Notes on AQA Science GCSE Physics Paper 1F (June 2020)

General Information

• Date & Time: Wednesday, 20 May 2020, Afternoon
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Materials Required:
  • Ruler
  • Scientific calculator
  • Physics Equations Sheet
• Total Marks: 70
• Instructions:
  • Use black ink/ball-point pen; pencil for drawings.
  • Answer all questions in provided spaces.
  • Show all calculations clearly.
  • Good English and clear presentation are emphasized.

Question 1: Resistance of a Wire

1. Circuit Symbols: Complete voltmeter and ammeter symbols.
2. Independent Variable: Length of the wire.
3. Dependent Variable: Resistance of the wire.
4. Mean Potential Difference Calculation:
   • Readings: 0.16 V, 0.17 V, 0.15 V
   • Calculate mean value.
5. Resistance Calculation:
   • Equation: ( R = \frac{V}{I} )
6. Power Dissipation Calculation:
   • Equation: ( P = VI )
7. Charge Flow Calculation:
   • Equation: ( Q = It )
8. Effect of Wire Thickness:
   • Thicker wire = lower resistance.

Question 2: Nuclear Weapons Testing

1. Radioactive Contamination:
   • Definition: Radioactive dust from testing.
2. Activity of Tritium (1992-2007):
   • Determine from graph.
3. Half-life of Tritium:
   • Time for activity to halve.
4. Percentage of Tritium Remaining:
   • After 4 years.
5. Randomness of Radioactive Decay:
   • Explained as a random process.
6. Safety Precautions:
   • Use long tongs for radioactive materials.
7. Peer Review Importance:
   • Ensure validity of scientific results.

Question 3: Eco-House Energy

1. Renewable Energy Definition:
   • Can be replenished as used.
2. Energy Resources:
   • Biomass (Renewable), Nuclear (Non-renewable), Natural Gas (Non-renewable).
3. Energy Transfer Processes:
   • Increase in kinetic energy with wind; chemical energy storage in battery.
4. Thermal Conductivity of Roof:
   • Lower thermal conductivity = better insulation, less energy needed.
5. Energy Transfer Calculation:
   • Equation: ( E = Pt )
6. Efficiency Equation:
   • Efficiency = ( \frac{Useful , Output}{Total , Input} )
7. Power Output of Solar Panels:
   • Use efficiency and input power to calculate.
8. Use of Wind and Solar:
   • Complementary to ensure energy availability.

Question 4: Air Particles and Temperature

1. Movement of Air Particles:
   • Random speeds and directions.
2. Temperature Measurement:
   • Appropriate thermometer for liquid nitrogen.
3. Insulating Gloves for Safety:
   • Prevents cold burns from liquid nitrogen.
4. Effect of Cooling on Particles:
   • Decrease in particle speed and kinetic energy.
5. Specific Heat Capacity Calculation:
   • Use mass, temperature change, and energy change.
6. Boiling Nitrogen:
   • Temperature remains constant at boiling point.
7. Vaporisation Definition:
   • Change from liquid to gas.
8. Specific Latent Heat of Vaporisation:
   • Calculate using mass and energy of vaporisation.

Question 5: Electrical Safety

1. Correct Wiring of Plug:
   • Ensure wires connected appropriately.
2. UK Mains Supply:
   • Potential difference: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz.
3. Neutral and Earth Wire Potential Difference:
   • Should be 0V.
4. Fuse Symbol:
   • Circuit symbol for safety fuses.
5. Safety with Metal Case Appliances:
   • Risk if live wire contacts case.
6. Role of Earth Wire:
   • Provides a safety path for electricity.

Question 6: Nuclear Decay

1. Alpha Decay in Polonium-210:
   • A = 206, Z = 82.
2. Beta Decay in Strontium-89:
   • Resulting nucleus of Yttrium.
3. Gamma Radiation:
   • Electromagnetic waves.
4. Properties of Radiations:
   • Differences in penetration and hazards of alpha, beta, and gamma.