Radiation: past paper questions
Real questions on radiation
The newest 20 of 43 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(i)[1]
State the name of the process of thermal energy transfer from the Sun to the copper pipe.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(ii)[2]
The surface of the copper pipe is black. Explain why the surface of the copper pipe is black.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(i)[1]
State the name of the process of thermal energy transfer from the Sun to the copper pipe.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(ii)[2]
The surface of the copper pipe is black. Explain why the surface of the copper pipe is black.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2026 · Q9b[1]
Complete the sentence about radiation. Ionising nuclear radiation that is always present in the environment is known
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2026 · Q9c[1]
State one source that makes a significant contribution to the ionising nuclear radiation that is always present in the environment.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11c(i)[1]
Define a ‘light-year’ in words.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q4a[1]
State the method of thermal energy transfer that warms the people.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q4b(i)[2]
Complete the sentences about energy transfers that warm the table. The heater transfers energy to the store of the table. The temperature of the table increases. The rate of energy by (b) (i)
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q4b(ii)[2]
One of the people puts a white cloth over the table. Explain why the white cloth causes the temperature of the table to decrease. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[3]
The cylinder is filled with a gas. Describe how particles of the gas exert a pressure on the inside surface of the metal cylinder.
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[2]
A student uses the apparatus in Fig. 5.1 to compare how different surfaces absorb infrared radiation. thermometer thermometer dull black surface metal container metal container shiny white surface air air Bunsen burner Fig. 5.1 Before heating, the air inside the metal containers is at the same temperature. The Bunsen b...
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
State one use of ultraviolet rays.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(ii)[1]
State one harmful effect of ultraviolet rays.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2025 · Q8a[1]
Suggest why a pull cord is safer than a push switch for a fan heater in a bathroom.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(i)[2]
The reading on thermometer Y is not 24 °C. Explain why the readings on the two thermometers are not the same.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(ii)[1]
Suggest a value for the reading on thermometer Y. thermometer Y reading = °C
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q22[1]
How has this change affected the wavelength and speed of the radiation?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q5c[2]
A playground includes a concrete area with white and black squares, as shown in Fig. 5.2. Fig. 5.2 The Sun shines on the concrete area during the day. The temperature of the concrete area increases. During the afternoon, students compare the temperature of the white squares with the temperature of the black squares. St...
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2024 · Q3a(i)[1]
Explain why the shower bag is painted black.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates knew that thermal energy transfers from the outdoor heater via radiation. Limited responses • A common misconception was to state that thermal energy transfers by convection. • A few candidates suggested the transfer was by conduction.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • A few candidates were able to complete all the sentences with accurate statements about energy transfer. • Some candidates recognised that energy was transferred into the internal (thermal) store of the table. • Some candidates provided words to show that the rate of energy absorbed by the table was greater than the rate of energy emitted by the table. Limited responses...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q4(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Responses clearly identified that white was a good reflector or poor absorber of radiation or thermal energy. • A few responses explained clearly that this caused less energy to be absorbed by the table or that less energy reached the table. • Other responses explained that, with the white cloth, the rate of emission of thermal energy by the table was greater than the rat...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q4(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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