Mark scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

1 C 1

Total 1

2 B 1

Total 1

3 A 1

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

Most candidates deduced the correct answer by

4 B 1
remembering that the ultimate tensile strength is
given by the highest point on the graph, in this
case, point Q.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

Just under half of all candidates got this correct.

While the stress, given by force/area was
5 D 1
straightforward to calculate, the strain was given
as a percentage. This should have been converted
to a decimal, i.e. 0.0030 to get the correct value of
Young modulus.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

While virtually all candidates calculated the area

6 B 1
of the trapezium correctly, candidates that forget
that the time was measured in milliseconds picked
answer D rather than the correct answer, B.

Total 1

7 B 1

Total 1

8 C 1 Examiner’s Comments

A good number of candidates answered this

correctly. As this collision is elastic, the total
kinetic energy (KE) for the collision, ½ mu2
remains unchanged. The total KE after the

Page 1 of 14
 collision is ½ mv2 + ½ mw2. Equating these
expressions gives statement 3 as correct,
eliminating answers A and B. Statement 2 must
also be correct and comes from conservation of
momentum at right angles to the dashed line.

Looking along the dashed line, the momentum is

mu before the collision. After the collision, the
component of momentum along the dashed line
for P is mvcos θ. The angle Q makes with the
dashed line is not θ, so the component of
momentum along that dashed line for Q cannot be
mwcosθ. This makes statement 1 false and so the
correct answer is C.

Total 1

9 D 1

Total 1

10 C 1

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

Candidates found this question challenging

because it joins two ideas together.

The first idea is that of the Doppler effect on

waves from a moving source, which will increase
11 D 1 the wavelength received by the observer. This
removes options A and B.

Once the new wavelength has been calculated, the

corresponding angle should be calculated from the
diffraction grating equation.

It is worth mentioning that the correct answer and

the most likely incorrect answer are too close
together for the candidate to merely guess.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

12 A 1 Approximately half of all candidates chose option

B, possibly because they missed the idea of
photon absorption in the question. The correct
answer is A, because the electron is going up the
energy scale.

Page 2 of 14
 Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

Most candidates suggested that angular frequency

13 C 1 and angular velocity do not have the same or
equivalent units.

The correct answer is C, because gravitational

potential is measured in J kg−1 and kinetic energy
is measured in J.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

A sensible approach here is to use the equation p

= 1/3 ρ and ρ = M /V where M is the
14 C 1
total mass of the gas. Given that there is 1.0 mole
of gas, the total mass of gas is Avagadro’s number
multiplied by the mass of each gas particle.

By suitable rearrangement, the volume can be

found.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

15 A 1
Three-quarters of all candidates could recall that
statement three is not true, leaving only the first
two statements to be implied by the assumption of
the kinetic theory of gases.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

By thinking about the formula for specific heat

16 D 1
capacity ( ∆E = m c ∆θ) and dividing both sides
by ∆t, the equation becomes P = m c ∆θ / ∆t.
∆θ /∆t is the equivalent to the gradient, G.

Rearranging this will give the correct answer.

Total 1

17 A 1

Page 3 of 14
 Examiner’s Comments

Candidates found this question challenging.

Conservation of momentum applies both
horizontally and vertically here. This means that
the vertical upwards component of the momentum
of X must equal the vertical downwards
component of the momentum of Y. So mv1
sin(60°) = 4m v2 sin(30°).

Rearranging this expression will give the correct

answer of v1 / v2.

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments

The first step with this question is to calculate the

18 C 1 resultant force, which is 0.2 N upwards
(eliminating option A). As the drag force is
upwards, the direction of motion must be
downwards (eliminating option D). Since the
resultant is opposite to the direction of travel, this
object must be decelerating.

Total 1

19 A 1

Total 1

Examiner’s Comments
20 B 1
The candidates who got this correct spotted that
the uncertainty should be calculated by finding
half of the range.

Total 1

=110x1000÷3600
Allow 30.55,30.6 etc
=31 B1
21 a i
B1
Allow answer with consistent unit i.e. 0.031 km/s
ms−1

time = distance × speed

ii = 40 ÷ 31 B1 Allow any number of significant figures
=1.3s

iii Correct calculation of thinking distance (21 m) B1 allow "stopping distance greater than 80m"
or thinking time (0.69 s) M1 without reference to 120 m but this prevents
A1 award of A1

Page 4 of 14
 thinking distance less than 40m (distance
between markings) OR
thinking time less than 1.3 s (time taken
between markings) OR
braking distance less than 80 m (distance for ignore references to increased likelihood of
two gaps) OR collisions
stopping distance is less than 120 m

Correct conclusion consistent with comparison

Allow F=change in momentum÷time

Allow energy approach using the data in the table
Allow table distance of 75m or calculation of
distance using v2 =u2 +2as and then ½ mv2 = Fs

Allow ECF from (a)(ii) e.g. use of 110 gives

31,400
F=ma and a=v(-u) × t Allow answers that round to fall in range from
8700 to 8900
C1
b i (F= 1600 × 31 ÷5.6) Allow 9950 or 10100 for 2 marks (use of 5.6s as
A1
stopping time)
=8900 N (8.86kN) Allow 10250 for 2 marks (use of 75m braking
distance)

Examiner’s Comments

In Question 16 (b) (i), most candidates used the

data available in the question to calculate an
acceleration and hence a resultant force.

