Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2016 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
0625/12/O/N/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 two identical spheres placed beside a ruler
1 The diagram shows two identical spheres placed beside a ruler. spheres 0 10 20 30 mm What is the radius of one sphere? A 4.0 mm B 5.0 mm C 8.0 mm D 10 mm
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · The graph shows how the distance travelled by a vehicle changes with time
2 The graph shows how the distance travelled by a vehicle changes with time. S distance Q R P 0 0 time Which row describes the speed of the vehicle in each section of the graph? P to Q Q to R R to S A constant zero constant B constant zero decreasing C increasing constant decreasing D increasing zero constant
Mark scheme: A
Q3 · A stone falls freely from the top of a cliff
3 A stone falls freely from the top of a cliff. Air resistance may be ignored. Which graph shows how the acceleration of the stone varies with time as it falls? A B acceleration acceleration 0 0 0 time 0 time C D acceleration acceleration 0 0 0 time 0 time
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · A student writes about mass and weight
4 A student writes about mass and weight. Which statement is correct? A A ship which is floating has mass but no weight. B Mass is a scientific word that means the same as weight. C Mass is measured in newtons. D The mass of an astronaut is the same on the Moon as on the Earth.
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · A student uses a measuring cylinder and a balance to find the density of oil
5 A student uses a measuring cylinder and a balance to find the density of oil. The diagram shows the arrangement used. empty measuring measuring cylinder containing cylinder volume V of oil oil m1 m2 g g Which calculation gives the density of the oil? ( 2 − ) V V m2 m m A B ( ) C D 1 m m − m V V 2 2 1
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · Each diagram shows all the forces acting on an object
6 Each diagram shows all the forces acting on an object. In which diagram is the object in equilibrium? A B 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N C D 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N 15 N
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · The diagrams show a spring and a graph of the length of the spring against the load…
7 The diagrams show a spring and a graph of the length of the spring against the load applied to it. 8 7 length / cm 6 5 spring length 4 3 load 2 1 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 load / N What is the extension of the spring when a load of 40 N is applied to it? A 1.5 cm B 2.5 cm C 4.0 cm D 6.5 cm
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · A force is applied to a long crowbar so as to move a large rock
8 A force is applied to a long crowbar so as to move a large rock. Which labelled arrow represents the smallest force needed to move the rock? crowbar A rock B C D pivot
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · What is the main energy change taking place in the battery of a mobile phone (cell phone)…
9 What is the main energy change taking place in the battery of a mobile phone (cell phone) as it is being charged but not used? A chemical energy increases B elastic energy increases C gravitational potential energy increases D kinetic energy increases
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · Electricity can be generated using different energy resources
10 Electricity can be generated using different energy resources. Which energy resource is used to generate electricity without needing any moving parts? A geothermal B hydroelectric C solar D water waves
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · A child runs up a set of stairs four times
11 A child runs up a set of stairs four times. The time taken for each run is recorded. Which time is measured when the child’s useful power is greatest? A 10 s B 20 s C 30 s D 40 s
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · The diagrams show the actual sizes of the heels of four different shoes, as seen from…
12 The diagrams show the actual sizes of the heels of four different shoes, as seen from underneath the shoe. Which heel is most likely to cause damage to wooden floors? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · The diagram shows an instrument used to measure gas pressure
13 The diagram shows an instrument used to measure gas pressure. liquid What is the instrument called? A ammeter B barometer C manometer D thermometer
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Water can exist in three states: solid (ice), liquid and gas (steam)
14 Water can exist in three states: solid (ice), liquid and gas (steam). In which state, or states, is the motion of the molecules only vibrational? A ice only B steam only C liquid water only D liquid water and ice only
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · Which statement about evaporation is correct?
15 Which statement about evaporation is correct? A Evaporation causes heating of the liquid. B Evaporation only happens from liquids. C Molecules escape from anywhere in the liquid. D Only the least energetic molecules escape.
