Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 1
0625/21/O/N/25 · 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 determines the diameter of a metal ball
1 A student determines the diameter of a metal ball. Which apparatus is needed to get an accurate measurement? A a ruler and a protractor B a ruler only C a protractor and a set square D a ruler and two rectangular blocks
Mark scheme: D
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · 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
2 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
Q3 · A piece of paper torn out of an exercise book is shown
3 A piece of paper torn out of an exercise book is shown. What is being described? A gravitational charge B gravitational field C gravitational mass D gravitational potential energy
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · The diagram shows one liquid floating on top of another liquid
4 The diagram shows one liquid floating on top of another liquid. liquid P liquid Q Which statement explains why liquid P floats on top of liquid Q? A The mass of liquid Q is greater than the mass of liquid P. B The mass of 1 cm3 of liquid Q is greater than the mass of 1 cm3 of liquid P. C The volume of liquid Q is greater than the volume of liquid P. D The volume of 1 g of liquid Q is greater than the volume of 1 g of liquid P.
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · A spring has a spring constant k
5 A spring has a spring constant k. What is a possible unit for k ? A metre per newton B newton metre C newton per metre D newton per metre squared
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · Which statement about the moment of a force is not correct?
6 Which statement about the moment of a force is not correct? A If an object is balanced about a pivot, the resultant moment on the object must be zero. B The moment of a force is a measure of its turning effect. C The moment of a force about a point is equal to: force perpendicular distance from the point. D The moment of a force about a point increases when the perpendicular distance of the force from the point decreases.
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · The momentum of a car changes from 10 000 kg m / s to 15 000 kg m / s in a time of 8.0 s
7 The momentum of a car changes from 10 000 kg m / s to 15 000 kg m / s in a time of 8.0 s. What is the resultant force acting on the car? A 630 N B 3100 N C 40 000 N D 200 000 N
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · A machine is very efficient
8 A machine is very efficient. What does this mean? A It produces a large amount of power. B It uses very little energy. C It wastes very little energy. D It works very quickly.
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · A conical flask containing water
9 Diagram 1 shows a conical flask containing water. Diagram 2 shows a beaker with the same base area as the flask and containing water of the same depth d. diagram 1 diagram 2 water water d d X Y P Which statement is correct? A The pressure at P is equal to the pressure at X. B The pressure at P is greater than the pressure at Y. C The pressure at P is greater than the pressure at X. D The pressure at Y is greater than the pressure at X.
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · A flask with a tight-fitting stopper contains a gas
10 A flask with a tight-fitting stopper contains a gas. The gas and flask are initially at room temperature. tight-fitting stopper gas The gas and flask are cooled. Which row describes the average speed of the gas particles and the pressure of the gas as the temperature decreases? average speed of pressure of the gas particles the gas A decreases decreases B decreases stays the same C increases increases D increases stays the same
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · Brownian motion is the random movement of microscopic particles in a liquid or gas
11 Brownian motion is the random movement of microscopic particles in a liquid or gas. Which statement about Brownian motion is correct? A Brownian motion only occurs when the liquid or gas is heated. B Much heavier fast-moving particles that cannot be seen collide with the microscopic particles. C Much lighter fast-moving particles that cannot be seen collide with the microscopic particles. D The microscopic particles move to avoid the fast-moving liquid or gas molecules.
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · The distance between two electricity pylons is 60 m
12 The distance between two electricity pylons is 60 m. The cable that connects the two pylons is 62 m in length. Why is the cable longer than the distance between the two pylons? A to allow for contraction of the cable in cold weather B to create a slope in the cable for electrons to flow down C to keep the current low and the voltage high D to reduce magnetic fields around the cable
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · A glass beaker contains a mass of 0.20 kg of water at a temperature of 20 °C
13 A glass beaker contains a mass of 0.20 kg of water at a temperature of 20 °C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C). A brass block of mass 0.15 kg is at a temperature of 170 °C. The block is carefully lowered into the beaker of water. The final temperature of both the water and brass is 30 °C. What is the specific heat capacity of the brass? (Assume that no water is lost and no thermal energy has been transferred to the beaker or the surroundings.) A 400 J / (kg °C) B 660 J / (kg °C) C 1200 J / (kg °C) D 5600 J / (kg °C)
Mark scheme: A
Q14 · Which statement about convection is not correct?
14 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 occurs because cooler liquids rise above warmer liquids. D It occurs because the density of a liquid decreases when it is heated.
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · Iron is a better conductor of thermal energy than rubber
15 Iron is a better conductor of thermal energy than rubber. Which statement explains this? A Electrons in iron can move from one part of the iron to another. Electrons in rubber cannot move in this way. B Electrons in iron vibrate with more energy than those in rubber. C Positive particles in iron can move from one part of the iron to another. Positive particles in rubber cannot move in this way. D Positive particles in iron vibrate with more energy than those in rubber.
