Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2018 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 1
9702/11/M/J/18 · 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 · What is a unit for stress?
1 What is a unit for stress? A kg m–1 s–2 B kg m–2 s–2 C N m–1 D N m
Mark scheme: A
Q2 · Physical quantities can be classed as vectors or as scalars
2 Physical quantities can be classed as vectors or as scalars. Which pair of quantities consists of two vectors? A kinetic energy and force B momentum and time C velocity and electric field strength D weight and temperature
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · Two dogs pull a sledge along an icy track, as shown
3 Two dogs pull a sledge along an icy track, as shown. dog X pulls with a force of 200 N 65° track forward sledge force 45° dog Y pulls with a force of 120 N Dog X pulls with a force of 200 N at an angle of 65° to the front edge of the sledge. Dog Y pulls with a force of 120 N at an angle of 45° to the front edge of the sledge. What is the resultant forward force on the sledge exerted by the two dogs? A 80 N B 170 N C 270 N D 320 N
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · In the circuit shown, an analogue ammeter is to be recalibrated as a thermometer
4 In the circuit shown, an analogue ammeter is to be recalibrated as a thermometer. The ammeter is connected in series with a thermistor. The thermistor is a component with a resistance that varies with temperature. The graph shows how the resistance R of the thermistor changes with temperature T. R / kΩ A 0 100 thermistor T / °C Which diagram could represent the temperature scale on the ammeter? A B C D 20 40 60 40 60 80 80 60 40 100 80 60 40 20 0 80 100 0 20 100 100 20 0 0 °C °C °C °C
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · The sides of a cube are measured with calipers
5 The sides of a cube are measured with calipers. The measured length of each side is (30.0 ± 0.1) mm. The measurements are used to calculate the volume of the cube. What is the percentage uncertainty in the calculated value of the volume? A 0.01% B 0.3% C 1% D 3%
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · A tennis ball falls freely, in air, from the top of a tall building
6 A tennis ball falls freely, in air, from the top of a tall building. Which graph best represents the variation with time t of the distance s fallen? A B s s 0 0 0 t 0 t C D s s 0 0 0 t 0 t
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · The graph shows the variation with mass of the weight of objects on a particular planet
7 The graph shows the variation with mass of the weight of objects on a particular planet. 4 weight / N 3 2 1 0 0 1 2 mass / kg What is the value of the acceleration of free fall on the planet? A 0.63 m s–2 B 1.6 m s–2 C 3.2 m s–2 D 9.8 m s–2
Mark scheme: B
Q8 · The momentum of a car of mass m increases from p1 to p2
8 The momentum of a car of mass m increases from p1 to p2. What is the increase in the kinetic energy of the car? ( p 2 − 2 p 2 ) ( p 2 − p ) 2 p 2 − p p 1− p A 1 B 1 C 1 D 2 2 m 2 m 2 m 2 m
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · Two similar spheres, each of mass m and travelling with speed v, are moving towards each…
9 Two similar spheres, each of mass m and travelling with speed v, are moving towards each other. v v m m The spheres have a head-on elastic collision. Which statement is correct? A The spheres stick together on impact. B The total kinetic energy after impact is mv 2. C The total kinetic energy before impact is zero. D The total momentum before impact is 2mv.
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · A horizontal metal bar PQ of length 50.0 cm is hinged at end P
10 A horizontal metal bar PQ of length 50.0 cm is hinged at end P. The diagram shows the metal bar viewed from above. 16.0 N 30° Q 5.0 N P 50.0 cm Two forces of 16.0 N and 5.0 N are in the horizontal plane and act on end Q as shown in the diagram. What is the total moment about P due to the two forces? A 1.5 N m B 4.4 N m C 6.5 N m D 9.4 N m
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · Blocks P, Q, R and S are made from material of the same density
11 Blocks P, Q, R and S are made from material of the same density. Block T is made from a material of twice the density of the material of the other blocks. The cross-sectional area and height of each of the blocks are shown. 2h R 2h S h P h Q h T ground A 2A A 2A A Which two blocks exert the same pressure on the ground? A P and T B Q and R C Q and S D S and T
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · Two parallel forces, each of magnitude F, act on a rod of length 5d
12 Two parallel forces, each of magnitude F, act on a rod of length 5d. Which diagram shows the positions of the two forces that will produce the largest torque on the rod? A B F d F F F C D F 2d 2d F F F
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · Liquids X and Y are stored in large open tanks
13 Liquids X and Y are stored in large open tanks. Liquid X has a density of 800 kg m–3 and liquid Y has a density of 1200 kg m–3. At which depths are the pressures equal? depth in depth in liquid X / m liquid Y / m A 8 20 B 10 15 C 15 10 D 20 8
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · A train of mass 3.3 × 106 kg is moving at a constant speed up a slope inclined at an…
14 A train of mass 3.3 × 106 kg is moving at a constant speed up a slope inclined at an angle of 0.64° to the horizontal. The engine of the train is producing a useful output power of 14 MW. Assume that there are no frictional forces opposing the motion of the train. What is the speed of the train? A 0.43 m s–1 B 4.2 m s–1 C 39 m s–1 D 380 m s–1
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · A cannon-ball of mass 3.50 kg is fired at a speed of 22.0 m s–1 from a gun on a ship at a…
