Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined 0653 — 2017 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 1
0653/21/O/N/17 · 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 · Which characteristics help to define a living organism?
1 Which characteristics help to define a living organism? A diffusion, movement, respiration B excretion, nutrition, sensitivity C excretion, reproduction, transpiration D growth, inspiration, nutrition
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · The diagram shows a palisade cell
2 The diagram shows a palisade cell. Which structure converts energy from light into chemical energy? D C A B
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · Why does the rate of enzyme activity change when the temperature rises above the optimum…
3 Why does the rate of enzyme activity change when the temperature rises above the optimum temperature? A The enzyme has been denatured. B The enzyme has been used up. C The enzyme molecules are moving too slowly. D The enzyme speeds up the rate of the reaction.
Mark scheme: A
Q4 · Which chemical is used to test for a food substance that contains the elements carbon…
4 Which chemical is used to test for a food substance that contains the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen? A Benedict’s solution B biuret solution C ethanol D iodine solution
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · Which letters from the list represent the balanced equation for photosynthesis?
5 Which letters from the list represent the balanced equation for photosynthesis? P C6H12O6 T H2O Q 6C6H12O6 U 6H2O R CO2 V O2 S 6CO2 W 6O2 A P + U → R + V B Q + T → S + U C R + T → W + P D U + S → P + W
Mark scheme: D
Q6 · In which order does food pass through parts of the alimentary canal?
6 In which order does food pass through parts of the alimentary canal? A oesophagus → colon → small intestine B small intestine → oesophagus → rectum C small intestine → rectum → anus D stomach → colon → small intestine
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · The diagram shows a plant cell
7 The diagram shows a plant cell. X What does structure X do? A decreases the surface area of the cell for water and ion absorption B decreases the surface area of the cell for water and sugar absorption C increases the surface area of the cell for water and ion absorption D increases the surface area of the cell for water and sugar absorption
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · The diagram shows the double circulation of blood around the human body
8 The diagram shows the double circulation of blood around the human body. Which blood vessel contains blood at the highest pressure? lungs A B C D body
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · The photomicrograph shows a sample of human blood
9 The photomicrograph shows a sample of human blood. X What is the function of the cells marked X? A antibody formation B clotting of blood C phagocytosis D transport of oxygen
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · Which component of tobacco smoke reduces the ability of haemoglobin to carry oxygen?
10 Which component of tobacco smoke reduces the ability of haemoglobin to carry oxygen? A carbon monoxide B nicotine C smoke particles D tar
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · During pregnancy, the fetus is contained within the amniotic sac
11 During pregnancy, the fetus is contained within the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac contains amniotic fluid. What is the function of the amniotic fluid? A It protects the fetus against knocks and bumps. B It provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients. C It removes the fetal waste products. D It supplies the fetus with blood.
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · The diagram represents part of the carbon cycle
12 The diagram represents part of the carbon cycle. 1 atmospheric green plants carbon dioxide 2 3 animals 4 microorganisms Which arrows show where respiration takes place? A 1, 3 and 4 B 1 and 3 only C 2, 3 and 4 D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · Which gas dissolves in water vapour to produce acid rain?
13 Which gas dissolves in water vapour to produce acid rain? A methane B nitrogen C oxygen D sulfur dioxide
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · The formulae of three substances are shown
14 The formulae of three substances are shown. substance formula methane CH4 water H2O oxygen O2 Which statement is correct? A Methane is made from five different types of atom. B Methane, water and oxygen are molecules. C Only methane and water are molecules. D Oxygen is made from two different types of atom.
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · Which process is used to separate petroleum?
15 Which process is used to separate petroleum? A crystallisation B distillation C filtration D fractional distillation
Mark scheme: D
Q16 · What is the electronic structure of a chlorine atom, Cl, and of a chloride ion, Cl –?
