Question 1 (Subtopic: B1.1)
The diagram shows some apparatus that can be used to test for one of the characteristics of life.
Which characteristic is being tested?
A. Excretion
B. Nutrition
C. Reproduction
D. Sensitivity
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. Excretion
Explanation: The apparatus shown in the diagram is used to test for excretion, which is one of the characteristics of life. Excretion involves the removal of waste products from the body, and the apparatus is designed to detect these waste products.
Question 2 (Subtopic: B3.1)
The diagram shows molecules of a gas at different concentrations either side of a permeable membrane.
In which direction will the molecules move?
A. Both ways, but more from P to Q
B. Both ways, but more from Q to P
C. From P to Q only
D. From Q to P only
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. Both ways, but more from P to Q
Explanation: The molecules will move in both directions due to diffusion, but there will be a net movement from the region of higher concentration (P) to the region of lower concentration (Q).
Question 3 (Subtopic: B4.1)
A food contains reducing sugar, but no starch. What colours will be obtained if samples of the food are tested with Benedict’s solution and with iodine solution?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. Benedict’s test: red-orange; iodine test: brown
Explanation: Benedict’s solution turns red-orange in the presence of reducing sugars, while iodine solution remains brown in the absence of starch.
Question 4 (Subtopic: B5.1)
Which type of molecule is an enzyme?
A. Carbohydrate
B. Fat
C. Protein
D. Vitamin
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. Protein
Explanation: Enzymes are biological catalysts made up of proteins. They speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process.
Question 5 (Subtopic: B6.1)
An investigation was carried out to show that carbon dioxide was necessary for photosynthesis to occur in a plant. Which conditions should the plant be kept in as a suitable control for this experiment?
A. Clear container, with lots of carbon dioxide
B. Clear container, without any carbon dioxide
C. Black container, with lots of carbon dioxide
D. Black container, without any carbon dioxide
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. Clear container, without any carbon dioxide
Explanation: The control experiment should have all conditions the same as the experimental setup except for the absence of carbon dioxide. This allows for a comparison to determine the effect of carbon dioxide on photosynthesis.
Question 6 (Subtopic: B7.1)
Why is calcium needed in the diet?
A. To make carbohydrates
B. To make teeth
C. To make enzymes
D. To make protein
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. To make teeth
Explanation: Calcium is essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It is a key component of the mineral structure of teeth.
Question 7 (Subtopic: B9.1)
An oxygenated red blood cell returns to the heart from the lungs. Which sequence describes the route the red blood cell follows as it delivers its oxygen to a kidney?
A. Left ventricle → aorta → renal artery
B. Left ventricle → aorta → renal vein
C. Right ventricle → aorta → renal artery
D. Right ventricle → aorta → renal vein
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. Left ventricle → aorta → renal artery
Explanation: Oxygenated blood from the lungs enters the left atrium, then the left ventricle, and is pumped into the aorta. From the aorta, it travels to the renal artery, which supplies blood to the kidneys.
Question 8 (Subtopic: B12.1)
Which processes use energy released by respiration?
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1, 3 and 4
C. 1, 4 and 5
D. 4 and 5 only
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. 1, 4 and 5
Explanation: Respiration releases energy that is used for various cellular processes, including cell division (1), muscle contraction (4), and protein synthesis (5).
Question 9 (Subtopic: B13.3)
What is the definition of homeostasis?
A. Controlling body temperature
B. Controlling responses to stimuli
C. Maintaining a constant external environment
D. Maintaining a constant internal environment
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. Maintaining a constant internal environment
Explanation: Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism, despite changes in external conditions.
Question 10 (Subtopic: B15.3)
The diagram shows a section through a pea flower. Where does fertilisation occur?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. C
Explanation: Fertilisation in plants occurs in the ovule, which is located within the ovary of the flower. The ovule is labeled as C in the diagram.
Question 11 (Subtopic: B16.1)
In cats, the allele for short hair is dominant to the allele for long hair. Two long-haired cats are bred together. What hair length will the offspring have?
A. all long-haired
B. all mid-length hair
C. all short-haired
D. 50% long and 50% short-haired
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. all long-haired
Explanation: Since long hair is a recessive trait, both parent cats must be homozygous recessive (ll). When two homozygous recessive individuals are bred, all offspring will also be homozygous recessive (ll), resulting in all long-haired offspring.
