Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2015

International GCSE Physics (4PH0 1P)

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January 2015
Publications Code UG040658
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2015
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must

mark the first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the
last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be
rewarded for what they have shown they can do rather than
penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according
to their perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme
should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded.
Examiners should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the
answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should also be
prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not
worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the
principles by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may
be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark
scheme to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be
consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
replaced it with an alternative response.
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number

1 (a) B (no earth connection); 1

C (the circuit cannot overheat if
(b) there is a fault); 1

(c) A (in parallel); 1

Total 3 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
2 (a) 3 or 4 ticks correct;; 2
OR
2 ticks correct;

ignore top line as this is

Type of radiation
given
Property
Alpha Beta Gamma
particles particles rays
most
()
ionising
largest mass

most
penetrating 
highest
speed 
negatively
charged 
(b) (i) Number of neutrons = 2; Allow same ideas 2
Number of protons 2; expressed in words

(ii) Any one of- 1

MP1. Charge is larger (than other comparative statement
radiations); needed
MP2. Mass is larger (than other ignore
radiations); • incorrect terminology
e.g. more powerful
• references to protons
and neutrons
no RA unless
particles/radiation
specified
condone
‘alpha particles have more
momentum’

(c) (i) Idea of background radiation; Allow 1

Idea that some alpha
particles (from source) will
get through smoke
air is all around =
insufficient
allow
(ii) Idea that radioactivity is random; • fluctuates 1
• source emits different
numbers of alphas
• background radiation
varies
ignore
• random movement of
particles

(iii) Idea that α particles are absorbed / allow for both marks 2
deflected /stopped / scattered; smoke blocks the (alpha)
particles
Idea that α particles are affected by
smoke;
Total 9 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
3 (a) C (sound waves are longitudinal 1
waves);

(b) (i) C (the same as the amplitude of 1

sound P);

(ii) 0.004 (s); Allow 1

answer by calculation or
by reading from graph
Allow
equivalent value with
matching unit,
e.g. 4 ms

(iii) 500 (Hz) Treat ii and iii as 1

independent, but allow an
ecf from ii to iii if seen
Accept “double” P

Total 4 marks
 Questio
n Answer Notes Marks
number
4 (a) (i) 6.1 (m); 1
2
(ii) any two from:-
MP1. (on distance-time graph,)
flat line means zero speed
allow
/ eq
flat or horizontal for zero
MP2. (so) count when slope is
slope
zero;
MP3. 7 (times);
(average) speed = (total)
allow
distance moved
(b) (i) defined symbols 1
(total) time
ignore ‘triangles’
taken

(ii) Substitution; allow

Calculation; both substitution and
Matching unit; calculation marks for a
3
correct value without
working

e.g. allow
Average speed = 6.1 6.1, or ecf for distance
(7x 60) 7 for time
= 0.0145 = 0.015
m/s
allow alternatives with
compatible unit, e.g.
1.45 cm/s OR 1.5 cm/s
14.5 mm/s OR 15 mm/s
0.87 m/minutes
87 cm/minute
870 mm/minute
Allow for 1 mark
6 / 7 or 0.9

Total 7 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
5 Any five of: NB ‘convection’ is in the 5
stem
MP1. the air (molecules are/is)
warmed / heated (by the
coal fire);
MP2. air expands / molecules
move apart;
MP3. air becomes less dense;
MP4. hot air or less dense air allow another gas for air
rises;
MP5. cooler air (from outside the
furnace) displaces warm air;
MP6. (above the chimney) air
cools / contracts / becomes
more dense;
MP7. cooled air falls;
MP8. Process (of convection) is
repeated / continuous;
-1 for explanations which
include the idea that the air
particles become less
dense/air particles
expand/eq

Total 5 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
6 (a) 1
(i) only 2.65 (mm) circled;

