Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2022 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 2
9702/12/M/J/22 · 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 estimate is reasonable?
1 Which estimate is reasonable? A 1 10–3 kg for the mass of a grain of sand B 1 10–2 m3 for the volume of a tennis ball C 1 100 J for the work done lifting an apple from waist height to head height D 1 104 W for the power of a light bulb in a house
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · What is the symbol for the SI base unit of temperature?
2 What is the symbol for the SI base unit of temperature? A C B K C C D K
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · Which statement about systematic errors is not correct?
3 Which statement about systematic errors is not correct? A A systematic error can be caused by using an incorrectly calibrated instrument. B One particular type of systematic error can affect all the measurements by the same amount. C The effect of a systematic error can be reduced by repeating and averaging the measurements. D Zero error is a type of systematic error.
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · An object is moving with an initial velocity of 4.0 m s–1 to the right
4 An object is moving with an initial velocity of 4.0 m s–1 to the right. The velocity of the object changes so that its final velocity is 3.0 m s–1 downwards, as shown. initial velocity final velocity 4.0 m s–1 3.0 m s–1 Which arrow represents the change in velocity of the object? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · A car travels anticlockwise along a horizontal circular road of radius 12 m, as shown
5 A car travels anticlockwise along a horizontal circular road of radius 12 m, as shown. The car takes a time of 4.0 s to move from position P to position Q. direction of travel of car 12 m P road Q What is the magnitude of the average velocity of the car for the journey from P to Q? A 4.2 m s–1 B 4.7 m s–1 C 6.0 m s–1 D 14 m s–1
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · The water surface in a deep well is 78.0 m below the top of the well
6 The water surface in a deep well is 78.0 m below the top of the well. A person at the top of the well drops a heavy stone down the well. Air resistance is negligible. The speed of sound in the air is 330 m s–1. What is the time interval between the person dropping the stone and hearing it hitting the water? A 3.75 s B 3.99 s C 4.19 s D 4.22 s
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · Which statement is not a requirement of a pair of forces that obey Newton’s third law of…
7 Which statement is not a requirement of a pair of forces that obey Newton’s third law of motion? A The forces act in opposite directions. B The forces act on different objects. C The forces act on objects in contact. D The forces are of equal magnitude.
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · A child of mass 20 kg stands on the rough surface of a sledge of mass 40 kg
8 A child of mass 20 kg stands on the rough surface of a sledge of mass 40 kg. The sledge can slide on a horizontal frictionless surface. One end of a rope is attached to the sledge. The rope passes around a fixed frictionless pole, and the other end of the rope is held by the child, as shown. frictionless horizontal rope pole frictionless surface The rope is horizontal. The child pulls on the rope with a horizontal force of 12 N. This causes the child and the sledge to move with equal acceleration towards the pole. What is the frictional force between the child and the sledge? A 4.0 N B 6.0 N C 8.0 N D 12 N
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · A stone S and a foam rubber ball R are identical spheres of equal volume
9 A stone S and a foam rubber ball R are identical spheres of equal volume. They are released from rest at time t = 0 and fall vertically through the air. Both reach terminal velocity. Which graph best shows the variation with time t of the speed v of the stone and of the rubber ball? A B C D v R v S v v S R and S R S R 0 0 0 0 0 t 0 t 0 t 0 t
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · Two balls X and Y are moving towards each other with speeds of 5 m s–1 and 15 m s–1…
10 Two balls X and Y are moving towards each other with speeds of 5 m s–1 and 15 m s–1 respectively. 5 m s–1 15 m s–1 X Y They make a perfectly elastic head-on collision and ball Y moves to the right with a speed of 7 m s–1. What is the speed and direction of ball X after the collision? A 3 m s–1 to the left B 13 m s–1 to the left C 3 m s–1 to the right D 13 m s–1 to the right
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · Two forces form a couple
11 Two forces form a couple. Which statement describes the two forces? A They are in the same direction. B They are perpendicular to each other. C They have the same magnitude. D They pass through the same point.
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · A uniform rod is attached by a hinge at one end to a wall
12 A uniform rod is attached by a hinge at one end to a wall. The other end of the rod is supported by a wire so that the rod is horizontal and in equilibrium. wire wall hinge rod Which arrow shows the direction of the force on the rod from the hinge? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · A diving board of length 5.0 m is hinged at one end and supported 2.0 m from this end by…
13 A diving board of length 5.0 m is hinged at one end and supported 2.0 m from this end by a spring of spring constant 10 kN m–1. A child of mass 40 kg stands at the far end of the board. mass of child 40 kg diving board 2.0 m spring hinge 5.0 m What is the extra compression of the spring caused by the child standing on the end of the board? A 1.0 cm B 1.6 cm C 9.8 cm D 16 cm
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · A granite rock at the surface of the Earth has density
14 A granite rock at the surface of the Earth has density . The rock is transported to the surface of another planet. The acceleration of free fall on the surface of the other planet is twice that on the surface of the Earth. What is the density of the rock on the other planet? A 0.5 B C 2 D 4
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · Aclosed U-shaped tube contains a stationary liquid of density p
15 Aclosed U-shaped tube contains a stationary liquid of density p. One side of the tube contains a gas at pressure p, and the other side contains a gas at pressure p2, as shown. gas, pressure p, gas, pressure p, liquid, density p The acceleration of free fall is g. Which equation is correct? A pr=pgy Bo p2= pg(x — Z) C pi-p2= pg(y-Z) D pi + po = pgx
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · Which product of two quantities is equal to power?