Question 12 (Subtopic: B18.1)
Where does the principal source of energy for an ecosystem come from?
A. decay
B. the soil
C. the Sun
D. water
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. the Sun
Explanation: The Sun is the primary source of energy for almost all ecosystems on Earth. Plants, algae, and some bacteria capture solar energy through photosynthesis, which is then transferred through the food chain.
Question 13 (Subtopic: B19.1)
What could deforestation cause?
A. a decrease in carbon dioxide levels and a decrease in flooding
B. a decrease in carbon dioxide levels and an increase in flooding
C. an increase in carbon dioxide levels and a decrease in flooding
D. an increase in carbon dioxide levels and an increase in flooding
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. an increase in carbon dioxide levels and an increase in flooding
Explanation: Deforestation leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels because trees, which absorb CO₂, are removed. It also increases the risk of flooding as trees play a crucial role in absorbing rainwater and maintaining soil stability.
Question 14 (Subtopic: C2.2)
Which statement about atoms and molecules is correct?
A. All molecules are gases at room temperature and pressure.
B. An atom is the smallest part of an element.
C. Atoms of the same element all have the same mass.
D. Molecules always contain atoms of more than one element.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. An atom is the smallest part of an element.
Explanation: An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. Molecules can consist of atoms of the same element (e.g., O₂) or different elements (e.g., H₂O).
Question 15 (Subtopic: C2.3)
One isotope of oxygen is \( \text{O}^{16}_8 \). Which diagram represents a different isotope of oxygen?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. 9 protons, 9 neutrons
Explanation: Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is D, which has 8 protons (same as oxygen) but 9 neutrons, making it a different isotope.
Question 16 (Subtopic: C2.4)
What happens to a tellurium atom when it forms a tellurium ion, \( \text{Te}^{2-} \)?
A. It gains two electrons.
B. It gains two protons.
C. It loses two electrons.
D. It loses two protons.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. It gains two electrons.
Explanation: When an atom forms a negative ion, it gains electrons. In this case, tellurium gains two electrons to form \( \text{Te}^{2-} \).
Question 17 (Subtopic: C4.1)
The diagram shows the electrolysis of lead(II) bromide using inert electrodes.
Which statement about this experiment is correct?
A. Electrode X is positively charged.
B. The coloured fumes are produced at the negative electrode.
C. The electrolyte is lead(II) bromide.
D. The grey solid is lead(II) bromide.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. The electrolyte is lead(II) bromide.
Explanation: In the electrolysis of lead(II) bromide, the electrolyte is lead(II) bromide. The grey solid formed is lead metal, and the coloured fumes are bromine gas, which is produced at the positive electrode.
Question 18 (Subtopic: C6.3)
Which reaction involves both oxidation and reduction?
A. calcium carbonate → calcium oxide + carbon dioxide
B. copper oxide + carbon → copper + carbon dioxide
C. silver nitrate + potassium chloride → silver chloride + potassium nitrate
D. sulfuric acid + sodium hydroxide → sodium sulfate + water
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. copper oxide + carbon → copper + carbon dioxide
Explanation: In this reaction, copper oxide is reduced to copper, and carbon is oxidized to carbon dioxide. Therefore, both oxidation and reduction occur.
Question 19 (Subtopic: C12.5)
What test is used to test for chlorine?
A. damp litmus paper
B. glowing splint
C. lighted splint
D. limewater
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. damp litmus paper
Explanation: Chlorine gas bleaches damp litmus paper, turning it white. This is a standard test for chlorine.
Question 20 (Subtopic: C8.2)
Which row describes properties of Group I elements?
| electrical conductivity | reaction with water | |
|---|---|---|
| A | conductor | does not react |
| B | insulator | reacts |
| C | conductor | reacts |
| D | insulator | does not react |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. conductor, reacts
Explanation: Group I elements (alkali metals) are good conductors of electricity and react vigorously with water to produce hydrogen gas and an alkaline solution.
Question 21 (Subtopic: C9.2)
Which statement is not a reason why aluminium is used in aircraft manufacture?
A. It forms low density alloys.
B. It is malleable.
C. It is more reactive than iron.
D. It is resistant to corrosion.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: Aluminium is used in aircraft manufacture because it forms low-density alloys (A), is malleable (B), and is resistant to corrosion (D). However, its reactivity compared to iron (C) is not a reason for its use in aircraft. In fact, aluminium’s reactivity is managed through alloying and surface treatments.
