Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2018 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
0625/12/O/N/18 · 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 · A pendulum is set in motion and timed
1 A pendulum is set in motion and timed. The time measured for 20 complete swings is 30 s. What is the time for one complete swing of the pendulum? A 0.67 s B 0.75 s C 1.5 s D 3.0 s
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · The graph shows how the speed of an object varies with time
2 The graph shows how the speed of an object varies with time. At which point on the graph is the greatest distance travelled per second? D speed C B A 0 0 time
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · An athlete runs at a speed of 8 m / s for 10 s, and then at a speed of 6 m / s for 12 s
3 An athlete runs at a speed of 8 m / s for 10 s, and then at a speed of 6 m / s for 12 s. Which calculation gives the average speed of the athlete in m / s? 8 + 6 A 2 (8 × 10) + (6 × 12) B 22 (8 ÷ 10) + (6 ÷ 12) C 22 (10 ÷ 8) + (12 ÷ 6) D 22
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · Which quantity is measured in newtons?
4 Which quantity is measured in newtons? A energy B mass C weight D work
Mark scheme: C
Q5 · An object is suspended from a spring balance on the Earth
5 An object is suspended from a spring balance on the Earth. The same object is suspended from the same spring balance on another planet. 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 reading on reading on Earth another planet Which statement explains the difference between the two readings? A Both the mass and the weight of the object are greater on the other planet. B The mass of the object is greater on the other planet than on Earth, but the weight is unchanged. C The spring stretches more easily when on the other planet. D The weight of the object is greater on the other planet than on Earth, but the mass is unchanged.
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · The diagram shows four blocks of different metals
6 The diagram shows four blocks of different metals. Each block has a mass of 12 g. Which metal has the largest density? A B 1 cm 1 cm 2 cm 1 cm 2 cm 2 cm C D 1 cm 1 cm 2 cm 1 cm 3 cm 3 cm
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · Which is an example of a force?
7 Which is an example of a force? A density B mass C volume D weight
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · A car moves along a level road
8 A car moves along a level road. The diagram shows all of the horizontal forces acting on the car. 800 N air resistance 2000 N force 500 N from engine friction Which statement is correct? A The car is slowing down. B The car is speeding up. C The car is moving at a constant speed. D The car is moving backwards.
Mark scheme: B
Q9 · Point X is the centre of mass of a lamina in the shape of a triangle with sides of equal…
9 Point X is the centre of mass of a lamina in the shape of a triangle with sides of equal length. The top of the triangle is cut off along the dotted line shown. X What happens to the centre of mass, X? A moves towards the bottom of the page B moves to the left C moves to the right D moves towards the top of the page
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · Which device is designed to convert chemical energy into kinetic energy?
10 Which device is designed to convert chemical energy into kinetic energy? A an a.c. generator B a battery-powered torch C a car engine D a wind-up mechanical clock
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · Which two physical quantities must be used to calculate the power developed by a student…
11 Which two physical quantities must be used to calculate the power developed by a student running up a flight of steps? A force exerted and the vertical height of the steps only B force exerted and the time taken only C work done and the vertical height of the steps only D work done and the time taken only
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · A simple mercury barometer is used to measure the atmospheric pressure
12 A simple mercury barometer is used to measure the atmospheric pressure. Which height is measured to find the atmospheric pressure? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · The particles of a gas, in a container of fixed volume, are given more energy
13 The particles of a gas, in a container of fixed volume, are given more energy. Which effect does this have on the gas? A Both the pressure and temperature of the gas increase. B Only the temperature of the gas increases. C Neither the pressure nor temperature of the gas increases. D Only the pressure of the gas increases.
Mark scheme: A
Q14 · A manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply
14 A manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply. manometer connection to gas supply h liquid Which change gives a greater value of height h ? A using a less dense liquid B using a more dense liquid C using a narrower tube D using a wider tube
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · Apparatus being used to observe smoke particles
15 Diagram 1 shows apparatus being used to observe smoke particles. Diagram 2 shows how a smoke particle moves randomly. diagram 1 diagram 2 eye random movement microscope air molecules light and smoke particles Why do the smoke particles move randomly? A They are hit by air molecules. B They are less dense than air. C They are moved by convection currents. D They gain energy from the light.
