Creating models: OCR A‑Level Physics B questions

Every OCR A-Level Physics B exam question on 5.1.1 Creating models, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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Q16
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q17
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q32(a)
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q32(b)
June 2025 · Paper 1
4 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q34(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q34(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q34(a)(iii)
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q34(b)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q34(b)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q34(b)(iii)
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q3(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 2
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q3(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q3(b)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q3(b)(iii)
June 2025 · Paper 2
4 marks5.1.3 Our place in the universe 5.1.1 Creating models
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Q8(a)
June 2025 · Paper 2
3 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q9(a)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q9(b)
June 2025 · Paper 2
1 mark5.1.1 Creating models
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Q9(c)
June 2025 · Paper 2
3 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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Q10
June 2025 · Paper 2
6 marks6.1.1 Electromagnetism 5.1.1 Creating models
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Q11(a)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks5.1.1 Creating models
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All 164 questions on Creating models, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): The graph shows how the potential difference across a capacitor varies with the charge on the capacitor. Potential difference 0 0 Charge What gives the capacita
June 2025, Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): An object is oscillating with simple harmonic motion. The graph shows how its displacement x varies with time t. 2.0 1.5 Displacement 1.0 x / cm 0.5 Time t / s
June 2025, Paper 1, Q32(a) (1 mark): Show that the energy stored in the capacitor is given by E = 1 2CV 2. [1]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q32(b) (4 marks): A 680 μF capacitor is charged until it stores 12 mJ energy. It is then discharged through a 1.2 kΩ resistor. Calculate the time taken for the capacitor to trans
June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(a)(i) (1 mark): [1]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(a)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the change of displacement over the initial 0.02 s is approximately 0.0008 m. [2]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(a)(iii) (1 mark): Hence calculate the displacement of the car from its equilibrium position after the first 0.02 s. displacement = m [1]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(b)(i) (2 marks): Use data from the graph to estimate the period of the oscillation. period = s [2]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate a value for the time period of the oscillation. Use the equation a = 4π 2f 2x where f = frequency of oscillation. Use data from (a)(i) period calculat
June 2025, Paper 1, Q34(b)(iii) (1 mark): Explain how the iterative model can be improved. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(a)(i) (1 mark): Energy released in one decay of Pu‑238 = 8.96 × 10–13 J [1]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the initial mass of Pu‑238 in the generator. Decay constant of Pu‑238 = 2.48 × 10–10 s–1 Mass of one plutonium‑238 atom = 3.95 × 10–25 kg mass = kg [2
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the power output of a stationary RTG will have fallen to about 72% of its original value after 42 years. Initial power of RTG = 3.50 × 104 W [2] 7 Whe
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(iii) (4 marks): Explain by using relevant calculations, why the power output of the RTG when the spaceship lands on WST‑A is approximately 79% of its value at launch. Assume th
June 2025, Paper 2, Q8(a) (3 marks): Explain why the sensitivity of dynamic microphones falls at high frequencies and how this can affect the accuracy of recordings (lines 66–69). [3]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q9(a) (2 marks): Use the equation given (line 76) in the article to show that the maximum value of capacitance during the oscillation is about 2.4 pF. [2]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q9(b) (1 mark): Calculate the energy stored on the capacitor at this maximum value. energy stored = [1]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q9(c) (3 marks): The capacitance at equilibrium position is 2.35 pF. Use this value and your value from (a) to calculate the mean current from the capacitor as the diaphragm mov
June 2025, Paper 2, Q10 (6 marks): 10* Using appropriate equations, explain and compare how the phase of the output signal from dynamic and condenser microphones relates to the phase of the incid
June 2025, Paper 2, Q11(a) (2 marks): Using equations for the capacitance of the membrane and air‑gap capacitors in an electret microphone (lines 100–105) to show that the total capacitance of the t
June 2025, Paper 2, Q11(b) (2 marks): The total charge on the capacitors is 9.7 × 10–11 C. Calculate the potential difference across the two capacitors. potential difference = V [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(c)(iv) (2 marks): A different student calculates their gradient to be 2.05 s2kg–1. Show that the spring constant of the oscillating system is approximately 19 Nm–1. [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(d)(i) (6 marks): The student develops their experiment to investigate resonance. In the modified experiment, the oscillations are driven by a signal generator and vibrator as sh
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(d)(ii) (3 marks): Measurements of mass in space can be challenging. Suggest briefly how to adapt the method shown in Fig. 4.3 to measure mass in zero g environments. Estimate a r
June 2024, Paper 1, Q21 (1 mark): The graph shows how a quantity y changes when a quantity x changes. y 0 x 0 Which row of the table shows two examples of quantities x and y that have the relati
June 2024, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): A simple pendulum P has length L and mass M. Its period is T. A simple pendulum Q has length 2L and mass M. What is the period of simple pendulum Q? A 0.5T B 0.
