Question 1 (Subtopic: B1.1)
What is not a characteristic of all living organisms?
A. excretion
B. growth
C. photosynthesis
D. sensitivity
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. photosynthesis
Explanation: Photosynthesis is a process carried out by plants and some other organisms, but it is not a characteristic of all living organisms. All living organisms exhibit excretion, growth, and sensitivity.
Question 2 (Subtopic: B3.1)
What is an example of diffusion?
A. movement of blood through the capillaries
B. movement of food from the mouth to the stomach
C. movement of oxygen from alveoli to the blood
D. movement of urine along the urethra
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. movement of oxygen from alveoli to the blood
Explanation: Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. The movement of oxygen from the alveoli (high concentration) to the blood (low concentration) is an example of diffusion.
Question 3 (Subtopic: B4.1)
What colour does Benedict’s solution change to when heated with a reducing sugar?
A. blue
B. blue-black
C. orange
D. purple
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. orange
Explanation: Benedict’s solution is used to test for reducing sugars. When heated with a reducing sugar, it changes from blue to orange or brick-red, indicating the presence of the sugar.
Question 4 (Subtopic: B5.1)
A mixture of starch and saliva was set up at four different temperatures. Each mixture was tested with iodine solution after 15 minutes and again after 30 minutes.
The results are shown in the table.
What do the results suggest?
A. The enzyme in saliva is inactive at 95°C.
B. The enzyme in saliva is slow to work at 35°C.
C. The enzyme in saliva works equally well at 15°C and 35°C.
D. The enzyme in saliva works faster at higher temperatures.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. The enzyme in saliva is inactive at 95°C.
Explanation: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. They are sensitive to temperature, and most enzymes denature (lose their structure and function) at high temperatures. The results show that at 95°C, the enzyme in saliva is inactive, as the starch was not broken down (indicated by the blue-black color with iodine).
Question 5 (Subtopic: B6.1)
Which chemical element is present in chlorophyll?
A. calcium
B. iron
C. magnesium
D. sodium
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. magnesium
Explanation: Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that is essential for photosynthesis. It contains magnesium at its core, which is crucial for capturing light energy.
Question 6 (Subtopic: B7.2)
The diagram shows the human alimentary canal.
What is the name of organ X and which process occurs here?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. small intestine – absorption
Explanation: The small intestine is the primary site for the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The large intestine is mainly involved in the absorption of water and the formation of feces.
Question 7 (Subtopic: B8.3)
Under which conditions will transpiration from a plant be fastest?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. high temperature, low humidity
Explanation: Transpiration is the process by which water is lost from plants through evaporation. It is fastest under conditions of high temperature (which increases the rate of evaporation) and low humidity (which increases the water vapor gradient between the leaf and the surrounding air).
Question 8 (Subtopic: B11.1)
A student breathed gently in and out of the mouthpiece of the apparatus shown.
What were the results after 10 breaths?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. P clear, Q milky
Explanation: The apparatus likely contains limewater, which turns milky in the presence of carbon dioxide. As the student exhales, carbon dioxide is released, causing the limewater in Q to turn milky, while P remains clear as it contains inhaled air with less carbon dioxide.
Question 9 (Subtopic: B13.1)
A plant shoot grows towards a light source. This is an example of what?
A. gravitropism
B. homeostasis
C. transpiration
D. phototropism
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. phototropism
Explanation: Phototropism is the growth of a plant in response to light. In this case, the plant shoot grows towards the light source, which is a positive phototropic response.
Question 10 (Subtopic: B15.4)
The diagram shows the male reproductive system. Which label is pointing to the structure where sperm are produced?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. D
Explanation: Sperm are produced in the testes, which are labeled as D in the diagram. The testes are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
Question 11 (Subtopic: B16.1)
In humans, which combination of sex chromosomes from the ovum and sperm would result in a female?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. X from ovum, X from sperm
Explanation: In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Therefore, a female is produced when an X chromosome from the ovum combines with an X chromosome from the sperm.
Question 12 (Subtopic: B18.2)
Which description of a producer is correct?
