SL Specimen Papers

Physics
Standard level
Specimen papers 1A, 1B and 2
For first examinations in 2025

CONTENTS
Physics standard level paper 1A specimen question paper
Physics standard level paper 1A specimen markscheme
Physics standard level paper 1B specimen question paper
Physics standard level paper 1B specimen markscheme
Physics standard level paper 2 specimen question paper
Physics standard level paper 2 specimen markscheme

Physics
Standard level
Paper 1A
Specimen paper
1 hour 30 minutes [Paper 1A and Paper 1B]
Instructions to candidates
y Do not open this examination paper until instructed to do so.
y Answer all questions.
y For each question, choose the answer you consider to be the best and indicate your choice on
the answer sheet provided.
y A calculator is required for this paper.
y A clean copy of the physics data booklet is required for this paper.
y The maximum mark for paper 1A is [25 marks].
y The maximum mark for paper 1A and paper 1B is [45 marks].
0000 – 6504
14 pages © International Baccalaureate Organization 2023
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1. A car has an initial speed of 16 m s-1. It decelerates at 4.0 m s-2 until it stops.
What is the distance travelled by the car?
A. 4m
B. 16 m
C. 32 m
D. 64 m
2. A block of mass 2.0 kg accelerates from a speed of 15 m s-1 to a speed of 20 m s-1 without changing
its direction.
What impulse acts on the block?
A. 2.5 N s
B. 5.0 N s
C. 10 N s
D. 17.5 N s
3. A net force of 8.0 N accelerates a 4.0 kg body from rest to a speed of 5.0 m s-1.
What is the work done by the force?
A. 50 J
B. 40 J
C. 32 J
D. 20 J
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4. A person stands in an elevator (lift). The total mass of the person and the elevator is 800 kg.
The elevator accelerates upward at 2.0 m s-2.
elevator
cable
elevator
acceleration
= 2.0 m s−2
What is the tension in the cable?
A. 1.6 kN
B. 6.4 kN
C. 8.0 kN
D. 9.6 kN
5. An object is released from rest in a vacuum at a height H above the Earth’s surface.
As the object falls it passes a point at a height of 0.75H above the surface.
kinetic energy of the object at a height of 0.75H

What is ?
gravitational potential energy of the object at a height of H
1
A.
16
1
B.
4
9
C.
16
3
D.
4
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6. A bird of weight W sits on a thin rope at its midpoint. The rope is almost horizontal and has
negligible mass.
The tension in the rope is
W
A. less than
2
W
B. equal to
2
W
C. between and W
2
D. greater than W
7. The internal energy of a real gas is
A. zero.
B. equal to the intermolecular potential energy of the particles.
C. equal to the total kinetic energy of the particles.
D. equal to the sum of the intermolecular potential energy and the total kinetic energy of
the particles.
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8. The black-body radiation curve of an object at 600 K is shown. The intensity units are arbitrary.
intensity
1
0
wavelength
What is the radiation curve of the same object at 450 K?
The original curve is shown with a dashed line.
A. B.
2 2
intensity
intensity
1 1
0 0
wavelength wavelength
C. D.
2 2
intensity
intensity
1 1
0 0
wavelength wavelength
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9. Star X has a luminosity L and an apparent brightness b. Star X is at a distance d from Earth.
Star Y has the same apparent brightness as X but is four times more luminous.
What is the distance of Star Y from Earth?
A. 4d
B. 2d
d
C.
2
d
D.
4
10. Four identical resistors, each of resistance R, are connected as shown.
What is the effective resistance between P and Q?
3R
A.
4
B. R
4R
C.
3
D. 4R
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11. Conductor X is connected to a cell of emf E. A power of 16 W is dissipated in X.
Conductor Y is made from the same material with the same diameter as X but is twice as long.
A cell of emf 2E is connected to Y.
Both cells have negligible internal resistance.
What power is dissipated in Y?
E 2E
X Y
A. 8.0 W
B. 16 W
C. 32 W
D. 64 W
12. Two containers, X and Y, are filled with an ideal gas at the same pressure.
The volume of X is four times the volume of Y. The temperature of X is 327 °C and the temperature
of Y is 27 °C.
amount of substance in X
What is ?
amount of substance in Y
1
A.
8
1
B.
2
C. 2
D. 8
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13. An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength that is about the size of the diameter of an atom.
What region of the electromagnetic spectrum does the wave belong to?
A. Infrared
B. Visible light
C. Ultraviolet
D. X-ray
14. A particle undergoes simple harmonic motion of period T. At time t = 0 the particle is at its
equilibrium position.
What is t when the particle is at its greatest distance from the equilibrium position?
T
A.
8
T
B.
2
3T
C.
4
D. T
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15. Diagram 1 shows the variation with position of the displacement of a standing wave formed on
a string.
Diagram 2 shows the variation with position of the displacement of a travelling wave moving to
the right along a string.
Diagram 1 Diagram 2
displacement
displacement
position position
P Q R S
Points P, Q, R and S are points on the string.
What is the phase difference between P and Q and the phase difference between R and S?
Phase difference Phase difference

