Cambridge IGCSE Physics (9-1) 0972 — 2019 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 1
0972/11/M/J/19 · 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 · A digital stop-clock measures time in minutes and seconds
1 A digital stop-clock measures time in minutes and seconds. The stop-clock reads 00:50 when it is started (i.e. 00 minutes 50 seconds). It reads 02:10 when it is stopped. What is the shortest possible time that has elapsed between starting and stopping the stop-clock? A 1 minute 20 seconds B 2 minutes 00 seconds C 2 minutes 10 seconds D 3 minutes 00 seconds
Mark scheme: A
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · A long-distance runner wishes to calculate her average speed for a race
2 A long-distance runner wishes to calculate her average speed for a race. Which calculation should she use? total distance A average speed = total time B average speed = total distance × total time total time C average speed = total distance D average speed = total distance + total time
Mark scheme: A
Q3 · A heavy metal ball falls vertically downwards through air past four equally spaced levels…
3 A heavy metal ball falls vertically downwards through air past four equally spaced levels J, K, L and M. metal ball level J level K level L level M The times taken to fall from one level to the next are measured. Where is the speed of the ball greatest and which time is shortest? speed is time is greatest between shortest between A J and K J and K B J and K L and M C L and M J and K D L and M L and M
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · An arrow travels horizontally in a straight line at constant speed
4 An arrow travels horizontally in a straight line at constant speed. In which direction does the weight act? C direction of motion B D A ground
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · Two rectangular blocks consist of different materials
5 Two rectangular blocks consist of different materials. Four different methods are suggested to compare the two masses. 1 Compare the accelerations with which they fall freely. 2 Compare the values of their lengths × breadths × heights. 3 Hang each in turn from the same spring. Compare the extensions. 4 Place one in the right-hand pan of a beam balance and the other in the left-hand pan. Which methods give a comparison of the two masses? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 3 and 4 only D 4 only
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · The diagrams show four solid blocks with their dimensions and masses
6 The diagrams show four solid blocks with their dimensions and masses. Which block has the greatest density? A area = 10 cm2 B area = 20 cm2 2.0 cm 2.0 cm mass = 14 g mass = 48 g C area = 10 cm2 D area = 20 cm2 2.0 cm 2.0 cm mass = 54 g mass = 68 g
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · A mass of 20 kg is held stationary by a rope passing over a frictionless pulley
7 A mass of 20 kg is held stationary by a rope passing over a frictionless pulley. pulley T 20 kg What is the tension T in the rope? A 10 kg B 20 kg C 100 N D 200 N
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · A spring is suspended from a stand
8 A spring is suspended from a stand. Loads are added and the extensions are measured. spring stand loads rule Which graph shows the result of plotting extension against load? A B extension extension 0 0 0 load 0 load C D extension extension 0 0 0 load 0 load
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · A wooden bar is pivoted at its centre so that it can rotate freely
9 A wooden bar is pivoted at its centre so that it can rotate freely. Two equal forces F are applied to the bar. In which diagram is the turning effect greatest? A B pivot pivot F F F F C D F pivot pivot F F F
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · A machine is very efficient
10 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
Q11 · An object is lifted vertically by a motor
11 An object is lifted vertically by a motor. In which example is the power produced the greatest? A lifting it a shorter distance in a longer time B lifting it the same distance in a longer time C lifting it a shorter distance in the same time D lifting it the same distance in a shorter time
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · Four identical submarines P, Q, R and S are lowered from one depth to another in water of…
12 Four identical submarines P, Q, R and S are lowered from one depth to another in water of a constant density. The initial and final depths of each submarine are shown in the diagram. water surface submarine submarine P R 10 m submarine S 30 m submarine Q 50 m 70 m Which row is correct for the difference in pressure from the initial to final depth of each submarine? least change greatest change in pressure in pressure A submarines P and Q submarines R and S B submarines P and Q submarine R only C submarine P only submarines R and S D submarine P only submarine R only
Mark scheme: A
Q13 · The diagram shows a stone suspended on a string under the surface of a liquid
13 The diagram shows a stone suspended on a string under the surface of a liquid. The stone experiences a pressure caused by the liquid. string stone liquid What would increase the pressure on the stone? A decreasing the surface area of the stone B increasing the mass of the stone C lowering the stone deeper into the liquid D using a liquid with a lower density
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Why can a gas be compressed easily into a smaller volume?
