Practical questions
You will complete eight Practical Activity Groups (PAGs) if you are studying GCSE Physics, and 16 if you are studying GCSE Combined Science (six of these are in Physics). You could be asked questions about the apparatus, methods, safety precautions, results, analysis and evaluation of these experiments.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
The scientists on the International Space Station (ISS) carry out scientific research.
They send their research findings for peer review.
State who is involved in this peer review, and describe what they do. [2 marks]
OCR Gateway Science, GCE Physics, Paper B752, June 2015.
Other scientists are involved in the peer review. Their role is to check the work and results, and to evaluate it's effectiveness. They can also inform on the future direction of the research.
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
The mains electricity in the UK is supplied at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Look at the diagram. It shows two different ac voltages.
A has a frequency of 50 Hz and a supply voltage of 230 V.
Compare these values with the frequency and supply voltage of B.
Describe how the frequency and supply voltage of B compare with A. [2 marks]
OCR Gateway Science, GCE Physics, Paper B752, June 2015.
Frequency of B is higher.
Supply voltage of B is lower.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Our understanding of the Solar System has developed over centuries.
The Big Bang Theory, developed in 1949, states that the Universe began with an 'explosion'.
This made the Universe expand.
(a) Describe what we can conclude about the movement of galaxies from the Big Bang Theory. [2 marks]
(b) The Big Bang Theory has been accepted by many scientists. The theory might be changed by future scientists. Give a reason why. [1 mark]
OCR Gateway Science, GCE Physics, Paper B751, January 2013 - Higher.
(a) Galaxies move away/show red-shift.
Distant galaxies move faster (than closer galaxies).
(b) Any one from:
- only current evidence explained
- further research done/new evidence may be found in future
- technological advances
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Look at the diagram of the Earth.
An earthquake produces P waves and S waves.
Look at the diagram. It shows the initial directions of the P waves and S waves.
(a) P waves and S waves are detected by seismometers on the Earth's surface.
Each type of wave from the earthquake is detected at different times by seismometers.
Which type of wave is received first? Explain your answer. [1 mark]
(b) Scientists take measurements of P waves and S waves using seismometers.
After an earthquake, scientists can work out the exact position of the earthquake, using these measurements. Suggest how they do this. [2 marks]
OCR Gateway Science, GCE Physics, Paper B751, June 2015 - Higher.
(a) P wave because they are faster.
(b) Maximum 2 marks:
- can measure lag time/time between waves
- idea that distance is determined by lag time
- determine wave direction/direction that the wave(s) have come from
- idea of triangulating the results/compare results from different sites
