CAIE A Level 9702

Physics 2025 · May/June

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9 Questions Q&A Available
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This CAIE A Level Physics paper focuses on practical data handling, electric circuits, and the use of graphs to determine physical quantities from experimental results. Students can expect structured calculation questions rather than multiple choice, with tasks such as converting measurements into derived quantities, plotting graphs with error bars, finding gradients and intercepts, and using these to calculate unknown constants and uncertainties.…

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Questions & Model Answers 9 Qs

Q1a
Short Answer 1 mark
A graph is plotted of 1/V on the y-axis against n on the x-axis. Determine expressions for the gradient and y-intercept.
gradient = C/(EA)
Rearranging EA = V(nC + A) gives 1/V = (C/EA)n + 1/E, so the gradient is C/(EA).
y-intercept = 1/E
From 1/V = (C/EA)n + 1/E, the intercept at n = 0 is 1/E.
Q1b
Structured 2 marks
Values of n and the two measured values of the maximum potential difference V1 and V2 are given in Table 2.1. Calculate and record values of V and 1/V in Table 2.1. Include the absolute uncertainties in V and 1/V.
V = mean of V1 and V2; absolute uncertainty in V = half the range of V1 and V2. For the table values: n=2, V=4.25 V, 1/V=0.235 V^-1; n=3, V=3.70 V, 1/V=0.270 V^-1; n=4, V=3.25 V, 1/V=0.308 V^-1; n=5, V=2.90 V, 1/V=0.345 V^-1; n=6, V=2.60 V, 1/V=0.385 V^-1; n=7, V=2.35 V, 1/V=0.426 V^-1. Absolute uncertainties in V are ±0.05 V for each mean value, and corresponding uncertainties in 1/V are obtained from the uncertainty in V.
The mean of the two readings is recorded for V, and the reciprocal is then calculated. The uncertainty in V is half the difference between the two readings.
Q1c(i)
Structured 2 marks
Plot a graph of 1/V against n. Include error bars for 1/V.
A correctly plotted graph of 1/V against n with suitable scales, labelled axes, plotted points, and vertical error bars for 1/V.
The graph must show the calculated reciprocal values against n, with error bars representing the uncertainty in 1/V.
Q1c(ii)
Structured 2 marks
Draw the straight line of best fit and a worst acceptable straight line on your graph. Label both lines.
A straight line of best fit and a worst acceptable straight line drawn on the graph, both clearly labelled.
This is a graphical construction question; the required response is the correctly drawn and labelled lines.
Q1c(iii)
Structured 2 marks
Determine the gradient of the line of best fit. Include the absolute uncertainty in your answer.
gradient = value obtained from the best-fit line, with absolute uncertainty from the difference between the best-fit and worst acceptable gradients
The gradient is found from the graph, and the uncertainty is estimated using the worst acceptable line method.
Q1c(iv)
Structured 2 marks
Determine the y-intercept of the line of best fit. Include the absolute uncertainty in your answer.
y-intercept = value obtained from the best-fit line, with absolute uncertainty from the difference between the best-fit and worst acceptable intercepts
The intercept is read from the graph and its uncertainty is estimated using the worst acceptable line.
Q1d(i)
Structured 2 marks
Using your answers to (a), (c)(iii) and (c)(iv), determine the values of E and C. Include appropriate units. Data: A = (2.2 ± 0.2) mF
E = 1/(y-intercept) V; C = gradient × E × A, with C in farads or millifarads as appropriate.
From 1/V = (C/EA)n + 1/E, the intercept gives 1/E and the gradient gives C/(EA).
Q1d(ii)
Structured 1 mark
Determine the percentage uncertainty in your value of C.
percentage uncertainty = (absolute uncertainty in C / C) × 100%
Percentage uncertainty is calculated by dividing the absolute uncertainty by the measured value and multiplying by 100.
Q1e
Structured 1 mark
The experiment is repeated with 10 capacitors, each of capacitance C, connected in parallel between P and Q. Determine the maximum potential difference V between P and Q.
V = EA / (10C + A)
Substitute n = 10 into the given relationship EA = V(nC + A) and rearrange for V.
Paper Details
Board CAIE
Level A Level
Subject Physics
Code 9702
Year 2025
Session May/June
Q&A 9 questions
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