Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 3
0625/13/O/N/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 · A student uses a metre ruler to measure the length of six identical table-tennis balls…
1 A student uses a metre ruler to measure the length of six identical table-tennis balls placed between two wooden blocks. 32 38 62 65 metre ruler table-tennis ball wooden block What is the diameter of one ball? A 4 cm B 5 cm C 6 cm D 8 cm
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · A train is on a straight track
2 A train is on a straight track. The graph shows how a quantity y varies with time. y 0 0 time Which statements can be true? 1 The train is stationary and y represents the distance from the last station. 2 The train is moving and y represents the distance from the last station. 3 The train is stationary and y represents the speed of the train. 4 The train is moving and y represents the speed of the train. A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · A vehicle sent to explore the surface of Mars has a mass of 200 kg
3 A vehicle sent to explore the surface of Mars has a mass of 200 kg. The acceleration of free fall on Mars is 3.7 m / s2. What is the weight of the vehicle on Mars? A 20 N B 54 N C 740 N D 2000 N
Mark scheme: C
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 carries out an experiment to determine the density of an irregularly shaped…
5 A student carries out an experiment to determine the density of an irregularly shaped solid. The solid is placed on a balance and a reading is taken. The solid is then immersed in a liquid in a measuring cylinder. Which values should be used in the calculation? value from value from balance measuring cylinder A increase in reading after mass immersion of the solid B increase in reading after weight immersion of the solid C reading after mass immersion of the solid D reading after weight immersion of the solid
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · A uniform rod rests on a pivot at its centre
6 A uniform rod rests on a pivot at its centre. The rod is not attached to the pivot. Forces are then applied to the rod in four different ways, as shown. The weight of the rod can be ignored. Which diagram shows the rod in equilibrium? A B 100 N 100 N 100 N 100 N C D 100 N 100 N 100 N 100 N 100 N
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · The diagram shows a beam balanced on a pivot
7 The diagram shows a beam balanced on a pivot. Two forces, X and Y, are acting on the beam. a b X Y Which calculation gives the moment of the force Y about the pivot? Y × (a + b) Y Y × b Y A B C D b ( a + b )
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · A mass bounces up and down on a steel spring
8 A mass bounces up and down on a steel spring. The diagram shows the mass and the spring at different points during the motion. mass mass highest moving moving point down up lowest point At which point is the least energy in the gravitational potential store of the mass and at which point is the most energy in the elastic store of the spring? least energy in most energy in gravitational potential the elastic store store of the mass of the spring A mass moving down mass moving up B mass moving down lowest point C lowest point mass moving up D lowest point lowest point
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · Electrical power is generated from different resources
9 Electrical power is generated from different resources. Some of these resources are listed. ● chemical energy stored in biofuels ● chemical energy stored in fossil fuels ● energy stored in tides ● geothermal resources ● hydroelectric resources ● light from the Sun ● nuclear fuel How many of the resources listed are classified as renewable? A 3 B 4 C 5 D 6
Mark scheme: C
Q10 · A microwave oven is rated at 900 watts
10 A microwave oven is rated at 900 watts. Which statement correctly describes the meaning of this value? A 900 joules are transferred every second. B 900 amperes are transferred every second. C 900 volts are transferred every second. D 900 ohms are transferred every second.
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · Why is it easier to push a sharp nail, rather than a blunt nail, into a piece of wood?
11 Why is it easier to push a sharp nail, rather than a blunt nail, into a piece of wood? A The sharp nail exerts a larger force on the wood. B The sharp nail exerts a smaller force on the wood. C The sharp nail exerts a larger pressure on the wood. D The sharp nail exerts a smaller pressure on the wood.