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · The metal lid on a glass jar is difficult to unscrew
16 The metal lid on a glass jar is difficult to unscrew. The jar is placed in a warm oven until the jar and the lid reach the same temperature. The lid is now easily unscrewed. Which property accounts for this? A thermal capacity of the jar B thermal capacity of the lid C thermal conduction D thermal expansion
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · Two cold metal containers X and Y are both filled with the same mass of hot water at the…
17 Two cold metal containers X and Y are both filled with the same mass of hot water at the same temperature. Both containers are well insulated. The thermal capacity of container X is greater than that of container Y. How do the final temperatures of the water in X and in Y compare? A The temperature in X is higher than in Y. B The temperature in X is lower than in Y. C The temperatures in X and in Y are equal but lower than the initial temperature of the water. D The temperatures in X and in Y are the same as the initial temperature of the water.
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · Some of the Sun’s radiation passes through a prism
18 Some of the Sun’s radiation passes through a prism. The diagram shows the spectrum of the radiation. Which point on the screen does the infra-red radiation reach? prism radiation from the Sun not visible red A visible B C not visible violet screen D
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · Which statement about convection is not correct?
19 Which statement about convection is not correct? A It enables water in a pan on a cooker to get evenly heated. B It happens in liquids and gases. C It means that heat rises. D It occurs because the density of a fluid decreases when it is heated.
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · What is meant by the frequency of a water wave?
20 What is meant by the frequency of a water wave? A the distance between consecutive crests of the wave B the distance moved by the wave per unit time C the maximum vertical displacement of the wave D the number of crests passing a point per unit time
Mark scheme: D
Q21 · Plane water waves travel from a shallow region into a deeper region
21 Plane water waves travel from a shallow region into a deeper region. They travel more quickly in the deeper water. shallow water boundary wave direction deep water Which diagram shows the wave pattern in the deeper water? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · The diagram shows two plane mirrors at 90° to each other
22 The diagram shows two plane mirrors at 90° to each other. A ray of light is incident on one of the mirrors. The ray reflects off both mirrors before reaching a screen. At which labelled point does the ray reach the screen? screen A B C D ray of light
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · Which diagram shows the formation of a real image of an object O placed in front of a…
23 Which diagram shows the formation of a real image of an object O placed in front of a converging lens? A B O O C D O O
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · Different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used for different purposes
24 Different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used for different purposes. Below are four statements about parts of the spectrum. statement 1: Infra-red waves are used in television remote controllers. statement 2: Radio waves are used to transmit television pictures from satellites to Earth. statement 3: Ultraviolet waves are used for intruder alarms. statement 4: X-rays are used for security checks. Which statements are correct? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · Which statement about ultrasound is correct?
25 Which statement about ultrasound is correct? A Ultrasound must have greater amplitude than audible sound. B Ultrasound must have greater frequency than audible sound. C Ultrasound must have lower amplitude than audible sound. D Ultrasound must have lower frequency than audible sound.
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · An iron bar PQ is placed close to a bar magnet
26 An iron bar PQ is placed close to a bar magnet. In which diagram does end P become an induced north pole? A B C D S P N P S P N Q S Q N Q P S Q N
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · The diagram shows a bar magnet at rest on a smooth horizontal surface
27 The diagram shows a bar magnet at rest on a smooth horizontal surface. A length of soft-iron wire is held parallel to the magnet. N soft-iron wire magnet S The wire is released. What happens? A The wire moves away from the magnet. B The wire moves towards the magnet. C The wire’s centre stays in its present position and the wire rotates through 90° in a clockwise direction. D The wire’s centre stays in its present position and the wire rotates through 90° in an anticlockwise direction.
