Cambridge IGCSE™

* 2 3 9 0 8 1 8 8 2 7 *

PHYSICS 0625/32
Paper 3 Theory (Core) February/March 2023

1 hour 15 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.
● Take the weight of 1.0 kg to be 9.8 N (acceleration of free fall = 9.8 m / s2).

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 80.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 20 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (CJ/AR) 318544/2
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1 Fig. 1.1 shows two strips of staples.

strip of 40
staples

width of strip

Fig. 1.1 NOT to scale

(a) The width of one strip is 56 mm. There are 40 staples in the strip.

Calculate the average width of one staple.

average width of one staple = .................................................. mm [2]

(b) A student wants to find the volume of one strip of 40 staples. The student has a measuring
cylinder and a beaker of water as shown in Fig. 1.2.

strip measuring water

of staples cylinder

Fig. 1.2

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Describe how the student can determine the volume of one strip of staples by using the
equipment shown in Fig. 1.2.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(c) The staples are made from a block of metal.

The mass of the block is 296 g. The volume of the block is 33.2 cm3.
Calculate the density of the metal. Include the unit.

density of the metal = .............................................. unit ................................ [4]

[Total: 10]

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2 (a) A student has a spring of length 14.0 cm. She stretches the spring by adding different loads to
the spring.
She measures the length of the spring for each load. She plots a graph of the results.
Fig. 2.1 shows the graph of her results.

24.0

22.0

20.0

18.0

16.0

14.0
length of
spring / cm
12.0

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0
0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
load / N

Fig. 2.1

(i) Use the graph to determine the length of the spring when the student adds a load of
8.0 N to the spring.

length of spring = ................................................... cm [1]

(ii) Use the graph to determine the load added to the spring when the extension of the
spring is 7.0 cm.

load for an extension of 7.0 cm = ..................................................... N [2]

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(b) Complete the sentence about effects of forces. Choose a word from the box.

charge mass power shape velocity

A load stretching a spring is an example of a force changing the size and the

............................................................ of an object. [1]

(c) A clamp stand used in the experiment has a weight of 8.6 N.

Calculate the mass of the clamp stand.

mass of clamp stand = .................................................... kg [3]

[Total: 7]

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3 Fig. 3.1 shows the distance-time graph for a cyclist.

The journey has two sections, PQ and QR.

Q R
250

200

150

distance / m

100

50

P
0
0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0
time / s

Fig. 3.1

(a) (i) Calculate the speed of the cyclist in section PQ.

speed = .................................................. m / s [3]

(ii) Describe the motion of the cyclist in section QR on the graph.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

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(b) Fig. 3.2 shows a bicycle fitted with wide tyres and a bicycle fitted with narrow tyres. The two
bicycles have the same weight.
People use bicycles fitted with wide tyres to ride over soft ground.

wide tyre narrow tyre

bicycle with wide tyres bicycle with narrow tyres

Fig. 3.2

Explain why people use bicycles fitted with wide tyres to ride over soft ground. Use your ideas
about pressure.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 6]

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4 Fig. 4.1 shows some gas, at room temperature, in a cylinder with a piston that can move. The gas
cannot escape from the cylinder.

cylinder piston

gas

Fig. 4.1

(a) (i) Describe the movement of the gas particles.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Describe how the gas particles exert a pressure on the walls of the cylinder and piston.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) The piston in Fig. 4.1 moves to the left.

The volume of the gas decreases. The temperature of the gas does not change.
State and explain any change in the pressure of the gas when the piston moves to the left.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 6]

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5 This question is about work, energy stores and energy transfers.

(a) Fig. 5.1 shows a child pulling a toy trolley across the floor.

toy trolley

12 N

Fig. 5.1

The child pulls the toy trolley with a horizontal force of 12 N. The distance moved by the
trolley is 5.0 m.

Calculate the mechanical work done on the toy trolley by the 12 N force.

mechanical work done = ...................................................... J [3]

(b) Fig. 5.2 shows a candle burning.

Fig. 5.2

Describe the energy transfers taking place as the candle burns.

Your answer should refer to energy stores as well as transfers between energy stores.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 6]

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6 Fig. 6.1 shows how the displacement of a transverse wave varies with time.

3.0

2.0

1.0
displacement / cm
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
−1.0

−2.0

−3.0
time / s

Fig. 6.1

(a) (i) Determine the amplitude of the wave in Fig. 6.1.

amplitude = ................................................... cm [1]

(ii) Determine the frequency of the wave in Fig. 6.1.

frequency = .................................................... Hz [2]

(b) Describe the motion of particles in a transverse water wave.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) A wave has a frequency of 400 Hz and a wavelength of 0.90 m.

Calculate the velocity of the wave.

velocity = ................................................. m / s [3]

[Total: 9]

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7 (a) A student places a book in front of a plane mirror.

State three characteristics of the image of the book formed by the plane mirror.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Visible light is one region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Another region is ultraviolet
radiation.

