Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined 0653 — 2019 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 2
0653/22/O/N/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 paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · A biologist keeps a potted plant in a laboratory
1 A biologist keeps a potted plant in a laboratory. Which feature of the potted plant shows that it is a living organism? A It grows larger over time. B It has green leaves. C The compost in the pot dries after he waters it. D The stems contain xylem.
Mark scheme: A
Q2 · Which statement about human gametes is correct?
2 Which statement about human gametes is correct? A Egg cells are much smaller than sperm cells. B Egg cells are produced in larger numbers than sperm cells. C Egg cells have a jelly coating that changes after fertilisation. D The flagellum is an adaptive feature of an egg cell.
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · The diagram shows a cross section of a stem
3 The diagram shows a cross section of a stem. tissue 1 tissue 2 Which row shows the correct names and functions of the tissues? tissue 1 tissue 2 name function name function A phloem support only phloem transport only B phloem transport only xylem support and transport C xylem transport only phloem support and transport D xylem support only xylem transport only
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · 1 cm³ of substance X is added to 10 cm³ starch suspension and mixed
4 1 cm³ of substance X is added to 10 cm³ starch suspension and mixed. Food tests are carried out immediately after mixing and again after an hour. The results of the tests are shown in the table. colour of solution colour of solution test reagent after mixing after one hour Benedict’s solution blue orange iodine solution blue / black brown What is substance X? A amylase B protease C lipase D sugar
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · The diagram represents the human heart and four blood vessels
5 The diagram represents the human heart and four blood vessels. Which blood vessel contains blood at the highest pressure? B C D A
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · The diagram shows an alveolus and a blood capillary
6 The diagram shows an alveolus and a blood capillary. 2 1 4 3 Which two arrows represent gas exchange by diffusion only? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 4 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · Which statement about aerobic respiration is correct?
7 Which statement about aerobic respiration is correct? A It exchanges gases through the walls of the alveoli. B It expels carbon dioxide from the lungs. C It only produces carbon dioxide and energy. D It uses oxygen to release energy from glucose.
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · Nitrates in the soil are taken up by the roots of a plant
8 Nitrates in the soil are taken up by the roots of a plant. What are the nitrates used to make? A fat B glucose C protein D starch
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · Which statement about sexual reproduction is always correct?
9 Which statement about sexual reproduction is always correct? A It involves only one parent. B It involves the fusion of nuclei. C It produces genetically identical offspring. D It takes place only in animals.
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · Which row gives the most suitable characteristics of a wind-pollinated flower?
10 Which row gives the most suitable characteristics of a wind-pollinated flower? pollen grains anthers stigma A smooth few small B smooth many large C sticky few large D sticky many small
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · A developing fetus is connected to its mother by an umbilical cord and placenta
11 A developing fetus is connected to its mother by an umbilical cord and placenta. What is the function of the placenta? A to allow the mixing of the mother’s blood with the blood of the fetus B to exchange nutrients and waste C to keep the fetus warm D to stop the fetus from moving
Mark scheme: B
Q12 · The diagram shows a food web
12 The diagram shows a food web. cat sparrowhawk thrush robin frog snail slug caterpillar delphinium nasturtium cabbage How could the frog be classed? A second trophic level and secondary consumer B second trophic level and tertiary consumer C third trophic level and secondary consumer D third trophic level and tertiary consumer
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · The table shows the possible effects of two processes on the concentration of two gases…
13 The table shows the possible effects of two processes on the concentration of two gases in the atmosphere. concentration of gases in atmosphere process carbon dioxide oxygen 1 combustion of fossil fuels decrease increase 2 combustion of fossil fuels increase decrease 3 deforestation decrease increase 4 deforestation increase decrease Which rows show the effects of deforestation and combustion of fossil fuels on the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere? A 1 and 3 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · The chromatogram of a black ink containing three dyes is shown
14 The chromatogram of a black ink containing three dyes is shown. solvent front blue purple 20 cm 16 cm 12 cm yellow baseline 4 cm What is the Rf value of the purple ink? A 0.2 B 0.4 C 0.6 D 1.67
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · A white solid X is formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen
15 A white solid X is formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen. What is X? A a compound B a mixture C an alloy D an element
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · The fertiliser ammonium sulfate has the formula (NH4)2SO4
16 The fertiliser ammonium sulfate has the formula (NH4)2SO4. How many atoms of each element are present in the formula? number of number of number of number of hydrogen atoms nitrogen atoms oxygen atoms sulfur atoms A 4 1 1 1 B 4 2 4 1 C 8 1 4 1 D 8 2 4 1
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · Element X is a non-metal used in the treatment of the water supply
17 Element X is a non-metal used in the treatment of the water supply. It is made during the electrolysis of a metal salt. What is the colour of X and at which electrode is it made? colour electrode A red anode B red cathode C yellow-green anode D yellow-green cathode
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · The energy level diagram for a reaction is shown
18 The energy level diagram for a reaction is shown. X energy Y progress of reaction Which statement is correct? A X is the energy change of the reaction. B Y is the activation energy of the reaction. C The energy change of the reaction is larger than the activation energy of the reaction. D The reaction is exothermic.