(ii) discards anomaly; 3

performs averaging; ÷ 7 or ÷ 8 sufficient even
if sum is incorrect
quotes answer to 3sf / 2 d.p.;
e.g. e.g.
3.60 + 3.62 + 3.63 + 3.61 + 2.65 3.613 marks
+ 3.62 + 3.60 + 3.61 3.6128 2 marks (wrong
(= 25.29) sf)
25.29 ÷ 7 = 3.612857... 3.49 2 marks (includes
= 3.61 (to 3 sf anomaly)
3.4925 1 mark (includes
anomaly and wrong sf)

(b)
(i) Bar chart/graph; condone histogram 1

(ii) Idea that (size) data is discrete, categoric, non

discontinuous; continuous
and either of -
Idea that there are no values allow “no half sizes” 2
between sizes;
Idea that a line graph would
indicate continuity;

(iii) Idea of inverse relationship; allow 2

a pattern sentence,
condone
negative correlation
Idea of non-linearity; allow “almost” linear
Ignore idea of
proportionality
 Question Answer Notes Marks
number
6 (c) Any four of - 4
MP1. idea of a displacement Allow overspill or rise in
method; level
MP2. instrument to measure Allow balance if mass
volume (of liquid method used (see MP5)
displaced);
MP3. a relevant experimental Including
detail; • idea of repetition or
averaging at any stage
• full immersion of object
• check liquid level in
displacement can,
• subtracting before and
after volume
measurements ,
• care with meniscus (e.g.
in the measuring
cylinder),
• check zero or tare of
balance
• avoid parallax when
reading scale
MP4. second relevant as above
experimental detail;
MP5. use of known liquid
density to find volume
from mass (if
appropriate);

Total 13 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
7 (a) (i) pressure = force Allow symbols and 1
area rearrangements
e.g. p=F/A

(ii) substitute; Substitution and 4

rearrangement in either
order
rearrange; allow in words
evaluate;
matching unit;
e.g. 270 000 = F ÷ 0.016 1 mark Allow alternatives with
F = 270 000 x 0.016 2 marks matching unit, e.g.
4320 3 marks 4.32 3 marks
N 4th mark kN 4th mark

(b) Any three of 3

MP1. idea of (continuous) random
movement;
MP2. collisions / impact/eq;
MP3. with (inside) walls (of tyre); Allow momentum or NIII
MP4. idea that force is produced (by argument
bombarding molecules);
MP5. idea of pressure as force on an
area;

(c) any three of- 3

MP1. (now) more Allow change of
particles/molecules in the tyre; momentum argument
MP2. molecules have more speed
/more energy (because gas is Allow collisions with walls
warmer);
MP3. more impacts/more frequent
impacts / harder impacts
(with walls of tyre);
MP4. (hence) more force on the
inside;
do not award MP3 if the
impacts are only with
other molecules

Total 11 marks
 Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
8 (a) (i) gravitational potential energy = Allow symbols and 1
mass x g x height rearrangements, e.g. GPE
=mxgxh

(ii) Substitution into correct equation; 2

Calculation;
e.g.
GPE = 2.75 x 10 x 0.61
= 17 (J) 16.8, 16.775, 16.78 (J)
allow calculation with g =
9.81
=16.46 (J)

(iii) Any two of- 2

MP1. idea that system is inefficient
OR not 100% efficient;
MP2. idea that energy is lost / condone
wasted / dissipated ; used / transferred
elsewhere
MP3. explanation /detail of fate of Need mention of ‘object’
energy; Ignore light
e.g.
used when working against allow to overcome friction
{friction / drag / air allow heat for thermal
resistance} energy
as thermal energy to parts of
the apparatus or
surroundings
transferred to surroundings
by sound
converted into KE as mass fell

(iv) Substitution into correct equation; 2

Calculation;
e.g. allow answer without
Energy transferred = 0.46 x 12.7 x working or equation seen
1.3 (7.5946)
7.6 (J)

(b) three of the following ideas- 3

MP1. water has (initial) GPE;
MP2. KE of (moving) water;
MP3. Work done on turbine / allow KE in turbine /
generator; generator
MP4. Work done against magnetic
force;
MP5. Electrical
energy/power/current/voltage
(produced);