A. an organism producing food by eating other creatures
B. an organism that gets its energy by eating plants
C. an organism that gets its energy from dead or waste organic matter
D. an organism that is able to make its own organic nutrients
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. an organism that is able to make its own organic nutrients
Explanation: Producers, such as plants, are organisms that can produce their own organic nutrients through photosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain by converting sunlight into energy that other organisms can use.
Question 13 (Subtopic: B18.2)
The diagram shows a river and four farms. The numbers in the river show relative oxygen concentrations.
From which farm is untreated sewage leaking into the river?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. D
Explanation: Untreated sewage contains organic matter that decomposes, consuming oxygen in the process. The farm with the lowest oxygen concentration downstream (D) is likely the source of the untreated sewage leak.
Question 14 (Subtopic: C2.2)
Atoms are the smallest parts of ……1…… . When atoms of the same type chemically join together, a ……2…… is formed. When different types of atom chemically join together, they form ……3…… .
Which words complete gaps 1, 2 and 3?
A. elements, molecule, compounds
B. elements, molecule, mixtures
C. molecules, compound, mixtures
D. molecules, mixture, compounds
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. elements, molecule, compounds
Explanation: Atoms are the smallest parts of elements. When atoms of the same type join together, they form molecules (e.g., O₂). When different types of atoms join together, they form compounds (e.g., H₂O).
Question 15 (Subtopic: C12.1)
Which piece of apparatus is used to measure exactly 15.7 cm³ of a liquid?
A. burette
B. pipette
C. 10 cm³ measuring cylinder
D. 20 cm³ measuring cylinder
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. burette
Explanation: A burette is a precise piece of apparatus used to measure specific volumes of liquids. It allows for accurate measurement of volumes, such as 15.7 cm³, which is not possible with a measuring cylinder or pipette.
Question 16 (Subtopic: C12.4)
A mixture of solid sulfur and solid sodium chloride is added to water and stirred. Sulfur is insoluble in water. Sodium chloride is soluble in water. Which processes are used to obtain pure sodium chloride from the mixture?
A. distillation then chromatography
B. distillation then crystallisation
C. filtration then chromatography
D. filtration then crystallisation
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. filtration then crystallisation
Explanation: Filtration is used to separate the insoluble sulfur from the solution of sodium chloride. Crystallisation is then used to obtain pure sodium chloride by evaporating the water from the solution.
Question 17 (Subtopic: C4.1)
The diagram shows an electroplating experiment.
Which row shows the change in mass of each electrode?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. anode: decrease, cathode: increase
Explanation: In electroplating, the anode (positive electrode) loses mass as metal ions dissolve into the solution, while the cathode (negative electrode) gains mass as metal ions are deposited onto it.
Question 18 (Subtopic: C5.1)
The initial and final temperatures of four different experiments are measured.
Which experiment is the most endothermic?
| Initial temperature/°C | Final temperature/°C | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 20 | 19 |
| B | 20 | 27 |
| C | 21 | 26 |
| D | 22 | 20 |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. Experiment D
Explanation: An endothermic reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings, causing a decrease in temperature. Experiment D shows the largest temperature drop (from 22°C to 20°C), indicating it is the most endothermic.
Question 19 (Subtopic: C6.2)
Magnesium ribbon is reacted with 50 cm³ of dilute hydrochloric acid. Which change does not increase the rate of the reaction?
A. Increase the concentration of the hydrochloric acid.
B. Increase the temperature of the hydrochloric acid.
C. Increase the volume of the hydrochloric acid.
D. Use powdered magnesium.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. Increase the volume of the hydrochloric acid.
Explanation: Increasing the volume of the hydrochloric acid without changing its concentration does not increase the rate of reaction. The rate depends on the concentration of reactants, temperature, and surface area (e.g., using powdered magnesium increases the surface area).
Question 20 (Subtopic: C6.3)
Which word equation represents a redox reaction?
