Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2013 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
9702/12/O/N/13 · 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 row shows an SI base quantity with its correct unit?
1 Which row shows an SI base quantity with its correct unit? SI base quantity unit A charge coulomb B current ampere C potential difference volt D temperature degree Celsius
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · A pendulum bob is held stationary by a horizontal force H
2 A pendulum bob is held stationary by a horizontal force H. The three forces acting on the bob are shown in the diagram. 30° T H W The tension in the string of the pendulum is T. The weight of the pendulum bob is W. Which statement is correct? A H = T cos 30° B T = H sin 30° C W = T cos 30° D W = T sin 30° Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · The drag coefficient Cd is a number with no units
3 The drag coefficient Cd is a number with no units. It is used to compare the drag on different cars at different speeds. It is given by the equation 2 F Cd = ρ v n A where F is the drag force on the car, ρ is the density of the air, A is the cross-sectional area of the car and v is the speed of the car. What is the value of n? A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · A signal that repeats periodically is displayed on the screen of a cathode-ray…
4 A signal that repeats periodically is displayed on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope. The screen has 1 cm squares and the time base is set at 2.00 ms cm–1. What is the frequency of this periodic signal? A 50 Hz B 100 Hz C 125 Hz D 200 Hz Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · A micrometer screw gauge is used to measure the diameter of a small uniform steel sphere
5 A micrometer screw gauge is used to measure the diameter of a small uniform steel sphere. The micrometer reading is 5.00 mm ± 0.01 mm. What will be the percentage uncertainty in a calculation of the volume of the sphere, using these values? A 0.2% B 0.4% C 0.6% D 1.2%
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · One object moves directly from P to R
6 One object moves directly from P to R. R Q P In a shorter time, a second object moves from P to Q to R. Which statement about the two objects is correct for the journey from P to R? A They have the same average speed. B They have the same average velocity. C They have the same displacement. D They travel the same distance. Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · The graph shows how velocity v varies with time t for a bungee jumper
7 The graph shows how velocity v varies with time t for a bungee jumper. v Q P R 00 t At which point is the bungee jumper momentarily at rest and at which point does she have zero acceleration? jumper with zero jumper at rest acceleration A Q P B Q R C R Q D R R
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · An aeroplane travels at an average speed of 600 km h–1 on an outward flight and at 400 km…
8 An aeroplane travels at an average speed of 600 km h–1 on an outward flight and at 400 km h–1 on the return flight over the same distance. What is the average speed of the whole flight? A 111 m s–1 B 167 m s–1 C 480 km h–1 D 500 km h–1
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · What is meant by the mass and by the weight of an object on the Earth?
9 What is meant by the mass and by the weight of an object on the Earth? mass weight A its momentum divided by its velocity the work done in lifting it one metre B the gravitational force on it the property that resists its acceleration C the pull of the Earth on it its mass divided by the acceleration of free fall D the property that resists its acceleration the pull of the Earth on it Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · An astronaut of mass m in a spacecraft experiences a gravitational force F = mg when…
10 An astronaut of mass m in a spacecraft experiences a gravitational force F = mg when stationary on the launchpad. What is the gravitational force on the astronaut when the spacecraft is launched vertically upwards with an acceleration of 0.2 g ? A 1.2 mg B mg C 0.8 mg D 0
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · A beam of α-particles collides with a lead sheet
11 A beam of α-particles collides with a lead sheet. Each α-particle in the beam has a mass of 6.6 × 10–27 kg and a speed of 1.5 × 107 m s–1. 5.0 × 104 α-particles per second collide with an area of 1.0 cm2 of lead. Almost all of the α-particles are absorbed by the lead so that they have zero speed after collision. What is an estimate of the average pressure exerted on the lead by the α-particles? A 5.0 × 10–15 Pa B 5.0 × 10–13 Pa C 5.0 × 10–11 Pa D 5.0 × 10–9 Pa
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · An object in air is thrown upwards and towards the left
12 An object in air is thrown upwards and towards the left. Which diagram shows the force(s) acting on the body when it is at its highest point? A B C D Space for working
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 · An archer draws his bowstring back to position X
14 An archer draws his bowstring back to position X. The bowstring and arrow are shown. The tension T in the string is also shown. Then he draws the bowstring back further to position Y. T = 100 N T = 120 N 65° 55° X Y 65° 55° T = 100 N T = 120 N The resultant force on the arrow is greater when the arrow is released from position Y. What is the increase in force? A 15 N B 27 N C 40 N D 53 N Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q15 · A uniform metre rule of weight 2.0 N is pivoted at the 60 cm mark
15 A uniform metre rule of weight 2.0 N is pivoted at the 60 cm mark. A 4.0 N weight is suspended from one end, causing the rule to rotate about the pivot. uniform metre rule 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 pivot weight 4.0 N At the instant when the rule is horizontal, what is the resultant turning moment about the pivot? A zero B 1.4 N m C 1.6 N m D 1.8 N m
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · What is the internal energy of a system?