between P and Q between R and S
A. 0 0
π
B. 0
2
π
C. 0
2
π π
D.
2 2
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16. A mass of 0.25 kg hangs from a spring of spring constant 4.0 N m-1.
What is the natural frequency of oscillation for this system?
A. 0.50 Hz
B. 0.64 Hz
C. 1.6 Hz
D. 2.0 Hz
17. Two long parallel wires P and Q are a distance d apart. They each carry a current.
A magnetic force per unit length F acts on P due to Q.
I
The distance between the wires is increased to 2d and the current in Q is decreased to .
2
P Q P Q
I I I I
2
d 2d
What is the magnetic force per unit length that acts on P due to Q after the changes?
F
A.
8
F
B.
4
F
C.
2
D. F
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18. Planets X and Y orbit the same star.
The average distance between planet X and the star is five times greater than the average
distance between planet Y and the star.
orbital period of planet X

What is ?
orbital period of planet Y
A. 3
5
B. 5
C. 3
52
D. 53
19. A charged rod is brought near an initially neutral metal sphere without touching it.
When the sphere is grounded (earthed), there is an electric current for a short time from the sphere
to the ground.
direction of
charged
conventional current
rod
metal
sphere
The ground connection is then removed.
What are the charge on the rod and the charge induced on the sphere when the connection
is removed?
Charge on the rod Charge induced on the sphere
A. negative negative
B. negative positive
C. positive negative
D. positive positive
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20. A positive point charge of magnitude 1.0 mC and a point charge q are separated by a distance d.
electron 1.0 µC q
d d
An electron is placed at a distance d from the +1.0 mC charge. The electric force on the electron
is zero.
What is q ?
A. -4.0 mC
B. -2.0 mC
C. 2.0 mC
D. 4.0 mC
21. What is the sequence for the evolution of a main sequence star of about 2 solar masses?
A. Red super giant → supernova → neutron star
B. Red giant → planetary nebula → white dwarf
C. Red giant → supernova → white dwarf
D. Red super giant → planetary nebula → neutron star
22. The diagram shows the emission spectrum of an atom.
increasing wavelength
Which of the following atomic energy level models can produce this spectrum?
increasing
energy
A. B. C. D.
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activity of X
23. Two radioactive samples X and Y have the same half-life. Initially the ratio is 4.
activity of Y
What is this ratio after 2 half-lives?
1
A.
2
B. 1
C. 2
D. 4
24. Three statements about a nuclear fission reactor are:
I. The heat exchanger transfers energy from the fuel rods to the moderator.
II. The control rods must be good absorbers of neutrons.
III. The moderator must slow neutrons down.
Which statements about the reactor are correct?
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
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25. The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram shows two stars, X and Y.
luminosity X Y
40 000 10 000 2500

