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Speed is defined as the distance travelled per unit time.

Use the equation
1. Motions, Forces and Energy d
v= t Where:
​

v is speed
1.1. Physical quantities and d is distance
measurement techniques t is time
Velocity is defined as the speed in a given direction.
Making measurements (apparatus):
Distance & Speed Time Graphs
Liquids: Measuring Cylinder.
A pipette (accurate for one specific measurement)
Time: Clock, Digital Timers (reading to 0.1s or better)
Length: Metre rule (graduated in mm)
Micrometer Screw Gauge
Vernier Calliper
Volume: Measuring Length, Width, Height
Distance-Time Graphs
Measuring volume by displacement
Mass: Top pan balance, precision of 0.1g 1 Acceleration
2 At rest
Vectors and Scalars: 3 Deceleration
4 Constant Speed
Scalar: has magnitude only
e.g. distance, speed, time, mass, energy and temperature
Vector: has magnitude and direction
e.g. force, weight, velocity, acceleration, momentum, electric
field strength and gravitational field strength
Speed-Time Graphs
1 Increasing Acceleration
2 Constant Speed
3 Decreasing Acceleration
4 Uniform Acceleration
5 Uniform Deceleration
6 Decreasing Deceleration
7 Increasing Deceleration

Acceleration:

Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity per unit of

time.

a = v−u
Δt
= Δv
Δt
Where:
​

a is acceleration
v is the final velocity
u is the initial velocity
Δt is the change in time.

Falling objects:

Acceleration of free fall (g - gravitational constant) for an

object near the surface of the Earth is constant and is
approximately 9.8 m/s².
At the beginning of the paper, the instructions will tell you
to use 10 m/s² or 9.8 m/s². This detail can be very
important.

1.2. Motion Terminal Velocity:

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An object falling because of acceleration due to gravity The centre of mass is the place at which all of the object's
through the atmosphere is subjected to two external forces. mass is concentrated. Because gravity works only on one
One force is the gravitational force, expressed as the object's spot in the item. For regularly formed objects, the centre of
weight. The other force is the air resistance or drag of the mass is in the centre.
object. It is critical to understand where a body's centre of mass is
An object has terminal velocity when those two forces are located, as this dictates the body's stability. When a body is
equal. tilted slightly, the line of action of its weight passes through its
base, it is stable.
1.3. Mass and Weight
Resultant forces:
Mass: a measure of the quantity of matter in an object at rest
Determine the resultant of two or more forces acting along
relative to the observer. The mass of a body is a measure of
the same straight line.
the amount of matter in it.
An object either remains at rest (stationary) or continues in a
Weight: a gravitational force on an object that has mass.
straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a resultant
Gravitational field strength g is defined as force per unit
force.
mass.
A resultant force may change the velocity of an object by
The equation for gravitational field strength is :
changing its direction of motion or its speed.
g=W
m ​

Gravitational field strength is equivalent to the acceleration of Springs:

free fall.
Weights (and masses) may be compared using a balance. Sketch, plot and interpret load-extension graphs for an elastic
The weight of an object is the effect of a gravitational field on solid (eg. metal wire) and be able to describe any
its mass. experimental procedures.
The limit of proportionality is a point on a load-extension
graph beyond which the graph is no longer a straight line.
1.4. Density Spring constant is defined as force per unit extension. \n
Recall and use the equation:
Density is defined as mass per unit volume.
The equation for density is: k = Fx ​ Where:
p = mv ​
F is the force or load
With this equation, you can determine the density of a liquid, x is the extension
of a regularly shaped solid and of an irregularly shaped solid k is the spring constant ( N/m, N/cm, N/mm)
which sinks in a liquid. You need to record its mass, then
volume and then substitute it through the equation. Hooke’s Law
Know whether an object floats based on density data. A
higher density means that the object will sink. A lower density F = kx
makes it float. This is called buoyancy. Recall and use the equation F = ma and know that the force
and acceleration are in the same direction.
How to determine whether one liquid will float on F = ma
another liquid based on density data given that the When F is the force in N
liquids do not mix: m is mass in kg
a is acceleration in m/s²
The liquid with a larger density will descend below the other
liquid. Centripetal Force
A liquid floats over the other liquid if it has a lower density.
Describe the motion in a circular path due to a force
1.5. Forces perpendicular to the motion.
In a circular motion, if speed increases, the force needed
A force is a push or a pull. increases (mass and radius are constants).
Forces may produce changes in the size, shape and In a circular motion, if radius decreases, the force needed
velocity of an object. increases (mass and speed are constants). In a circular
Solid friction is the force between two surfaces that may motion, if mass is increased, an increased force is
impede motion and produce heating. required to keep speed and radius constant.
Friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a liquid
or a gas (air resistance). Moments of forces

Moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect.

Centre of mass:

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The moment of a force is defined as moment = force x

perpendicular distance from the pivot.
Apply the principle of moments to situations with one
force on each side of the pivot, including balancing of a
beam. When there is no resultant force and no resultant
moment, an object is in equilibrium.
Apply the principle of moments in situations with more
than one force on each side of the pivot.
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that there is no
resultant moment on an object in equilibrium.
The stability of an object depends on the position of its
centre of gravity.

1.6. Energy Work and Power Energy transfer diagrams :

Energy 'stores’ are: kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical,
elastic (strain), nuclear electrostatic and internal (thermal).
Energy is transferred between stores during events and
processes.
Energy is transferred by forces (mechanical work done),
electrical currents (electrical work done), heating, and by
electromagnetic, sound and other waves.

The principle of the conservation of energy.

The principle of energy conservation states that energy is

Sankey Diagrams:
neither created nor destroyed. It may transform from one
type to another.
Energy can only be used by converting it from one form to
another. Unless energy is added from the outside, a system
always possesses the same quantity of energy.
The chemical energy of the batteries is transformed into
electrical energy in a torch, which is then converted into light
and heat. This energy is either absorbed or reflected by the
environment.

Kinetic energy formula: Mechanical or electrical work done is equal to the energy
transferred.
The equation for (mechanical) work done is:
W = F d = ΔE
Units : Joules (J)
Where:
W = Work Done
F = magnitude of the force
d = the distance in the direction of the force

Energy Resources

Useful energy may be obtained, or electrical power

generated, from:
Change in gravitational potential energy formula: Non-Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Sources
Sources
Fossil Fuels Wind
Oils Tidal
Coal Hydro-electric
Natural Gas Geothermal

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Non-Renewable Energy Power is defined as work done per unit time and also as
Renewable Energy Sources
Sources energy transferred per unit time.
Solar (EM Waves from the W
Nuclear P=
sun)
​

t
- Biofuels ΔE
P= ​

t
Some sources of energy derive their energy from the sun. P = power (watt)
These are: W = work done (J)
ΔE = energy transferred (J)
Coal - formed from dead trees that have used energy T = time (s)
from the sun to produce hydrocarbons that have become
coal under pressure 1.7. Momentum
Biofuels - organic matter that is burned in order to
produce energy Momentum is defined as mass x velocity (kg m/s)
Hydro-electric - energy relies on the sun’s energy to run
the water cycle so energy can be harnessed
The equation for momentum is p = mv Where:
Wind - gets heated and rises up and cooler air flows to fill p is momentum
the space m is mass
Solar - Electromagnetic waves from the sun are captured v is velocity
by photocells and turned into energy Resultant force is defined as the change in momentum per
unit time:
Environmental Δp
Renewability Availability Reliability Scale
Impact
F= Δt ​

Wind ✓ high low high on birds ∴ F = mΔv

Δt ​

Solar ✓ high low high low impact Impulse of a force is defined as force x time for which force
Almost no acts:
Geothermal ✓ low high low Impulse = F Δt = Δ(mv)
impact
Biofuels ✓ high high high low impact
The principle of the conservation of momentum:
Hydro- impacts
✓ high high high
electric marine life
General law of physics according to which the quantity called
Tidal ✓ high low low - momentum that characterises motion never changes in an
Greenhouse isolated collection of objects; that is, the total momentum of a
Coal ☓ high high low
gases closed system remains constant.
Radioactive
Nuclear ☓ low high high
substances 1.8. Pressure
Boilers, turbines and generators are used to generate Pressure is defined as force per unit area and measured in
electricity in a power plant. N/m or Pa. 1 Pa = 1 N/m^2
The equation for pressure is: p = Fa ​ Where:
p is pressure
F is force
a is area
Pressure beneath the surface of a liquid changes with the
depth and density of the liquid. The equation gives the change
in pressure beneath the surface of a liquid:
change in pressure = density x gravitational field strength x
change in depth

Efficiency: Δp = ρgΔh Where:

Δp= pressure difference in pascals (Pa)
Useful energy output ρ = density in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3)
Efficiency = × 100 g = gravitational field strength (N/kg)
Total energy input
​

Δh = change in height/height of vertical column (m)

Power:
2. Thermal Physics

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It is impossible to restrict the thermal expansion of solids

2.1. Kinetic Model of Matter
and liquids
In Solids, when temperature increases it makes the
Properties of the 3 States of Matter - The molecular
particles vibrate faster and expands slightly in volume.
Model
In Liquids, when temperature increases particles move
faster around each other and expand.
In Gases, the volume increases by a large amount.
Increasing internal energy of an object :
Heating
Rubbing
Shaking
Increased Temperature → Increased Internal Energy →
Increase in average kinetic energy of particles

SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY

The mass of the object

The material of the object
The temperature change required
The amount of energy required to change the
temperature of a material depends on its Specific Heat
Particles that make up matter can be made of one or Capacity
more atoms
As particles of gas strike the walls of containers, their ΔE
c=
momentum changes and a force is created which can be
​

mΔθ
calculated using :
Where :
ΔP m = mass (kg)
Fnet = c = specific heat capacity ( J/K g o C )
Δt
​ ​

ΔE = energy provided ( J )
Temperature has an Absolute Zero : -273℃
Δθ = change in temperature ( o C )
Brownian Motion is the random motion of particles
suspended in a fluid resulting from their collision with fast Note : 1 Joule = 1 Watt for 1 sec \n J = W x t (s)
moving atoms or molecules in the fluid.
Melting, Boiling and Evaporation \n
Pressure and Volume at Constant Temperature
(Boyle’s Law) Melting Boiling Evaporation
Occurs at a fixed Occurs at a fixed Occurs at any
P , V , T (Constant)
temperature temperature temperature
1
P ∝ P is inversely proportional to V
​

Speed depends on Relatively fast Relatively slow

V
energy supply process process
k Takes place at the Takes place
P = Takes place at the
surface of the solid throughout the
​

V
∴ k = PV surface only
only liquid
No bubbles Bubbles are formed No bubbles
P1 V1 = P2 V2
​ ​ ​ ​

Temperature Temperature Temperature may

Temperature Conversions : remains constant remains constant change
Heat from Heat from
External thermal
Celcius to Kelvin o C → K : K = o C + 273 surroundings or surroundings is
energy source
Kelvin to Celcius K → o C : o C = K − 273 external source enough required

2.2. Thermal Properties and 2.3. Thermal Energy Transfers

Temperature
Conduction Convection Radiation
All Materials expand as they get warmer

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Conduction Convection Radiation taking into account the fact that the sound has to travel
Infrared Radiation there and back.
Sound travels at 343 metres per second in air, 1493
Fluid Conductors and
Thermal metres per second in water, and 5130 metres per second
Trapped air pockets Electromagnetic
conductors Particle in steel.
prevent convection waves All objects
to Particle For a healthy human ear, the audible frequency range is
flow emit and absorb
20 Hz to 20000 Hz.
radiation
Ultrasound is defined as sound having a frequency of
Through movement Fluid with more more than 20000 Hz:
It depends on
and vibration of energy rises above Ultrasound is partially reflected back when it reaches a
temperature,
delocalised less energy to border between two media. The remaining waves pass
colour, surface
electrons \n Not for create convection through. A transceiver can produce ultrasound and collect
area and texture
Vacuums current the reflected waves to determine the distance of objects
Ex : Radiators or Ex : Vacuum of below the surface. Ultrasound is utilised for SONAR and
Ex : Kitchen Pans
heaters space medical imaging without the usage of ionising radiation.

Radiation vs Colour and Texture 3.2. General Properties of Waves

Wavelength (λ): distance between two crests or troughs,

measured in mm cm or m
Frequency: Number of complete waves that go past a given
point per unit of time.
Measured in hertz (Hz) 1Hz = 1 complete wave per unit
Radiation vs Temperature and Surface Area second
Amplitude: The maximum particle displacement of the wave
Temperature ∝ Surface area ∝ Energy emitted from the undisturbed position, measured in mm cm or m
Speed: Distance travelled by the wave per unit time,
measured in m/s, cm/s or mm/s
3. # Sound Wavefront: A line drawn to represent the peaks of a wave in
two dimensions. The distance between two adjacent
Longitudinal waves produced by vibrating sources are wavefronts is the wavelength of the wave. Wavefronts can be
known as sound waves. Sound waves require a medium to used to show some properties of waves.
be transmitted (such as air).
Compressions - high pressure ; Rarefactions - low Relationship between speed,
pressure
Solids transmit sound the fastest, liquids are slower, and
frequency and wavelength:
gases are the slowest.
The louder a sound wave is, the greater its amplitude. wave speed = frequency × wavelength ; v =f ×λ
The higher the pitch of a sound wave, the higher its Reflection, refraction and diffraction (using water waves in a
frequency. ripple tank) :
An echo is a reflection of sound waves.
DESCRIBING A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE SPEED
OF SOUND IN AIR:
Make a noise at a known, significant distance from a solid
wall and record the time it takes for the echo (reflected
sound) to be heard, then use speed = distance/time,

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1 1
Frequency = f=
period (s)
​ ​

T
1 1
Period (s) = T=
Frequency Frequency
​ ​

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Describe the use of optical fibres, particularly in

Waves telecommunications.
A thin converging lens converges a parallel beam of light.
Thin diverging lens diverges a parallel beam of light.
3.3. Light
The principal focus (focal point) is the point on the
Light is an electromagnetic wave that is capable of principal axis where parallel waves passing through the
lens meet.
passing through free space or through a material medium
in the form of varying electric and magnetic fields. The principal axis is a line of symmetry passing through
Normal is a line drawn at right angles between the the centre of the lens.
boundary of two materials. The focal length is the distance from the centre of the lens
to the principal focus
The angle of incidence is the angle made by the incident
ray to the normal. The angle of reflection is the angle How to draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of a
made by the reflected ray to the normal. real image by a converging lens.
The image formed by a plane mirror has the following Describe the characteristics of an image using the
terms enlarged/same size/ diminished,
characteristics: same size, same distance from the
mirror, and virtual. upright/inverted and real/virtual.
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is Know that a virtual image is formed when diverging
equal to the angle of reflection. rays are extrapolated backwards and do not form a
visible projection on a screen.
How to use simple constructions, measurements and
calculations for reflection by plane mirrors. Draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of a
The angle of refraction is the angle made by the refracted virtual image by a converging lens.
ray to the normal.
Position of Relative size of Nature of
Describe an experiment to show the refraction of light by Position of Image
Object image Image
transparent blocks of different shapes.
Describe the passage of light through a transparent Point sized, Real and
At Infinity At Focus
material. very small Inverted
The critical angle is the angle made to the normal in the Real and
Beyond 2F Between F and 2F Diminished
denser material when the angle of refraction is 90°. Inverted
The equation for critical angle is: Real and
At 2F At 2F Same size
Inverted
Between F Real and
Beyond 2F Enlarged
and 2F Inverted
Huge, very Real and
At Focus F At Infinity
large Inverted
On the same side of
Between F Virtual and
the lens as the Enlarged
and O Erect
object

Describe the use of a single lens as a magnifying glass.

Describe internal reflection and total internal reflection. A converging lens is used to correct long-sightedness.
Refractive index, n, is defined as the ratio of the speeds of A diverging lens is used to correct short-sightedness
a wave in two different regions The dispersion of light as shown by the refraction of white
The equation for refractive index is: light passing through a glass prism.

Know the seven colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue,

indigo and violet) of white light, and that frequency

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increases from red to violet and wavelength decreases are the best electrical conductors as they have free
from red to blue. electrons. E.g. copper
Visible light of a single frequency or wavelength is
described as monochromatic. Insulators: materials that hardly conduct at all. Their
electrons are tightly held to atoms and hardly move, but
they can be transferred by rubbing. E.g. Rubber Charging
4. Electricity and Magnetism insulators by friction

Suspend one of the insulating materials using a cradle

4.1. Magnetism
and a length of string so that the material can rotate
A magnet has a north pole and a south pole. freely Rub one end of the material using a cloth (in order
The magnetism is strongest at the poles. to give it a charge) Now take a second piece of insulating
Unlike poles attract and like poles repel. material and charge that by rubbing with a cloth
A magnetic material is defined as something that can be Hold the charged end of the second piece close to the
magnetised temporarily or permanently. charged end of the first piece: If the first piece rotates
When we refer to a 'magnet', we are referring to a away (is repelled) from the second piece then the
permanent magnet, made of magnetically hard materials. materials have the same charge If the first piece moved
Permanent magnets remain magnetic (hard) whereas towards (is attracted to) the second piece then they have
temporary magnets lose their magnetism (soft). opposite charges
A soft magnetic material can be induced by attracting it to
a strong magnet, however it loses its magnetism once it is
Simple Electrostatic Experiments
removed.
A magnetic field is a region in which a magnetic pole
experiences a force.
The direction of a magnetic field at a point is the direction
of the force on the north pole of a magnet at that point.

Magnetic field lines can be plotted using a compass or

iron filings.
The spacing between the magnetic field lines shows how
strong the field is. As the field lines get further away, the
force gets weaker.
Electromagnetism is explained in the next few lessons.

4.2. Electrical Quantities

Electric Charge (measured in Coulombs)
Attraction and Repulsion of Point Charges
positive or negative
similar charges repel, opposite charges attract
Electrical conductors and insulators Conductors:
materials that let electrons pass through them. Metals

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Alternating Current vs Direct Current

Direct Current (dc)

Direct current is produced when using dry cells and

batteries (and sometimes generators, although these are
usually ac)
The electrons flow in one direction only, from the
negative terminal to the positive terminal.
Conventional current flows from the positive to the
negative terminal
Current
Alternating Current (ac)
Current: a flow of charge, the SI unit is the Ampere (A).
An ammeter measures the current in a circuit and is Alternating current typically comes from mains electricity
connected in series and generators
Current is a rate of flow of charge It is needed for use in transformers in the National Grid
In metals, current is caused by a flow of electrons (covered later in this topic)
The direction of electron flow changes direction
regularly
A typical frequency for the reversal of ac current in
mains electricity is 50 Hz

Electromotive Force (EMF)

The energy supplied by the source in driving a unit charge
around a complete circuit.
The maximum voltage a cell can produce is called the
Current follows path of least resistance
electromotive force (EMF), measured in volts.
Conventional current flows in the direction opposite to When a current is being supplied, the voltage is lower
that which electrons flow in.
because of the energy wastage inside the cell.
Red = Conventional Current A cell produces its maximum PD when not in a circuit and
Green = flow of electrons not supplying current.

Potential Difference (P.D)

Potential difference, or PD for short, is also known as

voltage.
Voltage is the amount of energy the cell gives the
electrons it pushes out. Voltage is measured in volts (V)
and is measured by a voltmeter (connected in parallel). If
a cell has 1 Volt, it delivers 1 Joule of energy to each
coulomb of charge (J/C).

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Measuring potential difference and voltage

Potential difference is measured using a voltmeter.

Voltmeters are connected in parallel with the component
being tested. The potential difference is the difference in
electrical potential between two points, therefore the
voltmeter has to be connected to two points in the circuit.

Resistance
Resistance is the opposition to current. For a given potential
difference, the higher the resistance, the lower the current.
Therefore resistors are used in circuits to control the current.
The unit of resistance is the ohm Ω.
Voltage
Resistance (Ω) =
Current
​

Factors affecting resistance:

Length
Ω∝L
The electrons have to travel a longer length and thus
encounter more resistance.
Cross-sectional area

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1 Component Symbol Function

Ω∝
A
​

Supplies the
More electrons can flow per unit time, increasing the
Cell electrical energy to
current and therefore decreasing the resistance.
the circuit
Current Voltage (IV Graphs)

As the potential difference (voltage) across a component is

increased, the current in the component also increases. The A battery is more
precise relationship between voltage and current can be Battery
than one cell.
different for different types of components and is shown by
an IV graph:

A power supply is a
device that converts
one voltage to
Power Supply d.c.
another more
and a.c.
convenient voltage
while delivering
(Ohmic Conductor = Resistor) power.
Electrical Energy and Electrical Power Electrical energy is Instrument used to
transferred from the battery or power source to the circuit Ammeter measure electrical
components then into the surroundings. current.
ΔE Instrument used to
1 Watt is 1 J/s P =
measure potential
​

t Voltmeter
P = IV ∴Electrical power = Voltage (V) × Current (A)
difference.
ΔE
IV = ∴Electrical energy = Voltage (V) × Current (A) ×
t Converts electrical
​

Time (s) Lamp

energy to light.
E = V It
Restricts the flow of
The Kilowatt Hour ​ electrical current.
Can be used to limit
Fixed Resistor
This energy is commonly measured in kilowatt-hour (kW h), the flow of current to
which is then used to calculate the cost of energy used. 1 kWh a particular
is the electrical energy transferred by a 1 kW appliance in 1 component.
hour Used to control
Energy in kWh = power in kW x time in hours. current and
Variable Resistor
To convert between Joules and kWh: resistance in a
circuit.

Converts heat to
Thermistor
electrical resistance.
Explanation:
ΔE = Pt ⟹ 1kWh = 1kW × 1h Light-Dependent Converts light to
1J Resistor electrical resistance.
1Watt = and 1kW = 1000W ⟹ 1kW =
​

s Converts electrical
1000J Heater
​
energy to heat.
s
⟹ 1kWh = 1000J × 3600s = 3.6 × 106 J To provide a variable
Circuit diagrams and components potential difference.
Component Symbol Function To split the potential
Potential Divider difference of a
In open position the
power source
Switch circuit is broken so
between two or
no current flows
more components.

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Component Symbol Function Component Symbol Function

A transformer is a A motor is a device
device that transfers that can convert
Motor
electric energy from electrical energy into
one alternating- mechanical energy.
current circuit to one
Transformer or more other A device which only allows
circuits, either Diode
current to flow in one direction
increasing (stepping
up) or reducing Light Emitting
A diode that emits light
(stepping down) the Diode (LED)
voltage.
Electromagnetic
coils are used in 5. Atomic Physics
electrical
engineering, in
applications where 5.1. Nuclear Model of The Atom
electric currents
Magnetising interact with All matter is made up of atoms.
Coils magnetic fields, in
devices such as
electric motors,
generators,
inductors,
electromagnets and
transformers.
A safety device
which melts to break
the circuit if the
Fuse electrical current
flowing through it
exceeds a specified
value.
The relay permits a
small amount of
electrical current to
control high current
loads. When voltage
is supplied to the
coil, small current
Relay
passes through the The structure of an atom is simple.
coil, resulting in a
larger amount of Alpha Scattering Gold Foil experiment
current passing (Rutherford’s)
through the contacts
to control the
electrical load.
An electric generator
is a device that
converts mechanical
Generator energy obtained
from an external
source into electrical
energy as the output.

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Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fusion reactions power the Sun and other stars. In a

The Atom fusion reaction, two light nuclei merge to form a single
heavier nucleus. The process releases energy because the
Nucleus: central part of atom made of protons (positively total mass of the resulting single nucleus is less than the
charged) and neutrons. These two types of particles are mass of the two original nuclei. The leftover mass becomes
called nucleons. They are bound together by the strong energy.
nuclear force.
Electrons: almost massless particles which orbit nucleus
in shells
Proton number: number of protons in an atom
Nucleon number: the number of nucleons (protons +
neutrons) in an atom
The following is the nuclide notation for atoms

5.2. Radioactivity
Detecting radiation

ISOTOPES It is important to regulate the exposure of humans to

radiation
Atoms of the same element that have different numbers Ionising nuclear radiation is measured using a GM Tube
of neutrons e.g. Carbon 12 and Carbon 14. detector connected to a radiation counter.
They have identical chemical properties but can have Count rate is the number of decays per second recorded
different physical properties eg: radioactive by a detector and recorded by the counter. It is measured
in counts/s or counts/min
Nuclear Fission The count rate decreases the further the detector is from
the source. This is because the radiation becomes more
Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom spread out the further away it is from the source
splits into two or more smaller nuclei, because of the addition
of an electron. The fission process often produces gamma
photons, and releases a very large amount of energy.

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- Helium Nucleus \n - - Relative -short wavelength

Relative charge of +2 \n - charge of -1 EM waves \n -
2p and 2n \n -1e− uncharged

Effects of electricity & magnetism on radioactive

emissions, and ionisation caused by them.

Alpha Beta Gamma

Electric Move away from Move towards
No change
fields + particles + particles
Magnetic Use the left hand Use the left
No change
fields rule hand rule
Ionises most Ionises least
Ionises lesser
Ionisation particles due particles because
particles
great mass no charge

Radioactive Decay

During α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus changes to a

different element
Background Radiation The initial nucleus is often called the parent nucleus
The nucleus of the new element is often called the
It is important to remember that radiation is a natural daughter nucleus
phenomenon During α-decay, 2p and 2n is lost and hence the nucleon
Radioactive elements have always existed on Earth and in number and proton number changes and a new element
outer space is formed.
However, human activity has added to the amount of During β-decay, one neutron from the nucleus changes
radiation that humans are exposed to on Earth. into a proton and electron. The electron is removed from
Background radiation is defined as the radiation that the atom and given out as radiation.
exists around us all the time. During gamma ray decay, the nucleus releases an EM
The sources of it include : radioactivity in air, cosmic rays, wave and rearranges itself internally. No change is made
rocks and buildings, food and drink, medical, nuclear in the number of subatomic particles.
power and testing.

