Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2016 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 3
9702/13/M/J/16 · 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 list contains only SI base units?
1 Which list contains only SI base units? A ampere, kelvin, joule, gram B kilogram, newton, metre, ampere C metre, coulomb, second, kelvin D second, kelvin, ampere, kilogram
Mark scheme: D
Q2 · The stress σ needed to fracture a particular solid is given by the equation γ E σ = k d…
2 The stress σ needed to fracture a particular solid is given by the equation γ E σ = k d where E is the Young modulus, d is the distance between planes of atoms, and k is a constant with no units. What are the SI base units of γ ? A kg m s–2 B kg s–2 C kg m s–1 D kg s–1
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · Vectors P and Q are drawn to scale
3 Vectors P and Q are drawn to scale. P Q Which diagram represents the vector (P – Q)? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · A metre rule is supported horizontally by two pivots as shown
4 A metre rule is supported horizontally by two pivots as shown. y The vertical displacement y at the centre of the rule is given by the equation kML 3 y = wt 3 where k is a constant, L is the distance between the pivots, M is the mass of the rule, t is the thickness of the rule and w is the width of the rule. In an experiment, the following results are obtained: L = (80.0 ± 0.2) cm M = (60 ± 1) g t = (6.0 ± 0.1) mm w = (23.0 ± 0.5) mm. Which measurement contributes most to the uncertainty in the calculated value of y ? A L B M C t D w
Mark scheme: C
Q5 · The following trace is seen on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope
5 The following trace is seen on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope. The setting of the time-base is then changed from 10 ms cm–1 to 20 ms cm–1 and the Y-plate sensitivity remains constant. Which trace is now seen on the screen? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · A ball rolls in a straight line up a ramp and then back down the ramp along its original…
6 A ball rolls in a straight line up a ramp and then back down the ramp along its original path. Which graph shows the variation with time of the ball’s velocity? A B velocity velocity 0 0 0 time 0 time C D velocity velocity 0 0 0 time 0 time
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · A ball is thrown with velocity V at an angle θ to the horizontal
7 A ball is thrown with velocity V at an angle θ to the horizontal. V y θ x The acceleration of free fall is g. Assume that air resistance is negligible. What are the horizontal displacement x and the vertical displacement y after time t? x y A Vt sin θ + 2 1 gt 2 Vt cos θ B Vt sin θ – 2 1 gt 2 Vt cos θ C Vt cos θ + 2 1 gt 2 Vt sin θ D Vt cos θ – 2 1 gt 2 Vt sin θ
Mark scheme: B
Q8 · A ball travels from point X to point Y around a semi-circular track of radius 1.0 m as…
8 A ball travels from point X to point Y around a semi-circular track of radius 1.0 m as shown. X north ball west east south 1.0 m Y What is the displacement of the ball from X to Y? A 2.0 m B 2.0 m due south C 3.1 m D 3.1 m due south
Mark scheme: B
Q9 · Which row in the table gives the quantities that are conserved in a perfectly elastic…
9 Which row in the table gives the quantities that are conserved in a perfectly elastic collision between two gas molecules? total momentum total kinetic energy A conserved conserved B conserved not conserved C not conserved conserved D not conserved not conserved
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · Two equal masses travel towards each other on a frictionless track at speeds of 60 cm s–1…
10 Two equal masses travel towards each other on a frictionless track at speeds of 60 cm s–1 and 30 cm s–1. They stick together on impact. 60 cm s–1 30 cm s–1 What is the speed of the masses after impact? A 15 cm s–1 B 20 cm s–1 C 30 cm s–1 D 45 cm s–1
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · The IKAROS satellite has mass 320 kg and moves through space using a solar sail of area…
11 The IKAROS satellite has mass 320 kg and moves through space using a solar sail of area 20 m2. The average solar wind pressure is 1.0 × 10–5 N m–2. What is the acceleration of the satellite caused by the solar wind? A 3.1 × 10–8 m s–2 B 6.3 × 10–7 m s–2 C 3.2 × 10–3 m s–2 D 6.4 × 10–2 m s–2
Mark scheme: B
Q12 · Three coplanar forces act on an object in the directions shown
12 Three coplanar forces act on an object in the directions shown. In which diagram could the object be in equilibrium? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · What is the centre of gravity of an object?
