Physics A (H156, H556)

Y12 Exploring Physics

practise questions
Please note that you may see slight differences
between this paper and the original.

Candidates answer on the Question paper.

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Candidate Candidate
forename surname

Centre number Candidate number

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes above. Please write clearly and in capital letters.
• Use black ink. HB pencil may be used for graphs and diagrams only.
• Answer all the questions, unless your teacher tells you otherwise.
• Read each question carefully. Make sure you know what you have to do before starting your answer.
• Where space is provided below the question, please write your answer there.
• You may use additional paper, or a specific Answer sheet if one is provided, but you must clearly show your candidate number, centre number
and question number(s).

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• The quality of written communication is assessed in questions marked with either a pencil or an asterisk. In History and Geography
a Quality of extended response question is marked with an asterisk, while a pencil is used for questions in which Spelling, punctuation and
grammar and the use of specialist terminology is assessed.
• The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
• The total number of marks for this paper is 50.
• The total number of marks may take into account some 'either/or' question choices.
Section A- multiple choice

1. Electrons travelling through a thin film of carbon are diffracted.

Which statement is correct?

The electrons behave like ....

A photons and are deflected by the carbon atoms.

B photons and change direction as their speed changes.
C waves and are refracted by the holes in the carbon film.
D waves of wavelength similar to the spacing between carbon atoms.

Your answer
[1]

2. An electron gun is used to accelerate electrons from rest through a voltage V. The electrons emerge with a speed u.

The voltage in the gun is halved to . At what speed do the electrons emerge?

Your answer
[1]

3. The speed of light in air is 3.0 × 108 m s−1 and the speed of light in glass is 2.0 × 108 m s−1. A ray of monochromatic light in
 glass strikes the glass-air boundary at an angle of 80° to the boundary.

What is the angle made to the normal by the ray of light leaving the boundary?

A 6.6°
B 15°
C 41°
D 49°

Your answer
[1]

4. An electron, a proton, a neutron and an alpha-particle are travelling in a vacuum at the same speed.

Which of these particles has the shortest de Broglie wavelength?

A electron
B proton
C neutron
D alpha-particle

Your answer
[1]

5. A resistance wire is connected to a cell.

The length L of the wire is changed by pulling at the ends of the wire. The volume of the wire remains the same.

What is the correct relationship between the resistance R of the wire and its length L?

A R = constant
B R∝L
C R ∝ L2
D R ∝ L−1

Your answer
[1]

6. The minimum potential difference across a light-emitting diode (LED) before it conducts is 2.1 V. The wavelength of the
 light emitted by the LED is λ.

e = elementary charge
c = speed of light in a vacuum

What is the correct expression for determining the Planck constant h?

A h = 2.1ecλ

Your answer [1]

7. Stationary waves are produced in a tube closed at one end and open at the other end. The fundamental frequency is 120
Hz.

What is a possible frequency of a harmonic for this tube?

A 60 Hz
B 240 Hz
C 360 Hz
D 480 Hz

Your answer [1]

8. A student determines the power P dissipated in a resistor. The measured values of the current I in the resistor and the
resistance R of the resistor are:

I = (4.0 ± 0.2) A and R = (3.0 ± 0.3)Ω

The equation P = I2R is used to calculate P.

What is the percentage uncertainty in the value of P?

A 15%
B 20%
C 25%
D 30%

Your answer [1]

9. The diagram shows four magnetic compasses placed at the same distance from point X.

Which of the following is most likely to be at point X?

A permanent magnet
B current-carrying solenoid
C current-carrying flat coil
D straight current-carrying wire

Your answer [1]

10. A student is doing an experiment on the magnetic force experienced by a current-carrying wire in a uniform magnetic
field. The magnetic flux density B can be varied.

For a particular flux density, the current in the wire is 2.0A. The length of the wire in the field is 0.12 m. The angle
between the current and the magnetic field is 30°. The force experienced by the wire is 7.7 × 10 −2 N.

The student calculates B and records the results in a table.

Which row shows the correct table heading for B and the correct value for B?

Table heading for B Value for B

A B/T 0.37
B B/T 0.64
C B / Wb 0.37
D B / Wb 0.64

Your answer [1]

11. A stationary sound wave, in its fundamental mode of vibration, is formed in a tube open at both ends.
 The length of the tube is 0.17 m. The speed of sound in air is 340 m s −1.

Which row for this stationary wave is correct?

Number of nodes Frequency of stationary wave / Hz

A 1 500
B 1 1000
C 2 1000
D 2 2000

Your answer [1]

Section B

12(a).

State the principle of superposition of waves.

