2.1· 55 questions · 55 marks · 66 min · 2018–2025· Multiple choice
Every Cambridge IGCSE Physics (9-1) Paper 2 question on kinetic particle model of matter, laid out as 16 A4 pages with the mark scheme below. Nothing is left out. Free to read, no account.


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16 / 16Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Pastlit
Physics (9-1) 0972 · Kinetic particle model of matter — Paper 2
IGCSE · topical answer key — answer key (teacher use)
Question
Answer
Marks
Pastlit
Physics (9-1) 0972 · Kinetic particle model of matter — Paper 2
IGCSE · topical answer key — answer key (teacher use)
Question
Answer
Marks
| Question | Answer | Marks | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2018 |
| 2 | C | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2018 |
| 3 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2018 |
| 4 | D | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2018 |
| 5 | B | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2018 |
| 6 | B | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2018 |
| 7 | A | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2019 |
| 8 | A | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2019 |
| 9 | C | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2019 |
| 10 | D | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2019 |
| 11 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2019 |
| 12 | C | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2019 |
| 13 | D | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2019 |
| 14 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2020 |
| 15 | A | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2020 |
| 16 | C | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2020 |
| 17 | B | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2020 |
| 18 | A | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2020 |
| 19 | D | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2020 |
| 20 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2020 |
| 21 | C | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2021 |
| 22 | B | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2021 |
| 23 | D | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2022 |
| 24 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2022 |
| 25 | A | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2022 |
| 26 | C | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2022 |
| 27 | B | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2022 |
| 28 | A | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2022 |
| 29 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2022 |
| 30 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2022 |
| 31 | C | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2023 |
| 32 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2023 |
| 33 | A | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2023 |
| 34 | B | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2023 |
| 35 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2023 |
| 36 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2023 |
| 37 | D | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2023 |
| 38 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2024 |
| 39 | C | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2024 |
| 40 | D | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2024 |
| 41 | C | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2024 |
| 42 | D | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2024 |
| 43 | C | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2024 |
| 44 | A | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2024 |
| 45 | D | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2024 |
| 46 | D | 1 | 0972/22 May/June 2024 |
| 47 | B | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2024 |
| 48 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2024 |
| 49 | D | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2024 |
| 50 | A | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2025 |
| 51 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2025 |
| 52 | B | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2025 |
| 53 | A | 1 | 0972/21 May/June 2025 |
| 54 | A | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2025 |
| 55 | C | 1 | 0972/21 Oct/Nov 2025 |
15 When molecules of a gas rebound from a wall of a container, the wall experiences a pressure. What is the cause of this pressure? A the change in energy of the molecules B the change in momentum of the molecules C the change in power of the molecules D the change in speed of the molecules
1 marks
Answer: B
17 Which statements about boiling and about evaporation are both correct? boiling evaporation A takes place only at the surface takes place only at the surface B takes place only at the surface takes place throughout the liquid C takes place throughout the liquid takes place only at the surface D takes place throughout the liquid takes place throughout the liquid
1 marks
Answer: C
14 Diagram 1 shows apparatus being used to observe smoke particles. Diagram 2 shows how a smoke particle moves randomly. diagram 1 diagram 2 eye random movement microscope air molecules light and smoke particles Why do the smoke particles move randomly? A They are hit by air molecules. B They are less dense than air. C They are moved by convection currents. D They gain energy from the light.
1 marks
Answer: A
15 The gas in a sealed container is compressed at constant temperature. Which graph shows how the pressure of the gas changes with its volume? A B pressure pressure 0 0 0 volume 0 volume C D pressure pressure 0 0 0 volume 0 volume
1 marks
Answer: D
20 One end of a copper bar is heated to a high temperature. Which mechanism is responsible for the transfer of thermal energy to the other end of the copper bar? A the lattice vibrations of copper ions only B the lattice vibrations of copper ions and the movement of high energy electrons along the bar C the movement of high energy copper ions along the bar D the movement of high energy electrons along the bar only
1 marks
Answer: B
26 A sheet of ice floats on water. A source of sound S is positioned at the edge of the ice sheet. Four microphones are placed equal distances from S. Which microphone detects the sound from S first? A air B D S ice water C
1 marks
Answer: B
14 A stationary smoke particle is hit by a fast-moving nitrogen molecule. Which row describes the motion of the smoke particle and of the nitrogen molecule after the collision? smoke particle nitrogen molecule A moves rebounds B moves stops C remains stationary rebounds D remains stationary stops
1 marks
Answer: A
14 At room temperature, iron is difficult to compress. At the same temperature, oxygen is much easier to compress. Which comparison of the structures of iron and oxygen explains this? A The iron particles are closer together. B The iron particles have a greater mass. C The iron particles can be magnetised. D The iron particles have less average kinetic energy.