temperature / K
radius of X
What is ?
radius of Y
1
A.
16
1
B.
4
C. 4
D. 16

SPEC/4/PHYSI/SPM/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Markscheme
Specimen paper
Physics
Standard level
Paper 1A
2 pages
–2– SPEC/4/PHYSI/SPM/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
1. C 16. B 31. – 46. –
2. C 17. B 32. – 47. –
3. A 18. D 33. – 48. –
4. D 19. C 34. – 49. –
5. B 20. A 35. – 50. –
6. D 21. B 36. – 51. –
7. D 22. A 37. – 52. –
8. A 23. D 38. – 53. –
9. B 24. C 39. – 54. –
10. A 25. A 40. – 55. –
11. C 26. – 41. – 56. –
12. C 27. – 42. – 57. –
13. D 28. – 43. – 58. –
14. C 29. – 44. – 59. –
15. C 30. – 45. – 60. –

Physics
Standard level
Paper 1B
Specimen paper
Candidate session number
1 hour 30 minutes [Paper 1A and Paper 1B]
y Write your session number in the boxes above.
y Answers must be written within the answer boxes provided.
y The maximum mark for paper 1B is [20 marks].
y The maximum mark for paper 1A and paper 1B is [45 marks].
0000 – 6505
08EP01
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Answer all questions. Answers must be written within the answer boxes provided.
1. A group of students investigate the motion of a conducting ball suspended from a long string.
The ball is between two vertical metal plates that have an electric potential difference V
between them. The ball is touched to one plate so that it becomes electrically charged and
is repelled from the plate. For a given potential difference, the ball bounces between the
plates with a constant period.
diagram not to scale
to the point of suspension
metal plates
(a) The students vary V and measure the time T for the ball to move once from one plate
to the other. The table shows some of the data.
V / kV T / s ± 0.1 s
3.00 1.4
5.00 0.8
7.00 0.6
(i) V is provided by two identical power supplies connected in series. The potential
difference of each of the power supplies is known with an uncertainty of 0.01 kV.
State the uncertainty in the potential difference V.[1]
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(Question 1 continued)
(ii) T is measured with an electronic stopwatch that measures to the nearest 0.1 s.
Describe how an uncertainty in T of less than 0.1 s can be achieved using

this stopwatch. [2]
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The graph shows the variation of T with V. The uncertainty in V is not plotted.
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
T / s 0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0 2 4 6 8 10
V / kV
(iii) Outline why it is unlikely that the relationship between T and V is linear. [1]
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(iv) Calculate the largest fractional uncertainty in T for these data. [2]
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(b) The students suggest the following theoretical relationship between T and V :
A
T =
V
where A is a constant.
1
To verify the relationship, the variation of T with is plotted.
V
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
T / s 0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35
1
/ kV−1
V
(i) Determine A by drawing the line of best fit. [3]
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(ii) State the units of A.[1]
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(iii) The theoretical relationship assumes that the ball is only affected by the
electric force.
Suggest why, in order to test the relationship, the length of the string should
be much greater than the distance between the plates. [2]
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2. A group of students investigate the bending of a plastic ruler that is clamped horizontally
at one end. A weight W attached to the other end causes the ruler to bend. The weight is
contained in a scale pan.
The students fix the length L of the ruler and vary W. For each value of W, the group
measures the deflection d of the end of the ruler to which the weight is attached.
(a) The group obtains the following repeated readings for d for one value of W.
Reading 1 2 3 4 5 6
d / cm 2.7 2.9 3.6 2.7 2.8 2.9
The group divides into two subgroups, A and B, to analyse the data.
Group A quotes the mean value of d as 2.93 cm.
Group B quotes the mean value of d as 2.8 cm.
Discuss the values that the groups have quoted. [2]
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(b) The variation of d with W is shown.
8
7
6
5
d / cm 4
3
2
1
0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
W/N
Outline one experimental reason why the graph does not go through the origin. [1]
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(c) Theory predicts that