[1]

(b). Fig. 16.1 shows an arrangement to demonstrate the interference of monochromatic light.

Fig. 16.1

Coherent blue light from a laser is incident at a double-slit. The separation between the slits is 0.25 mm. A series of dark
and bright lines (fringes) appear on the screen. The screen is 4.25 m from the slits.
Fig. 16.2 shows the dark and bright fringes observed on the screen.

Fig. 16.2

The pattern shown in Fig. 16.2 is drawn to scale.

 i. Use Fig. 16.2 to determine accurately the wavelength of the blue light from the laser.

wavelength = ......................................... m [3]

ii. The blue light is now replaced by a similar beam of red light.
State and explain the effect, if any, on the fringes observed on the screen.

[2]

13(a).

Electromagnetic radiation is incident on a negatively charged zinc plate. Electrons are emitted from the surface of the
plate when a weak intensity ultraviolet source is used. Electrons are not emitted at all when an intense visible light from a
lamp is used.

Explain these observations.

[4]
(b). The maximum wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the surface of a metal which causes electrons to
be emitted is 2.9 × 10−7 m.

Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted from the surface of the metal when each incident photon has
energy of 5.1 eV.

maximum kinetic energy = ......................................... J [3]

(c). Electromagnetic radiation of constant wavelength is incident on a metal plate. Photoelectrons are emitted from the metal
plate. Fig. 19.1 shows an arrangement used to determine the maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted from a metal
plate.

Fig. 19.1

The metal plate and the electrode C are both in a vacuum. The electrode C is connected to the negative terminal of the
variable power supply.

Fig. 19.2 shows the variation of current I in the circuit as the potential difference V between the metal plate and C is
increased from 0 V to 3.0 V.

Fig. 19.2

Explain why the current decreases as V increases and describe how you can determine the maximum kinetic energy of
the emitted electrons.
 [3]

14(a). Some houses are heated by “night storage heaters” which use cheap electricity between the hours of midnight and 7.00
am.

Fig. 4.1 shows a circuit diagram of three identical 230 V, 3.5 kW storage heaters connected to a 230 V mains power
supply of negligible internal resistance.

Fig. 4.1

i. Show that the resistance of each heating element is about 15 Ω when the heater is operating at 230 V.

[1]

ii. The heating element is constructed from a metallic wire of resistivity 1.6 × 10 −6 Ω m.
The radius of the wire is 0.55 mm.
Determine the length L of the metallic wire in one heating element.

L = ......................................... m [3]

iii. State and explain whether the heater obeys Ohm’s law.

[2]
 (b). The cost of 1 kW h of energy is 7.6 pence.

Calculate the cost of using the three storage heaters between midnight and 7.00 am every night for one week.

cost = £ ......................................... [2]

15(a). A small thin rectangular slice of semiconducting material has width a and thickness b and carries a current I.
The current is due to the movement of electrons. Each electron has charge –e and mean drift velocity v.
A uniform magnetic field of flux density B is perpendicular to the direction of the current and the top face of the slice as
shown in Fig. 2.1.

Fig. 2.1

Here are some data for the slice in a particular experiment.

number of conducting electrons per cubic metre, n = 1.2 × 1023 m−3
a = 5.0 mm
b = 0.20 mm
I = 60 mA
B = 0.080 T

Use this data to calculate

i. the mean drift velocity v of electrons within the semiconductor

v = ......................................... m s−1 [3]

ii. the potential difference V between the shaded faces of the slice.

V = ......................................... V [1]
(b).
The slice is mounted and used as a measuring instrument called a Hall probe.
A cell is connected to provide the current in the slice. The potential difference across the slice is measured by
a separate voltmeter.

A student wants to measure the magnetic flux density between the poles of two magnets mounted on a steel yoke as
shown in Fig. 2.2. The magnitude of the flux density is between 0.02 T and 0.04 T.

Fig. 2.2

i. Suggest one reason why this Hall probe is not a suitable instrument to measure the magnetic flux density for the
arrangement shown in Fig. 2.2.

[1]

ii. Another method of measuring the magnetic flux density for the arrangement shown in Fig. 2.2 is to insert a
current-carrying wire between the poles of the magnet.
Explain how the magnetic flux density can be determined using this method and discuss which measurement in
the experiment leads to the greatest uncertainty in the value for the magnetic flux density.
 [4]

16. This question is about a resistance wire made of nichrome.

It is suggested that the resistance R of a length of nichrome wire varies with temperature θ in °C according to the
equation
R = R0 (1 + kθ)

where R0 is the resistance of the wire at 0 °C and k is a constant for the wire.