13 What is the centre of gravity of an object? A the geometrical centre of the object B the point at which the weight of the object may be considered to act C the point on the object about which there is a zero net torque D the point where gravity acts on the object
Mark scheme: B
Q14 · A bicycle pedal is connected to a pivot by a metal bar, as shown
14 A bicycle pedal is connected to a pivot by a metal bar, as shown. force 60 N pedal bar 12 cm 20 cm pivot 16 cm The force on the pedal is 60 N downwards. What is the moment of this force about the pivot? A 7.2 N m B 9.6 N m C 12 N m D 1200 N m
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · For a change in depth ∆h in a liquid of density ρ, the change in pressure ∆p is given by…
15 For a change in depth ∆h in a liquid of density ρ, the change in pressure ∆p is given by ∆p = ∆hρ g where g is the acceleration of free fall. What is the equation, or principle of physics, used in the derivation of this formula? A atmospheric pressure decreases with height B change in gravitational potential energy = mass × g∆h mass C ρ = volume D the density of a fluid increases with depth
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · A bungee jumper jumps from a platform and is decelerated by an elastic bungee cord, as…
16 A bungee jumper jumps from a platform and is decelerated by an elastic bungee cord, as shown. platform bungee jumper bungee cord bungee cord ground ground not to before jumping scale during the jump When the jumper makes the jump, his initial gravitational potential energy is converted into his kinetic energy and into elastic potential energy in the cord. At which part of the jump are all three types of energy non-zero? A on the platform before the jump B on the way down before the cord has started to extend C on the way down as he decelerates D at the bottom of the jump when he is stationary
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · An object of mass 0.30 kg is thrown vertically upwards from the ground with an initial…
17 An object of mass 0.30 kg is thrown vertically upwards from the ground with an initial velocity of 8.0 m s–1. The object reaches a maximum height of 1.9 m. How much work is done against air resistance as the object rises to its maximum height? A 4.0 J B 5.6 J C 9.6 J D 15 J
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · A racing car has an output power of 300 kW when travelling at a constant speed of 60 m s–1
18 A racing car has an output power of 300 kW when travelling at a constant speed of 60 m s–1. What is the total resistive force acting on the car? A 5 kN B 10 kN C 50 kN D 100 kN
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · The diagram shows the design of a water wheel which drives a generator to produce…
19 The diagram shows the design of a water wheel which drives a generator to produce electrical power. The flow rate of the water is 200 kg s–1. The generator supplies a current of 32 A at a voltage of 230 V. water direction of rotation 8.0 m generator Ignoring any changes in kinetic energy of the water, what is the efficiency of the system? A 14% B 16% C 22% D 47%
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · The diagram shows the force-extension graph for a sample of material
20 The diagram shows the force-extension graph for a sample of material. The sample is stretched and then returns to its original length. force area P area Q area R 00 extension Which area represents the work done to stretch the sample? A P + Q B P only C Q + R D R only
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · A metal wire of cross-sectional area 0.20 mm2 hangs vertically from a fixed point
21 A metal wire of cross-sectional area 0.20 mm2 hangs vertically from a fixed point. A load of 84 N is then attached to the lower end of the wire. The wire obeys Hooke’s law and increases in length by 0.30%. What is the Young modulus of the metal of the wire? A 1.4 × 105 Pa B 1.4 × 108 Pa C 1.4 × 109 Pa D 1.4 × 1011 Pa
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · The diagram shows a beam supported on two pivots
22 The diagram shows a beam supported on two pivots. X Y Which statement describes the state of the top surface X and of the bottom surface Y? A Both X and Y are in compression. B Both X and Y are in tension. C X is in compression and Y is in tension. D X is in tension and Y is in compression.
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · A beam of red laser light has length 1.0 m
23 A beam of red laser light has length 1.0 m. What is the order of magnitude of the number of wavelengths of the red light in 1.0 m? A 104 B 106 C 108 D 1010
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · When a car travelling with constant velocity passes a stationary observer, the observer…
24 When a car travelling with constant velocity passes a stationary observer, the observer hears a change in the frequency of the sound emitted by the car. Which statement is correct? A The change in frequency is greater as the car moves away than as it approaches. B The greater the speed of the car, the greater the change in observed frequency. C The observed frequency is lower as the car moves towards the observer and higher as the car moves away from the observer. D The volume of the sound heard by the observer does not change as the car approaches.
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · The intensity I of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance x from…
25 The intensity I of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance x from the source of the sound. This can be represented as 1 I ∝ . x 2 source S P Q of sound r 2r Air molecules at point P, a distance r from the source S, oscillate with amplitude 8.0 µm. Point Q is situated a distance 2r from S. What is the amplitude of oscillation of air molecules at Q? A 1.4 µm B 2.0 µm C 2.8 µm D 4.0 µm
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · A hill separates a television (TV) transmitter from a house
26 A hill separates a television (TV) transmitter from a house. The transmitter cannot be seen from the house. However, the house has good TV reception. hill TV transmitter house By which wave effect at the hill could the TV signal reach the house? A coherence B diffraction C interference D reflection
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · A diffraction grating with N lines per metre is used to deflect light of various…
27 A diffraction grating with N lines per metre is used to deflect light of various wavelengths λ. The graph shows a relation between the deflection angle θ and λ for different wavelengths in the n th order interference pattern. sin θ 00 λ What is the gradient of the graph? N n 1 A Nn B C D n N Nn
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · Which wave phenomenon is not needed to explain the pattern of observable fringes produced…
28 Which wave phenomenon is not needed to explain the pattern of observable fringes produced by a double slit experiment? A coherence B diffraction C interference D reflection
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · Which diagram shows the electric field pattern of an isolated negative point charge?