(i) Give one use of ultraviolet radiation.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Give one possible harmful effect of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 5]

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8 (a) A student uses a dry cloth to rub a plastic rod.

State how the plastic rod gains a positive charge from friction between the cloth and the rod.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Three balls, P, Q and R, are electrically charged. The balls are suspended by threads of
insulating material. Fig. 8.1 shows the arrangement.

insulated thread

P + Q R

Fig. 8.1

The charge on ball P is positive.

State the charge on ball Q and the charge on ball R.

ball Q ........................................................................................................................................

ball R ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The student connects ball P to earth with a copper wire. Charges from the earth flow in the
copper wire to ball P.

State the name of the electrically charged particles moving in the copper wire.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 5]

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9 Fig. 9.1 shows an electric kettle.

Fig. 9.1

(a) (i) The power input of the kettle is 1.5 kW. The potential difference of the mains electrical
supply for the kettle is 220 V.

Calculate the current in the kettle when it is switched on.

current in kettle = ...................................................... A [4]

(ii) The 1.5 kW kettle is used for a total of 4.0 hours. The cost of 1.0 kW h of electrical energy
is 14 pennies (p).

Calculate the cost of the energy used by the kettle in 4.0 hours.

cost of energy = ...................................................... p [3]

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(b) Fig. 9.2 shows an overloaded extension lead.

Fig. 9.2

Explain the danger of connecting too many plugs to an extension lead.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 9]

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10 (a) Fig. 10.1 shows two coils of wire P and Q, each in a circuit. The ends of the coils are close but
not touching.

P Q

Fig. 10.1

Now, switch S is closed. The pointer in the sensitive ammeter G deflects and then returns to
its zero position.

Explain why the pointer in sensitive ammeter G deflects.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) Describe the construction of a step-up transformer. You may draw a labelled diagram as part
of your answer.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 6]

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11 Americium-241 is a radioactive nuclide. The nuclide notation for a nucleus of americium-241 is

241
95
Am
(a) Determine the number of:

protons in one nucleus of americium-241,

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

neutrons in one nucleus of americium-241.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Americium-241 has a half-life of 430 years.

A radioactive source contains 12 mg of americium-241.
Calculate the mass of americium-241 that remains in the source after 860 years.

mass of americium-241 remaining = ................................................... mg [3]

[Total: 5]

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12 (a) State, in order, the names of the three planets closest to the Sun.

Closest to the Sun ............................................................

............................................................

Furthest from the Sun ............................................................

[2]

(b) Define a light-year.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) Jupiter is 780 000 000 000 m (7.8 # 1011 m) from the Sun.

The speed of light is 300 000 000 m / s (3.0 # 108 m / s) .

Calculate the time for light to travel from the Sun to Jupiter.

time = ....................................................... s [2]

[Total: 6]

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reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2023 0625/32/F/M/23

 Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education

PHYSICS 0625/32

Paper 32 Theory (Core) March 2023

MARK SCHEME First proof check: NOT FOR LIVE MARKING

Maximum Mark : 80

[Turn over
 0625/32 March 2023

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

(average thickness =) 1.4 (mm) A2
1 (a)
(average thickness =) 56 ÷ 40 (C1)

(b) any four from:

measuring cylinder (partially) filled with water accept displacement can filled with water (until it overflows from spout)
(initial) volume measured/noted accept idea of taking measurement of starting volume ie may be in last
B4
marking point
strip submerged in water owtte
(new/2nd) volume (of strip and water) measured water overflowing from spout collected in measuring cylinder
volume of strip = difference in volumes read volume of water (collected) in measuring cylinder
(c) ( ρ =) 8.92 A3 accept any value that rounds to 8.9 from 8.9156626 (g/cm3)
( ρ =) 296 ÷ 33.2 (C2)
(density =) mass ÷ volume OR (ρ =) m/V in any form (C1) words or symbols accept D or d for ρ
accept kg/m3 if answer incorrect or no response for calculation
g/cm3 B1
8900 kg/m3 scores 4 marks
Total 10

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

2 (a) (i) (length of spring with 8.0 N load =) 20 (cm) B1 accept in range 19.8 to 20.2 inclusive
(load for length of 21 cm =) 9.3 (N) A2 accept in range 9.0 to 9.6 inclusive
(ii) C1
(extension of 7 cm = length of ) 21 cm
(b) shape B1

(m = ) 0.88 (kg) A3 accept any rounding of 0.877551 from g= 9.8 OR 0.8766564

(c) from g = 9.81 0.87 scores 2 marks bod rounding error
(m = ) 0.86 (kg) for 3 marks (using g = 10)
(m = ) 8.6 ÷ 9.8 (C2)

W = mg OR (m =) W ÷ g (C1) in any form words or symbols

Total 7
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Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