Mark scheme: D
Q19 · Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with excess calcium carbonate
19 Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with excess calcium carbonate. The amount of carbon dioxide made in one minute is recorded. The experiment is repeated using the same volume of more concentrated hydrochloric acid. How does the volume of carbon dioxide collected in one minute and the frequency of collisions of reacting particles change? volume of frequency carbon dioxide of collisions A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: D
Q20 · Copper sulfate is a soluble salt
20 Copper sulfate is a soluble salt. How are pure crystals of copper sulfate prepared? A Mix copper chloride solution with sodium sulfate solution, filter, rinse and dry. B React copper oxide with excess dilute sulfuric acid, evaporate, cool, filter, rinse and dry. C React excess copper carbonate, with dilute sulfuric acid, filter, evaporate, cool, filter, rinse and dry. D React excess copper with dilute sulfuric acid, filter, evaporate, cool, filter, rinse and dry.
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · Which row describes the reactivity and the electronic structure of a noble gas?
21 Which row describes the reactivity and the electronic structure of a noble gas? reactivity electronic structure A reactive full outer shell B reactive incomplete outer shell C unreactive incomplete outer shell D unreactive full outer shell
Mark scheme: D
Q22 · Which statement about alloys is correct?
22 Which statement about alloys is correct? A They are made from metals because metals are poor electrical conductors. B They are mixtures of compounds that contain metals. C They have all the same properties as the metals from which they are made. D They have different properties to the metals from which they are made.
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · Which statement about the extraction of iron in a blast furnace is not correct?
23 Which statement about the extraction of iron in a blast furnace is not correct? A Carbon dioxide reduces iron oxide. B Carbon monoxide is oxidised by iron oxide. C Carbon reduces carbon dioxide. D The high temperatures required are produced by reacting carbon with oxygen.
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · What is the composition of clean air?
24 What is the composition of clean air? A 78% nitrogen, 21% carbon dioxide and small amounts of other gases B 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and small amounts of other gases C 78% oxygen, 21% carbon dioxide and small amounts of other gases D 78% oxygen, 21% nitrogen and small amounts of other gases
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · Which two gases cause an enhanced greenhouse effect when their concentrations in the…
25 Which two gases cause an enhanced greenhouse effect when their concentrations in the atmosphere increase? A carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide B carbon dioxide and methane C methane and sulfur dioxide D sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide
Mark scheme: B
Q26 · Gasoline is one fraction obtained from petroleum
26 Gasoline is one fraction obtained from petroleum. Which row describes the boiling point of the compounds and the molecules in this fraction? boiling point molecules A they have different boiling points they contain different numbers of carbon atoms B they have different boiling points they contain the same number of carbon atoms C they have the same boiling point they contain different numbers of carbon atoms D they have the same boiling point they contain the same number of carbon atoms
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · Which hydrocarbons belong to the same homologous series?