June 2024, Paper 1, Q29 (1 mark): The diagram shows a circuit used to find the capacitance of a capacitor. The capacitor is initially uncharged. A V The switch is closed and the variable resisto
June 2024, Paper 1, Q30 (1 mark): The capacitor in this circuit is initially uncharged. A V The graphs all show the variation of different quantities associated with the circuit after the switch
June 2024, Paper 1, Q36(a)(ii) (2 marks): The mass suspended from the wire oscillates vertically with simple harmonic motion. Calculate the period of oscillation for the wire when it carries a 10 N load
June 2024, Paper 1, Q36(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why the oscillations of the wire are simple harmonic but those of the rubber strip are not. [2]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q39(a) (2 marks): Radioactive decay happens when an unstable nucleus emits a particle or electromagnetic radiation to become more stable. This is a random process. Explain the me
June 2024, Paper 1, Q39(c)(i) (1 mark): Explain why the ionisation current is proportional to the number of radon-220 atoms remaining in the chamber. [1] 44 The reading on the pico-ammeter is noted ev
June 2024, Paper 1, Q39(c)(ii) (6 marks): (ii)* Another student starts to plot a graph of ln (I) against time. time / s 40 0 20 60 80 100 120 140 160 –27.8 –28.0 –28.2 –28.4 –28.6 –28.8 ln (I/A) –29.0 –
June 2024, Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Refer to Fig. 3.1 to explain why the mass will oscillate with simple harmonic motion for oscillations of amplitude less than about 0.11 m. [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the oscillation will not be simple harmonic for oscillations with a greater amplitude than 0.11 m. [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q3(c) (3 marks): The spring and mass are attached to a vibration generator as shown in Fig. 3.2. The vibration generator oscillates the spring through a range of frequencies fro
June 2024, Paper 2, Q3(d) (3 marks): The hydrogen chloride molecule (HCl ) can be modelled as a light mass (the hydrogen atom) attached to a much heavier mass (the chlorine atom) by an elastic spri
June 2024, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the number of uranium nuclei in the sample when the spacecraft was launched. half-life of uranium-238 = 4.51 × 109 years number of nuclei = [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate how many years it will take for one third of the original nuclei in the sample to become stable lead-206. Assume that the half-life of uranium is the
June 2024, Paper 2, Q6(c)(ii) (4 marks): In a reactor, uranium-238 can capture a neutron to become unstable uranium-239. This decays through two beta decays to plutonium-239 which will fission. β decay
June 2023, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): The unit of capacitance is the farad F. 1 F is the same as: 1 A s Ω–1 A 1 V A–1 B 1 V C–1 C 1 Ω–1 s D Your answer [1]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): A 220 μF capacitor discharges through a resistor R. The p.d. across the capacitor falls to 20% of its original value after 5 seconds. What is the value of resis
June 2023, Paper 1, Q24 (1 mark): A 4700 μF capacitor is connected across a 6.0 V supply as shown. It is discharged through a 6.0 kΩ resistor. 6.0 V 4700 μF 6.0 kΩ How long does it take, after t
June 2023, Paper 1, Q25 (1 mark): Io is a natural satellite of Jupiter. A pendulum is calculated to have a period of 3.50 s on the Moon and 3.30 s on Io. gravitational field strength on the surf
June 2023, Paper 1, Q27 (1 mark): The 222Ra sample has 1.0 × 10–14 mol of nuclei. How many mol of nuclei are in the 222Ac sample? 3.3 × 10–15 mol A 5.0 × 10–15 mol B 6.7 × 10–15 mol C 1.5 × 10–1
June 2023, Paper 1, Q28 (1 mark): After t seconds, the activity of the 222Ac is 40% of its original value. What is the activity of the 222Ra at t seconds, compared to its original value? A 46% B
June 2023, Paper 1, Q37(a)(iii) (3 marks): The student places transparent sheets between the light source and the lux meter. The graph in Fig. 37.3 shows how the illuminance detected varies with the numb
June 2023, Paper 1, Q40(a) (1 mark): Draw a curve on Fig. 40.1 showing the kinetic energy of the oscillator. Label this curve ‘kinetic energy’. [1]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q40(b) (3 marks): A mass oscillates between two springs as shown in Fig. 40.2. Fig. 40.2 It is released from its maximum displacement of 0.050 m at t = 0.0 s. The frequency of th
June 2023, Paper 1, Q40(c)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the frequency of the oscillation of the molecule. f = Hz [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(a) (4 marks): You are provided with the following apparatus: variable power supply (0 – 12 V) capacitor of unknown capacitance resistor of value 4.7 kΩ multimeter leads and s
June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (3 marks): Capacitor discharge is an example of exponential decay and follows the equation –t V = V0e RC. Complete the ln V column in Table 3 and then perform a mathematic
June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (1 mark): Show that the value of the time constant, τ is approximately 25 s. [1]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): Calculate the value of the capacitance. Capacitance = F [1]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(c)(i) (3 marks): Starting from the equation given in (b)(i) and repeated below show that when t = 5τ, the energy stored in the capacitor, E = 4.5 × 10–5 E0, where E0 is the ener
