Physical Quantities · CAPE Physics Unit 1

124 past-paper questions on Physical Quantities, part of Mechanics, from every CAPE Physics Unit 1 paper on Quelpr.

1. Q141 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2007 · Paper 1The true value of a quantity is x_0. This quantity is measured a large number of times and the number n, of particular values of x, is plotted against x. Which graph below represents measurements of poor…
2. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2007 (Specimen) · Paper 1The diagram shows two vectors P and Q. Which of the vector triangles shows the correct resultant R = P + Q
3. Q141 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2007 (Specimen) · Paper 1Which of the following experimental techniques reduces the systematic error of the quantity being investigated?
4. Q151 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2007 (Specimen) · Paper 1Marcia needs to find the mass of her dog but he will not stay on the bathroom scale. So first she weighs herself, getting 47 \pm 1\text{ kg}. Then she stands on the balance holding her dog and the reading becomes…
5. Q11 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 1In the relationship C = PQ, C is a constant. Which graph represents the relationship between Q and P?
6. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 1Two velocity vectors of magnitude 20\text{ km h}^{-1} and 40\text{ km h}^{-1} are to be subtracted. Which of the following is NOT a possible value for the answer?
7. Q81 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2008 (T&T) · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
8. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2009 · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube, a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
9. Q11 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2010 · Paper 1Which of the quantities below are dimensionless? I. Relative density II. Force III. Length IV. Refractive index
10. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2010 · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
11. Q321 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2010 · Paper 1The graph shows how the length of the mercury in a thermometer changes with temperature. The temperature which corresponds to a length of 10.0\text{ cm} is
12. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2011 · Paper 1Mary is on her way to New York and wants to ensure that her suitcase does NOT exceed the 50\text{ kg} limit. She stands on the scale and finds her mass is 55\text{ kg} \pm 1\text{ kg}. She next lifts her suitcase…
13. Q11 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2012 · Paper 1Which of the quantities below are dimensionless? I. Relative density II. Force III. Length IV. Refractive index
14. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2012 · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube, a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
15. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2013 · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube, a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
16. Q11 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2015 · Paper 1Four students measure the circumference of a circular room of radius 5.00\text{ m} using a metre rule. Their recorded results are: 31.40 \pm 0.04\text{ m} 31.41 \pm 0.04\text{ m} 31.42 \pm 0.04\text{ m}…
17. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2015 · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube, a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
18. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2016 · Paper 1Which of the following vectors BEST represents the resultant of the two vectors shown above?
19. Q21 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2017 · Paper 1In determining the density of a cube, a student records the following measurements: Length of side, l = 3.0 \pm 0.1\text{ cm} Mass of cube, m = 12.5 \pm 0.5\text{ g} The student then uses the equation…
20. Q31 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2017 · Paper 1The terminal velocity of a spherical body falling through a viscous liquid is given by V = kr^n, where r is the radius of the sphere, and k and n are constants. The values of k and n can be determined by…
21. 3(c)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2021 · Paper 2On the grid provided in Figure 5 on page 17, plot a graph of P versus T⁴. Draw the line of best fit through the points.
22. 2(d)(i)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2022 · Paper 2On the grid provided in Figure 3 on page 15, plot a graph of f against n. Draw the line of best fit through the points.
23. 2(d)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2022 · Paper 2Using the graph in (d)(i), determine the velocity of the waves on the string.
24. 1(a)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2Differentiate between 'precision' and 'accuracy'.
25. 1(b)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2Comment on the accuracy of the results in Table 1. Justify your response.
26. 1(b)(ii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2Comment on the precision of the results in Table 1. Justify your response.
27. 1(c)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2The formula for centripetal force is F = mv^2 / r. Write an expression to determine the fractional error in F, given the fractional error in m, v, and r.
28. 1(e)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2Complete Column 3 (1/M) and Column 4 (T^2) of Table 2.
29. 1(e)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2On the grid provided in Figure 2, plot a graph of T^2 versus 1/M. Draw the line of best fit through the points.
30. 1(e)(iii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2Write the equation T = 2π √(mr / Mg) in the form y = mx + c to show that the gradient is 4π^2 mr / g. From your graph in (e)(ii), determine an experimental value for the gradient.
31. 1(e)(iv)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2Using the equation for the gradient and the experimental value obtained in (e)(iii), calculate an experimental value for g.
32. 1(d)(i)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2024 · Paper 2Calculate the vertical component of the ball's velocity.
33. 1(d)(ii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2024 · Paper 2Calculate the horizontal component of the ball's velocity.
34. 3(b)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2024 · Paper 2On the grid provided in Figure 5, plot a graph of volume of gas, V, versus temperature, t, using scales ranging from -325 °C to +100 °C on the temperature axis and 0 mm³ to 1000 mm³ on the volume axis.
35. 2(b)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2Plot a graph of magnification M versus image distance v on the axes in Figure 2, and draw the line of best fit.
36. 2(c)(i)5 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2Use the graph on page 11 to determine the focal length, f, of the mirror given that M = 1 - v/f.