The three types of nuclear emission

Atomic nuclei of most isotopes are unstable.

To become stable they give out radiation. As the radiation
moves away it takes some energy with it. This makes the
nucleus more stable. This is called radioactive decay.
This cannot be controlled by external factors so it is
known as a spontaneous and random event.
The 3 types of radioactive emissions are:

Half Life

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It is impossible to know when a particular unstable

nucleus will decay
But the rate at which the activity of a sample decreases
can be known. This is known as the half-life. Half-life is
defined as:

The time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope in any
sample to decay
Nuclide notation is the notation of an element when it is
The activity of a source is measured in becquerels. (Bq)
written with its proton number and nucleon number. \n A
Different isotopes have different half-lives and half-lives
nuclear reaction would take place like this.
can vary from a fraction of a second to billions of years in
length
Half-life can be determined from an activity–time graph

The time it takes for the activity of the sample to decrease

from 100 % to 50 % is the half-life
It is the same length of time as it would take to
decrease from 50 % activity to 25 % activity 6. Earth and The Solar
The half-life is constant for a particular isotope
System
Uses of isotopes
6.1. Earth and Other Bodies
Medical procedures including diagnosis and treatment of
cancer The Earth rotates around its axis, which is tilted 23.5
Sterilising food (irradiating food to kill bacteria) degrees from West to East and revolves around the sun in
Sterilising medical equipment (using gamma rays)
365.25 days.
Checking the thickness of materials
The Earth has a Southern Hemisphere and a Northern
Smoke detectors (alarms)
Hemisphere divided by the Equator.
Medical and industrial tracers Hemisphere: half of a sphere; Earth is divided into 2
hemispheres.
Safety Precautions

Minimise the amount of time you handle sources for and

return them to their boxes as soon as you have finished
using them
During use, keep yourself (and other people) as far from
the sources as feasible. When handling the sources do not
point at human tissue, using a pair of tweezers
Store the sources in lead-lined boxes.
Sometimes you can wear lead lined aprons

Nuclide Notation and Nuclear reactions.

Countries at the equator do not experience season
There are 2 basic types of questions:
changes as the sun hits them at the same angle at all
times.

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The solar system consists of eight planets: Mercury, together.

Venus, Earth, and Mars, which are the inner, rocky
planets. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are the Our Solar System
outer gas giants.
Millions of asteroids and meteoroids orbit the sun, mainly The Sun makes up about 99.8% of the mass of the solar
found between Mars and Jupiter. system. It has a strong gravitational pull keeping all the
planets in orbit.
Comets are balls of ice, dust and gas. They orbit the sun in a
very elliptical orbit leaving a trail of gas and dust behind. We know from the chapter on circular motion that in order for
However, this is not the tail of the comet because the tail an object to move in a circular path, a force needs to act on
always faces away from the Sun. the object towards the centre of its orbit.

All the planet’s orbits are elliptical, and the measure of

how elliptical it is is called eccentricity.
The centre of the orbit is not directly on the sun but close
enough to the centre that we say that we orbit the sun.

The Formation of A Solar System

Our solar system was formed when a molecular cloud
collapsed into itself because of its own gravity. Gasses and
dust particles start to come together, getting closer and
faster. They gain speed in a spinning motion. This process is The reason all orbits are not perfectly circular is because of
the energy changes during its orbital period.
called accretion. The disk formed by accretion is called the
accretion disk. The star pulls the body of mass towards itself. This pull
generates speed which, we know, will cause the body to move
away from the star. (Increasing speed increases the size of
the orbit.)
There are only two main types of energy we need to consider
in space.

1. Kinetic Energy
2. Gravitational Potential Energy

A planet close to the sun has a low GPE but a high KE. A
planet far away from the sun has a high GPE and a low KE.
How to calculate orbital speed:

Gravity pulls heavier particles close together toward the The formula for speed is distance/time. We consider the
centre. orbits to be perfectly circular in this situation. The formula
is:
The gasses get hot and pressurised enough to start
nuclear fusion. 2πr
The dust particles clump together and form the inner Orbital speed = ​

rocky planets, while gasses orbit the centre farther away t

and form gas giants.
The centre of the accretion disk starts to form a new star Universe and Stars
called a protostar. At this point, gravity is still pulling mass

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Radiation pressure - the outward force due to the high

6.2. Sun
temperature of the star.
The Sun produces energy through the nuclear fusion of
hydrogen into helium.

It is made of 75% hydrogen, and 24% helium and the rest

is made of other elements like oxygen and carbon.
40% of its energy is visible light, 50% of it is infrared
radiation, and 10% is ultraviolet.
Matter exists as plasma in the sun’s core which has a
temperature of 15 000 000K and a surface temperature
of 5800K.
It has a mass of 2 × 10 30 Kg, which is often referred to as
solar mass.

Light Year and Distances

A light-year is the distance travelled by light in one year. So:
one light-year = 3 × 10 8 m/s × 365.25 days ×
Life Cycle of a Star Less Than Eight Solar Masses
24 hours × 3600 seconds = 9.5 × 10 15 m
Astronomers can also use other ways to measure distances. Like the sun, a stable star fuses hydrogen into helium. This is
They can be done using parallax. This is when the stars a stable main sequence star. Our sun is 4.5 billion years old
appear to move across the sky when we view them from and about halfway through its time as a stable star.
different points in our orbit.
Main sequence - a stable star that is burning up hydrogen
in its core; once it has used up 12% of its hydrogen, it goes
onto another stage of its life cycle.

Once it burns through the hydrogen, it starts to fuse helium.

This requires a higher temperature at the core. It becomes a
red giant, which are larger star with cooler surfaces.
Eventually, the core will collapse into a white dwarf star not
exceeding 1.4 solar masses.
It is not hot enough to fuse the elements inside it and cools to
become a black dwarf.
Point A is Earth in the summer, and point B is Earth in the The outer shell is blown off by radiation pressure and
winter. The telescope is pointed towards X at point A, and the becomes a planetary nebula.
stars are seen. The telescope is pointed in the direction of X
at point B - denoted by the dotted line - and shows that the Red Giant - a star that began with fewer than eight solar
same stars cannot be seen. The telescope is moved twice the masses and is burning helium at its core; the shell of
parallax angle to see the point Y. hydrogen has expanded and cooled.
We can use trigonometry to calculate the distance between White dwarf - the final stage of a star that started with
the stars and the Earth. fewer than eight solar masses after all its fuel has been
used up

Stars and Star Life Cycles

There might be 200 billion stars in the Milky Way. A star starts
out as a protostar. Interstellar clouds are dust clouds that
exist between stars. Molecular clouds are clouds mostly of
hydrogen that is cold and dense enough to collapse and form
stars.

Accretion begins to pull matter in.

A protostar is formed (refer to previous card for revision)
A stable star is born when gravity is equal to the radiation
pressure exerted by the high temperature and nuclear
fusion.

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The Life Cycle of A Star Exceeding Eight Solar

Masses

It begins as a protostar, but the core is more massive and hot

enough to fuse heavier elements further from the core. The
outer shell expands into a red supergiant.

Red Supergiants - similar to red giants, they form when

stars with at least 8 times the mass of the sun run out of
hydrogen fuel in their core but fusion of hydrogen
continues in their outer shell

The top line represents the absorption spectrum observed in

an experiment in earth, and the bottom line is a redshifted
one from a distant galaxy.

Redshift is the shifting of light to the red end of the

spectrum which has longer wavelengths.
The Doppler effect causes redshift

The Doppler Effect

The Doppler effect is the rise or fall in pitch as the source of
the wave moves closer or away from us. Here is an example.

The layers go in order of outer-most to inner-most:

HYDROGEN, HELIUM, CARBON, OXYGEN, NEON,
MAGNESIUM, SILICON and then IRON.

It is not possible to make elements heavier than iron by

nuclear fusion.
Once all the fuel runs out, the star collapses in a
supernova, providing the energy to fuse the iron into
heavier elements and pushing matter out into space as a The ambulance is moving at a certain speed towards the
nebula. right.
After the supernova, the core becomes one of two things: As the siren rings once, the sound wave is produced and
a neutron star or a black hole. starts to move away from that point.
A neutron star is formed if the mass of the core is less
By the time the siren rings again, the ambulance has
than about 3 solar masses. It forces protons and moved.
electrons together to form neutrons. The ambulance closes that gap between itself and the
A heavier core will keep collapsing till it becomes so wave in front of it.
dense that not even light can escape it. It becomes a
This causes the second wave to be released closer to the
black hole. first wave. The waves ahead of the vehicle compress as it
approaches and observer B hears a rising pitch.
Spectroscopy The wave emitted behind the car is moving in the opposite
direction. The car is moved away before emitting a
There are many dark lines in the wavelengths of visible light second wave.
coming from the Sun. This is because the cool gas in the Sun’s The waves behind the ambulance are further apart giving
atmosphere absorbs them. A spectrum with these absorption it a receding pitch as the waves are stretched behind the
lines is known as an absorption spectrum. vehicle. Observer A hears a receding pitch.

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The Doppler effect is a property of all waves including light. It

is proof that the Universe is expanding and suggests that the
galaxies must have been close together in the past.

The Big Bang Theory and Cosmic Microwave

Background Radiation

The theory that the Universe had a beginning is the Big

Bang Theory which states that the Universe (space, time,
matter, energy) was created at a single point 13.8 billion
years ago and has been expanding and cooling ever
since.
The Big Bang was not an explosion. The singularity was
unimaginably hot and dense which has been expanding
and cooling. Neutral atoms could not form due to the heat The line of best fit is Hubble’s Law:
of the early Universe; they would ionise. V = Ho d where v is the recession speed of the galaxies, d is
​

Light continuously scattered around until the universe their distance from us, and Ho is the Hubble Constant
​

cooled. The Hubble constant is the gradient of this graph:

The expansion of the Universe has caused the wavelength v
of the light to redshift.
Ho = ​ ​

d
Estimate for the age of the Universe:
( For a detailed understanding, refer to the new textbook, d 1
Chapter 25, Pages 477 - 478 ) =
​ ​

v Ho ​

The reciprocal (inverse) of the Hubble constant is known as

Hubble’s Law Hubble time because it can be used to work out the age of the
universe. The current estimate for Ho is 2.2 x 10^-18 per
The Doppler effect can be used to work out how fast galaxies second.
are moving away from us. The speed at which galaxies are We know that:
moving away from us is proportional to the distance away distance
from us. time = So: ​

speed
d 1
tuniverse = = ​ ​

v Ho ​

Therefore the age of the Universe is:

1 1
tuniverse = = = 4.5 × 1017 s =
2.2 × 10−18
​ ​

Ho ​

14.4 × 109 years

The Universe began at a single point (called a singularity)
about 14.5 billion years ago.

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Apparatus: Two large cans, two small cans, cotton wool,

polystyrene beads, boiling water, thermometers,
1. Safety Precautions stopwatch
Procedure:
Live wires should not be touched. Put the small cans into the large cans and insulate the
Hot objects should not be touched with bare hands - small can with (i) cotton wool and (ii) polystyrene
gloves should be used beads
Circuit connections should be checked and approved by Pour boiling water into the small cans and place the
the teacher and then only the circuit should be switched thermometers in them.
on Start the stopwatch and take readings of temperature
While changing components of the circuit the power at regular intervals.
should be switched off so that one should not experience Record readings in a table for each insulator.
electric shocks. The small can that has the higher temperature over
Safety goggles, gloves and other safety components the fixed period is better insulated.
should be used while handling experiments. Hence, object that provides a less temperature loss
While handling a mercury thermometer one should take over the period is the better insulator.
care of the mercury spills.

5. Refraction of Light
2. Specific Heat Capacity
Apparatus: Ray Box, Rectangular piece of glass, Plain
Apparatus: Solid block, Drill, Thermometer, Heater (of paper, Pencil.
known power), Cotton wool. Procedure:
Procedure: Place the Plain paper below the rectangular piece of
Drill two holes in the block. glass.
Measure the mass of the block. Project a ray towards the glass.
Place the heater in one of the holes, the thermometer Make two points to mark the incident ray, two to mark
in the other. the refracted ray and two to mark the emergent ray.
Use cotton wool to properly insulate/lag the block. Join all the lines, measure the angles and calculate
Note the initial temperature of block and turn on refractive index.
heater for x seconds Repeat with different angles; Snell's law shown.
Calculate Heat Energy Supplied by heater using
formula Q=Pt.
Note the final temperature of block. 6. Resistance and
Q
Specific heat capacity = m×Δt .​

Temperature
3. Cooling Rate of Water Apparatus: Resistor, Battery, Connecting wires, Ammeter,
Voltmeter, Oven.
Apparatus: Heater, Thermometer, Beaker, Stopwatch, Procedure:
Beaker containing Water. Make a circuit with the battery, connecting wires,
Procedure: ammeter and voltmeter, resistor.
Place heater into beaker and turn it on to raise the Measure the resistance of the resistor using the
temperature of water to 60°C formula R=V/I.
Stir the contents of the water and place thermometer Heat the resistor in the oven. Place the resistor back
into the beaker. into the circuit.
Note the starting temperature and turn on the Measure the readings again and calculate R=V/I.
stopwatch. Draw up a conclusion about how the resistance
Take readings of the thermometer and stopwatch at increases as temperature increases.
regular intervals (e.g. 60 sec).
Draw up a table and plot a graph to conclude your
experiment.
7. Speed of Sound
Apparatus: Two observers, Gun, Stopwatch.
4. Picking a Better Insulator Procedure:
Two observers are set apart at a known distance.
One observer has the gun, the other has the
stopwatch.

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Observer A fires the gun, Observer B starts the Record max. temperature
stopwatch when he sees the puff of smoke. Heat loss could be reduced by:
Observer B stops the stopwatch when he hears the Insulation of beaker.
sound and the time is noted. Covering beaker with a lid.
Distance How to check if a rule is vertical:
Speed = Time applied.
​

The observers swap positions and repeat the Use of set square or protractor
experiment. Plumb line
The values are averaged and the speed of sound is Spirit Level
obtained. Precautions taken in experiments about formation of
images by a lens
Use a darkened area
8. Centre of Mass Object and lens same height on bench
Take more readings
Centre of mass of a plane lamina: Avoiding parallax error in measurement, and look
Make a hole in the lamina. perpendicular to the ruler.
Hang it so it can swing freely. Object/lens/screen perpendicular to bench
Hang a plumb line in the hole and mark the line it Variables in experiments about springs and stretching
passes through. effect:
Repeat the procedure again to get another line Number of coils
Their intersection point is the center of mass. Length of spring
Stability of simple objects: Diameter\thickness of spring or wire
The position of the center of mass affects an object’s Selection of loads
stability. If the center of mass of an object is low, it is Improvement made to calculating circumference by string
less likely to tip if tilted. method
To increase stability: (i) Increase surface area (ii) widen Avoid parallax error
the base of the object. Repeats and average
Thinner string
Parallel winding of springs
9. Improving Accuracy Precautions for circuit readings of I and V so that
accurate:
To produce more accurate or reliable results: For I specifically:
Repeat experiment, to calculate average reading. Limit current so that temp. doesn't increase
Avoiding parallax error, look perpendicular to the Use a tapping meter
ruler. For I and V: Switch off between readings.
If accuracy in measurement was asked, check for zero Fair test for pendulum experiments:
error. Length of pendulum
To draw an image created from lens: Shape of bob
Inverted from the original object. No. of swings
Sides are multiplied by the magnification. Amplitude
Centre of mass experiment (with the lamina): Precautions and procedures in electrical experiments:
you view the string directly in front of card. Check for a zero error
Minimizing heating effect of a current: Tap the meter to avoid sticking
Lower current Initially choose the highest range for the
Increase voltage ammeter/voltmeter, then reduce the range for the
Add a lamp ammeter so that the deflection is almost full scale
Increase resistance of a resistor Always check polarities before closing the switch
To increase accuracy of ray diagrams: (completing the circuit)
View bases of pins since pins may not be vertical Always check that connections are clean.
Keep pins further apart and use more pins Switch off the current when not making a
Avoid parallax, explain action and reason measurement.
Repeats and average When measuring resistance use low currents/voltages
Improvement made to experiments about heating/cooling to avoid heating and changing the resistance you are
effect and insulation measuring.
Same initial temperature.
Same volume of water.
Same shape and type of beaker. 10. Inaccuracies
Same room temperature.
Stirring the water in the beakers. Why angle i is NOT equal to angle r in ray experiment:

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Thickness of pins Drawing graphs:

Thickness of mirror Label axis
Protractor is not precise Choose a proper scale
Inaccuracy of ray box method: thickness of rays. Well-judged best fit line
Inaccuracy of pin method: pins not straight, or too close, Thin and neat lines
or thickness of lines drawn. Measuring the gradient:
Measuring 10 oscillations rather than 1: Draw a triangle on graph
Reduce human errors Use clear lines
Give more accurate value of time taken (T) Triangle must be larger than half the line
Gives an average of T For 2 values to be directly proportional, graph of the
values be a straight line from origin.

11. Graphs

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 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) May/June 2023
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*6091031898*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Write in soft pencil.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.
 Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 9.8 N (acceleration of free fall = 9.8 m / s2).

INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

IB23 06_0625_21/3RP
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1 Which vector diagram correctly shows the force Z as the resultant of forces X and Y?

A B C D
Y Y
Z Z
X X
X X
Z Z
Y Y

2 An object falls towards the surface of the Earth.

The object is falling at its terminal velocity.

Which statement is correct?

A There is air resistance and the acceleration of the object is negative.

B There is air resistance and the acceleration of the object is zero.
C There is no air resistance and the acceleration of the object is negative.
D There is no air resistance and the acceleration of the object is zero.

3 The graph represents the motion of a vehicle.

20
speed
m/s

0
0 400
time / s

What is the distance travelled by the vehicle in 400 s?

A 20 m B 400 m C 4000 m D 8000 m

4 On the Earth, a spring stretches by 5.0 cm when a mass of 3.0 kg is suspended from one end.

1
The gravitational field strength on the Moon is of that on the Earth.
6

Which mass, on the Moon, would stretch the spring by the same extension?

A 0.50 kg B 3.0 kg C 5.0 kg D 18 kg

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 3

5 A shopkeeper pours rice into a dish that hangs from a spring balance. He records the reading.

0 1 spring balance
6
5 2
4 3

rice

dish

A customer buys some pasta. The shopkeeper notices that the reading on the spring balance,
with just pasta in the dish, is the same as it was with just rice in the dish.

Which quantity must be the same for the rice and for the pasta?

A density
B temperature
C volume
D weight

6 A student determines the density of an irregularly shaped stone. The stone is slowly lowered into
a measuring cylinder partly filled with water.

measuring
cylinder

stone

Which other apparatus does the student need to calculate the density of the irregularly shaped
stone?

A a balance
B a thermometer
C a metre rule
D a stop-watch

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7 A train is travelling horizontally in a straight line. A book is on a table in the train.

The diagram shows all the forces acting on the book.

contact force

book frictional
force
table

weight of book

How is the train moving?

A accelerating to the left of the diagram

B accelerating to the right of the diagram
C moving at uniform speed to the left of the diagram
D moving at uniform speed to the right of the diagram

8 The diagrams show four beams, each of negligible weight and freely pivoted.

Which beam is not in equilibrium?

A B

2.0 m 1.0 m 2.0 m 2.0 m

3.0 N pivot 6.0 N 6.0 N pivot 6.0 N

C D

1.0 m 2.0 m 2.0 m 1.0 m 1.0 m

3.0 N pivot 3.0 N 4.0 N pivot 4.0 N 2.0 N

9 An object of mass 1.2 kg is moving with a velocity of 2.0 m / s when it is acted on by a force of
4.0 N. The velocity of the object increases to 5.0 m / s in the same direction.

For which period of time does the force act on the object?

A 0.90 s B 1.1 s C 1.5 s D 3.6 s

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10 Which row about the change of energy in the energy store must be correct?

change of
process energy store
energy in store

A water pumped up to a gravitational potential increases

high-altitude dam energy of water
B water pumped up to a kinetic energy decreases
high-altitude dam of water
C air passes through gravitational potential increases
a wind turbine energy of air
D air passes through kinetic energy increases
a wind turbine of air

11 A woman of mass 50 kg has 81 J of kinetic energy.

What is her speed?

A 1.3 m / s B 1.6 m / s C 1.8 m / s D 3.2 m / s

12 A child runs up a set of stairs four times. The time taken for each run is recorded.

Which time is measured when the child’s useful power is greatest?

A 10 s B 20 s C 30 s D 40 s

13 A dam holds water in a reservoir. The height of the water in the reservoir is 15 m.

dam

water in 15 m
reservoir

The density of water is 1000 kg / m3.

What is the pressure due to the water at the bottom of the dam?

A 6.8 Pa B 1500 Pa C 15 000 Pa D 150 000 Pa

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.

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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

16 Some hot water is sealed inside a metal can. The can is in a vacuum in outer space. The hot
water slowly cools down.

How does the thermal energy escape into space?

A by conduction then convection

B by conduction then radiation
C by evaporation then convection
D by evaporation then radiation

17 The diagrams show graphs of displacement against time for four waves. All the graphs are drawn
to the same scale.

Which wave has the largest amplitude and the highest frequency?

A B
displacement displacement

0 0
0 time 0 time

C D
displacement displacement

0 0
0 time 0 time

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 7

18 The diagram shows a ray of light entering a glass block.

air glass

25q

50q

Which calculation gives the refractive index of the glass?

sin 40 sin 40 sin 50 sin 50
A B C D
sin 25 sin 65 sin 25 sin 65

19 An object O is placed at point P near to a thin converging lens. The diagram shows three rays
from the top of O passing through the lens. Each point F is one focal length from the centre of the
lens. Each point 2F is two focal lengths from the centre of the lens.

P 2F Q F F 2F
image

The object O is moved to point Q on the diagram.

Which type of image is produced when the object O is at point Q?

A inverted and the same size as the object

B inverted and enlarged
C upright and the same size as the object
D upright and enlarged

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20 Which diagram shows the dispersion of white light by a glass prism?

A B

red
red red
white white violet violet
violet

C D

red red
red red
white violet violet white violet violet

21 Visible light has wavelengths in the range 4.0  10–7 m to 7.0  10–7 m.

What is the range of the frequencies of visible light?

A 0.12 Hz to 0.21 Hz
B 120 Hz to 210 Hz

C 4.3  1011 Hz to 7.5  1011 Hz

D 4.3  1014 Hz to 7.5  1014 Hz

22 Student X fires a starting pistol which produces smoke and sound. Student Y is standing 100 m
away and sees the smoke the instant it is produced. The speed of sound in air is 340 m / s.

What is the time delay between student Y seeing the smoke and hearing the sound?

A 0.29 s B 0.59 s C 1.7 s D 3.4 s

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23 An unmagnetised piece of soft iron is placed close to a strong permanent magnet, as shown.

S N X
permanent soft iron
magnet

What is the induced polarity of end X of the soft iron and in which direction does the magnetic
force act on the soft iron?

direction of force
polarity of end X
on the soft iron

A N to the left
B N to the right
C S to the left
D S to the right

24 A plastic rod is rubbed with a cloth.

plastic rod

cloth

The rod and the cloth both become charged as electrons move between them.

The rod becomes negatively charged.

Which diagram shows how the rod becomes negatively charged and shows the final charge on
the cloth?

A B
electron electron
– – movement – movement
– – –
– –
– –– + + + – –– + + +
– – + – – +
+ + ++ + + ++
+ final charge + final charge
on the cloth on the cloth

C D
electron electron
– movement – movement
– – – –
– –
– –– – – – – –– – – –
– – – – – –
– – –– – – ––
– final charge – final charge
on the cloth on the cloth

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 10

25 A wire has a uniform circular cross-sectional area.

Which statement is correct?

A The resistance of the wire is directly proportional to its cross-sectional area and inversely
proportional to its diameter.
B The resistance of the wire is directly proportional to its cross-sectional area and inversely
proportional to its length.
C The resistance of the wire is directly proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its
cross-sectional area.
D The resistance of the wire is directly proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its
diameter.

26 The diagram shows the current–voltage graph for a metal wire.

current

0
0 voltage

What can be deduced from the graph?

A As voltage increases, the temperature of the wire increases.

B As voltage increases, the temperature of the wire decreases.
C As voltage increases, the resistance of the wire increases.
D As voltage increases, the resistance of the wire remains constant.

27 A battery is connected to a circuit. It is switched on for 1.0 minute. During that time, there is a
current of 0.40 A in the circuit and the battery supplies a total of 48 J of energy.

Which row gives the charge that passes and the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery?

charge that passes e.m.f. of the

in 1.0 minute / C battery / V

A 0.40 2.0
B 0.40 120
C 24 2.0
D 24 120

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 11

28 The circuit diagram shows two identical lamps connected in parallel to a cell. Three ammeters, X,
Y and Z, are also connected in the circuit, as shown.

X
A

Y
A

Z
A

Which statement about the current in X is correct?

A It is equal to the current in Y and to the current in Z.

B It is less than either the current in Y or the current in Z.
C It is equal to the sum of the current in Y and the current in Z.
D It is equal to the difference between the current in Y and the current in Z.

29 A student connects the circuit shown.

bell 2

Which switches must be closed for the bell to ring without lighting the lamp?

A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 1, 3 and 4 D 2, 3 and 4

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 12

30 The diagram shows an a.c. generator.

N S

Y
V
X

The graph shows the potential difference (p.d.) between points X and Y plotted against time. A
positive value of p.d. indicates that X is more positive than Y.

p.d. between
X and Y

0
0 time

Which diagram shows the position of the coil at point P on the graph?

A B C D

Y Y Y Y

X X X X

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 13

31 An electron moves into a uniform magnetic field.

The arrow shows the initial direction of motion of the electron.

