Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2024 Feb/March Paper 1 · Variant 2
0625/12/F/M/24 · 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 · The diagram shows a pendulum that oscillates between P and Q
1 The diagram shows a pendulum that oscillates between P and Q. support string P Q pendulum bob Which method is used to find the average period of oscillation for the pendulum? A Measure the time it takes to swing from P to Q. B Measure the time it takes to swing from P to Q to P 10 times and divide that time by 10. C Measure the time it takes to swing from P to Q to P 10 times and multiply that time by 10. D Measure the time it takes to swing from Q to P.
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · A car moves through a measured distance s in a known time t
2 A car moves through a measured distance s in a known time t. What is the correct equation used to calculate the average speed v of the car? s v = s t t v = s t 2 A v = B C v = D t s
Mark scheme: A
Q3 · On Mars, the acceleration of free fall is 3.7 m / s2
3 On Mars, the acceleration of free fall is 3.7 m / s2. What is the weight of a 2.0 kg mass on Mars? A 0.54 N B 1.9 N C 7.4 N D 20 N
Mark scheme: C
Q4 · A rocket is travelling vertically upwards
4 A rocket is travelling vertically upwards. Three vertical forces act on it. The thrust acts upwards and is equal to 100 000 N. The weight acts downwards and is equal to 80 000 N. What is the air resistance force acting on the rocket when it is travelling upwards at a constant speed? A 20 000 N downwards B 20 000 N upwards C 180 000 N downwards D 180 000 N upwards
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · An irregular plane object is suspended freely from point O
5 An irregular plane object is suspended freely from point O. The object is displaced and then released. It swings a few times, and comes to rest as shown. irregular plane object O Where is the centre of gravity of the object? A horizontally to the left of O B horizontally to the right of O C vertically above O D vertically below O
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · Three situations are listed
6 Three situations are listed. 1 someone blowing air into a party balloon 2 a crane lifting a block of concrete 3 a pile of books at rest on a shelf In which situations is work being done? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: B
Q7 · Which row describes an advantage and a disadvantage of wind turbines?
7 Which row describes an advantage and a disadvantage of wind turbines? advantage disadvantage A no fuel needed harmful gases released B variable supply fuel needed C no harmful gases released variable supply D constant supply noisy
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · The diagram shows a rectangular metal block with dimensions 2.5 cm 3.0 cm 4.5 cm
8 The diagram shows a rectangular metal block with dimensions 2.5 cm 3.0 cm 4.5 cm. The block is resting on the ground. The block exerts a pressure of 0.23 N / cm2 on the ground. NOT TO SCALE 3.0 cm 2.5 cm 4.5 cm What is the weight of the metal block? A 0.020 N B 1.7 N C 2.6 N D 3.1 N
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · Which row correctly describes the movement of particles in solids and liquids?
9 Which row correctly describes the movement of particles in solids and liquids? solids liquids A no movement move around each other B no movement vibration only C vibration only move around each other D vibration only vibration only
Mark scheme: C
Q10 · What is the boiling temperature of water at standard atmospheric pressure?
10 What is the boiling temperature of water at standard atmospheric pressure? A –173 K B 100 K C 273 K D 373 K
Mark scheme: D
Q11 · Which row describes how the volume and mass of liquid mercury change as it is heated?
11 Which row describes how the volume and mass of liquid mercury change as it is heated? volume mass A decreases decreases B decreases stays the same C increases increases D increases stays the same
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · In which situation does the store of internal energy of the water increase?
12 In which situation does the store of internal energy of the water increase? A water at 0 C freezing to form ice B water being heated from 25 C to 40 C C steam condensing on a window D water in a puddle on a breezy day
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · Which statement describes what happens to particles during the evaporation of a liquid?
13 Which statement describes what happens to particles during the evaporation of a liquid? A Particles become fixed in position. B Particles escape from the surface. C Particles move much closer together. D Particles start to move around at random.
Mark scheme: B
Q14 · Which of the following is not an example of convection?
