GCSE Combined Science Physics 2

Question 1

What is the specific heat capacity equation?

Accepted Answer

E = m × c × θ (change in temperature)

Answer

The equation is E = m × c × Δθ, where E is energy transferred (J), m is mass (kg), c is specific heat capacity (J/kg°C), and Δθ is the temperature change (°C). This tells you how much energy is needed to heat a substance.

Question 2

In a transformer, what determines the ratio of input to output voltage?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of turns on the primary and secondary coils

Answer

The transformer equation states: Vp/Vs = Np/Ns. The voltage ratio equals the turns ratio. A step-up transformer has more turns on the secondary coil, increasing the voltage; a step-down transformer has fewer turns on the secondary.

Question 3

What type of nuclear radiation is stopped by a thin sheet of paper?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles

Answer

Alpha particles are the least penetrating type of nuclear radiation. They are large (2 protons + 2 neutrons) and highly charged (+2), so they interact strongly with matter and are stopped by just a few centimetres of air or a sheet of paper.

Question 4

What is the relationship between the wavelength and frequency of a wave?

Accepted Answer

As wavelength increases, frequency decreases

Answer

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional (for waves travelling at the same speed). The wave equation is v = f × λ. If the wave speed is constant, increasing the wavelength means the frequency must decrease, and vice versa.

Question 5

What is the resultant force on an object moving at constant velocity?

Accepted Answer

Zero

Answer

According to Newton's First Law, an object moving at constant velocity has a resultant (net) force of zero. This means all forces are balanced — for example, the driving force equals the frictional forces acting on the object.

GCSE Revision Practice Test

GCSE Revision Practice Test

GCSE Combined Science Physics 2