16 What is the internal energy of a system? A the amount of heat supplied to the system B the random 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
Q17 · The diagram shows a barrel of weight 1.0 × 103 N on a frictionless slope inclined at 30o…
17 The diagram shows a barrel of weight 1.0 × 103 N on a frictionless slope inclined at 30o to the horizontal. force of slope on barrel force barrel slope 1.0 × 103 N 30o A force is applied to the barrel to move it up the slope at constant speed. The force is parallel to the slope. What is the work done in moving the barrel a distance of 5.0 m up the slope? A 2.5 × 103 J B 4.3 × 103 J C 5.0 × 103 J D 1.0 × 104 J
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · A car travelling on a level road at a steady 20 m s–1 against a constant resistive force…
18 A car travelling on a level road at a steady 20 m s–1 against a constant resistive force develops a power of 40 kW. What is the magnitude of the resistive force? A 200 N B 800 N C 2000 N D 4000 N
Mark scheme: C
Q19 · A turbine at a hydroelectric power station is situated 30 m below the level of the…
19 A turbine at a hydroelectric power station is situated 30 m below the level of the surface of a large lake. The water passes through the turbine at a rate of 340 m3 per minute. The overall efficiency of the turbine and generator system is 90%. What is the output power of the power station? (The density of water is 1000 kg m–3.) A 0.15 MW B 1.5 MW C 1.7 MW D 90 MW Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · Below are four short paragraphs describing the molecules in a beaker of water at 50 oC
20 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. The fastest molecules are unable to leave the surface of the water. There are attractive forces between the molecules. D 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.
Mark scheme: D
Q21 · Which two substances are normally both crystalline?
21 Which two substances are normally both crystalline? A copper and diamond B copper and glass C diamond and glass D diamond and rubber Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · Water in a bath varies in depth from 20.0 cm at the shallow end to 30.0 cm at the end…
22 Water in a bath varies in depth from 20.0 cm at the shallow end to 30.0 cm at the end with the plug. water bath 20.0 cm 30.0 cm plug The density of the water is 1000 kg m–3. What is the pressure of the water acting on the plug? A 1960 Pa B 2450 Pa C 2940 Pa D 4900 Pa
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · Which properties best describe modelling clay?
23 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
Q24 · A steel spring has a spring constant of 150 N m–1
24 A steel spring has a spring constant of 150 N m–1. When a 25 N weight is hung from the spring, it has a stretched length of 55 cm. What was the original length of the spring? A 0.38 m B 0.49 m C 0.61 m D 0.72 m Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · The diagram shows a sketch of a wave pattern, over a short period of time
25 The diagram shows a sketch of a wave pattern, over a short period of time. 1.0 m Which description of this wave is correct? A The wave is longitudinal, has a wavelength of 20 cm and is stationary. B The wave is transverse, has a wavelength of 20 cm and is stationary. C The wave is transverse, has a wavelength of 40 cm and is progressive. D The wave is transverse, has a wavelength of 40 cm and is stationary.
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · Which statement about a light wave and a sound wave is correct?
