Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2019

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Physics (WPH12) Paper 01
Waves and Electricity
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October 2019
Publications Code WPH12_01_1910_ MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2019
 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.
Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle

The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed up by examples. It is
not a set of model answers.

For example:

(iii) Horizontal force of hinge on table top

66.3 (N) or 66 (N) and correct indication of direction [no ue]  1

[Some examples of direction: acting from right (to left) / to the left / West /
opposite direction to horizontal. May show direction by arrow. Do not accept a
minus sign in front of number as direction.]

This has a clear statement of the principle for awarding the mark, supported by some examples
illustrating acceptable boundaries.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should be
credited in every answer unless the ms has specified specific words that must be present.
Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance is increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not accept gravity]
[ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit will normally
mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.
2.2 Incorrect use of case e.g. ‘Watt’ or ‘w’ will not be penalised.
2.3 There will be no unit penalty applied in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question where
the units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.
2.4 The same missing or incorrect unit will not be penalised more than once within one question
(one clip in epen).
2.5 Occasionally, it may be decided not to penalise a missing or incorrect unit e.g. the candidate
may be calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not one that should be
known and is complex.
2.6 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error penalty is to be applied by means of [no ue].

3. Significant figures
3.1 Use of an inappropriate number of significant figures in the theory papers will normally
only be penalised in ‘show that’ questions where use of too few significant figures has
resulted in the candidate not demonstrating the validity of the given answer.
3.2 The use of g = 10 m s-2 or 10 N kg-1 instead of 9.81 m s-2 or 9.81 N kg-1 will be penalised by
one mark (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m s-2 or 9.8 N kg-1
4. Calculations
4.1 Bald (i.e. no working shown) correct answers score full marks unless in a ‘show that’
question.
4.2 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks then both marks will be available for a reverse
working; if it is worth 3 marks then only 2 will be available.
4.3 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of physically correct
values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power of 10 error.
4.4 recall of the correct formula will be awarded when the formula is seen or implied by
substitution.
4.5 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.
4.6 Example of mark scheme for a calculation:

‘Show that’ calculation of weight

Use of L × W × H 

Substitution into density equation with a volume and density 

Correct answer [49.4 (N)] to at least 3 sig fig. [No ue] 

[If 5040 g rounded to 5000 g or 5 kg, do not give 3rd mark; if conversion to kg is
omitted and then answer fudged, do not give 3rd mark]
[Bald answer scores 0, reverse calculation 2/3] 3

Example of answer:
80 cm × 50 cm × 1.8 cm = 7200 cm3
7200 cm3 × 0.70 g cm-3 = 5040 g
5040 × 10-3 kg × 9.81 N/kg
= 49.4 N

5. Quality of Written Communication

5.1 Indicated by QoWC in mark scheme. QWC – Work must be clear and organised in a logical
manner using technical wording where appropriate.
5.2 Usually it is part of a max mark, the final mark not being awarded unless the QoWC
condition has been satisfied.

6. Graphs
6.1 A mark given for axes requires both axes to be labelled with quantities and units, and drawn
the correct way round.
6.2 Sometimes a separate mark will be given for units or for each axis if the units are complex.
This will be indicated on the mark scheme.
6.3 A mark given for choosing a scale requires that the chosen scale allows all points to be
plotted, spreads plotted points over more than half of each axis and is not an awkward scale
e.g. multiples of 3, 7 etc.
6.4 Points should be plotted to within 1 mm.
• Check the two points furthest from the best line. If both OK award mark.
• If either is 2 mm out do not award mark.
• If both are 1 mm out do not award mark.
• If either is 1 mm out then check another two and award mark if both of these OK,
otherwise no mark.
For a line mark there must be a thin continuous line which is the best-fit line for the candidate’s
results.
Question Answer Mark
Number

1 C is the correct answer as the resistance of both listed components decreases as

the applied potential difference increases.

A is not the correct answer as the resistance of an ohmic conductor remains constant
when the applied potential difference increases.
B is not the correct answer as the resistance of a filament lamp increases when the
applied potential difference increases.
D is not the correct answer as the resistance of a filament lamp increases when the
applied potential difference increases. (1)
2 A is the correct answer as this represents the current in the internal resistance
multiplied by the p.d. across the internal resistance.