W xLy
d∝
EI
where E and I are constants. The fundamental units of I are m4 and those of E
are kg m-1 s-2.
Calculate x and y.[2]
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(d) The ruler has cross-sectional area A = a × b, where a = (28 ± 1) mm and

b = (3.00 ± 0.05) mm.
(i) Suggest an appropriate measuring instrument for determining b.[1]
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(ii) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the value of A.[2]
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SPEC/4/PHYSI/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Markscheme
Specimen paper
Physics
Standard level
Paper 1B
4 pages
–2– SPEC/4/PHYSI/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Subject Details: Physics SL Paper 1B Markscheme
Mark Allocation
Candidates are required to answer ALL questions. Maximum total = [20 marks].
1. Each row in the “Question” column relates to the smallest subpart of the question.
2. The maximum mark for each question subpart is indicated in the “Total” column.
3. Each marking point in the “Answers” column is shown by means of a tick () at the end of the marking point.
4. A question subpart may have more marking points than the total allows. This will be indicated by “max” written after the mark in the “Total” column.
The related rubric, if necessary, will be outlined in the “Notes” column.
5. An alternative wording is indicated in the “Answers” column by a slash (/). Either wording can be accepted.
6. An alternative answer is indicated in the “Answers” column by “OR” between the alternatives. Either answer can be accepted.
7. Words in angled brackets « » in the “Answers” column are not necessary to gain the mark.
8. Words that are underlined are essential for the mark.
9. The order of marking points does not have to be as in the “Answers” column, unless stated otherwise in the “Notes” column.
10. If the candidate’s answer has the same “meaning” or can be clearly interpreted as being of equivalent significance, detail and validity as that in the
“Answers” column then award the mark. Where this point is considered to be particularly relevant in a question it is emphasized by OWTTE
(or words to that effect) in the “Notes” column.
11. Remember that many candidates are writing in a second language. Effective communication is more important than grammatical accuracy.
12. Occasionally, a part of a question may require an answer that is required for subsequent marking points. If an error is made in the first marking point then
it should be penalized. However, if the incorrect answer is used correctly in subsequent marking points then follow through marks should be awarded.
When marking, indicate this by adding ECF (error carried forward) on the script. “Allow ECF” will be displayed in the “Notes” column.
13. Do not penalize candidates for errors in units or significant figures, unless it is specifically referred to in the “Notes” column.
14. Allow reasonable substitutions where in common usage, eg c for rad.

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a i 0.02 «kV»  1
1. a ii by measuring the time for many bounces 

2
and dividing the result by the number of bounces 
1. b i it is not possible to draw a straight line through all the error bars  1
1. b ii T = 0.5 s 
0.1 2
« =» 0.2 
0.5
1. c i a best-fit line drawn through the entire range of the data 

large triangle greater than half a line or two data points on the line greater than
half a line apart  3
1.6 − 0
correct read offs consistent with the line, eg = 4.0  Accept answer in the range 3.8–4.2
0.40 − 0
1. c ii kV s  1
1. c iii the angle between the string and the vertical should be very small «for any
position of the ball» 
so that the tension in the string is «almost» balanced by the ball’s weight
2
OR
restoring force from the string / horizontal component of tension negligibly small OWTTE
«compared with electric force» 

2. a 3 sf is inappropriate for A 
2
rejects trial 3 as outlier for B 
2. b beam bends under its own weight / weight of pan

OR 1
specified systematic error in d 
2. c units of W : kg m s−2 
2
work leading to x = 1 and y = 3 
2. d i instrument (capable of reading to 0.05 mm) with reason related to resolution eg micrometer screw gauge, Vernier
of instrument  caliper, travelling microscope 1
2. d ii attempt to calculate fractional uncertainty in either a or b [0.0357, 0.0167] 

