Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science 0652 — 2020 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 2
0652/22/O/N/20 · 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 paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · Which diagram represents the arrangement of particles in a liquid?
1 Which diagram represents the arrangement of particles in a liquid? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · A bottle of a solid is labelled as shown
2 A bottle of a solid is labelled as shown. CITRIC ACID (anhydrous) melting point: 153 C The melting point of a sample from the bottle is measured. The sample melts over a temperature range from 140 C to 150 C. Which statement explains this observation? A The sample contains a mixture of citric acid and other solids. B The sample is too large. C The sample has a pH less than 7. D The sample is too small.
Mark scheme: A
Q3 · Which statement describes a compound?
3 Which statement describes a compound? A It is a mixture of two or more elements. B It is a substance containing two or more elements chemically combined. C It is a substance that can be easily separated by physical means. D It is a substance that cannot be broken down by chemical means.
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · Which molecule does not contain an atom which shares more than two electrons with one…
4 Which molecule does not contain an atom which shares more than two electrons with one other atom? A C2H4 B CH3OH C CO2 D N2
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · Which statement explains why graphite is a good conductor of electricity?
5 Which statement explains why graphite is a good conductor of electricity? A It has moving electrons. B It has moving ions. C It has strong bonds within its layers of atoms. D It has weak bonds between its layers of atoms.
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · Potassium nitride is an ionic compound
6 Potassium nitride is an ionic compound. The charges on its ions are shown. K+ N3– What is the formula of potassium nitride? A KN B K2N C K3N D KN3
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · The formula of aluminium sulfate is Al 2(SO4)3
7 The formula of aluminium sulfate is Al 2(SO4)3. Which row shows the number of atoms of each element in aluminium sulfate? Al S O A 2 1 4 B 2 1 12 C 2 3 4 D 2 3 12
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · Ethyl ethanoate has the formula CH3CO2C2H5
8 Ethyl ethanoate has the formula CH3CO2C2H5. What is the relative molecular mass Mr of this compound? A 48 B 72 C 88 D 124
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · Magnesium is added to hydrochloric acid
9 Magnesium is added to hydrochloric acid. The temperature of the mixture increases. Which statement describes and explains this observation? A The reaction is endothermic because the energy needed to make the bonds is greater than the energy released by breaking bonds. B The reaction is endothermic because the energy released in making bonds is greater than the energy needed to break bonds C The reaction is exothermic because the energy needed to make the bonds is greater than the energy released by breaking bonds D The reaction is exothermic because the energy released in making bonds is greater than the energy needed to break bonds.
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · Word equations for two reactions are shown
10 Word equations for two reactions are shown. zinc oxide + carbon zinc + carbon monoxide iron + copper oxide copper + iron oxide Which statement about the two reactions is correct? A Carbon and copper oxide have been oxidised. B Carbon and iron have been reduced. C Zinc oxide and copper oxide have been oxidised. D Zinc oxide and copper oxide have been reduced.
Mark scheme: D
Q11 · Wasp stings contain an alkali
11 Wasp stings contain an alkali. The pH values of some substances are shown. substance pH value saliva 7.4 lime 12.4 salt solution 7.0 vinegar 3.5 Which substance could be used to neutralise a wasp sting? A lime B saliva C salt solution D vinegar
Mark scheme: D
More questions on The characteristic properties of acids and bases
Q12 · Four methods of preparing salts are shown
12 Four methods of preparing salts are shown. 1 adding an excess of an insoluble carbonate to a dilute acid and removing the excess by filtration 2 adding an excess of an insoluble metal oxide to a dilute acid and removing the excess by filtration 3 precipitation 4 titration using an acid and a metal hydroxide The solubilities of some lead compounds are shown. compound solubility lead carbonate insoluble lead hydroxide insoluble lead oxide insoluble lead nitrate soluble lead sulfate insoluble Which of the methods could be used to make lead sulfate? A 1 and 3 B 1 and 2 C 3 only D 4 only
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · Elements W, X, Y and Z are all in the same period of the Periodic Table
13 Elements W, X, Y and Z are all in the same period of the Periodic Table. Which element has the fewest electrons in its outer shell? A Element W, which has the largest relative atomic mass. B Element X, which has the largest atomic number. C Element Y, which has the most metallic character. D Element Z, which forms an acidic oxide.