The direction of the magnetic field is into the plane of the page.

uniform
magnetic field

electron

In which direction does a force act on the electron when it enters the magnetic field?

A into the page

B out of the page
C towards the bottom of the page
D towards the top of the page

32 Which statement about a transformer is correct?

A There is an alternating current in the iron core from the primary coil to the secondary coil.
B An alternating current in the iron core induces an alternating current in the secondary coil.
C An alternating current in the primary coil induces a direct current in the secondary coil.
D An alternating current in the primary coil induces an alternating voltage across the secondary
coil.

33 How are positive and negative ions formed from atoms?

positive ion negative ion

A add positive charge to the nucleus add an electron to the atom

B add positive charge to the nucleus remove positive charge from the nucleus
C remove an electron from the atom add an electron to the atom
D remove an electron from the atom remove positive charge from the nucleus

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 14

34 A nucleus of element X is represented as 56 X.

26

Which is an isotope of element X?

A 26 X B 54 X C 56 X D 54 X
56 26 24 28

35 A radioactive source is placed near a detector connected to a counter.

210 counts are recorded by the counter in 3 minutes.

The background count rate is 20 counts per minute (cpm).

What is the corrected count rate for the radioactive source?

A 50 cpm B 70 cpm C 190 cpm D 270 cpm

36 The background count rate measured by a radiation counter is 40 counts per minute (cpm).

With the counter close to a radioactive source, the counter reading is 960 cpm.

The half-life of the source is 20 minutes.

What is the counter reading one hour later?

A 115 cpm B 120 cpm C 155 cpm D 160 cpm

37 Which planet in our Solar System is nearest to the Sun and what is the nature of the planet?

planet nature

A Mercury rocky
B Mercury gaseous
C Venus rocky
D Venus gaseous

38 A space station orbits the Earth at a distance of 7000 km from the Earth’s centre. It makes
15 orbits in every 24-hour period.

What is the speed of the space station in its orbit?

A 2900 km / h B 4400 km / h C 8800 km / h D 27 000 km / h

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 15

39 Which nuclear reaction powers a stable star?

A nuclear fission of nuclei producing hydrogen

B nuclear fission of a uranium nucleus into a krypton nucleus and a barium nucleus
C nuclear fusion of a krypton nucleus and a barium nucleus into a uranium nucleus
D nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei producing helium

40 Which stages in the life cycle of a star are listed in the order that they occur?

A interstellar dust cloud  stable star  protostar

B protostar  red giant  stable star

C red giant  white dwarf  protostar

D stable star  red giant  white dwarf

© UCLES 2023 0625/21/M/J/23

39
 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) October/November 2022
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*3313866971*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Write in soft pencil.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.
 Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages.

IB22 11_0625_21/5RP
© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

40
 2

1 Which measuring instrument is used to measure the diameter of a thin metal wire?

A 30 cm rule
B measuring tape
C metre rule
D micrometre screw gauge

2 A car starts from rest.

The table shows the readings from its speedometer every 10 s.

time / s 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
speed
0 4 8 12 12 12 12
m/ s

Which row describes the car’s motion in the first 30 seconds and in the last 30 seconds?

motion during first 30 s motion during last 30 s

A non-zero acceleration at rest

B zero acceleration constant speed
C zero acceleration at rest
D non-zero acceleration constant speed

3 Which property of an object is a consequence of the effect of a gravitational field acting on it?

A density
B mass
C volume
D weight

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 3

4 The diagram shows the dimensions of a solid rectangular block of metal of mass m.

q
p

Which expression is used to calculate the density of the metal?

A m
(p  q)

B m
(p  q  r )
C mpq

D mpqr

5 A wheelbarrow has a weight W of 140 N.

F
0.8 m

1.4 m

Which vertical force F is needed to support the wheelbarrow in the position shown?

A 60 N B 80 N C 140 N D 245 N

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6 A car is travelling around a circular track at a constant speed, as shown.

In which direction is the resultant force on the car?

D
car

C A
direction of
movement

7 The diagram shows part of a hose used by a firefighter.

nozzle NOT TO
SCALE
water water
moving moving
at 6 m / s at 1 m / s

15 kg of water flows through the hose each second.

Which force is applied to the hose by the water?

A 15 N B 75 N C 90 N D 105 N

8 Brakes are used to slow down a moving car.

Into which form of energy is most of the kinetic energy converted as the car slows down?

A chemical
B elastic
C thermal
D sound

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9 An object has kinetic energy of 200 J.

A constant resultant force of 190 N is applied in the direction of its motion through a distance of
10 m.

What is the final kinetic energy of the object?

A 390 J B 1700 J C 2000 J D 2100 J

10 The statements describe what happens when the power of a machine is increased.

1 The work done in a given time decreases.

2 The work done in a given time increases.
3 The time taken to do a given quantity of work decreases.
4 The time taken to do a given quantity of work increases.

Which statements are correct?

A 1 and 3 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4

11 A manometer containing water is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply, as shown.

water
gas
supply

40 cm

10 cm

The density of water is 1000 kg / m3.

What is the pressure of the gas supply?

A 300 Pa above atmospheric pressure

B 400 Pa above atmospheric pressure
C 3000 Pa above atmospheric pressure
D 4000 Pa above atmospheric pressure

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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

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

14 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

bulb capillary tube

Which change increases the sensitivity of the thermometer?

A a narrower capillary tube

B a wider capillary tube
C thicker glass around the bulb
D thinner glass around the bulb

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15 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer with a uniform capillary tube.

liquid capillary tube

NOT TO
0 qC 100 qC SCALE

8 mm 64 mm
88 mm

Which temperature is indicated by the thermometer?

A 73 C B 80 C C 82 C D 90 C

16 Four thermometers, with their bulbs painted different colours, are placed at equal distances from
a radiant heater.

Which thermometer shows the slowest temperature rise when the heater is first switched on?

A dull black
B dull white
C shiny black
D shiny white

17 A wave source produces 3000 crests every minute. The wave has a speed of 300 m / s.

What is the wavelength of the wave?

A 0.10 m B 0.17 m C 6.0 m D 10.0 m

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18 The diagrams show two sets of wavefronts in a ripple tank.

wave wave
direction direction

barrier shallow water

A student makes two statements about the waves.

1 When the waves reflect from the barrier the direction changes but the wavelength
remains the same.
2 When the waves refract as they enter the shallow water the direction remains the
same, but the wavelength changes.

Which statements are correct?

A statement 1 and statement 2

B statement 1 only
C statement 2 only
D neither statement 1 nor statement 2

19 A composite block is made by joining together three transparent materials.

The diagram shows a ray of light passing through the composite block.

material 1

material 2

material 3

Which list gives the three materials in order of the speeds of light in the materials, from slowest to
fastest?

A 123 B 132 C 213 D 231

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20 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.

21 A ray of light is shone onto the surface of a mirror.

2 3
1 4

Which two angles represent the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?

A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4

22 The speed of sound in air is 330 m / s.

How do the speeds of sound in concrete and water compare with this speed?

speed in speed in
concrete water

A greater greater
B greater less
C less greater
D less less

23 What is the speed of microwaves in air?

A 3  108 m / s

B 3  108 cm / s

C 3  108 m / s

D 3  108 km / s

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24 An observer stands at the finish line of a 100 m race. He wants to time the winner’s run. He starts
his stop-watch as soon as he sees the smoke from the starting gun instead of when he hears the
bang.

What is the reason for doing this?

A Light travels much faster than sound.

B There is a risk he might respond to an echo from a wall.
C Humans react slower to sound than to light.
D Humans react more quickly to sound than to light.

25 Which statement is not a method for magnetising an iron bar?

A Place the bar next to a magnet and hammer the bar.

B Place the bar inside a solenoid. Switch on an alternating current (a.c.) in the coil and
gradually reduce the current.
C Place the bar inside a solenoid. Switch on a direct current (d.c.) in the coil and gradually
reduce the current.
D Stroke the bar repeatedly with a magnet.

26 The diagram shows a circuit containing a variable resistor connected to a variable power supply.

power
supply

The table shows the currents for different values of the potential difference (p.d.) and the
resistance.

p.d. / V resistance /  current

3.6 12 I1
1.2 12 I2
3.6 6 I3

What is the order of the currents from smallest to largest?

A I1  I2  I3 B I1  I3  I2 C I2  I1  I3 D I3  I1  I2

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27 Which diagram shows the electric field pattern around a positive charge?

A B C D

+ + + +

28 A negatively charged plastic rod P is placed above a positively charged plastic rod Q.

P
– – – – –

Q
+ + + + +

What are the directions of the electrostatic forces on rod P and on rod Q?

electrostatic force electrostatic force

on rod P on rod Q

A downwards downwards
B downwards upwards
C upwards downwards
D upwards upwards

29 A lamp rated 12 V, 2.0 A is switched on for one minute.

How much energy is transferred by the lamp?

A 6.0 J B 24 J C 360 J D 1440 J

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 12

30 An alternating current (a.c.) power supply is connected in series with a resistor R and a diode.

Which graph shows how the voltage V across the resistor R varies with time?

A B

voltage V voltage V

0 0
0 time 0 time

C D

voltage V voltage V

0 0
0 time 0 time

31 A student makes four resistors using different pieces of wire. The wires have different diameters
and lengths. All the pieces of wire are made of the same material.

Which piece of wire will make the resistor with the largest resistance?

diameter / mm length / cm

A 0.8 10
B 0.8 17
C 2.0 10
D 2.0 17

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32 Which diagram shows a circuit containing a battery, a fuse and a buzzer?

A B

C D

33 The diagram shows a network of logic gates.

OUT

Which single logic gate, placed between X, Y and OUT, would have the same effect as the
network?

A B C D

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 14

34 The diagram represents a transformer.

core

primary coil

Which row shows materials suitable for making the core and the primary coil?

core primary coil

A iron copper
B iron plastic
C steel copper
D steel plastic

35 The diagrams show the magnetic field lines around a wire carrying a current, I.

1 2

I I

3 4

I I

Which diagrams are correct?

A 1 only B 2 and 3 C 4 only D 1 and 3

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36 Which statement about electromagnetic induction is correct?

A A conductor moving parallel to magnetic field lines induces an electromotive force (e.m.f.) in
the conductor.
B The direction of the induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) opposes the change which produces
it.
C The induced current is in a direction parallel to the direction of motion producing it.
D The induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) decreases when the speed of the conductor moving
across the field lines increases.

37 A very important experiment increased scientists’ understanding of the structure of matter.

In the experiment, particles scattered as they passed through a thin metal foil.

Which particles were used, and to which conclusion did the experiment lead?

particles conclusion

A alpha-particles matter is made up of atoms

B alpha-particles atoms have a very small nucleus
C beta-particles matter is made up of atoms
D beta-particles atoms have a very small nucleus

38 Polonium, Po, has a proton number equal to 84 and a nucleon number equal to 218.

Polonium changes into astatine, At, by emitting a -particle.

Which equation represents this decay?

218Po  218 At + 0 
84 85 –1
A

218Po + 0  218 At
84 –1 85
B

84Po  85 At + –1 
218 218 0
C

84Po + –1   85 At
218 0 218
D

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 16

39 The graph shows how the count rate from a radioactive isotope changes with time.

60

count rate 50
counts / s
40

30

20

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
time / s

What is the half-life of this isotope?

A 2.0 s B 6.0 s C 12 s D 53 s

40 What is the nature of -emission?

A electromagnetic waves
B negatively charged particles
C positively charged particles
D uncharged particles

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2022 0625/21/O/N/22

55
 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) May/June 2022
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*8167223842*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Write in soft pencil.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.
 Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages.

IB22 06_0625_21/3RP
© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

56
 2

1 Which measuring devices are most suitable for determining the length of a swimming pool and
the thickness of aluminium foil?

length of a swimming pool thickness of aluminium foil

A ruler measuring cylinder

B tape measure micrometer screw gauge
C tape measure ruler
D ruler micrometer screw gauge

2 A man stands next to a railway track.

A train travelling at 40 m / s takes 2.0 s to pass the man.

What is the length of the train?

A 20 m B 38 m C 40 m D 80 m

3 A speed–time graph is used to describe the motion of an object.

Which quantities are calculated from the gradient of the graph and from the area under the
graph?

gradient of the graph area under the graph

A acceleration distance travelled

B acceleration total journey time
C distance travelled acceleration
D total journey time distance travelled

4 On the Moon, all objects fall with the same acceleration.

Which statement explains this?

A On the Moon, all objects have the same weight.

B The Moon has a smaller gravitational field strength than the Earth.
C The weight of an object is directly proportional to its mass.
D The weight of an object is inversely proportional to its mass.

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 3

5 A measuring cylinder contains 30 cm3 of a liquid.

cm3

50

40

30

20

10

balance

Some more of the liquid is added until the liquid level reaches the 50 cm3 mark.

The reading on the balance increases by 30 g.

What is the density of the liquid?

A 0.60 g / cm3 B 0.67 g / cm3 C 1.5 g / cm3 D 1.7 g / cm3

6 An object on the end of a string moves in a clockwise circular path at constant speed. The
diagram shows the object as viewed from above.

What is the direction of the resultant force on the object when it is in the position shown?

string
A

B object
D
C

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7 A beam is pivoted at one end, as shown.

40 cm beam
X
pivot

6.0 N

The beam weighs 6.0 N and its weight acts at a point X 40 cm from the pivot.

A force of 4.0 N is applied to the beam causing it to balance horizontally.

In which direction and where is the 4.0 N force applied?

A vertically downwards at 20 cm to the left of X

B vertically downwards at 20 cm to the right of X
C vertically upwards at 20 cm to the left of X
D vertically upwards at 20 cm to the right of X

8 On the diagram shown, what is the magnitude of the resultant force of the two vectors?

scale
2.0 N

6.0 N

8.0 N

A 2.0 N B 7.0 N C 10 N D 14 N

9 Three situations are listed.

1 An object has a resultant force acting on it.

2 A moving object experiences an impulse.
3 An object is decelerating.

In which situations is the momentum of the object changing?

A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

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10 A ball of mass 0.16 kg is moving forwards at a speed of 0.50 m / s. A second ball of mass 0.10 kg
is stationary. The first ball strikes the second ball. The second ball moves forwards at a speed of
0.50 m / s.

What is the speed of the first ball after the collision?

A 0.0 m / s B 0.19 m / s C 0.31 m / s D 0.50 m / s

11 A mass hangs vertically from a spring.

The mass is raised to a point P and is then released.

The mass oscillates repeatedly between point P and a lower point Q.

Which energies alternately increase and decrease throughout the oscillations?

A gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy and elastic energy

B gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy only
C gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy and internal energy
D internal energy and elastic energy

12 A car has 620 kJ of kinetic energy. The car brakes and stops in a distance of 91 m.

What is the average braking force acting on the car?

A 0.15 N B 6.8 N C 6800 N D 56 000 N

13 The diagram shows a deep reservoir formed by a dam.

water
dam
X

On what does the pressure at X depend?

A the depth of the water at X

B the length of the reservoir
C the surface area of the water
D the thickness of the dam wall

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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

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

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16 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

°C
–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

A student wishes to check the marking of the upper fixed point on this thermometer.

What should she do?

A Put the bulb in a beaker of boiling sea water.

B Put the bulb in a beaker of boiling pure water.
C Put the bulb in a beaker of ice and salt.
D Put the bulb in a beaker of pure melting ice.

17 Water in a beaker gains thermal energy at a rate of 3000 W. The water is at its boiling point.

The specific latent heat of vaporisation of water is 2260 J / g.

How long does it take for 250 g of the water to vaporise?

A 12 s B 188 s C 332 s D 750 s

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

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19 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

20 The diagram shows a convection current caused by a piece of ice placed in a beaker of water at
room temperature.

ice

Which row correctly compares the temperatures and densities at water points P and Q?

temperature at P density at P

A higher than at Q higher than at Q

B higher than at Q lower than at Q
C lower than at Q higher than at Q
D lower than at Q lower than at Q

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21 The diagram shows a wave.

2.0
displacement / cm
1.0

0
0 4.0 8.0 12.0 16.0 20.0 24.0 28.0
–1.0 distance / cm

–2.0

Which row is correct?

amplitude of wavelength of
the wave / cm the wave / cm

A 1.0 4.0
B 1.0 8.0
C 2.0 4.0
D 2.0 8.0

22 A sound wave is created by a loudspeaker that vibrates backwards and forwards 96 000 times
per minute.

The speed of sound is 320 m / s.

What is the wavelength of the sound wave?

A 0.20 m B 5.0 m C 300 m D 18 000 m

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23 A card is placed in front of a plane mirror so that its label is facing the mirror, as shown.

plane mirror

label

card
observer

The label is shown.

How does the image of the label formed by the mirror appear to the observer?

A B C D

24 A thin converging lens can produce both real and virtual images.

Which row describes a real and a virtual image?

real image virtual image

A rays converge to form the image image can be projected onto a screen
B rays converge to form the image image cannot be projected onto a screen
C rays diverge to form the image image can be projected onto a screen
D rays diverge to form the image image cannot be projected onto a screen

25 The speed of light in air is 3.0  108 m / s.

The critical angle for light in a transparent plastic material placed in air is 37.

What is the speed of light in the plastic material?

A 1.8  108 m / s

B 2.4  108 m / s

C 3.8  108 m / s

D 5.0  108 m / s

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26 Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used by a remote controller for a television?

A infrared waves
B microwaves
C radio waves
D visible light

27 Which statement correctly compares radio waves and X-rays?

A Radio waves have a longer wavelength and a greater speed in a vacuum.

B Radio waves have a longer wavelength and the same speed in a vacuum.
C Radio waves have a shorter wavelength and a greater speed in a vacuum.
D Radio waves have a shorter wavelength and the same speed in a vacuum.

28 A student counts how many iron pins an electromagnet picks up when its power supply is
switched on. Then, she counts how many pins are picked up when the power supply is switched
off.

core

d.c. power d.c. power

supply on supply off

iron pins

She repeats the experiment using cores made of different materials. The results are shown.

Which core is made out of soft iron?

pins picked up with pins picked up with

the power supply on the power supply off

A 0 0
B 2 7
C 8 5
D 12 0

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29 A plastic rod is brought near to a small plastic sphere suspended from a stand. The sphere is
repelled by the rod.

Why is this?

A The rod and the sphere have like charges.

B The rod and the sphere have unlike charges.
C The rod is charged and the sphere is uncharged.
D The rod is uncharged and the sphere is charged.

30 Which unit is equivalent to a volt (V)?

A A /  B J/C C J/s D W/C

31 A resistor converts 360 J of energy when there is a current of 3.0 A in it. The potential difference
across the resistor is 6.0 V.

For how long is there this current in the resistor?

A 0.05 s B 20 s C 180 s D 720 s

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32 The four circuits shown each contain four diodes.

In which circuit is the direction of the current in the resistor always from the red terminal to the
black terminal?

A B

12 V 12 V

red black red black

terminal terminal terminal terminal

C D

12 V 12 V

red black red black

terminal terminal terminal terminal

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33 The diagram shows a circuit of six identical lamps connected to a battery.

S
Q

P T

R
U

Which lamps are brightest?

A P only
B Q and R only
C S, T and U only
D P, Q, R, S, T and U are equally bright

34 A digital circuit is made of two logic gates.

W Y
Z
X

Which row is correct for this digital circuit?

W X Y Z

A 0 0 1 0
B 0 1 0 1
C 1 0 1 0
D 1 1 0 1

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2022 0625/21/M/J/22

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 15

35 A magnet is dropped vertically through a solenoid. This induces magnetic poles at both ends of
the solenoid.

X X
S

S
N

diagram 1 diagram 2 diagram 3

Which magnetic poles are induced at position X in diagram 1 and diagram 3?

diagram 1 diagram 3

A N pole N pole
B N pole S pole
C S pole N pole
D S pole S pole

36 Which transformer can change a 240 V a.c. input into a 15 V a.c. output?

A B

800 turns 40 turns 1000 turns 25 turns

C D

2400 turns 15 turns 1200 turns 75 turns

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37 What is the purpose of the split-ring commutator in an electric motor?

A to ensure that the magnetic field in the motor changes direction every half rotation
B to ensure that the magnetic field in the motor stays in the same direction at all times
C to ensure that the turning effect on the motor changes direction every half rotation
D to ensure that the turning effect on the motor stays in the same direction at all times

38 How do the sizes of the two nuclei produced in a nuclear fission reaction compare to the size of
the original nucleus?

A both larger than the original nucleus

B one larger and one smaller than the original nucleus
C both smaller than the original nucleus
D one smaller and one the same size as the original nucleus

39 Which statement about the radioactive decay of a substance is correct?

A It cannot be predicted when a particular nucleus will decay.

B Placing a radioactive substance inside a lead-lined box prevents it from decaying.
C The decay always produces poisonous gases.
D The rate of decay increases if the substance is dissolved in water.

40 The diagram shows a stream of -particles travelling in a line that passes between the poles of a
magnet.

-particles

In which direction will the -particles be deflected by the magnet?

A towards the N pole

B towards the S pole
C into the page
D out of the page

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 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) October/November 2021
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*2413099302*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Write in soft pencil.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.
 Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages.

IB21 11_0625_21/2RP
© UCLES 2021 [Turn over

72
 2

1 Which instrument is most suitable for measuring the thickness of a single sheet of paper?

A 15 cm rule
B balance
C metre rule
D micrometer screw gauge

2 The diagrams show distance–time graphs for four objects.

Which graph represents an object moving with an increasing speed?

A B

distance distance

0 0
0 time 0 time

C D

distance distance

0 0
0 time 0 time

3 An object has a weight of 6.4 N on the Earth where the gravitational field strength is 10 N / kg.

Which row states the mass and the weight of the object on the Moon where the gravitational field
strength is 1.6 N / kg?

weight on
mass / kg
the Moon / N

A 0.64 1.0
B 0.64 6.4
C 4.0 1.0
D 4.0 6.4

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4 Which substance in the table has the lowest density?

substance mass / g volume / cm3

A nylon 1.2 1.0

B cotton 1.5 1.0
C olive oil 1.8 2.0
D water 2.0 2.0

5 A 20 m long, uniform bridge of weight 100 kN is supported at each end by pillars, as shown.

T1 T2
20 m

bridge

pillar 24 kN pillar

100 kN

The pillars exert forces T1 and T2 on the ends of the bridge.

What are the values of T1 and T2 when a van of weight 24 kN is on the bridge, 5 m from the
left-hand pillar?

T1 / kN T2 / kN

A 56 68
B 62 62
C 68 56
D 74 50

6 A spring, which obeys Hooke’s law, has an unstretched length of 10 cm.

A load of 20 N is suspended from the spring.

The new length of the spring is 36 cm.

What is the spring constant k of the spring?

A 0.56 N / cm B 0.77 N / cm C 1.3 N / cm D 1.8 N / cm

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7 What is the relationship between the impulse acting on an object and the change in momentum of
the object?

A impulse = change in momentum

B impulse = change in momentum  time

change in momentum
C impulse =
time

change in momentum
D impulse =
mass

8 Electrical energy may be obtained from nuclear fission.

In which order is the energy transferred in this process?

A nuclear fuel  generator  reactor and boiler  turbines

B nuclear fuel  generator  turbines  reactor and boiler

C nuclear fuel  reactor and boiler  generator  turbines

D nuclear fuel  reactor and boiler  turbines  generator

9 A motor of power P exerts a force F on an object. The object moves a distance d during the time t
that the force acts.

Which equation is used to calculate the time t ?

A t= F B t = Fd C t = Pd D t= P
Pd P F Fd

10 A scientist uses an electric motor to lift a load through a vertical distance of 2.0 m.

He then increases the input power to the motor and repeats the experiment. The efficiency of the
motor does not change.

Which row correctly describes the effect that this has on the useful work done lifting the load and
the time taken to lift it?

work done time taken

A decreases decreases
B stays the same decreases
C decreases stays the same
D stays the same stays the same

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11 Four containers are filled to the top with the same liquid. The base of each container is circular.

Which container has the greatest pressure exerted by the liquid at its base?

A B C D

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.

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

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14 An aluminium block has a mass of 200 g.

The specific heat capacity of aluminium is 900 J / (kg C).

How much energy is needed to increase the temperature of the block from 20 C to 110 C?

A 2.0 J B 2000 J C 16 200 J D 16 200 000 J

15 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

liquid capillary tube

bulb scale

Which change to the design would result in a more sensitive thermometer?

A Increase the density of the liquid.

B Increase the diameter of the capillary tube.
C Increase the number of scale markings.
D Increase the volume of the bulb.

16 The diagram shows a pan used for cooking food.

handle of pan

base of pan

Which row is correct for the materials used to make the base and the handle of the pan?

base of pan handle of pan

A good thermal conductor good thermal conductor

B good thermal conductor poor thermal conductor
C poor thermal conductor good thermal conductor
D poor thermal conductor poor thermal conductor

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17 The diagram shows waves in a ripple tank containing water.

The waves approach a barrier and pass through the gap in the barrier.

The size of the gap is about the same size as the wavelength of the ripples.

The gap size is increased.

What happens to the ripple pattern to the right of the barrier?

A The ripples are closer together.

B The ripples are further apart.
C The ripples are more curved.
D The ripples are less curved.

18 The diagram shows a wave.

displacement 1

2 4 5 6
0
0 distance
3

Which row correctly indicates the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave?

amplitude wavelength

A the distance between 1 and 2 the distance between 4 and 5

B the distance between 1 and 2 the distance between 4 and 6
C the distance between 1 and 3 the distance between 4 and 5
D the distance between 1 and 3 the distance between 4 and 6

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19 Two beams of light are both the same colour of red. One beam is travelling through air. The other
beam is travelling through water. Each beam has a different brightness.

Which quantity is the same for both sets of waves?

