Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2023 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 2
0625/12/M/J/23 · 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 · Which single apparatus is used to find the volume of a solid cube and which single…
1 Which single apparatus is used to find the volume of a solid cube and which single apparatus is used to find the volume of a quantity of liquid? volume of solid cube volume of liquid A balance balance B balance measuring cylinder C ruler balance D ruler measuring cylinder
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · The speed–time graph represents a short journey
2 The speed–time graph represents a short journey. speed 0 0 time Which distance–time graph represents the same journey? A B distance distance 0 0 0 time 0 time C D distance distance 0 0 0 time 0 time
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · The graph represents the motion of a car
3 The graph represents the motion of a car. 10 speed m / s 8 6 4 2 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 time / s How far has the car moved between 0 and 5 s? A 2 m B 10 m C 25 m D 50 m
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · Which statement about mass or weight is not correct?
4 Which statement about mass or weight is not correct? A Masses can be compared using a balance. B Mass is a force. C Weights can be compared using a balance. D Weight is a force.
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · Which two quantities must be known to determine the density of a material?
5 Which two quantities must be known to determine the density of a material? A mass and area B mass and volume C weight and area D weight and volume
Mark scheme: B
Q6 · Two boys are sitting on a see-saw
6 Two boys are sitting on a see-saw. The see-saw is in equilibrium and remains horizontal. pivot What affects the moment of each boy about the pivot? A his distance from the pivot only B his height above the ground and his weight C his weight only D his weight and distance from the pivot
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · A uniform metre rule is pivoted in equilibrium at the 50 cm mark
7 A uniform metre rule is pivoted in equilibrium at the 50 cm mark. A mass of 25 g is placed at the 30 cm mark on the rule. What is the smallest mass that can be placed on the rule to restore equilibrium? A 5 g B 10 g C 15 g D 25 g
Mark scheme: B
Q8 · A uniform beam XY is 100 cm long and weighs 4.0 N
8 A uniform beam XY is 100 cm long and weighs 4.0 N. 80 cm 60 cm 10 cm X Y centre pivot of beam F 8.0 N The beam rests on a pivot 60 cm from end X. A load of 8.0 N hangs from the beam 10 cm from end X. The beam is kept balanced by a force F acting on the beam 80 cm from end X. What is the magnitude of force F ? A 8.0 N B 18 N C 22 N D 44 N
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · Three children’s toys, X, Y and Z, are the same size and shape
9 Three children’s toys, X, Y and Z, are the same size and shape. They have weights at different positions inside so that the position of the centre of gravity of each toy is different. Each toy’s centre of gravity is marked P. X Y Z P P P Which toy is the most stable and which toy is the least stable when balanced in the positions shown? most least stable stable A X Y B X Z C Y X D Y Z
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · The diagram shows the energy stores for a mobile (cell) phone and how the energy is…
10 The diagram shows the energy stores for a mobile (cell) phone and how the energy is transferred between stores. internal heating energy chemical ? energy kinetic sound energy What describes how the chemical energy is transferred? A electrical work done B mechanical work done C electromagnetic waves D sound waves
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · A moving object is brought to rest by a resistive force of 50 N over a distance of 5.0 m
11 A moving object is brought to rest by a resistive force of 50 N over a distance of 5.0 m. What is the work done by the force? A 0.10 J B 10 J C 55 J D 250 J
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · Which two physical quantities must be used to calculate the power developed by a student…
12 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
Q13 · A rectangular marble block has dimensions 1 m by 1 m by 5 m and weighs 125 000 N
13 A rectangular marble block has dimensions 1 m by 1 m by 5 m and weighs 125 000 N. The marble block is stored with the long side resting on the ground, as in diagram 1. diagram 1 diagram 2 What is the change in the pressure on the ground due to the block when the block is stored as in diagram 2 rather than diagram 1? A a decrease of 25 000 N / m2 B an increase of 100 000 N / m2 C an increase of 125 000 N / m2 D no change
Mark scheme: B
Q14 · Four students describe the phrase ‘absolute zero’ during a lesson on the particle model
14 Four students describe the phrase ‘absolute zero’ during a lesson on the particle model. Which student is correct? A This is the lowest possible temperature. B Particles in a solid start vibrating. C Particles do not have any weight. D Particles have the least gravitational potential energy.