1 marks
Answer: A
15 Which statement about the evaporation of a liquid is correct? A The least energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases. B The least energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases. C The most energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases. D The most energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases.
1 marks
Answer: C
16 A bubble of gas is formed deep under water. The bubble has a volume of 40 cm3 and the pressure inside the bubble is P. The bubble rises up through the water. The volume of the bubble increases to 56 cm3 and the pressure becomes 100 kPa. The temperature of the gas does not change. What is the initial pressure P ? A 71 Pa B 71 kPa C 140 Pa D 140 kPa
1 marks
Answer: D
18 A liquid turns into a gas. This occurs only at one particular temperature, and the change happens throughout the liquid. What is this process called? A boiling B condensation C evaporation D fusion
1 marks
Answer: A
19 One end of a rod of copper is placed in hot water. Thermal energy travels along the rod to make the other end warmer. What is the behaviour of the copper at an atomic level that accounts for most of the transfer of thermal energy from one end to the other? A Atoms at the hot end gain kinetic energy and move towards the other end. B Atoms at the hot end expand, colliding with other atoms and transferring energy. C Free electrons at the hot end gain energy and move towards the other end, colliding with atoms along the rod. D Free electrons at the hot end gain energy from the hot water and move directly to the other end.
1 marks
Answer: C
25 Which row gives a possible set of values for the speed of sound in ice, in water and in steam? speed of sound speed of sound speed of sound in ice in water in steam m/s m/s m/s A 500 1500 4000 B 1500 4000 500 C 4000 500 1500 D 4000 1500 500
1 marks
Answer: D
14 A gas is heated in a sealed container. The volume of the container does not change. What happens to the molecules of the gas? A The average distance between molecules increases. B The average kinetic energy of the molecules increases. C The mass of each molecule increases. D The volume of each molecule increases.
1 marks
Answer: B
15 Water in a beaker evaporates when left on a bench for a period of time. Which three factors all affect the rate of evaporation of the water? A wind speed, surface area, temperature B wind speed, temperature, volume C wind speed, surface area, volume D surface area, temperature, volume
1 marks
Answer: A
16 A solid is heated causing it to expand. What 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
1 marks
Answer: C
14 Which row describes the forces between the molecules and the motion of the molecules in a solid? forces between motion molecules of molecules A strong move freely B strong vibrate only C weak move freely D weak vibrate only
1 marks
Answer: B
15 Wet clothes are hanging outside to dry. Which condition decreases the rate of evaporation of the water from the clothes? A folded clothes B higher temperature C wetter clothes D windy day
1 marks
Answer: A
15 A student splashes water on to her face. Here are three statements about the effects. P The water uses energy to evaporate. Q The water gains energy from the student. R The face of the student cools. Which statements are correct? A P and Q only B P and R only C Q and R only D P, Q and R
1 marks
Answer: D
25 Which row gives possible values for the speed of sound? speed in gas speed in liquid speed in solid m / s m / s m / s A 972 1450 3560 B 972 3560 1450 C 1450 3560 972 D 3560 972 1450
1 marks
Answer: A
12 A liquid is evaporating. The liquid is not boiling. Which statement about the liquid is correct at an instant in time? A Any molecule can escape, and from any part of the liquid. B Any molecule can escape, but only from the liquid’s surface. C Only molecules with enough energy can escape, and only from the liquid’s surface. D Only molecules with enough energy can escape, but from any part of the liquid.
