PMT

GCE

Physics A

H156/01: Breadth in physics

AS Level

Mark Scheme for June 2023

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations

 PMT

OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of
qualifications to meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. OCR qualifications
include AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals,
Functional Skills, Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in
areas such as IT, business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.

It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. OCR is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus made is
invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications and
support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.

All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.

© OCR 2023

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations

 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
RM ASSESSOR
1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Assessor Online Training;
OCR Essential Guide to Marking.

2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
Assessment Support Portal http://www.rm.com/support/ca

3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.

YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.

MARKING
1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.

2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.

3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.

4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.

5. Crossed Out Responses

Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.

Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions

Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all responses
are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which will select the
highest mark from those awarded. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate has penalised themselves by attempting more questions than
necessary in the time allowed.)
2
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Multiple Choice Question Responses

When a multiple choice question has only a single, correct response and a candidate provides two responses (even if one of these responses is correct),
then no mark should be awarded (as it is not possible to determine which was the first response selected by the candidate).
When a question requires candidates to select more than one option/multiple options, then local marking arrangements need to ensure consistency of
approach.

Contradictory Responses
When a candidate provides contradictory responses, then no mark should be awarded, even if one of the answers is correct.

Short Answer Questions (requiring only a list by way of a response, usually worth only one mark per response)
Where candidates are required to provide a set number of short answer responses then only the set number of responses should be marked. The
response space should be marked from left to right on each line and then line by line until the required number of responses have been considered. The
remaining responses should not then be marked. Examiners will have to apply judgement as to whether a ‘second response’ on a line is a development
of the ‘first response’, rather than a separate, discrete response. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate is attempting to hedge their bets
and therefore getting undue benefit rather than engaging with the question and giving the most relevant/correct responses.)

Short Answer Questions (requiring a more developed response, worth two or more marks)
If the candidates are required to provide a description of, say, three items or factors and four items or factors are provided, then mark on a similar basis
– that is downwards (as it is unlikely in this situation that a candidate will provide more than one response in each section of the response space.)

Longer Answer Questions (requiring a developed response)

Where candidates have provided two (or more) responses to a medium or high tariff question which only required a single (developed) response and
not crossed out the first response, then only the first response should be marked. Examiners will need to apply professional judgement as to whether
the second (or a subsequent) response is a ‘new start’ or simply a poorly expressed continuation of the first response.

6. Always check the pages (and additional objects if present) at the end of the response in case any answers have been continued there. If the candidate
has continued an answer there, then add a tick to confirm that the work has been seen.

7. Award No Response (NR) if:

• there is nothing written in the answer space

Award Zero ‘0’ if:

• anything is written in the answer space and is not worthy of credit (this includes text and symbols).
3
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Team Leaders must confirm the correct use of the NR button with their markers before live marking commences and should check this when
reviewing scripts.

8. The RM Assessor comments box is used by your team leader to explain the marking of the practice responses. Please refer to these comments
when checking your practice responses. Do not use the comments box for any other reason.
If you have any questions or comments for your team leader, use the phone, the RM Assessor messaging system, or e-mail.

9. Assistant Examiners will send a brief report on the performance of candidates to their Team Leader (Supervisor) via email by the end of the marking
period. The report should contain notes on particular strengths displayed as well as common errors or weaknesses. Constructive criticism of the
question paper/mark scheme is also appreciated.

10. Level of response (LoR)

Read through the whole answer from start to finish, concentrating on features that make it a stronger or weaker answer using the indicative scientific
content as guidance. The indicative scientific content indicates the expected parameters for candidates’ answers, but be prepared to recognise and
credit unexpected approaches where they show relevance.

Using a ‘best-fit’ approach based on the science content of the answer, first decide which set of level descriptors, Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2) or Level 3
(L3), best describes the overall quality of the answer using the guidelines described in the level descriptors in the mark scheme.

Once the level is located, award the higher or lower mark.

The higher mark should be awarded where the level descriptor has been evidenced and all aspects of the communication statement (in italics) have
been met. The lower mark should be awarded where the level descriptor has been evidenced but aspects of the communication statement (in italics)
are missing.