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · Two metal cans are identical, except that one has a shiny silver outer surface and the…
16 Two metal cans are identical, except that one has a shiny silver outer surface and the other has a dull black outer surface. They each have the same mass of hot water at the same temperature sealed inside them. They are both in a vacuum in the darkness of outer space. How does the temperature of the water in each one change? A The temperature of the water does not change. B The water in the black can cools more slowly than that in the silver can. C The water in the silver can cools more slowly than that in the black can. D They both cool down at the same rate.
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · A ray of light reflects from a plane mirror
17 A ray of light reflects from a plane mirror. The angle between the incident ray and the surface of the mirror is 35°. Which statement is correct? A The angle of incidence is 35°. B The angle of incidence is 55°. C The angle of reflection is 70°. D The angle of reflection is 110°.
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · Parallel waves in a ripple tank are diffracted as they pass through a gap in a barrier
18 Parallel waves in a ripple tank are diffracted as they pass through a gap in a barrier. Three changes that can be made to this arrangement are listed. 1 Decrease the wavelength of the waves. 2 Increase the amplitude of the waves. 3 Decrease the size of the gap. Which changes will cause the shape of the diffracted waves to be less curved? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 3 only C 1 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: C
Q19 · A beam of light passes through a vacuum and then enters a transparent liquid
19 A beam of light passes through a vacuum and then enters a transparent liquid. The diagram shows the path it takes. 40° vacuum liquid 25° The light travels through the vacuum at a speed of 3.0 108 m / s. What is the speed of light in the liquid? A 1.9 108 m / s B 2.0 108 m / s C 4.6 108 m / s D 4.8 108 m / s
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · Which statement about a thin converging lens is correct?
20 Which statement about a thin converging lens is correct? A All rays of light refracted by the lens pass through the principal focus. B All rays initially parallel to the principal axis of the lens are refracted through the principal focus. C The focal length of the lens is the distance between the image and the principal focus. D The focal length of the lens is the distance between the object and the image.
Mark scheme: B
Q21 · The diagram shows two narrow beams of light, P and then Q, passing through the same prism
21 The diagram shows two narrow beams of light, P and then Q, passing through the same prism. Beams P and Q are both incident on the same point on the prism and at the same angle. P Q Which row correctly compares beams P and Q? dispersion nature of light A only Q is dispersed P is monochromatic and Q is white light B only Q is dispersed P is white light and Q is monochromatic C only P is dispersed P is monochromatic and Q is white light D only P is dispersed P is white light and Q is monochromatic
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · Ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation are both parts of the electromagnetic…
22 Ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation are both parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, they differ in wavelength and frequency. Which row describes how they differ? ultraviolet infrared A longer wavelength higher frequency than infrared than ultraviolet B longer wavelength lower frequency than infrared than ultraviolet C shorter wavelength higher frequency than infrared than ultraviolet D shorter wavelength lower frequency than infrared than ultraviolet
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · A police car with its siren sounding is stationary in heavy traffic
23 A police car with its siren sounding is stationary in heavy traffic. A pedestrian notices that, although the loudness of the sound produced does not change, the pitch varies. Which row describes the amplitude and the frequency of the sound? amplitude frequency A constant constant B constant varying C varying constant D varying varying
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · The diagram shows part of the magnetic field around two magnets
24 The diagram shows part of the magnetic field around two magnets. Q P P S N R N S Which list gives the order of magnetic field strengths at the positions P, Q and R, from weakest to strongest? A P Q R B P R Q C Q P R D R Q P
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · A fully charged battery stores a charge of 18 000 C
25 A fully charged battery stores a charge of 18 000 C. The battery is charged with a current of 830 mA. How long does it take to fully charge a completely discharged battery? A about 10 minutes B about 3.5 hours C about 4 hours D about 6 hours
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · What is the definition of electromotive force?
26 What is the definition of electromotive force? A the electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit B the electrical work done by a unit charge passing through a component C the mechanical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit D the mechanical work done by a unit charge passing through a component
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · A cell passes a current of 2.0 A in a circuit for 30 s
27 A cell passes a current of 2.0 A in a circuit for 30 s. In this time, the cell transfers 120 J of energy. What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the cell? A 0.50 V B 1.5 V C 2.0 V D 8.0 V
Mark scheme: C
Q28 · The diagram shows two resistors in series connected to a power supply
28 The diagram shows two resistors in series connected to a power supply. 12.0V S) t+ = — 6.09 R The reading on the voltmeter is 3.0V when the switch is closed. What is the resistance of resistor R? A 0.679 Bo 1.2Q C 1.509 D 2.0Q
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · Lamps can be connected in series or in parallel to a power supply
29 Lamps can be connected in series or in parallel to a power supply. What is an advantage of connecting the lamps in parallel rather than in series? A All of the lamps can be switched on and off using the same switch. B Fewer connecting leads are needed to make the circuit. C When one lamp stops working, the others may continue to work. D Less power is transferred from the supply.