14 Which of the following is not an example of convection? A a spoon handle becoming hot when it is placed in a hot drink B a thermal up-draught in the atmosphere that glider pilots use C flames and smoke rising from a fire D warming up water in a kettle on a gas ring
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · A hollow aluminium cube is filled with very hot water
15 A hollow aluminium cube is filled with very hot water. Side X of the cube is opposite side Y of the cube. One of these two sides is black and one is white. A student holds the back of one hand 5 cm from side X, and then immediately holds the back of the other hand 5 cm from side Y. aluminium cube side X side Y 5 cm 5 cm very hot water The hand held near side Y feels warmer than the hand held near side X. Which row identifies the black side and correctly compares the rate of emission of thermal radiation from each side? rate of emission black side of thermal radiation A X greater for X B X the same for X and Y C Y greater for Y D Y the same for X and Y
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · The diagram shows a ray of light travelling from air into a glass block and changing…
16 The diagram shows a ray of light travelling from air into a glass block and changing direction so that it is closer to the normal. air normal glass block What is the name of this process and why does it happen? process why it happens A diffraction speed of the light decreases B diffraction speed of the light increases C refraction speed of the light increases D refraction speed of the light decreases
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · Which row gives an example of a longitudinal wave and describes the direction of the…
17 Which row gives an example of a longitudinal wave and describes the direction of the vibrations? example of a direction of vibrations longitudinal wave A light wave at right angles to the direction of propagation B Iight wave parallel to the direction of propagation C sound wave at right angles to the direction of propagation D sound wave parallel to the direction of propagation
Mark scheme: D
Q18 · Which statement about total internal reflection is correct?
18 Which statement about total internal reflection is correct? A Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident on a glass to air boundary at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. B Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident on a glass to air boundary at an angle of incidence less than the critical angle. C Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident on an air to glass boundary at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. D Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident on an air to glass boundary at an angle of incidence less than the critical angle.
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · A ray of green light passes through a glass prism, as shown
19 A ray of green light passes through a glass prism, as shown. green light Which colours of light refract as shown in the table? refracts more refracts less than green than green A red blue B red yellow C violet blue D violet yellow
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · Which electromagnetic waves are used for sterilising medical equipment?
20 Which electromagnetic waves are used for sterilising medical equipment? A gamma rays B microwaves C radio waves D visible light
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · Which process causes a sound wave to produce an echo?
21 Which process causes a sound wave to produce an echo? A diffraction B dispersion C reflection D refraction
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · A student stands 75 m from a wall and makes a short, loud sound by tapping two pieces of…
22 A student stands 75 m from a wall and makes a short, loud sound by tapping two pieces of wood together. What is the approximate time between making the sound and the student hearing the echo produced? A 0.2 s B 0.5 s C 2 s D 5 s
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · Which statement is always true?
23 Which statement is always true? A A magnetic material attracts a non-magnetic material. B A magnetic material repels another magnetic material. C A magnetic material attracts another magnetic material if one of them is magnetised. D A non-magnetic material repels another non-magnetic material.
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · A polythene rod is charged by friction
24 A polythene rod is charged by friction. The polythene rod becomes negatively charged. Which statement is correct? A The rod gains electrons. B The rod loses electrons. C The rod gains protons. D The rod loses protons.
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · What is the unit of electromotive force (e.m.f.)?
25 What is the unit of electromotive force (e.m.f.)? A ampere B newton C ohm D volt
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · The diagram shows a circuit containing two identical lamps and three ammeters
26 The diagram shows a circuit containing two identical lamps and three ammeters. ammeter 1 A A ammeter 3 A ammeter 2 The current in ammeter 1 is 0.30 A. Which row gives possible values for the currents in ammeters 2 and 3? current in current in ammeter 2 / A ammeter 3 / A A 0.15 0.00 B 0.15 0.30 C 0.30 0.00 D 0.30 0.30
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · Into which wire is a switch connected in order to switch a mains appliance on and off…
27 Into which wire is a switch connected in order to switch a mains appliance on and off safely? A live B negative C neutral D positive
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · Which device uses the magnetic effect of an electric current?