Total 10 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
9 (a) (i) density = mass Allow symbols and 1
volume rearrangements,
e.g. ρ = m / V

(ii) substitution into correct equation; 3

calculation;
matching unit;
e.g.
Density = 138 ÷ 16.3
= 8.47 8.466, 8.5
g/cm3

(b) B (incorrect and slightly too small) 1

Total 5 marks
 Questio
n Answer Notes Marks
number
10 (a) any 3 mistakes identified from allow RA for any MP 3
MP1. cells are connected with
wrong polarity;
MP2. ammeter is connected in allow idea that meters
parallel (with wire); should be swapped for two
MP3. voltmeter is connected in marks (MP2 and MP3)
series (with wire);
MP4. circuit has not got a switch;

(b) (i) suitable scale chosen (> 50% of only scales in 1,2,5,10 or 8 5
grid used); acceptable
axes labelled with quantities and orientation unimportant
unit;
plotting correct to nearest half points must be shown
square (minus one for each plotting clearly
error) ;; i.e. two plotting errors = no
marks for plotting
line of best fit through zero; i.e. smooth curve

I V
0.0 0.
0.2 1.
0.7 4.
0.8 6.
1.0 7.
1.1 9.

= 4 not
curve mark

=5

(ii) 0.40 A range 0.39 A to 0.41 A 1

(iii) One of - 1
MP1. Temperature (of wire) was
not constant;
MP2. Resistance (of wire) was not
constant;
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
10 (b) (iv) Any four of - ignore 4
all details about the circuit
already given
MP1. instrument to measure
temperature;
MP2. means to maintain constant e.g. water bath,
temperature (of wire); switch off and allow wire to
cool
MP3. use of V = IR; VαI
MP4. idea of repeating / obtain a range of values (of
averaging (at same V, I)
temperature);
MP5. idea of additional
(interpolated) points;
MP6. use linear part of the graph; Allow reference to
candidate’s graph, e.g.
current below 0.6 A
MP7. use of gradient; Orientation unimportant

Total 14 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
11 (a) D; 1

(b) Any four of - ignore reference to 4

critical angle
MP1. mention of ray box/pins;
MP2. Use of protractor;
MP3. (vary i to) obtain a range of
values;
MP4. statement of equation; allow Snell’s Law equation
n = sin i in words
sin r allow correct use of A and
D from diagram
MP5. plot a graph of sin i against
sin r;
OR
calculate/work out/ find n;
MP6. find gradient of graph;
OR
calculate average of n;
MP7. sensible experimental including –
precaution; • draw lines with a ruler,
OR • use a thinner
improvement to a basic beam/slit,
method; • use a monochromatic
beam, e.g. red,
• fix block firmly in
position,
• set any anomalous
readings aside,
• use a sharp pencil,
• use a more precise
protractor e.g. to ½º

Total 5 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
12 (a) Terminal (velocity / speed); allow bald ‘terminal’ 1

(b) Any four of - ignore 4

• motion before terminal
velocity
MP1. weight acts downwards; • gravity
allow
• force of gravity
MP2. drag/friction acts upwards; • air resistance
• acts to oppose motion
MP3. Idea that forces are • drag = weight
balanced; • force up = force down
• no resultant force
MP4. reference to f (R ) = ma;
MP5. Idea that when forces are Allow answers in terms of N
balanced then acceleration I
is zero;
MP6. constant velocity = no
acceleration;
forces may be shown on
diagram

Total 5 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
13 (a) (i) Any two of - In MP1, 2 & 3, position of 2
arrows unimportant, but
direction must match label
Allow initial letters as shown
in example
MP1. arrow downwards, labelled ignore
weight; • gravity
allow
• mg
• force of gravity
MP2. arrow upwards, labelled
reaction/contact force;
MP3. arrow to the left, labelled • arrow drawn on left or
air friction / air resistance right
/ drag;
MP4. arrow along the surface, Accept arrow in either
labelled friction; direction for MP4
e.g.

