AS

PHYSICS
(7407/1)
Paper 1

Mark scheme
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

Physics - Mark scheme instructions to examiners

1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate what
is acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview of the area
in which a mark or marks may be awarded.
The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark
scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the
diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which
confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is
straightforward and consistent.

2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is
used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a
potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the
mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different terms
in the mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.

3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which candidates
have provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is
that ‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of errors /
contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no
marks can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the mark
scheme) are not penalised.

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3.2 Marking procedure for calculations

Full marks can usually be given for a correct numerical answer without working shown
unless the question states ‘Show your working’. However, if a correct numerical answer
can be evaluated from incorrect physics then working will be required. The mark scheme
will indicate both this and the credit (if any) that can be allowed for the incorrect approach.
However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct substitution /
working and this is shown in the ‘extra information’ column or by each stage of a longer
calculation.
A calculation must be followed through to answer in decimal form. An answer in surd form
is never acceptable for the final (evaluation) mark in a calculation and will therefore
generally be denied one mark.

3.3 Interpretation of ‘it’

Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the
correct subject.

3.4 Errors carried forward, consequential marking and arithmetic errors

Allowances for errors carried forward are likely to be restricted to calculation questions
and should be shown by the abbreviation ECF or conseq in the marking scheme.
An arithmetic error should be penalised for one mark only unless otherwise amplified in
the marking scheme. Arithmetic errors may arise from a slip in a calculation or from an
incorrect transfer of a numerical value from data given in a question.

3.5 Phonetic spelling

The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited (eg fizix) unless
there is a possible confusion (eg defraction/refraction) with another technical term.

3.6 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded
but is included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.

3.7 Ignore / Insufficient / Do not allow

‘Ignore’ or ‘insufficient’ is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or
not enough to gain the marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the
marking point.
‘Do not allow’ means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is
given, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.

3.8 Significant figure penalties

An A-level paper may contain up to 2 marks (1 mark for AS) that are contingent on the
candidate quoting the final answer in a calculation to a specified number of significant
figures (sf). This will generally be assessed to be the number of sf of the datum with the
least number of sf from which the answer is determined. The mark scheme will give the
range of sf that are acceptable but this will normally be the sf of the datum (or this sf -1).
The need for a consideration will be indicated in the question by the use of ‘Give your
answer to an appropriate number of significant figures’. An answer in surd form cannot
gain the sf mark. An incorrect calculation following some working can gain the sf mark.

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

3.9 Unit penalties

An A-level paper may contain up to 2 marks (1 mark for AS) that are contingent on the
candidate quoting the correct unit for the answer to a calculation. The need for a unit to
be quoted will be indicated in the question by the use of ‘State an appropriate SI unit for
your answer ‘. Unit answers will be expected to appear in the most commonly agreed
form for the calculation concerned; strings of fundamental (base) units would not. For
example, 1 tesla and 1 weber/metre2 would both be acceptable units for magnetic flux
2 -2 -1
density but 1 kg m s A would not.

3.10 Level of response marking instructions.

Level of response mark schemes are broken down into three levels, each of which has a
descriptor. The descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level.
There are two marks in each level.

Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and
annotate it (as instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then
apply the mark scheme.

Determining a level
Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the
answer meets the descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the
different qualities that might be seen in the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the
lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it meets this level, and so on, until you
have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With practice and familiarity
you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the lower
levels of the mark scheme.

When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to
pick holes in small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed
quite as well as the rest. If the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the
mark scheme you should use a best fit approach for defining the level and then use the
variability of the response to help decide the mark within the level. i.e. if the response is
predominantly level 2 with a small amount of level 3 material it would be placed in level 2.

The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help you to determine the
appropriate level. There will be an answer in the standardising materials which will
correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This answer will have been awarded a
mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer with the example to
determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then use
this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the
example.

You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to
clarify points and assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.

Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not
intended to be exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to
cover all of the points mentioned in the indicative content to reach the highest level of the
mark scheme

An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no

marks.

