Question 1 (Subtopic: B1.1)
Which process do all living organisms carry out?
A. asexual reproduction
B. excretion
C. ingestion
D. photosynthesis
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. excretion
Explanation: All living organisms carry out excretion, which is the removal of waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements. This is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms.
Question 2 (Subtopic: B2.1)
Which statement about animal cells and plant cells is correct?
A. Only animal cells possess cell membranes.
B. Only animal cells possess cell walls.
C. Only plant cells possess cell membranes.
D. Only plant cells possess cell walls.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. Only plant cells possess cell walls.
Explanation: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support. Animal cells do not have cell walls; they only have cell membranes.
Question 3 (Subtopic: B4.1)
Which result with the biuret test shows that protein is present?
A. blue
B. green
C. orange
D. purple
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. purple
Explanation: The biuret test is used to detect the presence of proteins. When the biuret reagent is added to a solution containing proteins, the solution turns purple, indicating the presence of proteins.
Question 4 (Subtopic: B5.1)
Which statements are correct for all enzymes?
1. They are proteins.
2. They are unaffected by temperature.
3. They speed up chemical reactions.
4. They work best at a high pH.
A. 1, 2 and 4
B. 1, 3 and 4
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 4 only
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions. However, they are affected by temperature and pH, and each enzyme has an optimal pH at which it works best, which is not necessarily high.
Question 5 (Subtopic: B6.1)
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
A. carbon dioxide + glucose → oxygen + water
B. carbon dioxide + water → oxygen + glucose
C. oxygen + glucose → carbon dioxide + water
D. oxygen + water → carbon dioxide + glucose
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. carbon dioxide + water → oxygen + glucose
Explanation: The word equation for photosynthesis is carbon dioxide + water → oxygen + glucose. This process occurs in the presence of light and chlorophyll, and it is how plants produce their own food.
Question 6 (Subtopic: B7.2)
Which process can be defined as the movement of small, water-soluble food molecules through the wall of the intestine into the blood?
A. absorption
B. assimilation
C. digestion
D. egestion
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. absorption
Explanation: Absorption is the process by which small, water-soluble food molecules pass through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream. This is a key step in the digestive process, allowing nutrients to be transported to cells throughout the body.
Question 7 (Subtopic: B8.1)
The diagrams show sections through a stem and a root.
Which indicate the positions of the xylem?
A. P and S
B. P and T
C. Q and S
D. Q and T
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. P and T
Explanation: The xylem is responsible for transporting water and mineral ions from the roots to the rest of the plant. In the diagrams, the xylem is typically located in the center of the root and stem, which corresponds to positions P and T.
Question 8 (Subtopic: B12.1)
Which area represents the substances produced in aerobic respiration?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. both carbon dioxide and water
Explanation: Aerobic respiration produces carbon dioxide and water as waste products. The overall equation for aerobic respiration is glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy.
Question 9 (Subtopic: B13.2)
The graph shows the pulse rate over a period of time.
At which point was adrenaline released into the blood?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. A
Explanation: Adrenaline is a hormone that increases the pulse rate. In the graph, the pulse rate spikes at point A, indicating that adrenaline was released into the blood at this point.
Question 10 (Subtopic: B15.4)
Which row is correct about human gametes?
| site of female gamete production | site of male gamete production | |
|---|---|---|
| A | ovaries | sperm ducts |
| B | ovaries | testes |
| C | oviduct | sperm ducts |
| D | oviduct | testes |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. ovaries and testes
Explanation: Female gametes (eggs) are produced in the ovaries, while male gametes (sperm) are produced in the testes. The sperm ducts are involved in transporting sperm, not producing them.
Question 11 (Subtopic: B17.2)
The graph shows the number of cows producing different volumes of milk. Which group of cows should be used in a programme to breed more cows with the highest milk yield?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. D
Explanation: The group of cows with the highest milk yield (group D) should be selected for breeding to ensure that the offspring inherit the trait for high milk production. This is an example of selective breeding.