37. 2(c)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2Use the graph to determine the image distance when the magnification M = 0.6.
38. 3(g)(i)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2Plot a graph of saturated vapour pressure, P, versus temperature, T, on the grid provided in Figure 3, and draw a smooth curve through the points.
39. 1(a)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2026 · Paper 2State what is meant by the term 'scientific notation'.
40. 2(d)(i)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2026 · Paper 2On 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.
41. 2(d)(ii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 1 · May/June 2026 · Paper 2Hence, determine the refractive index of Perspex.
42. 1(a)7 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)Complete Table 1 and plot a suitable graph on the grid on page 4 to enable you to find the value of n. (Note that it is NOT necessary to convert the units to metres.)
43. 1(a)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)Use the data to plot a suitable straight line graph (on page 5) to determine the value of, g, the acceleration of free fall.
44. 1(a)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)To find the diameter of the bearings the student lined up 10 identical balls in a row and placed a ruler against them as shown in Figure 1.
45. 1(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)Using the values in the table above, plot a graph on page 5 of force against distance.
46. 1(a)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)Determine the average of these results and write down the value of the time that should be used in calculations. Include an estimate of the uncertainty in this value.
47. 1(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)Describe a possible experiment that you could perform to obtain the data for the velocity - time graph shown in Figure 1.
48. 1(a)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)Use the data to plot a graph showing how the force on the car varies with time.
49. 1(a)(i)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)(i)Define Displacement and state if it is a vector or scalar quantity.
50. 1(a)(i)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)(i)The positions on the scale were estimated to be: P 1.0 ± 0.2 cm, Q 20.2 ± 0.2 cm. Write down the value for the distance L using the same format.
51. 1(a)(ii)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(a)(ii)What value does this imply for the diameter D of one of the spheres?
52. 1(b)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)Write the equation of the graph you have drawn.
53. 1(b)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)The only balance available to the student was a 0 - 500 g instrument whose smallest division is 5 g. Using this balance the student obtained a mass of 30.4 ± 0.3 g for one of the ball bearings. Suggest how the mass of…
54. 1(b)(i)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(i)Complete Table 1 by filling in the blank columns.
55. 1(b)(i)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(i)Complete Column 3 in Table 1.
56. 1(b)(i)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(i)Write expressions for the initial vertical and horizontal components of velocity v_yi and v_xi respectively.
57. 1(b)(i)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(i)Read off the coordinates of any TWO points from the graph of Figure 1.
58. 1(b)(ii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(ii)If the area under the graph is 186 one-centimetre squares what is the value of this quantity using the units given?
59. 1(b)(ii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(ii)On page 4, plot a graph of lg (g – a) vs lg v.
60. 1(b)(ii)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(ii)On the grid provided in Figure 2 on page 9, plot a graph of H versus sin²θ. Draw the line of best fit through the points.
61. 1(b)(ii)a)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(ii)a)Use the coordinates from (i) to calculate the value of n.
62. 1(b)(ii)b)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(ii)b)Use the coordinates from (i) to calculate the value of x₀.
63. 1(b)(iii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(iii)Calculate the gradient of the graph and hence determine a value for n (to the nearest integer).
64. 1(b)(iii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(b)(iii)Determine the gradient of the graph in (b)(ii).
65. 1(c)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(c)Distinguish between 'systematic' and 'random errors'.
66. 1(c)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(c)On the grid provided on page 7, plot a graph of H_rebound versus H_before (starting at the origin).
67. 1(c)(i)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(c)(i)On the grid provided in Figure 1 (page 5), plot a graph of weight (W) versus 1/R^2 to reflect this variation.
68. 1(c)(i)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(c)(i)On the grid on the page opposite, plot a graph of the upward Force (F)/N versus Time (t)/s. Draw the BEST curve through the points.
69. 1(c)(ii)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(c)(ii)Find the gradient of the graph and hence determine the mass of the satellite. (Mass of Earth, M_E = 5.6 × 10^24 kg)
70. 1(c)(ii)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(c)(ii)On the SAME graph draw a line to represent the variation with time of the total weight of the rocket while the fuel is burning.
71. 1(d)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(d)How might random errors be reduced in this case?
72. 1(d)(i)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(d)(i)Use the graph in (c) above to deduce the equation relating H_rebound and H_before.
73. 1(d)(ii)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(d)(ii)How high would the ball be expected to rebound if it were dropped from a height of 2.04 m?
74. 1(e)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q1 1(e)Identify ONE source of a systematic error in this experiment.
75. 2(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(a)On page 7, plot a graph of 1/f against l, starting the scale on the l axis at 100 mm.
76. 2(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(a)Plot a suitable graph using the axes on page 7 to allow you to determine the values of a and n.
77. 2(b)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)The last TWO readings in Table 2 seem to be extra readings. Why did the experimenter consider it necessary to go back and take these extra readings?
78. 2(b)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)Using the values from the table, plot a graph of frequency vs 1/wavelength on page 7.
79. 2(b)5 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)Describe the practical procedures that you would follow to obtain such a graph for this harbour.
80. 2(b)(i)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(i)Show that the gradient of the graph is 1/f.
