Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2017 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 1
9702/11/O/N/17 · 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 scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · Which SI unit, expressed in base units, is not correct?
1 Which SI unit, expressed in base units, is not correct? A unit of force, kg m s–2 B unit of momentum, kg m s–1 C unit of pressure, kg m–2 s–2 D unit of work, kg m2 s–2
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · Two forces, each of 10 N, act at a point P as shown
2 Two forces, each of 10 N, act at a point P as shown. The angle between the directions of the forces is 120°. 10 N 120° 10 N P What is the magnitude of the resultant force? A 5 N B 10 N C 17 N D 20 N
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · An ion is accelerated in a vacuum by a series of electrodes
3 An ion is accelerated in a vacuum by a series of electrodes. A graph of the power supplied to the ion is plotted against time. What is represented by the area under the graph between two times? A the average force on the ion B the change in kinetic energy of the ion C the change in momentum of the ion D the change in velocity of the ion
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · What is a typical value of the wavelength of a microwave travelling in a vacuum?
4 What is a typical value of the wavelength of a microwave travelling in a vacuum? A 3 000 000 pm B 30 nm C 30 000 µm D 3000 mm
Mark scheme: C
Q5 · A double-slit interference experiment is used to determine the wavelength of light from a…
5 A double-slit interference experiment is used to determine the wavelength of light from a monochromatic source. The following measurements are used. slit separation a = 0.50 ± 0.02 mm fringe separation x = 1.7 ± 0.1 mm distance between slits and screen D = 2.000 ± 0.002 m What is the percentage uncertainty in the calculated wavelength? A 0.1% B 1% C 6% D 10%
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · In still air, a bird can fly at a speed of 10 m s–1
6 In still air, a bird can fly at a speed of 10 m s–1. The wind is blowing from the east at 8.0 m s–1. In which direction must the bird fly in order to travel to a destination that is due north of the bird’s current location? A 37° east of north B 37° west of north C 53° east of north D 53° west of north
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · An archer shoots an arrow at a target
7 An archer shoots an arrow at a target. The diagram shows the path of the arrow. path of arrow target archer Air resistance is assumed to be negligible. The graphs show how three different quantities p, q and r, relating to the motion of the arrow, vary with time. p q r 0 0 0 0 time 0 time 0 time Which quantity is the horizontal component of displacement and which quantity is the vertical component of displacement of the arrow? horizontal vertical component of component of displacement displacement A p q B q r C r p D r q
Mark scheme: B
Q8 · The three forces acting on a hot-air balloon that is moving vertically are its weight…
8 The three forces acting on a hot-air balloon that is moving vertically are its weight, the force due to air resistance and the upthrust force. The hot-air balloon descends vertically at constant speed. The force of air resistance on the balloon is F. Which weight of material must be released from the balloon so that it ascends vertically at the same constant speed? A F B 2F C 3F D 4F
Mark scheme: B
Q9 · A car is moving at constant speed in a straight line with the engine providing a driving…
9 A car is moving at constant speed in a straight line with the engine providing a driving force equal to the resistive force F. When the engine is switched off, the car is brought to rest in a distance of 100 m by the resistive force. It may be assumed that F is constant during the deceleration. The process is then repeated for the same car with the same initial speed but with a constant resistive force of 0.800 F. How far will the car travel while decelerating? A 120 m B 125 m C 156 m D 250 m
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · What is a statement of the principle of conservation of momentum?
10 What is a statement of the principle of conservation of momentum? A In an elastic collision momentum is constant. B Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. C The force acting on a body is proportional to its rate of change of momentum. D The momentum of an isolated system is constant.