B is not the correct answer as this is the power dissipated by the external resistance
C is not the correct answer as this is the power dissipated by the whole circuit.
D is not the correct answer as this equation combines the p.d. across the external
resistance with the value for the internal resistance – as a result, it does not represent
the power of any of the components in the circuit (1)
3 B is the correct answer as nwater × vwater = nglass × vglass

A is not the correct answer as nwater × vwater = nglass × vglass

C is not the correct answer as nwater × vwater = nglass × vglass
D is not the correct answer as nwater × vwater = nglass × vglass (1)
4 B is the correct answer as increasing light intensity increases the number of
electrons released per second (N), but does not affect the maximum kinetic
energy of each released electron (Ek)

A is not the correct answer as the graphs show no effect on N and an effect on Ek
C is not the correct answer as the graphs show an effect on Ek
D is not the correct answer as the graphs show no effect on N (1)
5 A is the correct answer v = I/nAq – doubling d quadruples A, and with n
doubling also, the denominator is 8 times larger

B is not the correct answer as A is quadrupled and n is doubled (factor of 8 overall)

C is not the correct answer as A is quadrupled and n is doubled (factor of 8 overall)
D is not the correct answer as A is quadrupled and n is doubled (factor of 8 overall) (1)
6 B is the correct answer as polarisation only occurs in transverse waves

A is not the correct answer as diffraction can be demonstrated for all waves
C is not the correct answer as refraction can be demonstrated for all waves
D is not the correct answer as superposition can be demonstrated for all waves (1)
7 D is the correct answer as efficiency is the useful power output (250W) divided
by the total power input (Intensity x Area).

A is not the correct answer as this is (Power × Area) / Intensity

B is not the correct answer as this is Intensity / (Power × Area)
C is not the correct answer as this is the reciprocal of the efficiency equation (1)
8 D is the correct answer as P = V2/R, so for a constant resistance, doubling V
results in P quadrupling.

A is not the correct answer as this suggests that P is constant regardless of V

B is not the correct answer as this suggests that P is directly proportional to V
C is not the correct answer as this suggests that doubling P quadruples V (1)
9 B is the correct answer as 7λ/4 represents 3.5 radians, which is 1.5π radians out
of phase.

A is not the correct answer as 3λ/2 represents 3π radians which is antiphase

C is not the correct answer as 3λ represents 6π radians which is in phase
D is not the correct answer as 7λ/2 represents 7π radians, which is antiphase (1)
10 B is the correct answer as nλ = dsinθ, and reducing d would increase sinθ if n
and λ remain the same.

A is not the correct answer as this would result in the maxima being closer together
C is not the correct answer as this would have no effect on the distance
D is not the correct answer as this would result in the maxima being closer together (1)
Question Answer Mark
Number
11 Use of E = hf (1)
Converts J to eV (1)
Transition from (−) 0.54eV to (−) 0.85eV (1) (3)

Example of calculation
E = hf = (6.63 × 10−34 Js) × (7.48 × 1013 Hz) = 4.96 × 10−20 J
4.96 × 10−20 J / (1.60 × 10−19 J eV−1) = 0.31 eV

Total for question 11 3

Question Answer Mark

Number
12a Use of p = mv for electron (m = 9.11 × 10−31 kg used) (1)
Use of λ = h/p (1)
Speed of car = 1.5 × 10−26 (m s−1 which is very small) so student suggestion is
correct. (1) (3)

Example of calculation
p for electron = (9.11 × 10−31 kg) (1.5 × 107 m s−1) = 1.37 × 10−23 kgms−1
λ for electron = (6.63 × 10−34 Js) / (1.37 × 10−23 m)
= 4.8 × 10−11 m.
For the car, 4.8 × 10−11 m = (6.63 × 10-34 Js) / (900 kg) v
v = 1.5 × 10-26 m s−1
12b The car is not a single particle
Or The car does not behave like a wave/particle
Or de Broglie equation has only been demonstrated for microscopic particles (1) (1)
Total for question 12 4
Question Answer Mark
Number
13a Use of V=W/Q (1)
W = 7.92 × 105 J (1) (2)

Example of calculation
W = V × Q = 22 x 36,000 = 792,000 J

13bi Use of speed = distance/time (1)

Time = 0.45 s (1) (2)
(Accept 7.5 × 10−3 minutes or 1.25 × 10−4 hours)

Example of calculation
16 km hr−1 = 16,000 m/ 3,600 s= 4.4 m s−1
Time = distance / speed = 2.0 m / 4.4 m s−1 = 0.45 seconds.