81. 2(b)(i)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(i)Complete the table by filling in the values for 1/l.
82. 2(b)(i)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(i)Complete Column 3 in Table 2 on page 12.
83. 2(b)(i)7 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(i)Use the graph to find the missing values of θ₁ and θ₂, and insert them in the table below. State the value of the critical angle of the glass.
84. 2(b)(ii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(ii)On page 9, plot a graph of frequency f vs 1/l.
85. 2(b)(ii)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(ii)Using an appropriate scale, plot a graph of f against 1/sqrt(V) on the grid provided in Figure 3 on page 13. Draw the line of best fit through the points.
86. 2(b)(iii)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(iii)Use the graph to determine the frequency of an unmarked fork which was in tune with 41.7 cm of the string.
87. 2(b)(iii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(iii)Use the gradient of the graph to determine the refractive index of the glass for this colour light.
88. 2(b)(iii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(iii)Determine the gradient of the graph.
89. 2(b)(iv)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(iv)Calculate the gradient of the graph.
90. 2(b)(v)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(b)(v)Determine the value of the mass per unit length, μ, of the wire.
91. 2(c)5 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)The data in the Table 2 were collected using the apparatus in Figure 1 on page 7. By means of plotting a suitable graph on page 8, find the velocity of the waves on the string.
92. 2(c)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)Use this data along with your answer in (b)(iii) to determine the velocity of sound in the bottle.
93. 2(c)(i)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)(i)Complete Table 2 on page 8 by inserting the missing values.
94. 2(c)(i)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)(i)Draw the best straight line through the points.
95. 2(c)(i)5 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)(i)On the grid provided in Figure 4 (page 11), plot a suitable graph to respresent the data.
96. 2(c)(ii)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)(ii)On the grid provided on page 9, plot a graph of d against t/2. Draw the best straight line through the points.
97. 2(c)(ii)a)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)(ii)a)Determine the gradient of the graph.
98. 2(c)(iii)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q2 2(c)(iii)Use your graph to determine the speed of sound, s.
99. 3(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q3 3(a)Complete Table 3 to show the estimated uncertainty (random error) in EACH measurement.
100. 3(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q3 3(a)Plot a graph of the weight, F, against the extension, x, on the graph grid opposite.
101. 3(b)(i)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q3 3(b)(i)Using the data from the table, plot on the grid provided on page 11, a graph of volume against temperature. Use a scale which shows -325 °C to +100 °C on the temperature axis and begin at 0 mm³ on the volume axis.
102. 3(c)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q3 3(c)On the grid provided on page 9, plot a graph of PT/Ptr against Ptr, starting the Ptr scale at 0.
103. 3(d)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q3 3(d)Read off the intercept on the PT/Ptr axis of your graph.
104. 4(a)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(a)Write expressions for A_x and A_y in terms of A and θ.
105. 4(a)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(a)State the difference between scalar and vector quantities and give ONE example of EACH.
106. 4(a)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(a)Describe how the diameter of the wire could be measured accurately.
107. 4(a)(i)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(a)(i)Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities and give ONE example of EACH.
108. 4(a)(ii)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(a)(ii)Three forces are acting at a point O as shown in Figure 3. Find their resultant and clearly indicate the direction of this resultant force with respect to the positive x-axis.
109. 4(b)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)Discuss, using examples, the difference between precision and accuracy in physical measurement.
110. 4(b)(i)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(i)Represent his resultant displacement using a suitable vector diagram.
111. 4(b)(i)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(i)If the resultant force acts along BO, find the angle θ.
112. 4(b)(i)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(i)State the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity.
113. 4(b)(ii)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(ii)Calculate a value of this resultant force.
114. 4(b)(ii)3 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(ii)Determine his northerly displacement from his starting point.
115. 4(b)(ii)2 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(ii)Calculate the component of the weight of the car down the slope.
116. 4(b)(iii)4 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q4 4(b)(iii)Hence, determine his resultant displacement from his starting point.
117. 5(b)(i)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q5 5(b)(i)How is the force on the ball different when its value is +4 N?
118. 5(b)(i)b)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q5 5(b)(i)b)How is the force on the ball different when its value is -4 N?
119. 5(b)(ii)10 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q5 5(b)(ii)a) Take readings from the graph and draw a suitable table of values. b) Using the graph paper provided on the insert, plot a straight line graph to test the relationship. c) Use your graph to determine the value of k.
120. 5(b)(ii)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q5 5(b)(ii)Estimate the uncertainty to which η can be determined.
121. 5(b)(iii)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q5 5(b)(iii)What is the actual uncertainty in the measurement?
122. 5(b)(iv)1 mark· Physics · Unit 1 Q5 5(b)(iv)Identify ONE case of random error and one case of systematic error in the measurements of the physical quantities required to determine η. Say what you would do to reduce these errors.
123. 6(e)6 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q6 6(e)Explain how, by plotting a suitable graph, the focal length of the lens could be determined from the data collected. Include a sketch of the graph you would expect to obtain.
124. 8(c)12 marks· Physics · Unit 1 Q8 8(c)Plot a graph to determine A and n.