Mark scheme: D
Q11 · Two solid spheres form an isolated system
11 Two solid spheres form an isolated system. Sphere X moves with speed 6 cm s–1 in a straight line directly towards a stationary sphere Y, as shown. sphere X sphere Y 6 cm s–1 The spheres have a perfectly elastic collision. After the collision, sphere X moves with speed 2 cm s–1 in the same direction as before the collision. What is the speed of sphere Y? A 2 cm s–1 B 4 cm s–1 C 6 cm s–1 D 8 cm s–1
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · A block is submerged vertically in a liquid
12 A block is submerged vertically in a liquid. The four diagrams show, to scale, the forces exerted by the liquid on the block. Which diagram correctly shows a possible situation as viewed from the side? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · A rigid circular disc of radius r has its centre at X
13 A rigid circular disc of radius r has its centre at X. A number of forces of equal magnitude F act at the edge of the disc. All the forces are in the plane of the disc. Which arrangement of forces provides a moment of magnitude 2Fr about X? A B F X X F F C D F X X F F F F
Mark scheme: A
Q14 · The diagram shows a motorised vehicle for carrying one person
14 The diagram shows a motorised vehicle for carrying one person. direction of motion axle 400 mm 600 N 600 N The vehicle has two wheels on one axle. The passenger stands on a platform between the wheels. The weight of the machine is 600 N. Its centre of mass is 200 mm in front of the axle. The wheel radius is 400 mm. When stationary, a passenger of weight 600 N stands with his centre of mass 200 mm behind the axle to balance the machine. The motor is now switched on to provide a horizontal force of 90 N at the ground to move the vehicle forwards. How far and in which direction must the passenger move his centre of mass to maintain balance? A 60 mm backwards B 60 mm forwards C 140 mm backwards D 140 mm forwards
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · The derivation of the pressure equation ∆p = ρ g∆h uses a number of relationships between…
15 The derivation of the pressure equation ∆p = ρ g∆h uses a number of relationships between quantities. Which relationship is not used in the derivation of this equation? A density = volume mass B potential energy = mass × acceleration of free fall × height C pressure = area force D weight = mass × acceleration of free fall
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · Power is transferred through a machine as shown
16 Power is transferred through a machine as shown. power input PI power output PO machine power loss PL What is the efficiency of the machine? P PL P PO A I B C L D P + P P P P O L I O I
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · A piston in a gas supply pump has an area of 400 cm2
17 A piston in a gas supply pump has an area of 400 cm2. The pump moves the gas against a fixed pressure of 3000 Pa. During part of its stroke, the piston moves a distance of 25 cm in one direction. How much work is done by the piston during this movement? A 30 J B 3.0 × 103 J C 3.0 × 105 J D 3.0 × 107 J
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · A stone is projected vertically upwards from the ground at an initial speed of 15 m s–1
18 A stone is projected vertically upwards from the ground at an initial speed of 15 m s–1. Air resistance is negligible. What is the maximum height reached by the stone? A 0.76 m B 11 m C 23 m D 110 m
Mark scheme: B
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
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · A spring is loaded with weights
20 A spring is loaded with weights. When the weights are removed, the spring returns to its original length. The spring is then loaded with heavier weights. When the weights are removed, the spring is longer than it was originally. Which types of deformation are shown by this experiment? A both elastic and plastic deformation B elastic deformation only C neither elastic nor plastic deformation D plastic deformation only
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · The stress-strain graph for a metal is shown
21 The stress-strain graph for a metal is shown. 2 stress / GPa 1 0 0 0.005 0.010 strain What is the strain energy per unit volume of a rod made from this metal when the strain of the rod is 0.010? A 10 kJ m–3 B 100 kJ m–3 C 1.0 MJ m–3 D 10 MJ m–3
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · The displacement-time graph for a layer of air in the path of a sound wave is shown
22 The displacement-time graph for a layer of air in the path of a sound wave is shown. displacement 0 0 time Which wave quantity is increasing? A amplitude B frequency C period D wavelength
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · A loudspeaker emits a sound wave into a tube initially full of water
23 A loudspeaker emits a sound wave into a tube initially full of water. loudspeaker x tube y water tap A tap at the bottom of the tube is opened so that water slowly leaves the tube. For some lengths of the air column in the tube, the sound heard is much louder. The first loud sound is heard when the air column in the tube has length x. The next time that a loud sound is heard is when the air column in the tube has length y. What is the wavelength of the sound wave from the loudspeaker? A 2x B 4y C 2(y – x) D 4(y – x)
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · Diffraction can be observed when a wave passes an obstruction
24 Diffraction can be observed when a wave passes an obstruction. The diffraction effect is greatest when the wavelength and the obstruction are similar in size. For waves travelling through air, what is the combination of wave and obstruction that could best demonstrate diffraction? A microwaves passing a steel post B radio waves passing a copper wire C sound waves passing a human hair D visible light waves passing a gate post
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · Light of a particular wavelength λs is emitted from the Sun
25 Light of a particular wavelength λs is emitted from the Sun. At any instant, a band of wavelengths ranging from less than λs to more than λs is observed on the Earth. This is caused by the Doppler effect. NOT TO Earth SCALE Sun What could be the explanation for this Doppler effect? A The Sun is moving at right-angles to a line joining the Sun and the Earth. B The Sun is moving away from the Earth. C The Sun is moving towards the Earth. D The Sun is rotating.