2
0.0357 + 0.0167 = 0.05 = 5 % 
Physics
Standard level
Paper 2
Specimen paper
Candidate session number
1 hour 30 minutes
y Write your session number in the boxes above.
y Answers must be written within the answer boxes provided.
y The maximum mark for this examination paper is [50 marks].
0000 – 6506
20EP01
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Please do not write on this page.
Answers written on this page

will not be marked.
20EP02
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Answer all questions. Answers must be written within the answer boxes provided.
1. A block of mass 45 kg is placed on a horizontal table. There is no friction between the block
and the table.
An object of mass 15 kg is placed on top of the block.
A force F acts on the block so that it accelerates. The acceleration of the object and the
acceleration of the block are the same so that they do not move relative to each other.
15 kg
F
45 kg
The coefficient of static friction between the block and the object is 0.60.
(a) State the nature and direction of the force that accelerates the 15 kg object. [1]
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(b) Determine the largest magnitude of F for which the block and the object do not move
relative to each other. [3]
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2. In a microwave oven electromagnetic waves are emitted so that a standing wave pattern is
established inside the oven.
A flat piece of chocolate is placed inside the oven and the microwaves are switched on.
The chocolate is stationary.
Melted spots form on the surface of the chocolate. The diagram shows the pattern of melting
on the chocolate. Each square has a length of 1 cm.
chocolate
melted spots
(a) Outline how this standing wave pattern of melted spots is formed. [2]
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(b) Determine, taking appropriate measurements from the diagram, the frequency of the
electromagnetic waves in the oven. [3]
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3. A satellite moves around Earth in a circular orbit.
satellite
Earth’s surface
(a) Draw an arrow on the diagram to represent the direction of the acceleration of
the satellite. [1]
(b) The following data are given:
Mass of Earth, M = 5.97 × 1024 kg

Radius of Earth, R = 6.37 × 106 m
Orbital period of the satellite, T = 5.62 × 103 s
(i) Kepler’s Third Law of orbital motion states that T 2 = kr 3 where k is a constant and
r is the orbital radius of the satellite.
4 2
Show that k .[1]
GM
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(ii) Determine the height of the satellite above the Earth’s surface. [2]
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4. A smoke detector uses the radioactive nuclide americium-241.
The americium is contained in a chamber that is open to the air. There are two electrodes in
the chamber that are connected to a power supply and a current sensor.
current sensor
americium source
alpha
particle
tracks
electrodes
Americium-241 emits alpha particles that ionize the air in the chamber. Each ionization forms
one positive ion and one electron; these are called an ion pair. The electrons and the positive
ions move towards the electrodes and the sensor detects a current in the air.
When smoke enters the chamber, fewer ion pairs are formed and the current in the sensor
decreases, sounding an alarm.
The chamber is 0.10 m in each dimension.
(a) A nucleus of americium-241 has 146 neutrons. This nuclide decays to neptunium
through alpha emission.
Complete the nuclear equation for this decay. [2]
Am  Np  
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(b) Outline why the radioactive source is safe for use in a house. [1]
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The initial activity of the source is 42 kBq. 33 % of the alpha particles emitted by this source
enter the chamber and form an ion pair.
Each alpha particle has an initial kinetic energy of 5.5 MeV.
The energy required to form one ion pair is 15 eV.
(c) Calculate the maximum current in the chamber due to the electrons when there is no
smoke in the chamber. [3]
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5. The star δ Vel A is a main sequence star that has a black-body spectrum as shown.
relative
intensity
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9
λ / 10−6 m
(a) Show that the surface temperature of δ Vel A is about 9000 K. [1]
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(b) The apparent brightness of δ Vel A is 2.2 × 10-9 W m-2 and it is 6.2 × 1014 km from Earth.
Estimate the radius of δ Vel A. [3]
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(c) The radius of the Sun, R, is 7.0 × 105 km.
Sketch, on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the position of δ Vel A. [2]
100 R 1000 R
luminosity
10 R
1 R
0.1 R
0.01 R
0.001 R
40 000 20 000 10 000 5000 2500

temperature / K
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6. Small pieces of solid paraffin with a total mass of 30 g at a temperature of 42 °C are mixed
with 150 g of liquid paraffin at a temperature of 240 °C. The mixture is stirred until an
equilibrium temperature is reached.
The following data for paraffin are available:
Specific heat capacity of solid paraffin = 0.7 kJ kg-1 K-1