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · A sealed bottle of constant volume contains air
12 A sealed bottle of constant volume contains air. The air in the bottle is heated by the Sun. What is the effect on the average speed of the air particles in the bottle and the average distance between them? average distance average speed between air of air particles particles A decreases decreases B decreases stays the same C increases increases D increases stays the same
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · Which graph shows the relationship between the pressure p of a fixed mass of gas and its…
13 Which graph shows the relationship between the pressure p of a fixed mass of gas and its volume V at a constant temperature? A B C D p p p p 0 0 0 0 0 V 0 V 0 V 0 V
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · What happens when a metal block is heated?
14 What happens when a metal block is heated? A Its width, height and length all increase. B Its width increases only. C Its height increases only. D Its length increases only.
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · Which statement about the temperature of the solid describes what happens when a solid is…
15 Which statement about the temperature of the solid describes what happens when a solid is melting? A The temperature increases and there is an input of energy. B The temperature increases and there is no input of energy. C The temperature remains constant and there is an input of energy. D The temperature remains constant and there is no input of energy.
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · A cupboard is placed in front of a heater
16 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
Q17 · Which statement about waves is correct?
17 Which statement about waves is correct? A All waves can travel through a vacuum. B All waves travel at the same speed. C Seismic S-waves can be modelled as longitudinal waves. D Waves transfer energy without transferring matter.
Mark scheme: D
Q18 · The diagram shows a transverse wave
18 The diagram shows a transverse wave. S P R Q Which row identifies the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude wavelength A P R B P S C Q R D Q S
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · A beam of light from the Sun strikes a prism
19 A beam of light from the Sun strikes a prism. prism X beam of light Z from the Sun Y white wall The dispersed beam is incident on a white wall between X and Y. Which colours are seen at X, Z and Y? X Z Y A red green violet B red violet green C violet green red D violet red green
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · The diagram shows a ray of light incident on a plane mirror
20 The diagram shows a ray of light incident on a plane mirror. mirror 35° The angle between the ray and the mirror is 35°. The ray is reflected by the mirror. What is the angle of reflection? A 35° B 55° C 70° D 110°
Mark scheme: B
Q21 · A thin converging lens in a camera produces a real image on a photo-sensitive surface, as…
21 A thin converging lens in a camera produces a real image on a photo-sensitive surface, as shown. At which position is the image of the top of the object formed? thin converging lens top A B object D C photo-sensitive surface
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum
22 The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum. γ-rays E ultraviolet F infrared microwaves G Which types of wave are E, F and G? E F G A radio visible light X-rays B radio X-rays ultrasound C X-rays radio ultrasound D X-rays visible light radio
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · A sound is produced and an echo is heard after the sound reflects off a wall
23 A sound is produced and an echo is heard after the sound reflects off a wall. How do the properties of the echo compare to the original sound wave? amplitude frequency speed A lower lower lower B lower same same C same lower lower D same same same
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · Which metal can be attracted by a magnet?
24 Which metal can be attracted by a magnet? A zinc B lead C iron D copper
Mark scheme: C
Q25 · A student uses an ammeter to measure the current in a resistor
25 A student uses an ammeter to measure the current in a resistor. He considers three different circuits, as shown. 1 2 3 A A A In which of the circuits does the ammeter measure the current in the resistor? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 only D 3 only
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · Which substances both contain large concentrations of free electrons?
26 Which substances both contain large concentrations of free electrons? A aluminium and glass B copper and water C copper and nylon D silver and gold
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · What is the unit of resistance?