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · A piece of melting ice at 0 °C and a beaker of boiling water are both in a laboratory
16 A piece of melting ice at 0 °C and a beaker of boiling water are both in a laboratory. The laboratory is at 20 °C. boiling water melting ice Bunsen burner heating water What is happening to the temperature of the melting ice and what is happening to the temperature of the boiling water? temperature of temperature of melting ice boiling water A constant constant B constant increasing C increasing constant D increasing increasing
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · A liquid-in-glass thermometer is to be calibrated in degrees Celsius
17 A liquid-in-glass thermometer is to be calibrated in degrees Celsius. Where should the bulb of the thermometer be placed to set a fixed point on the temperature scale? A in a mixture of water and ice B in a hot drink C in a Bunsen burner flame D in a refrigerator
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · Aluminium foil is attached to the walls of a warm room in a cold country
18 Aluminium foil is attached to the walls of a warm room in a cold country. This reduces the rate of thermal energy loss from inside the warm room. Which method or methods of thermal energy transfer are reduced by the foil? A conduction and convection only B conduction only C convection and radiation only D radiation only
Mark scheme: D
Q19 · On a very cold day, a boy puts one hand on the metal handlebars of his bicycle
19 On a very cold day, a boy puts one hand on the metal handlebars of his bicycle. He puts the other hand on the rubber hand grip. The metal feels colder than the rubber hand grip, although they are both at the same temperature. Why is this? A The metal has a higher melting point than the rubber. B The metal has a lower thermal capacity than the rubber. C The metal is a better thermal conductor than the rubber. D The metal radiates more infra-red radiation than the rubber.
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · The box contains a list of four types of wave
20 The box contains a list of four types of wave. γ-rays sound ultraviolet X-rays How many waves in the list are transverse waves? A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · Which wave has an amplitude equal to half its wavelength?
21 Which wave has an amplitude equal to half its wavelength? displacement 1.0 / cm A 0 0 1 2 3 4 distance / cm –1.0 displacement 1.0 / cm B 0 0 1 2 3 4 distance / cm –1.0 displacement 1.0 / cm C 0 0 1 2 3 4 distance / cm –1.0 displacement 1.0 / cm D 0 0 1 2 3 4 distance / cm –1.0
Mark scheme: B
Q22 · A card with the letter R is made by a student
22 A card with the letter R is made by a student. The letter is drawn on one side, as shown. A plane mirror is mounted vertically on a bench. The student places the card on the bench so that the letter is upright and facing the mirror. plane mirror bench How does the image formed by the mirror appear to the student? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q23 · A student draws four diagrams to represent light passing from air through a glass block…
23 A student draws four diagrams to represent light passing from air through a glass block and then back into the air. The critical angle for the glass is 42°. In which diagram is the path of the light through the glass block not correct? A B 45° 45° glass glass C D 45° 60° 60° glass glass
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to send television signals from a…
24 Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to send television signals from a satellite to Earth? A infra-red B microwaves C ultraviolet D visible light
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · A girl notices that, when she shouts into a cave, she hears an echo
25 A girl notices that, when she shouts into a cave, she hears an echo. Which wave property causes the echo? A diffraction B dispersion C reflection D refraction
Mark scheme: C
Q26 · Which property of a sound wave affects the loudness of the sound?
26 Which property of a sound wave affects the loudness of the sound? A amplitude B frequency C speed D wavelength
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · In two separate experiments, a magnet is brought near to an unmagnetised iron bar
27 In two separate experiments, a magnet is brought near to an unmagnetised iron bar. This causes the bar to become magnetised. experiment 1 N magnet S X iron bar experiment 2 S magnet N iron bar Y Which magnetic pole is induced at X and at Y? pole induced at X pole induced at Y A N N B N S C S N D S S
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · In the diagram, rod R hangs from an insulating thread
28 In the diagram, rod R hangs from an insulating thread. insulating thread Q R + + + + + moves away from rod Q When the positively charged rod Q is brought close to rod R, rod R moves away from rod Q. Which conclusion can be made from this observation? A Rod R is charged, but it is not possible to identify the sign of the charge. B Rod R must be positively charged. C Rod R must be negatively charged. D Rod R is uncharged.