15 A cannon-ball of mass 3.50 kg is fired at a speed of 22.0 m s–1 from a gun on a ship at a height of 6.00 m above sea level. The total energy of the cannon-ball is the sum of the gravitational potential energy relative to the surface of the sea and the kinetic energy. What is the total energy of the cannon-ball as it leaves the gun? A 206 J B 641 J C 847 J D 1050 J
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q16 · An aircraft travels at a constant velocity of 90 m s–1 in horizontal flight
16 An aircraft travels at a constant velocity of 90 m s–1 in horizontal flight. The diagram shows some of the forces acting on the aircraft. drag thrust 2400 N weight The mass of the aircraft is 2000 kg. What is the power produced by the thrust force? A 1.8 × 105 W B 2.2 × 105 W C 1.8 × 106 W D 2.0 × 106 W
Mark scheme: B
Q17 · An electrical generator is started at time zero
17 An electrical generator is started at time zero. The total electrical energy generated during the first 5 seconds is shown in the graph. 50 energy / J 40 30 20 10 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 time / s What is the maximum electrical power generated at any instant during these first 5 seconds? A 10 W B 13 W C 30 W D 50 W
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · The diagram shows a wire of diameter D and length L that is firmly clamped at one end…
18 The diagram shows a wire of diameter D and length L that is firmly clamped at one end between two blocks of wood. A load is applied to the wire which extends its length by x. blocks of wood wire load A second wire is made of the same material, but of diameter 2D and length 3L. Both wires obey Hooke’s law. What is the extension of the second wire when the same load is applied? 2 3 4 3 A x B x C x D x 3 4 3 2
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · Two wires, one made of brass and the other of steel, are stretched in an experiment
19 Two wires, one made of brass and the other of steel, are stretched in an experiment. Both wires obey Hooke’s law during this experiment. The Young modulus for brass is less than the Young modulus for steel. Which graph shows how the stress varies with strain for both wires in this experiment? A B stress steel stress steel brass brass 0 0 0 strain 0 strain C D stress brass stress brass steel steel 0 0 0 strain 0 strain
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · A transverse progressive wave is set up on a string
20 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
Q21 · Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum includes waves with a frequency of 107 MHz?
21 Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum includes waves with a frequency of 107 MHz? A infra-red waves B radio waves C ultraviolet waves D X-rays
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · A longitudinal wave has vibrations parallel to the direction of transfer of energy by the…
22 A longitudinal wave has vibrations parallel to the direction of transfer of energy by the wave. The wave can be represented on a graph showing the variation of the displacement of the particles with distance from the source. Which point on the graph is the centre of a compression? direction of transfer of energy A displacement away from source B D 0 0 distance from source displacement towards source C
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · What can be deduced from a table of wavelengths of the waves in the electromagnetic…
23 What can be deduced from a table of wavelengths of the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum? A Green light has a shorter wavelength than X-rays. B Red light has a shorter wavelength than green light. C The wavelength range for radio waves is less than that for infra-red waves. D The wavelength range for X-rays is less than that for radio waves.
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · A binary star consists of two stars rotating around a common centre
24 A binary star consists of two stars rotating around a common centre. Light from one of the stars is observed on the Earth. binary star observer on Earth The observed frequency of the light varies between a minimum frequency fmin and a maximum frequency fmax, as shown. fmax observed frequency fmin 0 time The rate of rotation of the binary star increases. What is the change to fmax and the change to fmin? fmax fmin A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: C
Q25 · A teacher sets up the apparatus shown to demonstrate a double-slit interference pattern…
25 A teacher sets up the apparatus shown to demonstrate a double-slit interference pattern on the screen. double screen single slit slit source q of light p r Which change to the apparatus will increase the fringe spacing? A decreasing the distance p B decreasing the distance q C decreasing the distance r D decreasing the wavelength of the light
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · The diagram shows two sources of waves S1 and S2
26 The diagram shows two sources of waves S1 and S2. The sources oscillate with a phase difference of 180°. S1 S2 5 cm 13 cm P The sources each generate a wave of wavelength 2.0 cm. Each source produces a wave that has amplitude x0 when it reaches point P. What is the amplitude of the oscillation at P? x A 0 B 0 C x0 D 2x0 2
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · A pipe, closed at one end, has a loudspeaker at the open end
27 A pipe, closed at one end, has a loudspeaker at the open end. A stationary sound wave is formed in the air within the pipe with an antinode at the open end of the pipe. 0.85 m loudspeaker pipe The length of the pipe is 0.85 m. The speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1. Which frequency of sound from the loudspeaker would not produce a stationary wave? A 100 Hz B 200 Hz C 300 Hz D 500 Hz
