Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
9702/12/O/N/25 · 40 questions · 40 marks · 75 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 paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · What is a reasonable estimate of the weight of an adult human?
1 What is a reasonable estimate of the weight of an adult human? A 7 100 N B 7 102 N C 7 104 N D 7 106 N
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · What describes a set of data with a high precision?
2 What describes a set of data with a high precision? A data measured using equipment with small scale divisions B data that is close to the accepted value C data with each value having a low uncertainty D data with repeats that are close to each other
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · Which physical quantity could have units of N s2 m–1?
3 Which physical quantity could have units of N s2 m–1? A acceleration B force C mass D momentum
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · A ball is released from rest
4 A ball is released from rest. The distance the ball falls and the time the ball takes to fall that distance are both measured. The percentage uncertainty in the measured distance is negligible. The percentage uncertainty in the measured time is 4%. The distance and the time are then used to calculate the acceleration of free fall. Air resistance is negligible. What is the percentage uncertainty in the calculated value of the acceleration of free fall? A 2% B 4% C 8% D 16%
Mark scheme: C
Q5 · A car has an initial velocity u
5 A car has an initial velocity u. The car then moves with constant acceleration a in a straight line through a displacement d. The car reaches a final velocity v. Which expression gives the initial velocity u of the car? A v – ad B v 2 – 2 ad C v + ad D v – 1 ad 2 2
Mark scheme: B
Q6 · A bicycle brakes so that it undergoes uniform deceleration from a speed of 8 m s–1 to 6 m…
6 A bicycle brakes so that it undergoes uniform deceleration from a speed of 8 m s–1 to 6 m s–1 over a distance of 7 m. The deceleration of the bicycle remains constant. Which further distance will the bicycle travel before coming to rest? A 7 m B 9 m C 16 m D 21 m
Mark scheme: B
Q7 · The velocity–time graph for an object is shown
7 The velocity–time graph for an object is shown. velocity area 1 0 0 area 2 time Which expression gives the total displacement of the object? A area 1 – area 2 ( area 1 + area 2 ) B 2 C area 1 + area 2 D area 2 – area 1
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · Which statement describes the weight of an object?
8 Which statement describes the weight of an object? A It is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. B It is equal to the resultant force when the object falls at terminal (constant) velocity. C It is the force acting on the object due to a gravitational field. D It is the property of the object that resists change in motion.
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · What is a statement of the principle of conservation of momentum?
9 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
Q10 · The diagram shows the view from above of two balls moving along a horizontal frictionless…
10 The diagram shows the view from above of two balls moving along a horizontal frictionless surface before they collide. The momentum of each ball is also shown. 4.0 N s 8.0 N s The balls stick together during the collision. Which vector diagram represents the combined momentum of the balls after the collision? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · A skydiver is falling at constant velocity
11 A skydiver is falling at constant velocity. She then opens her parachute. The graph shows the variation with time of her velocity. velocity 0 t1 t2 t3 0 time Which statements about the motion of the skydiver are correct? 1 The magnitude of the acceleration is maximum at time t2. 2 The magnitude of the drag force at time t1 equals the magnitude of the drag force at time t3. 3 The magnitude of the drag force is maximum at time t1. A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 only D 3 only
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · Two different blocks, P and Q, slide towards each other on a horizontal frictionless…
12 Two different blocks, P and Q, slide towards each other on a horizontal frictionless surface. The blocks have an elastic collision. The diagram shows the velocities of the two blocks immediately after the collision. 70 cm s–1 20 cm s–1 P Q Which row gives possible velocities of the two blocks immediately before the collision? velocity of P velocity of Q A 10 cm s–1 to the right 60 cm s–1 to the left B 50 cm s–1 to the right zero C 20 cm s–1 to the left 70 cm s–1 to the right D 60 cm s–1 to the right 30 cm s–1 to the left
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · Which diagram shows a couple?