A amplitude
B frequency
C speed
D wavelength

20 The diagram shows a ray of light in air incident on a glass block. Some of the light is refracted
and some of the light is reflected. Two angles, p and q, are marked on the diagram.

ray of
light
q
air p
glass

Which row gives the angle of incidence and states whether total internal reflection occurs?

angle of total internal

incidence reflection

A p no
B p yes
C q no
D q yes

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21 The diagram shows a ray of light in glass incident on the surface between the glass and air.

air
glass

What happens if the angle of incidence is made larger than the critical angle for the glass?

A The angle of refraction becomes equal to 90.

B There is a refracted ray and a ray reflected inside the glass.
C There is a refracted ray only.
D There is only a ray reflected inside the glass.

22 The Sun emits infrared radiation and light.

Light from the Sun reaches the Earth in 8 minutes.

Which row gives correct information about the infrared radiation?

wavelength of time taken for infrared

infrared radiation radiation to reach the Earth

A longer than wavelength of light 8 minutes

B longer than wavelength of light much less than 8 minutes
C shorter than wavelength of light 8 minutes
D shorter than wavelength of light much more than 8 minutes

23 Which list shows regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing frequency?

A X-ray  ultraviolet  visible light  infrared

B X-ray  infrared  visible light  ultraviolet

C infrared  visible light  ultraviolet  X-ray

D ultraviolet  visible light  infrared  X-ray

24 What is ultrasound?

A sound waves that are so loud that they damage human hearing
B sound waves that are too high-pitched for humans to hear
C sound waves that are too low-pitched for humans to hear
D sound waves that are too quiet for humans to hear

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25 An uncharged, metal sphere is placed on an insulating support. A positively charged rod is

brought close to the sphere, but does not touch it.

+
+
+
+
+
+

How do the charges in the sphere move and what is now the charge on the sphere?

movement of charges charge on sphere

A negative charges move positive
to the right of the sphere
B negative charges move neutral
to the right of the sphere
C positive charges move positive
to the left of the sphere
D positive charges move neutral
to the left of the sphere

26 In which circuit is the ammeter measuring the flow of charge through the lamp?

A B C D

A A

27 A lamp is connected to a cell.

Which circuit diagram shows the direction of conventional current I and also the direction of flow
of electrons e?

A B C D
I e I e I e I e

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28 The diagram shows a circuit containing two resistors of resistance 1.0  and 2.0 .

A voltmeter is connected across the 1.0  resistor by connecting P to X.

The reading on the voltmeter is 6.0 V.

1.0 Ω X 2.0 Ω Y

P
V

P is moved to point Y in the circuit.

What is the new reading on the voltmeter?

A 3.0 V B 6.0 V C 12 V D 18 V

29 The graph shows the current–voltage relationship for a circuit component X.

current

0
0 voltage

What happens to the resistance of X and what happens to the temperature of X as the voltage
increases?

resistance temperature
of X of X

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases

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30 The diagrams show pairs of circuits containing logic gates.

In which diagram does the lower circuit of the pair behave differently from the upper circuit?

A B

C D

31 In which circuit do both lamps light?

A B C D

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32 Two resistors, with resistances R1 and R2, are connected in parallel.

The resistance R1 is greater than the resistance R2.

R1

R2

What is the resistance of the parallel combination?

A less than either R1 or R2

B equal to R1
C equal to R2
D the average of R1 and R2

33 The metal cases of electrical appliances are connected to an earth wire.

Which statement is not correct?

A The live wire may become loose and touch the metal case.
B If the metal case becomes live, the earth wire conducts current to the ground.
C The earth wire needs to have a high resistance.
D Earthing metal cases helps prevent a person from receiving an electric shock.

34 What is the function of the split-ring commutator in an electric motor with a single rotating coil?

A to enable the motor to function with an a.c. source

B to reverse the current in the coil once every revolution
C to reverse the current in the coil whenever its plane becomes perpendicular to the magnetic
field
D to reverse the current in the coil whenever its plane is parallel with the magnetic field

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35 Which graph represents an alternating current (a.c.)?

A B
current current

0 0
0 time 0 time

C D
current current

0 0
0 time 0 time

36 The diagrams show a horizontal wire in a magnetic field.

The horizontal wire is firmly held at each end (not shown) and cannot move.

The magnets and holder are on a balance.

When there is no current in the wire, the reading on the balance is 0.35 g.

fixed horizontal wire

current direction
N S
balance
N S

0.35 g fixed horizontal wire

view from side view from above

There is a d.c. current in the wire, as shown.

What happens to the reading on the balance?

A smaller than 0.35 g

B no change
C changing from smaller to larger than 0.35 g repeatedly
D larger than 0.35 g

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37 The nucleus of an americium atom contains 146 neutrons and 95 protons. It decays by emitting
an -particle.

How many neutrons and how many protons remain in the nucleus when this form of americium
decays?

number of neutrons number of protons

remaining remaining

A 142 93
B 142 95
C 144 93
D 144 95

38 The graph shows how the count rate measured by a radioactivity detector placed near a
radioactive sample changed with time.

600

550
count rate
counts / min
500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
time / h

Given that the background count rate is 30 counts / min, what is the half-life of this sample?

A 3.4 h B 3.6 h C 4.0 h D 5.5 h

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39 A teacher holds a radioactive source near a detector.

The reading on the detector is 320 counts / min.

The detector is switched on again after the source has been removed and it shows a reading of
20 counts / min.

What is the counts / min solely due to the source and why is there a reading on the detector when
there is no radioactive source present?

counts / min reason for reading

due to the source with no source

A 300 zero error on detector

B 300 background radiation
C 340 zero error on detector
D 340 background radiation

40 Which statement is not correct?

A -particles are used to detect cracks in metallic structures.

B -particles are used in the measurement of the thickness of paper.

C -rays may be used to treat cancer patients.

D Smoke alarms contain a weak source of -particles.

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2021 0625/21/O/N/21

87
 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) May/June 2021
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*6763850843*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Write in soft pencil.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.
 Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages.

IB21 06_0625_21/3RP
© UCLES 2021 [Turn over

88
 2

1 The diagram shows a stone of irregular shape.

Which property of the stone can be found by lowering it into a measuring cylinder half-filled with
water?

A length
B mass
C volume
D weight

2 Which row describes speed and velocity?

speed velocity

A scalar scalar
B scalar vector
C vector scalar
D vector vector

3 Four balls with different masses are dropped from the heights shown.

Air resistance may be ignored.

Which ball has the smallest average speed?

A B C D
1.0 kg

2.0 kg

3.0 kg
4.0 m
4.0 kg
3.0 m
2.0 m
1.0 m ground

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 3

4 An object of mass 2.0 kg is taken from the Earth, where the gravitational field strength is 10 N / kg,
to the Moon, where the gravitational field strength is 1.6 N / kg.

Which row is correct?

weight on weight on
the Earth / N the Moon / N

A 0.20 0.80
B 0.20 3.2
C 20 0.80
D 20 3.2

5 The mass of an empty flask is 34 g.

The volume of liquid added to the flask is 20 cm3.

The total mass of the flask and the liquid is 50 g.

What is the density of the liquid?

A 0.80 g / cm3 B 1.25 g / cm3 C 2.50 g / cm3 D 4.20 g / cm3

6 The extension–load graph for a spring is shown. The unstretched length of the spring is 17.0 cm.

3
extension / cm

0
0 1 2 3 4
load / N

When an object is suspended from the spring, the length of the spring is 19.2 cm.

What is the weight of the object?

A 1.4 N B 1.6 N C 2.6 N D 3.0 N

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7 A cart has a mass of 10 kg. A boy pushes on the cart horizontally with a force of 50 N. The cart
accelerates at 0.50 m / s2.

What is the frictional force acting on the cart?

A 5.0 N B 20 N C 30 N D 45 N

8 A ball has a mass of 2.0 kg. The ball approaches a wall at a speed of 3.0 m / s and rebounds at a
speed of 1.0 m / s.

wall
3.0 m / s

1.0 m / s

What is the impulse on the wall?

A 4.0 N B 4.0 N s C 8.0 N D 8.0 N s

9 Which situation involves no work being done and no energy being transferred?

A a car skidding to a stop on a road

B a crane lifting a load
C a heavy load hanging from a strong bar
D a student dragging a big box over a rough floor

10 A student suggests that there are several ways of transferring energy to a small, stationary block
of iron on a smooth table. He makes the following suggestions.

1 Heat it.
2 Shine light on it.
3 Pass a current through it.

Which suggestions are correct?

A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

11 An engine produces 240 kJ of energy in 2.0 minutes.

What is the power output of the engine?

A 2.0 kW B 120 kW C 480 kW D 28 800 kW

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12 A book has a mass of 400 g.

The surface of the book in contact with a table has dimensions 0.10 m  0.20 m.

The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

What is the pressure exerted on the table due to the book?

A 0.08 N / m2 B 8.0 N / m2 C 20 N / m2 D 200 N / m2

13 The diagram shows a mercury barometer.

At which point is the pressure greater than atmospheric pressure?

mercury

14 The table gives information about molecules.

Which row describes a gas?

force distance
between molecules between molecules

A strong close together

B strong far apart
C negligible far apart
D negligible close together

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15 Very small pollen grains are suspended in water. A bright light shines from the side.

When looked at through a microscope, small specks of light are seen to be moving in a random,
jerky manner.

eye

microscope

bright light

pollen grains
in water

What are the moving specks of light?

A pollen grains being hit by other pollen grains

B pollen grains being hit by water molecules
C water molecules being hit by other water molecules
D water molecules being hit by pollen grains

16 Why are small gaps left between the metal rails of a railway track?

A to allow for expansion of the rails on a hot day

B to allow for contraction of the rails on a hot day
C to allow for expansion of the rails on a cold day
D to allow for contraction of the rails on a cold day

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17 A block of metal absorbs 2000 J of thermal energy.

The temperature of the block rises from 10 C to 20 C.

The mass of the block is 2.0 kg.

What is the specific heat capacity of the metal?

A 50 J / (kg C) B 100 J / (kg C) C 200 J / (kg C) D 400 J / (kg C)

18 Which statement about boiling and evaporation is correct?

A Boiling requires a supply of thermal energy but evaporation does not.

B Evaporation takes place at the surface of a liquid but boiling takes place throughout the
liquid.
C When water boils in a kettle, its temperature decreases.
D When water evaporates, its temperature increases.

19 A metal rod is heated at end X.

X Y

heat

Why does end Y of the metal rod become hot?

A Energy is transferred from end X of the rod to end Y by vibration of positive ions and by
movement of electrons.
B Energy is transferred from end X of the rod to end Y by movement of positive ions only.
C Energy is transferred from end X of the rod to end Y by vibration of positive ions only.
D Energy is transferred from end X of the rod to end Y by movement of electrons only.

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20 Two square sheets of metal, P and Q, are heated to the same temperature. The metal sheets are
shown.

P Q

20 cm

40 cm

Sheet Q is emitting more radiation than sheet P.

Which statement explains this?

A Dull black surfaces are better conductors of radiation.

B Dull black surfaces are better emitters of radiation.
C The surface area of Q is larger than that of P.
D White surfaces are better absorbers of radiation.

21 A water wave passes into a region where the wave travels more slowly.

As it passes into the slow region, what happens to the frequency and what happens to the
wavelength of the wave?

frequency wavelength

A decreases remains the same

B increases remains the same
C remains the same decreases
D remains the same increases

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22 Light travelling at a speed of 3.0  108 m / s strikes the surface of a glass block and undergoes
refraction as it enters the block.

The diagram shows a ray of this light before and after it enters the block.

55q

glass block

33q

What is the speed of light in the glass?

A 1.8  108 m / s

B 2.0  108 m / s

C 4.5  108 m / s

D 5.0  108 m / s

23 The diagram shows a narrow beam of light incident on a glass-air boundary. Some of the light
emerges along the surface of the glass and some is reflected back into the glass.

T
glass
air

Which row is correct?

this is an example of angle  is the

total internal reflection critical angle

A no yes
B no no
C yes no
D yes yes

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24 An object is placed in front of a thin converging lens.

The diagram shows the paths of two rays from the top of the object.

converging lens

object

An image of the object is formed on a screen to the right of the lens.

How does this image compare with the object?

A It is larger and inverted.

B It is larger and the same way up.
C It is smaller and inverted.
D It is smaller and the same way up.

25 A remote-controlled vehicle is travelling on the surface of a planet. The vehicle senses an

obstacle ahead. It sends a radio message to the control room from where it is being controlled.
The control room is 2.4  106 km away from the vehicle. The control room sends a message back
to the vehicle telling it to stop.

What is the minimum time that elapses between the vehicle sensing the obstacle and receiving
the message back from the control room?

A 8.0 ms B 16 ms C 8.0 s D 16 s

26 A sound wave is travelling outwards from a loudspeaker into the surrounding air.

Here are three statements.

1 The air pressure is lower at a rarefaction compared with undisturbed air.

2 The density of the air is less at a compression compared with undisturbed air.
3 The distance from a compression to a rarefaction equals half a wavelength.

Which statements about the sound wave are correct?

A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

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27 The sound from a loudspeaker must pass through two materials to reach a microphone.

loudspeaker microphone

material 1 material 2

Which combination of materials gives the shortest time for the sound to reach the microphone?

material 1 material 2

A air hydrogen
B air water
C copper aluminium
D water oil

28 Diagram 1 shows a small compass needle with its poles marked. It is not near any magnetic
materials.

Diagram 2 shows a bar magnet with its poles marked. The compass needle is placed at point P.

diagram 1 diagram 2
N
N S
S

In which direction will the N pole of the compass needle point?

A to the left
B to the right
C down the page
D up the page

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29 A student rubs a plastic rod with a cloth.

The rod becomes positively charged.

What has happened to the rod?

A It has gained electrons.

B It has gained protons.
C It has lost electrons.
D It has lost protons.

30 An isolated metal sphere is positively charged.

It is then brought near to another isolated metal sphere that is neutral.

left right
+ +
+ + +
+
+ + +
positively charged + + + neutral
metal sphere metal sphere

What happens to the charges on the neutral sphere as the positively charged sphere is brought
close to it?

A Some positive charges move to the left and some negative charges move to the right.
B Some positive charges move to the right and some negative charges move to the left.
C Some positive charges move to the right, but the negative charges do not move.
D The positive charges do not move, but some negative charges move to the left.

31 Which statement about the resistance of a metal wire is correct?

A The resistance is directly proportional to its length and directly proportional to its
cross-sectional area.
B The resistance is directly proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its
cross-sectional area.
C The resistance is inversely proportional to its length and directly proportional to its
cross-sectional area.
D The resistance is inversely proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its
cross-sectional area.

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32 The circuit diagram shows a light-dependent resistor (LDR) in a potential divider.

A voltmeter is connected across the LDR.

Which row shows the resistance of the LDR and the potential difference (p.d.) shown on the
voltmeter at a specific light level?

resistance p.d. shown on

light level
of LDR the voltmeter

A bright low high

B bright high low
C dim high high
D dim low low

33 Three NAND gates are connected in a single chip as shown.

input 1

output

input 2

The whole chip behaves as a single logic gate.

Which type of logic gate does the chip act as?

A AND gate
B NAND gate
C NOR gate
D OR gate

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34 A solenoid is connected to a very sensitive ammeter. A rod is inserted into one end of the
solenoid. The ammeter shows that there is a small electric current in the solenoid while the rod is
moving.

solenoid
rod

Which rod is being inserted?

A a heated copper rod

B a magnetised steel rod
C an uncharged nylon rod
D a radioactive uranium rod

35 The diagram shows an electric generator with the coil in a vertical position.

magnetic poles

coil

N S

to oscilloscope
slip rings

brushes

Which row describes the generator?

the generator the voltage output

produces will be zero when

A a.c. the coil is horizontal

B a.c. the coil is vertical
C d.c. the coil is horizontal
D d.c. the coil is vertical

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36 The diagram shows a transformer. There are 460 turns on the primary coil and 24 turns on the
secondary coil. The primary voltage is 230 V.

iron core

primary coil secondary coil

What is the secondary voltage?

A 2.0 V B 12 V C 48 V D 4400 V

37 The charge on a proton is e.

What is the charge on an electron and what is the charge on a neutron?

electron neutron

A e e
B e 0
C –e –e
D –e 0

38 Four students are asked to comment on the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Their comments are recorded in the table.

Which row is correct?

fission fusion

A energy is absorbed a large unstable nucleus splits

B a large unstable nucleus splits energy is absorbed
C two light nuclei join energy is absorbed
D energy is released two light nuclei join

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219
39 Radon 86Rn decays by emitting an -particle.

Which nuclide is formed in this decay?

215 223 219 219

A 84Po B 88Ra C 87Fr D 85 At

40 The graph shows the activity of a radioactive source over a period of time.

120
activity
counts / s 90

60

30

0
0 1 2 3 4 5
time / minutes

What is the half-life of the source?

A 1.0 minute B 2.0 minutes C 2.5 minutes D 4.0 minutes

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2021 0625/21/M/J/21

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 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) October/November 2020
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*8691247406*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
 There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
 For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
 Write in soft pencil.
 Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
 Do not use correction fluid.
 Do not write on any bar codes.
 You may use a calculator.
 Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
 The total mark for this paper is 40.
 Each correct answer will score one mark. A mark will not be deducted for a wrong answer.
 Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages. Blank pages are indicated.

IB20 11_0625_21/3RP
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1 For which one of the following measurements would a micrometer screw gauge be most
suitable?

A length of this page

B length of a pencil
C diameter of a wire
D diameter of an atom

2 The speed–time graph represents a journey.

speed

X Y

0
0 time

How does the graph show that the distance travelled in section X of the journey is greater than
the distance travelled in section Y?

A The area below section X of the graph is greater than the area below section Y.
B The gradient of section X of the graph is greater than the gradient of section Y.
C The speed at the end of section X of the journey is greater than the speed at the end of
section Y.
D The time for section X of the journey is greater than the time for section Y.

3 A car is travelling at a velocity of 2.0 m / s. It accelerates at a constant 0.20 m / s2 for 2.5 minutes.

What is the final velocity of the car?

A 2.5 m / s B 5.2 m / s C 30 m / s D 32 m / s

4 Which quantity is weight an example of?

A acceleration
B force
C mass
D pressure

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5 A sphere P, made of steel, has a weight of 10 N on Earth.

Another sphere Q, also made of steel, has a weight of 10 N on Mars.

The gravitational field strength on Earth is greater than the gravitational field strength on Mars.

Which statement is correct?

A The mass of sphere P is the same as the mass of sphere Q.

B The mass of sphere P is less than the mass of sphere Q.
C On Mars, the weight of sphere P is more than 10 N.
D On Earth, the weight of sphere Q is less than 10 N.

6 A metal ball is attached to a cork and is lowered into a measuring cylinder, pulling the cork into
the water, as shown.

cork

80 cm3

ball
56 cm3
3
48 cm

water

ball and cork ball fully submerged both ball and cork
above the water but cork above the water fully submerged

The mass of the cork is 4.8 g.

What is the density of the cork?

A 0.15 g / cm3 B 0.20 g / cm3 C 0.60 g / cm3 D 5.0 g / cm3

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7 A uniform plank rests on a pivot at its centre.

Two children P and Q sit on the plank in the positions shown.

1.2 m 1.5 m

child P child Q

pivot

The mass of child P is 25 kg.

The plank is balanced.

What is the mass of child Q?

A 20 kg B 25 kg C 31 kg D 45 kg

8 The diagram shows three forces acting on an object.

6N

1N 9N

What is the value of the resultant force acting on the object?

A 2N B 10 N C 14 N D 16 N

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9 An object with a mass of 0.20 kg moves at 0.20 m / s, as shown.

0.20 m / s
0.20 kg

Which other object has a momentum that is identical to the momentum of this object?

A B

0.20 m / s 0.40 kg

0.20 kg 0.10 m / s

C D

0.10 m / s 0.20 m / s
0.40 kg 0.20 kg

10 A stone is dropped from rest at a height of 2.0 m above the surface of a planet.

The planet has no atmosphere.

The speed of the stone just before reaching the surface of the planet is 3.8 m / s.

What is the acceleration of free fall on the planet?

A zero B 1.9 m / s2 C 3.6 m / s2 D 7.2 m / s2

11 An electric motor uses 1000 J of electrical energy. It provides 450 J of useful output energy.

What is the efficiency of the motor?

A 4.5% B 5.5% C 45% D 55%

12 To calculate the power produced by a force, the size of the force must be known.

What else needs to be known to calculate the power?

the distance that the force the time for which the
moves the object force acts on the object

A   key
B    = needed
C   = not needed
D  

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13 A barometer reads 780 mm Hg. Mercury has a density of 1.36  104 kg / m3.

What is the pressure of the atmosphere in N / m2?

A 1.1  104 N / m2

B 1.1  105 N / m2

C 1.1  107 N / m2

D 1.1  108 N / m2

14 The diagram shows a mercury barometer.

Which height is used as a measurement of atmospheric pressure?

D
mercury
C
B

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

16 When a bridge is built, a gap is left between each concrete slab.

Why are these gaps left?

A Concrete expands on warm days.

B Concrete contracts on warm days.
C The gaps expand on warm days.
D The gaps contract on cold days.

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17 The specific heat capacity of solid P is greater than that of solid Q.

What does this statement mean?

A Less energy is needed to raise the temperature by 1 C of unit mass of solid P than unit mass
of solid Q.
B Less energy is needed to melt unit mass of solid P than unit mass of solid Q.

C More energy is needed to raise the temperature by 1 C of unit mass of solid P than unit
mass of solid Q.
D More energy is needed to melt unit mass of solid P than unit mass of solid Q.

18 A student placed a number of ice cubes in a container with a hole in the base. He left them to
melt so that the water dripped into a beaker placed on a balance. The student recorded the initial
mass of the beaker and the final mass of the beaker and water after five minutes.

ice in a container
with a hole
in the base

beaker

balance
0.05 kg 0.16 kg

before after

The specific latent heat of fusion for water is 334 J / g.

How much energy was absorbed from the surroundings in order to melt the ice?

A 37 J B 54 J C 37 000 J D 54 000 J

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19 The diagram shows four rods. Each rod is made of a different metal.

P Q

brass copper

silver iron

S R

Wax is used to attach small metal balls at the rod ends P, Q, R and S.

Each rod is the same size. They are heated uniformly by a Bunsen burner at point X.

As the rods warm up, the wax melts and the balls fall off.

Why does the ball on the silver rod fall first?

A Silver is the best conductor of heat.

B Silver is the worst conductor of heat.
C Silver is the best radiator of heat.
D Silver is the worst radiator of heat.

20 Four cups A, B, C and D contain hot coffee.

Which cup keeps the coffee warm the longest?

the outside
the top of the cup
surface of the cup

A black covered with a lid

B black no lid
C white covered with a lid
D white no lid

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21 Which row correctly describes light waves?

wave type direction of vibrations

A longitudinal parallel to direction of wave travel

B longitudinal perpendicular to direction of wave travel
C transverse parallel to direction of wave travel
D transverse perpendicular to direction of wave travel

22 The diagram shows part of a diffracted wave pattern.

barrier

direction
of waves

Changes are made to the wavelength and to the gap size to produce a semicircular diffracted
wave pattern.

Which row produces the required semicircular diffracted wave pattern?

gap in barrier wavelength

A larger same
B larger smaller
C same larger
D same smaller

23 Which statement about a thin converging lens is correct?

A All rays of light refracted by the lens pass through the principal focus.
B All rays initially parallel to the principal axis of the lens are refracted through the principal
focus.
C The focal length of the lens is the distance between the image and the principal focus.
D The focal length of the lens is the distance between the object and the image.

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24 The diagram shows white light passing through a prism.

red
violet
white
light

Which description of what happens as the light passes into the prism is correct?

A The speed of the red light is less than the speed of the violet light and the red light is the
least refracted.
B The speed of the red light is greater than the speed of the violet light and the red light is the
least refracted.
C The speed of the violet light is less than the speed of the red light and the violet light is the
least refracted.
D The speed of the violet light is greater than the speed of the red light and the violet light is the
least refracted.

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

26 A police car with its siren sounding is stationary in heavy traffic. A pedestrian notices that,
although the loudness of the sound produced does not change, the pitch varies.

Which row describes the amplitude and the frequency of the sound?

amplitude frequency

A constant constant
B constant varying
C varying constant
D varying varying

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27 A piece of steel is slightly magnetised. It is hit several times with a hammer.

What effect will this have on the steel?

the steel is parallel to the steel is at right-angles

a strong magnetic field to a weak magnetic field

A it becomes magnetised more strongly it becomes magnetised more strongly

B it becomes magnetised more strongly it loses its magnetism
C it loses its magnetism it becomes magnetised more strongly
D it loses its magnetism it loses its magnetism

28 Two soft-iron pins are suspended from the S pole of a bar magnet.

Which diagram shows how the pins are deflected?

A B C D

S S S S

29 A negatively charged plastic rod is brought near to an uncharged metal sphere and held there.

What happens when the metal sphere is earthed?

A Electrons flow from the metal sphere to earth.

B Electrons flow from earth to the metal sphere.
C Positive charge flows from the metal sphere to earth.
D Positive charge flows from earth to the metal sphere.

30 Which statement defines the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a cell?

A the current in the cell when 1.0 C of charge flows in 1.0 s

B the current supplied by the cell to drive 1.0 C of charge around a complete circuit
C the energy supplied by the cell to drive 1.0 C of charge around a complete circuit
D the energy supplied by the cell to drive 1.0 A of current around a complete circuit

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31 Four wires are made of the same metal.

Which wire has the greatest resistance?

A a 100 cm long wire with a diameter of 3.0 mm

B a 100 cm long wire with a diameter of 6.0 mm
C a 10 cm long wire with a diameter of 3.0 mm
D a 10 cm long wire with a diameter of 6.0 mm

32 In which circuit is there just a single lamp lit?

A B

C D

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33 A student uses four ammeters P, Q, R and S to measure the current in different parts of the
circuit shown.