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Chlorine, bromine and iodine are three of the elements in Group VII of the Periodic Table
14 Chlorine, bromine and iodine are three of the elements in Group VII of the Periodic Table. They show a trend in reactivity. Which reaction does not take place when a halogen reacts with an aqueous halide ion? A bromine + potassium chloride chlorine + potassium bromide B bromine + potassium iodide iodine + potassium bromide C chlorine + potassium bromide bromine + potassium chloride D chlorine + potassium iodide iodine + potassium chloride
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · Which statement describes and explains a property of metals?
15 Which statement describes and explains a property of metals? A Metals are good electrical conductors as they contain a sea of mobile electrons. B Metals are good electrical conductors as they contain a sea of mobile ions. C Metals are malleable because metallic bonds are strong. D Metals are malleable because metallic bonds are weak.
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · Which of the statements about water are correct?
16 Which of the statements about water are correct? 1 Water is used as a solvent. 2 Water is used to prevent iron from rusting. 3 Water is a compound that contains two parts of oxygen to one part of hydrogen. A 1 only B 2 only C 1 and 3 D 2 and 3
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · Nitrogen oxides are produced in a car engine
17 Nitrogen oxides are produced in a car engine. Which type of reaction catalytically removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust fumes? A combustion B oxidation C reduction D thermal decomposition
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · What is not a characteristic of a homologous series?
18 What is not a characteristic of a homologous series? A consecutive members differ by a CH2 group B the same boiling point C the same functional group D the same general formula
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · One member of the alkane homologous series is butane which is used as a fuel
19 One member of the alkane homologous series is butane which is used as a fuel. What are the products of combustion when butane is burned in excess air? A carbon and water B carbon dioxide and hydrogen C carbon dioxide and water D carbon monoxide and water
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · Alkenes are identified by reacting them with bromine
20 Alkenes are identified by reacting them with bromine. Which type of reaction is this? A addition B combustion C neutralisation D polymerisation
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · A student determines the period of the pendulum shown in the diagram
21 A student determines the period of the pendulum shown in the diagram. support thin cord pendulum Y Z bob X Which method gives the most accurate value for the period? A Measure the time for ten swings from Y to Z and back to Y, and divide the time by ten. B Measure the time taken to swing from Y to X and multiply the time by four. C Measure the time taken to swing from Y to Z and multiply the time by two. D Measure the time taken to swing from Y to Z and back to Y.
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · A stone of mass 120 g is lowered slowly into a measuring cylinder containing water
22 A stone of mass 120 g is lowered slowly into a measuring cylinder containing water. The diagrams show the measuring cylinder before and after the stone is lowered into it. cm3 cm3 100 100 80 80 60 60 water 40 40 water 20 20 stone What is the density of the stone? A 1.2 g / cm3 B 2.0 g / cm3 C 3.0 g / cm3 D 6.0 g / cm3
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · A pivot is placed under the centre of a uniform metre rule
23 A pivot is placed under the centre of a uniform metre rule. A 40 g mass is placed at the 20 cm mark. 40 g mass uniform metre rule pivot 20 cm 100 cm A 50 g mass is placed on the rule to balance it. Where is the 50 g mass placed? A at the 16 cm mark B at the 24 cm mark C at the 66 cm mark D at the 74 cm mark
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · A resultant force of 4.0 N acts on an object of mass 2.0 kg
24 A resultant force of 4.0 N acts on an object of mass 2.0 kg. The force does 32 J of work. What distance does the object move? A 8.0 m B 16 m C 128 m D 256 m
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · A toy car without a motor is pushed, then follows the looped track shown
25 A toy car without a motor is pushed, then follows the looped track shown. At which labelled point on the track is the kinetic energy (energy of motion) of the car decreasing and the potential energy (energy of position) increasing? B C A D start
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · Two liquid-in-glass thermometers P and Q are both designed to measure temperatures…
26 Two liquid-in-glass thermometers P and Q are both designed to measure temperatures between 0 C and 100 C. The lengths of their liquid columns at different temperatures are shown in the table. length of liquid length of liquid temperature / C column in P / cm column in Q / cm 0 4.0 2.0 50 16.5 9.5 100 29.0 17.0 Which statement about the thermometers is correct? A P has a larger range than Q. B P is more sensitive than Q. C Q has a larger range than P. D Q is more sensitive than P.