28 Which device uses the magnetic effect of an electric current? A heater B lamp C relay D thermistor
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · A transformer has 200 turns on its primary coil and is connected to a 240 V a.c
29 A transformer has 200 turns on its primary coil and is connected to a 240 V a.c. supply. The output voltage of the transformer is 60 V a.c. How many turns are on the secondary coil of the transformer? A 20 B 50 C 72 D 800
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · Which statement about an atom is correct?
30 Which statement about an atom is correct? A An atom has positive charge because there are only positive charges in the nucleus. B An atom has negative charge because there are only negative charges in the nucleus. C An atom has neutral charge because the positive charge in the nucleus equals the total negative charge of the electrons. D An atom has neutral charge because the negative charge in the nucleus equals the total positive charge of the electrons.
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · The table gives information about four nuclei
31 The table gives information about four nuclei. proton nucleon nucleus number number 1 26 59 2 27 59 3 27 60 4 28 60 Which nuclei are isotopes of the same element? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · Which apparatus is used to measure background radiation?
32 Which apparatus is used to measure background radiation? A a counter, a detector and a source B a counter and a detector only C a counter and a source only D a detector and a source only
Mark scheme: B
Q33 · Which row correctly identifies the nature of each radioactive emission?
33 Which row correctly identifies the nature of each radioactive emission? alpha () beta () gamma () A helium nucleus electromagnetic wave electron B electron helium nucleus electromagnetic wave C helium nucleus electron electromagnetic wave D electromagnetic wave electron helium nucleus
Mark scheme: C
Q34 · A nucleus spontaneously emits radiation and becomes a nucleus of a different element
34 A nucleus spontaneously emits radiation and becomes a nucleus of a different element. What could the emitted radiation be? A alpha or beta B alpha or gamma C beta or neutron D gamma or neutron
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · The diagram shows a lead-lined box used for storing a radioactive source
35 The diagram shows a lead-lined box used for storing a radioactive source. Why is the inside of the box lined with lead? A It helps the source to stay radioactive for longer. B It makes the box heavier. C It makes the radioactive source more stable. D It reduces the amount of radiation that can escape from the box.
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · A student draws a simplified diagram showing the Sun and the different movements of the…
36 A student draws a simplified diagram showing the Sun and the different movements of the Moon and the Earth. Which arrow represents a motion taking 365 days to complete? A NOT TO SCALE Moon B Sun Earth D C
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · The table gives information about four of the planets in our Solar System
37 The table gives information about four of the planets in our Solar System. Two of these planets are gaseous and two are rocky. average distance planet from the Sun / km 1 1.4 109 2 2.3 108 3 5.8 107 4 7.8 108 Which two planets are rocky? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · Which row shows the most common elements in the Sun and the regions of the…
38 Which row shows the most common elements in the Sun and the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in which most of the Sun’s energy is radiated? elements regions A carbon and oxygen gamma and radio waves B carbon and oxygen infrared and visible C hydrogen and helium gamma and radio waves D hydrogen and helium infrared and visible
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · What is the meaning of a light-year?
39 What is the meaning of a light-year? A the distance light travels in space in one year B the number of years it takes light to travel from the Sun to the Earth C the speed that light travels in space D the time it takes light to travel from the Sun to the nearest star
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · What is the approximate diameter of the Milky Way?
40 What is the approximate diameter of the Milky Way? A 100 light-years B 1000 light-years C 10 000 light-years D 100 000 light-years
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.
4Light3Stars and the Universe3Thermal properties and temperature3Electrical quantities2Electromagnetic effects2Energy, work and power2Forces2Kinetic particle model of matter2Sound2The Earth and the Solar System2The nuclear model of the atom2Transfer of thermal energy2Electric circuits1Electrical safety1Electromagnetic spectrum1General properties of waves1Mass and weight1Motion1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2024 Feb/March, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.