P Q
A A

R
A

S
A

Which two ammeters read the largest current?

A P and Q B P and R C R and Q D R and S

34 Which combination of logic gates gives the truth table shown?

inputs output
X Y Z

0 0 1
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 0

A B

X X
Z Z
Y Y

C D

X X
Z Z
Y Y

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35 A transformer is needed to convert a supply of 240 V a.c. into 4800 V a.c..

NP NS

240 V a.c. 4800 V a.c.

Which pair of coils would be suitable for this transformer?

number of turns number of turns

on primary coil NP on secondary coil NS

A 50 1 000
B 240 48 000
C 480 24
D 2000 100

36 The diagram shows part of a long current-carrying conductor.

At which point is the magnetic field strongest?

C D

37 A beam of particles moves through a magnetic field.

In which situation do the particles experience a magnetic force?

A a beam of -particles moving parallel to the magnetic field lines

B a beam of electrons moving parallel to the magnetic field lines

C a beam of -particles moving perpendicularly across the magnetic field lines

D a beam of neutrons moving perpendicularly across the magnetic field lines

38 Which statement is correct for the nucleus of any atom?

A The nucleus contains electrons, neutrons and protons.

B The nucleus contains the same number of protons as neutrons.
C The nucleus has a total charge of zero.
D The nucleus is very small compared with the size of the atom.

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39 Two beams of radiation, P and Q, enter an electric field as shown.

+ + + + + + + +

P
Q

– – – – – – – –

Which type of radiations are P and Q?

P Q

A beta () alpha ()

B beta () gamma ()
C gamma () alpha ()
D gamma () gamma ()

40 Which equation represents the -decay of lead-209?

209 0 209
A 82Pb + –1e o 83Bi
209 0 209
B 82Pb + –1e o 81Tl
209 209 0
C 82Pb o 83Bi + –1e
209 209 0
D 82Pb o 81Tl + –1e

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 Cambridge IGCSE™

PHYSICS 0625/21
Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) May/June 2020
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*6425434103*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
• There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
• For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
• Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
• Write in soft pencil.
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
• Do not use correction fluid.
• Do not write on any bar codes.
• You may use a calculator.
• Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 40.
• Each correct answer will score one mark. A mark will not be deducted for a wrong answer.
• Any rough working should be done on this question paper.

This document has 16 pages. Blank pages are indicated.

IB20 06_0625_21/4RP
© UCLES 2020 [Turn over

119
 2

1 A pendulum makes 50 complete swings in 2 min 40 s.

What is the time period for 1 complete swing?

A 1.6 s B 3.2 s C 4.8 s D 6.4 s

2 A student investigates the motion of a ball rolling down a slope.

The diagram shows the speed v of the ball at different times t.

t = 0s
v = 0 cm / s
t = 0.2 s
v = 2.8 cm / s
t = 0.4 s
ball v = 5.1 cm / s t = 0.6 s
v = 7.0 cm / s

Which statement describes the motion of the ball?

A The acceleration is not constant.

B The acceleration is negative.
C The speed is decreasing.
D The velocity is constant.

3 Which statement about acceleration is correct?

A It is related to the changing speed of an object.

B It is the distance an object travels in one second.
C It is the force acting on an object divided by the distance it travels in one second.
D It is the force acting on an object when it is near to the Earth.

4 Which statement correctly describes the effects of placing a heavy load in a car?

A It is easier to accelerate the car and easier to bring the car to rest.
B It is easier to accelerate the car but more difficult to bring the car to rest.
C It is more difficult to accelerate the car and more difficult to bring the car to rest.
D It is more difficult to accelerate the car but easier to bring the car to rest.

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5 A mass of 6.0 kg rests on the surface of a planet.

On this planet, g = 20 N / kg.

What is the weight of the object?

A 0.30 N B 0.60 N C 60 N D 120 N

6 The mass of a measuring cylinder is 190 g.

400 cm3 of liquid is put into the measuring cylinder.

The total mass of the measuring cylinder and the liquid is 560 g.

Four solid objects are lowered in turn into the liquid. The densities of the objects are shown.

1 0.40 g / cm3
2 0.90 g / cm3
3 1.2 g / cm3
4 2.7 g / cm3

Which objects will float in the liquid?

A 1 only B 1 and 2 only C 1, 2 and 3 D 3 and 4 only

7 The diagram shows a wooden beam PQ, of negligible weight, which is attached to a wall by a
hinge at P and kept in a horizontal position by a vertical rope attached at Q.

The beam is 3.0 m in length.

A man of weight 800 N walks along the beam from P to Q.

wall man

rope

beam

P Q
hinge

What is the distance of the man from P when the tension in the rope at Q becomes equal to
500 N?

A 0.53 m B 1.1 m C 1.9 m D 2.5 m

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8 Which quantity is a vector?

A acceleration
B distance
C speed
D mass

9 An object of mass 1.2 kg is moving with a velocity of 2.0 m / s when it is acted on by a force of
4.0 N. The velocity of the object increases to 5.0 m / s.

For what period of time does the force act on the object?

A 0.90 s B 1.1 s C 1.5 s D 3.6 s

10 The diagram shows part of a rollercoaster ride with the car at different positions.

The car runs freely down from position X to position Y and up the hill on the other side.

car
X

What happens to the kinetic energy and to the gravitational potential energy of the car as it
moves from position X to position Y?

gravitational
kinetic energy
potential energy

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases

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11 Which energy resource does not have the Sun as the original source?

A coal
B geothermal
C hydroelectric
D wind

12 The diagram shows a solid block resting on a bench. The dimensions of the block are shown.

40 cm
20 cm
Q

R bench
80 cm P

On which labelled surface should the block rest to produce the smallest pressure on the bench?

A P
B Q
C R
D P, Q and R produce the same pressure

13 The pressure due to the liquid on an object immersed in that liquid is 4500 Pa.

The density of the liquid is 900 kg / m3.

What is the depth of the object below the surface of the liquid?

A 0.5 cm B 2.0 cm C 50 cm D 200 cm

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.

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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

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

17 The diagrams show four blocks of steel. The blocks are all drawn to the same scale.

The same quantity of thermal energy is given to each block.

Which block shows the greatest rise in temperature?

A B C D

18 Why are metals better thermal conductors than other solids?

A Metals contain free electrons which help transfer the energy.

B Molecules in metals are in fixed positions.
C Molecules in metals can move freely.
D Molecules in metals vibrate faster than those in other solids.

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19 Two freezers X and Y are identical except that one has a door opening at the front and the other
has a door opening at the top.

door

freezer

freezer
door

X Y

Both doors are the same size and are opened for the same amount of time.

Which freezer gains the least amount of thermal energy in this time and why?

freezer gaining the

reason
least thermal energy

A X cold air falls

B X warm air falls
C Y cold air falls
D Y warm air falls

20 A wave of frequency 6600 Hz travels 1320 m in 4.0 s.

What is the wavelength?

A 0.050 m B 0.80 m C 1.3 m D 20 m

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21 The diagram shows a wave.

8 cm

3 cm

6 cm

4 cm

What are the amplitude and the wavelength of this wave?

amplitude / cm wavelength / cm

A 3 4
B 3 8
C 6 4
D 6 8

22 Which statement is correct?

A The speed of light in glass is equal to the speed of light in a vacuum multiplied by the
refractive index of glass.
B The incident angle of a light ray at an air-glass surface is the angle between the ray and the
glass surface.

C The sine of the critical angle at an air-glass surface is equal to 1 .

refractive index of glass
D The angle of refraction for light passing through an air-glass surface is proportional to the
angle of incidence at that surface.

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23 A narrow beam of white light passes through a prism and is dispersed into a spectrum.

1
white 2
light 3

Which row is correct?

colour 1 colour 2 colour 3

A blue yellow red

B red blue yellow
C red yellow blue
D yellow blue red

24 An intruder alarm sensor detects that a person is warmer than his surroundings.

Which type of electromagnetic wave does the sensor detect?

A infrared
B radio
C ultraviolet
D visible light

25 Sound travels through air as a series of compressions and rarefactions.

Which statement correctly compares a compression with a rarefaction?

A In a compression the wavelength is longer than in a rarefaction.

B In a compression the wavelength is shorter than in a rarefaction.
C In a compression the density of the air is greater than in a rarefaction.
D In a compression the density of the air is lower than in a rarefaction.

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26 Four nails A, B, C and D are tested to find which makes the strongest permanent magnet.

One of the nails is placed against a bar magnet and the number of paper clips which the nail can
support is recorded.

nail
N S
bar magnet

paper clips

The bar magnet is then removed and the number of paper clips remaining attached to the nail is
recorded. Each nail is tested individually.

Which nail becomes the strongest permanent magnet?

number of paper clips attached to the nail

bar magnet present bar magnet removed

A 2 0
B 2 1
C 4 3
D 5 2

27 The circuit shows one method of magnetising a steel bar.

+ –

steel bar

How can the circuit be altered so that it can be used to demagnetise the magnetised steel bar?

A remove the steel bar from the coil whilst the current is switched on
B replace the d.c. supply with an a.c. supply and gradually reduce the supply voltage to zero
C reverse the polarity of the d.c. supply
D reverse the polarity of the d.c. supply and gradually reduce the supply voltage to zero

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28 A student uses the circuit shown to determine the resistance of two identical resistors.

The voltmeter reading is 2.2 V and the ammeter reading is 0.25 A.

What is the resistance of each resistor?

A 0.275 Ω B 0.55 Ω C 4.4 Ω D 8.8 Ω

29 An electric fire is connected to a 240 V supply and transfers energy at a rate of 1.0 kW.

How much charge passes through the fire in 1.0 h?

A 42 C B 250 C C 1.5 × 104 C D 2.4 × 105 C

30 The diagram shows an incomplete circuit. The temperature and light levels around the circuit
remain unchanged.

P Q
A

Four electrical components are connected in turn across PQ. The cell is reversed and the four
electrical components are connected again in turn across PQ.

For which component is there a significant change in the magnitude of the current?

A diode
B light-dependent resistor
C resistor
D thermistor

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31 In the circuit shown, A1 and A2 are ammeters.

A1 A2
S

Switch S is closed.

Which row is correct?

the resistance of
reading of A1 reading of A2
the whole circuit

A decreases stays the same increases

B decreases increases increases
C increases stays the same stays the same
D increases decreases decreases

32 Which symbol represents an OR gate?

A B C D

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 13

33 A digital circuit consists of two logic gates.

When the input to the circuit is 1 and 1, the output is 0.

1
digital
input 0 output
circuit
1

Which combination of logic gates gives this result?

A B

C D

34 The diagram shows a wire between the poles of a magnet.

The wire is perpendicular to the page.

N
wire
LEFT RIGHT

The wire is moved and a current is induced upwards, out of the paper.

In which direction is the wire moved?

A left to right
B right to left
C up the page
D down the page

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35 A 100% efficient transformer converts a 240 V input voltage to a 12 V output voltage. The output
power of the transformer can be a maximum of 20 W.

The output is connected to two 0.30 A bulbs in parallel. One of the bulbs fails.

How does the current in the primary coil change?

A It decreases by 0.30 A.
B It decreases by 0.015 A.
C It increases by 0.15 A.
D It remains unchanged.

36 Cables transmit electrical power from the output of the transformer at a power station to the input
of the transformer at a substation.

cables

output input

transformer at transformer at
power station substation

The power at the output of the transformer at the power station is 400 MW.

Which situation delivers the most power to the input of the transformer at the substation?

potential difference at
power station transformer diameter of cables
output / kV

A 200 large
B 200 small
C 400 large
D 400 small

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37 Uranium-235 is a radioactive isotope. It undergoes a chain of decays and eventually forms the
stable isotope lead-207. These two isotopes are represented as shown.

235 207
92U 82 Pb

During this chain of decay, how many protons and how many neutrons are lost from a single
nucleus of uranium-235 to form a single nucleus of lead-207?

protons neutrons

A 10 18
B 10 28
C 18 10
D 28 10

38 A radioactive material has a half-life of 20 days.

A sample of the material contains 8.0 × 1010 atoms.

How many atomic nuclei have decayed after 60 days?

A 1.0 × 1010 B 4.0 × 1010 C 6.0 × 1010 D 7.0 × 1010

39 A thin sheet of paper is placed between a radioactive source and a radiation detector. The count
rate falls to a very low reading.

paper

detector

counter
source

From this result, which type of radiation is the source emitting?

A α-particles

B β-particles

C γ-rays
D X-rays

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40 α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays are emitted by radioactive nuclei when they decay.

Which emissions can be deflected by an electric field?

A α-particles and β-particles only

B β-particles and γ-rays only

C γ-rays and α-particles only

D α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 5 4 2 9 1 0 4 8 9 6 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) May/June 2023

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 9.8 N (acceleration of free fall = 9.8 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 20 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (CE/CB) 315742/3
© UCLES 2023 [Turn over

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1 Fig. 1.1 shows a straight section of a river where the water is flowing from right to left at a speed of
0.54 m / s.

river

current

0.54 m / s

P
swimmer

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

A swimmer starts at point P and swims at a constant speed of 0.72 m / s relative to the water and at
right angles to the current.

(a) (i) Determine, relative to the river bank, both the magnitude and direction of the swimmer’s
velocity.

magnitude of velocity = ...............................................................

direction of velocity ...............................................................

[4]

(ii) After 1.5 minutes, the swimmer reaches point Q.

Calculate the distance between P and Q.

distance = ......................................................... [3]

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(b) When the swimmer is crossing the river, his actions produce a constant forward force on his
body.

Explain why he moves at a constant speed.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 9]

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2 Fig. 2.1 shows a motorcyclist accelerating along a straight horizontal section of track.

Fig. 2.1

The motorcyclist and motorcycle have a combined mass of 240 kg.

(a) On the straight horizontal section of the track, the motorcyclist accelerates from rest at
7.2 m / s2.

(i) The motorcyclist reaches the end of the straight section of track in 5.3 s.

Calculate the speed of the motorcyclist at the end of the straight section.

speed = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate the resultant force on the motorcyclist and motorcycle on the straight section
of track.

resultant force = ......................................................... [2]

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 5

(b) At the end of the straight section, the track remains horizontal but bends to the right, as
shown in Fig. 2.1.

When the motorcyclist reaches the bend, she travels around the bend in a circular path at a
constant speed.

(i) Velocity is a vector quantity.

State how a vector quantity differs from a scalar quantity.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe what happens to the velocity of the motorcyclist as she travels around the bend
at constant speed.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Explain why there must be a resultant force on the motorcyclist as she travels around the
bend.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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3 A rubber balloon is inflated with helium and sealed so that no helium escapes.

The balloon is positioned immediately below the ceiling in a room.

Heaters are switched on and the temperature of the air in the room increases.

(a) When the heaters are first switched on, the temperature of the air immediately below the
ceiling increases more quickly than the temperature of the air in the rest of the room.

Explain why this happens.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The temperature of the helium in the balloon increases and as the rubber stretches, the
volume occupied by the helium increases.

(i) State what happens to the motion of the helium particles as the temperature increases.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) As the rubber stretches and the volume of the helium increases, the pressure of the
helium remains constant.

Explain, in terms of the particles of helium, how the pressure of the helium remains
constant.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 6]

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4 A student investigates the efficiency of a filament lamp. Fig. 4.1 shows the filament lamp with its
glass bulb immersed in water in a beaker.

thermometer

to power supply
water

beaker
filament lamp

Fig. 4.1

The reading on the thermometer in the water is 19.0 °C.

Only the glass of the lamp is in contact with the water and the electrical connections are completely
insulated.

The lamp is switched on.

At the end of the experiment, the temperature of the water is 21.5 °C.

(a) The mass of the water in the beaker is 600 g and the specific heat capacity of water is
4200 J / (kg °C).

(i) Show that the increase in the internal energy of the water is 6300 J.

[3]

(ii) In the experiment, the lamp is switched on for 500 s. The power supplied to the filament
lamp is 13 W. The useful energy from the lamp is transferred as light. The energy that
increases the temperature of the water is wasted energy.

Determine the maximum possible efficiency of the filament lamp.

maximum possible efficiency = ......................................................... [4]

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(b) The efficiency of the lamp is less than the value determined in (a)(ii).

Suggest one reason for this.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 8]

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5 Fig. 5.1 shows a block ABCD made of glass that has a refractive index of 1.5. The block has one
curved side AB and three straight sides, BC, CD and DA.

B
monochromatic light

glass block

P
A θ
air

D C

Fig. 5.1

There are right angles at C and D. The curved side AB is one quarter of the circumference of a
circle that has its centre at point P.

A ray of monochromatic light enters the block through the curved side AB and strikes side BC at P.
Some light emerges into the air and some is reflected.

(a) State what is meant by monochromatic.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Explain why the ray of light does not change direction when it enters the block through side
AB.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) Show that the critical angle c for glass of refractive index 1.5 is 42°.

[2]

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(d) Fig. 5.1 shows that the angle between the ray of light and line AP is θ, where line AP is at right
angles to side BC.

Angle θ increases to 45°.

(i) State and explain what happens to the light that strikes P.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) When θ = 45°, the reflected light strikes side CD.

Describe what happens when this reflected light strikes side CD.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 8]

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6 A mobile phone (cell phone) network uses microwaves of frequency 1.9 × 109 Hz to transmit and
receive signals.

The speed of microwaves in air is 3.0 × 108 m / s.

(a) Calculate the wavelength of these microwaves in air.

wavelength = ......................................................... [2]

(b) State two reasons why microwaves are used for mobile phone (cell phone) signals.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) All mobile phone (cell phone) networks use digital signals to communicate with the phone.

(i) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how a digital signal differs from an analogue signal.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) State two advantages of using digital signals rather than analogue signals.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 9]

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7 Fig. 7.1 shows a circuit that contains a battery, a switch, a voltmeter and three 40 Ω resistors, R1,
R2 and R3.

R1 V

R3 R2

Fig. 7.1

The switch is open and resistors R1 and R2 form a potential divider.

(a) Describe what is meant by a potential divider.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The reading on the voltmeter is 7.5 V.

(i) Calculate the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery.

e.m.f. = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) The switch is closed.

Calculate the resistance of the complete circuit.

resistance = ......................................................... [3]

(c) Calculate the reading on the voltmeter when the switch is closed.

reading = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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8 The electricity supplied to a town is transmitted using a high-voltage cable. A transformer in the
town has a soft-iron core.

(a) Explain the principle of operation of a simple iron-cored transformer.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(b) The transformer steps the supply voltage down from 220 000 V to 33 000 V.

(i) There are 450 turns on the secondary coil.

Calculate the number of turns on the primary coil.

number of turns = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) The electrical power transferred to the transformer by the high-voltage cable is 77 MW.

Calculate the current in the primary coil.

current = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 9]

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9 Fig. 9.1 represents all the particles in a neutral atom of a radioactive isotope X1.

Fig. 9.1 (not to scale)

(a) Determine the number of neutrons in this atom and explain how the answer is obtained.

number of neutrons = ...............................................................

explanation

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The isotope X1 is a beta emitter that decays to the stable isotope X2.

(i) Describe how a nucleus of X2 differs from a nucleus of X1.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Suggest why isotope X2 is stable whereas X1 is not stable.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(c) The half-life of X1 is approximately 20 ms.

(i) Define the term half-life.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Suggest one reason why isotopes with very short half-lives are especially hazardous.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 8]

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10 Pluto is a dwarf planet. Fig. 10.1 shows the direction of motion of Pluto as it follows its elliptical
orbit around the Sun.

Pluto

X Sun

orbit
direction
of motion

Fig. 10.1 (not to scale)

(a) Point X is the point in the orbit closest to the Sun and point Y is the point furthest away.

The orbital speed of Pluto varies as it orbits the Sun.

(i) Describe how the speed of Pluto varies as it moves from X to Y and then back to X.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain, in terms of energy transfers, why the speed of Pluto varies in this way.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

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(b) The average temperature on the surface of Pluto is 43 K.

(i) Convert this temperature to a value in degrees Celsius (°C).

temperature = .................................................... °C [1]

(ii) Pluto has a white surface, as shown in Fig. 10.2. As Pluto rotates, the white surface
alternately faces towards and away from the Sun.

white surface

Fig. 10.2

Explain how this affects the temperature of Pluto as it rotates on its own axis.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 3 2 4 5 9 8 2 4 0 3 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) October/November 2022

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 20 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (CE/SG) 301683/2
© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

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 2

1 Two blocks, A and B, are joined by a thin thread that passes over a frictionless pulley. Block A is at
rest on a rough horizontal surface and block B is held at rest, just below the pulley.

Fig. 1.1 shows the thread hanging loose.

pulley
block A thread

block B

rough horizontal surface

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

Block B is released and it falls vertically. The thread remains loose until block B has fallen a
distance of 0.45 m.

The mass of block B is 0.50 kg.

(a) Calculate the change in the gravitational potential energy (g.p.e.) of block B as it falls through
0.45 m.

change in g.p.e. ......................................................... [2]

(b) The mass of block A is 2.0 kg.

When the thread tightens, it pulls on block A which moves to the right at a speed of 0.60 m / s.

(i) Calculate the impulse exerted on block A as it accelerates from rest to 0.60 m / s.

impulse = ......................................................... [3]

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(ii) Both of the blocks now move at a constant speed of 0.60 m / s until block B hits the
ground and the thread becomes loose.

Explain the energy change that takes place in block A after block B stops moving.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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2 A force is a vector quantity.

(a) (i) State two features of a vector quantity.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) State the names of two other quantities that are vectors.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) A student suspends a spring from a clamp stand and measures the length l0 of the spring.

Fig. 2.1 shows the apparatus.

l0

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

The student then suspends loads of different weights from the spring and measures the
length of the spring for each load. He then plots a graph of the length of the spring against
weight.

Fig. 2.2 is the graph that the student plots.

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 5

0.80

length / m

0.60

0.40

0.20

0
0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
weight / N

Fig. 2.2

(i) Using Fig. 2.2, determine the initial length l0 of the spring.

l0 = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) State what is meant by the limit of proportionality and, using Fig. 2.2, determine the
weight of the load that causes this spring just to reach the limit of proportionality.

limit of proportionality ........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

weight = .............................................................................................................................
[2]

(iii) Using Fig. 2.2, determine the spring constant of this spring.

spring constant = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 10]

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3 A rock climber, of total mass 62 kg, holds herself in horizontal equilibrium against a vertical cliff.
She pulls on a rope that is fixed at the top of the cliff and presses her feet against the cliff.

Fig. 3.1 shows her position.

rope

cliff

0.90 m

60°

rock climber
1.2 m
centre of mass

Fig. 3.1 (not to scale)

(a) Calculate the total weight of the climber.

weight = ......................................................... [1]

(b) State the two conditions needed for equilibrium.

1. ...............................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The climber’s centre of mass is 0.90 m from the cliff.

(i) Calculate the moment about her feet due to her weight.

moment = ......................................................... [2]

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(ii) The line of the rope meets the horizontal line through her centre of mass at a distance of
1.2 m from the cliff, as shown in Fig. 3.1. The rope is at an angle of 60° to the horizontal.

Determine the tension in the rope.

tension = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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4 A quantity of gas is trapped by a piston in a cylinder with thin metal walls. The piston is free to
move without friction within the cylinder.

Fig. 4.1 shows the cylinder and piston.

gas

cylinder

piston

Fig. 4.1

The cylinder is placed inside a freezer.

(a) The air in the freezer is at atmospheric pressure, which is 1.0 × 105 Pa. The area of the piston
in contact with the air in the freezer is 2.4 × 10–3 m2.

(i) Calculate the force exerted on the piston by the air in the freezer.

force = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) When the cylinder is first placed into the freezer, the temperature of the gas in the
cylinder decreases and the air pushes the piston into the cylinder.

Calculate the work done on the piston by the air in the freezer as the air pushes the
piston a distance of 0.021 m into the cylinder.

work done = ......................................................... [2]

(b) The initial temperature of the cylinder and the gas is 21 °C and, in the freezer, the temperature
of the cylinder decreases to –18 °C.

The thermal capacity of the cylinder is 89 J / °C.

Calculate the change in the internal energy of the cylinder.

change in internal energy = ......................................................... [2]

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(c) When the temperature reaches –18 °C, the pressure of the gas in the cylinder is still equal to
that of the atmosphere.

Explain, in terms of the particles of the gas, how the pressure remains equal to its original
value.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(d) As the temperature of the metal cylinder decreases, the volume of the metal decreases. The
decrease in the volume of the metal is much less than the decrease in the volume of the gas.

Explain, in terms of the particles of the metal, why the decrease in the volume of the metal is
less than that of the gas.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 11]

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5 Fig. 5.1 shows a heater in a bathroom.

heater

Fig. 5.1

The heater is at a very high temperature and it glows red. The manufacturer states:

“The heater emits light and radiation and it transfers thermal energy by radiation.”

(a) State the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that transfers thermal energy.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) State:

(i) one way in which visible light and the radiation identified in (a) are similar

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) one way in which visible light differs from the radiation identified in (a).

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(c) Some surfaces are better at emitting radiation than others.

(i) Describe an experiment to show whether a black surface or a white surface is the better
emitter of radiation. You may draw a diagram.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) To ensure that the conclusion reached in the experiment in (c)(i) is correct, several
details of the experiment must be identical when testing the two different surfaces.

State two quantities in the experiment that you described that must be identical during
the test.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 8]

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6 The red light produced by a laser is monochromatic.

(a) State what is meant by monochromatic.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The red light from the laser hits the curved surface of a semicircular transparent plastic block
at point P and passes into the plastic.

The red light travels through the plastic and hits the straight edge of the block at its midpoint M.
Fig. 6.1 shows that some of the light is reflected and that some light travels in the air along
the straight edge of the plastic block.

laser
reflected light

P
red light
plastic block

37°

Fig. 6.1

The speed of light in air is 3.0 × 108 m / s.