13 Which diagram shows a couple? A B F F F F C D F F F
Mark scheme: A
Q14 · The diagram shows a uniform bar of mass M and length L resting on a pivot at a distance x…
14 The diagram shows a uniform bar of mass M and length L resting on a pivot at a distance x from end X. L x X An object of mass m is placed on the bar at distance y from the pivot so that the bar is in equilibrium. What is an expression for y? xM M (L – x) M 1 (Lm – xM ) A B C (L – 2x) D m m 2 m m
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · The mass and volume of an object are varied
15 The mass and volume of an object are varied. Which two changes, when made together, must increase the density of the object? mass volume A decrease decrease B decrease increase C increase decrease D increase increase
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · On Earth, a solid object that is fully submerged in a liquid experiences an upthrust UE
16 On Earth, a solid object that is fully submerged in a liquid experiences an upthrust UE. On Mars, the same object, fully submerged in the same liquid, experiences an upthrust UM. The acceleration of free fall on Mars is 3.7 m s–2. Assume that the liquid’s density and the object’s volume have the same values on Earth and Mars. U What is the ratio M ? U E A 0.38 B 1.0 C 2.7 D 3.6
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · A student attempts to derive the formula for kinetic energy EK
17 A student attempts to derive the formula for kinetic energy EK. She begins by considering an object of mass m that 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 does the student not need in order to derive the formula for EK? A F = ma B W = Fs C E = Fs 1 D v 2 = u 2 + 2as 2
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q18 · A ball falls towards the ground from point X
18 A ball falls towards the ground from point X. Point X is 2.4 m above the ground. The ball rebounds from the ground and rises to point Y. Point Y is 1.8 m above the ground. A single value of the change in height h is used to calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the ball from X to Y. What is the magnitude of h? A 0.6 m B 1.8 m C 2.4 m D 4.2 m
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
Q19 · The diagram shows a block on a slope
19 The diagram shows a block on a slope. 8.0 m 1.8 N h A constant force of 1.8 N in a direction parallel to the slope is exerted on the block. This causes the block to move along the slope at a constant speed. The block moves a distance of 8.0 m along the slope and gains height h. The work done against the frictional force acting on the block is 4.8 J. The weight of the block is 4.0 N. What is the value of h? A 1.2 m B 2.4 m C 3.6 m D 4.8 m
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · The motor of a crane lifts a load of mass 600 kg
20 The motor of a crane lifts a load of mass 600 kg. The load rises vertically at a constant speed of 12 m per minute. What is the useful power output of the motor? A 0.12 kW B 1.2 kW C 7.2 kW D 71 kW
Mark scheme: B
Q21 · A platform is supported by a spring
21 A platform is supported by a spring. A box is placed onto the platform. The diagram shows the spring before and after the box is placed onto it. before after x box spring What is the term for the quantity marked as x? A compression B load C strain D stress
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · A copper wire has length 1.7 m and uniform diameter 0.64 mm
22 A copper wire has length 1.7 m and uniform diameter 0.64 mm. The Young modulus of copper is 1.2 1011 Pa. What is the spring constant of the wire? A 2.3 104 N m–1 B 9.1 104 N m–1 C 4.5 107 N m–1 D 7.1 107 N m–1
Mark scheme: A
Q23 · The graph shows how the extension of a spring varies with the force used to stretch it
23 The graph shows how the extension of a spring varies with the force used to stretch it. 4.0 extension / cm 2.0 0 0 10 20 30 force / kN What is the elastic potential energy of the spring when the extension is 4.0 cm? A 60 J B 120 J C 600 J D 1200 J
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · Which row describes a progressive longitudinal wave?