27 Which hydrocarbons belong to the same homologous series? A C2H2, C2H4, C2H6 B CH4, C2H4, C3H4 C C2H4, C3H6, C4H8 D C2H4, C3H8, C4H10
Mark scheme: C
Q28 · A measuring cylinder contains liquid
28 A measuring cylinder contains liquid. More liquid is now poured into the measuring cylinder. The diagrams show the measuring cylinder before and after the liquid is poured into it. 10 10 9 9 cm3 8 cm3 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 before after What volume of liquid is poured into the measuring cylinder? A 3.5 cm3 B 4.0 cm3 C 4.5 cm3 D 8.0 cm3
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q29 · The graph shows how the speed of a car changes with time
29 The graph shows how the speed of a car changes with time. The car travels at constant speed, then accelerates, and finally brakes to a stop. speed 0 0 5 20 30 time / s The car travels 60 m while it brakes to a stop. What is the average speed of the car while it is braking? A 3.0 m / s B 4.0 m / s C 6.0 m / s D 12 m / s
Mark scheme: C
Q30 · A spring obeys Hooke’s law until it reaches its limit of proportionality
30 A spring obeys Hooke’s law until it reaches its limit of proportionality. A load is hung from the spring. The load is gradually increased and the spring is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality. Which is the extension-load graph for the spring? A B extension extension 0 0 0 load 0 load C D extension extension 0 0 0 load 0 load
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · The diagram shows a load attached to a spring
31 The diagram shows a load attached to a spring. spring P load Q The load is pulled down and then released so that it oscillates between point P (highest point) and point Q (lowest point). Which form of energy does the load have at point P? A gravitational potential energy only B kinetic energy only C kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy D neither kinetic energy nor gravitational potential energy
Mark scheme: A
Q32 · Liquids consist of molecules that are constantly moving
32 Liquids consist of molecules that are constantly moving. Which row describes the motion of the molecules in a liquid and compares the forces between them to the forces between molecules in a gas? motion of molecules forces between molecules A random stronger than in a gas B random weaker than in a gas C vibrating about fixed positions stronger than in a gas D vibrating about fixed positions weaker than in a gas
Mark scheme: A
Q33 · A circular bowl in a room contains water
33 A circular bowl in a room contains water. Which two factors both ensure that the smallest quantity of water evaporates in a day? temperature diameter of room of bowl A high large B high small C low large D low small
Mark scheme: D
Q34 · In which process is thermal energy transferred by molecular vibrations?
34 In which process is thermal energy transferred by molecular vibrations? A conduction B convection C evaporation D radiation
Mark scheme: A
Q35 · The diagram shows light striking a plane mirror
35 The diagram shows light striking a plane mirror. plane mirror 50° ray of light normal What is the angle of reflection of the ray when it is reflected from the mirror? A 40° B 50° C 80° D 100°
Mark scheme: A
Q36 · A student measures the speed of sound
36 A student measures the speed of sound. He claps his hands and the sound reflects from a wall that is 100 m away from him. wall student electronic timer 100 m An electronic timer next to the student detects the echo of the sound 0.60 s after it is made. Which calculation gives the speed of sound? 200 200 100 100 A m / s B m / s C m / s D m / s 0.30 0.60 0.60 1 . 2
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · The diagram represents a sound wave travelling in air
37 The diagram represents a sound wave travelling in air. wave direction 1 2 3 4 5 6 Which numbered points are at the centre of a compression and which numbered points are at the centre of a rarefaction? centre of a centre of a compression rarefaction A 1 and 5 2 and 4 B 1 and 5 3 and 6 C 3 and 6 1 and 5 D 3 and 6 2 and 4
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · A piece of wire has a resistance of 8.0 Ω
38 A piece of wire has a resistance of 8.0 Ω. The length of the wire is doubled and the diameter of the wire is halved. What is the new resistance of the wire? A 2.0 Ω B 4.0 Ω C 8.0 Ω D 64 Ω
Mark scheme: D
Q39 · Four ammeters V, W, X and Y are connected in the circuit shown
39 Four ammeters V, W, X and Y are connected in the circuit shown. V W A A Y X A A Which ammeters have the same reading as each other? A V and W only B V and Y only C X and Y only D V, W, X and Y
Mark scheme: D
Q40 · There is a current I in a lamp
40 There is a current I in a lamp. The potential difference across the lamp is V and the power produced by the lamp is P. In a second lamp, the current is 2I and the potential difference across it is 2 V . What is the power produced by this other lamp? A P B P C P D 2P 4 2
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.
2Electrical quantities2Kinetic particle model of matter2Sexual reproduction in humans2Sexual reproduction in plants2Alloys and their properties1Characteristics of living organisms1Chromatography1Diet1Electrical circuits1Electrolysis1Elements, compounds and mixtures1Energy, work and power1Enzymes1Exothermic and endothermic reactions1Extraction of metals1Food chains and food webs1Forces1Formulas1Fuels1Gas exchange in humans1General properties of waves1Habitat destruction1Heart1Light1Motion1Noble gases1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Preparation of salts1Rate of reaction1Respiration1Sound1Terminology1Transfer of thermal energy1Xylem and phloem1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2019 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.