(i) Explain why the red light does not change direction as it enters the plastic block.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) At M, the angle between the red light in the plastic and the normal is 37°.

Calculate the speed of the red light in the plastic.

speed = ......................................................... [4]

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(iii) In the plastic, blue light travels slightly slower than red light and so the critical angle for
blue light is smaller than the critical angle for red light.

The laser that emits red light is replaced by one that emits blue light. Now blue light
enters the block at P and hits the straight edge at M.

Explain what happens to the blue light after it hits the straight edge at M.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 10]

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7 The electric starter motor in a car is switched on and off using a relay.

The relay consists of a plastic case and two flexible springy strips, X and Y, which are made of
soft iron. These iron strips act as the switch when a circuit is connected between the terminals W
and Z.

Fig. 7.1 shows X, Y and the plastic case.

W W
S
springy iron
X strips X

12 V car
battery
Y Y

magnetising coil
plastic case
Z Z

Fig. 7.1 Fig. 7.2

Fig. 7.2 shows the equipment from Fig. 7.1 inside a magnetising coil. The magnetising coil is in
series with the 12 V car battery and switch S, which is open.

(a) Switch S is now closed.

Explain what happens to the springy iron strips X and Y.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) The power of the starter motor is 1.8 kW and it is also operated by the car battery.

(i) Calculate the current in the starter motor when it is used.

current = ......................................................... [2]

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(ii) The starter motor circuit is connected between terminals W and Z.

Explain why copper wires with a large cross-sectional area are used for this circuit.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Fig. 7.3 shows the relay and the symbols for the car battery and the starter motor.

W
S

12 V car
battery
Y

M
starter motor

Fig. 7.3

The springy iron strips X and Y act as the switch for the starter motor circuit.

Complete the circuit diagram for the motor circuit. [2]

[Total: 9]

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8 The unit of the two electrical quantities electromotive force (e.m.f.) and potential difference (p.d.)
is the volt (V).

(a) State one other similarity between e.m.f. and p.d.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) State one difference between e.m.f. and p.d.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) A battery consists of four cells, each of e.m.f. 1.2 V, in series.

(i) Calculate the e.m.f. of the battery.

e.m.f. = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) The battery is connected in a circuit with four 12 Ω resistors. Fig. 8.1 is the circuit diagram.

Fig. 8.1

Calculate the total resistance of this arrangement of resistors.

resistance = ......................................................... [3]

(iii) Calculate the reading on the voltmeter in Fig. 8.1.

reading = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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9 Only one isotope of gold occurs naturally on Earth.

(a) State what this indicates about the nuclear structure of all the naturally occurring atoms of
gold on Earth.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) There are several artificially produced isotopes of gold.

Gold-198 (198
79 Au) is an artificial isotope which is used in medicine and in scientific research.

Gold-198 decays by β (beta)-emission to a stable isotope of mercury.

(i) Determine the number of protons and the number of neutrons in a nucleus of this isotope
of mercury.

number of protons = ...............................................................

number of neutrons = ...............................................................

[2]

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(ii) A sample of gold-198 is placed near to a radiation detector in a research laboratory. The
count rate is recorded at the same time every day for 32 days.

The results are used to plot the graph shown in Fig. 9.1.

400
count rate
counts / min

300

200

100

0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
time / days

Fig. 9.1

Using Fig. 9.1, determine the background count rate in the research laboratory.

count rate = ......................................................... [1]

(iii) Using Fig. 9.1, determine the half-life of gold-198.

half-life = ......................................................... [4]

[Total: 8]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 9 0 5 3 9 4 8 9 8 5 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) May/June 2022

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 16 pages.

DC (LK/SW) 214895/1
© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

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 2

1 A car of mass m is travelling along a straight, horizontal road at a constant speed v.

At time t = 0, the driver of the car sees an obstruction in the road ahead of the car and applies the
brakes.

The car does not begin to decelerate at t = 0.

(a) Explain what is meant by deceleration.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Suggest one reason why the car does not begin to decelerate at t = 0.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Fig. 1.1 is the distance–time graph for the car from t = 0.

60

distance / m

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5
time / s

Fig. 1.1

(i) State the property of a distance–time graph that corresponds to speed.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Using Fig. 1.1, determine the initial speed v of the car.

v = ......................................................... [2]

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(d) When the car is decelerating, there is a constant resistive force F on the car due to the
brakes.
F and is not constant.
The deceleration of the car is greater than m

Explain why:

(i) F
the deceleration of the car is greater than m

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) the deceleration is not constant.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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2 Fig. 2.1 shows water stored in a reservoir behind a hydroelectric dam.

reservoir

150 m
generator

turbine

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

(a) State the form of the energy stored in the water in the reservoir that is used to generate
electricity.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The turbine is 150 m below the level of the water in the reservoir.

Atmospheric pressure is 1.0 × 105 Pa. The density of water is 1000 kg / m3.

(i) Calculate the total pressure in the water at the turbine.

pressure = ......................................................... [3]

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(ii) The turbine has a cross-sectional area of 3.5 m2.

Calculate the force exerted on the turbine by the water.

force = .......................................................... [2]

(c) The water flows to the turbine through a pipe of constant cross-sectional area.

Explain why the kinetic energy of the water in the pipe remains constant as it flows through
the pipe.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 8]

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3 During a picnic on a warm, dry day, a metal can of lemonade is wrapped in a damp cloth.

Evaporation cools the water in the cloth.

(a) Explain, in terms of molecules, how evaporation cools the water in the cloth.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) As the water in the cloth cools, so does the lemonade.

Explain how electrons transfer thermal energy through the metal of the can.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 6]

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4 A thermocouple is a device that is used as a thermometer.

(a) Fig. 4.1 shows a beaker that contains molten sulfur at an initial temperature greater than
400 °C.

(i) On Fig. 4.1, sketch and label a diagram of a thermocouple that is used to determine the
temperature of the sulfur as it cools to room temperature.

sulfur

Fig. 4.1
[4]

(ii) Describe briefly how the temperature of the sulfur in the beaker is deduced.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) State one advantage of using a thermocouple to measure temperature rather than using a
liquid-in-glass thermometer.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 7]

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5 Fig. 5.1 shows a kitchen tap that supplies instant boiling water.

Fig. 5.1

Cold water passes over an electric immersion heater inside the tap.

The boiling point of water is 100 °C.

(a) State what is meant by boiling point.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The immersion heater is powered by the mains at a voltage of 230 V. When the tap is opened,
the heater switches on and the current in the heater is 13 A.

(i) Calculate the thermal energy produced by the heater in 60 s.

thermal energy = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C). The cold water that enters the tap
is at 22 °C.

Calculate the rate at which water at its boiling point emerges from the tap.

rate = ......................................................... [4]

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(c) The metal tap is earthed and there is a fuse in the cable that connects the heater to the
mains.

1. Explain how the earth wire protects the user.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2. Explain how the fuse protects the circuit.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

[Total: 11]

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6 Fig. 6.1 shows a road next to the sea.

Fig. 6.1

(a) On a sunny day, the Sun warms the road.

Describe how energy from the Sun reaches the Earth and warms the road.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) The temperature of the road is greater than the temperature of the sea.

The surface of the road is black.

Suggest one reason why the temperature of the road is greater than that of the sea.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) The air above the road is heated by the warm road.

(i) Describe how this affects the molecules of the air.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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(ii) A cyclist travelling along the road notices that a cool breeze is blowing from the sea to
the land.

Explain how convection produces this breeze. You may include a diagram if it helps your
answer.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 9]

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7 Fig. 7.1 is a full-scale diagram of a small nail N in front of a thin converging lens. The line L
represents the lens.

X Y

1.0 cm
1.0 cm

Fig. 7.1 (full scale)

The focal length of the lens is 3.0 cm.

(a) Rays of light, parallel to XY, are travelling towards the lens.

Describe what happens to the light after it passes through the lens.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) On Fig. 7.1, mark and label with an F each of the two principal focuses of the lens. [1]

(c) The small nail N, of height 1.2 cm, is positioned 2.0 cm to the left of the lens.

(i) By drawing on Fig. 7.1, find the position of the image I of N and add image I to the
diagram. [3]

(ii) State and explain whether I is a real or a virtual image.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) State the name given to a lens when it is used in this way.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 9]
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8 Fig. 8.1 shows two vertical, cylindrical tubes and a cylindrical magnet all held in a vacuum.

cylindrical
magnet

plastic tube copper tube

Fig. 8.1 (not to scale)

One tube is made of plastic and the other tube is made of copper. The two cylindrical tubes have
identical dimensions.

The magnetic field of the small, cylindrical magnet is extremely strong.

Initially, the magnet is at rest at the top of the plastic tube.

The magnet is released and it falls through the plastic tube without experiencing a resistive force.
The magnet takes 0.67 s to fall to the lower end of the plastic tube.

(a) The mass of the magnet is 0.012 kg.

Calculate the kinetic energy of the magnet when it reaches the lower end of the plastic tube.

kinetic energy = ......................................................... [4]

(b) The magnet is then held at the top of the copper tube and released. As it falls through the
copper tube, an electric current is generated in the copper.

(i) Explain why there is a current in the copper.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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(ii) The current in the copper produces a magnetic field of its own in the tube.

The magnet falls much more slowly in the copper tube than in the plastic tube.

Explain why the magnet falls more slowly in the copper tube.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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9 Combinations of logic gates are used when digital signals are processed.

(a) Describe the difference between a digital signal and an analogue signal. You may include a
diagram if it helps your answer.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Fig. 9.1 is the truth table for a logic gate X.

input A input B output

0 0 1
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 0

Fig. 9.1

State the name of logic gate X and draw the symbol that represents it.

name .........................................................................................................................................

symbol

[1]

(c) Logic gate Y is identical to logic gate X.

Draw a combination of logic gates X and Y that behaves like an OR gate. Label the inputs A
and B and label the output Q.

[2]

[Total: 5]
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10 Two of the isotopes of hydrogen are hydrogen-2 ( 12H ) and hydrogen-3 ( 13H ).

(a) (i) State one similarity in the composition of their nuclei.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe how a nucleus of hydrogen-3 differs from a nucleus of hydrogen-2.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) In a nuclear fusion reactor, a nucleus of hydrogen-2 fuses with a nucleus of hydrogen-3 at
an extremely high temperature. This fusion reaction produces an isotope of element X and
releases a neutron.

(i) Explain why an extremely high temperature is needed when forcing these two nuclei
together.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) Using nuclide notation, complete the equation for this reaction.

2 3
1H + 1H

[2]

[Total: 8]

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2022 0625/41/M/J/22

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 3 6 4 6 1 2 2 8 1 1 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) October/November 2021

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 20 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (RW/JG) 214504/3
© UCLES 2021 [Turn over

186
 2

1 Some physical quantities are scalars and other physical quantities are vectors.

(a) State how a vector quantity differs from a scalar quantity.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Circle the vector quantities in the list.

acceleration energy mass momentum temperature time speed velocity

[2]

(c) A microphone in a recording studio has a mass of 0.55 kg and a weight W.

(i) Calculate W.

W = .......................................................... [1]

(ii) The microphone is suspended from the ceiling by a cord attached to a small ring. Fig. 1.1
shows the microphone pulled to one side and kept stationary by a horizontal thread.

ceiling

cord

horizontal thread
ring

microphone

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

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 3

The tension T in the horizontal thread is 8.1 N.

Determine graphically the magnitude and the direction, relative to the vertical, of the
resultant of W and T. Use a scale of 1.0 cm to 1.0 N or greater.

magnitude of resultant = ................................................................

direction of resultant = ................................... relative to vertical

[3]

(iii) State and explain how the magnitude and direction of the resultant in (c)(ii) compares
with the force on the ring due to the tension in the cord.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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 4

2 A student carries out an experiment using a plastic beaker that contains 0.24 kg of water at 17 °C.
The thermal capacity (heat capacity) of the beaker is negligible.

(a) Define thermal capacity.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Several ice cubes are at a temperature of 0 °C. The ice cubes are dropped into the water and
the internal energy of the water decreases.

(i) Give a simple molecular account of this decrease in internal energy.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C).

Calculate the decrease in the internal energy of the water as its temperature decreases
from 17 °C to 0 °C.

decrease in internal energy = .......................................................... [2]

(c) As the temperature of the water decreases, some of the ice melts.

(i) Explain why this ice melts.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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(ii) Describe how to determine the specific latent heat of fusion of ice using this experiment.
State any other measurements that the student needs to make.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 11]

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3 Fig. 3.1 shows a balloon inflated with air.

Fig. 3.1

The pressure of the air at the inner surface of the balloon keeps the rubber stretched.

(a) Explain, in terms of the momentum of the molecules, why there is a pressure at the inner
surface of the balloon.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) The volume of the air in the balloon is 630 cm3 and the pressure of the air in the balloon is
1.0 × 105 Pa.

The balloon is tied to a heavy stone and dropped into a lake. The balloon is pulled down
quickly and the temperature of the air inside does not change.

(i) Calculate the volume of the air when the pressure of the air is 1.4 × 105 Pa.

volume = .......................................................... [2]

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(ii) The balloon and stone stop moving when the stone hits the bottom of the lake. The
temperature of the air now begins to decrease.

Explain why the volume of the air in the balloon decreases as the temperature decreases.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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4 A train of mass 1.8 × 105 kg is at rest in a station. At time t = 0, the train begins to accelerate along
a straight, horizontal track and reaches a speed of 20 m / s at t = 15 s. The train continues at a
speed of 20 m / s for 10 s.

At t = 25 s, the driver applies the brakes and the resistive force on the train causes it to decelerate
uniformly to rest in a further 24 s.

Fig. 4.1 is an incomplete distance–time graph for this journey.

600

distance / m

400

200

0
0 10 20 30 40 50
t/s

Fig. 4.1

(a) Complete Fig. 4.1 by drawing:

(i) a line to represent the motion of the train between t = 15 s and t = 25 s [1]

(ii) a curve to represent the motion of the train between t = 0 and t = 15 s. [1]

(b) Calculate the kinetic energy of the train between t = 15 s and t = 25 s.

kinetic energy = .......................................................... [3]

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(c) While the train decelerates to rest, it does work against the resistive force and its kinetic
energy decreases.

(i) Define work done.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Using Fig. 4.1, determine the distance moved by the train while it decelerates.

distance moved = .......................................................... [1]

(iii) Calculate the resultant force acting on the train while it decelerates.

resultant force = .......................................................... [2]

[Total: 10]

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5 (a) Explain, in terms of the behaviour of light rays, what is meant by principal focus for a thin
converging lens.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) State what is meant by focal length.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) A lens is used to produce a focused image of an object on a translucent screen. Fig. 5.1
shows the object O and its image I.

translucent
screen

1 cm

1 cm

Fig. 5.1

(i) Consider the straight ray that passes from the tip of O to the tip of I and find the position
of the lens. Mark the position of the lens by drawing a vertical line labelled L from the top
of the grid to the bottom. [1]

(ii) On Fig. 5.1, draw a ray that passes through one of the principal focuses and determine
the focal length of the lens.

focal length = .......................................................... [2]

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R
(iii) Object O is a printed document that includes a large letter R on the side facing the lens.
The top edge of the document corresponds to the tip of O. Fig. 5.2 shows the printed
document.

R
R R
top edge

R
printed
document

Fig. 5.2 Fig. 5.3

On Fig. 5.3, mark a tick in one of the boxes ( ✓ ) to indicate how the image on the
translucent screen appears to someone who is looking at the screen from point P. Explain
why the image has this appearance.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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6 X‑rays are electromagnetic waves. Fig. 6.1 shows the position of X‑rays in the electromagnetic
spectrum arranged according to increasing wavelength.

gamma-rays X-rays J K microwaves L

visible light

increasing wavelength

Fig. 6.1

(a) Three components of the spectrum are unnamed but labelled J, K and L.

(i) State the names of these three components.

J ........................................................................................................................................

K ........................................................................................................................................

L ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) State which of these three components has the lowest frequency.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Calculate the frequency of X‑rays that have a wavelength of 1.2 × 10–9 m in a vacuum.

frequency = .......................................................... [3]

(c) (i) Describe one medical use of X‑rays.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]
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(ii) State one reason why it is necessary to take safety precautions when X‑rays are used.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 10]

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7 A plastic rod becomes negatively charged when it is rubbed with a woollen cloth.

(a) Describe, in terms of particles, how the rod becomes negatively charged when rubbed with
the cloth.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A light, conducting ball is at rest on a metal table. When the rod is brought close to the ball, as
shown in Fig. 7.1, the ball jumps up towards the rod.

rod

ball

metal table

Fig. 7.1

(i) Explain why the ball jumps up.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) The ball touches the rod and falls back down to the table.

Explain why this happens.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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8 A circuit contains two fixed resistors and a light‑dependent resistor (LDR). Fig. 8.1 shows that the
power supply is a 9.0 V battery.

9.0 V

450 Ω

800 Ω

Fig. 8.1

The current in the 450 Ω resistor is 0.012 A.

(a) State what is meant by electric current.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The current in the LDR is I1 and the current in the 800 Ω resistor is I2.

Complete the equation that relates the current in the 450 Ω resistor to I1 and I2.

current in the 450 Ω resistor = ............................................................................................. [1]

(c) Calculate the power dissipated in the 800 Ω resistor.

power = .......................................................... [4]

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(d) The brightness of the light that is incident on the LDR increases.

Explain what happens to the potential difference (p.d.) across the 450 Ω resistor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 9]

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9 Uranium‑235 (235
92U) is a radioactive isotope of uranium that occurs naturally on Earth.

(a) Describe the composition and structure of a neutral atom of uranium‑235.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(b) Another isotope of uranium is uranium‑238.

Describe how an atom of uranium‑238 differs from an atom of uranium‑235.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) In the reactor in a nuclear power station, a nucleus of uranium‑235 absorbs a slow‑moving
neutron and then undergoes nuclear fission.

Two neutrons, a nucleus of xenon‑140 (140

54Xe) and a nucleus of an element represented by E
are produced.

Complete the equation for this fission reaction.

235U 140Xe
...........
n + 92 54 + ........... E + 2n

[2]

(d) Xenon‑140 (140

54Xe) is radioactive. It decays by β‑emission to isotope Q.

Determine:

(i) the proton number of Q ............................................................................................... [1]

(ii) the nucleon number of Q. ............................................................................................ [1]

[Total: 9]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 4 2 9 1 3 2 6 1 6 6 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) May/June 2021

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (ST/JG) 198541/2
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1 A skydiver of mass 76 kg is falling vertically in still air. At time t = 0, the skydiver opens his
parachute.

Fig. 1.1 is the speed–time graph for the skydiver from t = 0.

60

speed
m/s
40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
t/s
Fig. 1.1

(a) Using Fig. 1.1, determine:

(i) the deceleration of the skydiver immediately after the parachute opens

deceleration = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) the force due to air resistance acting on the skydiver immediately after the parachute
opens.

force = ......................................................... [3]

(b) Explain, in terms of the forces acting on the skydiver, his motion between t = 0 and t = 6.0 s.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) Explain why opening the parachute cannot reduce the speed of the skydiver to zero.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 10]
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 3

2 Fig. 2.1 shows a wooden trolley of mass 1.2 kg at rest on the rough surface of a bench.

trolley
ball

Fig. 2.1

A ball of mass 0.52 g travels horizontally towards the trolley. The ball embeds itself in the wood of
the trolley. The trolley moves with an initial speed of 0.065 m / s.

(a) Calculate:

(i) the impulse exerted on the trolley

impulse = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) the speed of the ball as it hits the trolley.

speed = ......................................................... [2]

(b) As the trolley moves across the rough surface, it slows down and stops.

Explain, in terms of the work done, the energy change that takes place as the trolley slows
down.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 7]

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3 (a) Explain, in terms of molecules, why liquids are very difficult to compress.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a device that uses liquid pressure to lift heavy boxes.

boxes

cylinder
piston

moving oil

oil

pump

Fig. 3.1

The boxes are lifted by pumping oil into the cylinder.

The force upwards on the piston due to the oil, and the force downwards on the piston due to
the air above the piston, combine to produce a constant force of 8800 N.

The pressure of the air is 1.0 × 105 Pa and the cross-sectional area of the bottom surface of
the piston is 0.016 m2.

(i) Calculate the pressure of the oil at the bottom surface of the piston.

pressure = ......................................................... [3]

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(ii) As the boxes are lifted, the depth of the oil increases.

Explain why the pump must exert an increasing pressure on the oil as the depth of the oil
increases.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(iii) Suggest one reason why the force of 8800 N in (b) cannot lift boxes of weight 8800 N.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 8]

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4 An aluminium saucepan with a plastic handle contains cold water.

Fig. 4.1 shows the saucepan on a hotplate.

aluminium saucepan
plastic handle

water
hotplate

Fig. 4.1

(a) State why the pan is made from aluminium but the handle is made from plastic.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The hotplate is switched on and, as the temperature of the water increases, the internal
energy of the water increases.

(i) State, in terms of molecules, what is meant by an increase in internal energy.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain, in terms of the atomic lattice and electrons, how thermal energy is transferred
through the aluminium.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(iii) Eventually, the water reaches boiling point. Thermal energy from the hotplate is still
being transferred to the water.

Explain, in terms of molecules, the effect of this thermal energy on the water.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]
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(iv) The mass of the water decreases by 0.11 kg in 300 s. The specific latent heat of
vaporisation of water is 2.3 × 106 J / kg.

Calculate the rate at which the water gains thermal energy.

rate of gain of energy = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 11]

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5 Fig. 5.1 shows the structure of a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

bulb glass
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
°C

liquid
Fig. 5.1

The bulb of the thermometer is placed into a beaker of warm water. As the liquid expands, it
moves along the tube.

(a) Explain, in terms of molecules, why a liquid expands when heated.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Explain, in terms of molecules, why a liquid expands more than a solid when heated.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) A second thermometer has a larger bulb that contains more of the same liquid than the
thermometer shown in Fig. 5.1. It has a different scale. In every other way, it is identical.

(i) Explain how the sensitivity of the second thermometer compares with the sensitivity of
the thermometer in Fig. 5.1.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Explain how the range of the second thermometer compares with the range of the
thermometer in Fig. 5.1.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(d) (i) State one everyday problem that is a result of thermal expansion.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Suggest and explain one way of solving this problem.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 10]

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6 Fig. 6.1 is a full-scale diagram that represents a sound wave travelling in air.

direction of travel

Fig. 6.1

(a) On Fig. 6.1, mark two points, each at the centre of a different compression. Label both of the
points C. [1]

(b) The speed of sound in air is 330 m / s.

Measure the diagram and determine the frequency of the sound.

frequency = ......................................................... [3]

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(c) The wave reaches a barrier. Fig. 6.2 shows the wave passing through a gap in the barrier.

barrier

direction of travel

Fig. 6.2

The frequency of the wave is increased to a value many times greater than the value obtained
in (b).

Describe and explain two ways in which a diagram representing the wave with the greater
frequency differs from Fig. 6.2.

1. ..............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2. ..............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

[Total: 7]

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7 Fig. 7.1 represents an alternating current (a.c.) generator.

N direction of
rotation

X
Y

Fig. 7.1

(a) A student rotates the handle H, as shown in Fig. 7.1.

(i) On Fig. 7.2, sketch a graph to show how the electromotive force (e.m.f.) between
terminals X and Y varies with time during two complete revolutions of the coil.

Fig. 7.2
[3]

(ii) On Fig. 7.2, mark and label a point P, for the e.m.f. when the coil is horizontal, as shown
in Fig. 7.1. [1]

(iii) The student turns the handle more quickly.

State two ways in which the e.m.f. between terminals X and Y changes.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................
[2]

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(b) Terminals X and Y are connected to the primary coil of a transformer.

State and explain what happens in the transformer as the student turns the handle of the a.c.
generator.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) Explain why the power losses in transmission cables are lower when electrical energy is
transmitted at higher voltages.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 11]

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 14

8 A student sets up a circuit that includes a 12 V battery, an 800 Ω resistor, a voltmeter and a
thermistor. Fig. 8.1 is an incomplete circuit diagram because the symbol for the thermistor is
missing.

800 Ω

12 V
P
V

Fig. 8.1

The thermistor is connected between terminals P and Q.

(a) Complete Fig. 8.1 by drawing the symbol for a thermistor between terminals P and Q. [1]

(b) The 12 V battery consists of eight identical cells connected in series.

Calculate the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of each cell.

e.m.f. = ......................................................... [1]

(c) The reading on the voltmeter is 8.0 V.

(i) Determine the resistance of the thermistor.

resistance = ......................................................... [3]

(ii) A few hours later, the student notices that the reading on the voltmeter is greater.

Explain what can be deduced from this observation.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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 15

9 There are three naturally occurring isotopes of hydrogen: hydrogen-1, hydrogen-2 and hydrogen-3.
The nuclide notation for hydrogen-1 is 11
. H
(a) Write down the symbol, using nuclide notation, for:

hydrogen-2 ...................................

hydrogen-3. ..................................
[1]

(b) In a fusion reactor, a nucleus of hydrogen-2 and a nucleus of hydrogen-3 undergo fusion.

(i) State what is meant by nuclear fusion.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) The fusion reaction produces a free neutron and one other particle.

Write down, using nuclide notation, the equation that represents this reaction.

[3]

(c) Nuclear fusion in the Sun is the source of most but not all of the resources that are used to
generate electrical energy on Earth.

State two resources for which nuclear fusion in the Sun is not the source.

1. ..............................................................................................................................................

2. ..............................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 8]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 3 0 8 1 8 7 0 4 3 7 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) October/November 2020

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 20 pages. Blank pages are indicated.

DC (CJ/CGW) 196148/2
© UCLES 2020 [Turn over

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 2

1 Fig. 1.1 shows an ice-hockey player moving on ice. He is preparing to hit the solid disc called a
puck.

ice-hockey player

ice

hockey stick
disc

Fig. 1.1

The disc of mass 0.16 kg is moving horizontally across the surface of the ice at a speed of 15 m / s.