16 What is the electronic structure of a chlorine atom, Cl, and of a chloride ion, Cl –? chlorine atom chloride ion A 2,8,6 2,8,8 B 2,8,7 2,8,6 C 2,8,7 2,8,8 D 2,8,8 2,8,7
Mark scheme: C
Q17 · Element Q and element R combine to form a covalent compound, Q2R
17 Element Q and element R combine to form a covalent compound, Q2R. The arrangement of the outer-shell electrons in the compound is shown. Q R Q Which compound has the same arrangement of outer shell electrons as Q2R? A carbon dioxide B hydrogen chloride C methane D water
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · Aluminium sulfate contains aluminium ions, Al 3+, and sulfate ions, SO4 2–
18 Aluminium sulfate contains aluminium ions, Al 3+, and sulfate ions, SO4 2–. Iron(II) nitride contains iron(II) ions, Fe2+, and nitride ions, N3–. What are the formulae of aluminium sulfate and of iron(II) nitride? aluminium sulfate iron(II) nitride A Al 2(SO4)3 Fe2N3 B Al 2(SO4)3 Fe3N2 C Al 3(SO4)2 Fe2N3 D Al 3(SO4)2 Fe3N2
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · What is produced at the anode during the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide?
19 What is produced at the anode during the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide? A bromide ions B bromine C lead D lead(II) ions
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · The diagram shows gas X burning and heating a liquid
20 The diagram shows gas X burning and heating a liquid. Which row is correct? gas X 0 Oo WwW > gas X hydrogen hydrogen oxygen oxygen the burning of gas X is exothermic x < x liquid flame
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · Gases X and Y react together to form gas Z
21 Gases X and Y react together to form gas Z. The equation for the reaction is shown. 2X(g) + Y(g) → Z(g) The total volume of gas is measured as the reaction occurs. The dotted line in the graph shows the results. The reaction is repeated using the same volumes of X and Y under the same conditions but with the addition of a catalyst. Which line shows the results for the second experiment? A total B volume of gas C D time / s
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · Carbon reacts with carbon dioxide at high temperatures
22 Carbon reacts with carbon dioxide at high temperatures. carbon + carbon dioxide → carbon monoxide Which statement about the reaction is correct? A Both carbon and carbon dioxide are oxidised. B Both carbon and carbon dioxide are reduced. C The carbon is oxidised and the carbon dioxide is reduced. D The carbon is reduced and the carbon dioxide is oxidised.
Mark scheme: C
Q23 · Excess aqueous barium nitrate is added to dilute sulfuric acid to produce barium sulfate
23 Excess aqueous barium nitrate is added to dilute sulfuric acid to produce barium sulfate. How is barium sulfate obtained from the reaction mixture? A electrolysis B evaporation C filtration D fractional distillation
Mark scheme: C
Q24 · Which statement about elements in the Periodic Table is correct?
24 Which statement about elements in the Periodic Table is correct? A Barium is a non-metal in Group II and its atoms have two electrons in their outer shells. B Chlorine is a non-metal in Group VII and its atoms have seven electrons in their outer shells. C Fluorine is a non-metal in Group VII and its atoms have one electron in their outer shells. D Sodium is a metal in Group II and its atoms have one electron in their outer shells.
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · Which substance is added to the blast furnace to remove acidic impurities during the…
25 Which substance is added to the blast furnace to remove acidic impurities during the extraction of iron? A calcium silicate B carbon monoxide C coke D limestone
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · P, Q, R and S are four gases found in clean air
26 P, Q, R and S are four gases found in clean air. P is very unreactive. Q makes up 21% of the air. R makes up 78% of the air. S is formed when fossil fuels are burned. Which row is correct? P Q R S A argon nitrogen oxygen carbon dioxide B argon oxygen nitrogen carbon dioxide C carbon dioxide oxygen nitrogen argon D carbon dioxide nitrogen oxygen argon
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · Which process is an example of thermal decomposition?
