CAIE A Level 9702

Physics 2025 · May/June

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19 Questions Q&A Available
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This CAIE A Level Physics practical paper focuses on experimental methods, data handling, and analysis, with strong emphasis on electricity, mechanics, measurement, and uncertainty. Students can expect structured practical questions rather than MCQs, including taking readings from diagrams, planning and carrying out investigations, plotting graphs, finding gradients and intercepts, and using equations to determine constants and test relationships.…

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Questions & Model Answers 19 Qs

Q1a
Short Answer 1 mark
Record the voltmeter reading E.
E = voltmeter reading from Fig. 1.1
The candidate must record the reading shown on the voltmeter.
Q1b
Structured 1 mark
Set up the circuit shown in Fig. 1.2. The distance between F and G is L. Attach F and G to the wire so that L is approximately 30 cm. Close the switch. Record the value of L and the voltmeter reading V. Open the switch.
L = approximately 30 cm; V = voltmeter reading for this setup
This is an experimental measurement question; the expected response is the recorded values.
Q1c
Structured 9 marks
Write down the value of E from (a). Increase L by changing the position of F on the wire. Record L and V and repeat until you have six sets of values of L and V. Include your values from (b). Record your results in a table. Include values of (E - V) / L in your table.
A table of six sets of L and V values, including the calculated quantity (E - V) / L for each set.
The answer depends on the student's experimental data.
Q1d(i)
Structured 3 marks
Plot a graph of (E - V) / L on the y-axis against V on the x-axis.
A correctly plotted graph of (E - V) / L against V.
The graph depends on the student's data.
Q1d(ii)
Structured 1 mark
Draw the straight line of best fit.
A straight line of best fit drawn through the plotted points.
This is a graphical construction based on the student's data.
Q1d(iii)
Short Answer 2 marks
Determine the gradient and y-intercept of this line.
gradient = value from graph
The gradient is determined from the student's best-fit line.
y-intercept = value from graph
The y-intercept is determined from the student's best-fit line.
Q1e
Short Answer 2 marks
It is suggested that the quantities V and L are related by the equation (E - V) / L = PV - Q, where P and Q are constants. Using your answers in (d)(iii), determine the values of P and Q. Give appropriate units.
P = gradient of the graph, with units of inverse resistance per length as appropriate from the axes
Comparing with y = mx + c, P corresponds to the gradient.
Q = negative y-intercept, with appropriate units from the graph
Comparing with y = mx + c, -Q corresponds to the y-intercept.
Q1f
Structured 1 mark
The resistance of R is R. Theory suggests that P and Q are both inversely proportional to R and the graph cuts the x-axis at a value of V = E/2 for all values of R. A student repeats the experiment using two identical resistors, each with a lower value of R than in the original experiment. For the student’s experiment, draw a second line on the graph to show the expected results. Label this line W.
A second straight line labelled W with a larger gradient than the original line and the same x-intercept at V = E/2.
Since P and Q are inversely proportional to R, lowering R increases the gradient and intercept magnitude, while the x-intercept remains fixed at E/2.
Q2a(i)
Short Answer 1 mark
The diameter of the smaller sphere is d, as shown in Fig. 2.1. Measure and record d.
d = measured diameter of the smaller sphere
This is an experimental measurement question.
Q2a(ii)
Short Answer 1 mark
Estimate the percentage uncertainty in your value of d. Show your working.
percentage uncertainty = (absolute uncertainty in d / d) × 100%
Percentage uncertainty is calculated from absolute uncertainty divided by the measured value.
Q2b(i)
Short Answer 1 mark
Set up the apparatus as shown in Fig. 2.2. Ensure that the rods are the same height above the bench. Slide the paper clips at the ends of the chain onto the rods. The distance between the centres of the rods is x. Position the stands so that x is approximately 70 cm. Measure and record x.
x = approximately 70 cm; record the measured value
This is an experimental measurement question.
Q2b(ii)
Short Answer 1 mark
Use the hook to attach the smaller sphere of modelling clay to the chain of paper clips as shown in Fig. 2.3. The number of paper clips between the hook and the end of the chain is n, as shown in Fig. 2.3. Place the hook so that n is 11. Calculate N, where N = n/23. Give your answer to three significant figures.
N = 11/23 = 0.478
Using the given formula N = n/23 with n = 11 gives 0.478 to three significant figures.
Q2c
Short Answer 2 marks
Pull the sphere towards you through a short distance. When the sphere is released, it will oscillate. Take measurements to determine the period T of these oscillations.
T = measured period of oscillation
This is an experimental measurement question.
Q2d
Structured 3 marks
Roll the two spheres into one larger sphere. Measure and record the diameter d of the larger sphere. Repeat (b) and (c) with a value x of approximately 80 cm and with the hook placed so that n is 7. Record x, N and T.
d = measured diameter of the larger sphere; x = approximately 80 cm; N = 7/23 = 0.304; T = measured period
This part requires experimental measurements and the calculation of N from n = 7.
Q2e(i)
Short Answer 1 mark
It is suggested that the relationship between T, d, N and x is T^2 = kdN/x^2, where k is a constant. Using your data, calculate two values of k.
first value of k = T^2 x^2 / (dN)
Rearranging the given equation gives k = T^2 x^2 / (dN).
second value of k = T^2 x^2 / (dN)
The same rearrangement is used for the second data set.
Q2e(ii)
Short Answer 1 mark
Justify the number of significant figures that you have given for your values of k.
The number of significant figures should match the least precise measured quantity used in the calculation.
Calculated values should be quoted to the precision justified by the least precise input measurement.
Q2f
Short Answer 1 mark
It is suggested that the percentage uncertainty in the values of k is 15%. Using this uncertainty, explain whether your results support the relationship in (e).
If the two values of k agree within 15% uncertainty, the results support the relationship; if not, they do not.
Agreement within the stated uncertainty indicates consistency with the model.
Q2g(i)
Essay 4 marks
Describe four sources of uncertainty or limitations of the procedure for this experiment. For any uncertainties in measurement that you describe, you should state the quantity being measured and a reason for the uncertainty.
Any four valid uncertainties or limitations, each with the measured quantity and reason where relevant.
This is an open-response practical evaluation question.
Q2g(ii)
Essay 4 marks
Describe four improvements that could be made to this experiment. You may suggest the use of other apparatus or different procedures.
Any four valid improvements to the experimental method or apparatus.
This is an open-response practical evaluation question.
Paper Details
Board CAIE
Level A Level
Subject Physics
Code 9702
Year 2025
Session May/June
Q&A 19 questions
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