CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2026 · Paper 2

27 questions and parts from this paper. Open one to see it in full, then practise it on Quelpr and get it marked against the mark scheme.

1. 1(a)(i)2 marksState what is meant by the term 'scientific notation'.
2. 1(a)(ii)4 marksComplete the table by inserting the missing quantities, unit names and unit symbols for the given SI base units.
3. 1(b)9 marksUse the information from Figure 1 to plot a graph of velocity, v, against time, t, to show the motion of the elevator on the grid provided in Figure 2, clearly identifying points A, B, C, and D.
4. 1(c)(i)7 marksCalculate the constant braking acceleration of the sports car.
5. 1(c)(ii)4 marksDetermine the time taken for the sports car to decrease in speed.
6. 1(d)(i)2 marksState TWO similarities between friction and drag.
7. 1(d)(ii)2 marksOutline ONE difference between friction and drag.
8. 2(a)2 marksDraw and label the period and amplitude on the sketch of the sinusoidal waveform in Figure 3.
9. 2(b)(i)3 marksCalculate the period of the motion of the block.
10. 2(b)(ii)4 marksDeduce the amplitude of the oscillation and provide an explanation in terms of energy transformations in the oscillating spring-mass system.
11. 2(b)(iii)3 marksCalculate the maximum speed, vₘ, of the oscillating block and state the position of the block when its maximum speed is attained.
12. 2(b)(iv)3 marksCalculate the maximum acceleration, aₘ, of the oscillating block.
13. 2(c)(i)1 markOn Figure 5, draw and label the normal.
14. 2(c)(ii)1 markOn Figure 5, draw and label the angle of incidence, i.
15. 2(c)(iii)1 markOn Figure 5, draw and label the angle of refraction, r.
16. 2(d)(i)4 marksOn the grid provided in Figure 6, plot a graph of sin i versus sin r and draw the line of best fit through the points.
17. 2(d)(ii)3 marksHence, determine the refractive index of Perspex.
18. 2(d)(iii)3 marksState the THREE conditions under which total internal reflection occurs.
19. 2(d)(iv)2 marksExplain why it is preferable to use red light instead of white light in the experiment.
20. 3(a)6 marksComplete the table by inserting ONE difference between crystalline and non-crystalline solids in terms of structure and properties, and give ONE example of EACH type of solid.
21. 3(b)6 marksWith the aid of a diagram, describe a simple experimental procedure that could be used to determine the Young's modulus of a length of sample wire.
22. 3(c)4 marksDefine the terms 'tensile stress' and 'tensile strain'.
23. 3(d)(i)1 markWrite an expression to show the relationship between ΔL_short and ΔL_long.
24. 3(d)(ii)2 marksAssume that the force acting on the short leg is F_short. Deduce the equation to show the relationship between F_short and ΔL_short.
25. 3(d)(iii)1 markAssume that the force acting on the long leg is F_long. Deduce the equation to show the relationship between F_long and ΔL_long.
26. 3(d)(iv)7 marksCalculate the values of ΔL_short and ΔL_long.
27. 3(d)(v)3 marksHence, determine the values of F_short and F_long.