Specific heat capacity of liquid paraffin = 2.13 kJ kg-1 K-1
Specific latent heat of fusion of paraffin = 220 kJ kg-1
Melting point of paraffin = 47 °C
(a) Calculate the theoretical equilibrium temperature of the mixture. [3]
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(b) When the experiment was carried out, the equilibrium temperature of the mixture was
found to be different from the theoretical value.
Suggest the reason for this difference. [2]
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7. The diagram shows two parallel conducting plates that are oppositely charged.
+ + + + + +
− − − − − −
(a) (i) Draw the electric field lines due to the charged plates. [2]
(ii) The potential difference between the plates is 960 V and the distance between
them is 8.0 mm. Calculate the electric field strength E between the plates. [2]
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In an experiment, an oil drop is introduced into the space between the plates through a small
hole in the upper plate. The oil drop moves through air in a tube before falling between the plates.
tube
spherical
oil drop
+ + + + + +
− − − − − −
(b) Explain why the oil drop becomes charged as it falls through the tube. [1]
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(c) The oil drop is observed to be stationary in the space between the plates. Buoyancy is
one of the forces acting on the drop.
The density of oil is 730 times greater than that of air.
(i) Show that the buoyancy force is much smaller than the weight. [3]
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(ii) Draw the forces acting on the oil drop, ignoring the buoyancy force. [2]
oil drop
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(iii) Show that the electric charge on the oil drop is given by
ogV
q
E
where ro is the density of oil and V is the volume of the oil drop. [2]
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(iv) State the sign of the charge on the oil drop. [1]
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(d) The electric field is turned off. The oil drop falls vertically reaching a constant speed v.
(i) Outline why, for this drop, ro gV = 6 phrv where h is the viscosity of air and r is
the radius of the oil drop. [2]
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(ii) Show that the charge on the oil drop is about 4.8 × 10-19 C.
The following data for the oil drop are available:
r = 1.36 mm
h = 1.60 × 10-5 Pa s
v = 0.140 mm s-1[3]
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(iii) The oil drop splits into two parts of equal mass. Both are charged. Deduce the
net charge on each part. [2]
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20EP19