3 (a) (i) (speed = ) 25 (m/s) A3
(speed = ) 250 ÷ 10 (C2)
(speed = ) gradient of d-t graph OR d ÷ t in any form (C1) words or symbols
(a) (ii) (QR -) at rest or stationary B1 accept stopped or not moving owtte
(b)
any two from
accept idea that area (touching ground) is larger
(wide tyres have) large (contact) area
B2
(so) less pressure (on ground)
accept (so) weight of cyclist/bike spread over larger area for 2
so less likely to sink (into soft ground)
marks
Total 6

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

4 any two from:
(a) i
high speed
accept no forces between particles (except when
moving freely B2
colliding)
( random (motion) OR (in) any OR all directions
(a) ii collisions (of particles with walls of cylinder OR surface) B1 accept between molecules accept higher level responses
(b) pressure increases B1
(because) molecules are closer together/more densely packed OR
B1
area of cylinder decreases
(so there are) more frequent collisions/ more collisions per second
B1 ignore references to more KE/speed OR harder collisions
(with walls of cylinder)
Total 6
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Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

5 (a) (work done = ) 60 (J) A3
(work done = ) 12 x 5(.0) (C2)
(work done = ) force x distance in any form (C1) words or symbols
(b) chemical store in candle decreases B1 accept chemical energy in candle
accept transferred by/becomes thermal energy/light energy/heat energy
energy is transferred by radiation/light/em waves/IR B1
ignore sound
thermal store of surroundings has increased owtte B1 accept thermal /heat energy is transferred to surroundings
Total 6

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

6 (a) i 2.0 (cm) B1 accept 2 (cm)
ii (so frequency =) 5(.0) (Hz) A2 accept (frequency =) 1 ÷ 0.2 for 2 marks
(frequency =) number of waves (sent out) per s/unit time OR accept (frequency =) 1/T OR 1/(time) period
(C1)
time for 1 wave = 0.2 s OR 2 waves in 0.4 s
(b) vibrations (of particles) B1
at right angles OR perpendicular B1 accept up and down as it is a water wave?
to direction of propogation B1 accept direction of travel/energy transfer
(c) (v = ) 360 (m/s) A3
(v = ) 400 x 0.9 (C2)
(v =) f λ (C1) in any form words or symbols
Total 9
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Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

7 (a) same size B1 accept same height
same distance from mirror B1 accept as far behind the mirror as object is in front (of mirror)
accept laterally inverted OR upright/ same way up owtte for
virtual B1
any missing property
(use:) security marking OR detecting fake bank notes accept other valid uses eg finding scorpions at night OR
(b) B1
OR sterilising water boosting vitamin D or killing microbes
(harmful effect:) damage to surface cells and eyes OR
B1 accept premature ageing of skin OR ionisation of cells
damage to cells/genes OR skin cancer
Total 5

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

8 (a) negative charges B1 reject answers referring to movement of positive charges

move from rod to cloth B1
(b) (ball Q is) positive B1
(ball R is) negative B1
(c) (free) electrons B1
Total 5
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Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

accept any rounding of 6.81818 (A) for 4 marks
( I =) 6.8 (A)
9 (a) (i) A4 0.0068 scores 3 marks (failed to convert kW to W)
7(.0) (A) scores 3 marks
( I =) 1500 ÷ 220 (C2)
P = I x V OR ( I =) P ÷ V (C1) in any form words or symbols
1.5 kW = 1500 W B1 seen or used
candidates value of kW h x 14 (p) sort at STM??
(ii) (cost of energy =) 84 (p) A3

(cost of energy =) 1.5 x 4(.0) x 14 (C2) accept energy/kW h used = (4.(0) x 1.5 = 6 (kW h) for 1 mark??
(cost of energy =) power x time x cost of 1 kW h
OR (C1) in any form words or symbols
number of kW h x cost of 1 kW h
(b) large current (in extension lead/socket) B1

(can cause) overheating/fire B1

Total 9

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

10 (a) any three from
(when switch S closed) current in coil P
coil P has (changing) magnetic field
B3
magnetic field (from P) links with/cuts coil Q
e.m.f./voltage/current induced /produced in coil Q condone (there is a ) current in coil Q
(b) two coils (of copper wire) B1
(wrapped around/linked by soft) iron core B1
more turns on secondary coil OR less turns on primary coil B1
Total 6
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Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

11 (a) 95 B1

146 B1
(amount remaining =) 3(.0) (mg)
(b) A3

(amount remaining =) 12 x ½ x ½ OR 12 x 1/4 (C2) accept 12: 6: 3 ?

860 years is 2 half-lives (C1)

Total 5

Question Answer Marks Additional Guidance / Notes

(closest to Sun) Mercury
All 3 correct for 2 marks
12 (a) Venus B2
one or two correct for 1 mark
(furthest from Sun) Earth
(b) distance B1

travelled by light in one year B1

accept 43(.333) minutes
(c) 2.6 x 103 (s) OR 2600 (s) A2
(time = dist ÷ speed) = 7.8 x 1011 ÷ 3.0 x 108 7.8 x 108 ÷ 3.0 x 105 accept any correct power of ten/number
(C1)
OR 780 000 000 000 ÷ 300 000 000 of zeroes
Total 6