Simple ECG machines and the normal ECG waveform: AQA A‑Level Physics questions

AQA A-Level Physics past-paper questions on 3.10.3.1 Simple ECG machines and the normal ECG waveform, 2008–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.

All 16 questions on Simple ECG machines and the normal ECG waveform, as a list

June 2023, Paper 3 Medical physics, Q04.3 (4 marks): An ECG was made for the patient in Question 04.2. Figure 5 shows one heartbeat from the ECG. Annotate Figure 5 to show: • units on both axes • scales on both ax
June 2023, Paper 3 Medical physics, Q04.4 (3 marks): A backing gel is used between an ECG pad and the skin of the patient. The gel is sticky. This property ensures that the pad is securely attached to the skin. Ex
June 2017, Paper 3 Medical physics, Q04.1 (2 marks): Figure 2 shows an ECG trace for a healthy person. Complete Figure 2 by adding a suitable unit and scale to the potential axis, and a suitable scale to the time
June 2017, Paper 3 Medical physics, Q04.2 (3 marks): Figure 3 shows a faulty ECG trace which was obtained for another healthy person. Figure 3 Discuss three possible reasons why this faulty trace was obtained. [3
June 2015, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q3 (6 marks): An ECG trace is to be obtained for a healthy patient. Describe the procedure involved to ensure that a good trace is obtained. Your answer should include refere
June 2014, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q3 (6 marks): A simplified outline of the heart is shown in Figure 1. An action potential, generated within the heart at the sino–atrial (or SA) node, is the start of a serie
June 2013, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(a) (3 marks): Complete Figure 2 by adding units and values to both axes. (3 marks)
June 2013, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): State the value of the resting potential. (1 mark)
June 2013, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Name the process involved between points A and B on the curve and describe the ion movement which produces this change. process ion movement (2 marks)
June 2013, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): Name the process involved between points C and D on the curve and describe the ion movement which produces this change. process ion movement (2 marks)
June 2011, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(a) (6 marks): An ECG trace is to be obtained for a patient. State and explain the procedure and some design features of the equipment needed to ensure a good trace is obtaine
June 2011, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Add a suitable scale and unit to the potential axis. (2 marks)
June 2011, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Add a suitable scale to the time axis. (1 mark)
June 2011, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q4(b)(iii) (3 marks): State the electrical events which give rise to the points: P R T (3 marks)
June 2010, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q3(a) (3 marks): On the axes below, sketch the action potential of a nerve cell. Indicate units and scales on both axes. (3 marks) action potential / . . . . . . . . time / . .
June 2010, PHYA5 Medical physics (old spec), Q3(b) (7 marks): Explain in terms of ion movement, starting at resting potential, how bioelectrical signals are produced in muscle fibres. The quality of your written answer wil

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