Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2015 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 1
0625/11/M/J/15 · 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 scheme2 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · A geologist compares the volumes of three rocks, X, Y and Z
1 A geologist compares the volumes of three rocks, X, Y and Z. Three measuring cylinders contain different volumes of water. He places each rock into one of the measuring cylinders. The diagrams show the measuring cylinders before and after the rocks are put in. to find the to find the to find the volume of X volume of Y volume of Z cm3 cm3 cm3 cm3 cm3 cm3 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 90 90 90 90 90 80 80 80 80 80 80 70 70 70 70 70 70 60 60 60 60 60 60 50 50 50 50 50 50 40 40 40 40 40 40 30 30 X 30 30 Y 30 30 Z 20 20 20 20 20 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 before after before after before after Which row shows the volumes of X, Y and Z in order, from largest to smallest? largest smallest volume volume A X Z Y B Y X Z C Y Z X D Z Y X
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · A car moves with constant speed and then constant acceleration
2 A car moves with constant speed and then constant acceleration. Which graph is the speed-time graph for the car? A B C D speed speed speed speed 0 0 0 0 0 time 0 time 0 time 0 time
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · A car travels 100 km
3 A car travels 100 km. The journey takes two hours. The highest speed of the car is 80 km / h, and the lowest speed is 40 km / h. What is the average speed for the journey? A 40 km / h B 50 km / h C 60 km / h D 120 km / h
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · A piece of foam rubber that contains many pockets of air
4 Diagram 1 shows a piece of foam rubber that contains many pockets of air. Diagram 2 shows the same piece of foam rubber after it has been compressed so that its volume decreases. diagram 1 diagram 2 (before compression) (after compression) What happens to the mass and to the weight of the foam rubber when it is compressed? mass weight A increases increases B increases no change C no change increases D no change no change
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · A metal block has the dimensions shown
5 A metal block has the dimensions shown. Its mass is 1000 g. 5 cm 10 cm 2 cm What is the density of the metal? 5 × 10 A g / cm3 1000 × 2 2 × 5 × 10 B g / cm3 1000 1000 × 2 C g / cm3 5 × 10 1000 D g / cm3 2 × 5 × 10
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · Four objects are each acted on by only two forces, as shown
6 Four objects are each acted on by only two forces, as shown. Which object is in equilibrium? A B C D 1.0 N 2.0 N 3.0 N 4.0 N 2.0 N 2.0 N 2.0 N 4.0 N
Mark scheme: B
Q7 · A student measures the length of a spring
7 A student measures the length of a spring. She then hangs different weights from the spring. She measures the length of the spring for each different weight. The table shows her results. weight / N length / mm 0 520 1.0 524 2.0 528 3.0 533 4.0 537 5.0 540 What is the extension of the spring when the weight hung from it is 3.0 N? A 4 mm B 5 mm C 12 mm D 13 mm
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · Which energy resource is used to generate electricity without using any moving parts?
8 Which energy resource is used to generate electricity without using any moving parts? A geothermal B hydroelectric C nuclear D solar
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · A cyclist travels down a hill from rest at point X, without pedalling
9 A cyclist travels down a hill from rest at point X, without pedalling. The cyclist applies his brakes and the cycle stops at point Y. X hill Y Which energy changes have taken place between X and Y? A gravitational potential → kinetic → thermal (heat) B gravitational potential → thermal (heat) → kinetic C kinetic → gravitational potential → thermal (heat) D kinetic → thermal (heat) → gravitational potential
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer
10 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer. Which height is used as a measurement of atmospheric pressure? D mercury C B A
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · A block with flat, rectangular sides rests on a table
11 A block with flat, rectangular sides rests on a table. block table The block is now turned so that it rests with its largest side on the table. How has this change affected the force and the pressure exerted by the block on the table? force pressure A decreased decreased B decreased unchanged C unchanged decreased D unchanged unchanged
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · Two states of matter are described as follows
12 Two states of matter are described as follows. In state 1, the molecules are very far apart. They move about very quickly at random in straight lines until they hit something. In state 2, the molecules are quite closely packed together. They move about at random. They do not have fixed positions. What is state 1 and what is state 2? state 1 state 2 A gas liquid B gas solid C liquid gas D solid liquid
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · The pressure of a fixed mass of gas in a cylinder is measured
13 The pressure of a fixed mass of gas in a cylinder is measured. The temperature of the gas in the cylinder is then slowly increased. The volume of the cylinder does not change. Which graph shows the pressure of the gas during this process? A B pressure pressure 0 0 0 time 0 time C D pressure pressure 0 0 0 time 0 time
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · The thermometer in the diagram has no scale
14 The thermometer in the diagram has no scale. stem bulb Where must the bulb be placed so that 0 °C can be marked on the stem? A in a freezer B in pure boiling water C in pure cold water D in pure melting ice
Mark scheme: D
Q15 · A solid is heated from room temperature
15 A solid is heated from room temperature. The graph shows how its temperature changes with time as it is heated constantly. At which time has it just become completely liquid? temperature room temperature 0 0 A B C D time
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · Thermal energy travels through space from the Sun to the Earth
16 Thermal energy travels through space from the Sun to the Earth. Space is a vacuum. How is thermal energy transferred from the Sun to the Earth? A by conduction only B by convection only C by radiation only D by convection and radiation
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · A cupboard is placed in front of a heater
17 A cupboard is placed in front of a heater. Air can move through a gap under the cupboard. wall cupboard heater air moves through gap floor Which row describes the temperature, and the direction of movement, of the air in the gap? air temperature air direction A cool away from the heater B cool towards the heater C warm away from the heater D warm towards the heater
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · What is the number of wavefronts per second that pass a fixed point?
