Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2016 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 1
0625/21/M/J/16 · 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 · The diagram shows an enlarged drawing of the end of a metre rule
1 The diagram shows an enlarged drawing of the end of a metre rule. It is being used to measure the length of a small feather. 1 0 2 0 3 0 mm cm 1 2 3 What is the length of the feather? A 19 mm B 29 mm C 19 cm D 29 cm
Mark scheme: A
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Q2 · The speed-time graph shown is for a car moving in a straight line
2 The speed-time graph shown is for a car moving in a straight line. 15 speed m / s 10 5 0 0 20 40 60 80 time / s What is the acceleration of the car when the time is 40 s? 0 m / s2 15 − 3 m / s2 15 m / s2 (15 – 3) m / s2 A B C D 4 0 4 0
Mark scheme: A
Q3 · Two runners take part in a race
3 Two runners take part in a race. The graph shows how the speed of each runner changes with time. runner 1 speed runner 2 0 0 t time What does the graph show about the runners at time t ? A Both runners are moving at the same speed. B Runner 1 has zero acceleration. C Runner 1 is overtaking runner 2. D Runner 2 is slowing down.
Mark scheme: A
Q4 · A satellite orbits the Earth above the atmosphere at a constant speed
4 A satellite orbits the Earth above the atmosphere at a constant speed. The diagram shows the satellite at one point in its circular orbit around the Earth. Which labelled arrow shows the direction of the resultant force on the satellite at the position shown? direction of rotation of satellite A D B Earth satellite C
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · A cup contains hot liquid
5 A cup contains hot liquid. Some of the liquid evaporates. What happens to the mass and what happens to the weight of the liquid in the cup? 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 three uniform beams P, Q and R, each pivoted at its centre
6 The diagrams show three uniform beams P, Q and R, each pivoted at its centre. The two forces acting on each beam are also shown. 2.0 m 1.0 m P 4.0 N 4.0 N 4.0 m 2.0 m Q 2.0 N 5.0 N 2.0 m 4.0 m R 1.5 N 1.0 N Which beams rotate clockwise? A P and Q only B P and R only C Q and R only D P, Q and R
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · An object of mass 50 kg accelerates from a velocity of 2.0 m / s to a velocity of 10 m /…
7 An object of mass 50 kg accelerates from a velocity of 2.0 m / s to a velocity of 10 m / s in the same direction. What is the impulse provided to cause this acceleration? A 250 N s B 400 N s C 850 N s D 2500 N s
Mark scheme: B
Q8 · A scalar quantity has A magnitude and direction
8 A scalar quantity has A magnitude and direction. B no magnitude and no direction. C magnitude but no direction. D direction but no magnitude.
Mark scheme: C
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Q9 · Energy is released in some nuclear reactions
9 Energy is released in some nuclear reactions. Which nuclear reaction takes place in a nuclear power station, and which nuclear reaction takes place in the Sun? nuclear power the Sun station A fission fission B fission fusion C fusion fission D fusion fusion
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · A lorry of mass 4000 kg is travelling at a speed of 4.0 m / s
10 A lorry of mass 4000 kg is travelling at a speed of 4.0 m / s. A car has a mass of 1000 kg. The kinetic energy of the car is equal to the kinetic energy of the lorry. What is the speed of the car? A 2.0 m / s B 4.0 m / s C 8.0 m / s D 16.0 m / s
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · A force acts on an object and causes the object to move a certain distance, in the same…
11 A force acts on an object and causes the object to move a certain distance, in the same direction as the force. Which row represents a situation in which the largest amount of work is done on the object by the force? force / N distance moved / m A 2.0 40.0 B 10.0 2.0 C 20.0 6.0 D 100.0 1.0
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · A diver under water uses breathing apparatus at a depth where the pressure is 1.25 × 105…
12 A diver under water uses breathing apparatus at a depth where the pressure is 1.25 × 105 Pa. A bubble of gas breathed out by the diver has a volume of 20 cm3 when it is released. The bubble moves upwards to the surface of the water. At the surface of the water, the atmospheric pressure is 1.00 × 105 Pa. The temperature of the water is the same at all depths. What is the volume of this bubble when it reaches the surface? A 15 cm3 B 16 cm3 C 20 cm3 D 25 cm3
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer
13 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer. V W mercury X Y Z The atmospheric pressure increases. Which distance increases? A VW B WY C XY D XZ
Mark scheme: B
Q14 · Which statement about evaporation is correct?