(a) Calculate the magnitude of the momentum of the disc.

magnitude of momentum = ......................................................... [2]

(b) The hockey player strikes the disc with his hockey stick and the momentum of the disc
changes. The disc gains momentum of 3.0 kg m / s at 45° to the original direction of travel of
the disc, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

direction of
disc momentum gained

45°

original direction of travel

Fig. 1.2 (view from above)

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 3

(i) State the magnitude of the impulse exerted on the disc and the direction, in degrees, of
the impulse relative to the original direction of travel.

magnitude of impulse = ...............................................................

direction of impulse: ............................ ° to original direction

[1]

(ii) Determine the magnitude of the new momentum of the disc and its new direction relative
to the original direction of travel by drawing a scale diagram.

magnitude of new momentum = ...............................................................

direction of new momentum: ........................... ° to original direction

[4]

[Total: 7]
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 4

2 A vertical tube contains a liquid. A metal ball is held at rest by a thread just below the surface of
the liquid, as shown in Fig. 2.1.

thread

metal ball

tube

liquid

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

The diameter of the tube is much greater than the diameter of the ball. The ball is released and it
accelerates downwards uniformly for a short period of time.

(a) Describe what happens to the velocity of the ball in the short period of time as it accelerates
downwards uniformly.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The ball reaches terminal velocity.

Describe and explain the motion of the ball from when it is released until it reaches terminal
velocity.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

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 5

(c) The metal ball has a mass of 2.1 g. It falls a distance of 0.80 m between being released and
reaching the bottom of the tube.

(i) Calculate the gravitational potential energy transferred from the ball as it falls.

gravitational potential energy transferred = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) When the ball reaches the bottom of the tube, it has a speed of 1.2 m / s. Calculate the
kinetic energy of the ball at the bottom of the tube.

kinetic energy = ......................................................... [3]

(iii) Explain why the value calculated in (c)(i) is different from that calculated in (c)(ii).

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 11]

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3 A U-shaped tube of constant cross-sectional area contains water of density 1000 kg / m3. Both
sides of the U-tube are open to the atmosphere.

Fig. 3.1 shows that the water levels in the two sides of the tube are equal.

rubber tubing
connected to gas
supply

stopper

0.200 m

Fig. 3.1 Fig. 3.2

The atmospheric pressure is 1.00 × 105 Pa.

The left-hand side of the tube is now connected to a gas supply using a length of rubber tubing.
This causes the level of the water in the left-hand side of the tube to drop by 0.200 m, as shown in
Fig. 3.2.

(a) Calculate the pressure of the gas supply. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

pressure = ......................................................... [3]

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(b) Fig. 3.3 shows that the gas supply is now connected to a cylinder that contains a piston.

cylinder

open to the
rubber tubing atmosphere
connected to
gas supply

piston

Fig. 3.3

The pressure of the gas moves the piston to the right.

(i) The area of the piston in contact with the gas is 0.025 m2.

Calculate the resultant force on the piston.

resultant force = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) The pressure of the gas causes the piston to move a distance of 0.50 m to the right.

Calculate the work done by the gas from the supply on the piston.

work done = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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 8

4 A large test-tube contains a liquid at room temperature. An electric heater is immersed in the liquid
and is switched on. Thermal energy is supplied to the liquid by the heater. The temperature of the
liquid increases until it reaches its boiling point. The liquid then starts to change into gas.

(a) Describe, in terms of molecules and their motion, how a liquid differs from a gas.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) Describe what happens to molecules of the liquid as its temperature begins to increase.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) (i) Explain, in terms of molecules, why a supply of thermal energy is needed to change the
liquid into a gas.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) The density of the liquid in the test-tube is 0.86 g / cm3. The volume of liquid in the test-
tube is 50 cm3.

The liquid reaches its boiling point. It now absorbs 18 000 J of thermal energy and all of
the liquid changes into a gas.

Calculate the specific latent heat of vaporisation of this liquid.

specific latent heat = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 9]

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 9

5 A metal container is used to cook food. The metal container has thick walls. Hot cooking oil at a
temperature of 120 °C is poured into the container.

(a) The outside surface of the container gets hot. Some thermal energy passes through the metal
because vibrating atoms in the metal collide with neighbouring atoms and transfer energy to
them.

Explain how the rest of the thermal energy is conducted through the metal container to the
outside surface by another process.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) The outside surface of the container is brightly polished and shiny.

Explain how this reduces the power that needs to be supplied to keep the oil at the correct
temperature.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) The metal container is spherical. The spherical container has a smaller surface area than a
long, thin container of the same volume.

Explain the advantage of using a spherical container.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 7]

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6 Fig. 6.1 shows a shallow tank viewed from above. The depth of the water is different in the two
parts of the tank. Fig. 6.1 shows the crests and the troughs of a wave that pass from left to right.

boundary

45°
Key
trough
crest
33°

2.6 cm

Fig. 6.1 (not to scale)

As the wave passes from one side to the other, the direction of the wavefronts changes.

(a) Explain why the direction of the wavefronts changes in the way shown in Fig. 6.1.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) The speed of the wave in the left-hand part of the tank is 0.39 m / s.

(i) Using information from Fig. 6.1, determine the frequency of the wave.

frequency = ......................................................... [3]

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(ii) Determine the speed of the wave in the right-hand side of the tank.

speed = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 9]

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7 (a) A permanent magnet is made from only one material.

Underline the material from which it is possible to make a permanent magnet. [1]

aluminium copper soft iron mercury plastic steel uranium

(b) An electron source produces a narrow beam of electrons that all travel at the same speed.

The electron source is placed in a vacuum and the beam of electrons travels vertically
downwards. Fig. 7.1 shows the beam of electrons before it passes between the N-pole and
the S-pole of a magnet.

electron source

beam of electrons

N-pole S-pole

Fig. 7.1

(i) Describe what is meant by the direction of a magnetic field. State the direction of the
magnetic field between the two poles in Fig. 7.1.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(ii) Describe and explain what happens to the beam of electrons in the magnetic field
between the poles of the magnet in Fig. 7.1.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(c) A beam consists of α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays.

Explain how a uniform magnetic field may be used to separate the α-particles, the β-particles
and the γ-rays.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 8]

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8 (a) Explain what is meant by electromotive force (e.m.f.).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) An electric heater contains two heating elements R1 and R2. An electric motor operates a fan.
The fan blows cool air over the heating elements.

Fig. 8.1 shows the circuit.

S1 S2 S3

240 V mains
supply M
R1 R2

Fig. 8.1

The heater is powered by a mains supply of e.m.f. 240 V.

Switches S1 and S2 are closed. Heating element R1 gets hot. The resistance of R1 is 30 Ω.

(i) Calculate the current in heating element R1.

current = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the power produced in heating element R1.

power = ......................................................... [2]

(iii) The resistance of heating element R2 is 60 Ω.

Switches S1, S2 and S3 are closed.

1. State and explain how the current in R2 compares with the current in R1.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................... [2]

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2. The current in the motor is 0.10 A. The cable from the electric heater to the plug for
the mains socket is safe when the current in it is less than 20 A.

Suggest and explain a suitable fuse rating for this circuit.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]

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9 (a) (i) Describe what is observed during total internal reflection.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) State two conditions required for light to be totally internally reflected.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Describe and explain the action of optical fibres in communication technology. You may draw
a diagram in your answer.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 6]

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10 A radiation detector is placed on the bench in a laboratory. It detects a background count rate of
40 counts / minute.

(a) State what is meant by background radiation. Suggest one source for it.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A sample containing atoms of the radioactive isotope polonium-208 is removed from a
lead container and brought close to the detector. The average count rate increases to
890 counts / minute.

When two sheets of paper are inserted between the sample and the detector, the average
count rate returns to 40 counts / minute.

Polonium-208 is represented by the symbol 208

84Po. It decays to an isotope of lead (Pb).

(i) Deduce the type of radiation emitted by polonium-208. Explain your answer.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Write down the nuclide equation for the decay of polonium-208.

[3]

[Total: 7]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 4 4 5 4 8 7 2 4 9 8 *

PHYSICS 0625/41
Paper 4 Theory (Extended) May/June 2020

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 10 N (acceleration of free fall = 10 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 16 pages. Blank pages are indicated.

DC (ST/CT) 194261/3
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1 An aeroplane of mass 2.5 × 105 kg lands with a speed of 62 m / s, on a horizontal runway at time
t = 0. The aeroplane decelerates uniformly as it travels along the runway in a straight line until it
reaches a speed of 6.0 m / s at t = 35 s.

(a) Calculate:

(i) the deceleration of the aeroplane in the 35 s after it lands

deceleration = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) the resultant force acting on the aeroplane as it decelerates

force = ......................................................... [2]

(iii) the momentum of the aeroplane when its speed is 6.0 m / s.

momentum = ......................................................... [2]

(b) At t = 35 s, the aeroplane stops decelerating and moves along the runway at a constant speed
of 6.0 m / s for a further 15 s.

On Fig. 1.1, sketch the shape of the graph for the distance travelled by the aeroplane along
the runway between t = 0 and t = 50 s. You are not required to calculate distance values.

distance

0
0 35 50
time / s

Fig. 1.1
[3]

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(c) As the aeroplane decelerates, its kinetic energy decreases.

Suggest what happens to this energy.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 10]

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2 Fig. 2.1 is the extension–load graph for a light spring S.

30

extension / cm

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10
load / N

Fig. 2.1

(a) State the range of loads for which S obeys Hooke’s law.

from ....................................................... to .......................................................... [1]

(b) Using information from Fig. 2.1, determine the spring constant k of spring S.

k = ......................................................... [2]

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(c) A second spring, identical to spring S, is attached to spring S. The two springs are attached
to a rod, as shown in Fig. 2.2. A load of 4.0 N is suspended from the bottom of spring S. The
arrangement is in equilibrium.

rod

second spring

spring S

4.0 N load

Fig. 2.2

(i) State the name of the form of energy stored in the two springs when they are stretched.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Determine the extension of the arrangement in Fig. 2.2.

extension = ................................................... cm [1]

(iii) The load is carefully increased to 6.0 N in total.

Calculate the distance moved by the load to the new equilibrium position as the load
increases from 4.0 N to 6.0 N.

distance moved = ......................................................... [1]

[Total: 6]

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3 Fig. 3.1 shows gas trapped in the sealed end of a tube by a dense liquid.

open end

sealed
trapped gas end
cm3
10
20
30
40
50
60
70

dense liquid

Fig. 3.1

The scale marked on the sealed end of the tube is calibrated to read the volume of gas trapped
above the liquid surface. Fig. 3.1 shows that initially the volume V1 of the gas is 60 cm3.

The pressure of the atmosphere is 1.0 × 105 Pa.

(a) State how Fig. 3.1 shows that the pressure of the trapped gas is equal to the pressure of the
atmosphere.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Explain, in terms of the momentum of its molecules, why the trapped gas exerts a pressure
on the walls of the tube.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

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(c) More of the dense liquid is poured into the open end of the tube. The level of the liquid surface
in both the sealed and the open ends of the tube rises as shown in Fig. 3.2. The temperature
of the trapped gas and atmospheric pressure both remain constant.

open end

15 cm

sealed
trapped gas end
cm3
10
20
30
40
50
60
70

dense liquid

Fig. 3.2

(i) In the sealed end of the tube, the volume V2 of the trapped gas is 50 cm3. In the open
end of the tube, the liquid surface is 15 cm above the new level in the sealed tube.

Calculate the pressure p2 of the trapped gas.

pressure p2 = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate the density of the liquid in the tube.

density = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

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4 Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J / (kg °C) and a boiling point of 100 °C.

(a) State what is meant by boiling point.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) A mass of 0.30 kg of water at its boiling point is poured into a copper container which is
initially at 11 °C. After a few seconds, the temperature of the container and the water are both
95 °C.

(i) Calculate the energy transferred from the water.

energy transferred = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) Calculate the thermal capacity of the copper container.

thermal capacity of the copper container = ......................................................... [2]

(iii) Water from the container evaporates and the temperature of the remaining water
decreases slowly.

Explain, in terms of molecules, why evaporation causes the temperature of the remaining
water to decrease.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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5 The distance between the centre of a thin converging lens and each principal focus is 5.0 cm.

(a) Describe what is meant by the term principal focus for a thin converging lens.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The lens is used as a magnifying glass to produce an image I of an object O.

(i) Underline the terms that describe the nature of the image produced by a magnifying
glass. [2]

diminished enlarged inverted real same size upright virtual

(ii) Fig. 5.1 is a full-scale diagram of the lens and the image I.

centre of lens

1 cm

1 cm

Fig. 5.1 (full-scale)

1. On Fig. 5.1, mark both principal focuses and label each of them F. [1]

2. By drawing on Fig. 5.1, find the position of object O and add object O to the diagram.
[3]

(iii) Using Fig. 5.1, determine the distance of object O from the centre of the lens.

distance = ......................................................... [1]

[Total: 9]

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6 The speed of sound in air is 340 m / s.

(a) Calculate the range of wavelengths for sounds that are audible by a healthy human ear.

wavelengths range from ................................. to ................................. [2]

(b) Sound waves are longitudinal waves.

Describe how a longitudinal wave differs from a transverse wave.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) Fig. 6.1 shows a band in front of a building.

Fig. 6.1

The drum produces a low frequency sound. Other musical instruments produce a high
frequency sound. These sounds are equally loud.

A young man at the side of the building hears the drum but not the high frequency sounds
from the other musical instruments.

Explain why this happens.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 8]

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7 An electromagnet consists of a solenoid X that is made of copper wire. The solenoid contains an
iron core.

(a) Explain why:

(i) the structure of copper makes it a suitable material for the wire

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) iron is a suitable material for the core of an electromagnet.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Fig. 7.1 shows the electromagnet inside a second solenoid Y.

terminals of Y

solenoid X iron core

solenoid Y

a.c. power supply

Fig. 7.1

(i) Describe and explain what happens in solenoid Y when solenoid X is connected to an
alternating current (a.c.) power supply.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) A switch and a lamp are connected in series with the terminals of solenoid Y. When the
switch is closed, the lamp lights up at normal brightness.

Describe and explain what happens to the current in solenoid X when the switch is
closed.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 9]
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8 The power supply used in an electric vehicle contains 990 rechargeable cells each of electromotive
force (e.m.f.) 1.2 V.

The cells are contained in packs in which all the cells are in series with each other. The e.m.f. of
each pack is 54 V.

(a) Calculate the number of packs in the power supply.

number of packs = ......................................................... [2]

(b) When in use, each pack supplies a current of 3.5 A.

(i) Calculate the rate at which each cell is transferring chemical energy to electrical energy.

rate of energy transfer = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) The packs are connected in parallel to supply a large current to drive the electric vehicle.

Explain why it is necessary to use thick wires to carry this current.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 7]

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9 (a) Describe how a digital signal differs from an analogue signal. You may draw a diagram.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) (i) In the appropriate box, draw the symbol for an AND gate and the symbol for an OR gate.

AND gate OR gate

[1]

(ii) State how the behaviour of an AND gate differs from that of an OR gate.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(c) An arrangement of logic gates A, B and C is shown in Fig. 9.1. The arrangement has two
inputs, X and Y and two outputs P and Q.

X B

P
Y

Fig. 9.1

Output P of logic gate B has logic state 1 (high).

(i) Determine the logic states of the two inputs of logic gate B.

upper input = ...............................................................

lower input = ...............................................................

[1]

(ii) Determine and explain the logic state of output Q.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

logic state of Q = ......................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

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10 Fig. 10.1 represents a neutral atom of an isotope of element X.

Fig. 10.1

(a) State one similarity between this atom and a neutral atom of a different isotope of element X.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The isotope of element X is radioactive. It decays to form an isotope of element Y by emitting
a β-particle.

(i) Using Fig. 10.1 deduce the nuclide notation for the isotope of Y produced by this decay.

......
nuclide notation:
...... Y [3]

(ii) β-particles ionise the air they pass through less strongly than the same number of
α-particles.

Suggest why this is so.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 7]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 1 6 3 4 8 7 3 2 8 8 *

PHYSICS 0625/51
Paper 5 Practical Test May/June 2023

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: The materials and apparatus listed in the confidential instructions

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 40.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

For Examiner’s Use

Total

This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (DE/SG) 316232/3
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 2

1 In this experiment, you will investigate the balancing of a metre ruler.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 1.1.

50.0 cm
metre ruler
P Q
x y
0 100

90.0 cm

bench
pivot

Fig. 1.1

(a) • Place the metre ruler on the pivot at the 50.0 cm mark with its scale facing upwards.
• Place the object Q with its centre on the metre ruler at the 90.0 cm mark.

Record the distance y from the centre of Q to the 100.0 cm end of the ruler.

y = ................................................... cm [1]

(b) • Place a load P of weight P = 2.0 N on the metre ruler.

• Adjust the position of P so that the metre ruler is as near as possible to being
balanced.

(i) Measure, and record in Table 1.1, the distance x from the centre of P to the zero end of
the ruler. Record the weight P. [1]

(ii) Repeat the steps above, using loads of weight P = 3.0 N, 4.0 N, 5.0 N and 6.0 N.

Record all the values of P and x in Table 1.1. Ensure that the position of object Q on the
metre ruler does not change.

Table 1.1

P/N x / cm

[3]

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 3

(c) Plot a graph of P / N (y-axis) against x / cm (x-axis).

Draw the best-fit line.

[4]

(d) Use the graph to find the value of x required to balance the ruler when P = 3.5 N.

Show clearly on the graph how you determined the value of x.

x = ................................................... cm [2]

[Total: 11]

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2 In this experiment, you will investigate the cooling of water.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 2.1.

thermometer

beaker bench

Fig. 2.1

(a) Use the thermometer to measure the room temperature θR.

θR = ......................................................... [1]

(b) (i) Pour 200 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. Place the thermometer in the hot water in the
beaker.

Record in Table 2.1 the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. Immediately start the
stop-watch.

Continue recording the temperature in Table 2.1 at 30 s intervals until you have seven
sets of readings. [2]

(ii) Complete the column headings in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

t/ θ/
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
[1]

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(c) (i) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ between t = 0 and t = 180 s.

Δθ = ......................................................... [1]

Δθ
(ii) Calculate the average rate of cooling R of the water using the equation R = ,
Δt
where Δt = 180 s. Include the unit.

R = ......................................................... [2]

(d) A student states that the average rate of cooling of the water decreases as the temperature
comes nearer to room temperature.

(i) Suggest one change to the experiment that you could make to test the statement.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Suggest how to display the results to make it easier to see the trend in the rate of cooling.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(e) Explain briefly why it is good practice to read the thermometer scale at right angles.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

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3 In this experiment, you will investigate the refraction of light using a semicircular transparent block.

Carry out the following instructions using the separate ray-trace sheet provided. You may refer to
Fig. 3.1 and Fig. 3.2 for guidance.

eye

hole
N

A C B
P Q

Fig. 3.1

(a) • Draw a line across the ray-trace sheet supplied, approximately in the middle. Label the
line PQ.
• Place the transparent block, largest face down, with the straight side on the line PQ and
the curved side below the line.
• Draw round the outline of the block. Label the ends of the straight side of the block A
and B.
• Remove the block and draw the normal NL through the centre of AB. Continue the
normal so that it passes through the curved side of the block.
• Label the point C where the normal NL crosses AB.
[1]

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(b) • Draw the line DC at an angle i = 30° to the normal, as shown in Fig. 3.1.
• Place the paper on the pin board.
• Place two pins, P1 and P2, on line DC at a suitable distance apart for this experiment.
• Replace the block and look from the position of the eye shown in Fig. 3.1 to observe
the images of P1 and P2 through side AB of the block. Adjust your line of sight until the
images of P1 and P2 appear one behind the other.
• Place two pins, P3 and P4, between your eye and the block so that P3, P4, and the
images of P1 and P2 seen through the block, appear one behind the other.
• Label the positions of P1, P2, P3 and P4.
• Remove the block and the pins.
• Draw a line joining the positions of P3 and P4. Continue the line to AB.
• Label E, the end of the line furthest from AB.
[3]

(c) Measure the acute angle θ between the line NL and the line CE. (An acute angle is less than
90°.)
θ = ........................................................° [2]

(d) State one precaution that you take to produce an accurate ray trace.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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(e) Place the transparent block on the ray-trace sheet in the position shown in Fig. 3.2.

N
eye

A C B
P Q

Fig. 3.2

• Replace pins P1 and P2 on line DC in the same positions used in (b).

• Observe the images of P1 and P2 through the curved side of the block. Adjust your line of
sight until the images of P1 and P2 appear one behind the other.
• Place two pins, P5 and P6, between your eye and the block so that P5, P6, and the
images of P1 and P2 seen through the block, appear one behind the other.
• Label the positions of P5 and P6.
• Remove the block and the pins.
• Draw a line joining the positions of P5 and P6. Continue the line to AB.
• Label F, the end of the line furthest from AB.
[2]

(f) Measure the acute angle θ between the line NL and the line CF. (An acute angle is less than
90°.)
θ = ....................................................... ° [2]

[Total: 11]

Tie your ray-trace sheet into this question booklet between pages 8 and 9.

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4 A student investigates the change in resistance of a lamp filament when the current in the lamp is
increased.

The following apparatus is available:

• a power supply
• a low-voltage filament lamp
• an ammeter
• a voltmeter
• connecting wires.

Other apparatus normally found in a school laboratory is also available.

Plan an experiment to investigate the change in resistance of the lamp filament when the current
in the lamp is increased.
V
Resistance R is given by the equation R = , where V is the potential difference (p.d.) across the
I
lamp and I is the current in the lamp.

You are not required to do this investigation.

You should:

• draw a diagram of the circuit used

• explain briefly how to do the investigation, including how to change the current
• 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)
• explain how to use your readings to reach a conclusion.

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 6 5 7 5 1 1 0 7 0 0 *

PHYSICS 0625/51
Paper 5 Practical Test October/November 2022

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: The materials and apparatus listed in the confidential instructions

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 40.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

For Examiner’s Use

Total

This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (PQ/SG) 308071/2
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 2

1 In this experiment, you will investigate the period of a pendulum. Carry out the following
instructions, referring to Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2.

clamp clamp

bob

one complete
oscillation

Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2

A pendulum has been set up for you as shown in Fig. 1.1.

(a) (i) Measure the distance l between the bottom of the clamp supporting the pendulum and
the centre of the pendulum bob.

l = ................................................... cm [1]

(ii) Explain briefly how you measured to the centre of the pendulum bob as accurately as
possible.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Adjust the length of the pendulum until the distance l = 50.0 cm.

Displace the bob slightly and release it so that it swings. Fig. 1.2 shows one complete
oscillation of the pendulum.

Measure, and record in Table 1.1, the time t for 20 complete oscillations.

Calculate, and record in Table 1.1, the period T of the pendulum. The period is the time for
one complete oscillation.

Calculate, and record in Table 1.1, the value of T 2.

Repeat the procedure using l values of 60.0 cm, 70.0 cm, 80.0 cm and 90.0 cm.

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Table 1.1

l / cm t/s T/s T 2 / s2

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0
[4]

(c) Plot a graph of T 2 / s2 (y-axis) against l / cm (x-axis). Start the T 2 axis at a convenient value
close to the minimum value of T 2.

[4]

(d) Explain briefly why timing 20 oscillations gives a more accurate result for the period T than
timing 1 oscillation.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

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2 In this experiment, you will investigate the resistance of a lamp.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 2.1.

A
S
L

C D E

resistance wire

Fig. 2.1

(a) Place the sliding contact S on the resistance wire as close as possible to point C.

Close the switch.

(i) Measure the current I1 in the circuit.

I1 = ...................................................... A [1]

(ii) Measure the potential difference (p.d.) V1 across lamp L. Open the switch.

V1 = ...................................................... V [1]

V1
(iii) Calculate the resistance R1 of lamp L. Use the equation R1 = . Include the unit.
I1

R1 = ......................................................... [1]

(b) Place the sliding contact S on the resistance wire as close as possible to point D. Point D is at
the mid-point of the resistance wire.

Close the switch.

• Measure the current I2 in the circuit.

I2 = ............................................................ A

• Measure the potential difference V2 across lamp L.

V2 = ........................................................... V

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• Open the switch.

V2
• Calculate the resistance R2 of lamp L. Use the equation R2 = . Include the unit.
I2

R2 = ......................................................... [2]

(c) Place the sliding contact S on the resistance wire as close as possible to point E.

Close the switch.

• Measure the current I3 in the circuit.

I3 = ............................................................ A

• Measure the potential difference V3 across lamp L.

V3 = ........................................................... V

• Open the switch.

V3
• Calculate the resistance R3 of lamp L. Use the equation R3 = . Include the unit.
I3
Give your answer to a suitable number of significant figures for this experiment.

R3 = ......................................................... [2]

(d) Complete the following statements, referring to your observations and results.

1. As the length of resistance wire included in the circuit is increased, the brightness of the

lamp ..................................................................................... .

2. As the length of resistance wire included in the circuit is increased, the resistance of the

lamp ..................................................................................... .
[2]

(e) A variable resistor can be used in this type of experiment in place of the resistance wire.

Draw a circuit diagram to show a variable resistor in place of the resistance wire. Include the
ammeter and the voltmeter in your diagram.

[2]

[Total: 11]
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3 In this experiment, you will investigate the effect of the starting temperature on the cooling rate of
water.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 3.1.

thermometer

beaker
bench

Fig. 3.1

(a) Use the thermometer to measure the room temperature θR.

θR = .................................................. °C [1]

(b) Pour 200 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. Place the thermometer in the hot water.

Record in Table 3.1 the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. Immediately start the
stop-watch.

Measure, and record in Table 3.1, the water temperature every 30 s until you have seven sets
of readings. [2]

Table 3.1

t/s θ / °C
0

30

60

90

120

150

180

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(c) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ1 between t = 0 and t = 180 s.