1 marks
Answer: C
13 The diagram shows two cylinders connected by a narrow tube fitted with a tap. tap 80 cm3 20 cm3 One cylinder contains 80 cm3 of gas at a pressure of 2.0 105 Pa. The other cylinder contains a vacuum. The volume of the evacuated cylinder is 20 cm3. The tap is opened so that the gas can flow to fill both cylinders. The temperature of the gas remains constant. What is the new pressure of the gas? A 0.50 105 Pa B 1.6 105 Pa C 2.5 105 Pa D 8.0 105 Pa
1 marks
Answer: B
14 A sealed rigid container has a fixed volume. The container is filled with air. The container is placed in a freezer cabinet and the temperature of the air in the container decreases. Which row correctly describes what happens to the air in the container? average distance average speed between air particles of air particles A decreases increases B decreases decreases C no change increases D no change decreases
1 marks
Answer: D
15 Two open containers are filled with water at room temperature. The containers have different shapes. container 1 container 2 From which container does the water evaporate at the greater rate and how can the rate of evaporation be increased? container with the greater how the rate of rate of evaporation evaporation can be increased A 1 decrease the water temperature B 1 increase the water temperature C 2 decrease the water temperature D 2 increase the water temperature
1 marks
Answer: B
18 A glass contains an iced drink on a warm and humid day. Water starts to form on the outside of the glass. What is the name of the effect by which the water forms? A condensation B conduction C convection D evaporation
1 marks
Answer: A
14 The conditions of a sample of gas change in two stages. stage 1 increase of temperature at constant volume stage 2 increase of volume with no further change of temperature Which row about the pressure after each stage is correct? stage 1 stage 2 pressure compared pressure compared to to original pressure pressure after stage 1 A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
1 marks
Answer: C
15 Small pollen particles are suspended in water. When viewed with a microscope, the pollen particles can be seen to be moving about irregularly. What causes this movement? A The pollen particles are being bombarded by the heavier particles of the water. B The pollen particles are being bombarded by the lighter particles of the water. C The temperature of the water is higher than that of the pollen particles. D The temperature of the water is lower than that of the pollen particles.
1 marks
Answer: B
18 A glass contains an iced drink on a warm and humid day. Water starts to form on the outside of the glass. What is the name of the effect by which the water forms? A condensation B conduction C convection D evaporation
1 marks
Answer: A
12 A fixed mass of gas is trapped in a container. The temperature of the gas is increased but the volume of the gas is kept constant. fixed mass of gas How does this change affect the average kinetic energy of the molecules and the pressure on the walls of the container? average pressure kinetic energy A increases increases B stays the same increases C increases decreases D decreases increases
1 marks
Answer: A
13 Which row correctly describes boiling and evaporation of water? boiling evaporation A bubbles seen occurs at surface only B bubbles seen occurs throughout the water C no bubbles occurs at surface only D no bubbles occurs throughout the water
1 marks
Answer: A
14 A student uses a microscope to observe pollen moving on the surface of water. Which statement describes the reason for this movement? A Water molecules are moved by microscopic pollen particles. B Water molecules are moved by pollen molecules. C Microscopic pollen particles are moved by water molecules. D Pollen molecules are moved by water molecules.
1 marks
Answer: C
15 Which statements about evaporation of water are correct? 1 Evaporation causes the remaining liquid to cool. 2 During evaporation, the more energetic particles escape from the surface of the liquid. 3 Evaporation only happens at 100 °C. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
1 marks
Answer: B
14 Four students describe the phrase ‘absolute zero’ during a lesson on the particle model. Which student is correct? A This is the lowest possible temperature. B Particles in a solid start vibrating. C Particles do not have any weight. D Particles have the least gravitational potential energy.
1 marks
Answer: A
15 Four students are asked to state and explain the relative magnitudes of the thermal expansion of solids and gases. Which student is correct? A Gases expand more than solids because the molecules in a gas are in random motion. B Gases expand more than solids because the attractive forces between molecules are much weaker in gases. C Solids expand more than gases because the molecules are closer together in solids. D Solids expand more than gases because the molecules in a solid are in a regular pattern.
1 marks
Answer: B
12 Why can a gas be compressed easily into a smaller volume? A The particles are far apart. B The particles do not attract each other. C The particles move randomly. D The volume of each particle can be reduced.