will not be marked.
20EP20
SPEC/4/PHYSI/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Markscheme
Specimen paper
Physics
Standard level
Paper 2
11 pages
Subject Details: Physics SL Paper 2 Markscheme
Candidates are required to answer all questions. Maximum total = 55 marks.
1. Each row in the “Question” column relates to the smallest subpart of the question.
2. The maximum mark for each question subpart is indicated in the “Total” column.
3. Each marking point in the “Answers” column is shown by means of a tick (✔) at the end of the marking point.
4. A question subpart may have more marking points than the total allows. This will be indicated by “max” written after the mark in the “Total” column.
The related rubric, if necessary, will be outlined in the “Notes” column.
5. An alternative wording is indicated in the “Answers” column by a slash (/). Either wording can be accepted.
6. An alternative answer is indicated in the “Answers” column by “OR”. Either answer can be accepted.
7. An alternative markscheme is indicated in the “Answers” column under heading ALTERNATIVE 1 etc. Either alternative can be accepted.
8. Words inside chevrons « » in the “Answers” column are not necessary to gain the mark.
9. Words that are underlined are essential for the mark.
10. The order of marking points does not have to be as in the “Answers” column, unless stated otherwise in the “Notes” column.
11. If the candidate’s answer has the same “meaning” or can be clearly interpreted as being of equivalent significance, detail and validity as that in the
“Answers” column then award the mark. Where this point is considered to be particularly relevant in a question it is emphasized by OWTTE
(or words to that effect) in the “Notes” column.
12. Remember that many candidates are writing in a second language. Effective communication is more important than grammatical accuracy.
13. Occasionally, a part of a question may require an answer that is required for subsequent marking points. If an error is made in the first marking point then
it should be penalized. However, if the incorrect answer is used correctly in subsequent marking points then follow through marks should be awarded.
When marking, indicate this by adding ECF (error carried forward) on the script. “ECF acceptable” will be displayed in the “Notes” column.
14. Do not penalize candidates for errors in units or significant figures, unless it is specifically referred to in the “Notes” column.
1. a static friction force «between blocks» 1
AND
directed to the right
1. b F = 60a  Allow use of a = 0.6g leading to 353 N. 3
Ff = 0.6 × 15 × 9.8 «=
88.2N» 
F
88.2 = 15 × ⇒ F = 350 «N» 
60
2. a standing waves form «in the oven» by superposition / constructive interference 2
energy transfer is greatest at the antinodes «of the standing wave pattern»
2. b λ = 12.2 «cm»  Allow λ ± 2 mm. 3
c 3.0 × 108 Condone power of ten error in MP2

f«
= = »  only.
λ 1.22 × 10 −1
f = 2.46GHz  correct answer only including power of ten

3. a arrow normal to the orbit towards the Earth  1
3. b i 2πr GM 2
mv orbital GMm Allow use of ω .
use of v orbital = AND either v orbital = or = correctly
T r r r2
manipulated
1
 4 π2  3
«to yield T 2 =  r »
 GM 
3. b ii GMT 2 3 6.67 × 10 −11 × 5.97 × 1024 × (5620)2

= r = 3
4π 2 4 π2 
= 6.83 × 106 «m» 2
height = «6.83 × 106 − 6.37 × 106 = » 4.6 × 105 «m» 

4. a 241
95 Am 
2
237
93 Np + α 
4
2
4. b Alpha particles only travel a few cm in air / penetration of alpha particles is poor OWTTE
1
(and will not escape the chamber) 
4. c 5.5 × 106
Each alpha gives rise to = 3.67 × 105 ion pairs 
15
3.67 × 105 × 42000 3

So = 5.13 × 109 ion pairs per second 
3
current =1.6 × 10 −19 × 5.13 × 109 = 0.82 × 10 −9 «A» 

5. a 2.9 × 10 −3
correct substitution into λmax = OR 9350 K  1
T
5. b Attempted use of L = 4πbd 2  Accept a range of values between 1.3 to

1.5 Gm
L
use of r = 
4πσ T 4 3
r = 1.4Gm 
5. c Shows r ≈ 2R  [use of 9000 K gives 2.2R ]
Correct position on diagram

6. a (0.030 × 0.7 × 103 × 5) + (0.030 × 220 × 103 ) + (0.030 × 2.13 × 103 )(T − 47)
= (0.150 × 2.13 × 103 )(240 − T )
One heat capacity term correctly substituted  3
latent heat correctly substituted (0.030 × 220 × 103 ) 
T 190«°C» 
=
6. b Experimental temperature will be lower 

2
Heat loss to the environment 
7. a i equally spaced arrows «by eye» all pointing down 

2
edge effects also shown with arrows 
7. a ii V 960
E= = 
d 8.0 × 10 −3
2
E 1.2 × 105 «NC−1» 
=
7. b friction transfers electron(s) to or from drop
AND
1
through collisions/ interaction with air molecules in the tube OR through
collisions/interaction with wall of tube 
7. c i weight of oil drop is ρo gV 
Fb ρa gV ρa
= = 
W ρo gV ρo
Fb 1 3
«= = »1.4 × 10−3
W 730
OR
Ratio of Fb to W is much less than 1 

