AQA CERTIFICATE

PHYSICS
Paper 1
Mark Scheme

8403/1
June 2014

Version: 1.0 Final

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the
relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments
made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was
used by them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers
the students’ responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same
correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’
scripts: alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for.
If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been
raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer.

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.

Further copies of this Mark Scheme are available from aqa.org.uk

Copyright © 2014 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this
booklet for their own internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any
material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

MARK SCHEME

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 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.

2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two
from’ is used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following lines is
a potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award
the mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. (Different
terms in the mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.)

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.

3 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Example 1: What is the pH of an acidic solution? (1 mark)

Student Response Marks

awarded
1 4,8 0
2 green, 5 0
3 red*, 5 1
4 red*, 8 0

Example 2: Name two planets in the solar system. (2 marks)

Student Response Marks awarded

1 Neptune, Mars, Moon 1
2 Neptune, Sun, Mars, 0
Moon

3.2 Use of chemical symbols / formulae

If a student writes a chemical symbol / formula instead of a required chemical name,
full credit can be given if the symbol / formula is correct and if, in the context of the
question, such action is appropriate.
3.3 Marking procedure for calculations
Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer, as shown in the column
‘answers’, without any working shown.
However if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can be gained by correct
substitution / working and this is shown in the ‘extra information’ column;
3.4 Interpretation of ‘it’
Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers
to the correct subject.
3.5 Errors carried forward
Any error in the answers to a structured question should be penalised once only.
Papers should be constructed in such a way that the number of times errors can be
carried forward are kept to a minimum. Allowances for errors carried forward are
most likely to be restricted to calculation questions and should be shown by the
abbreviation e.c.f. in the marking scheme.
3.6 Phonetic spelling
The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless
there is a possible confusion with another technical term.
3.7 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be
awarded but is included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer
required.

4 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Quality of Written Communication and levels marking

In Question 5(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.

Students will be required to:

 use good English
 organise information clearly
 use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

The following general criteria should be used to assign marks to a level:

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.

5 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 1

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

1(a)(i) 100 (m) 1 AO2

1.1b

1(a)(ii) stationary 1 AO2

1.1c

1(a)(iii) accelerating 1 AO2

1.1c

1(a)(iv) tangent drawn at t = 45 s 1 AO2

1.1c
attempt to determine slope 1

speed in the range 3.2‒4.2 (m/s) dependent on 1st marking point 1

1(b)(i) 500 000 (J) ignore negative sign 1 AO1

1.7c

1(b)(ii) 20 000 (N) ignore negative sign 2 AO2

1.7b
allow 1 mark for correct
substitution, ie
500 000 = F  25
or their (b)(i) = F  25
provided no subsequent step

1(b)(iii) (kinetic) energy transferred by 1 AO1

heating 1.4e/1.7d

to the brakes ignore references to sound 1

energy

if no other marks scored allow

k.e. decreases for 1 mark

Total 11

6 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 2

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

2(a) (enough) dust / gas (from space) 1 AO1

6.4c
are pulled together 1

by gravitational attraction 1

2(b) fusion accept fusion circled in box 1 AO1

6.4b

2(c) forces within it are balanced 1 AO1

6.4d

2(d) correct order only 1 AO1

6.4e

ignore reference to planetary 1

nebula
1

Total 8

7 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 3

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

3(a) A expands more than B 2 AO1/AO2

3.2e
allow for 1 mark one expands
more than the other

3(b) thermostats 1 AO1

3.2e

3(c)(i) x-axis labelled ‘Materials’ 1 AO2

3.2e
individual bars correctly labelled 1

tops of all bars correctly top of bars to within ½ small 2

positioned square

tops of 4 bars correctly positioned

scores 1 mark

3(c)(ii) metal A – Al / aluminium both needed for the mark 1 AO3

metal B – Cu / copper 3.2e
or do not accept mercury / glass
metal A – Cu / copper
metal B – Fe / iron
or
metal A – Al / aluminium
metal B – Fe / iron

Question 3 continues on the next page

8 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 3

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

3(c)(iii) mercury expands a lot 1 AO2/AO3

or 3.2e
glass expands a little

for a given temperature change dependent on first marking point 1

mercury has a high relative

expansion
or
glass has a low relative
expansion gains 2 marks

plus any two from: 2

 glass is transparent
 mercury can be seen
 mercury is a liquid (within the accept mercury can flow
temperature range of this
thermometer)

Total 12

9 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 4

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

4(a)(i) infrared / IR 1 AO1

2.2b

4(a)(ii) UV / X-rays / gamma rays 1 AO1

2.2c
appropriate use corresponding dependent on first marking point 1
with given wave:
accept any sensible alternative
 UV: security marking uses
or tanning

