Physical quantities and measurement techniques: past paper questions
Real questions on physical quantities and measurement techniques
The newest 20 of 234 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
the total weight of the boxes weight = N (i)
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[1]
The student is also provided with: • • • • a thermometer a stirrer a measuring cylinder containing water at room temperature a stopwatch. Fig. 1.2 shows the volume of water W in the measuring cylinder. cm 3 Fig. 1.2 Record the volume of water W. W = cm 3
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
The thermometer is placed in the water in the beaker. Fig. 1.4 shows the initial temperature θ 0 of the water. 30 20 10 Fig. 1.4 Record the initial temperature θ 0 of the water in the beaker. θ 0 = °C
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(i)[1]
The student: • places a small empty dish on a top pan balance. Fig. 3.1 shows the reading on the balance. 4.2 g Fig. 3.1 • adds 5 marbles to the dish. Fig. 3.2 shows the new reading on the balance. 29.6 g Fig. 3.2 Use the readings from Fig. 3.1 and Fig. 3.2 to calculate the mass of the 5 marbles. Show your working. mas...
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Calculate the average mass of 1 marble. average mass of 1 marble = g (ii)
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Calculate and record, in Table 3.1 on page 10: 1 the distance a between the 5.0 cm mark and the pivot 2 the distance b between the pivot and the 50.0 cm mark.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[1]
The student repeats the procedure in (a) for m = 40 g, 60 g, 80 g and 100 g. The results are shown in Table 3.1. Describe how the student makes sure that the centre of each mass placed on the metre rule is directly above the 5.0 cm mark. Table 3.1 m / g position of pivot / cm a / cm b / cm r = 40 38.1 33.1 11.9 0.36 60...
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[1]
Calculate the ratio r = b for m = 20 g. a Record, in Table 3.1, your answer to two significant figures.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3d[4]
On the grid provided in Fig. 3.3 on page 11, plot a graph of r on the y-axis against m on the x-axis. Start from the origin (0, 0). Draw the straight line of best fit. 0 0 Fig. 3.3 © UCLES 2025 ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßü¸þ× ĬĩÛúÒĥĞīâ÷ĀÜïϲÑôĂ ĥååÕõµĥÕąÅÅÅŵÅĕĥÕ 5054/42/O/N/25 [Turn over
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3e(i)[2]
Calculate the gradient G of your graph. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the numbers you use for your calculation. G =
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3e(ii)[1]
The mass M of the metre rule in grams is given by the equation: M = 1 G M = g Determine the mass of the metre rule to the nearest gram.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3e(iii)[1]
Name a piece of apparatus that the student can use to measure the mass of the metre rule directly.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3f[1]
A student says that the centre of mass of the metre rule is at the 50.0 cm mark. Describe how you use the apparatus provided to check that this statement is correct.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[2]
On Fig. 1.2 sketch the speed–time graph for the skydiver. On your graph, mark one point where the speed of the skydiver is increasing with an A and one point where the speed of the skydiver is constant with a B. speed 0 0 time
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
Explain how the graph shows that the acceleration decreases as the speed increases.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
One of the vertical forces acting on the skydiver is her weight. State the name of the other vertical force that acts on the skydiver.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(i)[1]
Calculate the weight of one bag of sugar. weight = N
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(ii)[2]
The maximum weight of a suitcase that can be carried onto the aeroplane is 67 N. Determine whether the weight of the suitcase exceeds the maximum allowed. Show a calculation in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(iii)[2]
Describe how to use the graph in Fig. 1.1 to determine the speed of the ball at time t = 0.40 s.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1b(i)[3]
Explain, in terms of the forces acting, why the acceleration decreases, and why it eventually becomes zero.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The definition of the term ‘acceleration’ was known by the majority of candidates. Occasionally candidates confused this with speed or velocity, and defined it as the rate of change of displacement/distance.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates named the planet Mercury as the planet closer to the Sun than Venus. A common incorrect answer was the Earth.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q9(d)(i) (Cambridge)
This was answered well and many candidates were clear about the difference between a vector quantity and a scalar quantity.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/22 Q1(a) (Cambridge)
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