29 Which diagram shows the electric field pattern of an isolated negative point charge? A B C D – – – –
Mark scheme: D
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 · In an electrolyte, the electric current is carried by charged particles (ions) in solution
31 In an electrolyte, the electric current is carried by charged particles (ions) in solution. What is not a possible value for the charge on an ion in solution? A – 4.8 × 10–19 C B +1.6 × 10–19 C C +3.2 × 10–19 C D +4.0 × 10–19 C
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · The graph shows the variation with length of the resistance of a uniform metal wire
32 The graph shows the variation with length of the resistance of a uniform metal wire. resistance 00 length The gradient of the graph is G. The wire has cross-sectional area A. Which expression could be used to calculate the resistivity of the metal of the wire? A G × A B G C A D G × A2 A G
Mark scheme: A
Q33 · What describes the electric potential difference between two points in a wire that…
33 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
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · The graphs show possible current-voltage (I-V ) characteristics for a filament lamp and…
34 The graphs show possible current-voltage (I-V ) characteristics for a filament lamp and for a semiconductor diode. P Q R S I I I I 00 00 00 00 V V V V Which row in the table best specifies the correct I-V graphs for the lamp and for the diode? semiconductor filament lamp diode A P R B P S C Q R D Q S
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · A circuit contains a cell, two resistors of resistances R1 and R2 and a variable resistor…
35 A circuit contains a cell, two resistors of resistances R1 and R2 and a variable resistor X. The cell has negligible internal resistance. V1 R1 X I2 R2 V1 is the potential difference across the resistor of resistance R1. I2 is the current through the resistor of resistance R2. The resistance of X is reduced. What is the effect on V1 and I2? V1 I2 A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · A 100 cm potentiometer wire QT is connected in series with a 2.00 V cell
36 A 100 cm potentiometer wire QT is connected in series with a 2.00 V cell. Another circuit, consisting of a 2.00 V cell in series with resistors of resistance 4.00 Ω and 6.00 Ω, is set up alongside the potentiometer. Connections PQ and RS are then made so that the potential difference (p.d.) across the 4.00 Ω resistor is balanced against the p.d. across a length L of potentiometer wire. Both cells have negligible internal resistance. 2.00 V L S Q T P 4.00 Ω R 6.00 Ω 2.00 V What is the balance length L? A 0 cm B 40 cm C 60 cm D 100 cm
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · Two identical batteries each have e.m.f
37 Two identical batteries each have e.m.f. 6.0 V and internal resistance r. The batteries are connected to an external resistor of resistance 11 Ω, as shown. 6.0 V r 6.0 V r 11 Ω 0.50 A The current in the external resistor is 0.50 A. What is the internal resistance r of each battery? A 1.0 Ω B 2.0 Ω C 4.0 Ω D 6.5 Ω
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · A nitrogen-13 nucleus 13 N undergoes beta decay
38 A nitrogen-13 nucleus 13 N undergoes beta decay. 7 In the equations below, ν and represent a neutrino and antineutrino respectively and γ represents a photon of gamma radiation. Which equation represents this decay? A 13 N → 13 C + β– + + γ 7 6 B 13 N → 13 C + β– + ν + γ 7 6 C 13 N → 13 C + β+ + + γ 7 6 D 13 N → 13 C + β+ + ν + γ 7 6
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · Radon 222 Rn is the start of a decay chain that forms bismuth 214 Bi by α and β– emission
39 Radon 222 Rn is the start of a decay chain that forms bismuth 214 Bi by α and β– emission. 86 83 For the decay of each nucleus of radon, how many α particles and β– particles are emitted? α particles β– particles A 1 1 B 2 1 C 1 2 D 2 2
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · The magnitude of the charge on the proton may be regarded as +1 unit
40 The magnitude of the charge on the proton may be regarded as +1 unit. On this basis, the charges on the up (u) quark, down (d) quark and their antiquarks (u and d) are not whole units. Which row in the table shows the correct values for the charges on the u, d, u and d quarks? u d u d + 3 2 – 3 1 + 3 2 – 3 1 A – 3 2 + 3 1 + 3 2 – 3 1 B + 3 2 – 3 1 – 3 2 + 3 1 C – 3 2 + 3 1 – 3 2 + 3 1 D
Mark scheme: C
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.
4Equations of motion2Linear momentum and its conservation2Physical quantities2Potential dividers2Practical circuits2Radioactive decay2Scalars and vectors2SI units2Stress and strain2Turning effects of forces2Density and pressure1Diffraction1Doppler effect for sound waves1Elastic and plastic behaviour1Electric current1Electric fields and field lines1Equilibrium of forces1Errors and uncertainties1Fundamental particles1Interference1Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion1Potential difference and power1Progressive waves1Resistance and resistivity1The diffraction grating1Uniform electric fields1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2016 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 3. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.