Question 22 (Subtopic: C10.1)
A colourless liquid is added to blue cobalt chloride paper. The paper turns pink. What does this show about the liquid?
A. It contains water.
B. It is acidic.
C. It is neutral.
D. It is pure water.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: Blue cobalt chloride paper turns pink in the presence of water. This indicates that the liquid contains water (A). It does not necessarily mean the liquid is pure water (D), acidic (B), or neutral (C).
Question 23 (Subtopic: C10.2)
Which three elements are contained in fertilisers to increase crop yield?
A. calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus
B. calcium, nitrogen, potassium
C. calcium, phosphorus, potassium
D. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: Fertilizers typically contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to promote plant growth and increase crop yield. These are the primary nutrients required by plants.
Question 24 (Subtopic: C6.2)
When limestone is heated it thermally decomposes into lime. What is the word equation for this reaction?
A. calcium carbonate → calcium + carbon dioxide
B. calcium carbonate → calcium oxide + carbon dioxide
C. calcium hydrogencarbonate → calcium + carbon dioxide + water
D. calcium hydrogencarbonate → calcium oxide + carbon dioxide + water
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: When limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated, it decomposes into calcium oxide (lime) and carbon dioxide. The correct word equation is: calcium carbonate → calcium oxide + carbon dioxide.
Question 25 (Subtopic: C11.3)
What are the uses of the fractions obtained from petroleum?
| gas oil | gasoline | refinery gas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | cooking | petrol fuel | diesel fuel |
| B | diesel fuel | heating | petrol fuel |
| C | diesel fuel | petrol fuel | cooking |
| D | petrol fuel | diesel fuel | heating |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: Gas oil is used as diesel fuel, gasoline is used as petrol fuel, and refinery gas is used for cooking. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Question 26 (Subtopic: C11.5)
Ethene is produced when decane, a large hydrocarbon, is heated with a catalyst. What is the name of this process?
A. combustion
B. cracking
C. displacement
D. neutralisation
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: The process of breaking down large hydrocarbons into smaller ones, such as ethene, by heating with a catalyst is called cracking.
Question 27 (Subtopic: C11.7)
Which statement about the manufacture of polymers is correct?
A. Polymers are made by breaking long-chain molecules into shorter chain ones.
B. Polymers are made by joining polymers together.
C. Polymers are made by fractional distillation of petroleum.
D. Polymers are made by joining short-chain molecules together.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: Polymers are made by joining short-chain molecules (monomers) together through a process called polymerization. This is how large polymer chains are formed.
Question 28 (Subtopic: P1.4)
A solid metal block has a mass of \( 2.0 \times 10^4 \, \text{kg} \) and a volume of \( 2.5 \, \text{m}^3 \). What is the density of the metal?
A. \( 800 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \)
B. \( 5000 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \)
C. \( 8000 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \)
D. \( 50 000 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \)
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: Density is calculated using the formula: density = mass / volume. Substituting the given values: density = \( 2.0 \times 10^4 \, \text{kg} / 2.5 \, \text{m}^3 = 8000 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \).
Question 29 (Subtopic: P1.5)
The diagram shows two teams P and Q pulling on a rope. Team P pulls with a force of 500 N to the left and team Q pulls with a force of 800 N to the right.
What is the resultant force acting on the middle of the rope?
A. \( 300 \, \text{N} \) to the left
B. \( 300 \, \text{N} \) to the right
C. \( 1300 \, \text{N} \) to the left
D. \( 1300 \, \text{N} \) to the right
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: The resultant force is the difference between the two forces since they are acting in opposite directions. Resultant force = 800 N – 500 N = 300 N to the right.
Question 30 (Subtopic: P2.2)
A liquid starts to evaporate. Which molecules escape, and what happens to the temperature of the remaining liquid?
| molecules that escape | temperature of the remaining liquid | |
|---|---|---|
| A | less energetic | decreases |
| B | less energetic | increases |
| C | more energetic | decreases |
| D | more energetic | increases |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: During evaporation, the more energetic molecules escape from the liquid, leaving behind the less energetic ones. This results in a decrease in the temperature of the remaining liquid.
Question 31 (Subtopic: P2.3)
A hot water tank is fitted with two identical heaters P and Q. Heater P is fitted above heater Q as shown. The tank is full of cold water.