Fig. 1.1 shows a diagram of the arrangement of apparatus in an experiment to test the relationship between R and θ and
to determine the value of k.

Fig. 1.1

The resistance wire is coiled and placed in a water bath.

Describe how you would carry out the experiment, analyse the data to verify the relationship between R and θ and
determine a value for k.
In your description, state any precautions that you would take to improve the accuracy and precision of the
measurements.
 [6]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

Mark scheme

Questio Mark
Answer/Indicative content Guidance
n s

Examiner's Comments

All of the questions showed a positive discrimination, and the

less able candidates could access the easier questions. The
questions in Section A do require careful reading and scrutiny.
Candidates are advised to reflect carefully before recording their
1 D 1
response in the box. Candidates must endeavour to use a
variety of quick techniques when answering multiple choice
questions.

The candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and

understanding of physics.

Total 1

Examiner's Comments

All of the questions showed a positive discrimination, and the

less able candidates could access the easier questions. The
questions in Section A do require careful reading and scrutiny.
Candidates are advised to reflect carefully before recording their
response in the box. Candidates must endeavour to use a
2 C 1 variety of quick techniques when answering multiple choice
questions.

The correct key was C. It was only the candidates in the upper
quartile who managed to get the correct answer using the
expression Ve = mv2 (learning outcome 4.2.2e). Halving the
accelerating voltage V will decrease the speed of the electrons
by a factor of .

Total 1

3 B 1 Examiner's Comments

All of the questions showed a positive discrimination, and the

less able candidates could access the easier questions. The
questions in Section A do require careful reading and scrutiny.
Candidates are advised to reflect carefully before recording their
response in the box. Candidates must endeavour to use a
variety of quick techniques when answering multiple choice
questions.

The correct key was B.

Many candidates showed poor knowledge of this topic. The
refractive index of glass is 1.5.
The angle of refraction r is given by the expression 1.0 × sinr =
1.5 sin10°. This gives 15° for the value of r. The most common
 distractor was A, which used the incorrect expression 1.0 ×
sin10° = 1.5 sinr.

Total 1

4 D 1

Total 1

5 C 1

Total 1

6 D 1

Total 1

7 C 1

Total 1

8 B 1

Total 1

9 D 1

Total 1

1
B 1
0

Total 1

1
B 1
1

Total 1

Allow total / Σ / net for resultant

Not amplitude for displacement

(When two or more waves meet at a point

in space) the resultant (displacement) is
1
a equal to the (vector) sum of the individual B1 Examiner’s Comment
2
displacements of waves (meeting at a Most candidates made a poor start to Section B by incorrectly
point) stating the principle of superposition. Instead of ‘the resultant
displacement being the sum of the individual displacements of
the waves’, candidates wrote about the addition of amplitudes.
Some simply wrote about constructive (or destructive)
interference and stationary waves.

b i Clear evidence of at least two fringe B1 Expect 8 (mm)

separations used to determine x and x in
the range 7.0 to 9.0 mm
C1 Allow ecf for incorrect value of x

(Allow any
 Examiner’s Comment
One mark for this question was reserved for accurately
subject)
determining the separation x between adjacent fringes using at
least two fringe separations. About a quarter of the candidates
A = 4.7 × 10-7 (m) A1
did this and secured maximum marks for calculating the
wavelength of blue light. A wide range of 7 mm to 9 mm was
allowed for x. Most candidates used the correct equation and
had no problems with powers of ten. Almost all the answers
were written in standard form.

Allow other acceptable labels for D and a

Red light has longer wavelength / λ and Examiner’s Comment

separation between fringes increases This was generally well answered with most candidates giving
M1
(AW) correct explanation of why the fringe pattern was more spread
ii out. Many candidates wrote concise answers such as ‘the fringe

terms of x ∝ λ or x = λD / a, D and a are

Separation between fringes justified in separation increases because red light has longer wavelength
A1
and fringe separation x wavelength’. The two most common
constants errors were:

 Red light has shorter wavelength than blue light.

 The pattern had something to do with the refraction of
light through the double-slit.