13bii Use of I = Q / t (1)

Calculates total charge used in 2.00 m (1)
Number of electrons = 4.2 × 1019 (1)
(e.c.f. from (i))

OR
Use of speed = distance / time
(1)
Calculates total charge used in 2.00m
(1)
Number of electrons = 4.2 × 1019
(1) (3)
(no e.c.f. required from (i) for this method)

Example of calculation
I = Q / t = 36,000 C / (40 x 60) s = 15 A
Total charge used in 2.00m = I × t = 15 A x 0.45 s = 6.75 C
number of electrons = 6.75 C / 1.6 × 10−19 C = 4.2 × 1019
Total for question 13 7
Question Answer Mark
Number
*14a This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning.
Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is
structured and shows lines of reasoning.

The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for
indicative content.
Number of Number of
indicative marks awarded
marking for indicative
points seen in marking points
answer
6 4
5–4 3
3–2 2
1 1
0 0

The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for
structure and lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded
for structure of answer and
sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical 2
structure with linkages and fully
sustained lines of reasoning
demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with 1
some linkages and lines of reasoning

Answer has no linkages between 0

points and is unstructured

Indicative content

• When temperature is higher, greater energy to electrons (in

thermistor)
• When temperature is higher, more conduction/free electrons
• When temperature is higher, lower resistance in thermistor
• Decreased p.d. across thermistor / YZ
Or current in circuit/thermistor increases
• Increased p.d. across fixed resistor Or increased p.d. across XY
• So for the air conditioning application, secondary circuit should be (6)
across XY
(Allow converse statements for IC 1,2, 3 and 4)
(Do not allow contradicting statements for IC4 e.g. lower V so lower I)
14b Ratio of p.d.s to resistances (1)

See either 775 Ω or 263 Ω for light dependent resistor (1)

Difference = (−) 512 Ω (1)

Or

Use of R = V/I to calculate current (1)

See either 775 Ω or 263 Ω for light dependent resistor (1)

Difference = (−) 512 Ω (1) (3)

Example of calculation
7.29 V 1200 Ω
= so R = 775 Ω
4.71 V 𝑅𝑅

9.84 V 1200 Ω
= so R = 263 Ω
2.16 V 𝑅𝑅

Difference in resistance = 263 Ω - 775 Ω = (−) 512 Ω

Total for question 14 9

Question Answer Mark
Number
15a Diameter of wire with a micrometer or digital calliper (1)

Length of wire using a metre rule (1)

Potential difference (in parallel with the wire) with a voltmeter and current (in
series with the wire) with an ammeter
Or resistance, using an ohmmeter (in parallel with the wire) (1) (3)

15b Use of πr2 or πd2/4 (1)

Suitable axes
(1)
Corresponding gradient to give resistivity
(MP3 dependent on MP2)
(1) (3)

Some examples of appropriate axes

y-axis x-axis gradient
R l ρ/A
R l/A ρ
RA l ρ
l R A/ρ
l RA 1/ρ
l/A R 1/ρ
V Il ρ/A
Total for question 15 6
Question Answer Mark
Number
16a (Two) waves travelling in opposite directions
Or Wave reflected back on itself (1)

Superposition / interference occurs (1) (2)

16bi Units of u are ms−1 and units of d are m (1)

Units of f are s−1 (1) (2)

16bii Use of v = √(T/μ) (1)

Recognises that λ = 2L/3

Or states that λ = 0.22 m (1)

Uses their calculated v and their λ in v = fλ to establish f (1)

Use of f = Ku/d with their f to establish u (1)

u = 1.1 ms−1 (1) (5)

Example of calculation
v = √(T/μ) = √(63N / 0.58 × 10−3 kgm−1) = 330 ms−1
λ = 2L/3 = (2 × 0.33 / 3) = 0.22 m
f = v/λ = 330 ms−1 / 0.22 m = 1500 Hz
u = fd/K = [1500 Hz × (0.15 × 10−3 m)] / 0.2 = 1.125 ms−1

Total for question 16 9

Question Answer Mark
Number
17a (Pulse reflects at) a boundary between different materials/media/densities (1) (1)

(allow “between steel and air” for “between different materials”)

(allow “speed of ultrasound in air is different to that of steel”)

17b Method 1 (Calculating distance to crack)

Reads time difference of 24.5 - 25 μs from graph (1)

Use of speed = distance/time to calculate distance (1)

Uses half time or half distance in calculation (1)

Depth = 7.1 - 7.3 cm < 15cm, so reflection is from a crack

Or Depth = 7.1 - 7.3 cm < 15cm, so cannot be from bottom of rail (1)