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · At the surface of a liquid, the more energetic molecules can escape from the liquid into…
15 At the surface of a liquid, the more energetic molecules can escape from the liquid into the atmosphere. Which name is given to this process? A boiling B condensation C evaporation D melting
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · A teacher puts some cold water in a test-tube
16 A teacher puts some cold water in a test-tube. She holds the bottom of the test-tube while heating the top. boiling water cold water heat The water at the top boils but she continues to hold the test-tube as the bottom remains cold. Which conclusion about water is made from this experiment? A Water is a bad conductor. B Water is a bad convector. C Water is a good conductor. D Water is a good convector.
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · The diagram shows a wave
17 The diagram shows a wave. 8 cm 3 cm 6 cm 4 cm What are the amplitude and the wavelength of this wave? amplitude / cm wavelength / cm A 3 4 B 3 8 C 6 4 D 6 8
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · A light ray strikes a plane mirror and is reflected
18 A light ray strikes a plane mirror and is reflected. Which angle is always equal in size to the angle of reflection? A the angle between the incident ray and the mirror B the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the mirror C the angle between the reflected ray and the mirror D the angle between the reflected ray and the incident ray
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · The diagram shows two diverging rays of light passing through a lens and emerging…
19 The diagram shows two diverging rays of light passing through a lens and emerging parallel to each other. Which labelled distance is the focal length of the lens? thin lens A D C B
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · A beam of light consists of yellow and blue light
20 A beam of light consists of yellow and blue light. The beam of light is incident on a glass prism. Which diagram is correct? A B yellow blue blue yellow glass prism glass prism C D glass prism glass prism blue yellow yellow blue
Mark scheme: D
Q21 · The two devices shown use different types of electromagnetic waves
21 The two devices shown use different types of electromagnetic waves. medical scanning remote controller Which types of waves are used in these devices? medical remote scanning controller A ultraviolet infrared B ultraviolet microwaves C X-rays infrared D X-rays microwaves
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · A boy shouts and hears the echo from a tall building 2.2 s later
22 A boy shouts and hears the echo from a tall building 2.2 s later. The speed of sound in air is 330 m / s. How far away from the boy is the building? A 150 m B 300 m C 360 m D 730 m
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · The magnetic field of a bar magnet can be represented by magnetic field lines
23 The magnetic field of a bar magnet can be represented by magnetic field lines. Which diagram shows two magnetic field lines correctly? A B C D N S N S N S N S
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · A plastic rod is rubbed with a dry cloth
24 A plastic rod is rubbed with a dry cloth. The rod becomes positively charged. Why has the rod become positively charged? A It has gained electrons. B It has gained neutrons. C It has lost electrons. D It has lost neutrons.
Mark scheme: C
Q25 · Which statement about electric current in a conductor is correct?
25 Which statement about electric current in a conductor is correct? A In a d.c. circuit, the electric current gradually decreases along the conductor. B In a d.c. circuit, the free electrons flow back and forth. C In an a.c. circuit, the electric current remains exactly the same all the time. D In an a.c. circuit, the flow of charge changes direction continually.
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · Which circuit can be used to measure the resistance of a resistor?
26 Which circuit can be used to measure the resistance of a resistor? A B C D V V V V A A A A
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · A lamp rated 12 V, 2.0 A is switched on for 60 s
27 A lamp rated 12 V, 2.0 A is switched on for 60 s. How much energy is transferred? A 0.40 J B 10 J C 360 J D 1400 J
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · The circuit diagram shows a battery connected to two resistors
28 The circuit diagram shows a battery connected to two resistors. Four labelled ammeters are connected into the circuit. Which ammeter shows the largest reading?