Mark scheme: C
Q30 · The lamps on a bicycle are powered by a simple electrical generator
30 The lamps on a bicycle are powered by a simple electrical generator. A permanent magnet rotates around a stationary coil of wire wound on an iron core. Which statement is correct? A The current in the lamps decreases as the speed of rotation increases. B The current in the lamps decreases when the magnet is replaced by a stronger magnet. C The output electromotive force (e.m.f.) will be higher if the gap between the magnet and the coil is bigger. D The output e.m.f. will be higher if there are more turns on the coil.
Mark scheme: D
Q31 · A current-carrying coil in the magnetic field between the poles of two magnets…
31 A current-carrying coil in the magnetic field between the poles of two magnets experiences a turning effect. Which change would decrease the turning effect? A decreasing the distance between the magnets B increasing the current in the coil C using stronger magnets D decreasing the number of turns on the coil
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · Cables transmit electrical power from the output of the transformer at a power station to…
32 Cables transmit electrical power from the output of the transformer at a power station to the input of another transformer at a substation. cables output input transformer at transformer at power station substation The power at the output of the transformer at the power station is 400 MW. Which situation delivers the most power to the input of the transformer at the substation? potential difference at power station transformer diameter of cables output / kV A 200 large B 200 small C 400 large D 400 small
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · 239 Pu is an isotope of plutonium
33 239 Pu is an isotope of plutonium. 94 The nucleus can absorb a neutron and then split to form two other nuclei. Two nuclei that form are gold, 207 Au, and phosphorus, 31 P. 79 15 In this reaction, neutrons are also produced. What is the number of neutrons produced when the nucleus splits? A 1 B 2 C 4 D 5
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Three statements about alpha () particles and beta () particles are listed
34 Three statements about alpha () particles and beta () particles are listed. 1 The magnitude of the charge on an -particle is twice the charge on a -particle. 2 The mass of an -particle is large compared with the mass of a -particle. 3 The kinetic energy of an -particle is small compared to the kinetic energy of a -particle. Which statements help to explain the different ionising effects of -particles and -particles? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · A beta-particle is a fast-moving electron
35 A beta-particle is a fast-moving electron. Which statement explains how beta-particles are emitted from an atom? A An electron is emitted as a beta-particle from an inner electron shell of the atom. B An electron is emitted as a beta-particle from an outer electron shell of the atom. C A neutron changes into a proton and a beta-particle is emitted from the nucleus. D A proton changes into a neutron and a beta-particle is emitted from the nucleus.
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · Which properties must a radioisotope have for its radiation to make it suitable to kill…
36 Which properties must a radioisotope have for its radiation to make it suitable to kill bacteria in food? half-life type of radiation emitted A less than one minute only B several hours only C several hours only D several thousand years only
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · A student tries to predict the effect of exposure time on the radiation dose received…
37 A student tries to predict the effect of exposure time on the radiation dose received from a source of ionising radiation. Radiation dose measures the amount of ionising radiation received by a living organism. Which graph shows the correct trend between the variables? A B radiation radiation dose dose 0 0 0 exposure 0 exposure time time C D radiation radiation dose dose 0 0 0 exposure 0 exposure time time
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · A satellite is in orbit around the Earth
38 A satellite is in orbit around the Earth. The orbit has radius r and period T. Which expression gives the orbital speed of the satellite? r T 2 r 2 T A B C D 2 T 2 r T r
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · Comets move round the Sun
39 Comets move round the Sun. Which statement describes the orbit of a comet? A The orbit is circular with the Sun at the centre of the circle. B The orbit is circular with the Sun not at the centre of the circle. C The orbit is elliptical with the Sun at the centre of the ellipse. D The orbit is elliptical with the Sun not at the centre of the ellipse.
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · A galaxy is at a distance of 60 million light-years from the Earth
40 A galaxy is at a distance of 60 million light-years from the Earth. The galaxy is moving away at a speed of 1300km/s. One light-year is about 9.5 x 10'*km. There are about 3.2 x 10’ seconds in one year. Which expression can be used to estimate the age of the Universe in years? 60 x 10® x 3.2 x 10” 1300 x 9.5 x 10" 60 x 10° x 9.5 x 10" B 1300 x 3.2 x 10’ C 1300 x 9.5 x 10" 60 x 10® x 3.2 x 10” D 1300 x 3.2 x 10’ 60 x 10° x 9.5 x 10"
Mark scheme: B
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.
4Radioactivity4Electrical quantities3Electromagnetic effects3Transfer of thermal energy3Electric circuits2Forces2Kinetic particle model of matter2The Earth and the Solar System2Thermal properties and temperature2Density1Electromagnetic spectrum1Energy, work and power1General properties of waves1Mass and weight1Momentum1Motion1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1Sound1Stars and the Universe1The nuclear model of the atom1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.