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · A negatively charged plastic rod P is placed above a positively charged plastic rod Q
28 A negatively charged plastic rod P is placed above a positively charged plastic rod Q. P – – – – – Q + + + + + What are the directions of the electrostatic forces on rod P and on rod Q? electrostatic force electrostatic force on rod P on rod Q A downwards downwards B downwards upwards C upwards downwards D upwards upwards
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · The diagrams show the readings on an ammeter in a series circuit before and after the…
29 The diagrams show the readings on an ammeter in a series circuit before and after the switch in the circuit has been closed. switch open switch closed 2 3 2 3 1 4 1 4 0 5 0 5 A A What is the current in the circuit when the switch is closed? A 3.2 A B 3.4 A C 3.6 A D 3.8 A
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · A student investigates the resistance of a lamp
30 A student investigates the resistance of a lamp. Which row states how the meters must be connected? ammeter voltmeter A in parallel with the lamp in parallel with the lamp B in parallel with the lamp in series with the lamp C in series with the lamp in parallel with the lamp D in series with the lamp in series with the lamp
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · A lamp is connected into a circuit so that the potential difference across it can be…
31 A lamp is connected into a circuit so that the potential difference across it can be varied from 0 to 12 V. Which circuit is suitable? A B C D 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · The diagram shows a circuit
32 The diagram shows a circuit. A Which statement describes and explains how the circuit behaves? A The ammeter reading decreases when the light intensity decreases. B The ammeter reading decreases when the temperature decreases. C The ammeter reading increases when the light intensity decreases. D The ammeter reading increases when the temperature decreases.
Mark scheme: B
Q33 · Which component uses a small direct current (d.c.) in one circuit to switch on a much…
33 Which component uses a small direct current (d.c.) in one circuit to switch on a much larger current in a second circuit? A potential divider B relay C transformer D variable resistor
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Either a fuse or a circuit-breaker can be used to protect electrical cables from large…
34 Either a fuse or a circuit-breaker can be used to protect electrical cables from large currents that could cause overheating. X cable live electrical Y appliance supply neutral cable When a fuse is used, where should it be connected, and when a circuit-breaker is used, where should it be connected? position position of of fuse circuit-breaker A X X B X Y C Y X D Y Y
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · The diagram shows a horizontal wire between the two magnetic poles of a U-shaped magnet
35 The diagram shows a horizontal wire between the two magnetic poles of a U-shaped magnet. The U-shaped magnet is on a balance. When the switch closed, the reading on the balance decreases. switch switch open closed magnetic magnetic poles poles 125.20 g 123.49 g The experiment is carried out three more times with the following changes made. 1 Only the current is reversed. 2 Only the magnetic field is reversed. 3 Both the current and the magnetic field are reversed at the same time. Which changes cause an increase in the reading on the balance? A 1 only B 2 only C 3 only D 1 and 2 only
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · The diagram shows a coil of wire between the poles of a magnet
36 The diagram shows a coil of wire between the poles of a magnet. 20 turns N S + – power supply The coil consists of 20 turns of insulated wire. The coil is connected to a variable resistor and a power supply. How can the turning effect on the coil be increased? A by moving the poles of the magnet closer to the coil B by reducing the number of turns on the coil while keeping the current constant C by increasing the resistance of the variable resistor D by reversing the terminals of the power supply
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · Which diagram represents the structure of a neutral atom?
37 Which diagram represents the structure of a neutral atom? A B C D key – – – – neutron + proton + + + + + + + + – electron – – –
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · The nuclide notation for the isotope lithium-7 is Li 7
38 The nuclide notation for the isotope lithium-7 is Li 7 . 3 How many neutrons are there in an atom of lithium-7? A 3 B 4 C 7 D 10
Mark scheme: B
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 of 50 mm plastic aluminium of lead Which row 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
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · Samples of four different radioactive isotopes all emit radiation at the same rate
40 Samples of four different radioactive isotopes all emit radiation at the same rate. As time passes, the rates of emission decrease for all the samples. Which sample of isotope has the greatest decrease in rate? isotope half-life A americium-241 470 years B iodine-128 25 minutes C thoron-220 54.5 seconds D uranium-237 6.75 days
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.
4Forces3Electrical quantities2Electromagnetic effects2Electromagnetic spectrum2Energy, work and power2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Light2Mass and weight2Motion2Pressure2Radioactivity2Simple phenomena of magnetism2The nuclear model of the atom2Thermal properties and temperature2Density1Electrical safety1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Sound1Transfer of thermal energy1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2018 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.