27 Which process is an example of thermal decomposition? A cracking an alkane B electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide C extraction of iron in a blast furnace D fractional distillation of petroleum
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · The diagram is a speed-time graph for a moving object
28 The diagram is a speed-time graph for a moving object. 10.0 speed m / s 0 0 2.0 time / s What is the acceleration of the object and what distance does it travel in 2.0 s? acceleration distance m / s2 travelled / m A 5.0 10 B 5.0 20 C 20 10 D 20 20
Mark scheme: A
Q29 · A piece of scientific equipment is taken on a space ship from Earth to a distant planet
29 A piece of scientific equipment is taken on a space ship from Earth to a distant planet. Which property or properties of the equipment must remain the same on the distant planet? mass weight v v key / = must be the same 0 0O WwW D> WA x x Jv X = does not have to be the same x x
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · A student stretches a steel spring by hanging a load on it
30 A student stretches a steel spring by hanging a load on it. The measurements for the extension of the spring are shown in the table. load / N 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 extension / cm 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 What is the value for the spring constant k of the spring? A 0.50 N / cm B 1.0 N / cm C 2.0 N / cm D 18 N / cm
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · A panel of solar cells is 15% efficient
31 A panel of solar cells is 15% efficient. The power supplied by the Sun to the panel is 40 kW. What is the output power of the panel? A 2.7 kW B 6.0 kW C 25 kW D 34 kW
Mark scheme: B
Q32 · When a liquid evaporates, which molecules escape and what happens, if anything, to the…
32 When a liquid evaporates, which molecules escape and what happens, if anything, to the temperature of the remaining liquid? molecules temperature of escaping remaining liquid A less energetic decreases molecules B less energetic stays the same molecules C more energetic decreases molecules D more energetic stays the same molecules
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · A teacher explains about transfer of thermal energy
33 A teacher explains about transfer of thermal energy. When air is ......X......, it becomes less dense and rises. This helps to explain transfer of thermal energy by «...Y«... . Which words complete gaps X and Y? X Y A cooled conduction B cooled convection C heated conduction D heated convection
Mark scheme: D
Q34 · The diagram shows a section of a rope
34 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · The diagram shows a ray of light striking a plane mirror X
35 The diagram shows a ray of light striking a plane mirror X. Plane mirror Y is at 90° to mirror X. mirror Y NOT TO SCALE mirror X 60° What is the angle of reflection at mirror Y? A 30° B 60° C 90° D 120°
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · Electromagnetic waves are used to scan passengers’ luggage before they board an aeroplane
36 Electromagnetic waves are used to scan passengers’ luggage before they board an aeroplane. Electromagnetic waves are also used in a television remote controller. Which type of electromagnetic wave is used for each of these purposes? scanning television luggage remote controller A radio waves infra-red waves B radio waves ultraviolet waves C X-rays infra-red waves D X-rays ultraviolet waves
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The diagram represents a wave in air
37 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · The resistance of a wire depends on its length and on its diameter
38 The resistance of a wire depends on its length and on its diameter. Which row shows two changes that both increase the resistance of the wire? change 1 change 2 A decrease the length decrease the diameter B decrease the length increase the diameter C increase the length decrease the diameter D increase the length increase the diameter
Mark scheme: C
Q39 · The device Z in this circuit is designed to cut off the electricity supply automatically…
39 The device Z in this circuit is designed to cut off the electricity supply automatically if too much current flows. Z What is device Z? A a fuse B a resistor C a switch D an ammeter
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · The diagram shows a circuit containing a 12 V battery, four identical resistors, an…
40 The diagram shows a circuit containing a 12 V battery, four identical resistors, an ammeter and a voltmeter. Two values of current are shown. 12 V A 3.0 A 3.0 A V What is the reading on the ammeter and what is the reading on the voltmeter? reading on reading on ammeter / A voltmeter / V A 3.0 6.0 B 3.0 12 C 6.0 6.0 D 6.0 12
Mark scheme: C
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.
2Photosynthesis2Atomic structure and the Periodic Table1Biological molecules1Blood1Carbon cycle1Characteristics of living organisms1Circulatory systems1Digestive system1Drugs1Electrical circuits1Electrical quantities1Electrical safety1Electrolysis1Electromagnetic spectrum1Elements, compounds and mixtures1Energy, work and power1Enzymes1Exothermic and endothermic reactions1Extraction of metals1Forces1Formulas1General properties of waves1Group VII properties1Kinetic particle model of matter1Light1Mass and weight1Motion1Physical and chemical changes1Preparation of salts1Rate of reaction1Redox1Separation and purification1Sexual reproduction in humans1Simple molecules and covalent bonds1Sound1Transfer of thermal energy1Water uptake1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2017 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.