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · What is the order of magnitude of the frequencies of electromagnetic waves in the visible…
26 What is the order of magnitude of the frequencies of electromagnetic waves in the visible spectrum? A 1010 Hz B 1012 Hz C 1014 Hz D 1016 Hz
Mark scheme: C
Q27 · Two signals approach each other, as shown
27 Two signals approach each other, as shown. At one instant, the signals completely overlap. According to the principle of superposition, what is the shape of the resulting signal at this instant? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · Coherent waves are produced at P and at Q and travel outwards in all directions
28 Coherent waves are produced at P and at Q and travel outwards in all directions. The line RS is half-way between P and Q and perpendicular to the line joining P and Q. The distance RS is much greater than the distance PQ. P R Q NOT TO SCALE X Y S Along which of the lines shown is an interference pattern observed? A both RS and XY B RS only C XY only D neither RS nor XY
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · A bar vibrates with frequency f to produce water waves in a ripple tank
29 A bar vibrates with frequency f to produce water waves in a ripple tank. bar vibrating with frequency f barrier with gap of width x The waves pass through a gap of width x in a barrier so that diffraction occurs. Which combination of vibration frequency and gap width will produce the smallest angle of diffraction? vibration gap width frequency f x A 2 2 f B 2x 2 x C 2f 2 D 2f 2x
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · A diffraction grating is used to measure the wavelength of monochromatic light, as shown…
30 A diffraction grating is used to measure the wavelength of monochromatic light, as shown in the diagram. grating first order maximum monochromatic 70.0° light first order maximum The spacing of the slits in the grating is 1.00 × 10–6 m. The angle between the first order diffraction maxima is 70.0°. What is the wavelength of the light? A 287 nm B 470 nm C 574 nm D 940 nm
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · A small charged sphere of mass 0.80 g hangs from a light thread inside a vertical uniform…
31 A small charged sphere of mass 0.80 g hangs from a light thread inside a vertical uniform electric field of strength 2000 V m–1. The thread passes over two frictionless pulleys and a mass of 2.00 g hangs on the other end. pulleys + + + + + + 2.00 g mass electric field of charged sphere 2000 V m–1 of mass 0.80 g _ _ _ _ _ _ The sphere is in equilibrium. What is the charge on the sphere? A –5.9 µC B +0.60 µC C +5.9 µC D +9.8 µC
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · An electron enters a region of space where there is a uniform electric field E as shown
32 An electron enters a region of space where there is a uniform electric field E as shown. path of E electron Initially, the electron is moving parallel to, and in the direction of, the electric field. What is the subsequent path and change of speed of the electron caused by the electric field? path of electron speed of electron A curved decreases B curved increases C linear decreases D linear increases
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · The current in the circuit shown is 3.2 mA
33 The current in the circuit shown is 3.2 mA. R X Y What are the direction of flow and the rate of flow of electrons through the resistor R? direction of flow rate of flow / s–1 A X to Y 2.0 × 1016 B X to Y 5.1 × 10–22 C Y to X 2.0 × 1016 D Y to X 5.1 × 10–22
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · A filament lamp has a resistance of 180 Ω when the current in it is 500 mA
34 A filament lamp has a resistance of 180 Ω when the current in it is 500 mA. What is the power dissipated in the lamp? A 45 W B 90 W C 290 W D 360 W
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · Two copper wires X and Y have the same volume
35 Two copper wires X and Y have the same volume. Wire Y is four times as long as wire X. L 4L X Y resistance of wire Y What is the ratio ? resistance of wire X A 1 B 4 C 8 D 16
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · In the circuit shown, the ammeter reading is I and the voltmeter reading is V
36 In the circuit shown, the ammeter reading is I and the voltmeter reading is V. A V When the switch is closed, which row describes what happens to I and to V ? I V A decreases decreases B increases increases C increases stays the same D stays the same increases
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · A cell of electromotive force E and negligible internal resistance is connected to a…
37 A cell of electromotive force E and negligible internal resistance is connected to a network of resistors of resistances R1, R2, R3 and R4 as shown. E I1 R1 I2 R2 I3 R3 R4 The branches of the circuit have currents I1, I2 and I3. Which equation is correct? A I1R1 + I2R2 = I3R3 + I3R4 B I2R2 – I3R4 – I3R3 = 0 C E = I1R1 + I2R2 + I3R3 + I3R4 D E = I1R1 + I2R2 – I3R3 – I3R4
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · The circuit diagram shows four resistors of different resistances P, Q, R and S connected…
38 The circuit diagram shows four resistors of different resistances P, Q, R and S connected to a battery. P Q V R S The voltmeter reading is zero. Which equation is correct? A P – Q = R – S B P – S = Q – R C PQ = RS D PS = QR
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · An astatine nucleus has a nucleon number of 218 and a proton number of 85
39 An astatine nucleus has a nucleon number of 218 and a proton number of 85. It decays to form a polonium nucleus, emitting a β– particle and an α-particle in the process. What are the nucleon number and the proton number of this polonium nucleus? nucleon number proton number A 214 83 B 214 84 C 215 83 D 216 82
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · What is the quark composition of a hydrogen-3 nucleus, H 3 ?
40 What is the quark composition of a hydrogen-3 nucleus, H 3 ? 1 number of quarks up down A 4 5 B 5 4 C 5 7 D 7 5
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.
4Density and pressure2Diffraction2Electromagnetic spectrum2Equations of motion2Interference2Linear momentum and its conservation2Scalars and vectors2Turning effects of forces2Uniform electric fields2Atoms, nuclei and radiation1Doppler effect for sound waves1Elastic and plastic behaviour1Electric current1Equilibrium of forces1Errors and uncertainties1Fundamental particles1Kirchhoff’s laws1Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion1Potential difference and power1Potential dividers1Practical circuits1Progressive waves1Resistance and resistivity1SI units1Stationary waves1Stress and strain1The diffraction grating1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2017 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.