14 Which statement about evaporation is correct? A Evaporation causes the temperature of the remaining liquid to decrease. B Evaporation does not occur from a cold liquid near its freezing point. C Evaporation does not occur from a dense liquid, such as mercury. D Evaporation occurs from all parts of a liquid.
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · A beaker contains 0.500 kg of water at a temperature of 3.0 °C
15 A beaker contains 0.500 kg of water at a temperature of 3.0 °C. The beaker is heated, and the internal energy of the water increases by 21.0 kJ. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C). What is the temperature of the water after it has been heated? A 5.5 °C B 10.0 °C C 13.0 °C D 31.5 °C
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · A substance loses thermal energy (heat) to the surroundings at a steady rate
16 A substance loses thermal energy (heat) to the surroundings at a steady rate. The graph shows how the temperature of the substance changes with time. temperature P Q 0 0 time What could the portion PQ of the graph represent? A gas condensing B gas cooling C liquid cooling D liquid solidifying
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · A student wishes to check the upper and the lower fixed points on a Celsius scale…
17 A student wishes to check the upper and the lower fixed points on a Celsius scale thermometer. –10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 °C She has four beakers P, Q, R and S. Beaker P contains a mixture of ice and salt. Beaker Q contains a mixture of ice and water. Beaker R contains boiling salt solution. Beaker S contains boiling water. Which two beakers should she use to check the fixed points? A P and R B P and S C Q and R D Q and S
Mark scheme: D
Q18 · Two otherwise identical cars, one black and one white, are at the same initial temperature
18 Two otherwise identical cars, one black and one white, are at the same initial temperature. The cars are left in bright sunshine and their temperatures increase. During the night their temperatures decrease. Which car shows the greater rate of temperature increase and which car shows the greater rate of temperature decrease? greater rate of greater rate of temperature temperature increase decrease A black black B black white C white black D white white
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · A liquid is heated in a beaker
19 A liquid is heated in a beaker. liquid heating The density of the liquid changes as its temperature increases. This causes energy to be transferred throughout the liquid. How does the density change and what is this energy transfer process? energy transfer density process A decreases conduction B decreases convection C increases conduction D increases convection
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · Sound waves of frequency 2.0 kHz travel through a substance at a speed of 800 m / s
20 Sound waves of frequency 2.0 kHz travel through a substance at a speed of 800 m / s. What is the wavelength of the waves? A 0.40 m B 2.5 m C 400 m D 1600 m
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · Which row shows the natures of light waves, sound waves and X-rays?
21 Which row shows the natures of light waves, sound waves and X-rays? light waves sound waves X-rays A longitudinal longitudinal transverse B longitudinal transverse longitudinal C transverse longitudinal transverse D transverse transverse longitudinal
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · The diagram shows light travelling from air into glass
22 The diagram shows light travelling from air into glass. Four angles v, w, x and y are shown. normal light w air v glass y x Which formula is used to calculate the refractive index n of the glass? sin v sin v sin w sin w A n = B n = C n = D n = sin y sin x sin y sin x
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · The diagram shows a converging lens forming an image of an object
23 The diagram shows a converging lens forming an image of an object. X image object Y Which statement about the image is correct? A It is real and can be seen by an eye at X. B It is real and can be seen by an eye at Y. C It is virtual and can be seen by an eye at X. D It is virtual and can be seen by an eye at Y.
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · A sound wave travels through air as a series of compressions and rarefactions
24 A sound wave travels through air as a series of compressions and rarefactions. Which row correctly compares the air pressure in a compression and the air pressure in a rarefaction to the air pressure nearby where there is no sound wave? air pressure in air pressure in a compression a rarefaction A higher higher B higher lower C lower higher D lower lower
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · A sound wave has a certain amplitude and a certain frequency
25 A sound wave has a certain amplitude and a certain frequency. A second sound wave is quieter and lower in pitch than the first sound wave. The second wave has A a larger amplitude and a greater frequency. B a larger amplitude and a smaller frequency. C a smaller amplitude and a greater frequency. D a smaller amplitude and a smaller frequency.
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · What is an electric field?