Total 6

1 a Photon(s) mentioned B1
3
One-to-one interaction between photons B1 Allow ‘photon absorbed by an electron’
and electrons Allow: collide etc. for interaction

Energy of photon is independent of B1 Allow E = hf or E = hc/λ

intensity / intensity is to do with rate (of
photons / photoelectric emission) / photon
energy depends on frequency / energy of

energy ∝ frequency / photon energy ∝ 1/λ

photon depends on wavelength / photon

B1 Allow energy of light photon(s) < work function (of zinc) /

energy of uv photon(s) > work function (of frequency of light > threshold frequency
zinc) / frequency of uv > threshold Allow ≥ instead of > here
frequency Not f > f0

Examiner’s Comment
Many candidates wrote enthusiastically about photoelectric
effect and understood the significance of work function energy
(or threshold frequency) and the one-to-one interaction between
 photon and an electron. Some candidates did not mention
‘photons’ and this limited the marks they could acquire. The role
of intensity was less understood. Many candidates thought it
was linked to ‘the number of photons’ or ‘the amount of
electrons emitted. The important term rate of the missing
ingredient. Top-end candidates gave eloquent answers, typified
by the response: ‘intensity of visible light only affects the rate of
photons incident on the plate but not the energy of each
photon’. Two common misconceptions were:

 Photons were emitted from the negative plate.

 Confusing threshold frequency and work function
energy.

Note: Using 5.1 and not 8.16 × 10-19 cannot score this mark or
the next mark

C1
Allow 2 marks for 0.81 eV
 E = 5.1 × 1.60 × 10 -19
or 8.16 × 10 -19
(J) C1
b Examiner’s Comment
max kinetic energy = (8.16 − 6.86) × 10 -19 This was a notable success for most of the candidates.
Examiners were pleased to see a range of techniques being
max kinetic energy = 1.3 × 10-19 (J) A1 used to get the correct answer of 1.3 × 10-19 J. Many answers
showed excellent structure, effortless conversion of energy from
electronvolt to joule and excellent use of the calculator when
dealing with powers of ten. Most candidates scored three marks.
A small number of candidates left the final answer as 0.81 eV;
the only thing missing was the conversion to J.

Note ‘range’ can be implied by ‘highest’ or ‘lowest’

Allow ‘find p.d. when current is (just) zero, and then KE = e × V

Any three from:
The electrons are repelled by C /
Examiner’s Comment
electrons travel against the electric field
The electrons emitted from the metal plate have a range of
(AW)
kinetic energy. The emitted electrons are repelled by the
The electrons are emitted with a ‘range’ of
c B1×3 negative electrode C. Fewer electrons reach C as the p.d. is
speed / velocity / kinetic energy (AW)
increased. When the p.d. is about 2.2 V, and the current zero,
As V increases the slow(er) electrons do
the most energetic electron are stopped from reaching C. This
not reach C and hence I decreases
makes the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons equal to
maximum KE in the range 2.1 eV to 2.2
2.2 eV or 3.4 × 10-19 J.
eV or 3.36 × 10-19 J to 3.52 × 10-19 J
The question baffled most candidates. Some top-end
candidates commented on ‘the electrons repelled by C’ and the
maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons being 2.2 eV.
Such answers were rare. Too many candidates made guesses
with answers such as ‘the current drops because resistance
increases’ and ‘temperature increases and hence the current
decreases’.
 Total 10

Allow calculation of current (15.2) and

R=V/I
Not 3500 / 230 = 15.2

M1
1 Examiner’s Comments
a i
4 15 (Ω) This question asked candidates to show that the resistance of
A0
one of the heaters was 15 Ohms. Some candidates divided
3500 W by 230 V which gave an answer of 15.2 A which was
the current. If these candidates then divided 230 V by 15.2 A
they still gained the mark.

C1
Note 8.9 × 10n scores two marks
Allow 15.1 gives 9.0 m
ii C1
Examiner’s Comments
8.9 (m) It was pleasing to see many good answers to the determination
A1 of the length of the wire. Candidates showed clearly how they
determined the area and then substituted correctly into the
rearranged equation for resistivity. Some candidates round their
answer to one significant figure.

(Ohm’s law states that) V proportional to I

B1 Allow one mark for Ohm’s law will not apply because as
(provided the physical conditions /
temperature changes the resistance changes
ii temperature remain constant)
i
Examiner’s Comments
Since the temperature is not constant,
B1 Candidates often scored a mark for stating Ohm’s law;
Ohm’s law will not apply
candidates should define any symbols used. Candidates often
did not refer to any temperature change in the heater. Vague
answers referring to
“heating” did not score.

Note for use of 17 hours £94.96 scores one mark

Allow 3910p or 3911 p or £39.1 or £39.102

C1
3.5 × 7 or 3.5 × 7 × 7 or 10.5 × 7 or
b 10.5 × 7 × 7 or 514.5 Examiner’s Comments
A surprising number of candidates did not correctly determine
A1
514.5 × 7.6p = £39.10 or £39.11 the cost of electricity. Many candidates did not use three heaters
or seven days. For the award of the intermediate mark, clear
working needed to be shown.

