INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL

PHYSICS
PH03
Unit 3 Fields and their consequences

Mark scheme
January 2022
Version: 1.0 Final

*221XPH03/MS*
 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

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 Examiner.

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 oxfordaqaexams.org.uk

Copyright information

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Copyright © 2022 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

Level of response marking instructions

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

Step 1 Determine 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, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.

Step 2 Determine a mark

Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. 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 – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01.1 2 Expect to see

2𝜋
or 9.2 rad s–1 4 1 × AO1
Evidence of use of ω = ✓ 0.68
T 3 × AO3
(to determine )

Maximum kinetic energy read from graph ✓ Expect an answer that rounds to
9.4 (× 10–4 J)

1 For MP3 the substitution or correct evaluation

Evidence of use of Ek = m v2
2 must be seen

And vmax =  A ✓ Expect to see 0.23 (m s–1)

Give full credit for combined equations

To give A = 25 mm ✓

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01.2 A✓ If MP1 is not given, MP2 can be given if the 2 AO1

Horizontal line between +/-
2 maximum of the line is at 0.235 mJ
at 0.235 mJ ✓ Allow answer greater than 0.22 and less than
or equal to 0.24

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01.3 Use of mg = ke to determine k, or seen in formula for T Expect to see k = 8.2 (N m–1) 2 AO2
AND e
Accept use of 𝑇 = 2π√g provided e is
m
Use of T = 2 ✓ explicitly the extension
k
to give T = 0.41 s ✓ At least 2 sf

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01.4 2 Expect to see  = 15.3 (rad s–1) 3 AO2

Use of ω = or seen in formula for v ✓
T
Or 15.7 if 0.4 used for T
Use of v =   A −x
2 2
If x = 0 seen, award max 2

With A = 5.0 × 10–2 (m) or x = 4.2 × 10–2 (m) ✓

Allow POT error in substitution
To give v = 0.41 (m s–1) ✓ Accept 0.42(6) from rounding

OR
Alternative calculation using energy: Give full credit for use of x = Acos(wt) (MP2)
calculation of EPE at bottom (1.58 x 10-2 J)✓
calculation of GPE at top (3.16 x 10-2 J) ✓ And v = Awcos(wt) and answer (MP3)
calculation of v from difference (KE) ✓

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01.5 (After extension becomes zero) force is constant, so Alternatives for MP1 2 AO4
acceleration is constant (so no longer SHM) ✓ • Force (on the load) is equal to the weight
• The acceleration (of the load) is g
acceleration is no longer proportional to (-) displacement ✓
Treat suggestion that acceleration no longer
opposite to displacement as neutral

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01.6 Period of X is greater than period of Y Answer suggesting X has greater stiffness 2 AO2
gets zero marks.
and
mass is the same ✓

m
discussion involving T = 2
k
Relationship between T, m, k may be
So stiffness of Y must be greater. ✓ expressed qualitatively
OR
Calculation of one stiffness. ✓ For X stiffness = 3.0 (Nm-1)
For Y stiffness = 8.2 (Nm-1)
Calculation of other stiffness and correct comparison. ✓

Total 15

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

02.1 Evidence of use of Expect to see 1.79 × 10–9 (s–1) or 0.056 (yr–1) 3 AO2
1n2
T1 = (to give ) ✓
2 

Use of A =  N Expect to see 19.6 (Bq) or 7.9 × 104 (Bq m-3)

(To give A) ✓ Do not award MP2 if unit is yr-1

Comparison of activity of water with maximum allowed

activity Accept alternatives for MP3 e.g.
AND answer ‘water is safe to drink’ ✓ Limit in 2.5 × 10–4 m3
= 7.6 × 107 × 2.5 × 10–4 = 1.9 × 104
This is greater than A, so water is safe
to drink.
OR
Activity in 1 m3 = A/2.5 × 10-4
= 7.9 × 104 (Bq)
Which is less than 7.6 × 107 so water
is safe to drink
Allow rounding errors

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

02.2 2 AO3
150 years is (approximately) 12 half lives
Evidence for MP1 may be seen in MP2
OR calculation of fraction of initial count rate ✓
For MP2 expect to see determination of effect
–4 of 12 half-lives.
Activity/amount of tritium = 2.4 × 10 times initial value
So activity/amount of tritium may be too low to detect ✓ Allow 2.1 x 10-4

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

02.3 Evidence of use of N = N0 e−t ✓ Award MP1 for rearrangement or substitution 2 AO2

To give t = 1.7 × 105 yr ✓ Condone POT error in MP1

Total 7

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

03.1 (Reference to Fleming’s left-hand rule) Identification that Current direction can be drawn on Figure 5 1 AO3
current in slide is towards X
and magnetic field is up ✓

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

03.2 (Evidence of use of F = BIl ) Must show some working by either 1 AO1
rearrangement or substitution
to give 4.8 × 106 A ✓ At least 2 sf

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

03.3 Evidence of use of work done = force × distance ✓ Expect to see 4.5 (× 109 J) 4 AO2

Evidence of use of GPE gained = mgh ✓ Expect to see 1.0(4) (× 105 J)

KE = work done – GPE gained ✓

Do not award MP3 if answer suggests work
done = KE gained with no ref to GPE e.g.
GPE is negligible

Use of their KE = ½ mv2 to determine v ✓

Expect to see 8.5 × 103 (m s–1)

