plumiCathode rays: AQA A‑Level Physics questions
AQA A-Level Physics past-paper questions on 3.12.1.1 Cathode rays, 2008–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.
All papers
All years
Q01.1
The whole paper ↗
Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ01.1
The whole paper ↗
Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ01.2
The whole paper ↗Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ01.3
The whole paper ↗Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ1(b)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ1(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗
Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ1(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDFQ1(b)
The whole paper ↗Loading the start of the question…
Loading the question…
Open the full PDF
All 8 questions on Cathode rays, as a list
- November 2020, Paper 3 Turning points, Q01.1 (2 marks): When correct connections are made to a high-voltage power supply, a cathode ray is produced. The cathode ray hits the centre of the fluorescent screen. Describe
- June 2017, Paper 3 Turning points, Q01.1 (2 marks): Explain how this experiment led Crookes to conclude that cathode rays are particles and that these particles caused the movement of the paddle. [2 marks]
- June 2017, Paper 3 Turning points, Q01.2 (3 marks): Later experiments showed that cathode rays are electrons in motion. Explain how cathode rays are produced in a gas discharge tube. [3 marks]
- June 2017, Paper 3 Turning points, Q01.3 (2 marks): In a particular gas discharge tube, air molecules inside the tube are absorbed by the walls of the tube. Suggest the effect that this absorption may have on the
- June 2016, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q1(b)(i) (3 marks): Explain the process that causes the low-pressure helium gas to emit light so that the path of the electron beam can be seen. [3 marks] _________________________
- June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe how the charged particles responsible for conduction in the gas are produced. [2 marks]
- June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why the gas emits light and why it must be at low pressure. [3 marks]
- June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q1(b) (2 marks): The charged particles moving towards the negative electrode were initially referred to as positive rays. Explain why their specific charge depends on the choice
Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © AQA, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? AQA A-Level Physics past papers.
The Plumi iPad app also offers exam-style questions with AI feedback on your handwritten working.