18 What is the number of wavefronts per second that pass a fixed point? A the amplitude of the wave B the frequency of the wave C the speed of the wave D the wavelength of the wave
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · The diagrams represent water waves in a tank
19 The diagrams represent water waves in a tank. Which diagram represents a wave that changes speed? A B C D barrier barrier barrier deeper shallower water water
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum, in order of increasing wavelength
20 The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum, in order of increasing wavelength. Three types of radiation, P, Q and R, are missing from the spectrum diagram. γ-rays X-rays P visible light Q microwaves R Which types of electromagnetic radiation are represented by P, by Q and by R? P Q R A infra-red radio waves ultraviolet B infra-red ultraviolet radio waves C ultraviolet infra-red radio waves D ultraviolet radio waves infra-red
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · Radiation from the Sun is dispersed by a prism
21 Radiation from the Sun is dispersed by a prism. The prism does not absorb any of the radiation. Four identical thermometers are placed, one at each of the labelled positions. In which position does the thermometer show the greatest rise in temperature? prism radiation from the Sun A B red light C violet light D
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · A scientist tries to direct a ray of light in a glass block so that no light escapes from…
22 A scientist tries to direct a ray of light in a glass block so that no light escapes from the top of the block. However, some light does escape. light escaping from top of block top of block glass block X ray of light The scientist changes angle X and stops the light escaping from the top. Which row in the table describes the change to angle X and the name of the effect produced? change to angle X name of effect produced A decrease total internal reflection B decrease total internal refraction C increase total internal reflection D increase total internal refraction
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · Which row states two properties of sound waves?
23 Which row states two properties of sound waves? can travel through type of wave A a vacuum longitudinal B a vacuum transverse C water longitudinal D water transverse
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · A man holding a starting pistol stands 640 m away from a spectator
24 A man holding a starting pistol stands 640 m away from a spectator. 640 m spectator The spectator hears the sound of the starting pistol 2.0 s after seeing the flash from the pistol. Using this information, what is the speed of sound in air? A 160 m / s B 320 m / s C 640 m / s D 1280 m / s
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · A magnet is placed on a balance
25 A magnet is placed on a balance. The balance reading changes when an iron bar or another magnet is held close to the first magnet. The arrangements are shown in the diagrams. S iron bar N S S S N N N 100 g g g diagram 1 diagram 2 diagram 3 Which row gives the balance reading in diagram 2 and in diagram 3? balance reading in diagram 2 balance reading in diagram 3 / g / g A less than 100 less than 100 B less than 100 more than 100 C more than 100 less than 100 D more than 100 more than 100
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · An electromagnet with a soft-iron core is connected to a battery and an open switch
26 An electromagnet with a soft-iron core is connected to a battery and an open switch. The soft-iron core is just above some small soft-iron nails. electromagnet soft-iron core soft-iron nails The switch is now closed, left closed for a few seconds, and then opened. What do the soft-iron nails do as the switch is closed, and what do they do when the switch is then opened? as switch is closed as switch is opened A nails jump up nails fall down B nails jump up nails stay up C nails stay down nails jump up D nails stay down nails stay down
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · The diagram shows a piece of metal resistance wire
27 The diagram shows a piece of metal resistance wire. Which wire, made of the same metal, has a smaller resistance? A a wire of the same length with a larger diameter B a wire of the same length with a smaller diameter C a wire of greater length with the same diameter D a wire of greater length with a smaller diameter
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · What is the unit of electromotive force (e.m.f.)?
