Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2009 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 1
0625/11/O/N/09 · 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 scheme2 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · A stopwatch is used to time an athlete running 100 m
1 A stopwatch is used to time an athlete running 100 m. The timekeeper forgets to reset the watch to zero before using it to time another athlete running 100 m. 60 60 55 5 55 5 50 10 50 10 45 15 45 15 40 seconds 20 40 seconds 20 35 25 35 25 30 30 stopwatch at stopwatch at end of first end of second athlete’s run athlete’s run How long does the second athlete take to run 100 m? A 11.2 s B 11.4 s C 12.4 s D 23.8 s
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · A ball is thrown upwards
2 A ball is thrown upwards. What effect does the force of gravity have on the ball? A It produces a constant acceleration downwards. B It produces a constant acceleration upwards. C It produces a decreasing acceleration upwards. D It produces an increasing acceleration downwards.
Mark scheme: A
Q3 · A car accelerates from traffic lights
3 A car accelerates from traffic lights. The graph shows the car’s speed plotted against time. speed m / s 20 0 0 10 time / s How far does the car travel before it reaches a constant speed? A 10 m B 20 m C 100 m D 200 m
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · Which property of a body can be measured in newtons?
4 Which property of a body can be measured in newtons? A density B mass C volume D weight
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · A cup contains hot liquid
5 A cup contains hot liquid. Some of the liquid evaporates as it cools. What happens to the mass and to the weight of the liquid in the cup as it cools? mass weight A decreases decreases B decreases stays the same C stays the same decreases D stays the same stays the same
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · The diagrams show a rectangular box with inside measurements of 5 cm × 6 cm × 4 cm
6 The diagrams show a rectangular box with inside measurements of 5 cm × 6 cm × 4 cm. liquid 4 cm 6 cm 5 cm mass = 40 g total mass = 220 g The box has a mass of 40 g when empty. When filled with a liquid, it has a total mass of 220 g. What is the density of the liquid? A 220 g / cm3 (5 × 6 × 4 ) ( 220 − 40 ) g / cm3 B (5 × 6 × 4 ) (5 × 6 × 4 ) g / cm3 C 220 (5 × 6 × 4) D g / cm3 (220 − 40)
Mark scheme: B
Q7 · Passengers are not allowed to stand on the upper deck of double-decker buses
7 Passengers are not allowed to stand on the upper deck of double-decker buses. upper deck lower deck Why is this? A They would cause the bus to become unstable. B They would cause the bus to slow down. C They would increase the kinetic energy of the bus. D They would lower the centre of mass of the bus.
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · The object in the diagram is acted upon by the two forces shown
8 The object in the diagram is acted upon by the two forces shown. 3 N 2 N object What is the effect of these forces? A The object moves to the left with constant speed. B The object moves to the left with constant acceleration. C The object moves to the right with constant speed. D The object moves to the right with constant acceleration.
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · The diagram shows a microphone being used in an interview
9 The diagram shows a microphone being used in an interview. microphone Which energy change takes place in the microphone? input energy output energy A chemical electrical B electrical chemical C electrical sound D sound electrical
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · The table shows the times taken for four children to run up a set of stairs
10 The table shows the times taken for four children to run up a set of stairs. Which child’s power is greatest? mass of child / kg time / s A 40 10 B 40 20 C 60 10 D 60 20
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · A water manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply to a house
11 A water manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply to a house. It gives a reading of h cm of water. gas supply h cm Why is it better to use water rather than mercury in this manometer? A h would be too large if mercury were used. B h would be too small if mercury were used. C The tube would need to be narrower if mercury were used. D The tube would need to be wider if mercury were used.
Mark scheme: B
Q12 · The diagrams show two swimming pools
12 The diagrams show two swimming pools. One contains fresh water and the other contains salt water. Salt water is more dense than fresh water. At which labelled point is the pressure the greatest? water surface water surface A C B D fresh water (less dense) salt water (more dense)
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · Brownian motion is observed by looking at smoke particles through a microscope
13 Brownian motion is observed by looking at smoke particles through a microscope. How do the smoke particles move in Brownian motion? A all in the same direction B at random C in circles D vibrating about fixed points
Mark scheme: B
Q14 · A small amount of air is introduced into the vacuum above the mercury in a mercury…
14 A small amount of air is introduced into the vacuum above the mercury in a mercury barometer tube. The mercury level goes down. Why does the mercury level go down? A The air molecules cool the mercury and make it contract. B The air molecules decrease the pressure above the mercury. C The air molecules heat the mercury and make it expand. D The air molecules increase the pressure above the mercury.