June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(c)(ii) (1 mark): Justify why this rule of thumb is useful to engineers. [1]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q4(b)(iii) (6 marks): This question is about inducing an emf in a coil of wire. Fig. 4.1 shows a coil of wire perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. Fig. 4.1 0.020 m 0.020 m (iii
June 2022, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): A sample of a radioisotope has initial activity = A0. What is its activity after 0.5 half-lives? A 0.250 A0 B 0.293 A0 C 0.707 A0 D 0.750 A0 Your answer [1]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): A mass is hung from a spring and oscillates at the same frequency as a simple pendulum of length 1.0 m. What mass is hung from the spring? The spring has a spri
June 2022, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): A radioactive source has a half-life of 27 days. The initial activity of the source is determined to be 2.5 × 104 Bq. How long will it take for the activity to
June 2022, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): What is the magnitude of the maximum acceleration of the end of the strip? 1.8 m s–2 A 4.5 m s–2 B 28 m s–2 C 180 m s–2 D Your answer [1]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q24 (1 mark): When the strip oscillates at an amplitude of 0.020 m the maximum velocity at the end of the strip is v. What is its maximum velocity when the amplitude is incre
June 2022, Paper 1, Q27 (1 mark): The capacitor in the circuit shown is initially uncharged. At time t = 0 s, the switch is moved to position X. What is the potential difference across the capac
June 2022, Paper 1, Q28 (1 mark): When the capacitor is fully charged, the switch is moved to position Y. What is the energy stored on the capacitor after 10 s of discharge? A 0.013 J B 0.023 J
June 2022, Paper 1, Q34(a) (3 marks): Explain the significance of the shaded area of the graph and the significance of the gradient of the graph. Link your explanations to the relevant equations. Sh
June 2022, Paper 1, Q34(b) (3 marks): A simplified circuit is shown in Fig. 34.2. C R Fig. 34.2 Explain how the equation ∆Q ∆t = – Q RC can be used to find the charge remaining on the capacitor afte
June 2022, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (6 marks): This question is about the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. A student sets up an experiment to measure the field strength between a pair of
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): State how the graph shows that the oscillator is undamped. [1]
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): Draw a curve on Fig. 6.1 showing how the velocity of the oscillator varies with time. Label this line ‘v’. [1]
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(a)(iii) (1 mark): Draw a curve on Fig. 6.1 showing how the acceleration of the oscillator varies with time. Label this line ‘a’. [1] 17 The oscillation of a mass held between spr
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): State why the change in displacement during an iteration is given by vnew + vold Δx = Δt 2 [1]
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): The model starts at t = 0 s with x = 0.1200 m at a velocity vnew = 0.000 m s–1. The table below has the first two rows filled in. Use the flow chart to complete
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(b)(iii) (4 marks): Use the graph to estimate the frequency of the oscillation and compare this to the result found using the equation for the time period of a mass-spring oscillat
June 2022, Paper 2, Q6(c) (4 marks): When the model is run over many more iterations, the graph in Fig. 6.5 is produced. 5 4 3 2 1 time / s 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 Fig. 6.5 The
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(a) (2 marks): The decay equation is ΔN Δt = –λN where λ is the decay constant and N is the number of nuclei present. Explain what the decay constant represents for a particul
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete the remaining rows of Table 3.1. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): How is the activity of the sample represented in this model? [1]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iv) (2 marks): Explain why a better model is created if Δt = 0.5 s. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain why 10‑second intervals over a period of a few minutes are suitable for this experiment. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(c)(ii) (4 marks): Fig. 3.2 shows a graph of ln(count rate) against t from this experiment. Use the graph to find a value for the decay constant for protactinium‑234 and hence the
November 2021, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The maximum speed of the oscillating object is 0.08 m s–1 A 0.24 m s–1 B 0.39 m s–1 C 39 m s–1 D Your answer [1]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): The mass of the oscillating object is 600 g. The spring constant k of the spring is 14 N m–1 A 18 N m–1 B 56 N m–1 C 14 000 N m–1 D Your answer [1]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): A charged capacitor discharges through a resistor with the time constant τ = RC. What is the best explanation of the time constant τ? A τ is the time for the ch