– 10 – SPEC/4/PHYSI/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
7. c ii Weight vertically down AND electric force vertically up 

2
Of equal length «by eye» 
7. c iii Mass of drop is ρ0V  MP1 must be shown implicitly for credit.
qE = ( ρ0V ) g  2
«hence answer»
7. c iv Negative  1
7. d i Net force is zero 
Acceleration of the oil drop is zero 
OR 2
For terminal velocity drag must equal weight 
weight = ρ0 gV and drag = 6πη rv 

– 11 – SPEC/4/PHYSI/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
7. d ii 6πη rv Answer must be shown to 3+ sf.

q= 
E
6π × 1.60 × 10 −5 × 1.36 × 10 −6 × 1.40 × 10 −4 3

q= 
1.2 × 105
=q 4.79 × 10−19 «C» 
7. d iii charge is quantized 

2
so, the charges must be 1e and 2e 

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Physics

Specimen papers 1A, 1B and 2

For first examinations in 2025

Physics standard level paper 1A specimen question paper

Physics standard level paper 1A specimen markscheme

Physics standard level paper 1B specimen question paper

Physics standard level paper 1B specimen markscheme

Physics standard level paper 2 specimen question paper

Physics standard level paper 2 specimen markscheme

1 hour 30 minutes [Paper 1A and Paper 1B]

What is the distance travelled by the car?

What impulse acts on the block?

What is the work done by the force?

What is the tension in the cable?

kinetic energy of the object at a height of 0.75H

The tension in the rope is

7. The internal energy of a real gas is

B. equal to the intermolecular potential energy of the particles.

C. equal to the total kinetic energy of the particles.

What is the radiation curve of the same object at 450 K?

The original curve is shown with a dashed line.

What is the distance of Star Y from Earth?

10. Four identical resistors, each of resistance R, are connected as shown.

What is the effective resistance between P and Q?

11. Conductor X is connected to a cell of emf E. A power of 16 W is dissipated in X.

Both cells have negligible internal resistance.

What power is dissipated in Y?

Points P, Q, R and S are points on the string.

Phase difference Phase difference

What is the natural frequency of oscillation for this system?

A magnetic force per unit length F acts on P due to Q.

18. Planets X and Y orbit the same star.

orbital period of planet X

The ground connection is then removed.

Charge on the rod Charge induced on the sphere

A. Red super giant → supernova → neutron star

B. Red giant → planetary nebula → white dwarf

C. Red giant → supernova → white dwarf

D. Red super giant → planetary nebula → neutron star

22. The diagram shows the emission spectrum of an atom.

24. Three statements about a nuclear fission reactor are:

Which statements about the reactor are correct?

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

25. The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram shows two stars, X and Y.

40 000 10 000 2500

1. C 16. B 31. – 46. –

2. C 17. B 32. – 47. –

3. A 18. D 33. – 48. –

4. D 19. C 34. – 49. –

5. B 20. A 35. – 50. –

6. D 21. B 36. – 51. –

7. D 22. A 37. – 52. –

8. A 23. D 38. – 53. –

9. B 24. C 39. – 54. –

10. A 25. A 40. – 55. –

11. C 26. – 41. – 56. –

12. C 27. – 42. – 57. –

13. D 28. – 43. – 58. –

State the uncertainty in the potential difference V.[1]

(i) Determine A by drawing the line of best fit. [3]

(ii) State the units of A.[1]

Discuss the values that the groups have quoted. [2]

Calculate x and y.[2]

(i) Suggest an appropriate measuring instrument for determining b.[1]

(ii) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the value of A.[2]

Complete the nuclear equation for this decay. [2]

Estimate the radius of δ Vel A. [3]

Sketch, on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the position of δ Vel A. [2]

(a) Calculate the theoretical equilibrium temperature of the mixture. [3]

Suggest the reason for this difference. [2]