 X-rays: medical imaging

or checking baggage

 gamma rays: sterilising

surgical instruments
or killing harmful bacteria in
food

4(b) D 1 AO1
2.1e
gap must be comparable to accept converse 1
wavelength

can create gap of that size in dependent on first marking point 1

classroom

4(c)(i) Q 1 AO2
2.3d

4(c)(ii) sound waves reflected accept ‘it’ for sound waves 1 AO1/AO2
2.4a
ignore bounce

at EF 1

angle of incidence equal to angle 1

of reflection

Question 4 continues on the next page

10 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 4 continued

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

4(c)(iii) stop sound going direct from 1 AO2

clock to ear 2.3d

4(c)(iv) 22 (m) 2 AO2

2.1h
allow 1 mark for correct
substitution, ie
330 = 15  λ scores 1 mark

4(c)(v) outside audible range 1 AO2

2.3b

Total 14

11 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 5

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

5(a)(i) short sight accept myopia 1 AO1

2.6n

5(a)(ii) diverging 1 AO1

2.6n

5(b) light 1 AO1

2.6o

Question 5 continues on the next page

12 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 5 continued

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

5(c) 6

Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the quality of communication 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 There is a basic There is a description of There is a clear
content description of one some advantages and / or description of the
advantage or disadvantages of using advantages and
disadvantage of using both methods disadvantages of
either of the methods or using both methods.
a full, detailed description
of the advantages and
disadvantages of using
either of the methods.

examples of the points made in the extra information AO2

response 2.6n,o

laser surgery

advantages:
 appearance
 permanent effect
 no glasses which need changing

disadvantages:
 risks associated with surgery
 large cost
 not able to drive etc straightaway
 (still) might need glasses for reading

Question 5 continues on the next page

13 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 5 continued

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

5(c) 6

examples of the points made in the extra information AO2

response 2.6n,o

wearing glasses

advantages:
 able to function straightaway
 any problems easy to sort out

disadvantages:
 easily broken
 easily lost
 need changing
 overall cost might be greater if several
changes in vision
 might eventually need two pairs of
glasses

5(d) move lens 1 AO1/AO2

2.6p
closer to film 1

Total 11

14 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 6

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

6(a) make the rod longer 1 AO1

1.9d
push down on the rod with a 1
greater force

6(b) particles are close together 1 AO1

1.11c/3.1a
so no room for more movement dependent on 1st marking point 1

6(c)(i) downward force produces reference to compression of liquid 1 AO1

pressure in liquid negates this mark 1.11c

this pressure is the same at all 1

points in a liquid
or
this pressure is transmitted
equally through the liquid

and P = F/A or F = P  A 1

area (at load) bigger (so force 1

bigger)

6(c)(ii) the force acting on the car moves 1 AO1

less distance than the effort force 1.7b

Total 9

15 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 7

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

7(a) attempt to draw four cells in 1 AO1

series 4.1m

correct circuit symbols circuit symbol should show a long 1

line and a short line, correctly
joined together

example of correct circuit symbol:

7(b)(i) 6 (V) 2 AO2

allow 1 mark for correct 4.1i
substitution, ie
V = 3  2 scores 1 mark
provided no subsequent step

7(b)(ii) 12 (V) ecf from (b)(i) 2 AO2

4.1n
18 – 6
or
18 – their (b)(i) scores 1 mark

7(b)(iii) 9 (Ω) ecf from (b)(ii) correctly 2 AO2

calculated 4.1n

3 + their (b)(ii)/2
or
18/2 scores 1 mark
provided no subsequent step

7(c)(i) need a.c. 1 AO1

5.3b
battery is d.c. 1

Question 7 continues on the next page

16 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 7 continued

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

7(c)(ii) 3 (A) 2 AO2

5.3f
allow 1 mark for correct
substitution, ie
18  2 = 12  Is scores 1 mark

Total 12

17 of 18
 MARK SCHEME – AQA Certificates Physics – 8403/1 – June 2014

Question 8

AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

8(a) there is a magnetic field (around 1 AO1

the magnet) 5.2a,b,d

(this magnetic field) changes / 1

moves

and cuts through coil accept links with coil 1

so a p.d. induced across coil 1

the coil forms a complete circuit 1

so a current (is induced) 1

8(b) must be in this order AO1

5.2c,e,f
ammeter reading does not accept ammeter has a small 1
change reading / shows a current

zero 1

greater than before accept a large(r) reading 1

same as originally but in the accept a small reading in the 1

opposite direction opposite direction

8(c) 0.30 2 AO1/AO2

allow 1 mark for correct 4.1c
substitution, ie 0.05 = Q/6

C / coulomb allow A s 1

Total 13

18 of 18