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

Question Answers Additional Comments/Guidance Mark

01.1 1 1 mark each 5

0 1
...
ud uud

01.2 Strong nuclear circled 1

01.3 Charge 1 +1 = 1 + X X = 1 Any order 1

Baryon number 0+1=0+X X = 1 1
Strangeness 0+0=1+X X = -1 1

01.4 Weak nuclear circled 1

01.5 Strangeness of X is -1, First mark is for showing that strangeness changes
The strangeness of the pion and neutron are both zero Second is for stating that this can only happen if the 1
interaction is weak.
The strangeness changes from -1 to 0
This can only occur in weak interactions.  1

01.6 … . First mark is for the proton 1

n → p  + β- + ν e  Second is for the beta minus and antineutrino. 1
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

01.7 The only particles remaining are electrons/positrons and 1 1

neutrinos/antineutrinos which are stable 
And a proton which is the only stable baryon  1 1

02.1 The process involves the ejection of electrons which are

negatively charged.  1
Any electrons ejected will only make the positive charge
greater. 
1

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The following statements are likely to be present

02.2 The mark scheme gives some guidance as to what
To demonstrate threshold frequency:
statements are expected to be seen in a 1 or 2 mark (L1), 3 6
The metal should be kept the same, and the light source
or 4 mark (L2) and 5 or 6 mark (L3) answer. Guidance
varied.
provided in section 3.10 of the ‘Mark Scheme Instructions’
Using any metal, and light sources 1 and 3,
document should be used to assist in marking this
no charge will be lost with light source 1
question.
but charge will be lost with light source 3
because light source three has a greater photon energy
Mark Criteria QoWC and therefore frequency (from E=hf)
and is above the threshold frequency
6 Both ideas fully The student presents
as the photon energy is greater than the work function of the
analysed, with full relevant information
metal
discussion of coherently, employing
but light source 1 has a photon energy less than the work
alternatives. structure, style and
function of the metal
5 Both ideas analysed sp&g to render meaning
so its frequency is below the threshold frequency.
with supporting clear. The text is legible.
To demonstrate work function
discussion but without
The light source should be kept the same, and the metal
alternatives
varied
4 Both ideas analysed, The student presents
Use light source 2 as the other two will either cause all three
with one dealt with relevant information and
metals to lose their charge, or none of the metals to lose their
satisfactorily and the in a way which assists
charge.
other with some the communication of
Use each metal in turn, so that zinc loses its charge, due to
supporting discussion meaning. The text is
its low work function, but copper and iron do not lose their
3 Both ideas analysed, legible. Sp&g are
charge.
with only one dealt with sufficiently accurate not
satisfactorily to obscure meaning.
2 One idea analysed with The student presents
some supporting some relevant
discussion information in a simple
1 One idea analysed, with form. The text is usually
little supporting legible. Sp&g allow
discussion meaning to be derived
although errors are
sometimes obstructive.
0 Unsupported The student’s
combination or no presentation, spelling,
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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

relevant analysis punctuation and

grammar seriously
obstruct understanding

02.3 Work function in joules = 1.6 x 10-19 x 4.3 = 6.9 x 10-19 J  The first mark is for converting the work function into J 1

Use of hf = work function + KE max The second mark is for substituting into the photoelectric
equation

KE max = hf – work function 1

The third mark is for the final answer
= (6.63 x 10-34) x (1.2 x 1015) – 6.9 x 10-19 
Allow 1.1
= 7.9 x 10-19 – 6.9 x 10-19
= 1.0 x 10-19 J  1

02.4 The work function is the minimum amount of energy needed to Alternative 1
remove the electron from the zinc surface 
Reference to max ke corresponding to emission of surface
electrons whilst electrons from deeper in the metal will be
emitted with smaller ke

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PHYSICS PAPER 1 – 7407/1 – SPECIMEN

03.1 Initially the path difference is zero/the two waves are in phase Alternative: 1
when they meet/the (resultant) displacement is a maximum  Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is
a whole number of wavelengths and the waves are in phase
As the movable tube is pulled out, the path difference
increases and the two waves are no longer in phase, so the Destructive interference occurs when the path difference is
displacement and loudness decrease  an odd number of half wavelengths and the waves are in
antiphase 1
When the path difference is one half wavelength, the two are
in antiphase and sound is at its quietest.  Initially the path difference is zero and the sound is loud

As the path difference continues to increase, the two waves As the pipe is pulled out the path difference gradually 1
become more in phase and the sound gets louder again.  increases, changing the phase relationship and hence the
loudness of the sound

03.2 Use of wavelength = speed/ frequency The first mark is for calculating the wavelength 1
To give: 340/800 = 0.425 m
Path difference = one half wavelength = 0.21 m The second mark is for relating the wavelength to the path 1
difference

Path difference = 2 (d 2 – d 1 ) = 2 (distance moved by movable

tube) The final mark is for relating this to the distance moved by the
1
tube and working out the final answer.
Distance moved by movable tube = 0.10 m. 

