation1Polarisation1Potential difference and power1Potential dividers1Progressive waves1Scalars and vectors1Stress and strain1Turning effects of forces1Uniform electric fields1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2011 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.