27 What is the unit of resistance? A ampere B ohm C volt D watt
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · A teacher wishes to show the production of electrostatic charges
28 A teacher wishes to show the production of electrostatic charges. She holds a rod and rubs it with a cotton cloth. A copper rod, a glass rod, a plastic rod and a steel rod are available. Which two rods would both be suitable to use? A a copper rod and a glass rod B a glass rod and a plastic rod C a plastic rod and a copper rod D a plastic rod and a steel rod
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · Resistors of resistance 2.0Q and 3.0Q are connected in two different circuits
29 Resistors of resistance 2.0Q and 3.0Q are connected in two different circuits. 2.00 3.0Q What is the total resistance in each circuit? series parallel A less than 2.0Q less than 2.00 B less than 2.0Q greater than 3.0Q Cc greater than 3.0Q less than 2.0Q D greater than 3.00 greater than 3.0Q
Mark scheme: C
Q30 · The current in an electrical heater is 5.0 A
30 The current in an electrical heater is 5.0 A. The heater is connected to the mains by a flexible cable that can carry a current of up to 15 A. The mains circuit can carry a current of up to 30 A. Different fuses are available to protect the heater’s cable. Which fuse is the most suitable? A 4.0 A B 10 A C 20 A D 40 A
Mark scheme: B
Q31 · A generator uses the principle of electromagnetic induction
31 A generator uses the principle of electromagnetic induction. axis of rotation coil of copper wire magnet N S V Which change would increase the induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) in the coil? A increasing the number of turns in the coil B placing the magnets further apart C using a coil made from steel wire D reversing one of the magnets
Mark scheme: A
Q32 · A current passes along a wire placed between the poles of a permanent magnet
32 A current passes along a wire placed between the poles of a permanent magnet. The wire experiences a force due to the magnetic field. N S What will change the direction of this force? A increasing the current B reversing the current C increasing the strength of the magnetic field D using an electromagnet with the same polarity as the permanent magnet
Mark scheme: B
Q33 · What is a transformer used for?
33 What is a transformer used for? A changing a direct current into an alternating current B changing the magnitude of an alternating voltage C reducing the frequency of an alternating current D switching off the current in a circuit when there is a fault
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · What are the relative charges on a proton, a neutron and an electron?
34 What are the relative charges on a proton, a neutron and an electron? proton neutron electron A 0 –1 +1 B 0 –1 –1 C +1 0 –1 D +1 0 +1
Mark scheme: C
Q35 · The half-life of carbon-14 is 5700 years
35 The half-life of carbon-14 is 5700 years. An object containing carbon-14 has a count rate of 100 counts / minute when it is first formed. The graph shows how the count rate decreases over time. Which point on the graph corresponds to a time 11 400 years after the formation of the object? 100 count rate A counts / minute B C D 0 0 time
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · Which type of radioactive decay causes the nucleus of one element to change into the…
36 Which type of radioactive decay causes the nucleus of one element to change into the nucleus of another element? emission of an emission of a emission of a alpha-particle beta-particle gamma ray
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · A scientist needs to use a source of γ-rays as safely as possible
37 A scientist needs to use a source of γ-rays as safely as possible. Which action will not reduce the total radiation that reaches the scientist? A keeping the distance between the source and the scientist as large as possible B keeping the temperature of the source as low as possible C keeping the time for which the scientist uses the source as small as possible D placing a lead screen between the scientist and the source
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · Which time period is approximately equal to 24 hours?
38 Which time period is approximately equal to 24 hours? A the time for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis B the time for the Earth to orbit the Sun C the time for the Moon to orbit the Earth D the time for the Sun to orbit the Earth
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · The nearest star to the Sun is about four light-years away from the Earth
39 The nearest star to the Sun is about four light-years away from the Earth. A student makes three statements about the star. 1 Light from the star takes about four years to reach the Earth. 2 Light from the Sun takes about four years to travel to the star and back to the Earth. 3 The star is outside our galaxy. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · The table shows some elements and some regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
40 The table shows some elements and some regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which row shows one of the most common elements in the Sun and one of the regions in which the Sun radiates most of its energy? element region A iron gamma B iron infrared C hydrogen gamma D hydrogen infrared
Mark scheme: D
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.
3Electromagnetic effects3Energy, work and power3Light3Radioactivity3Electric circuits2Forces2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Mass and weight2Stars and the Universe2Thermal properties and temperature2Density1Electrical safety1Electromagnetic spectrum1Motion1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1Sound1The Earth and the Solar System1The nuclear model of the atom1Transfer of thermal energy1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 3. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.