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

03.4 (doubling rail length) doubles work done on slide and Condone ‘doubles the KE of slide’ 2 1 × AO3
rocket ✓ Allow answer in terms of their value from 03.3 1 × AO4
increasing speed by a factor of (approximately) 2 ✓

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

03.5 Doubling current also doubles B✓ Allow in terms of their value from 03.3 2 1 × AO3
Force on/work done on of slide and rocket increases by a Condone ‘KE increases by factor of 4’ in MP2 1 × AO4
factor of 4 therefore speed is increased by a factor of
(approximately) 2 ✓

Total 10

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.1 1 Q1Q2 Allow POT errors in substitution 2 1 × AO1

Correct substitution of Q and r into F = ✓
40 r2 1 × AO2

To give 5.8 × 10–9 (N) ✓ Correct answer gets both marks.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.2 Evidence of use of potential at a point For MP1 expect to see calculation of 3 AO2
• Potential at 1.5 mm for one of the
1 Q
V= charges (7.2 V)
40 r
Or
• Potential energy of charges at 1.5 mm
Or potential energy equation ✓ separation (8.6 × 10–12 J)
Or
• Potential at 101 × 10–6 m for one of the
Attempt to calculate potential energy difference
charges (107 V)
= (their V x Q) ✓ • Or
• Potential energy of charges at 101 × 10–6
m separation (1.3 × 10–10 J)
1.2 × 10–10 (J) ✓
Potential difference (V) = 100 V
Condone POT errors in MP1 and MP2
Do not credit use of work done = force ×
distance

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.3 (vertically) down ✓ 1 AO1

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.4 Expect to see 3 1 × AO1

Evidence of calculation of weight of droplet ✓
F = mg = 1.38 × 10–9 × 9.81 = 1.35 × 10–8 (N) 2 × AO2

Use of F = EQ ✓ MP2 can be given for substitution or

rearrangement.

To give E = 6.4(5) × 103 (V m–1) ✓ Allow ecf for their F

Condone minus sign in final answer

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.5 Calculation of area ✓ Expect to see 5.9 × 106 m2 2 1 × AO1

1 × AO2
A0r
evidence of C =
d

At least 3 sf
to give 1.55 × 10–7 F ✓

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.6 2 AO2
Q2
Use of energy stored = ✓
2C

2.4 × 1010 (J) ✓ Allow ecf from 4.5

Show that value gives 2.5 x 1010 (J)

Total 13

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

05.1 GM Condone POT error in substitution 2 2 × AO3

Evidence of use of g = ✓
r2

To give 1.45 (m s–2) ✓

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

05.2 Alternative: 2 AO1

AO2
2π
use of a = 𝜔2 r and T = ✓
ω
𝐺𝑀 2π
Use of 𝜔 = √ 𝑟3 and T = ω ✓ Allow ecf for their a in 5.1 to calculate T ✓

To give 7.1 × 103 (s) ✓

In MP1 condone one substitution error for M

or r.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

05.3 Use of GPE = mV (to calculate V) ✓ 3 1 × AO1

GM Expect to see r = 1.78 × 106 m 2 × AO2

Use of gravitational potential V = ✓
r
Condone 4.3 x104 (m) if rounded value of r
4
To give 4.7 × 10 (m) ✓ used

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

05.4 Calculation of KE in orbit Expect to see 1.74 (× 108 J) 3 AO2

OR calculation of GPE on surface of Moon ✓
Expect to see (-)3.56 (× 108 J)

Evidence of (KE + GPE) in orbit – (GPE on surface of

moon) ✓
To give 1.83 × 108 J ✓

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

05.5 Relates gravitational field strength to centripetal MP2 could be argued from reduction in 2 AO3
acceleration. ✓ distance to centre of mass of Moon

Identifies that increase (local) density increases

gravitational field strength (and therefore increases If no other mark awarded allow an application
centripetal acceleration) ✓ of Newton’s 2nd Law of motion.

Total 12

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.1 There is an increase/change in the magnetic flux linkage Do not accept ‘increase in rate of change of 2 AO3
with the coil.✓ flux linkage’
Reference to Faraday’s Law.✓

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.2 (Ref to Lenz’s Law) 2 AO4

Condone ‘flux’ for ‘flux linkage’
Emf is induced in direction to oppose changing flux linkage
as magnet enters/leaves coil.✓
Flux linkage increasing and decreasing are opposite effects
(so emfs must have opposite signs) ✓

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.3 Magnet is going slower when entering ✓ Argument can be made for V1 smaller or V2 2 AO3
Smaller rate of change of flux linkage ✓ greater.

(Therefore smaller induced emf)

(Reference to Faraday’s Law)

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.4 Magnet is accelerating downwards ✓ Max 2 AO4

Time from top of coil to centre of coil is greater than time
from centre to bottom of coil. ✓
Emf is zero when magnet is at the centre of the coil.✓

Total 8

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

Question Key Answer AO

07 D kg A−1 s−2 AO1

08 C 0.84 A AO1

09 A BQv AO1
m
10 A circular, curving upwards AO2

11 B N AO1
t2
12 D 86% AO2

13 A 0.1 2 AO2
electric field magnitude of charge on Y >
14 B AO1
magnitude of charge on X
15 C AO1

increases

16 C They increase if the peak current in the secondary coil increases. AO1

17 B T AO1
At time the potential energy Ep of the particle is a minimum.
2
18 B 290 AO2
1
19 D r AO1
v2

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL PHYSICS – PH03 – JANUARY 2022

20 D 59 MPa AO2

21 C 4.9 N kg–1 AO2

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