N = normal contact force

AF

(ii) Any three of - ignore 3

stem
MP1. friction/resistance /drag allow
(acts);
MP2. (there is an) unbalanced • resistive forces >
force; {forward/driving} force
• there is a resultant force
MP3. (hence) ball decelerates; • its momentum changes
• accelerates
MP4. reference to f (R ) = ma;
MP5. (kinetic) energy dissipates
/ fate of energy discussed;

(b) (i) idea that friction is (much) less in allow 1

the air; • RA
• no contact / ground
friction
• less energy lost
 Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
13 (c) (i) KE = ½ mv2; Words or symbols 1

(ii) allow 4
Conversion to kg; • 1000 seen
Substitution into correct
equation;
Rearrangement;
Evaluation; • steps in any order
• correct answer with no
e.g. 45 g = 0.045 kg (or 1 working for full marks
kg = 1000 g etc) • up to 3 marks for use of
36 = ½ x 0.045 x v2 45 kg 1.26 (m/s)-
v2 = 2 x 36 (= 1600) working must be seen
0.045
40 (m/s)

(iii) Any one of- Ignore 1

• harder
• power
• (Hit the ball transferring) Allow
more energy; • momentum
• keep contact for a larger
• (Hit the ball with) more part of the swing
velocity; • go to a place where g is
less (e.g. on the moon)
• (Hit the ball with) more • hit ball at a steeper angle /
speed; vertically (e.g. use a more
lofted club)
• (Hit the ball with) more
force;

Total 12 marks
 Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
14 (a) (i) any two ideas from:- 2
MP1. voltage / current is induced;
MP2. (because) field in coil is
changing / field (lines) cut;
MP3. current/voltage changes
direction when magnet does;
MP4. magnet slows down causing allow voltage for amplitude
decrease in amplitude;

(ii) Either of - Ignore “wave” 1

(voltage/current) changes
direction;
Positive and negative
(voltage/current);

(iii) any two of - 2

MP1. direction of magnet
changes;
MP2. amount of field (lines) cut
changes / rate of flux
cutting;
MP3. direction of flux cutting
changes;
MP4. speed of magnet changes /
slows down;
MP5. as movement diminishes, so
does voltage;

(b) Any three of - 3

MP1. Alternating trace that
diminishes;
MP2. Amplitude is larger;
MP3. Frequency is lower;

Total 8 marks
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
15 (a) Reflection at first surface correct; Judge diagram by eye 2
Ray emerges parallel;

(b) rearrangement and correct working must be shown

substitution;
factor of 2 taken into account; 3
value given to at least 2
significant figures;

e.g. Reverse argument (starting

Time to reach moon = ½ x 2.6 = with 400000 km) allow 2
1.3 (s) max
Distance = time x speed = 1.3 x
300 000
= 390 000 (km)

OR

Total distance = 2.6 x 300 000 =

780 000
So distance to moon = ½ x 780
000
= 390 000 (km)
Question
Answer Notes Marks
number
15
(c) (i) Any three of - allow 3
MP1. idea that distance from • further/nearer
Earth to Moon varies;
MP2. idea that orbit of Moon is • orbit elliptical
not (quite) circular; • orbit radius varies
MP3. idea that change is cyclic / • sinusoidal
is regular / takes (about) a • 26.5 / 27 days
month;
MP4. idea that Earth is not
(quite) at centre of (moon)
orbit;
MP5. appropriate use of time E.g. largest time difference
data; = 2.70 – 2.47 = 0.23 s
MP6. appropriate calculation of a e.g. ∆s = ½ x ct
distance; = ½ x 3 x 108 x 0.23
= 34 500 km

(ii) Any one of - 1

MP1. (average) moon orbit radius
becomes larger;
MP2. moon moving away (from Allow reverse argument
Earth);
MP3. gravitational force (or
gravity) becoming weaker;

Total 9 marks
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