16 Which product of two quantities is equal to power? A force distance B force velocity C work done time D work done velocity
Mark scheme: B
Q17 · Researchers have developed a new type of filament lamp with an efficiency of 40%
17 Researchers have developed a new type of filament lamp with an efficiency of 40%. Old-type filament lamps have an efficiency of 5.0%. The two types of lamp produce the same useful output power. What is the ratio input power to new type of lamp input power to old type of lamp ? A 0.13 B 0.63 C 1.6 D 8.0
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · A student attempts to derive the formula for kinetic energy EK
18 A student attempts to derive the formula for kinetic energy EK. She begins by considering an object of mass m which is initially at rest. A constant force F applied to the object causes it to accelerate to final velocity v in displacement s. The kinetic energy gained by the object is equal to the work done on the object by the force F. Which equation would the student not need in order to derive the formula for EK? A F = ma B W = Fs C E = 1 Fs D v 2 = u 2 + 2as 2
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q19 · A metal wire obeys Hooke’s law and has a Young modulus of 2.0 1011 Pa
19 A metal wire obeys Hooke’s law and has a Young modulus of 2.0 1011 Pa. The wire has an original length of 1.6 m and a diameter of 0.48 10–3 m. What is the spring constant of the wire? A 7.2 103 N m–1 B 2.3 104 N m–1 C 2.9 104 N m–1 D 9.0 104 N m–1
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · A wire is being stretched by a tensile force
20 A wire is being stretched by a tensile force. Which statement about the elastic limit must be correct? A The deformation is plastic after the elastic limit has been reached. B The deformation is plastic until the elastic limit is reached. C The extension is proportional to the tensile force after the elastic limit has been reached. D The extension is proportional to the tensile force until the elastic limit is reached.
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · Which statement is correct for all types of progressive wave?
21 Which statement is correct for all types of progressive wave? A The distance from a peak to the next trough is equal to a wavelength. B They can be demonstrated in ripple tanks. C They consist of vibrating atoms. D They transfer energy from one position to another.
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · A transverse water wave is moving along the surface of some water
22 A transverse water wave is moving along the surface of some water. This causes a ball to move vertically without moving horizontally as it floats upon the surface. At one instant, the ball is at the position shown. ball 0.70 m NOT TO direction of SCALE wave travel 2.4 m The wave has a frequency of 0.20 Hz and an amplitude of 0.70 m. The distance between a trough and an adjacent peak is 2.4 m. What is the distance travelled by the ball in a time of 20 s? A 5.6 m B 9.6 m C 11.2 m D 19.2 m
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · A sound wave travels from left to right across a room
23 A sound wave travels from left to right across a room. The variation with distance across the room of the displacement of the air molecules at one instant is shown. At which distance will the air pressure be lowest? displacement right 0 A B C D distance from left-hand left end of room
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · A source emits a sound wave of a single frequency
24 A source emits a sound wave of a single frequency. The Doppler effect causes a different frequency of sound to be heard by a stationary observer. What is a requirement for the Doppler effect to occur? A a source that is moving as it produces the sound wave B a source that produces a polarised sound wave C a source that produces a sound wave of changing amplitude D a source that produces a sound wave of changing frequency
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · An electromagnetic wave in free space has a frequency of 2.5 1014 Hz
25 An electromagnetic wave in free space has a frequency of 2.5 1014 Hz. Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum includes this frequency? A infrared B microwave C ultraviolet D X-ray
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · Two polarising filters are placed next to each other so that their planes are parallel
26 Two polarising filters are placed next to each other so that their planes are parallel. The first polarising filter has its transmission axis at an angle of 50 to the vertical. The second polarising filter has its transmission axis at an angle of 20 to the vertical. The angle between the transmission axes of the two polarising filters is 30 A beam of vertically polarised light of intensity 8.0 W m–2 is incident normally on the first polarising filter. What is the intensity of the light that is transmitted from the second polarising filter? A zero B 2.5 W m–2 C 2.9 W m–2 D 6.0 W m–2
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · A stationary wave on a stretched string is set up between two points P and T
27 A stationary wave on a stretched string is set up between two points P and T. Q S P T R vibrator Which statement about the stationary wave is correct? A Point R is at a node. B Points Q and S vibrate in phase. C The distance between P and T is three wavelengths. D The wave transfers energy from P to T.