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · The diagram shows a lamp in a circuit
29 The diagram shows a lamp in a circuit. P Which change to the circuit would increase the current in the lamp? A adding another resistor in parallel with the one in the circuit B adding another resistor in series with the one in the circuit C decreasing the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery in the circuit D moving the lamp to point P in the circuit
Mark scheme: A
Q30 · An ammeter and an 18 Ω resistor are connected in series with a battery
30 An ammeter and an 18 Ω resistor are connected in series with a battery. The reading on the ammeter is 0.50 A. A 18 Ω What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery? A 9.0 N B 9.0 V C 36 N D 36 V
Mark scheme: B
Q31 · A source of constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) is connected across a light-dependent…
31 A source of constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) is connected across a light-dependent resistor (LDR). There is an electric current in the LDR. current The brightness of the light falling on the LDR is reduced. Which row shows what happens to the resistance of the LDR and what happens to the current? resistance current A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · The diagram shows an electric circuit
32 The diagram shows an electric circuit. R S T switch When the switch is open, which lamp or lamps are not lit? A R only B S only C R, S and T D S and T only
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · In which circuit does the ammeter read 2.0 A?
33 In which circuit does the ammeter read 2.0 A? A B 12 V 12 V A A 6.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 3.0 Ω 3.0 Ω C D 6.0 V 18 V A A 6.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 3.0 Ω 3.0 Ω
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · An electric kettle has a metal casing
34 An electric kettle has a metal casing. The cable for the kettle contains a wire that is connected to the earth pin of the plug. Which danger does this guard against? A the cable to the kettle becoming too hot B the casing of the kettle becoming live C the casing of the kettle becoming wet on the outside D the casing of the kettle overheating
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · A transformer has an input voltage of 240 V and an output voltage of 12 V
35 A transformer has an input voltage of 240 V and an output voltage of 12 V. input voltage output voltage 240 V 12 V What is a possible pair of values for the number of turns in the primary coil and the number of turns in the secondary coil? number of turns number of turns in primary coil in secondary coil A 12 4800 B 240 4800 C 4800 12 D 4800 240
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · An electric current can produce a heating effect and a magnetic effect
36 An electric current can produce a heating effect and a magnetic effect. Which row shows the effect that a relay uses and one application of a relay? effect used by a relay one application of a relay A heating effect allowing a small current to switch on a large current B heating effect changing the voltage of an a.c. supply C magnetic effect allowing a small current to switch on a large current D magnetic effect changing the voltage of an a.c. supply
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · A nuclide of sodium can be represented by 23 Na
37 A nuclide of sodium can be represented by 23 Na. 11 Which row gives the numbers of particles in a neutral sodium atom? number of number of number of electrons protons neutrons A 11 11 12 B 12 11 23 C 12 12 11 D 23 23 11
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · Which is the most effective precaution to reduce the risk when handling, storing or using…
38 Which is the most effective precaution to reduce the risk when handling, storing or using a radioactive source that emits γ-rays? A Handle the source for the least possible time. B Have a fire extinguisher nearby when using the source. C Store the source at a low temperature. D Wear plastic safety goggles when handling the source.
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · Radioactive source S emits α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays
39 Radioactive source S emits α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays. A detector is placed 5 cm away from S. A thin sheet of paper is placed as shown in the diagram. thin sheet of paper S detector 5 cm Which emissions from the source can be detected? A α-particles and β-particles only B α-particles and γ-rays only C β-particles and γ-rays only D α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · A radioactive source has a half-life of 3.0 days
40 A radioactive source has a half-life of 3.0 days. It emits radiation at a rate of 1200 particles per minute. At what rate was it emitting radiation 6.0 days earlier? A 300 particles per minute B 2400 particles per minute C 4800 particles per minute D 7200 particles per minute
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.
4Energy, work and power3Forces3Radioactivity3Electrical quantities2Electromagnetic effects2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Light2Motion2Pressure2Sound2Thermal properties and temperature2Transfer of thermal energy2Density1Electrical safety1Electromagnetic spectrum1Mass and weight1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Simple phenomena of magnetism1The nuclear model of the atom1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2016 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.