When only heater Q is switched on, it takes a long time to heat the tank of water to \(60^\circ C\). What happens to the cold water when only heater P is switched on?
A. All the water reaches \(60^\circ C\) in less time.
B. All the water reaches \(60^\circ C\) in the same time.
C. The water below heater P reaches \(60^\circ C\) in less time.
D. The water above heater P reaches \(60^\circ C\) in less time.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: When heater P is switched on, it heats the water above it first due to convection currents. Therefore, the water above heater P reaches \(60^\circ C\) in less time.
Question 32 (Subtopic: P3.1)
‘The number of crests on the surface of water that pass a particular point each second.’ Which property of a wave does this describe?
A. amplitude
B. frequency
C. speed
D. wavelength
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: The number of crests passing a point each second is the frequency of the wave, which is measured in hertz (Hz).
Question 33 (Subtopic: P3.2)
The diagram shows light passing through a thin converging lens. At which labelled point is the principal focus of the lens?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: The principal focus of a converging lens is the point where parallel rays of light converge after passing through the lens. In the diagram, this is labelled as point C.
Question 34 (Subtopic: P3.4)
The amplitude of a sound wave increases and the frequency decreases. What happens to the loudness and what happens to the pitch of the sound?
A. The sound becomes louder and higher pitched.
B. The sound becomes louder and lower pitched.
C. The sound becomes quieter and higher pitched.
D. The sound becomes quieter and lower pitched.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: An increase in amplitude results in a louder sound, while a decrease in frequency results in a lower pitch. Therefore, the sound becomes louder and lower pitched.
Question 35 (Subtopic: P4.2)
The circuit shown is used when determining the resistance of a lamp.
The ammeter reading is 2.0 A and the voltmeter reading is 6.0 V. What is the resistance of the lamp?
A. 0.33 Ω
B. 3.0 Ω
C. 8.0 Ω
D. 12 Ω
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: Resistance is calculated using Ohm’s Law: \( R = V / I \). Substituting the given values: \( R = 6.0 \, \text{V} / 2.0 \, \text{A} = 3.0 \, \Omega \).
Question 36 (Subtopic: P4.3)
Two resistors of resistance 1.0 Ω and 2.0 Ω are connected in parallel. What is the combined resistance of this arrangement of resistors?
A. less than 1.0 Ω
B. exactly 1.5 Ω
C. between 2.0 Ω and 3.0 Ω
D. exactly 3.0 Ω
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: The combined resistance of resistors in parallel is always less than the smallest individual resistance. Therefore, the combined resistance is less than 1.0 Ω.
Question 37 (Sub-topic: P4.4)
A fuse is a safety device for use in an electrical circuit. The current in the circuit becomes greater than the rated value for the fuse.
What happens?
A) The current decreases to zero.
B) The current decreases to the rated value for the fuse.
C) The thickness of the insulation around the wires increases.
D) The current is sent to the outer case of the appliance.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: A fuse is designed to break the circuit when the current exceeds its rated value. When this happens, the current decreases to zero, preventing damage to the circuit or appliance. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Question 38 (Sub-topic: P4.5.3)
A current-carrying wire passes through a flat card. The arrow on each wire shows the direction of the current.
Which diagram shows the pattern of the magnetic field on the card and the direction of the magnetic field lines?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: The magnetic field around a current-carrying wire forms concentric circles, and the direction of the field lines can be determined using the right-hand rule. In the correct diagram, the field lines should be concentric circles around the wire, and the direction should follow the right-hand rule. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
Question 39 (Sub-topic: P4.5.4)
The diagram shows a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. The current and the magnetic field cause a downward force on the wire.
The poles of the magnet are now reversed so that the N-pole is on the right and the S-pole is on the left.
What happens to the force on the wire?
A) Its direction changes.
B) Its magnitude decreases.
C) Its magnitude increases.
D) It is unchanged.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: The direction of the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field depends on the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field. Reversing the poles of the magnet will reverse the direction of the magnetic field, which in turn will reverse the direction of the force on the wire. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Question 40 (Sub-topic: P5.1)
The diagrams represent the nuclei of four different atoms V, W, X and Y.
Which two diagrams represent isotopes of the same element?
A) V and Y
B) W and X
C) X and Y
D) Y and W
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. By examining the diagrams, we can see that X and Y have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, making them isotopes of the same element. Therefore, the correct answer is C.