Question 12 (Subtopic: B18.2)
The diagram shows a food chain.
grass → grasshopper → frog → snake → buzzard
Which is correct?
A. The buzzard is a producer.
B. The frog is a primary consumer.
C. The grasshopper is a secondary consumer.
D. The snake is a tertiary consumer.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. The snake is a tertiary consumer.
Explanation: In the food chain grass → grasshopper → frog → snake → buzzard, the snake is a tertiary consumer because it feeds on the frog, which is a secondary consumer.
Question 13 (Subtopic: B19.1)
Untreated sewage is released into a river at point X. Which graph correctly shows changes in oxygen concentration of the water as the river flows away from X?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. Graph B
Explanation: When untreated sewage is released into a river, it leads to an increase in the growth of bacteria, which consume oxygen. This causes a decrease in oxygen concentration near point X, followed by a gradual recovery as the river flows away from X. Graph B shows this pattern.
Question 14 (Subtopic: C1.1)
Which statement describes the arrangement of particles in a solid?
A. The particles are close together and move randomly.
B. The particles are close together and vibrate about a fixed point.
C. The particles are far apart and move randomly.
D. The particles are far apart and vibrate about a fixed point.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. The particles are close together and vibrate about a fixed point.
Explanation: In a solid, particles are closely packed and vibrate about fixed positions. They do not move freely as in liquids or gases.
Question 15 (Subtopic: C6.1)
Which processes are chemical changes?
1. conversion of steam to liquid water
2. cracking of alkanes
3. fractional distillation of petroleum
4. thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate
A. 1 and 3
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 2 and 4
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. 2 and 4
Explanation: Chemical changes involve the formation of new substances. Cracking of alkanes and thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate are chemical changes because new substances are formed. The conversion of steam to liquid water and fractional distillation of petroleum are physical changes.
Question 16 (Subtopic: C2.5)
What is the dot-and-cross diagram for a water molecule?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: The correct dot-and-cross diagram for a water molecule (H₂O) shows two hydrogen atoms sharing electrons with one oxygen atom. Diagram A correctly represents this arrangement.
Question 17 (Subtopic: C2.1)
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound. A molecule of hydrogen peroxide can be represented as shown.
What is the formula of hydrogen peroxide?
A. HO
B. H₂O₂
C. (OH)₂
D. 2OH
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. H₂O₂
Explanation: The formula for hydrogen peroxide is H₂O₂, indicating that each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms.
Question 18 (Subtopic: C4.1)
Concentrated aqueous sodium chloride is electrolysed using inert electrodes. Which row identifies the product at each electrode?
| product at anode | product at cathode | |
|---|---|---|
| A | chlorine | sodium |
| B | hydrogen | chlorine |
| C | sodium | chlorine |
| D | chlorine | hydrogen |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. chlorine and hydrogen
Explanation: During the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride, chlorine gas is produced at the anode, and hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode.
Question 19 (Subtopic: C5.1)
The table shows the temperature of some water before and after a solid is dissolved in it. Which change is the most exothermic?
| temperature before /°C | temperature after /°C | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 20 | 18 |
| B | 20 | 40 |
| C | 25 | 18 |
| D | 25 | 42 |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: An exothermic reaction releases heat, causing the temperature to rise.
Question 20 (Subtopic: C6.2)
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes very slowly. When element X is added, hydrogen peroxide decomposes much faster. Element X is unchanged at the end of this reaction.
What is element X?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: Element X is a catalyst, as it speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide without being consumed in the reaction. Catalysts remain unchanged at the end of a reaction.
Question 21 (Subtopic: C7.1)
The pH values of four liquids are 1, 4, 7 and 13. The four liquids are distilled water, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide and vinegar.
Which row shows the pH values of the liquids?
| distilled water | nitric acid | potassium hydroxide | vinegar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4 | 7 | 13 | 1 |
| B | 4 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| C | 7 | 1 | 4 | 13 |
| D | 7 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. 7, 1, 13, 4
Explanation: Distilled water is neutral (pH 7), nitric acid is strongly acidic (pH 1), potassium hydroxide is strongly alkaline (pH 13), and vinegar is weakly acidic (pH 4).