A. carbon + copper oxide → copper + carbon dioxide
B. hydrochloric acid + potassium hydroxide → potassium chloride + water
C. magnesium carbonate → magnesium oxide + carbon dioxide
D. sodium sulfate + barium nitrate → barium sulfate + sodium nitrate
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. carbon + copper oxide → copper + carbon dioxide
Explanation: A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons. In this reaction, carbon is oxidized (loses electrons) to form carbon dioxide, while copper oxide is reduced (gains electrons) to form copper.
Question 21 (Subtopic: C7.3)
Salts are made by reacting dilute hydrochloric acid with four substances. Which substances produce a gas when reacted with dilute hydrochloric acid?
- magnesium
- magnesium carbonate
- magnesium hydroxide
- magnesium oxide
A. 1 and 2
B. 1 and 3
C. 2 and 4
D. 3 and 4
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. 1 and 2
Explanation: Magnesium (1) reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas, and magnesium carbonate (2) reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce carbon dioxide gas. Magnesium hydroxide (3) and magnesium oxide (4) do not produce a gas when reacting with hydrochloric acid.
Question 22 (Subtopic: C8.1)
Which statement about elements in the Periodic Table is correct?
A. The density of the elements in Group I increases up the group.
B. The metallic character of the elements increases across a period from left to right.
C. The number of protons in the atoms of the elements increases across a period from left to right.
D. The reactivity of the elements in Group I decreases down the group.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. The number of protons in the atoms of the elements increases across a period from left to right.
Explanation: The number of protons (atomic number) increases as you move across a period from left to right. This is a fundamental property of the Periodic Table.
Question 23 (Subtopic: C8.3)
Which statement about the elements from chlorine to iodine in Group VII of the Periodic Table is correct?
A. They are all gases at room temperature.
B. Their boiling points decrease.
C. Their colours become paler.
D. Their reactivities decrease.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. Their reactivities decrease.
Explanation: As you move down Group VII (halogens), the reactivity of the elements decreases. Chlorine is more reactive than iodine, for example.
Question 24 (Subtopic: C10.1)
Why is chlorine used in the treatment of water supplies?
A. to bleach water
B. to kill bacteria
C. to remove insoluble compounds
D. to remove soluble compounds
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. to kill bacteria
Explanation: Chlorine is added to water supplies as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, making the water safe to drink.
Question 25 (Subtopic: C10.2)
Which process does not produce carbon dioxide?
A. acid reacting with a metal
B. acid reacting with sodium carbonate
C. complete combustion of methane
D. respiration
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. acid reacting with a metal
Explanation: When an acid reacts with a metal, hydrogen gas is produced, not carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is produced in the other processes listed.
Question 26 (Subtopic: C11.2)
The molecular structure of a compound is shown.
What is this type of compound?
A. a hydroxide
B. an alcohol
C. an alkane
D. an alkene
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. an alcohol
Explanation: The molecular structure contains an -OH group, which is characteristic of alcohols. Hydroxides, alkanes, and alkenes do not have this functional group.
Question 27 (Subtopic: C11.7)
Poly(ethene) is made from ethene by the process of addition polymerisation. Which word describes ethene in this process?
A. fuel
B. catalyst
C. monomer
D. solvent
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. monomer
Explanation: Ethene is the monomer in the polymerisation process, as it is the small molecule that joins together to form the polymer poly(ethene).
Question 28 (Subtopic: P1.3)
Which row gives the unit for mass and the unit for weight?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. kg, N
Explanation: Mass is measured in kilograms (kg), while weight is a force measured in newtons (N).
Question 29 (Subtopic: P1.4)
A solid object is made from a material with density 0.60 g/cm³. The volume of the object is 4.0 cm³. What is the mass of the object?
A. 0.15 g
B. 2.4 g
C. 6.7 g
D. 38 g
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. 2.4 g
Explanation: Mass = Density × Volume = 0.60 g/cm³ × 4.0 cm³ = 2.4 g.
Question 30 (Subtopic: P1.6.3)
Electricity is generated in power stations. Many power stations use steam to drive turbines.
