Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2024 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 3
0625/23/O/N/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 paper20 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · Which list contains only vector quantities?
1 Which list contains only vector quantities? A acceleration, distance, speed B electric field strength, momentum, weight C energy, mass, temperature D force, time, velocity
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · The graph shows how the velocity of an elevator varies with time
2 The graph shows how the velocity of an elevator varies with time. The elevator starts from the third floor of a tall building. Point P indicates the start of the elevator’s journey. 10 velocity m / s 5 P Q R S T 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 –5 time / s –10 When is the elevator on the third floor again? A Q to R and S to T B Q to R only C S to T only D The lift does not return to the third floor.
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · An object of mass 1.0 kg is at rest on the Earth
3 An object of mass 1.0 kg is at rest on the Earth. An identical object is at rest on a planet with a gravitational field strength of twice that on the Earth. Which row correctly compares the object on the planet to the object on the Earth? its acceleration when the same its weight horizontal resultant force is applied A double equal to that on the Earth B double half that on the Earth C half equal to that on the Earth D half half that on the Earth
Mark scheme: A
Q4 · An engineer researched the density of different liquids being used as coolants
4 An engineer researched the density of different liquids being used as coolants. density liquid kg / m 3 X 785 Y 1020 Z 1250 None of the liquids mix with water. Each liquid is poured, in turn, into a container of water. The density of water is 1000 kg / m3. Which liquids rise to the surface? A X only B Y and Z C Y only D Z only
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · The diagram shows a car moving along a road
5 The diagram shows a car moving along a road. The force due to the engine is 1500 N and the total drag force is 200 N. engine force drag force 1500 N 200 N road What is the motion of the car? A decreasing speed forward B increasing speed forward C reversing D constant speed
Mark scheme: B
Q6 · A pair of cutters is used to cut a rope
6 A pair of cutters is used to cut a rope. blade handle P Q R S blade handle Where should the rope be positioned and at which labelled points should the hands be positioned to produce the greatest cutting force? rope hands positioned positioned A P R B P S C Q R D Q S
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · An object has a mass of 20 kg
7 An object has a mass of 20 kg. Its velocity changes from 6 m / s to 10 m / s. Which impulse has acted on the object? A 80 N s B 120 N s C 200 N s D 320 N s
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · Useful energy is obtained from different energy resources
8 Useful energy is obtained from different energy resources. Four examples of energy resources are listed. ● water waves ● geothermal ● wind ● water behind hydroelectric dams How many of these energy resources depend on radiation from the Sun? A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · A box of mass 2.0 kg slides down a slope
9 A box of mass 2.0 kg slides down a slope. The gravitational field strength is 9.8 N / kg. box 13 m P 5 m Q 12 m What is the decrease in the gravitational potential energy stored as the box moves from P to Q? A 9.8 J B 98 J C 240 J D 250 J
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · The diagram shows the path of a long-jumper
10 The diagram shows the path of a long-jumper. Point R, where she lands, is on the same horizontal level as point P, from where she takes off. The long-jumper experiences air resistance as she runs and jumps. Q P R Which graph shows how the store of kinetic energy and the store of gravitational potential energy of the long-jumper vary with time between points P and R? A B energy energy key kinetic energy gravitational potential energy time time C D energy energy time time
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · Four tanks contain water to the depths shown
11 Four tanks contain water to the depths shown. At the bottom of which tank is the pressure due to the water greatest? A B C D 10 cm 9 cm 8 cm 7 cm
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · A gas is heated in a sealed container
12 A gas is heated in a sealed container. The volume of the container does not change. What happens to the particles of the gas? A The average distance between particles increases. B The average kinetic energy of the particles increases. C The mass of each particle increases. D The volume of each particle increases.
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · Air in a sealed syringe is slowly compressed by moving the piston
13 Air in a sealed syringe is slowly compressed by moving the piston. The temperature of the air stays the same. air syringe piston Which statement about the air is correct? A The pressure of the air decreases because its particles now travel more slowly. B The pressure of the air decreases because the area of the syringe walls is now smaller. C The pressure of the air increases because its particles now hit the syringe walls more frequently. D The pressure of the air increases because its particles now travel more quickly.
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Which statement about the evaporation of a liquid is correct?
14 Which statement about the evaporation of a liquid is correct? A The least energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases. B The least energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases. C The most energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases. D The most energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases.