Allow energy approach

Some of the KE turns to GPE or less KE to be
transferred to heat

A smaller distance required because the brakes

must do less work using the same force

Using forces
Allow equivalent approach e.g. justification using
A component of the weight is acting backwards
increased deceleration and hence shorter distance
or there is additional backwards force or greater
B1 for second mark.
ii resultant force down the slope
B1 NB Unqualified smaller distance is insufficient

A smaller distance is required to do the same

Examiner’s Comments
work or transfer the same quantity of KE

In part (b) (ii), rather fewer used acceptable

technical language to communicate their ideas.
Useful phrases for explanations on this idea were
‘resultant force’ and ‘component of weight
parallel to the slope’ rather than ‘extra force’ or
‘some of the vehicle’s gravity helped’.

Total 10

22 Level 3 (5–6 marks) B1 x 6 Use level of response annotations in RM Assessor

Detailed quantitative discussion and comparison

Page 5 of 14
of uncertainties, and clear description of
graphical analysis
There is a well-developed line of reasoning
which is clear and logically structured. The
information presented is relevant and
substantiated.
Level 2 (3–4 marks)
Some quantitative discussion of uncertainty for
one method and clear description of graphical
analysis
Or
Discussion, with some quantitative ideas and
comparison of uncertainty for both methods
with some graphical analysis
There is a line of reasoning presented with
some structure. The information presented is in
the most part relevant and supported by some
evidence.
Level 1 (1–2 marks)
Incomplete discussion of uncertainty with no
comparison
Or
Description of analysis
There is an attempt at a logical structure with a
line of reasoning. The information is in the most
part relevant.
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of credit.
Page 6 of 14
Indicative scientific points may include:
Discussion of uncertainty
 No repeat makes experiment inherently
uncertain
 Height+/-1cm
 Ramp length+/-1mm
 Resolution/”precision” of stopclock is
0.01s, but reaction time is much greater
 Times +/- 0.1 s (or more)
 Calculation of g will use time squared so
double the percentage uncertainty in t
 Angle likely to be +/-1 or 2 degrees
 Ramp calculation uses sine of angle, so
difficult to quantify the uncertainty as a
percentage to combine with other
variables
Comparison
 Ramp method has greater time and
length both greater so smaller
percentage uncertainties
 Frictional effects ramp method more
 More difficult to measure times for drop
 Uncertainty for height and ramp
different
Analysis
 Ignore references to comparisons of the
value of g found from both methods
 Find g from s= ½ a t2 for multiple values
of s and average
 Appropriate graphs plotted i.e. plotting
t2 on y-axis and s on x-axis, following
some analysis/comparison with
“y=mx+c”
 Significance of gradient (e.g. t2 against
2s gives gradient 1/g for drop method
 Determine uncertainty graphically using
best/worst line method
Examiner’s Comments
The easiest way to score well on this question was
to look carefully at what was required. There is no
mention of calculating g using either set of data
nor any mention of steps the candidate could take
to minimise the uncertainties. It is largely a
question of what analysis would be used if there
was a full range of results and how the
uncertainties in both experiments can be
 compared.

Almost all experiments and investigations at A2

Level require the use of an appropriate graph to
represent and analyse data. Here there are two
graphs: s against t2 for the falling object and t2
against sinθ for the rolling object. By rearranging
the equations relating the variables, it is possible
to work out the relevance of the gradient in both
graphs.

The data tables gave significant clues about how

uncertain these experiments are, such as the
number of significant figures for the raw data and
the instruments with which these measurements
would have been taken. Very successful
candidates took the information and correctly
propagated the instrumental uncertainties, even
remembering to double the uncertainty in the time
measurement because of the appearance of t2 in
the analysis. Once they did this, they had a valid
way of comparing the uncertainties in both
experiments, coming to a valid conclusion.

Misconception

Candidates in this paper mistook the percentage

difference for the percentage uncertainty in this
question. To calculate the percentage difference
here required an experimental value for g and the
‘accepted’ value of g, namely 9.81 m s−2.

Exemplar 1

Page 7 of 14
 The exemplar 1 response came from an otherwise
successful candidate. Their first statement about
the uncertainty in the time values is true yet not
true regarding the uncertainty in the distance
measurements. There is some discussion about the
percentage uncertainties in the length due to the
differences in size of those length measurements
and extra uncertainty due to the use of a
protractor. Crucially, there is not much discussion
about the actual values of those uncertainties.