1 marks
Answer: A
13 A gas is contained in a cylinder by a movable piston. gas cylinder piston The gas is heated so that it expands at constant pressure. How is the force of each collision of a gas particle with the piston affected and how does the frequency of collisions between the gas particles and the piston change? force frequency A increases decreases B increases increases C stays the same decreases D stays the same increases
1 marks
Answer: A
23 The element mercury exists as a solid, a liquid or a gas. Which row gives a possible set of values of the speeds of sound through mercury? speed of sound in speed of sound in speed of sound in frozen mercury liquid mercury mercury vapour m / s m / s m / s A 250 1500 2500 B 250 2500 1500 C 1500 250 2500 D 2500 1500 250
1 marks
Answer: D
9 A man puts some ice into a glass of water on a warm day. After a short time, he notices that the ice disappears and that water droplets appear on the outside of the glass. ice droplets of water Which two changes of state are taking place? A condensation and freezing B condensation and melting C boiling and melting D freezing and evaporation
1 marks
Answer: B
10 Gas of volume 200 cm3 is trapped inside a container by a piston. The piston is pushed to the right and the volume of the gas decreases to 100 cm3. The temperature of the gas remains constant. trapped gas piston container Which row states the effect that this has on the kinetic energy of the gas particles and the force per unit area exerted by the particles colliding with the inside walls of the container? kinetic energy force per unit area A doubles doubles B doubles stays the same C stays the same doubles D stays the same stays the same
1 marks
Answer: C
11 Which graph shows the relationship between the pressure and volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature? A B pressure pressure 0 0 0 volume 0 volume C D pressure pressure 0 0 0 volume 0 volume
1 marks
Answer: D
12 During evaporation of a liquid, the most energetic particles escape. The temperature of the remaining liquid changes. Which row identifies where these particles escape from and describes the temperature change? place from which temperature of the particles escape remaining liquid A body of the liquid decreases B body of the liquid increases C surface of the liquid decreases D surface of the liquid increases
1 marks
Answer: C
13 Wet clothes are put out on a line to allow the water in the clothes to evaporate. Which type of weather would cause the water to evaporate most quickly? A a cold day with no wind B a cold day with wind C a hot day with no wind D a hot day with wind
1 marks
Answer: D
9 What are the correct terms for each change of state? liquid to solid liquid to gas A solidification condensation B melting condensation C solidification evaporation D melting evaporation
1 marks
Answer: C
10 Extremely small pollen grains in water are viewed through a microscope. The grains are seen to move continually and randomly. What is the reason for this random movement? A The grains are moved by randomly moving water molecules. B The grains are moved by random convection currents in the water. C The grains are moved by random rays of light reflecting off them. D The grains are moved by the random motion of their own atoms.
1 marks
Answer: A
11 Which graph shows how the volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature varies with its pressure? A B volume volume 0 0 0 pressure 0 pressure C D volume volume 0 0 0 pressure 0 pressure
1 marks
Answer: D
14 An ice cube is placed in a beaker and is heated. The ice melts to form water, which evaporates at first and then boils. The steam condenses on a cold window in the room. Which process involves a transfer of energy from the ice, water or steam to the surroundings? A melting B evaporating C boiling D condensing
1 marks
Answer: D
12 Some air is trapped inside a metal container with a tightly fitting lid. tightly fitting lid metal container air heat The container is heated strongly behind a safety screen. The lid is blown off by the increased pressure of the air inside the container. What causes the increase in pressure of the air inside the container? A Each air particle expands and takes up more room. B The air particles move more quickly. C The number of particles inside the container increases. D The volume occupied by the air decreases.
1 marks
Answer: B
14 A student measures the mass of water in an open container over two hours. The container is kept in a warm room. The results are in the table. time / hours mass of water / g 0.0 33.9 0.5 30.6 1.0 27.6 1.5 24.9 2.0 22.5 Why does the mass of the water change? A The water evaporates. B The water freezes. C The water condenses. D The water boils.
1 marks
Answer: A
16 A block of ice is at a temperature of -100°C. Energy is supplied at a constant rate. The graph shows how its temperature changes. 200 temperature /°C 100 —100 time At which points have the ice completely changed state to water and all the water completely changed state to steam? completely completely changed to water | changed to steam 3 4 3 4
1 marks
Answer: D
10 A hot gas and a cool liquid are at the same pressure. Which row describes the separation and the motion of the particles of a hot gas compared to those of a cool liquid? separation of gas particles motion of gas particles A greater than a cool liquid faster than a cool liquid B greater than a cool liquid slower than a cool liquid C less than a cool liquid faster than a cool liquid D less than a cool liquid slower than a cool liquid
1 marks
Answer: A
11 A fixed mass of gas has a volume of 1.2 m3 and is at a pressure of 200 kPa. The gas expands at constant temperature to a volume of 1.8 m3. What is the new pressure of the gas? A 120 kPa B 130 kPa C 300 kPa D 600 kPa
1 marks
Answer: B
13 When water evaporates, what escapes from the surface of the water? A individual atoms B individual molecules C individual protons D tiny drops of water
1 marks
Answer: B
14 A sealed container of gas is heated. The pressure of the gas increases. Which statement explains this increase in pressure? A The forces of the gas particles striking the walls of the container increase. B The forces of attraction between the gas particles and the walls of the container increase. C The gas particles collide with each other more frequently. D The gas particles lose more energy when they strike the walls of the container.
1 marks
Answer: A
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
1 marks
Answer: A
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.
1 marks
Answer: C