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(Alternative mark scheme involving changing frequency and

03.3 Start with d1 = d2 1
measuring to first min for each one can gain equal credit)
Measure distance moved by movable tube for each
successive minima and maxima
Start with d1 = d2
Measure distance moved by movable tube for first minimum.
Each change in distance is equal to one quarter wavelength. 1

Distance is equal to one quarter wavelength
Continue until tube is at greatest distance or repeat readings
for decreasing distance back to starting point.  1
Repeat for different measured frequencies.

Use speed = frequency x wavelength  Use speed = frequency x wavelength)

1

04.1 m = 16 g = 0.016 kg r = 0.008 m

Use of V = 4/3 π r3 to give V = 4/3 π (0.008)3 The first mark is for calculating the volume 1
3
= 2.1 x 10 m 
-6

Use of density = m/V to give density = 0.016/2.1 x 10- The second mark is for substituting into the density equation 1
6
 using the correct units

Density = 7.4 x 103 kg m-3  The final mark is for the answer.
1

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2 2
04.2 Use of v2 = u2 + 2as to give v = 2 (9.81) (1.27)  (allow use of mg∆h = ½ mv )

v2 = 25 (24.9) The first mark is for using the equation 1

v = 5.0 (m s-1)  The second for the final answer 1

2
04.3 Use of v2 = u2 + 2as to give 0 = u + 2 (-9.81) (0.85)  The first mark is for using the equation 1
u2 = 17 (16.7)
u = 4.1 m s-1  The second for the final answer 1

04.4 Change in momentum = mv + mu The first mark is for using the equation 1
= 0.016 x 5 + 0.016 x 4.1
The second for the final answer 1
= 0.15 (0.146) kg m s-1 

04.5 Use of Force = change in momentum / time taken The first mark is for using the equation 1
-3
= 0.15 / 40 x10 
The second for the final answer 1
= 3.6 N 

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Impact time can be increased if the plinth material is not stiff

04.6 Alternative 1
Increased impact time would reduce the force of the impact.  A softer plinth would decrease the change in momentum of
the ball (or reduce the height of rebound) 
1
Smaller change in momentum would reduce the force of
impact 

05.1 A combination of resistors in series connected across a Reference to splitting (not dividing) pd 1
voltage source (to produce a required pd) 

When R increases, pd across R increases 

05.2 Alternative: 3
Pd across R + pd across T = supply pd 
Use of V= R 1 x V tot 
So pd across T/voltmeter reading decreases 
R 1 +R 2
V tot and R 2 remain constant 
So V increases when R 1 increases 

At higher temp, resistance of T is lower 

05.3
1
So circuit resistance is lower, so current/ammeter reading
increases 
1

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05.4 Resistance of T = 2500 Ω (Allow alternative using V 1 /R 1 = V 2 /R 2 )

Current through T = V/R = 3/2500 = 1.2 x 10-3 A 
The first mark is working out the current 1
pd across R = 12 -3 = 9 V
The second mark is for the final answer 1
Resistance of R = V/I = 9/ 1.2 x 10-3 = 7500 Ω

Connect the alarm across R instead of across T 

05.5 allow: use a thermistor with a ptc instead of ntc. 1

06.1 Use of Young Modulus = tensile stress The first mark is for calculating the tensile stress 1
tensile strain
The second mark is substituting into the tensile force
equation
To give tensile stress = 2 x 1011 x 3.0 x 10-4 = 6.0 x 107 1

The third mark is for the correct answer

Use of tensile stress = tensile force
cross sectional area 1

To give
tensile force = 6.0 x 107 x 7.5 x 10-3 = 4.5 x 105 N 

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06.2 Use of strain = extension / original length

To give extension = 3.0 x 10-4 x 45 = 1.4 x 10-2 m The first mark is for calculating the extension 1
-2
(1.35 x 10 ) 
Use of energy stored = ½ F e
To give The second mark is for the final answer 1
Energy stored = ½ x 4.5 x 105 x 1.4 x 10-2
= 3.2 x 103 J 
(3.04 x 103)

06.3 Temperature change = pre-strain/pre-strain per K The first mark is for the temperature change 1
= 3.0 x 10-4 / 2.5 x 10-5 = 12 K

Temperature = 8oC + 12 = 20 oC  The second mark is for the final answer 1

06.4 So that the rail is not always under stress 1

as the rail spends little time at the highest temperature 1

Or

To reduce the average stress the rail is under 

as zero stress will occur closer to average temperature/the rail
will be under compressive/tensile stress at different times

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8 October 2014