November 2021, Paper 1, Q21 (1 mark): The graph shows the variation of the charge on a capacitor with the potential difference across that capacitor. 10.0 8.0 6.0 charge on capacitor / mC 4.0 2.0 0
November 2021, Paper 1, Q34(a) (2 marks): Show that the number of atoms of 125I atoms initially present in one seed is about 6 × 1013. [2]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q41(a)(iii) (2 marks): Estimate the number of neutrons that would decay in one second from a sample of 104 free neutrons. number per second = [2]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): The operating range of the component is 5.2 V to 9.0 V. Show that 3.5 s after the switch is opened the p.d. across the component will be about 5.3 V. [2]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (3 marks): Estimate the average power delivered to the component during this time. Explain why the value is an average. average power = W Explanation: [3] 5 In recent year
November 2021, Paper 2, Q2(b) (4 marks): A 120 F supercapacitor has an internal resistance of 30 mΩ. At time t = 0.0 s it stores 300 J. Calculate the minimum time taken for the capacitor to transfer 25
November 2021, Paper 2, Q5(a) (2 marks): The mass oscillates between the springs with a time period of 1.3 s. Calculate the spring constant k of the system. spring constant = N m–1 [2]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q5(b) (3 marks): Calculate the maximum velocity of the mass. maximum velocity = m s–1 [3]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q5(c) (2 marks): Explain why the kinetic energy of the oscillator will equal the elastic potential in the system when its displacement = maximum displacement . 2 [2]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q5(d) (2 marks): Calculate the time interval between releasing the mass from its position of maximum displacement and the first time the kinetic energy of the mass is equal to t
November 2021, Paper 2, Q5(f) (3 marks): At a height of 632 m, the Shanghai Tower is the world’s second tallest building. A huge pendulum which oscillates at the natural frequency of the building reduc
November 2021, Paper 2, Q9(b)(i) (2 marks): Ignoring the effects of spreading, the power of a sound wave of frequency 100 kHz falls to 93% of its original value after travelling 0.1 m. Show that the atten
November 2021, Paper 2, Q9(b)(ii) (4 marks): By considering only the effects of spreading and attenuation calculate the difference in power in decibels between the transmitted pulse and detected echo when
November 2021, Paper 3, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): Apply a test to the data to show that length is proportional to period. Explain the method. [2]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q3(a)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the natural frequency for a blade with a length of 24.0 cm. frequency = Hz [1]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): What is resonance? [2] hacksaw blade ruler vibration signal generator generator 24.0 cm string Hz Fig. 3.1
November 2021, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (3 marks): On the axes in Fig. 3.2 sketch the frequency-amplitude graph you would expect to achieve. Label the significant features of your graph. amplitude 0 0 frequency
November 2021, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iii) (6 marks): This question is about the oscillations of hacksaw blades. (iii)* To investigate how damping affects resonance, two different sized pieces of card can be stuck
November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(a)(iv) (1 mark): Krypton-81m has a half-life of only 13 seconds, whilst rubidium-81 has a half-life of 4 hours. Suggest why hospital stocks do not lose their activity before pat
November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(c)(i) (6 marks): The student gathers the following data. Shielding Corrected count rate Count rate / s–1 thickness, / s–1 x / cm 0 1250 1240 1 915 905 2 636 626 3 475 465 4 353
November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(c)(ii) (4 marks): Using the equation I = I0 e–μx, and the information in Fig. 4.4, determine the value of the attenuation coefficient, μ. attenuation coefficient = unit [4] 17 8
November 2020, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): Which graph shows the variation of kinetic energy with displacement? Your answer [1]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Which graph shows the variation of total energy with displacement? Your answer [1]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q39 (6 marks): 39* The age of atoms in terrestrial rocks can be estimated by considering the ratio of numbers of atoms of radioactive isotopes. Today the number ratio for the
November 2020, Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why the student chooses to use a data logger rather than a digital meter. [1]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Use data from the graph to show that the capacitance of C is about 500 μF. [3]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the energy stored in the capacitor when the p.d. across it is 4.2 V (at t = 7.0 s). energy = J [2]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (3 marks): When the capacitor is charged to 4.2 V, the student resets the data logger to t = 0.0 s and moves the switch from position A to position B. Draw a line on Fig.