14 Why can a gas be compressed easily into a smaller volume? A The molecules are far apart. B The molecules do not attract each other. C The molecules move randomly. D The volume of each molecule can be reduced.
Mark scheme: A
Q15 · When a liquid evaporates, some molecules escape
15 When a liquid evaporates, some molecules escape. The temperature of the remaining liquid changes. What is the effect on the temperature and from where do the molecules escape? temperature of liquid molecules escape from A decreases everywhere within the liquid B decreases the surface only C increases everywhere within the liquid D increases the surface only
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · What happens when a metal block is heated?
16 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
Q17 · A night storage heater contains a large block of material that is heated electrically…
17 A night storage heater contains a large block of material that is heated electrically during the night. During the day the block cools down, releasing thermal energy into the room. Which thermal capacity and which night-time temperature increase will cause the most energy to be stored by the block? thermal capacity night-time of block temperature increase A large large B large small C small large D small small
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · The diagram shows the changes of state P, Q, R and S that occur in solids, liquids and…
18 The diagram shows the changes of state P, Q, R and S that occur in solids, liquids and gases when they gain or lose thermal energy. gain thermal energy P Q solid liquid gas S R lose thermal energy What is the name of change R? A condensation B solidification C boiling D melting
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · In which does thermal conduction not occur?
19 In which does thermal conduction not occur? A a gas B a liquid C a solid D a vacuum
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · The metal surface of a kettle is hot
20 The metal surface of a kettle is hot. What happens to the cool air outside the kettle when it comes into contact with the hot kettle? A The density of the air decreases and the air falls. B The density of the air decreases and the air rises. C The density of the air increases and the air falls. D The density of the air increases and the air rises.
Mark scheme: B
Q21 · Ultrasound is used in a hospital to scan a patient
21 Ultrasound is used in a hospital to scan a patient. Ultrasound refracts at the boundary between muscle and bone because it travels at a greater speed in bone. Which change takes place when the ultrasound travels from muscle into bone? A The frequency of the wave decreases. B The frequency of the wave increases. C The wavelength of the wave decreases. D The wavelength of the wave increases.
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · The diagram shows a cork with a weight attached so that the cork floats upright in water
22 The diagram shows a cork with a weight attached so that the cork floats upright in water. cork water surface X Y weight Transverse waves travel across the water from X to Y. In which direction do the waves make the cork move? A → ← right and left B ↑↓ up and down C → only to the right D ← only to the left
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · An object is placed 30 cm in front of a plane mirror
23 An object is placed 30 cm in front of a plane mirror. Which statement describes the image of the object? A The image is the same size and 30 cm from the object. B The image is the same size and 60 cm from the object. C The image is smaller and 30 cm from the object. D The image is smaller and 60 cm from the object.
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · The diagram shows light incident at a glass-air boundary
24 The diagram shows light incident at a glass-air boundary. The angle of incidence i of the ray is greater than the critical angle. Which line shows the path of the light after it meets the boundary? C D air glass i B incident ray of light A
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · The diagram shows radiation from a lamp passing through a prism
25 The diagram shows radiation from a lamp passing through a prism. screen prism P red light radiation from lamp Which type of radiation is found at P? A γ-rays B infrared C ultraviolet D X-rays
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · A pulse of sound is produced at the bottom of a boat
26 A pulse of sound is produced at the bottom of a boat. The sound travels through the water and is reflected from a shoal of fish. The sound reaches the boat again after 1.2 s. The speed of sound in the water is 1500 m / s. boat shoal of fish How far below the bottom of the boat is the shoal of fish? A 450 m B 900 m C 1800 m D 3600 m
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · Which range is approximately correct for the audio frequencies that can be detected by a…
27 Which range is approximately correct for the audio frequencies that can be detected by a healthy human ear? A 2 Hz to 2000 Hz B 2 Hz to 20 000 Hz C 20 Hz to 2000 Hz D 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · Why is soft iron used for the core of an electromagnet?
28 Why is soft iron used for the core of an electromagnet? A Soft iron easily becomes a permanent magnet. B Soft iron is a good electrical conductor. C Soft iron is a poor thermal conductor. D Soft iron loses its magnetism when the current in the coil is switched off.