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · A solid is heated causing it to expand
15 A solid is heated causing it to expand. Which effect does this have on its mass and on its density? mass density A decreases decreases B decreases stays constant C stays constant decreases D stays constant stays constant
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · A glass test-tube containing water is heated at the top
16 A glass test-tube containing water is heated at the top. The water at the top boils, but the water at the bottom remains cold. water test-tube heat Which row explains why the water at the bottom of the test-tube remains cold? glass water A good thermal conductor good thermal conductor B good thermal conductor poor thermal conductor C poor thermal conductor good thermal conductor D poor thermal conductor poor thermal conductor
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · A vertical stick is dipped up and down in water at P
17 A vertical stick is dipped up and down in water at P. In two seconds, three wave crests spread out on the surface of the water. Y wave P crests X Which statement is correct? A Distance X is the amplitude of the waves. B Distance Y is the wavelength of the waves. C Each circle represents a wavefront. D The frequency of the waves is 3 Hz.
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · Seismic waves from the epicentre of an earthquake take 100 s to reach a point 300 km away
18 Seismic waves from the epicentre of an earthquake take 100 s to reach a point 300 km away. When they arrive, they cause the ground to vibrate with a frequency of 2.0 Hz. What is the wavelength of these seismic waves? A 0.67 km B 1.5 km C 3.0 km D 6.0 km
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · Which diagram illustrates diffraction of water waves?
19 Which diagram illustrates diffraction of water waves? A B C D
Mark scheme: A
Q20 · A single ray of light is reflected by two mirrors
20 A single ray of light is reflected by two mirrors. The diagram shows the ray of light incident on mirror 1. mirror 2 ray of light 50° 60° mirror 1 What is the angle of reflection in mirror 2? A 50 B 60 C 70 D 80
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · Which diagram shows the effect of a converging lens on a parallel beam of light?
21 Which diagram shows the effect of a converging lens on a parallel beam of light? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q22 · Which three regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are used in the applications listed?
22 Which three regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are used in the applications listed? ● sterilising water ● optical fibres ● satellite television signals ● mobile (cell) phones A radio, infrared, visible B ultraviolet, infrared, microwaves C visible, radio, ultraviolet D X-rays, visible, infrared
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · A man stands 110 m from a high wall
23 A man stands 110 m from a high wall. He makes a short, sharp sound and then hears an echo from the wall. The speed of sound in air is 330 m / s. How long after making the sound does the man hear the echo? A 0.33 s B 0.67 s C 1.5 s D 3.0 s
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · The diagram shows the magnetic field of a bar magnet
24 The diagram shows the magnetic field of a bar magnet. R Q P S N How does the strength of the magnetic field vary with position along the dotted path PRQ? A It is constant along the path PRQ. B It is strong at P and reduces in strength along the path PRQ. C It is weak at P and increases in strength along the path PRQ. D It is strong at P, decreases to a minimum at R and then increases towards Q.
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · The diagram shows a charged sphere and the direction of the electric field at point X due…
25 The diagram shows a charged sphere and the direction of the electric field at point X due to the sphere. X charged sphere Y An electron is placed at point Y. Which diagram shows the direction of the force acting on the electron due to the charged sphere? A B C D Y Y Y Y
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · A battery moves 3.0 C of charge round a complete circuit
26 A battery moves 3.0 C of charge round a complete circuit. The battery transfers 12 J of energy during this process. What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the cell? A 0.25 V B 4.0 V C 12 V D 36 V
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · A cylinder of conducting putty has length l, diameter d and resistance R
27 A cylinder of conducting putty has length l, diameter d and resistance R. The putty is now moulded into a cylinder of diameter 2d that has the same volume. l R d By which factor does the resistance of the putty cylinder decrease? A 2 B 4 C 8 D 16
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · Which statement describes how a diode operates in an electrical circuit?
28 Which statement describes how a diode operates in an electrical circuit? A When the temperature increases, its resistance increases. B When the current becomes too high, it melts and cuts off the current. C It only allows current in one direction. D It uses a low-current circuit to switch on a circuit carrying a much larger current.
