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Physics
8403/1
Mark scheme
8403
June 2015
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular
examination paper.
Information to Examiners
1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate what is
acceptable or not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview of the area in
which a mark or marks may be awarded
• the Assessment Objectives and specification content that each question is intended to cover.
The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark scheme
and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where
consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the
diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which
confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is
straightforward and consistent.
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students have
provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that ‘right +
wrong = wrong’.
Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of error /
contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be
awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (indicated as * in example 1) are not penalised.
Example 1: What is the pH of an acidic solution? (1 mark)
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In Question 2(c) students are required to produce extended written material in English, and will be
assessed on the quality of their written communication as well as the standard of the scientific
response.
Level 1: Basic
• Knowledge of basic information
• Simple understanding
• The answer is poorly organised, with almost no specialist terms and their use
demonstrating a general lack of understanding of their meaning, little or no detail
• The spelling, punctuation and grammar are very weak.
Level 2: Clear
• Knowledge of accurate information
• Clear understanding
• The answer has some structure and organisation, use of specialist terms has been
attempted but not always accurately, some detail is given
• There is reasonable accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar, although there may
still be some errors.
Level 3: Detailed
• Knowledge of accurate information appropriately contextualised
• Detailed understanding, supported by relevant evidence and examples
• Answer is coherent and in an organised, logical sequence, containing a wide range of
appropriate or relevant specialist terms used accurately.
• The answer shows almost faultless spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
1(d)(ii) 15 2 AO1/AO2
300 = 20 × Q 4.1d, 4.3d
or
20 = 300/Q gains 1 mark
Total 11
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
2(c) 6 AO1
1.4c,d,f
Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Communication
(QC) as well as the standard of the scientific response. Examiners should also refer to
the information on page 5 and apply a ‘best-fit’ approach to the marking.
0 marks Level 1 (1–2 marks) Level 2 (3–4 marks) Level 3 (5–6 marks)
No relevant One factor is given One factor and a One factor and a
content. that affects thinking description of its description of its
distance effect is given for effect is given for
or either thinking both thinking
one factor is given distance or braking distance and braking
that affects braking distance distance
distance plus
. some extra detail
thinking distance:
• tiredness increases thinking distance
• taking drugs increases thinking
distance
• drinking alcohol increases thinking
distance
• distractions in the car increase thinking
distance
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
2(c)
braking distance:
• poor condition of brakes increases
braking distance
• poor condition of tyres increases
braking distance
• wet roads increase braking distance
• icy roads increase braking distance
Total 13
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
3(b)(i) 6V 1 AO2
4.1o
3(b)(iii) 1A 1 AO2
4.1o
3(b)(v) AO2
4.1k
1
1
1
Total 9
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
Total 7
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
5(a)(i) AO1
1 5.3a
1
1
1
5(a)(iii) p.d. increased (by transformer at do not accept energy increased 1 AO1
power station) 4.4b, 5.3c
so current decreases 1
Total 12
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
A 1
D 1
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
maximum one advantage and
6(b)(iii) one disadvantage of each AO3
design 2.6d
water-filled
advantages: 1
• lenses are light
• wide range of focal
length
• allows fine adjustment
• allows lenses to be
altered independently
disadvantages: 1
• unattractive
• lens might burst
• lens might leak
• uncomfortable
sliding lenses
advantages: 1
• hard-wearing
• look like conventional
glasses
• easy to adjust
• allows lenses to be
altered independently
disadvantages: 1
• heavy
• might slide out of
position
• might get dirt between
the lenses
Total 12
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
7(a) energy required to raise the accept heat for energy 1 AO1
temperature of a substance by 3.1c
1 °C
unit mass / 1 kg 1
7(b)(ii) particles in the air have more allow particles in the air have a 1 AO1
(kinetic) energy than the greater speed. 3.1b
particles in the steel
steel 1
particles vibrate (about fixed
positions)
air 1
particles move freely
as energy decreased, 1
temperature has decreased
Total 12
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AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
kg m/s or N s 1
16.5 (J) 1
Total 14
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