Mark scheme: D
Q15 · To mark a temperature scale on a thermometer, standard temperatures known as fixed points…
15 To mark a temperature scale on a thermometer, standard temperatures known as fixed points are needed. Which of these is a fixed point? A room temperature B the temperature inside a freezer C the temperature of pure melting ice D the temperature of pure warm water
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · The table gives the melting points and boiling points of glycerine and benzene
16 The table gives the melting points and boiling points of glycerine and benzene. melting point boiling point glycerine 18 °C 290 °C benzene 5.4 °C 80 °C At which temperature will both glycerine and benzene be liquid? A 0 °C B 50 °C C 100 °C D 150 °C
Mark scheme: B
Q17 · A beaker contains water at room temperature
17 A beaker contains water at room temperature. X water Y How could a convection current be set up in the water? A cool the water at X B cool the water at Y C stir the water at X D stir the water at Y
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · A student warms her hands near a fire
18 A student warms her hands near a fire. Which waves carry most heat to her hands and are these waves electromagnetic? waves electromagnetic A infra-red no B infra-red yes C visible light no D visible light yes
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · The drawing shows a wave
19 The drawing shows a wave. Which labelled distance is the wavelength? A B D C
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · Sound waves travel from a point X to another point Y
20 Sound waves travel from a point X to another point Y. X Y Which diagram represents the movement of the air molecules, caused by the sound waves, in the region between X and Y. A B C D X Y
Mark scheme: B
Q21 · A ray of light in glass is incident on a boundary with air
21 A ray of light in glass is incident on a boundary with air. Which path does the ray of light take when the angle of incidence i is less than the critical angle? A B air glass C i D ray of light
Mark scheme: B
Q22 · An object O is placed in front of a converging lens of focal length f
22 An object O is placed in front of a converging lens of focal length f. At which point will the top of the image be seen? A B O f f C D
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · Which range of frequencies typically can be heard by a 10 year-old child?
23 Which range of frequencies typically can be heard by a 10 year-old child? A 20 Hz – 2000 Hz B 20 Hz – 20 000 Hz C 200 Hz – 2000 Hz D 200 Hz – 20 000 Hz
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · Astronaut 1 uses a hammer to mend a satellite in space
24 Astronaut 1 uses a hammer to mend a satellite in space. Astronaut 2 is nearby. There is no air in space. hammer astronaut 1 astronaut 2 Compared with the sound heard if they were working on Earth, what does astronaut 2 hear? A a louder sound B a quieter sound C a sound of the same loudness D no sound at all
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · A permanent magnet is brought near to a piece of copper
25 A permanent magnet is brought near to a piece of copper. The copper is not attracted by the magnet. Why is there no attraction? A Copper is ferrous but is only attracted by an electromagnet. B Copper is ferrous but is not attracted by any type of magnet. C Copper is not ferrous and is only attracted by an electromagnet. D Copper is not ferrous and is not attracted by any type of magnet.
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · Four plotting compasses are placed in the magnetic field of two identical bar magnets as…
26 Four plotting compasses are placed in the magnetic field of two identical bar magnets as shown in the diagram. Which compass is shown pointing in the wrong direction? B A D S N N S C
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · A pupil measures the potential difference across a device and the current in it
27 A pupil measures the potential difference across a device and the current in it. Which calculation gives the resistance of the device? A current + potential difference B current ÷ potential difference C potential difference ÷ current D potential difference × current
Mark scheme: C
Q28 · A student uses a length of wire as a resistor
28 A student uses a length of wire as a resistor. He discovers that the resistance of the wire is too small. To be certain of making a resistor of higher value, he should use a piece of wire that is A longer and thicker. B longer and thinner. C shorter and thicker. D shorter and thinner.