The candidate proceeds to calculate g from the

single data points provided in the question. While
this has been done correctly, it does not answer
the question. There is no reference to graphical
analysis at all. This resulted in this response being
marked as a Level 1 response.

Exemplar 2

Page 8 of 14
 This candidate has gone to great trouble to
calculate the uncertainties each measurement
would contribute to the overall uncertainty in the
value of g for both methods, allowing a valid
comparison of the two.

In contrast to exemplar 1, there is a full

description of the required graphical analysis,
justifying which variable should be plotted on
which axis and how a value of g could be obtained
from such a graph in each case.

This response was therefore marked as a Level 3

response.

OCR support

Teachers and candidates all have access to the

Practical Skills handbook which includes
techniques and ideas that prove useful in
answering Level of Response and other questions
that check practical experience.

Total 6

23 Suspend object (freely) and mark vertical B1 Allow methods with unstable equilibrium e.g.
(down) Repeat(s) (from different point) and B1 balance shape on a pin/finger for 1 mark max
reference to intersection of verticals B1
Plumb line/ plumb bob /AW Accept spirit level

Examiner’s Comments

This question was answered well by the majority

of candidates, especially those that mentioned a
good method of showing where the vertical was.
Explicit use of the term ‘plumb-bob’ or
‘plumbline’ was not required i.e. ‘mass on a
string’ or ‘pendulum’ or ‘string with an object on
the end’ were all perfectly acceptable alternate

Page 9 of 14
 wordings.

Methods that relied on balancing the 2-D shape

horizontally on a point could only score a
maximum of 1 mark, even though it is a viable
way of checking the results of the more detailed
and expected procedure.

Examiner’s Comments

In Question 19 (b) (i), many candidates spotted

the need to calculate the GPE required to raise the
bridge using the relationship GPE = mgh
although there was some confusion about the
value of h.

The centre of mass goes from a position 1.3 m

below the top of the grey boxes to a position 6.3m
above those same grey boxes, making the total
value of h 7.6 m.

Once the candidates had calculated the GPE, the

successful ones divided by the time taken to lift
the platform i.e. 90 seconds.

Candidates that forgot the extra 1.3 m but

otherwise completed the calculation correctly
scored 1 mark out of the 2 available. No other
distances were given credit.

Total 3

(g →) [m s-2] and (t →) [s] or (gt2 →) [m s-2 ×

M1
s2]
24 a i
Clear evidence of working leading to m on both
A1
sides

s / distance measured with a ruler / tape measure

Timer mentioned for measuring t / time

B1
Measure distance from bottom of ball to (top of)
trapdoor
B1
ii
Any one from:
B1

 Take repeated readings (for t for same

B1
s) to determine average t
 Avoid parallax error when using the
ruler

b i (p1 = 4.4 × 0.050 ) = 0.22 (kg m s-1) B1

ii (impulse =) ½ × 30 × 0.02 or 0.30 (kg m s-1) C1 Allow any correct re-arrangement

Possible ECF from (i)

Page 10 of 14
 -0.30 = p2 – 0.22 C1
Ignore sign
-1
p2 = (–) 0.08 (kg m s ) A1 Allow 0.52 for 2 marks

Allow (KEtrapdoor =) ½ × 0.05 × (4.42 – 1.62) or

0.42 (J)
Possible ECF from (ii)

Allow 1 SF answer here

Allow alternate methods involving CoE (giving
(momentum of trapdoor =) 0.30 (kg m s-1) C1
2.9) and e(giving 2.8)
iii
v = 3.0 (m s-1) A1
Examiner's Comments
In this part the momentum of the trapdoor is not
equal to the final momentum of the ball but is
equal to the impulse provided to the ball by the
trapdoor (albeit in the opposite direction to that of
the rebounding ball).

Total 12

Note Accept Σ / total (AW) for sum

For a body in (rotational) equilibrium the sum
of the clockwise moments (about any point) is
25 a B1 Examiner's Comments
equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments
The principle of moments only applies when an
(about the same point)
object is in equilibrium as required.

