Cambridge IGCSE Physics (9-1) 0972 — 2020 Oct/Nov Paper 6 · Variant 1
0972/61/O/N/20 · 4 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 paper12 pages












Mark scheme8 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.








Questions as text
Q1 · A student determines the density of modelling clay by two methods
1 A student determines the density of modelling clay by two methods. Method 1 (a) Fig. 1.1 shows one face of a piece of modelling clay that the student uses. This is sample A. l w Fig. 1.1 The student measures the depth d of sample A. 3.2 d = .......................................................... cm (i) Measure and record the length l and the width w of the sample A of modelling clay. Fig. 1.1 is drawn actual size. l = .......................................................... cm w = .......................................................... cm [1] (ii) Calculate the volume VA of sample A using the equation VA = l × w × d. VA = ................................................... cm3 [1] (iii) Fig. 1.2 shows sample A on a balance. Record the mass mA of sample A to the nearest g. Fig. 1.2 mA = ...................................................... g [1] mA (iv) Calculate the density ρA of sample A of modelling clay using the equation ρA = . VA Give your answer to a suitable number of significant figures for this method and include the unit. ρA = ......................................................... [2] Method 2 (b) The student records the volume V1 of water in a measuring cylinder. 150 V1 = ........................................................ cm3 He carefully lowers sample B of the same modelling clay into the measuring cylinder until it is completely covered with water. He records the new reading V2 of the water level in the measuring cylinder. 182 V2 = ........................................................ cm3 (i) Calculate the volume VB of sample B using the equation VB = V2 – V1. VB = .................................................. cm3 [1] (ii) The student measures the mass mB of sample B. 60 mB = ............................................................ g mB Calculate the density ρB of sample B using the equation ρB = . Give your answer to a VB suitable number of significant figures for this method and include the unit. ρ B = ......................................................... [1] (c) A student suggests that the density of modelling clay is not affected by the mass or the volume of the sample used. State whether your results agree with the suggestion. Justify your answer by reference to your results. statement .................................................................................................................................. justification ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... [2] (d) Tick the boxes that describe the correct line of sight for taking a reading of the volume of water in a measuring cylinder. Fig. 1.3 shows the curved surface of water, which is called the meniscus. Fig. 1.3 along the scale parallel to the scale perpendicular to the scale vertical to the scale in line with the bottom of the meniscus in line with the top of the meniscus in line with midway between the top and bottom of the meniscus. [2] [Total: 11]
Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) l = 3.1(cm) and w = 2.7(cm) 1 1(a)(ii) V = 27, 26.8, 26.78, 26.784 1 1(a)(iii) mA =51 g 1 1(a)(iv) ρA = 1.9(0) or 1.89 1 g/cm3 1 1(b)(i) V = 32(cm3) 1 1(b)(ii) ρB = 1.88 to 2 or 3 significant figures 1 1(c) Statement to match results. 1 Justification to match results and to include the idea of within (or beyond) the limits of experimental accuracy. 1 1(d) 3rd box ticked 1 5th box ticked 1
Q2 · A student investigates the cooling of water under different conditions
2 A student investigates the cooling of water under different conditions. Fig. 2.1 shows the apparatus she uses. stand thermometer clamp boss beaker bench Fig. 2.1 (a) The thermometer in Fig. 2.2 shows the room temperature θR at the beginning of the experiment. Record θR. –10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110°C Fig. 2.2 θR = ......................................................... [1] (b) The student pours 200 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. She records the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. She immediately starts a stopclock. After 180 s, she measures the temperature θ shown on the thermometer. Her temperature readings are shown in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 t / θ1 / 85 69 (i) Complete the time column and the column headings in Table 2.1. [1] (ii) Calculate the drop in temperature Δθ1 between times t = 0 and t = 180 s. Δθ 1 = ......................................................... [1] Δθ (iii) Calculate the average rate of cooling R1 of the water using the equation R1 = 1 , Δt where Δt = 180 s. Include the unit. R1 = ......................................................... [1] (c) The student empties the beaker. She pours 150 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. She adds 50 cm3 of cold water to the beaker. She repeats the timing and temperature recording procedure described in (b). The temperature readings are shown in Table 2.2. Table 2.2 t / θ2 / 69 57 (i) Complete the time column and the column headings in Table 2.2. [1] (ii) Calculate the drop in temperature Δθ2 between times t = 0 and t = 180 s. Δθ 2 = ............................................................... Δθ Calculate the average rate of cooling R2 of the water using the equation R2 = 2 , Δt where Δt = 180 s. Include the unit. R2 = ......................................................... [1] (d) A student suggests that the average rate of cooling R of the water depends on the difference D between the temperature of the water at time t = 0 and room temperature. (i) Calculate the difference D 1 using the readings in Table 2.1 and your answer to (a). D 1 = ............................................................... Calculate the difference D 2 using the readings in Table 2.2 and your answer to (a). D 2 = ............................................................... [1] (ii) Write a conclusion about the relationship between R and D. Justify your answer by reference to your results. conclusion ......................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... justification ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (e) (i) Explain why the thermometer scale should be read at right-angles. ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] (ii) Explain why the mixture of hot and cold water should be stirred before taking the temperature reading at the start of the experiment in (c). ........................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... [1] [Total: 11]