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · A bar vibrates with frequency f to produce water waves in a ripple tank
28 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
Q29 · An outdoor concert has two large speakers beside the stage for broadcasting music
29 An outdoor concert has two large speakers beside the stage for broadcasting music. In order to test the speakers, they are made to emit sound of the same wavelength and the same amplitude. The curved lines in the diagram represent wavefronts. Where is the loudest sound heard? A C D B speakers stage
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · The equation d sin = n is used to calculate the wavelength of light in an…
30 The equation d sin = n is used to calculate the wavelength of light in an experiment that uses a diffraction grating. The light from the diffraction grating is displayed on a screen. What do the symbols n and d represent? n d A number of slits in the grating distance between adjacent slits in the grating B number of slits in the grating distance from grating to screen C order of intensity maximum distance between adjacent slits in the grating D order of intensity maximum distance from grating to screen
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · The diagram shows a metal block
31 The diagram shows a metal block. I I c a b The block has sides of length a, b and c as shown, and its volume is V. Each charge carrier has a charge –q and the number density of the charge carriers in the metal is n. It takes each charge carrier an average time of t to pass through the block. What is an expression for the current I ? I = nqV I = nqbc A I = nqabc B C D I = nqaV t t
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · The circuit diagrams show two lamps X and Y each connected to a cell
32 The circuit diagrams show two lamps X and Y each connected to a cell. The current in lamp X is 0.50A and its resistance is 9.69. The current in lamp Y is 3.0A and its resistance is 1.2. 0.50A 3.0A lamp X lamp Y 9.69 1.20 power inlamp X 7 power inlamp Y — A 0.22 B 0.75 C 1.3 D 4.5 What is the ratio
Mark scheme: A
Q33 · The intensity of light incident on a light-dependent resistor (LDR) is increased
33 The intensity of light incident on a light-dependent resistor (LDR) is increased. The temperature of a thermistor is increased. In each case, the current in the component is maintained at a constant value. What happens to the potential difference across each component? LDR thermistor A increases increases B increases decreases C decreases increases D decreases decreases
Mark scheme: D
Q34 · An iron wire has length 8.0 m and diameter 0.50 mm
34 An iron wire has length 8.0 m and diameter 0.50 mm. The wire has resistance R. A second iron wire has length 2.0 m and diameter 1.0 mm. What is the resistance of the second wire? R R R A B C D R 16 8 2
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · A cell with constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) is connected across a fixed resistor
35 A cell with constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) is connected across a fixed resistor. Over time, the internal resistance of the cell increases. Which change occurs as the internal resistance of the cell increases? A a decrease in the charge of each charge carrier B a decrease in the potential difference measured across the cell C an increase in the energy dissipated per unit time in the fixed resistor D an increase in the number of charge carriers leaving the cell per unit time
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · Kirchhoff’s first and second laws are consequences of the conservation of different…
36 Kirchhoff’s first and second laws are consequences of the conservation of different quantities. What are those quantities? Kirchhoff’s Kirchhoff’s first law second law A charge energy B energy current C current charge D energy charge
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · A potentiometer circuit is used to determine the electromotive force (e.m.f.) EX of a cell
37 A potentiometer circuit is used to determine the electromotive force (e.m.f.) EX of a cell. The circuit includes a second cell of known e.m.f. E0 and negligible internal resistance, and a uniform resistance wire PQ of known length. EX is less than E0. The movable connection J can be positioned anywhere along the length of the resistance wire. Which circuit is suitable for determining EX? A B E0 EX P Q P Q J J EX E0 C D E0 EX J P Q P Q J EX E0
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · In an experiment on -particle scattering, -particles are directed at a thin gold foil
38 In an experiment on -particle scattering, -particles are directed at a thin gold foil. Most of the -particles pass straight through the foil or are deflected by a small angle. A small number of -particles are deflected by a large angle. Which statement cannot be deduced from this experiment? A Atoms are mostly empty space. B Most of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus. C The nucleus of an atom contains protons. D The nucleus of an atom is small compared to the size of an atom.
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · Four nuclei are represented below
39 Four nuclei are represented below. 28 E 25 G 25 M 24 Q 14 15 12 13 Which statement about these nuclei is correct? A An uncharged atom of element Q has 24 orbital electrons. B Nuclei G and M are isotopes of the same element. C When E absorbs a neutron and then emits an-particle, E transforms into M. D When M emits a – particle, M transforms into Q.
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · A neutron is composed of one up (u) quark and two down (d) quarks
40 A neutron is composed of one up (u) quark and two down (d) quarks. When a neutron decays to a proton, a beta-particle is emitted. What is the change in the quark structure of the neutron due to the emission of the beta-particle? (The symbol for a neutrino is e and for an antineutrino is .) e A d u + – + e B d u + – + e C u d + + + e D u d + + + e
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.
2Density and pressure2Energy conservation2Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion2Progressive waves2Resistance and resistivity2Turning effects of forces2Diffraction1Doppler effect for sound waves1Elastic and plastic behaviour1Electric current1Electromagnetic spectrum1Equations of motion1Equilibrium of forces1Errors and uncertainties1Fundamental particles1Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy1Interference1Kinematics of uniform circular motion1Kirchhoff’s laws1Linear momentum and its conservation1Non-uniform motion1Physical quantities1Polarisation1Potential difference and power1Potential dividers1Practical circuits1Scalars and vectors1SI units1Stationary waves1Stress and strain1The diffraction grating1Transverse and longitudinal waves1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2022 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.