Question 22 (Subtopic: C12.3)
The colours in an ink can be separated by chromatography. Which diagram shows the correct way to set up the apparatus?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: In chromatography, the solvent should be below the spot of ink to allow the ink to move up the paper by capillary action. Diagram B shows the correct setup.
Question 23 (Subtopic: C8.1)
Which statement about the Periodic Table is correct?
A. Elements are listed in order of neutron number.
B. Elements are listed in order of nucleon number.
C. Elements are listed in order of proton number.
D. Elements are listed in order of relative atomic mass.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. Elements are listed in order of proton number.
Explanation: The Periodic Table is arranged in order of increasing proton number (atomic number), which determines the identity of the element.
Question 24 (Subtopic: C9.1)
Four properties of metals are listed. Which properties make aluminium suitable for use in cans containing drinks?
1. high melting point
2. low density
3. resistance to corrosion
4. conducts electricity
A. 1 and 2
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 and 4
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. 2 and 3
Explanation: Aluminium is suitable for drink cans because it has a low density (making it lightweight) and is resistant to corrosion (preventing the contents from being contaminated).
Question 25 (Subtopic: C10.1)
Which three elements are needed in fertilisers to help plants grow?
A. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
B. nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium
C. nitrogen, sodium, potassium
D. sodium, phosphorus, potassium
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Explanation: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary nutrients required by plants for growth and are commonly found in fertilisers.
Question 26 (Subtopic: C10.2)
Which statement about the manufacture of lime from limestone is not correct?
A. A high pressure is used.
B. A high temperature is used.
C. Carbon dioxide is produced.
D. Thermal decomposition occurs.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. A high pressure is used.
Explanation: The manufacture of lime from limestone involves heating limestone (calcium carbonate) at high temperatures, which causes thermal decomposition and releases carbon dioxide. High pressure is not required.
Question 27 (Subtopic: C11.3)
Petroleum is separated into useful fractions by fractional distillation. Which row matches the fractions to their uses?
| fuel | heating and cooking | making chemicals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | bitumen | naphtha | refinery gas |
| B | gasoline | bitumen | naphtha |
| C | gasoline | refinery gas | naphtha |
| D | naphtha | refinery gas | gasoline |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. gasoline, refinery gas, naphtha
Explanation: Gasoline is used as fuel, refinery gas is used for heating and cooking, and naphtha is used in the production of chemicals.
Question 28 (Subtopic: P1.2)
The speed-time graphs represent the motion of a car moving in a straight line.
Which graph represents the car moving first with a constant acceleration, then with a larger constant acceleration and then with a constant speed?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: Graph D shows the car accelerating at a constant rate, then accelerating at a larger constant rate, and finally moving at a constant speed (horizontal line).
Question 29 (Subtopic: P1.4)
An object has a mass of 20 kg and a density of 8400 kg/m³. What is the volume of the object?
A. 2.4 × 10⁻³ m³
B. 4.2 × 10² m³
C. 1.6 × 10⁵ m³
D. 1.7 × 10⁵ m³
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. 2.4 × 10⁻³ m³
Explanation: Volume = mass / density = 20 kg / 8400 kg/m³ = 2.4 × 10⁻³ m³.
Question 30 (Subtopic: P1.6.2)
An engine is doing work on a car as the car moves along a road. Which two changes must result in less work being done on the car by the engine?
A. decreasing the engine’s force on the car and decreasing the distance moved by the car
B. decreasing the engine’s force on the car and increasing the distance moved by the car
C. increasing the engine’s force on the car and decreasing the distance moved by the car
D. increasing the engine’s force on the car and increasing the distance moved by the car
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. decreasing the engine’s force on the car and decreasing the distance moved by the car
Explanation: Work done = force × distance. Decreasing both the force and the distance will result in less work being done.