26 What is an electric field? A a region around a wire carrying an electric current in which a compass needle experiences a force B a region in which an electric charge experiences a force C a region in which an electric charge is attracted by the Earth’s gravity D a region through which electromagnetic radiation is passing
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · A negatively charged rod is held close to one side of a metal sphere
27 A negatively charged rod is held close to one side of a metal sphere. The other side of the sphere is earthed. Which diagram shows the distribution of charge on the metal sphere? A B – + – –– – –– –– –– –– + – C D + + + –– –– + –– –– + + + +
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · A cell is connected to a lamp, as shown
28 A cell is connected to a lamp, as shown. – + A charge of 4.0 C flows through the lamp in 2.0 s. What is the direction of the electron flow in the lamp and what is the current in the lamp? direction of electron current / A flow in lamp A from left to right 2.0 B from left to right 8.0 C from right to left 2.0 D from right to left 8.0
Mark scheme: A
Q29 · The diagrams show four current-voltage graphs
29 The diagrams show four current-voltage graphs. Which two graphs show the characteristics of an ohmic resistor and of a filament lamp? W X Y Z current current current current 0 0 0 0 0 voltage 0 voltage 0 voltage 0 voltage ohmic filament resistor lamp A W Y B X Y C W Z D X Z
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · The four circuits shown all include an a.c
30 The four circuits shown all include an a.c. power supply, two diodes and a lamp. In which circuit is there a rectified current in the lamp? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · The diagram shows a combination of logic gates
31 The diagram shows a combination of logic gates. input P (= 0) output X input Q output Y (= 1) Input P is at a logic state 0 (low) and input Q is at a logic state 1 (high). What are the logic states at output X and at output Y? output X output Y A 0 0 B 0 1 C 1 0 D 1 1
Mark scheme: A
Q32 · The diagram shows part of a circuit used to switch street lamps on and off automatically
32 The diagram shows part of a circuit used to switch street lamps on and off automatically. + LDR – In the evening it gets dark. Which row shows the effect on the resistance of the light-dependent resistor (LDR) and on the potential difference (p.d.) across it? resistance of LDR p.d. across LDR A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · A domestic circuit includes a 30 A fuse
33 A domestic circuit includes a 30 A fuse. This protects the wiring if there is too much current in the circuit. In which wire is the 30 A fuse positioned, and what does it do when it operates? position operation A live wire disconnects the circuit B live wire reduces the current to 30 A C neutral wire disconnects the circuit D neutral wire reduces the current to 30 A
Mark scheme: A
Q34 · A strong electromagnet is used to attract pins
34 A strong electromagnet is used to attract pins. core current coil pins What happens when the current in the coil is halved? A No pins are attracted. B Some pins are attracted, but not as many. C The same number of pins is attracted. D More pins are attracted.
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · The diagram shows a transformer
35 The diagram shows a transformer. input output voltage voltage primary coil secondary coil 800 turns 40 turns The input voltage is 240 V. What is the output voltage? A 6.0 V B 12 V C 20 V D 40 V
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · The diagram shows a shaded area where the direction of a magnetic field is into the page
36 The diagram shows a shaded area where the direction of a magnetic field is into the page. A beam of β-particles enters the field as shown. magnetic field into the page beam of β-particles In which direction is the beam of β-particles deflected as they enter the magnetic field? A into the page B out of the page C down the page D up the page
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The arrangement shown is used to check whether the flour inside a cardboard packet is…
37 The arrangement shown is used to check whether the flour inside a cardboard packet is above a certain level. If it is above this level, the flour absorbs the radiation from the source so that it doesn’t reach the detector. radioactive detector source flour cardboard packet Which type of radiation is suitable to use? A α-particles only B β-particles only C either α-particles or β-particles D γ-rays only
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · A nucleus of americium 243 Am emits an α-particle to form a nucleus of neptunium (Np)
38 A nucleus of americium 243 Am emits an α-particle to form a nucleus of neptunium (Np). 95 Which equation represents this decay? A 243 Am → 247 Np + α 4 95 97 2 B 243 Am → 243 Np + α 0 95 96 - 1 C 243 Am → 243 Np + α 0 95 94 - 1 D 243 Am → 239 Np + α 4 95 93 2
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · A certain element has several isotopes
39 A certain element has several isotopes. Which statement about these isotopes is correct? A They must have different numbers of electrons orbiting their nuclei. B They must have the same number of neutrons in their nuclei. C They must have the same number of nucleons in their nuclei. D They must have the same number of protons in their nuclei.
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · A reading is taken every 10 minutes of the number of emissions per second from a…
40 A reading is taken every 10 minutes of the number of emissions per second from a radioactive source. The table shows the readings. number of time / min emissions per second 0 800 10 560 20 400 30 280 40 200 50 140 60 100 What is the half-life of the source? A 10 min B 20 min C 40 min D 60 min
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.
4Radioactivity4Electric circuits3Thermal properties and temperature3Energy, work and power2Forces2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Light2Motion2Physical quantities and measurement techniques2Sound2The nuclear model of the atom2Transfer of thermal energy2Electrical safety1Electromagnetic effects1Mass and weight1Momentum1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2016 May/June, Paper 2 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.