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · A number of identical resistors of resistance 10 are arranged in circuits
29 A number of identical resistors of resistance 10 are arranged in circuits. Which arrangement of resistors will give an overall resistance of 25 ? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · The circuit diagram shows a thermistor in a potential divider
30 The circuit diagram shows a thermistor in a potential divider. Two voltmeters X and Y are connected in the circuit. V X V Y When the temperature of the thermistor increases, its resistance decreases. As the thermistor becomes warmer, what happens to the reading on each voltmeter? reading on reading on voltmeter X voltmeter Y A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · In an experiment, strong magnetic fields provide a force that keeps charged particles…
31 In an experiment, strong magnetic fields provide a force that keeps charged particles moving with a horizontal circular motion. Positive particles are accelerated clockwise when viewed from above as shown. + In which direction is the magnetic field? A vertically into the page B vertically out of the page C pointing away from the centre of the circular motion D pointing towards the centre of the circular motion
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · When there is a current in a solenoid, a magnetic field is formed around it
32 When there is a current in a solenoid, a magnetic field is formed around it. How does the magnetic field change if the current is increased? spacing of field lines strength of field A closer together stronger B closer together weaker C further apart stronger D further apart weaker
Mark scheme: A
Q33 · The diagram shows the structure of a simple transformer
33 The diagram shows the structure of a simple transformer. core primary coil secondary coil Which row shows the correct conditions for the efficiency of the transformer to be as high as possible? primary and core secondary coils A thick copper wire soft iron B thin copper wire soft iron C thick iron wire copper D thin iron wire copper
Mark scheme: A
Q34 · The products of the decay of a nucleus of a radioactive isotope are a nucleus and…
34 The products of the decay of a nucleus of a radioactive isotope are a nucleus and radiation which is emitted. What is the nature of the products? A a nucleus of an element different from the isotope is formed and both an -particle and -radiation are emitted B a nucleus of an element different from the isotope is formed and just -radiation is emitted C a nucleus of the same element as the isotope is formed and both a -particle and -radiation are emitted D a nucleus of the same element as the isotope is formed and just an -particle is emitted
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · An atomic nucleus decays by one or more radioactive decay processes
35 An atomic nucleus decays by one or more radioactive decay processes. What causes the proton number to decrease by 1? A -decay followed by -decay B -decay only C -decay followed by -decay D -decay only
Mark scheme: A
Q36 · Which definition of half-life is not correct?
36 Which definition of half-life is not correct? A the time it takes for the count rate from a radioactive sample to fall to half its original value B the time it takes for half of the unstable nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay C the time it takes for the mass of radioactive material in a sample to halve D the time it takes for half of the neutrons in a radioactive sample to decay
Mark scheme: D
Q37 · The diagram shows a system to control the thickness of paper produced by a machine
37 The diagram shows a system to control the thickness of paper produced by a machine. The graph shows how the count rate at the detector varies with the thickness of the paper. The rollers squeeze the paper when the count rate at the detector drops below 12 counts per second and then stop squeezing when the count rate rises above 13 counts per second. 25 count rate counts/s B-particle source 20 paper as 15 10 roller 5 B-particle detector 0 0.0 05 1.0 15 2.0 paper thickness/mm What is the thickness of the paper coming out of the machine? A_ between 0.40mm and 0.50 mm B_ between 0.50mm and 0.60 mm C between 0.60mm and 0.70mm D between 0.70mm and 0.80 mm
Mark scheme: B
Q38 · The table gives the orbital durations of planets in the Solar System
38 The table gives the orbital durations of planets in the Solar System. planet Mercury Venus Earth Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune orbital duration 88 225 365 4330 10 700 30 600 59 800 / days What is the orbital duration of Mars? A 295 days B 690 days C 7100 days D 20 600 days
Mark scheme: B
Q39 · Which reaction produces the energy that powers the Sun?
39 Which reaction produces the energy that powers the Sun? A fission of hydrogen B fission of uranium C fusion of hydrogen D fusion of uranium
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · The diameter of the Milky Way is approximately 100 000 light years
40 The diameter of the Milky Way is approximately 100 000 light years. What is this distance in metres? A 9.5 109 m B 9.5 1015 m C 9.5 1017 m D 9.5 1020 m
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.
4Electric circuits3Electrical quantities3Electromagnetic effects3Energy, work and power3General properties of waves3Kinetic particle model of matter3Density2Forces2Light2Stars and the Universe2Electromagnetic spectrum1Mass and weight1Momentum1Motion1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1Sound1The Earth and the Solar System1Transfer of thermal energy1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2024 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 3. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.