Question 31 (Subtopic: P1.6.3)
The table shows four sources of energy used to generate electricity. Which source is shown with a statement of whether it is renewable and whether it is reliable at all times?
| source | renewable | reliable at all times | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | coal | yes | no |
| B | nuclear fission | no | yes |
| C | tides | no | no |
| D | wind | yes | yes |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Question 32 (Subtopic: P2.2.2)
The more energetic molecules of a liquid are escaping from its surface, causing the liquid to cool. What is happening to the liquid?
A. It is boiling.
B. It is condensing.
C. It is evaporating.
D. It is melting.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. It is evaporating.
Explanation: Evaporation occurs when the more energetic molecules escape from the surface of a liquid, causing the liquid to cool.
Question 33 (Subtopic: P2.2.2)
A substance is a gas when its temperature is 65°C. How do the boiling point and the melting point of this substance compare with 65°C?
| boiling point | melting point | |
|---|---|---|
| A | above 65°C | above 65°C |
| B | above 65°C | below 65°C |
| C | below 65°C | above 65°C |
| D | below 65°C | below 65°C |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Question 34 (Subtopic: P2.3.1)
Which material is a good thermal conductor?
A. aluminium
B. cardboard
C. rubber
D. wool
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. aluminium
Explanation: Aluminium is a metal and a good thermal conductor, while cardboard, rubber, and wool are insulators.
Question 35 (Subtopic: P4.2.2)
There is a battery of e.m.f. V in a circuit of total resistance R. Which pair of changes must result in a larger current in the circuit?
A. decreasing V and decreasing R
B. decreasing V and increasing R
C. increasing V and decreasing R
D. increasing V and increasing R
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. increasing V and decreasing R
Explanation: According to Ohm’s Law (V = IR), increasing the voltage (V) and decreasing the resistance (R) will result in a larger current (I).
Question 36 (Subtopic: P4.3.2)
Which circuit has the smallest resistance?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: Circuit D has resistors in parallel, which results in the smallest total resistance compared to the other circuits.
Question 37 (Subtopic: P4.3.2)
Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way?
| how lamps are connected | advantage of connecting them in this way | |
|---|---|---|
| A | in parallel | they can be switched separately |
| B | in parallel | they share the voltage |
| C | in series | they can be switched separately |
| D | in series | they share the voltage |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. in parallel, they can be switched separately
Explanation: Lamps in a house are connected in parallel so that they can be switched on and off independently without affecting the others.
Question 38 (Subtopic: P4.4)
An electrical extension block has four sockets, a cable which can safely take a current of 6A and a plug. It is protected by a fuse rated at 5A.
The extension block is used with four appliances and the 5A fuse blows. The owner replaces the 5A fuse with a 13A fuse.
Why is the extension block now dangerous?
A. The appliances may overheat before the fuse blows.
B. The cable may overheat before the fuse blows.
C. The sockets may burn out before the fuse blows.
D. The 13A fuse may blow too soon.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. The cable may overheat before the fuse blows.
Explanation: The cable is rated for 6A, but the 13A fuse allows more current to flow than the cable can safely handle, which could cause the cable to overheat and potentially start a fire before the fuse blows.
Question 39 (Subtopic: P4.5.4)
A wire is placed between two magnetic poles. There is a current in the wire in the direction shown. The wire experiences an upward force.
There is also a force on the wire in arrangements X, Y and Z.
In which of the arrangements is the force upwards?
A. X only
B. X and Y only
C. Z only
D. X, Y and Z
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Question 40 (Subtopic: P5.2.2)
Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect, and which is the most penetrating?
| greatest ionising effect | most penetrating | |
|---|---|---|
| A | α-particles | α-particles |
| B | α-particles | γ-rays |
| C | γ-rays | α-particles |
| D | γ-rays | γ-rays |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. α-particles, γ-rays
Explanation: α-particles have the greatest ionising effect but are the least penetrating, while γ-rays are the most penetrating but have the least ionising effect.