28 What is the unit of electromotive force (e.m.f.)? A ampere B joule C volt D watt
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · The circuit diagram shows a 4.0 Ω resistor and an 8.0 Ω resistor connected to a 6.0 V…
29 The circuit diagram shows a 4.0 Ω resistor and an 8.0 Ω resistor connected to a 6.0 V battery. 6.0 V 4.0 Ω 8.0 Ω What is the current in the battery? A 0.50 A B 0.75 A C 1.5 A D 2.0 A
Mark scheme: A
Q30 · The diagram shows a circuit which includes an uncharged capacitor and a switch
30 The diagram shows a circuit which includes an uncharged capacitor and a switch. Y X switch capacitor The switch can be moved between position X and position Y. What happens to the capacitor when the switch is moved to position X, and what happens when the switch is then moved to position Y? switch at X switch at Y A capacitor charges capacitor charges B capacitor charges capacitor discharges C capacitor discharges capacitor charges D capacitor discharges capacitor discharges
Mark scheme: B
Q31 · The diagram shows a 3.0 Ω resistor and a 6.0 Ω resistor connected in parallel
31 The diagram shows a 3.0 Ω resistor and a 6.0 Ω resistor connected in parallel. 3.0 Ω 6.0 Ω What is the total resistance of this arrangement? A less than 3.0 Ω B 3.0 Ω C 4.5 Ω D more than 6.0 Ω
Mark scheme: A
Q32 · The diagram shows a 10 Ω resistor and a 20 Ω resistor connected in a potential divider…
32 The diagram shows a 10 Ω resistor and a 20 Ω resistor connected in a potential divider circuit. 10 Ω 12.0 V 20 Ω V What is the reading on the voltmeter? A 4.0 V B 6.0 V C 8.0 V D 12.0 V
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · In the circuit shown, only one of the fuses has blown, but none of the lamps is lit
33 In the circuit shown, only one of the fuses has blown, but none of the lamps is lit. Which fuse has blown? power supply A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q34 · Which diagram shows the pattern of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying…
34 Which diagram shows the pattern of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying solenoid? A B C D solenoid solenoid solenoid solenoid
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · What is an advantage of transmitting electricity at a high voltage?
35 What is an advantage of transmitting electricity at a high voltage? A It is faster. B It is safer. C Less energy is wasted. D Less equipment is needed.
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · A transformer has 1200 turns on its primary coil and 400 turns on its secondary coil
36 A transformer has 1200 turns on its primary coil and 400 turns on its secondary coil. An output voltage of 90 V is induced across the secondary coil. primary coil secondary coil 1200 turns 400 turns output voltage 90 V What is the input voltage of the transformer? A 30 V B 90 V C 270 V D 1200 V
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The diagram shows a design for a cathode-ray tube
37 The diagram shows a design for a cathode-ray tube. A tube with this design does not work. power supply heated anode vacuum cold cathode Which change should be made so that the tube works properly to produce cathode rays? A Heat the cathode instead of the anode. B Reverse the connections of the power supply. C Use air in the tube instead of a vacuum. D Use an a.c. power supply instead of a d.c. power supply.
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · Which row gives the properties of the radiation from radioactive materials?
38 Which row gives the properties of the radiation from radioactive materials? most penetrating radiation most highly ionising radiation A α β B β γ C γ α D γ γ
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · In a laboratory, a detector of ionising radiation records an average background count…
39 In a laboratory, a detector of ionising radiation records an average background count rate of 8 counts per second. detector counts / s A radioactive source is now placed close to the detector. The count rate on the detector rises to 200 counts per second. detector counts / s radioactive source What is the count rate due to radiation from the radioactive source? A 25 counts / s B 192 counts / s C 200 counts / s D 208 counts / s
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · 14 C is a nuclide of carbon
40 14 C is a nuclide of carbon. 6 What is the composition of one nucleus of this nuclide? neutrons protons A 6 8 B 6 14 C 8 6 D 14 6
Mark scheme: C
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.
4Electromagnetic effects3Electrical quantities2Electromagnetic spectrum2Energy, work and power2Forces2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Motion2Pressure2Radioactivity2Simple phenomena of magnetism2Sound2The nuclear model of the atom2Thermal properties and temperature2Transfer of thermal energy2Density1Electrical safety1Light1Mass and weight1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2015 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.