Δθ1 = ...............................................................
Δθ1
Calculate the average rate of cooling C1 of the water using the equation C1 = ,
Δt
where Δt = 180 s.

C1 = ......................................................... [1]

(d) Empty the beaker.

(i) Using Table 3.1, write down the temperature θ90 of the water at time t = 90 s.

θ90 = ...............................................................

Pour 150 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. Place the thermometer in the water. Slowly
add cold water, stirring continuously, until the temperature of the water in the beaker is
as close as possible to θ90. Record this temperature in Table 3.2 at time t = 0.

Immediately start the stop-watch.

Measure, and record in Table 3.2, the water temperature every 30 s until you have four
sets of readings.

Table 3.2

t/s θ / °C
0

30

60

90
[2]

(ii) Using Table 3.2, calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ2 between t = 0 and t = 90 s.

Δθ2 = ...............................................................
Δθ2
Calculate the average rate of cooling C2 of the water using the equation C2 = ,
Δt
where Δt = 90 s.

C2 = ......................................................... [1]

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(e) A student suggests that the rate of cooling of water depends on the initial temperature of the
water.

Write a conclusion about the effect of the initial temperature of water on the rate of cooling
of the water, based on your results. Justify your conclusion by reference to values from your
results.

conclusion .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

justification ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(f) State two requirements when reading the volume of water in the measuring cylinder in order
to obtain an accurate result.

1. ...............................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

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4 A student investigates the horizontal distance travelled by a metal ball after it rolls off the end of a
plastic track. Fig. 4.1 shows the set-up.

The ball rolls down a plastic track. The left-hand side of the track is fixed. The right-hand side can
be adjusted so that the ball comes off the track at different angles.

The student measures the horizontal distance that the ball travels from the right-hand end of the
track to the point that it hits the floor.

Plan an experiment to investigate how the horizontal distance travelled by the metal ball depends
on the angle that the right-hand end of the track makes with the bench.

You are not required to do this experiment.

track
clamp
bench

floor

Fig. 4.1

The following apparatus is available to the student:

• track with stand, boss and clamp

• selection of metal balls.

Other apparatus normally available in a school laboratory can also be used.

In your plan, you should:

• list any additional apparatus required

• explain briefly how you would do the investigation, including the measurements you would
take
• state the key variables to be kept constant
• draw a suitable table, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings
(you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how you would use the results to reach a conclusion.

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 1 5 6 9 1 8 3 6 9 3 *

PHYSICS 0625/51
Paper 5 Practical Test May/June 2022

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: The materials and apparatus listed in the confidential instructions

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 40.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

For Examiner’s Use

Total

This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (CJ/SG) 303525/2
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 2

1 In this experiment, you will investigate the stretching of a spring.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 1.1.

spring

metre rule

clamp stand

bench

Fig. 1.1

(a) The metre rule is clamped in position close to the spring. Do not change the position of the
metre rule.

(i) Take two readings from the metre rule to determine the unstretched length l0 of the coiled
part of the spring. Use the set square provided.

reading 1 ......................................................... cm

reading 2 ......................................................... cm

l0 = ......................................................... cm
[3]

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(ii) Draw a diagram to show clearly how you used the set square to obtain an accurate
reading from the metre rule.

[1]

(b) Suspend a load of P = 1.0 N from the spring.

Record the new length l 1 of the coiled part of the spring.

l 1 = ......................................................... cm

Calculate the extension e1 using the equation e1 = (l 1 – l 0).

e1 = ......................................................... cm

Calculate a value for the spring constant k of the spring using the equation
P
k=e .
1

Include the unit.

k = ...............................................................
[2]

(c) Suspend a load of P = 5.0 N from the spring.

Record the new length l 5 of the coiled part of the spring.

l 5 = ......................................................... cm

Calculate the extension e5 using the equation e5 = (l 5 – l 0).

e5 = ......................................................... cm

Calculate a second value for the spring constant k of the spring using the equation
P
k=e .
5

Include the unit.

k = ...............................................................
[2]
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(d) State whether your two values of the spring constant k can be considered equal within the
limits of experimental accuracy.

Explain your answer by referring to your results.

statement ..................................................................................................................................

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[1]

(e) A student improves the experiment by taking additional sets of readings.

(i) Suggest the additional apparatus that the student uses.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Suggest how the student uses the additional results.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 11]

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2 In this experiment, you will investigate the cooling of water.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 2.1. You are provided with an insulating sleeve
to place around the metal can while pouring hot water.

thermometer

metal can

bench

Fig. 2.1

(a) Use the thermometer to measure the room temperature θR.

θR = ......................................................... [1]

(b) (i) Place the insulating sleeve around the can.

Pour hot water into the can until the water level is up to approximately 2 cm from the top.
Place the thermometer in the water.

Remove the insulating sleeve.

Record, in Table 2.1, the temperature θ of the hot water at time t = 0. Immediately start
the stop-clock.

Measure, and record in Table 2.1, the water temperature every 30 s until you have 7 sets
of readings.

Do not empty the can at this stage. [2]

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(ii) Complete the column headings in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1

t/ θ/
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
[1]

(c) (i) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ1 of the hot water between times t = 0 and
t = 60 s.
Δθ1 = ...............................................................

Calculate the average rate of cooling R1 of the water using the equation
Δθ1
R1 = ,
Δt
where Δt = 60 s. Include the unit.

R1 = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the decrease in temperature Δθ2 of the hot water between times t = 120 s and
t = 180 s.

Δθ2 = ...............................................................

Calculate the average rate of cooling R2 of the water using the equation
Δθ2
R2 = ,
Δt
where Δt = 60 s. Include the unit.

R2 = ...............................................................
[1]

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(d) A student states that most of the thermal energy lost by the water in the can is by evaporation
from the water surface.

Another student states that most of the thermal energy lost by the water in the can is by
conduction through the sides of the can.

The students repeat the experiment twice to investigate the two statements.

Suggest one suitable addition to the apparatus for each additional experiment.

1. ...............................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................
[2]

(e) (i) Place the insulating sleeve around the can.

Pour the water from the can into the measuring cylinder.

Measure and record the volume V of water.

V = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(ii) State two precautions taken when reading the volume of water in the measuring cylinder
in order to obtain an accurate result.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

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3 In this experiment, you will investigate the resistance of a wire.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 3.1.

l
B C

resistance
V wire
sliding
contact S

Fig. 3.1

(a) Close the switch.

Measure the current I in the circuit.

I = ......................................................... [1]

(b) Place the sliding contact at a distance l = 5.0 cm from B.

Measure, and record in Table 3.1, the potential difference (p.d.) V across the length l of
resistance wire BC.

Open the switch.

Calculate, and record in Table 3.1, the resistance R of 5.0 cm of the resistance wire using the
equation
V
R= .
I
Close the switch.

Repeat the procedure in (b) using l values of 25.0 cm, 45.0 cm, 65.0 cm and 85.0 cm.

Open the switch.

Table 3.1

l / cm V/V R/Ω
5.0
25.0
45.0
65.0
85.0
[4]
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(c) Plot a graph of R / Ω (y-axis) against l / cm (x-axis). Start both axes at the origin (0,0).

0
0
[4]

(d) Use your graph to determine the resistance R50 of 50.0 cm of the resistance wire.

Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the necessary information.

R50 = ........................................................... Ω
[2]

[Total: 11]

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4 A student investigates the force required to break different beams made from a mixture of sand
and cement. All the beams have the same cross-section.

Plan an experiment to investigate the force required to break the beams.

Fig. 4.1 shows the set-up.

You are not required to do this investigation.

load
beam
triangular bench
blocks

Fig. 4.1

The following apparatus is available:

• a selection of beams made from different ratios of sand and cement and of various lengths
• triangular blocks to support the beams
• a metre rule
• a selection of loads.

You can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory.

The student takes all the necessary safety precautions. You are not required to write about safety
precautions.

In your plan, you should:

• explain briefly how to carry out the investigation (you may add to the diagram if it helps your
explanation)

• 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)

• explain how you would use the readings to reach a conclusion.

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..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

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* 5 8 0 7 4 4 2 9 8 6 *

PHYSICS 0625/51
Paper 5 Practical Test May/June 2021

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: The materials and apparatus listed in the confidential instructions

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 40.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

For Examiner’s Use

Total

This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (PQ/SG) 199332/3
© UCLES 2021 [Turn over

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 2

1 In this experiment, you will investigate the period of a pendulum. Carry out the following
instructions, referring to Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2.

split cork split cork

d
bob

x floor
one complete
oscillation

Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2

A pendulum has been set up for you as shown in Fig. 1.1.

(a) Measure the distance d between the bottom of the split cork and the floor.

d = .................................................... cm [1]

This distance d must remain constant throughout the experiment.

(b) • Adjust the length of the pendulum until the distance x, measured from the centre of the
bob to the floor, is 50.0 cm.

• Displace the bob slightly and release it so that it swings. Fig. 1.2 shows one complete
oscillation of the pendulum.

• Measure, and record in Table 1.1, the time t for 10 complete oscillations.

• Calculate, and record in Table 1.1, the period T of the pendulum. The period is the time
for one complete oscillation.

• Calculate, and record in Table 1.1, T 2. [2]

Table 1.1

x / cm t/s T/s T 2 / s2

50.0

45.0

40.0

35.0

30.0

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(c) Repeat the procedure in (b) using x = 45.0 cm, 40.0 cm, 35.0 cm and 30.0 cm. [3]

(d) Plot a graph of T 2 / s2 (y-axis) against x / cm (x-axis). You do not need to start your axes at the
origin (0,0).

[4]

(e) Explain why timing 10 oscillations gives a more accurate result for the period T than timing
one oscillation.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 11]

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2 In this experiment, you will investigate resistance.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 2.1. The circuit has been set up for you.

power supply

Fig. 2.1

(a) Close the switch.

(i) Record the current I1 in the circuit.

I1 = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Record the potential difference (p.d.) V1 across the resistor.

V1 = ......................................................... [1]

Open the switch.

V1
(iii) Calculate the resistance R1 of the resistor using the equation R1 = .
I1

R1 = ......................................................... [1]

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(b) Disconnect the voltmeter.

Connect the second resistor provided in series with the first resistor.

Connect the voltmeter across both resistors.

Close the switch.

• Record the current I2 in the circuit.

I2 = ...............................................................

• Record the potential difference (p.d.) V2 across the resistors.

V2 = ...............................................................

Open the switch.

V2
• Calculate the resistance RS of the resistors in series using the equation RS =
I2
.

RS = ...............................................................
[2]

(c) Disconnect the voltmeter. Connect the second resistor in parallel with the first resistor.

Connect the voltmeter across both resistors.

Close the switch.

• Record the current I3 in the circuit.

I3 = ...............................................................

• Record the potential difference (p.d.) V3 across the resistors.

V3 = ...............................................................

Open the switch.

V3
• Calculate the resistance RP of the resistors in parallel using the equation RP =
I3
.

RP = ...............................................................
[2]
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(d) Complete the circuit diagram to show the circuit you used in part (c).

[2]

(e) Describe how you would extend part (c) of this experiment to investigate the relationship
between the combined resistance of identical resistors connected in parallel and the number
of resistors. You are not required to do this investigation.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 11]

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3 In this experiment, you will investigate the refraction of light in the material of a transparent block.

Carry out the following instructions, using the separate ray-trace sheet provided. You may refer to
Fig. 3.1 for guidance.

P
hole
N

A Q B

D C
J
E F

K
G H
L

eye

Fig. 3.1

(a) • Place the transparent block, largest face down, on the ray-trace sheet supplied. The
block should be approximately in the middle of the paper.

• Draw and label the outline of the block ABCD, as shown in Fig. 3.1.

• Remove the block and draw a normal at the centre of side AB. Continue the normal so
that it passes through side CD of the block. Label the normal NL.

• Label the point Q where NL crosses AB.

• Draw a line EF parallel to CD and 2.0 cm below CD.

• Label the point J where NL crosses EF.

• Draw a line GH parallel to CD and 7.0 cm below CD.

• Label the point K where NL crosses GH.

[2]

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(b) • Draw the line PQ at an angle i = 30° to the normal as shown in Fig. 3.1.

• Place the paper on the pin board.

• Place two pins, P1 and P2, on line PQ at a suitable distance apart for this experiment.

• Replace the block and look from the position of the eye shown in Fig. 3.1 to observe
the images of P1 and P2 through side CD of the block. Adjust your line of sight until the
images of P1 and P2 appear one behind the other.

• Place a pin P3 on line EF between your eye and the block so that the images of P1 and
P2 seen through the block appear behind P3.

• Place a pin P4 on line GH between your eye and the block so that P3, and the images of
P1 and P2 seen through the block, appear behind P4.

• Label the positions of P1, P2, P3 and P4.

• Remove the pins.

[2]

(c) (i) Measure and record the length a of the line from J to P3.

a = ......................................................... [1]

(ii) Measure and record the length b of the line from K to P4.

b = .......................................................... [1]
b
(iii) Calculate .
a

b
= ......................................................... [2]
a
(d) State one precaution that you took in order to produce an accurate ray trace.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]
b
(e) A student plans to test the suggestion that, in this experiment, is a constant for all possible
a
values of i. List suitable values of i that the student could use.

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Tie your ray-trace sheet into this booklet between pages 8 and 9.

[Total: 11]

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4 A student investigates the rate of cooling, in air, of heated blocks made of different metals. The
temperature of each block is increased by placing it in hot water.

Plan an experiment to investigate how the rate of cooling depends on the metal from which each
block is made.

You are not required to carry out this experiment.

The following apparatus is available to the student:

cylindrical blocks of different metals, each with a hole for a thermometer, as shown in Fig. 4.1
a thermometer.

Other apparatus normally available in a school laboratory can also be used.

In your plan, you should:

• list any additional apparatus required

• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation, including the measurements you
would take

• state the key variables to be kept constant

• draw a suitable table, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings
(you are not required to enter any readings in the table)

• explain how you would use the results to reach a conclusion.

hole for
thermometer

Fig. 4.1

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..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 8 7 7 8 4 4 1 7 7 0 *

PHYSICS 0625/51
Paper 5 Practical Test October/November 2020

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: The materials and apparatus listed in the confidential instructions

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 40.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

For Examiner’s Use

Total

This document has 12 pages. Blank pages are indicated.

DC (CE/CGW) 196150/2
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1 In this experiment, you will determine the density of modelling clay by two methods.

Method 1

(a) (i) Measure the length l, width w and height h of the sample A of modelling clay. Do not
change the shape of the sample.

l = ......................................................... cm

w = ......................................................... cm

h = ......................................................... cm
[1]

(ii) Calculate the volume VA of sample A using the equation VA = l × w × h.

VA = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(iii) Measure and record the mass mA of sample A of modelling clay using the balance
provided.

mA = ...................................................... g [1]
mA
(iv) Calculate the density ρA of sample A 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) Pour approximately 50 cm3 of the water provided into the measuring cylinder.

(i) Record the volume V1 of water in the measuring cylinder.

V1 = ........................................................ cm3

Carefully lower sample B of the same modelling clay into the measuring cylinder until it is
completely covered with water.

Record the new reading V2 of the water level in the measuring cylinder.

V2 = ........................................................ cm3

Calculate the volume VB of sample B using the equation VB = V2 – V1.

VB = ........................................................ cm3
[1]

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(ii) Measure and record the mass mB of sample B of measuring clay using the balance
provided.

mB = ............................................................ g
mB
Calculate the density ρB of sample B using the equation ρB = .
VB
Give your answer to a suitable number of significant figures for this experiment and
include the unit.

ρB = ...............................................................
[1]

(c) A student suggests that the density of modelling clay is not affected by either 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]

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(d) Fig. 1.1 shows some water in a measuring cylinder. The surface of the liquid is curved and is
called the meniscus.

bench

Fig. 1.1

Tick the boxes that describe the correct line of sight for taking a reading of the volume of
water in a measuring cylinder.

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]

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2 In this experiment, you will investigate the cooling of water under different conditions.

Carry out the following instructions referring to Fig. 2.1. The thermometer must remain in the
clamp for the whole of this experiment. Do not adjust the position of the thermometer in the clamp.

stand
thermometer
clamp
boss

beaker

bench

Fig. 2.1

(a) Use the thermometer to measure room temperature θ R.

θ R = ......................................................... [1]

(b) (i) Pour 200 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. Place the thermometer in the beaker by
moving the clamp stand.

Record in Table 2.1 the temperature θ1 of the hot water at time t = 0. Immediately start
the stopclock.

After 180 s, measure the temperature θ1 of the water. Record the time t = 180 s and the
temperature reading in Table 2.1.
[1]

(ii) Calculate the drop in temperature Δθ1 between times t = 0 and t = 180 s.

Δθ1 = ......................................................... [1]

Δθ1
(iii) Calculate the average rate of cooling R1 of the water using the equation R1 = , where
Δt
Δt = 180 s. Include the unit.

R1 = ......................................................... [1]

Table 2.1

t/s θ1 / °C

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(c) (i) Empty the beaker.

Pour 150 cm3 of hot water into the beaker. Add 50 cm3 of cold water to the beaker. Place
the thermometer in the beaker by moving the clamp stand.

Record in Table 2.2 the temperature θ2 of the water in the beaker at time t = 0. Immediately
start the stopclock.

After 180 s, measure the temperature θ2 of the water. Record the time t = 180 s and the
temperature reading in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2

t/s θ2 / °C

[1]

(ii) Calculate the drop in temperature Δθ2 between t = 0 and t = 180 s.

Δθ2 = ...............................................................
Δθ2
Calculate the average rate of cooling R2 of the water using the equation R2 = , where
Δt
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 D1 using the readings in Table 2.1 and your answer to (a).

D1 = ...............................................................

Calculate the difference D2 using the readings in Table 2.2 and your answer to (a).

D2 = ...............................................................
[1]

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(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)(i).

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 11]

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3 In this experiment, you will investigate the magnification of the image produced by a lens.

Carry out the following instructions referring to Fig. 3.1 and Fig. 3.2.

illuminated
object u v
screen
lens

bench

Fig. 3.1

illuminated object

hO

Fig. 3.2 This figure has not been drawn to scale.

(a) Measure and record the height hO of the illuminated object provided in your experiment.

hO = ......................................................... [1]

(b) • Place the lens a distance u = 20.0 cm from the illuminated object.

• Move the screen slowly until a clearly-focused image is formed on the screen.

• Measure the distance v between the centre of the lens and the screen and record the
value in Table 3.1.
v
• Calculate, and record in Table 3.1, the magnification m using the equation m = u .

• Repeat the procedure using values of u equal to 25.0 cm, 30.0 cm, 35.0 cm and 40.0 cm.

Table 3.1

u / cm v / cm m
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
[3]

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(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 the 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]

[Total: 11]

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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 . You are not required to carry out the
investigation.

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).

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[Total: 7]

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 Cambridge IGCSE™
* 2 6 6 2 3 3 7 5 3 5 *

PHYSICS 0625/51
Paper 5 Practical Test May/June 2020

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

You will need: The materials and apparatus listed in the confidential instructions

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 40.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

For Examiner’s Use

Total

This document has 12 pages. Blank pages are indicated.

DC (LK/SW) 195012/3
© UCLES 2020 [Turn over

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 2

1 In this experiment, you will investigate the balancing of a metre rule.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 1.1.

50.0 cm mark metre rule

load Q
x
0 100

weight P 90.0 cm mark

pivot bench

Fig. 1.1

(a)

• Place the metre rule on the pivot at the 50.0 cm mark.

• Place the object Q with its centre on the metre rule at the 90.0 cm mark.

• Place a load of weight P = 2.0 N on the metre rule.

• Adjust the position of the load so that the metre rule is as near as possible to being
balanced and horizontal.

(i) Measure, and record in Table 1.1, the distance x from the centre of the load to the pivot.

Record also the weight of the load. [1]

1
(ii) Calculate, and record in Table 1.1, the value of . [1]
x
(iii) Repeat the steps above, using loads of weight P = 3.0 N, 4.0 N, 5.0 N and 6.0 N. Record
1
all the values of P, x and in Table 1.1. [3]
x
Table 1.1

1 1
P/N x / cm
x cm

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1 1
(b) Plot a graph of P / N (y-axis) against (x-axis). Start both axes at the origin (0,0).
x cm

[4]

1
(c) In this experiment, xmax , the maximum possible value for x is 50.0 cm. Calculate .
xmax

1 1
= ..................................................... cm
xmax

Use the graph to determine the minimum value of P required to balance the metre rule in this
experiment. Show clearly on the graph how you determined this value.

minimum value of P = ...........................................................

[2]

[Total: 11]

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2 In this experiment, you will determine the resistances of filament lamps.

Carry out the following instructions, referring to Fig. 2.1.

power supply

A
L1

Fig. 2.1

(a) Switch on.

(i) Measure the current I1 in the circuit.

I1 = .................................................. A [1]

(ii) Measure the potential difference V1 across lamp L1.

V1 = .................................................. V [1]

Switch off.
V
(iii) Calculate the resistance R1 of the filament of lamp L1. Use the equation R1 = 1 . Include
I1
the unit.

R1 = ..................................................... [2]

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(b) Disconnect the voltmeter. Connect lamp L2 in series with lamp L1. Connect the voltmeter
across lamp L2. Switch on.

Measure the current I2 in the circuit.

I2 = ....................................................... A

Measure the potential difference V2 across lamp L2.

V2 = ....................................................... V
Switch off.
V2
Calculate the resistance R2 of the filament of lamp L2. Use the equation R2 = .
I2

R2 = ...........................................................
[1]

(c) Disconnect the voltmeter. Connect lamp L3 in series with lamps L1 and L2. Connect the
voltmeter across lamp L3. Switch on.

Measure the current I3 in the circuit.

I3 = ...................................................... A

Measure the potential difference V3 across lamp L3.

V3 = ...................................................... V

Switch off.
V3
Calculate the resistance R3 of the filament of lamp L3. Use the equation R3 = .
I3

R3 = ...........................................................
[1]

(d) Calculate R1 + R2 + R3. Give your answer to a suitable number of significant figures for this
experiment.

R1 + R2 + R3 = ..................................................... [1]
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(e) Some students make suggestions about the results of the experiment.

Suggestion A: R1 + R2 + R3 should be equal to 3 × R1.

Suggestion B: R1 + R2 + R3 should be less than 3 × R1.

Suggestion C: R1 + R2 + R3 should be greater than 3 × R1.

State which suggestion, A, B or C, agrees with your results. Justify your answer by reference
to your results.

statement ...............................

justification ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(f) A student investigates whether the statement in (e) is always true for the same three lamps
connected in series.
State a variable that he changes and how he changes the variable. You are not required to
do this extra experiment.

variable to change ....................................................................................................................

method of changing the variable ..............................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 11]

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3 In this experiment you will investigate the position of the image in a plane mirror.

Carry out the following instructions, using the separate ray-trace sheet provided. You may refer to
Fig. 3.1 for guidance.

hole

B
M R
P2

L
P1

ray-trace sheet eye

Fig. 3.1

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(a) (i) Draw a line 10 cm long near the middle of the ray-trace sheet. Label the line MR. Draw a
normal to this line that passes through the centre of MR. Label the normal NL. Label the
point at which NL crosses MR with the letter B. [1]

(ii) Draw a line 7.0 cm long from B at an angle of incidence i = 30° to the normal below MR
and to the left of the normal. Label the end of this line A. [1]

(iii) Place a pin P1 on line AB at a distance 6.0 cm from B.

Place a pin P2 on line AB close to MR. [1]

(b) (i) Place the reflecting face of the mirror vertically on the line MR.

View the images of pins P1 and P2 from the direction indicated by the eye in Fig. 3.1.

Place two pins P3 and P4 some distance apart so that pin P3 and the images of P2 and
P1 all appear exactly behind pin P4. Label the positions of P3 and P4.

Remove the pins and the mirror and draw the line joining the positions of P3 and P4.
[1]

(ii) Continue the line until it extends at least 7.0 cm beyond MR. [1]

(c) Replace pin P1 on line AB at a distance 6.0 cm from B.

Place pin P2 1.0 cm to the right of its position in part (a).

Repeat the steps in part (b).

Label with the letter Y the point where the two lines cross beyond MR.

(i) Draw a line from P1 to MR that meets MR at a right angle. Measure and record the
length a of this line.

a = ..................................................... [1]

(ii) Draw a line from the point labelled Y to MR that meets MR at a right angle. Measure and
record the length b of this line.

b = ..................................................... [1]

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(d) (i) Replace the mirror on MR. Place pin P1 on the normal at a distance 6.0 cm from the front
of the mirror.

View the image of P1 in the mirror.

Place pin P2 on the normal behind the mirror.

Adjust the position of P2 along the normal so that the image of the bottom of the pin P1
seen in the mirror and the top of pin P2 seen over the mirror appear as one pin when
viewed from all angles in front of the mirror.

Label the position of P2.

[1]

(ii) Remove the pins and the mirror.

Measure the distance x along the normal between P2 and the mirror.

x = ..................................................... [2]

(e) A student carries out this experiment with care.

Suggest a practical reason why the results may not be accurate.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

Tie your ray-trace sheet into this booklet between pages 8 and 9.

[Total: 11]

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4 A student investigates the effect of the colour of the surface of a metal container on the rate of loss
of heat from the container. She knows that black surfaces are better radiators of thermal energy
than white surfaces and wants to investigate the effect of other colours.

The following apparatus is available:

metal containers each with the outer surface painted a different colour
a thermometer
a stop-watch
a supply of hot water.

She can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory.

Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of the colour of the surface of a metal container on the
rate of loss of heat from the container. You are not required to carry out this investigation.

You should:

• draw a diagram of the apparatus used

• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation

• state the key variables that you would control

• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings
(you are not required to enter any readings in the table)

• explain how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.

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