OR Method 2 (Calculating time to bottom of rail and back)

Use of speed = distance/time to calculate time (1)

Uses 30cm in calculation (1)

Reads time difference of 24.5 - 25 μs from graph (1)

Time = 52μs > 24.5 – 25 μs , so reflection is from a crack

Or Time = 52μs > 24.5 – 25 μs , so cannot be from the bottom of rail (1) (4)

Example of calculation
Time between transmitting and receiving = 24.75μs
So time taken to get to point of reflection = 12.375μs
Distance = speed × time = 5800 m s−1 × (12.375 × 10−6)
= 0.072 m.
17c Most/all of the ultrasound is reflected by the first crack
Or Pulse does not reach second crack
Or None of the pulse is transmitted after the crack
Or Ultrasound signal from deeper cracks is too weak to be detected (1) (1)

17d The idea that there is a time delay before reflected/received signals return (1)

The idea that the train will no longer be in the same position if it is moving
too fast.
Or the idea that the train will be in the same/similar position of it is moving
slowly (1) (2)

Total for question 17 8

Question Answer Mark
Number
18a Vibrations/oscillations in one plane (1)
which includes the direction of wave travel (1)

Or
Vibrations/oscillations in one direction (1)
perpendicular to the direction of wave travel (1) (2)

18b The refracted ray lacks the planes of oscillation in the reflected light.
Or the refracted ray has a plane of polarisation perpendicular to the plane of
polarisation of the reflected light (1)

So, the refracted ray must also be partially plane polarised (1) (2)

(MP2 conditional on awarding MP1)

18ci See nasinθa= ngsinθg

Or nasinθB = ngsinr (1)

nasin(θB) = ngsin(90 − θB)

Or nasin(θB) = ngcos(θB)
Or sin r = cos θB (1)

sin (θB) divided by cos(θB) to give tan (θB) leading to answer (1) (3)
𝑛𝑛𝑔𝑔
18cii Substitution of values into tan(θB) = 𝑛𝑛 (1)
𝑎𝑎

θB = 56° (1) (2)

Example of calculation
𝑛𝑛
tan(θB) = 𝑔𝑔
𝑛𝑛𝑎𝑎
θB = tan−1 (1.50 / 1.00) = 56°
18ciii Refractive index (of glass) is greater for violet
𝑛𝑛
Or 𝑛𝑛𝑔𝑔 is greater for violet
𝑎𝑎
Or tan θB / sin θB / θB is greater for violet (1)

Clearly links one of the above to the student being incorrect. (1) (2)

Total for question 18 11

Question Answer Mark
Number
19ai Minimum labelled at either rarefaction (1) (1)

19aii Zero displacement at all compressions and/or all rarefactions. (1)

Two complete wave cycles shown. (1) (2)

(Allow graph inverted in relation to the one shown above)

19bi Describes an initial situation where the two traces are in antiphase / phase (1)

Record the position of the microphone (from the metre rule)

Or Measure the distance from the loudspeaker to the microphone (1)

Move microphone (gradually) until the two traces are next in antiphase / phase (1)

Record the new position of the microphone and calculate the distance moved
by the microphone
Or Measure the new distance from the loudspeaker to the microphone and
calculate the distance moved by the microphone (1)

Multiply calculated/measured wavelength by frequency to determine the speed

Or Describes a suitable graph to determine the speed (1) (5)

(MP5 - examples of suitable graphs are λ against 1/f or f against 1/λ. Both
would give a gradient of v which needs to be stated to achieve the mark)
19bii Time period read off oscilloscope (from one point to the next in phase point)
Or number of waves per second read off oscilloscope (1)

Time period (for both traces) is the same (1) (2)

19biii Use of v = fλ (1)

Calculates λ of 8.5 cm (for 4.0 kHz) and 2.3 cm (for 15.0 kHz) (1)

Percentage uncertainty greater for 2.3cm than 8.5cm (so student correct)
Or Percentage uncertainty greater for 15.0kHz than 4.0kHz (so student
correct)
Or Percentage uncertainty is reduced if measurements taken across several
wavelengths (so student not necessarily correct) (1) (3)

(Do not allow “uncertainty” for “percentage uncertainty”)

Example of calculation
λ = v/f = (340 ms−1) / (4000 Hz) = 0.085 m
λ = v/f = (340 ms−1) / (15000 Hz) = 0.023 m
Total for question 19 13
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