Q1

The table gives data for Jupiter and three of its moons, including the radius r of each
object.

(a) Calculate, for the surface of 𝐼𝑜, the gravitational field strength gIo due to the mass of 𝐼𝑜
. State an appropriate unit for your answer.

[2]

Markscheme
−11 22
𝐺𝑀 6.67×10 ×8.9×10
« 2 = 6 2
= »1. 8 ✓ N kg−1 OR m s−2 ✓
𝑟 (1.8×10 )

A spacecraft is to be sent from 𝐼𝑜 to infinity.

𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝐽𝑢𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑜
(b.i) Show that the 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝐼𝑜 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑜
is about 80.

[2]
 Markscheme
27 22 27 6
1.9×10 8.9×10 1.9×10 ×1.8×10
8 AND 6 seen ✓ « 8 22 = »78 ✓
4.9×10 1.8×10 4.9×10 ×8.9×10
For MP1, potentials can be seen individually or as a ratio.

2𝐺×𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑜
(b.ii) Outline, using (b)(i), why it is not correct to use the equation 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑜
to calculate the speed required for the spacecraft to reach infinity from the
surface of 𝐼𝑜.

[1]

Markscheme
«this is the escape speed for 𝐼𝑜 alone but» gravitational potential / field of
Jupiter must be taken into account ✓
OWTTE

(c) An engineer needs to move a space probe of mass 3600 kg from Ganymede to
Callisto. Calculate the energy required to move the probe from the orbital radius of
Ganymede to the orbital radius of Callisto. Ignore the mass of the moons in your
calculation.

[2]
Markscheme
− 𝐺𝑀𝐽𝑢𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟( 1
1.88×10
9 −
1
1.06×10
11
9 ) = «5. 21 × 10 𝐽 𝑘𝑔
7 −1
» ✓ « multiplies by
3600 kg to get » 1.9 × 10 «J» ✓
Award [2] marks if factor of ½ used, taking into account orbital kinetic
energies, leading to a final answer of 9.4 x 1010 «J». Allow ECF from MP1
Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.
Q2

The diagram shows the electric field lines of a positively charged conducting sphere of radius 𝑅
and charge 𝑄.

Points A and B are located on the same field line.

(a) Explain why the electric potential decreases from A to B.

[2]

Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1
work done on moving a positive test charge in any outward direction is
negative ✓
potential difference is proportional to this work «so 𝑉 decreases from A to
B» ✓ ALTERNATIVE 2
potential gradient is directed opposite to the field so inwards ✓
the gradient indicates the direction of increase of 𝑉 «hence 𝑉 increases
towards the centre/decreases from A to B» ✓ ALTERNATIVE 3
𝑘𝑄
𝑉 = 𝑅 so as 𝑟 increases 𝑉 decreases ✓
𝑉 is positive as 𝑄 is positive ✓ ALTERNATIVE 4
the work done per unit charge in bringing a positive charge from infinity ✓
to point B is less than point A ✓

Examiners report
The majority who answered in terms of potential gained one mark. Often
the answers were in terms of work done rather than work done per unit
charge or missed the fact that the potential is positive.
 (b) Draw, on the axes, the variation of electric potential 𝑉 with distance 𝑟 from the centre of
the sphere.

[2]

Markscheme
curve decreasing asymptotically for 𝑟 > 𝑅 ✓ non − zero constant between

0 and 𝑅 ✓
 Examiners report
This was well answered.

A proton is placed at A and released from rest. The magnitude of the work done by the
−16
electric field in moving the proton from A to B is 1. 7 × 10 𝐽. Point A is at a distance of
−2 −1
5. 0 × 10 𝑚 from the centre of the sphere. Point B is at a distance of 1. 0 × 10 𝑚 from
the centre of the sphere.

(c(i)) Calculate the electric potential difference between points A and B.

[1]

Markscheme
−16
𝑊 1.7×10 3
« 𝑞
= −19 = »1. 1 × 10 «𝑉» ✓
1.60×10

Examiners report
Most didn't realise that the key to the answer is the definition of potential or
potential difference and tried to answer using one of the formulae in the
data booklet, but incorrectly.

(c(ii)) Determine the charge 𝑄 of the sphere.

[2]

Markscheme
9
8. 99 × 10 × 𝑄 ×
−8
( 1
5.0×10
−2 −
1
1.0×10
−1 ) = 1. 1 × 10 ✓
3

𝑄 = 1. 2 × 10 «𝐶» ✓

Examiners report
 Even though many were able to choose the appropriate formula from the
data booklet they were often hampered in their use of the formula by
incorrect techniques when using fractions.

(d) The concept of potential is also used in the context of gravitational fields. Suggest why
scientists developed a common terminology to describe different types of fields.

[1]

Markscheme
to highlight similarities between «different» fields ✓

Examiners report
This was generally well answered with only a small number of answers
suggesting greater international cooperation.
Q3

A proton is moving in a region of uniform magnetic field. The magnetic field is directed into
the plane of the paper. The arrow shows the velocity of the proton at one instant and the
dotted circle gives the path followed by the proton.

(a) Explain why the path of the proton is a circle.