Allow ECF for incorrect trig i.e. use of sine (gives

(horizontal component of F =) F × cos20° M1
F =265) or cos(20 radians) which gives F = 222
for 2 marks.
b i F cos20° × 1.30 = 0.30 × 40 × 9.81 M1
Allow ECF for incorrect units for angle and
incorrect trig sin(20 radians) which gives F =
F = 96.4 (N) A1
99(.2) for 1 mark

Allow ECF from (i)

R = F cos20° or 96(.4) × cos 20° C1
ii
Answer is 90.6 (N) to 3sf if 96.4 used.
(R =) 91 (N) A1
Answer is 90(.2) (N) to 3sf if 96 used

When (line of force of the) weight falls to the

c B1
right of the (bottom of the) wheel/AW

Total 7

(pV = nRT)

26 a i
100 × 103 × (0.46)3 = n × 8.31 × (273 + 20) C1 Note T = 20 is XP

n = 4.0 A1 Not 1 SF answer of 4

Note answer is 4.00 to 3SF

ii C1 Note T = 1300 is XP
p × (0.46)3 = n × 8.31 ×
or
1573

Page 11 of 14
 A1 Allow use of correct, unrounded n
pressure = 540 (kPa)

(p =) 6.6 × 10−26 × 990 or 6.5(3) × 10−23 (kg m

C1
s−1)

b i (Δp =) 2 × 6.6 × 10−26 × 990

Δp = 1.3 × 10−22 (kg m s−1)

A1 Ignore sign of answer

990/[2 × 0.46] (= 1080) B1

(F = Δp/Δt)
ii
(F =) 1.3 × 10−22 × 1000 C1
Possible ECF from (b)(i)
F = 1.3 × 10−19 N A1
Note 1080 would give 1.4 × 10−19 (N)

pressure = (total)
Use of p = F/A or B1
force / area
iii

B1 Allow particles or molecules for atoms

Idea of multiplying by total number of atoms

Total 11

Allow idea that KE is transferred to GPE / KE

(Kinetic energy) reduces (with height) B1
store reduces and GPE store increases
27 a
Not references to KE being a vector / having
At maximum height, KE is minimum / non-zero B1
components for second mark

(u =) 68 sin 11° or 13.0 (m s−1) C1

Not t=90/(68cos(11)) =1.35 for zero marks.

b t = 13.0 / 9.81 and t correctly evaluated C1

Allow any subject

t = 1.3(2) (s) A0

(t =) 2 × 1.3 or 2.6 (s) C1

c
(x =) 68 cos11° × 2.6 or
horizontal distance = 174 – 90
horizontal distance = 84 (m)
C1 Note answer is 86 (m) if 1.32 s is used
174 (m) Note answer is 87 (m) if 1.3226… s is used
A1
Allow 1.3 × 68 cos11° for 1 mark
Allow 3 or −3 m for 2 marks

d i A collision in which kinetic energy is lost B1 Allow KE is not conserved

Conservation of momentum
B1
ii Idea that velocity is to the right and velocity is Not ‘goes backwards’
B1
very small / much smaller than 68 (m s−1)

Page 12 of 14
 Total
Tangent drawn correctly by eye
Attempt made to determine the gradient of
28 a tangent
acceleration = 1.3 (m s-2)
b F ( = ma = 1.2 x 10-2 x 1.3 ) = 0.016 (N)
W = 1.2 x 10-2 x 9.81 or 0.118 (N)
0.0156 = 0.118 − drag (Any subject)
c C1
drag = 0.10 (N)
d i Drag is the same (at a certain velocity)
weight is greater or resultant force is larger)
Page 13 of 14
10
B1
C1
A1
Allow answer in range 1.2 to 1.4 (m s-2)
Possible ECF from (a) (1.2 x 10-2 x their answer)
B1
Note answer to 3 SF is 0.0156 (N)
Possible ECF from (b)
Allow: use of ‘g’ for 9.81
Allow 0.1 (N)
Examiner’s Comments
Most candidates correctly calculated the ball’s
weight. They had calculated the resultant force on
the ball, using F = ma. The resultant force from
the previous question was checked, as error
C1 carried forward rules applied. Exemplar 3 shows
an excellent way of planning out how to answer
this sort of question.
A1 Exemplar 3
This candidate has drawn a free-body force
diagram to make their intention clear. From it,
they know that the resultant force must equal the
weight minus the drag. From there they have
found the drag force.
B1 Allow air resistance for drag
Examiner’s Comments
B1
Lots of candidates described the familiar ideas
involving drag increasing with speed until the
drag equals the weight’s magnitude. The question
was constructed to be simpler than this and asks to
compare the forces on the 2 balls at a given speed.
The weight of the sand-filled ball is larger. The 2
 balls are identical in shape so at the same speed
will have the same drag force.

Know what is coming!

Reading through to the end of the whole question is

sensible. The answer candidates gave for Question 17(d)
(i) would have formed part of the answer for Question
17(d)(ii), so valuable time can be saved by planning your
answers for each part.

(TV requires) weight = drag and weight is

Examiner’s Comments
greater B1

ii
Clear link to idea that greater speed gives
greater drag (for same cross-sectional area)
The first mark here was for the knowing that the
condition for terminal velocity was required,
linked to the idea of the sand-filled ball having a
larger weight. The second mark was more difficult
to achieve, since a clear link between increased
B1
speed and increase drag was required.

Total 11

Page 14 of 14