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · The diagram shows a copper ring and a copper rod
27 The diagram shows a copper ring and a copper rod. copper rod copper ring hole The diameter of the copper rod is too big to fit the rod into the hole in the ring. What enables the rod to fit into the hole? A cooling the ring and heating the rod B cooling the rod and heating the ring C heating the rod and keeping the ring at room temperature D heating the rod and the ring to the same high temperature
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · Which row states the temperatures at which evaporation occurs and at which boiling of…
28 Which row states the temperatures at which evaporation occurs and at which boiling of water occurs? evaporation boiling A at 100 C only at 100 C only B at 100 C only between 0 C to 100 C C between 0 C to 100 C at 100 C only D between 0 C to 100 C between 0 C to 100 C
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · The diagram shows an insulated tank of water fitted with an electric heater that has a…
29 The diagram shows an insulated tank of water fitted with an electric heater that has a metal case. The water is cold. The heater is not switched on. water tank insulation heater with metal case The heater is now switched on. What are the main methods of transfer of thermal energy through the metal case of the heater, and throughout the water in the tank? through the metal throughout the case of the heater water in the tank A conduction conduction B conduction convection C convection conduction D convection convection
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · The diagram shows a water wave being diffracted
30 The diagram shows a water wave being diffracted. water wave barrier Which diagram shows water waves of half the frequency being diffracted? (All five diagrams are drawn to the same scale.) A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · The diagram shows light incident on a glass block
31 The diagram shows light incident on a glass block. Which labelled arrow shows the path of the light after it has passed through the block? light glass block D A B C
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · Light from the Sun takes 8.3 minutes to reach the Earth
32 Light from the Sun takes 8.3 minutes to reach the Earth. How far apart are the Sun and the Earth? A 6.0 105 m B 3.6 107 m C 2.5 109 m D 1.5 1011 m
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · What is the approximate range of frequencies of sound that can be heard by the human ear?
33 What is the approximate range of frequencies of sound that can be heard by the human ear? A 2 Hz to 2000 Hz B 2 kHz to 2000 kHz C 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz D 20 kHz to 20 000 kHz
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · A strong permanent magnet is placed close to an iron block, as shown in the diagram
34 A strong permanent magnet is placed close to an iron block, as shown in the diagram. strong magnet iron N S block Magnetic poles are induced in the iron block. What is the arrangement of the induced poles? A B C D N S N S S N S N
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · The diagram shows a resistor connected to a battery
35 The diagram shows a resistor connected to a battery. The current in the circuit is 2.0 A. In 20 s, a total of 120 J of energy is transferred from the battery. What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery? A 1.5 V B 3.0 V C 6.0 V D 12 V
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · The diagram shows a circuit that can be used to investigate how the current in a lamp…
36 The diagram shows a circuit that can be used to investigate how the current in a lamp varies with the potential difference across it. A X V The current in the lamp needs to be varied. Which component is connected in the circuit at position X? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · Overheating of a cable in an electric circuit is a safety hazard
37 Overheating of a cable in an electric circuit is a safety hazard. How can overheating of the cable be prevented? A Do not switch off the circuit with damp hands. B Make sure that the current does not become too large. C Use thicker insulation on the cable. D Use a thinner cable.
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · The graph shows the variation with time of the voltage output of an a.c
38 The graph shows the variation with time of the voltage output of an a.c. generator. 2.0 voltage / V 1.0 0 time / ms 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 –1.0 –2.0 What is the frequency of the a.c. voltage? A 0.50 Hz B 1.0 Hz C 500 Hz D 1000 Hz
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · The emissions from a radioactive source pass through a sheet of lead that is 10 mm thick
39 The emissions from a radioactive source pass through a sheet of lead that is 10 mm thick. Which type of radiation is emitted and how is it affected by an electric field? type of emission effect of electric field A deflected from positive to negative B no deflection C deflected from positive to negative D no deflection
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · A radioactive nucleus emits a -particle
40 A radioactive nucleus emits a -particle. What happens to the nucleus? A Its nucleon number decreases. B Its nucleon number stays the same. C Its proton number decreases. D Its proton number stays the same.
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.
3Radioactivity2Redox2Stoichiometry2Work, energy and power2Alkanes1Alkenes1Criteria of purity1Dangers of electricity1Density1Electric circuits1Electrical quantities1Electromagnetic effects1Elements, compounds and mixtures1Energetics of a reaction1Forces1General wave properties1Group properties1Homologous series1Ions and ionic bonds1Length and time1Light1Macromolecules1Molecules and covalent bonds1Motion1Periodic Trends1Preparation of salts1Properties of metals1Simple phenomena of magnetism1Sound1The characteristic properties of acids and bases1The particulate nature of matter1Thermal processes1Water1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2020 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.