November 2020, Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the time from the beginning of the discharge for the energy stored on the capacitor to fall to half its value. time = s [3]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q8(b) (2 marks): Radiocarbon dating uses a value for the half-life of 14C = 5.70 × 103 years. The 14C/12C ratio in living material is about 1.4 × 10−12. Calculate the 14C/12C ra
November 2020, Paper 2, Q8(c) (6 marks): This question is about radiocarbon dating (lines 44–61). (c)* Explain why living plants growing near active volcanoes may have radiocarbon ages that suggest the
June 2019, Paper 1, Q21 (1 mark): number of 225Ra atoms remaining 21 After 30 days which ratio gives number of 225Ac atoms remaining ? 1 A 2 3 B 4 4 C 3 D 2 Your answer [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): activity of the 225Ra source 22 After 30 days which ratio gives activity of the 225Ac source ? 1 A 2 3 B 4 4 C 3 D 2 Your answer [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q27 (1 mark): Which of the arrangements will give the simple harmonic oscillator of lowest frequency? Your answer [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q28 (1 mark): Which of the arrangements will give a simple harmonic oscillator whose frequency f is given by the following equation? f = 1 2k m 2π Your answer [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q39(a)(i) (2 marks): Use the graph to find the initial current when the capacitor starts to charge. Make your method clear. initial current = A [2]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q39(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the size of the electrical resistance in the charging circuit. resistance = Ω [2]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q39(b) (1 mark): Explain why the charging current decreases as the capacitor charges. [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q39(c)(i) (2 marks): A student makes an iterative model for the charging of the capacitor in (a), using time intervals ∆t = 2.0 s. The start conditions and the situation at times t
June 2019, Paper 1, Q39(c)(ii) (2 marks): Compare the model values for the charge Q on the capacitor at time t = 4.0 s with the experimental values from Fig. 39.1. Explain any differences and state how
June 2019, Paper 1, Q41(a)(i) (2 marks): Fig. 41.2 shows the f = c v proportionality and Fig. 41.3 shows how the sound level in the car varies with speed v. frequency of eddies f / Hz sound intensity i
June 2019, Paper 1, Q41(a)(ii) (2 marks): State the evidence that shows there is a resonant oscillation happening in this example. [2]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q41(b) (2 marks): The resonant frequency f of an enclosed volume of air V, with an aperture area A, is given by: f = u A V L. 2π Calculate the resonant frequency f of oscillation
June 2019, Paper 2, Q3(c)(i) (4 marks): Explain what the student means by ‘decreases exponentially’ and, using ideas from part (b), explain whether you would expect the speed of the disk to decrease i
June 2019, Paper 2, Q3(c)(ii) (3 marks): Use data from the graph to test whether there is an exponential decrease in speed over time. Make your conclusion clear. [3]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q5(a) (1 mark): For a stable product, the number of daughter nuclei D at time t is given by the equation D = N0 – N where N0 is the original number of parent nuclei and N is th
June 2019, Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (1 mark): The half-life of the series is 4.47 × 10 9 years. This means that it will take about 4.5 billion years before half the uranium-238 (238U) has decayed into lead-
June 2019, Paper 2, Q5(b)(iii) (3 marks): A rock is assumed to have contained no lead-206 when it was formed. In a sample of the rock, the ratio number of lead-206 atoms present in rock sample original
June 2019, Paper 2, Q5(c)(i) (1 mark): Use the relationship N = N0 e–mt to show that the number of daughter nuclei after time t is given by D = N ( 1 e–mt – 1) where N is the number of parent nuclei
June 2019, Paper 2, Q5(c)(ii) (3 marks): Use the equation for D given in (c)(i) and the data given to calculate the value for the age of the rock based on the uranium-235 decay series. age of rock = ye
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain why, for small angle θ of deflection, F can be given by the expression F ≈ – Tsx L . [2]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): For small angle θ, Ts ≈ mg. Therefore, the acceleration a of the bob can be given by the expression a ≈ – gx L . Use the equation for simple harmonic motion, a
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (1 mark): Complete the table by calculating the three missing values of T 2 / s2. [1]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iv) (2 marks): Use the graph to determine a value for the acceleration due to gravity g. Show your working. g = m s–2 [2] 9 Fig. 2.2