Which type of power station does not use steam?
A. chemical energy (fuel) power stations
B. geothermal energy power stations
C. hydroelectric energy power stations
D. nuclear energy power stations
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. hydroelectric energy power stations
Explanation: Hydroelectric power stations generate electricity by using the kinetic energy of flowing water to drive turbines, without the need for steam.
Question 31 (Subtopic: P2.2.2)
Ice is taken from a freezer. After some time, the ice starts to melt. What is the temperature of the ice as it melts?
A. –10 °C
B. 0 °C
C. 20 °C
D. 100 °C
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. 0 °C
Explanation: Ice melts at 0 °C, which is the melting point of water. During the melting process, the temperature remains constant at 0 °C until all the ice has melted.
Question 32 (Subtopic: P3.3)
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is involved in thermal energy transfer by radiation?
A. infrared
B. radio
C. ultraviolet
D. X-rays
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. infrared
Explanation: Infrared radiation is responsible for thermal energy transfer by radiation. It is emitted by hot objects and can be absorbed by other objects, causing them to heat up.
Question 33 (Subtopic: P3.1)
Which wave diagram shows the amplitude X and the wavelength Y of a wave?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. Diagram A
Explanation: Diagram A correctly shows the amplitude (X) as the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position and the wavelength (Y) as the distance between two consecutive wave crests or troughs.
Question 34 (Subtopic: P3.2.2)
Light travelling in air strikes the surface of water and is refracted. In which labelled direction is the light refracted?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. C
Explanation: When light travels from air (less dense) into water (more dense), it bends towards the normal (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface). Direction C represents this refraction.
Question 35 (Subtopic: P4.2.1)
A rod gains negative charge as it is rubbed with a cloth. What happens to the cloth in this process?
A. It gains electrons.
B. It loses electrons.
C. It gains protons.
D. It loses protons.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. It loses electrons.
Explanation: When the rod gains negative charge, it means it has gained electrons. These electrons are transferred from the cloth, so the cloth loses electrons.
Question 36 (Subtopic: P4.3.2)
The diagram shows a circuit containing an ammeter and a variable resistor.
The resistance of the variable resistor is decreased.
What happens to the reading on the ammeter and what happens to the direction of the current in the ammeter?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. reading on ammeter: increases, direction of current: stays the same
Explanation: Decreasing the resistance of the variable resistor increases the current in the circuit, so the ammeter reading increases. The direction of the current remains the same.
Question 37 (Subtopic: P4.3.2)
A 3.0 Ω resistor and a 6.0 Ω resistor are connected to a power supply as shown.
What is the combined resistance of the two resistors?
A. 2.0 Ω
B. 4.5 Ω
C. 9.0 Ω
D. 18 Ω
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C. 9.0 Ω
Explanation: The resistors are connected in series, so their resistances add up. Combined resistance = 3.0 Ω + 6.0 Ω = 9.0 Ω.
Question 38 (Subtopic: P4.4)
Fuses are used in domestic electric circuits. Which statement about fuses is correct?
A. A fuse is connected in the live wire.
B. A fuse is connected in the neutral wire.
C. A 3A fuse produces a current of exactly 3A in the circuit.
D. A 3A fuse produces a minimum current of 3A in the circuit.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. A fuse is connected in the live wire.
Explanation: A fuse is connected in the live wire to protect the circuit. If the current exceeds the fuse’s rating, it will melt and break the circuit, preventing damage or fire.
Question 39 (Subtopic: P4.5.3)
A solenoid carrying a current produces a magnetic field. Which diagram shows the magnetic field pattern?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D. Diagram D
Explanation: Diagram D correctly shows the magnetic field pattern of a solenoid, with field lines running parallel inside the solenoid and curving around the ends.
Question 40 (Subtopic: P5.2.2)
Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?
A. infrared rays
B. α-particles
C. β-particles
D. γ-rays
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. α-particles
Explanation: Alpha particles (α-particles) have the greatest ionising effect because they are large and carry a double positive charge, causing them to interact strongly with matter.