24 Which row describes a progressive longitudinal wave? transfers energy in requires a medium always travels at a direction parallel to travel through the same speed to the oscillations A false false true B false true true C true false false D true true false
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · What is the phase difference between points P and Q on the progressive wave shown in the…
25 What is the phase difference between points P and Q on the progressive wave shown in the diagram? P Q A 180° B 450° C 540° D 720°
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · The graph shows the variation of displacement with distance for two progressive waves X…
26 The graph shows the variation of displacement with distance for two progressive waves X and Y of the same type in the same medium. 1.0 wave Y displacement / cm 0.5 wave X distance / cm 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 –0.5 –1.0 The intensity of wave X is I. What is the intensity of wave Y? A 0.28I B 0.53I C 1.9I D 3.5I
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · A moving source emits sound of frequency 1200 Hz
27 A moving source emits sound of frequency 1200 Hz. A stationary observer hears sound of frequency 960 Hz. The speed of the sound is 340 m s–1. What could be the velocity of the source? A 68 m s–1 directly away from the observer B 68 m s–1 directly towards the observer C 85 m s–1 directly away from the observer D 85 m s–1 directly towards the observer
Mark scheme: C
Q28 · A light wave passes through a single slit and a diffraction pattern forms
28 A light wave passes through a single slit and a diffraction pattern forms. What happens to the frequency and the speed of the wave when it is diffracted? frequency speed A decreases increases B increases decreases C no change decreases D no change no change
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · The equation n = d sin can be used with a diffraction grating to find the wavelength…
29 The equation n = d sin can be used with a diffraction grating to find the wavelength of visible light. Which quantity is not correct for use in this equation? symbol quantity A d distance from grating to screen B wavelength of light C n order of intensity maximum D diffraction angle of intensity maximum
Mark scheme: A
Q30 · Two progressive sound waves move in opposite directions and superpose to form a…
30 Two progressive sound waves move in opposite directions and superpose to form a stationary wave. Which statement describes an antinode of this stationary wave? A a position where the phase difference between the two waves is always 0° B a position where the phase difference between the two waves is always 180° C a position where the stationary wave has maximum amplitude D a position where the stationary wave has minimum amplitude
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · A student connects two loudspeakers to a signal generator
31 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 Doppler shift of the sound waves C interference of the sound waves D reflection of the sound waves
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · The current in a resistor of constant resistance is 8.0 mA
32 The current in a resistor of constant resistance is 8.0 mA. The power dissipated by the resistor is P. The current in the resistor is increased to 12.0 mA. What is the new power dissipated by the resistor? A 0.44P B 0.67P C 1.5P D 2.3P
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · A piece of wire X has resistivity , length L and cross-sectional area A
33 A piece of wire X has resistivity , length L and cross-sectional area A. Wire X has a resistance R. A second piece of wire Y is made of a different metal. It has the same resistance as X but has twice the length of X. Which row gives possible values for the resistivity and the cross-sectional area of Y? cross-sectional resistivity area A 1 1 A 2 2 B 1 A 2 C 1 A 2 D 2 A
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E delivers a charge Q to an external circuit
34 A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E delivers a charge Q to an external circuit. Which statement is correct? A The energy dissipated in the external circuit is EQ. B The energy dissipated within the cell is EQ. C The external resistance is EQ. D The total energy dissipated in the cell and the external circuit is EQ.
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · The diagram shows a circuit with a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 60 V and…
35 The diagram shows a circuit with a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 60 V and negligible internal resistance, a 20 k resistor, a thermistor and a voltmeter. The resistance of the thermistor is 20 k. V 60 V The temperature of the thermistor decreases, and this causes its resistance to change by 50%. After this change, what is the reading on the voltmeter? A 20 V B 24 V C 36 V D 40 V
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · A potentiometer circuit is used to determine the electromotive force (e.m.f.) EX of a cell
36 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
Q37 · The principles of conservation of which two quantities are associated with Kirchhoff’s…
37 The principles of conservation of which two quantities are associated with Kirchhoff’s first and second laws? first law second law A charge energy B charge voltage C energy charge D voltage charge
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · An up quark in a hadron changes to a down quark
38 An up quark in a hadron changes to a down quark. The elementary charge is e. What is the magnitude of the change in the charge of the hadron? A 1 e B 2 e C e D zero 3 3
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · A nucleus of magnesium-23 decays to form a nucleus of sodium-23, emitting a + particle…
39 A nucleus of magnesium-23 decays to form a nucleus of sodium-23, emitting a + particle and particle X. What is particle X? A an antineutrino B an electron C a neutron D a neutrino
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · A nucleus of 238 U decays in stages by emitting -particles and – particles, eventually…
40 A nucleus of 238 U decays in stages by emitting -particles and – particles, eventually forming a 92 nucleus of 206 Pb. 82 How many -particles and how many – particles are emitted during the decay chain? -particles – particles A 8 6 B 8 10 C 16 6 D 16 22
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.
3Linear momentum and its conservation3Density and pressure2Energy conservation2Errors and uncertainties2Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy2Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion2Potential difference and power2Progressive waves2Radioactive decay2Stress and strain2Turning effects of forces2Diffraction1Doppler effect for sound waves1Elastic and plastic behaviour1Fundamental particles1Interference1Kirchhoff’s laws1Physical quantities1Potential dividers1Practical circuits1Resistance and resistivity1SI units1Stationary waves1The diffraction grating1Transverse and longitudinal waves1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.