June 2018, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The graph shows the displacement of a body which is oscillating periodically with time period T. displacement 0 time X T Which statement is correct? A The accel
June 2018, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): The spring in this diagram has a spring constant of 20 N m−1. The mass is pulled away from the fixed point. The spring stretches by 2.5 cm. The mass is then rel
June 2018, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Which set of values A to D above, most closely represents the situation immediately after the switch is closed? Your answer [1]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Which set of values A to D above, most closely represents the situation 3 seconds after the switch is closed? Your answer [1]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): This table shows the half-lives of three radioactive isotopes. Isotope 60 cobalt 192 iridium 210 thallium Half-life 5.3 years 74 days 1.8 minutes Which statemen
June 2018, Paper 2, Q3(a) (4 marks): An average banana contains about 5 × 10–4 kg of potassium. About 0.012% of this potassium is the beta-emitting isotope, potassium-40. Show that a single banana
June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain what is meant by “Corrected count rate” and complete this column in the table. [2]
June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (1 mark): Complete the fourth column of the table by calculating the missing values for ln (A / Bq). [1]
June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iv) (6 marks): An experiment is carried out to find the half-life of a solid radioactive isotope X which emits beta radiation. (iv)* Use your graph to find the value of half-l
June 2017, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): What is the capacitance? 2 # 10–3 F A 144 # 10–3 F B 288 # 10–3 F C D 500 F Your answer [1]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which of the following is the energy stored? 2 # 10–3 J A 144 # 10–3 J B 288 # 10–3 J C D 500 J Your answer [1]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Suppose that a particular radioactive nucleus is observed for a period of time to find when it decays. The isotope’s half-life is 1 hour, and after 1 hour the p
June 2017, Paper 1, Q34(a) (2 marks): Complete the numerical values in the two blank cells in the table. [2]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q34(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain the physics behind the approximation in the third column of the table Q . T . RC [2]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q34(b)(ii) (2 marks): State the assumption made in using this approximation and explain how its effect can be made insignificant. [2]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q38(a) (2 marks): Use Fig. 38.1 to find the magnitude of the maximum velocity of the swing. Make your method clear. velocity = m s–1 [2]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q38(b) (2 marks): On Fig. 38.2 scale the y-axis suitably and draw the velocity v against time t graph for this motion. v / m s–1 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 t / s Fig. 38.2 [
June 2017, Paper 1, Q38(c) (2 marks): Show that the length of the simple pendulum having the same time period as the swing in Fig. 38.1 is less than 4.0 m. [2]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): A student changes the circuit as shown in Fig. 2.2 6.0 V 2.0 kΩ 4.7 kΩ 2200 μF Fig. 2.2 Show that the time constant of the circuit is about 15 s. [2]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): The graph in Fig. 2.3 shows how the p.d. across the capacitor varies with time up to 5 RC. Add a line to the graph that shows how the p.d. across the 4.7 kΩ res
June 2017, Paper 2, Q2(d) (4 marks): Calculate the time it takes from the start of the charging for the p.d across the capacitor to reach 5.0 V. time = s [4]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q4(c) (6 marks): This question is about the New Horizons spacecraft mission to the dwarf planet Pluto. In July 2015, the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) sent the image
June 2017, Paper 2, Q6(c) (3 marks): Muons travel through the atmosphere at 98% of the speed of light. The half-life of a muon at rest is about 1.5 × 10–6 s. Show that about 0.0005% of the original
June 2017, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): Mark two points on the curve shown in Fig. 2.3, to indicate where the speed of the oscillating mass is at its maximum. Label each point with a letter V. [1]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Use data from the trace shown in Fig. 2.3 to calculate the natural frequency f of the mass and spring system. f = Hz [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): Show that the mass m supported by the spring is about 500 g. [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q2(c) (6 marks): This question is about the behaviour of a mass on a spring. (c)* By connecting the vibration generator to a signal generator it is possible to use this apparatu

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