Total 8

I = nAev; C1
1 v = 60 × 10−3/1.2 × 1023 × 1.6 × 10−19 C1
a i
5 × 5.0 × 0.2 x10−6
allow any subject
v = 3.1 (m s −1) A1
 ecf (b)(i); allow 1.2 mV; 1.3 × 10−3 (V)

V = 80 × 10−3 × 3.1 × 5.0 × 10−3 Examiner’s Comments

ii A1
= 1.2 × 10−3 (V) This exercise of choosing a formula, substituting values in
correct units and evaluating was done well with about three
quarters of the candidates gaining full marks.

Hall probe only compares B-fields / AW

allow any sensible comment, e.g. how do you convert the
b i or V will be too small / less than 1 mV so B1
measured V into a B value
not easy to measure

max 4 of the 5 marking points

alt measure F by adding small masses to wire to return it to zero
current position

or use readings of F at several I to find average F/I, etc.

find B using F = BIl; or measurement of small masses in alt. method, etc quantitative
B1
F is measured by weighing magnets suggestion about % error i.e. l small (1 mm in 60) leading to
B1
(e.g. placed on top pan balance assuming large % uncertainty or difficulty in determining edge / end of B-
wire is fixed); field
graph of F against I to find B(l) from
ii B1
gradient / AW; Examiner’s Comments
Most candidates did not refer back to (b)(ii), noting that the
greatest uncertainty: measurement of l in potential difference across the Hall probe would be very small
B1
B-field sensible reason / justification for making the probe an unsuitable instrument for measuring the
B1
choosing l or small masses magnetic flux density, B. However almost all were familiar with
the experiment where the magnets are mounted on a top pan
balance with a fixed wire carrying the current. Only a small
number varied the current and plotted
a graph to obtain a more accurate value of B. Also few
appreciated that the edges of the field spread out making the
length of wire in the field the least reliable measurement.

Total 9

1 Level 3 (5–6 marks) B1 × Indicative scientific points may include:

6 Clear description and analysis 6
Description
There is a well-developed line of
reasoning which is clear and logically Determine R0 using ice water mixture or*
structured. The information presented is Record V and I for various temperatures
relevant and substantiated. If wire is not insulated some conduction through water/use
insulated wire
Level 2 (3–4 marks) Use small current to minimise heating effect or connect to
supply for short time for readings
Some description and some analysis
Stir the water
Wait for temperature to stabilise/bath to come to
There is a line of reasoning presented equilibrium
with some structure. The information Avoid parallax errors when reading instruments
presented is in the most-part relevant and Comment about large scale increments on
supported by some evidence. instruments/digital meters for precision of
measurements/AW
Level 1 (1–2 marks) Limited description
or analysis
Analysis
There is an attempt at a logical structure
• Determine resistance from R = V/I
with a line of reasoning. The information is
in the most part relevant. Graph of R against θ is a straight line / Graph
•
of R/R0 against θ is a straight line
0 marks Correct interpretation of gradient m to find
• k;
No response or no response worthy of
i.e. k = m/R0 or k = m
credit.
• *R0 by extrapolation from linear graph

*descriptors D1 and A4 are alternatives

Examiner’s Comments

This question proved to be a suitable starter as almost all wrote

a full page answer or even completed it on one of the spare
pages at the back of the examination booklet.

The majority of candidates described the basic procedure to

perform the experiment. There was a small group who did not
appreciate that R0 referred to 0°C but took it to be their initial
room temperature. Some of these contradicted themselves once
they reached the analysis of data section of their answer. Some
started with ice water whilst others just found R0 by extrapolation
from the graph. A few good candidates compared both methods
as a check on the reliability of their experiment. The example
(exemplar 1) of an L3 answer shown here implies this check
without stating it clearly.

Exemplar 1
 About half of the candidates remembered to stir the heating
water. Only a minority allowed time for thermal equilibrium to be
reached with the heating removed before taking measurements.
Many did not state how they heated the water which was
important because a group described using the given nichrome
wire and supply for this purpose. Many wanted to take the
unnecessary precaution of lagging the beaker or using a lid to
avoid heat loss. One sensible improvement suggested was to
use a digital thermometer in place of the one in the diagram.
The advantages of this change were not always explained.

The candidates were able to explain how to process the data to

obtain a value for k. Only a very few did not draw a graph. As in
question 5b many are not clear about the difference between a
linear and a proportional relationship. A good exposition
describing a suitable graph with a y-intercept of R0 could be
ruined by the statement that the graph showed that R was
proportional to θ.

Total 6