A Level Physics (9702) topical questions with answers
Every A Level Physics topic, with free past-paper-style questions and full mark schemes. Pick a chapter to practise its questions, or generate a complete 9702-format paper in seconds, from easy warm-ups to A*-level "brutal" papers.
Paper 4 · A Level Structured Questions (A Level · 100 marks · 2h); Paper 5 · Planning, Analysis & Evaluation (A Level · 30 marks · 1h 15m).
Sample A Level Physics questions
A mixed set from across the syllabus. Questions marked A* challenge come from the hardest bank.
Question 1Structured · 5 marksA* challenge
An isolated metal sphere carries a charge of +5.0 × 10−9 C. Point P is 5 cm from the centre of the sphere, outside the sphere.
(a)
Define electric potential at a point.
[2]
(b)
Calculate the electric field strength and the electric potential at P.
[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
work done per unit positive charge from infinity
work done per unit positive charge B1 bringing a small test charge from infinity to the point B1
2
(b)
E = 18000 N C−1; V = 899 V
E = Q/4πε₀r2C1 18000 N C−1A1 V = 899 V A1
3
Question 2Structured · 9 marksA* challenge
A mass of 0.4 kg on a spring of spring constant 40 N m−1 oscillates vertically with simple harmonic motion of amplitude 5 cm.
(a)
Define simple harmonic motion.
[2]
(b)
Calculate the angular frequency and the period.
[2]
(c)
Calculate the maximum speed and the speed when the displacement is half the amplitude.
[3]
(d)
The oscillation is now lightly damped. Describe the effect on the amplitude and on the period.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
acceleration proportional to displacement from a fixed point and directed towards that point
acceleration ∝ displacement B1 directed towards the equilibrium point / opposite to displacement B1
2
(b)
10 rad s−1, 0.628 s
ω = √(k/m) C1 both correct A1
2
(c)
0.5, 0.433 m s−1
v0 = ωA C1 0.5 A1 0.433 A1
3
(d)
amplitude decreases gradually (exponentially); period almost unchanged
amplitude decreases B1 period (approximately) unchanged B1
2
Question 3Structured · 6 marks
A container of volume 5.0 × 10−3 m3 holds an ideal gas at 2.0 × 105 Pa and 290 K.
(a)
Calculate the number of molecules.
[2]
(b)
Calculate the mean translational kinetic energy of a molecule.
[2]
(c)
State two assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
2.50 × 1023
n = pV/RT C1 × NA = 2.50 × 1023A1
2
(b)
6.00 × 10−21 J
(3/2)kT C1 6.00 × 10−21 J A1
2
(c)
elastic collisions; negligible volume; no intermolecular forces
Any 2 of: any two: collisions elastic; molecules of negligible volume; no intermolecular forces except during collisions; random motion; time of collision negligible B2
2
Question 4Structured · 8 marks
In a Millikan-type experiment a charged oil drop of mass 3.0 × 10−15 kg is held stationary between horizontal plates 2.0 cm apart when the p.d. between them is 1226 V.
(a)
State the direction of the electric force on the drop and of the electric field if the drop is negatively charged.
[2]
(b)
Calculate the electric field strength between the plates.
[1]
(c)
Use your answer to (b) to calculate the charge on the drop, and the number of electrons it has gained.
[3]
(d)
Explain how results from many drops showed that charge is quantised.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
force upwards; field downwards
electric force upwards (balancing the weight) B1 field downwards, since the force on a negative charge is opposite to the field B1
2
(b)
61300 V m−1
E = V/d = 61300 V m−1B1
1
(c)
4.80 × 10−19 C; 3
qE = mg C1 q = 4.80 × 10−19 C A1 3 electrons A1
3
(d)
all charges were integer multiples of one value, 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
every charge measured was a whole-number multiple of a smallest value B1 1.60 × 10−19 C (the elementary charge) B1
2
Question 5Structured · 11 marks
This question is about producing and using X-rays in medical imaging.
(a)
Describe how X-rays are produced in an X-ray tube.
[3]
(b)
An X-ray tube operates at 80 kV. Calculate the minimum wavelength of the X-rays produced.
[2]
(c)
Explain why most of the energy of the electrons becomes thermal energy and how the target is kept cool.
[2]
(d)
Explain the purpose of an aluminium filter placed in the beam.
[2]
(e)
Explain why a contrast medium such as barium is used when imaging the intestines.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
electrons accelerated by high p.d.; hit metal target; decelerate, emit X-ray photons (braking radiation)
electrons from a heated cathode are accelerated through a high p.d. B1 they strike a metal (tungsten) target B1 they decelerate rapidly and emit X-ray photons B1
3
(b)
1.55 × 10⁻¹¹ m
eV = hc/λminC1 1.55 × 10−11 m A1
2
(c)
most collisions just heat target; rotating anode / cooling with oil
only about 1% of the energy becomes X-rays, the rest heats the target B1 the anode is rotated / cooled by oil circulation B1
2
(d)
absorbs low-energy (soft) X-rays that would be absorbed by the patient without contributing to the image
absorbs low-energy X-rays B1 these would be absorbed by the skin, giving the patient a dose without improving the image B1
2
(e)
soft tissues have similar attenuation; barium high Z absorbs strongly, giving contrast
soft tissues have similar attenuation coefficients so give little contrast B1 barium has a high attenuation coefficient so the intestines show up clearly B1
2
Question 6Structured · 3 marks
An object oscillates with simple harmonic motion of frequency 1.3 Hz and amplitude 7.5 cm. Calculate its maximum speed.
[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
0.613 m s−1
ω = 2πf C1 vmax = ωx0C1 0.613 A1
3
Frequently asked questions
Are these real 9702 past paper questions?
No. They are original questions written to match the A Level Physics 9702 syllabus and the style of real Cambridge papers, so you can practise beyond the past papers you have already done.
Do the Physics questions have answers?
Yes. Every question on these pages has its answer, and every generated paper comes with a full Cambridge-style mark scheme you can download as a PDF.
Can I make a full A Level Physics practice paper?
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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in