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · Two lamps are connected in parallel
29 Two lamps are connected in parallel. S1 S2 S3 Which switches must be closed so that both lamps light? A S1 and S2 only B S1 and S3 only C S2 and S3 only D S1, S2 and S3
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · Which statement about electrical safety is correct?
30 Which statement about electrical safety is correct? A If a device is double insulated, it does not need a fuse. B A device that has a normal operating current of 3.0 A must be protected by a 3.0 A fuse. C Switches must always be connected into the live supply wire. D The metal casing of an electrical device must be connected to the neutral wire.
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · A student investigates the output voltage induced across a coil of wire by a bar magnet
31 A student investigates the output voltage induced across a coil of wire by a bar magnet. When will the induced voltage have the greatest value? A The student slowly moves the bar magnet into the coil of wire. B The student leaves the bar magnet stationary in the coil of wire. C The student quickly removes the bar magnet from the coil of wire. D The student places the bar magnet at rest outside the coil of wire.
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · In which device is the magnetic effect of a current not used?
32 In which device is the magnetic effect of a current not used? A electromagnet B loudspeaker C potential divider D relay
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · The diagram represents the transmission of electricity from a power station to homes that…
33 The diagram represents the transmission of electricity from a power station to homes that are many kilometres away. Two transformers are labelled X and Y. transmission pylon cables pylon cables large houses power ground station X distance Y What type of transformers are X and Y? X Y A step-down transformer step-down transformer B step-down transformer step-up transformer C step-up transformer step-down transformer D step-up transformer step-up transformer
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · Which diagram represents the positions of the charged particles of an atom?
34 Which diagram represents the positions of the charged particles of an atom? A B C D – + + + – + – – + – + + – – + –
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · The table shows the composition of three different nuclei
35 The table shows the composition of three different nuclei. number of number of nucleus protons neutrons X 3 3 Y 3 4 Z 4 3 Which nuclei are isotopes of the same element? A X, Y and Z B X and Y only C X and Z only D Y and Z only
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · A sample of a radioactive isotope emits 9600 -particles per second
36 A sample of a radioactive isotope emits 9600 -particles per second. After 40 hours the rate of emission has fallen to 600 -particles per second. What is the half-life of this isotope? A 4.0 hours B 8.0 hours C 10 hours D 20 hours
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · Which row states a harmful effect and a beneficial effect of ionising radiation on living…
37 Which row states a harmful effect and a beneficial effect of ionising radiation on living things? harmful effect beneficial effect A kills cancer cells kills cancer cells B kills cancer cells mutates living cells C mutates living cells kills cancer cells D mutates living cells mutates living cells
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · Which statement about the Solar System is correct?
38 Which statement about the Solar System is correct? A All the planets are rocky. B Only the Earth has a moon. C Pluto is a dwarf planet. D There are many stars in the Solar System.
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · The graph shows the energy radiated by the Sun at different wavelengths
39 The graph shows the energy radiated by the Sun at different wavelengths. Most of the energy is radiated in just three parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, labelled P, Q and R. energy radiated 0 0 P Q R wavelength Which parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are P and R? P R A gamma ray radio B infrared ultraviolet C radio gamma ray D ultraviolet infrared
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · An astronomer observes redshift in the light from a distant galaxy
40 An astronomer observes redshift in the light from a distant galaxy. Which statement about redshift is correct? A It is the decrease in the observed wavelength of red light emitted from receding galaxies. B It is evidence that the Universe is contracting and supports the Big Bang Theory. C It is evidence that the Universe is expanding and supports the Big Bang Theory. D Redshift is when light from receding galaxies appears blue.
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.
4Electric circuits3Electrical quantities3Electromagnetic effects3Energy, work and power3Light3Motion2Radioactivity2Stars and the Universe2The nuclear model of the atom2Density1Electrical safety1Electromagnetic spectrum1General properties of waves1Kinetic particle model of matter1Mass and weight1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1Sound1The Earth and the Solar System1Thermal properties and temperature1Transfer of thermal energy1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.