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · An iron ball on a horizontal wooden table rolls near the north pole of a bar magnet which…
29 An iron ball on a horizontal wooden table rolls near the north pole of a bar magnet which is lying on the table. Which diagram shows the most likely path of the ball, as seen from above the table? A B magnet S magnet S N N ball ball C D magnet S magnet S N N ball ball stops here
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · Two thin, uncharged strips of plastic
30 Diagram 1 shows two thin, uncharged strips of plastic. Diagram 2 shows the same strips after they have been rubbed with a dry cloth. strips strips of plastic of plastic diagram 1 diagram 2 Which row describes the charge on the strips after rubbing, and the force between the strips after rubbing? charge on strips force between strips A opposite attraction B opposite repulsion C the same attraction D the same repulsion
Mark scheme: D
Q31 · A voltmeter and an ammeter are used to measure the resistance of a resistor
31 A voltmeter and an ammeter are used to measure the resistance of a resistor. Which diagram shows the voltmeter and the ammeter correctly connected? A B C D A V A V A V A V
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · A student sets up four circuits
32 A student sets up four circuits. In which circuit is there a heater in series with a fuse? A B C D
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · The diagram shows a circuit containing a d.c
33 The diagram shows a circuit containing a d.c. power supply, a motor and a variable resistor. Three ammeters X, Y and Z show the current in different parts of the circuit. + – X A A Z A M Y The reading on X is 4.0 A. Which statement is correct? A The readings on Y and Z are both less than 4.0 A. B The readings on Y and Z are both equal to 4.0 A. C The readings on Y and Z are both greater than 4.0 A. D The reading on Z is zero.
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · A lamp is to be connected in a circuit so that the potential difference (p.d.) across it…
34 A lamp is to be connected in a circuit so that the potential difference (p.d.) across it can be varied from 0 to 6 V. Which circuit would be most suitable? A B 6 V 6 V C D 6 V 6 V
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · An electric heater is plugged into the mains supply using a fused plug
35 An electric heater is plugged into the mains supply using a fused plug. The current in the heater is 10 A. The cable attached to the heater is rated at 15 A. The fuses available are rated at 1 A, 3 A, 5 A and 13 A. Which fuse should be used? A 1 A B 3 A C 5 A D 13 A
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · A bar magnet is held near a coil of wire
36 A bar magnet is held near a coil of wire. The coil is connected to a sensitive voltmeter. coil of wire bar magnet N V The N-pole of the magnet is moved quickly towards the coil. The voltmeter shows a reading of +10 mV. The N-pole of the magnet is then moved slowly away from the same end of the coil. The reading on the voltmeter is observed. Which voltmeter reading is possible? A –15 mV B –5 mV C 0 mV D +5 mV
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · Four small compasses are placed around a solenoid
37 Four small compasses are placed around a solenoid. solenoid A current is now switched on in the solenoid. Which diagram shows possible new directions of the compass needles? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · Four nuclides are represented below
38 Four nuclides are represented below. 6 E G 7 L 6 M 7 3 3 4 5 Which pair of nuclides are isotopes of the same element? A E and G B E and L C G and L D G and M
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · A student measures the level of radiation emitted from a radioactive substance
39 A student measures the level of radiation emitted from a radioactive substance. He places a detector very close to the substance. He puts different absorbers between the radioactive substance and the detector. radioactive substance counter detector absorber The student’s results are shown. These results are corrected for background radiation. counter reading absorber counts per minute none 95 thin paper 52 few mm of aluminium 52 several cm of lead 12 Which types of radiation are being emitted by the substance? A α-particles and β-particles only B α-particles and γ-rays only C β-particles and γ-rays only D α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · The nuclei of the atoms in a substance are changing randomly and emitting radiation
40 The nuclei of the atoms in a substance are changing randomly and emitting radiation. What is happening to the substance? A It is undergoing electromagnetic induction. B It is undergoing magnetisation. C It is undergoing solidification. D It is undergoing radioactive decay.
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.
3Forces3Simple phenomena of magnetism3Thermal properties and temperature3Electrical safety2Energy, work and power2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Light2Mass and weight2Motion2Pressure2Radioactivity2Sound2Transfer of thermal energy2Density1Electrical quantities1Electromagnetic effects1Electromagnetic spectrum1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1The nuclear model of the atom1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2019 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.