In summary:
• the science content determines the level
• the communication statement determines the mark within a level.

Levels of response questions on this paper are X and Y.

4
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

11. Annotations

Annotation Meaning

Correct response Used to indicate the point at which a mark has been awarded (one tick per mark awarded).

Incorrect response Used to indicate an incorrect answer or a point where a mark is lost.

AE Arithmetic error Do not allow the mark where the error occurs. Then follow through the working/calculation giving full
subsequent ECF if there are no further errors.
BOD Benefit of doubt given Used to indicate a mark awarded where the candidate provides an answer that is not totally satisfactory,
but the examiner feels that sufficient work has been done.
BP Blank page Use BP on additional page(s) to show that there is no additional work provided by the candidates.

CON Contradiction No mark can be awarded if the candidate contradicts himself or herself in the same response.

ECF Error carried forward Used in numerical answers only, unless specified otherwise in the mark scheme. Answers to later
sections of numerical questions may be awarded up to full credit provided they are consistent with earlier
incorrect answers. Within a question, ECF can be given for AE, TE and POT errors but not for XP.
L1 Level 1 L1 is used to show 2 marks awarded and L1^ is used to show 1 mark awarded.

L2 Level 2 L2 is used to show 4 marks awarded and L2^ is used to show 3 marks awarded.

L3 Level 3 L3 is used to show 6 marks awarded and L3^ is used to show 5 marks awarded.

POT Power of 10 error This is usually linked to conversion of SI prefixes. Do not allow the mark where the error occurs. Then
follow through the working/calculation giving ECF for subsequent marks if there are no further errors.
SEEN Seen To indicate working/text has been seen by the examiner.

SF Error in number of Where more SFs are given than is justified by the question, do not penalise. Fewer significant figures
significant figures than necessary will be considered within the mark scheme. Penalised only once in the paper.

5
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Annotation Meaning

TE Transcription error This error is when there is incorrect transcription of the correct data from the question, graphical read-off,
formulae booklet or a previous answer. Do not allow the relevant mark and then follow through the
working giving ECF for subsequent marks.
XP Wrong physics or Used in numerical answers only, unless otherwise specified in the mark scheme. Use of an incorrect
equation equation is wrong physics even if it happens to lead to the correct answer.
^ Omission Used to indicate where more is needed for a mark to be awarded (what is written is not wrong but not
enough).

Abbreviations, annotations and conventions used in the detailed Mark Scheme (to include abbreviations and subject-specific conventions).

Annotation Meaning

/ alternative and acceptable answers for the same marking point

Reject Answers which are not worthy of credit

Not Answers which are not worthy of credit

Ignore Statements which are irrelevant

Allow Answers that can be accepted

() Words which are not essential to gain credit

___ Underlined words must be present in answer to score a mark

ECF Error carried forward

AW Alternative wording

ORA Or reverse argument

6
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

12. Subject Specific Marking Instructions

CATEGORISATION OF MARKS
The marking schemes categorise marks on the MACB scheme.
M marks These are method marks upon which A-marks (accuracy marks) later depend. For an M-mark to be scored, the point to which
it refers must be seen in the candidate’s answers. If a candidate fails to score a particular M-mark, then none of the
dependent A-marks can be scored.
A marks These are accuracy or answer marks, which either depend on an M-mark, or allow a C-mark to be scored.
C marks These are compensatory method marks which can be scored even if the points to which they refer are not written down by the
candidate, providing subsequent working gives evidence that they must have known it. For example, if an equation carries a
C-mark and the candidate does not write down the actual equation but does correct working which shows the candidate knew
the equation, then the C-mark is given.
B marks These are awarded as independent marks, which do not depend on other marks. For a B-mark to be scored, the point to
which it refers must be seen specifically in the candidate’s answers.

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
If the data given in a question is to 2 sf, then allow an answer to 2 or more significant figures.
If an answer is given to fewer than 2 sf, then penalise once only in the entire paper.
Any exception to this rule will be mentioned in the Guidance.