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · The diagram shows a battery connected to two identical resistors
29 The diagram shows a battery connected to two identical resistors. Three ammeters M1, M2 and M3 are connected in the circuit. M1 A A M3 A M2 Meter M1 reads 1.0 A. What are the readings on M2 and on M3? reading on M2 / A reading on M3 / A A 0.5 0.0 B 0.5 0.5 C 0.5 1.0 D 1.0 1.0
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · The diagram shows a torch containing two cells, a switch and a lamp
30 The diagram shows a torch containing two cells, a switch and a lamp. plastic case brass connecting switch strip lamp What is the circuit diagram for the torch? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · An electrical component X is placed in water, as shown
31 An electrical component X is placed in water, as shown. A thermometer X water When the temperature of the water is increased, the reading on the ammeter increases. What is component X? A a capacitor B a light-dependent resistor C a relay D a thermistor
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · A certain electrical appliance is powered from a mains supply
32 A certain electrical appliance is powered from a mains supply. The appliance normally uses a current of 3 A, but the current briefly rises to 4 A at the instant the appliance is switched on. The cable to the appliance is designed for currents up to 6 A. The fuses available to protect the cable are rated at 1 A, 3 A, 5 A and 13 A. Which fuse should be used? A 1 A B 3 A C 5 A D 13 A
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · On a building site, metal scaffolding is firmly embedded in the damp ground
33 On a building site, metal scaffolding is firmly embedded in the damp ground. A builder holds a mains-operated electric drill in one hand. With his other hand he holds on to the scaffolding. The power cable of the drill is damaged where it enters the metal casing of the drill. What danger does this present to the builder? A A current could pass through the builder and electrocute him. B A current in the scaffolding could heat it up and burn him. C The large current could blow the fuse and damage the drill. D The large current could make the motor spin too quickly.
Mark scheme: A
Q34 · Which device is designed to allow a small direct current (d.c.) to control a large direct…
34 Which device is designed to allow a small direct current (d.c.) to control a large direct current (d.c.)? A a generator B a motor C a relay D a transformer
Mark scheme: C
Q35 · A transformer is to be used to provide a 10 V output from a 100 V supply
35 A transformer is to be used to provide a 10 V output from a 100 V supply. 100 V 10 V primary coil secondary coil What are suitable numbers of turns for the primary coil and for the secondary coil? number of turns on number of turns on the primary coil the secondary coil A 100 1000 B 200 110 C 400 490 D 800 80
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · The diagram shows a beam of cathode rays entering an electric field
36 The diagram shows a beam of cathode rays entering an electric field. – beam + In which direction is the beam deflected by the field? A downwards B upwards C into the page D out of the page
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · To create cathode rays in a vacuum, what might be a suitable potential difference to…
37 To create cathode rays in a vacuum, what might be a suitable potential difference to connect between the cathode and anode? A 6 V a.c. B 6 V d.c. C 600 V a.c. D 600 V d.c.
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · Which statement explains the meaning of the half-life of a radioactive substance?
38 Which statement explains the meaning of the half-life of a radioactive substance? A half the time taken for half the substance to decay B half the time taken for the substance to decay completely C the time taken for half the substance to decay D the time taken for the substance to decay completely
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · The diagram shows the paths of three different types of radiation, X, Y and Z
39 The diagram shows the paths of three different types of radiation, X, Y and Z. X Y Z 2 mm of 10 mm lead plastic of aluminium Which row in the table correctly identifies X, Y and Z? X Y Z A α-particles β-particles γ-rays B β-particles α-particles γ-rays C β-particles γ-rays α-particles D γ-rays α-particles β-particles Question 40 is on the next page.
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · How many neutrons and how many protons are contained in a nucleus of 238 U ?
40 How many neutrons and how many protons are contained in a nucleus of 238 U ? 92 neutrons protons A 92 146 B 146 92 C 146 238 D 238 92
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.
4Electric circuits3Pressure3Sound3Electrical safety2Electromagnetic effects2Energy, work and power2Forces2Light2Mass and weight2Motion2Radioactivity2Simple phenomena of magnetism2Thermal properties and temperature2Transfer of thermal energy2Density1General properties of waves1Kinetic particle model of matter1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1The nuclear model of the atom1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2009 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.