Mark scheme: 2(a) 21 (°C) 1 2(b)(i) Table 2.1 times 0 and 180; units s and °C 1 2(b)(ii) Δθ 1 = 16 (°C) 1 2(b)(iii) R1 = 0.089 or 0.09 1 2(c)(i) Table 2.2 completed ecf from (b)(i) allowed 1 2(c)(ii) Δθ 2 present and R2 present with unit °C/s 1 2(d)(i) D1 = 64 D2 = 48 1 2(d)(ii) Conclusion to match results 1 Justification to match conclusion with correct evidence given from results 1 2(e)(i) Prevent parallax error owtte 1 2(e)(ii) To obtain even temperature throughout owtte 1
Q3 · A student investigates the magnification of the image produced by a lens
3 A student investigates the magnification of the image produced by a lens. Fig. 3.1 shows the apparatus used. illuminated object u v screen lens bench Fig. 3.1 Fig. 3.2 shows a triangular hole in a card that forms the illuminated object. Fig. 3.2 is drawn actual size. illuminated object hO Fig. 3.2 (a) On Fig. 3.2, measure and record the height hO of the object. hO = ......................................................... [1] (b) • The student places the lens a distance u = 20.0 cm from the illuminated object. • He moves the screen slowly until a clearly focused image is formed on the screen. • He measures the distance v between the centre of the lens and the screen. • He repeats the procedure using values of u equal to 25.0 cm, 30.0 cm, 35.0 cm and 40.0 cm. • The readings are shown in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 u / cm v / cm m 20.0 70.9 25.0 41.5 30.0 32.5 35.0 28.1 40.0 25.6 Calculate, and record in Table 3.1, the magnification m for each value of u. Use the equation v m = . [1] u (c) Plot a graph of u / cm (y-axis) against m (x-axis). Start the y-axis at u = 20.0 cm. [4] (d) Use your graph to determine the value of the object distance u1 when the magnification m = 1.0. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the necessary information. u1 = ................................................... cm [2] u1(e) Calculate the focal length f of the lens using the equation f = . 2 f = ................................................... cm [1] (f) State two precautions that you would take with this experiment in order to obtain accurate readings. 1. ............................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... 2. ............................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 11]
Mark scheme: 3(a) h0 = 1.5 cm OR 15 mm 1 3(b) m values 3.55, 1.66, 1.08, 0.80, 0.64 1 3(c) Graph: Axes correctly labelled and right way round 1 Suitable scales 1 All plots correct to ½ small square 1 Good line judgement, thin, continuous line 1 3(d) Method clearly shown on graph 1 u1 correct to ½ small square 1 3(e) f values from 13.5 to 16.4 cm 1 3(f) Any two from: Use dark room / bright object Move screen slowly to find best image Mark centre of lens position on lens holder Place metre rule on bench / clamp rule in position Ensure object, lens and screen are vertical Ensure object and lens at same height from bench 2
Q4 · A student investigates the resistances of different wires
4 A student investigates the resistances of different wires. Plan an experiment to investigate the resistances of wires made from different metals. V Resistance is calculated using the equation R = . I The following apparatus is available: ammeter voltmeter power supply metre rule a selection of wires made from different metals. You can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory. In your plan, you should: • write a list of suitable metals for the wires you will investigate • draw a diagram of a suitable electrical circuit using standard electrical symbols • explain briefly how to carry out the investigation • state the key variables to keep constant • draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display your readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table). .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [7]
Mark scheme: 4 MP1 Correct circuit diagram to include test wire, power source, ammeter and voltmeter 1 MP2 Correct symbols used for ammeter and voltmeter. 1 MP3 At least 3 different metals (or alloys) suggested 1 MP4 Measure potential difference and current. Work out resistance 1 MP5 Repeat with at least two more wires of different material. 1 MP6 Key variables: Any one from: Length of wire Diameter / thickness / cross-sectional area of wire 1 MP7 Table with columns for material, potential difference, current and resistance with units V, A, Ω. 1 Additional graph notes: Note: The principle to apply here is ‘could I draw a significantly better line, using these points, under examination conditions?’ If the answer is definitely ‘yes’, do not award the mark. Note: If candidate’s scale consists of actual readings at equal intervals this will produce a perfect straight line! The only mark available in this case is the first (axes right way round and labelled) So maximum 1. If axes are wrong way round, the other 3 marks are still available.
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 4 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2020 Oct/Nov, Paper 6 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.