7
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

SECTION A

Question Answer Marks Guidance

1 C 1
2 C 1
3 A 1
4 C 1
5 D 1
6 D 1
7 C 1
8 A 1
9 A 1
10 C 1
11 C 1
12 D 1
13 D 1
14 A 1
15 B 1
16 A 1
17 B 1
18 D 1
19 C 1
20 C 1
Total 20

8
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

SECTION B
General rule: For substitution into an equation, allow any subject - unless stated otherwise in the guidance

Question Answer Mark Guidance

21 (a) 10.0 ÷ (2.5 × 10–3) C1 ALLOW corresponding points read from line.
ALLOW 4 (Nm-1) 1 mark
4000 A1

21 (b) Micrometer (to measure diameter) B1 ALLOW callipers

Measure diameter in different places and calculate a B1

mean/average

𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
Use 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 and 𝑟 =
2
𝜋𝑑 2
Or 𝐴 = B1
4

21 (c) (i) E=
𝜎
and F = kx and 𝜎 =
𝐹
and 𝜀 =
𝑥 M1 ALLOW E = F/A ÷ x/l and F =kx
𝜀 𝐴 𝐿
kL
Clear substitution leading to E = A1
A

21 (c) (ii) E=
1670 × 2.0 C1 ALLOW 3sf 1.15x1011 N m-2
–8
2.9 × 10
11
1.2 × 10 N m-2 A1

(Uncertainty = 0.05 + 2 + 1.25)

3.3% B1
21 (c) (iii) % difference =
(1.17-1.20)x1011
= 2.6% M1 ALLOW other quantitative comparisons e.g. 1.11
1.17 x 1011
to 1.19 using 1.15, and 1.16 to 1.24 using 1.2
A1 all within range of 1.17.
% diff < % uncertainty so consistent / accurate / AW
ALLOW calculation using 3 s.f. answer from (ii) to
give 1.7%
9
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Question Answer Mark Guidance

ALLOW ECF for correct calculation using
uncertainty value from 21c(ii)

Total 12

10
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Question Answer Mark Guidance

22 (a) Molecules vibrate/oscillate B1 ALLOW particles throughout
ALLOW move back and forth
oscillations parallel to the direction of the energy transfer / B1
propagation ALLOW parallel to the direction of the wave

Creating areas of high and low pressure

Or ALLOW areas are high concentration/density and low
regions where the molecules are closer together and B1 concentration/density of molecules
further apart NOT ref. to varying amplitude

22 (b) (i) Incident and reflected waves interfere / superpose AW B1 IGNORE super impose

Constructive interference /waves in phase gives

maximum amplitude / anti-nodes B1
Destructive interference/waves in antiphase gives
minimum/zero amplitude / nodes
B1
22 (b) (ii) intensity/amplitude/energy of wave decreases with B1 ALLOW energy absorbed when wave incident on the
distance / ORA AW plate

reflected wave has a lower amplitude than incident wave B1

ORA
OR
incomplete destructive interference occurs AW
B1
Difference in amplitudes increases with increasing
distance from A ORA

11
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

22 (b) (iii) λ= 2 × 0.84 = 1.68m M1

336 (m s–1) A1

22 (b) (iv) Any one from:

Measure across more than one minima
Use lower frequencies B1 ALLOW use longer wavelengths
Repeat and calculate means
Total 12

12
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Question Answer Mark Guidance

23 (a) 3 × 1.6 × 10–19 C1

4.8 × 10–19 (J) A1

23 (b) photons mentioned B1

electrons only emitted if the energy (of a photon) is

equal to/greater than the work function B1

energy (of photon) proportional to f / E = hf / E ∝ f B1

23 (c) i intensity of radiation is proportional to the rate of

incident photons (above threshold frequency) AW B1

(increased) one-to-one interaction between photons B1

and electrons AW

current is the rate of flow of charge/current = charge B1

flow/time (so proportional to rate of electron release)

23 (c) ii 6.634 × 10–34 × 8.2 × 1015 / 5.44 × 10–18 J C1

5.44 × 10–18 × 3.1 × 1018 / 16.9 (W) C1

intensity =
16.9 C1
4.9 ×10-3

A1 ALLOW 3439(.48) W m–2

3.4 × 103 W m–2

Total 12

13
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Question Answer Mark Guidance