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · A particle has a charge of +2.0 mC and is in a vertical uniform electric field
28 A particle has a charge of +2.0 mC and is in a vertical uniform electric field. An electric force of 1.0 × 10–2 N acts upwards on the particle. What is the electric field strength? A 0.20 V m–1 downwards B 0.20 V m–1 upwards C 5.0 V m–1 downwards D 5.0 V m–1 upwards
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 battery, 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 is the new force on the particle? A F B F C F D 2F 4 2
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · The current I in a metal wire is given by the expression shown
30 The current I in a metal wire is given by the expression shown. I = Anvq What does the symbol n represent? A the number of atoms per unit volume of the metal B the number of free electrons per atom in the metal C the number of free electrons per unit volume of the metal D the total number of electrons per unit volume of the metal
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · The circuit diagrams show two lamps X and Y each connected to a cell
31 The circuit diagrams show two lamps X and Y each connected to a cell. The current in lamp X is 0.50 A and its resistance is 9.6 Ω. The current in lamp Y is 3.0 A and its resistance is 1.2 Ω. 0.50 A 3.0 A lamp X lamp Y 9.6 Ω 1.2 Ω power in lamp X What is the ratio ? power in lamp Y A 0.22 B 0.75 C 1.3 D 4.5
Mark scheme: A
Q32 · A cylindrical piece of a soft, electrically-conducting material has resistance R
32 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? A R B R C 2R D 4R 2
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · The sum of the electrical currents into a point in a circuit is equal to the sum of the…
33 The sum of the electrical currents into a point in a circuit is equal to the sum of the currents out of the point. Which statement is correct? A This is Kirchhoff’s first law, which results from the conservation of charge. B This is Kirchhoff’s first law, which results from the conservation of energy. C This is Kirchhoff’s second law, which results from the conservation of charge. D This is Kirchhoff’s second law, which results from the conservation of energy.
Mark scheme: A
Q34 · In the circuit shown, the batteries have negligible internal resistance
34 In the circuit shown, the batteries have negligible internal resistance. 15 V 9 V I1 I2 I3 2.0 Ω 2.0 Ω 2.0 Ω What are the values of the currents I1, I2 and I3? I1 / A I2 / A I3 / A A –5.5 1.0 6.5 B 0.5 4.0 3.5 C 3.5 4.0 0.5 D 6.5 1.0 –5.5
Mark scheme: C
Q35 · A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is…
35 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to three resistors as shown. 4.0 kΩ 6.0 V 4.0 kΩ X 4.0 kΩ Each resistor has a resistance of 4.0 kΩ. What is the current in resistor X? A 0.25 mA B 0.50 mA C 0.75 mA D 1.0 mA
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · A uniform resistance wire XY of length 100 cm is connected in series with a cell L
36 A uniform resistance wire XY of length 100 cm is connected in series with a cell L. Another cell M is connected in series with resistors of resistances 5.00 Ω, 10.0 Ω and 15.0 Ω. L 100 cm X Y 12.5 cm A resistance wire 5.00 Ω 10.0 Ω 15.0 Ω P Q R S M The potential difference (p.d.) between P and Q is balanced against 12.5 cm of the resistance wire, so that the ammeter reads zero. The p.d. across the other resistors is then balanced against other lengths of the resistance wire. Which balanced lengths of resistance wire correspond to the connection points given in the table? connection balanced length / cm points A B C D Q and R 12.5 25.0 25.0 25.0 Q and S 62.5 62.5 75.0 62.5 P and R 37.5 37.5 37.5 12.5
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · A motor is required to operate at a distance of 800 m from its power supply
37 A motor is required to operate at a distance of 800 m from its power supply. The motor requires a potential difference (p.d.) of 16.0 V and a current of 0.60 A to operate. Two wires are used to supply power to the motor as shown. wires power motor supply 800 m The resistance of each of these wires is 0.0050 Ω per metre. What is the minimum output p.d. of the power supply? A 11.2 V B 16.0 V C 18.4 V D 20.8 V
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · Which elementary particle is a lepton?
38 Which elementary particle is a lepton? A proton B neutron C electron D quark
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · How many down quarks are in a nucleus of hydrogen-3, H 3 ?
39 How many down quarks are in a nucleus of hydrogen-3, H 3 ? 1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · What is the correct equation for β+ decay?
40 What is the correct equation for β+ decay? A neutron → proton + electron + electron antineutrino B neutron → proton + electron + electron neutrino C proton → neutron + positron + electron antineutrino D proton → neutron + positron + electron neutrino
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.
3Stress and strain3Density and pressure2Electromagnetic spectrum2Fundamental particles2Interference2Kirchhoff’s laws2Linear momentum and its conservation2Potential dividers2Resistance and resistivity2Scalars and vectors2Turning effects of forces2Uniform electric fields2Doppler effect for sound waves1Electric current1Equations of motion1Errors and uncertainties1Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy1Physical quantities1Potential difference and power1Practical circuits1Progressive waves1Radioactive decay1Stationary waves1Transverse and longitudinal waves1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2018 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.