[2]

Markscheme
magnetic force is to the left «at the instant shown»
OR
explains a rule to determine the direction of the magnetic force ✔
force is perpendicular to velocity/«direction of» motion
OR
force is constant in magnitude ✔
force is centripetal/towards the centre ✔
NOTE: Accept reference to acceleration instead of force
 The speed of the proton is 2.0 × 106 m s–1 and the magnetic field strength B is 0.35 T.

(b(i)) Show that the radius of the path is about 6 cm.

[2]

Markscheme
2 −27 6
𝑚𝑣 1.67×10 ×2.0×10
𝑞𝑣𝐵 = 𝑅
✔𝑅 = −19 OR 0.060 « m » NOTE: Award MP2 for
1.6×10 ×0.35
full replacement or correct answer to at least 2 significant figures

(b(ii)) Calculate the time for one complete revolution.

[2]

Markscheme
2π𝑅 2π×0.06 −7
𝑇= 𝑣
✔𝑇 = « 6 = 1. 9 × 10 « s » ✔ NOTE: Award [2] for bald
2.0×10
correct answer
Q4

The graph shows how current 𝐼 varies with potential difference 𝑉 across a component X.

(a) Outline why component X is considered non-ohmic.

[1]

Markscheme
current is not «directly» proportional to the potential difference
OR
resistance of X is not constant
OR
resistance of X changes «with current/voltage» ✓

Component X and a cell of negligible internal resistance are placed in a circuit.

A variable resistor R is connected in series with component X. The ammeter reads 20 𝑚𝐴.
 (b(i)) Determine the resistance of the variable resistor.

[3]

Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1 voltage across X= 2. 3 «𝑉» ✓ voltage across R
« = 4. 0 − 2. 3» = 1. 7 «𝑉» ✓ resistance of variable resistor
1.7
« = 0.020 » = 85 «Ω» ✓ ALTERNATIVE 2 overall resistance
4.0 2.3
«= 0.020
» = 200 «Ω» ✓ resistance of X « = 0.020
» = 115 «Ω» ✓
resistance of variable resistor « = 200 − 115» = 85 «Ω» ✓

(b(ii)) Calculate the power dissipated in the circuit.

[1]

Markscheme
power « = 4. 0 × 0. 020» = 0. 080 «𝑊» ✓
Q5

The pV diagram shows a heat engine cycle consisting of adiabatic, isothermal and
isovolumetric parts. The working substance of the engine is an ideal gas.

The following data are available:

pA = 5.00 × 105 Pa

VA = 2.00 × 10−3 m3

TA = 602 K

pB = 3.00 × 104 Pa

pC = 4.60 × 103 Pa

(a) Suggest why AC is the adiabatic part of the cycle.

[2]

Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1 «considering expansions from A» an adiabatic process
will reduce/change temperature ✓ and so curve AC must be the steeper ✓
ALTERNATIVE 2 temperature drop occurs for BC ✓ therefore CA must
increase temperature «via adiabatic process». ✓

Examiners report
Heat engine. In a), most students only conveyed information given that AC
is adiabatic but could not give clear enough reasons.
 (b) Show that the volume at C is 3.33 × 10−2 m3.

[2]

Markscheme
5 5

ALTERNATIVE 1 Use of adiabatic formula «𝑝𝐴𝑉𝐴 3 = 𝑝𝐶𝑉𝐶 3 ⇒»

3 3

( )
𝑝𝐴
( )
5 5 5
5.00×10
𝑉𝐶 = 𝑝𝐶
𝑉𝐴 ✓ 𝑉𝐶 = 3 × 2.00 × 10−3 «= 3.333 × 10−2 m3» ✓
4.60×10
For MP2, working or answer to at least 4 SF must be seen.
5 −3
5×10 ×2×10
ALTERNATIVE 2 VC=VB AND pA VA = pB VB ✓ 𝑉𝐶 = 4 ✓
3×10
ALTERNATIVE 3 VC=VB AND n = 0.2 mol ✓ VC = (0.2 × 8.31 × 602) / 4 ×
104 ✓

Examiners report
Calculating the volume was the easiest part of this question.
Q6

A fixed mass of an ideal gas is contained in a cylinder closed with a frictionless

piston. The volume of the gas is 2.5 × 10−3 m3 when the temperature of the gas is 37 °C
and the pressure of the gas is 4.0 × 105 Pa.

(a) Calculate the number of gas particles in the cylinder.

[2]

Markscheme
Correct conversion of T «T = 310 K» seen ✓
𝑝𝑉
« use of = 𝑁 = 𝑘𝑇 to get » 2.3 × 1023 ✓

Allow ECF from MP1 i.e., T in Celsius (Result is 2.7 x 1024)

Allow use of n, R and NA

Examiners report
a) This was well answered with the majority converting to K. Quite a few
found the number of moles but did not then convert to molecules.
bi) Well answered. It was pleasing to see how many recognised the need to
state that the mass/number of molecules stayed the same as well as
stating that the volume increased. At SL this recognition was less common
so only 1 mark was often awarded.
bii) This was less successfully answered. A surprising number of
candidates said that the internal energy of an ideal gas increases during an
isothermal expansion. Many recognised that constant temp meant constant
KE but then went on to state that the PE must increase and so the internal
energy would increase.

Q7
Albedo deals with reflected radiation, while emissivity deals with emitted radiation