24 (a) Δp = (0.058 × 7.2) – (0.058 × –3.6) / 0.63 kg m s–1 / a = 208 C1 ALLOW 0.058x(7.2 – 3.6)/0.052 = 4.0N 1 mark
ms-2
C1
0.63
F= / F = 0.058 x 208
0.052
A1
12(.05)(N) ALLOW rounding to 12.1N 3sf from previous rounding
in working
24 (b) 3.6 × 0.58 / 2.09 (m) M1

target distance = 1.85 m to 2.15 m C1 This mark can be implied by the A1 mark.
or
2.09 – 2.0 = 0.09 m = 9 cm

1.85 < 2.09 < 2.15 / 2.00 < 2.09 < 2.15 or 9 cm < 15 cm A1

Total 6

14
 PMT

H156/01 Mark Scheme June 2023

Question Answer Mark Guidance

25 (a) ALLOW observation can be replayed/slowed down so
time measured is small / velocity of soil is high B1 removes effect of human reaction time
ALLOW human reaction time is large/~0.2s (compared
to time interval)
video camera measurements can have a smaller IGNORE human error
resolution (time or distance) / measurement with a B1
stopwatch would have a large uncertainty (due to
reaction time)

25 (b) method to avoid parallax errors B1

25 (c) Uses 𝑣 =
𝑠
using any two data points from 0.2s M1
𝑡
onwards to get 0.27 (m s-1)

Second calculation to show that the soil has reached A1 ALLOW some justification that the soil particle has
terminal velocity reached terminal velocity e.g. the distance remains
similar between intervals 0.2s, 0.3s, 0.4s and 0.5s
25 (d) 9 × 1.0 × 10-3 × 0.27 ALLOW use of v = 0.3 m s-1 giving r = 0.52mm, d =
√ / 5.0 × 10–4 (m) C1 1.0mm so sand
2 × 9.81 × (1500 – 1000)

diameter = 5.0 × 10 –4 × 2 / 1.0 x 10-3 (m) M1 ALLOW alternative correct calculation of v for range of r
for each soil sample to give sand e.g., r=0.001x10-3m
diameter = 1.0 mm so sand A1 gives v=1.09x10-6ms-1, r=0.025x10-3m gives v=6.8x10-
4ms-1 and r=1x10-3m gives v=1.09ms-1 so 0.3ms-1

(0.27ms-1) is within the v range of sand

Total 8

15
 PMT

Need to get in touch?

If you ever have any questions about OCR qualifications or services (including administration, logistics and teaching) please feel free to get in
touch with our customer support centre.

Call us on

01223 553998

Alternatively, you can email us on

support@ocr.org.uk

For more information visit

ocr.org.uk/qualifications/resource-finder

ocr.org.uk

Twitter/ocrexams

/ocrexams

/company/ocr

/ocrexams

OCR is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge.

For staff training purposes and as part of our quality assurance programme your call may be recorded or monitored. © OCR
2023 Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registered office
The Triangle Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8EA.

Registered company number 3484466. OCR is an exempt charity.

OCR operates academic and vocational qualifications regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA as listed in their
qualifications registers including A Levels, GCSEs, Cambridge Technicals and Cambridge Nationals.

OCR provides resources to help you deliver our qualifications. These resources do not represent any particular teaching method
we expect you to use. We update our resources regularly and aim to make sure content is accurate but please check the OCR
website so that you have the most up-to-date version. OCR cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in these
resources.

Though we make every effort to check our resources, there may be contradictions between published support and the
specification, so it is important that you always use information in the latest specification. We indicate any specification changes
within the document itself, change the version number and provide a summary of the changes. If you do notice a discrepancy
between the specification and a resource, please contact us.

Whether you already offer OCR qualifications, are new to OCR or are thinking about switching, you can request more
information using our Expression of Interest form.

Please get in touch if you want to discuss the accessibility of resources we offer to support you in delivering our qualifications.