26 Which statement about a light wave and a sound wave is correct? A Both can be polarised. B Both can travel through free space. C Both have a frequency inversely proportional to their wavelength. D Both have an intensity proportional to their amplitude. Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q27 · The sound from a loudspeaker placed above a tube causes resonance of the air in the tube
27 The sound from a loudspeaker placed above a tube causes resonance of the air in the tube. A stationary wave is formed with two nodes and two antinodes as shown. loudspeaker 60.0 cm The speed of sound in air is 330 m s–1. What is the frequency of the sound? A 413 Hz B 550 Hz C 830 Hz D 1650 Hz
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · Light of wavelength λ passes through a diffraction grating with slit spacing d
28 Light of wavelength λ passes through a diffraction grating with slit spacing d. A series of lines is observed on a screen. first order line light of α wavelength λ first order line diffraction grating screen What is the angle α between the two first order lines? sin–1 λ sin–1 λ 2 sin–1 λ 2 sin–1 λ A B C D 2 d d 2 d d Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · A student connects two loudspeakers to a signal generator
29 A student connects two loudspeakers to a signal generator. Q signal generator P As the student walks from P to Q, he notices that the loudness of the sound rises and falls repeatedly. What causes the loudness of the sound to vary? A diffraction of the sound waves B interference of the sound waves C polarisation of the sound waves D reflection of the sound waves Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · When plane-polarised light of amplitude A is passed through a polarising filter as shown…
30 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 Space for working
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · Two vertical conducting plates X and Y are positioned so that they are separated by a…
31 Two vertical conducting plates X and Y are positioned so that they are separated by a distance of 6.0 mm in air. A 60 V d.c. supply is connected as shown. plate plate X Y E 6.0 mm + – 60 V What is the electric field strength at E, a point midway between the plates? A 1.0 × 104 V m–1 towards X B 1.0 × 104 V m–1 towards Y C 2.0 × 104 V m–1 towards X D 2.0 × 104 V m–1 towards Y
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · Two parallel metal plates have a potential difference between them of 12 V
32 Two parallel metal plates have a potential difference between them of 12 V. The distance between the plates is 1.0 mm. What are the electric field strength between the plates and the work done on a charge of +3.9 µC to move the charge from the negative plate to the positive plate? electric field work done strength / N C–1 / J A 12 4.7 × 10–5 B 12 47 C 12 000 4.7 × 10–5 D 12 000 47 Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · The diagram shows an electric circuit in which the resistance of the external resistor is…
33 The diagram shows an electric circuit in which the resistance of the external resistor is 2R and the internal resistance of the source is R. R 2R power in external resistor What is the ratio ? power in internal resistance A 1 B 1 C D 2 4 4 2
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · Two lamps are connected in series to a 250 V power supply
34 Two lamps are connected in series to a 250 V power supply. One lamp is rated 240 V, 60 W and the other is rated 10 V, 2.5 W. Which statement most accurately describes what happens? A Both lamps light at less than their normal brightness. B Both lamps light normally. C Only the 60 W lamp lights. D The 10 V lamp blows. Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · The wire of a heating element has resistance R
35 The wire of a heating element has resistance R. The wire breaks and is replaced by a different wire. Data for the original wire and the replacement wire are shown in the table. resistivity length diameter of metal original wire l d ρ replacement wire l 2d 2ρ What is the resistance of the replacement wire? A R B R C R D 2R 4 2 Space for working
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · In the circuit below, P is a potentiometer of total resistance 10 Ω and Q is a fixed…
36 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 electromotive force (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
Q37 · A 2 Ω resistor and a 4 Ω resistor are connected to a cell
37 A 2 Ω resistor and a 4 Ω resistor are connected to a cell. 2 Ω 4 Ω X Y Which graph shows how the potential V varies with distance between X and Y? A B V V X Y X Y C D V V X Y X Y Space for working
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · Four resistors of resistance R, 2R, 3R and 4R are connected to form a network
38 Four resistors of resistance R, 2R, 3R and 4R are connected to form a network. A battery of negligible internal resistance and a voltmeter are connected to the resistor network as shown. 3R 4R V 2R R The voltmeter reading is 2 V. What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery? A 2 V B 4 V C 6 V D 10 V
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · When α-particles are fired at a thin metal foil, most of the particles pass straight…
39 When α-particles are fired at a thin metal foil, most of the particles pass straight through but a few are deflected by a large angle. Which change would increase the proportion of α-particles deflected by a large angle? A using α-particles with greater kinetic energy B using a foil made of a metal with fewer protons in its nuclei C using a double thickness foil D using an alpha source with a higher activity Space for working
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · Plutonium-239 ( 239 Pu ) decays by emitting α-radiation
40 Plutonium-239 ( 239 Pu ) decays by emitting α-radiation. 94 Which nuclide is formed from one of these decay reactions? (The product nuclides are represented by X.) A 235 X B 237 X C 239 X D 239 X 92 92 93 95 Space for working
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.
3Energy conservation3Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion3Potential dividers2Practical circuits2Scalars and vectors2Uniform electric fields2Atoms, nuclei and radiation1Characteristics of alternating currents1Density and pressure1Electric fields and field lines1Equations of motion1Equilibrium of forces1Errors and uncertainties1Interference1Internal energy1Kinetic theory of gases1Kirchhoff’s laws1Linear momentum and its conservation1Non-uniform motion1Physical quantities1Polarisation1Progressive waves1Radioactive decay1Resistance and resistivity1SI units1Stationary waves1The diffraction grating1Transverse and longitudinal waves1Turning effects of forces1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2013 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.