INTERNATIONAL AS
PHYSICS
PH02
Unit 2 Electricity, waves and particles
Mark scheme
June 2024
Version: 1.0 Final
*246XPH02/MS*
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
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 Examiner.
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 www.oxfordaqa.com
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Copyright © 2024 OxfordAQA International Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Level of response marking instructions
Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.
Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.
Step 1 Determine a level
Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
lower levels of the mark scheme.
When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.
Step 2 Determine a mark
Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
60
01 T= OR f = 39/60 OR use of T = 2 l or equivalent 39/60 must clearly be a frequency 2 AO1
39 g
with their T ✓
Accept answers that round to 0.588 or 0.589
0.59 (m) ✓
Reject 0.60
Total 2
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
02 Any correct energy conversion from eV to J or vice versa ✓ Expect to see 2.81 eV OR 1.76 × 10–19 J 2 AO1
1.7 (eV) ✓
Total 2
4
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
03 Idea that (each) term is a work done per unit charge 2 AO1
Idea that the LHS is energy input (per unit charge) by the
cell and RHS is work done (per unit charge) in the cell +
work done (per unit charge) in the rest of the circuit
Total 2
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
04 read-off voltage = 0.144 V (correct to half small square) ✓ Do not allow 0.142 V 2 AO3
V AO1
Use of R = leading to R = 180 (Ω) ✓
I Allow 1 mark total for full calculation done
from incorrect V (outside the tolerance)
Total 2
5
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
05.1 correct connections drawn ✓ expect: 1 AO2
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
05.2 Max 2: ✓✓ 2 AO3
• Idea that the three cells D,E,F will run down more
quickly or heat up more OR the current in DEF will
increase
For MP2 and MP3, a simple calculation is
• The total emf remains the same insufficient. The internal resistance or emf
must be compared to the previous one. Eg
condone ‘r is 0.75 ohm which is larger than
• The total internal resistance will double (because before’
no current flows in A,B,C) For MP4, ignore any attempt to quantify
• The current (drawn by the toy/between X and Y) will Ignore any conclusions about whether the toy
decrease OR the terminal pd will decrease will stop ‘working’
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
05.3 Any two of: ✓✓ 3 AO1
• total emf (= 4.5 V) AO2
• total resistance (= 0.375 Ω) AO3
V
I=
• use of R
12 (A) ✓
Total 6
8
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
06.1 Any two of: ✓✓ Condone throughout for sodium atoms eg 2 AO2
‘sodium (orbital) electrons’
• idea that (free) electrons collide with the atoms
• (free) electrons transfer energy to the atoms
• The atoms go to higher energy levels
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
06.2 MP1 Photon energy corresponds to difference between 3 AO2
energy levels ✓
AO1
AO1
Max 2 of: ✓✓
Reject MP2 if candidate implies that photons
• MP2 Energy levels (within sodium atom) are have energy levels
discrete/fixed/specific/quantised
• MP3 Sodium atoms de-excite emitting a photon
• MP4 Wavelength is specific/discrete etc since
hc Accept also: idea that the whole spectrum
energies are specific and E = might not be available if limited by the
energy/voltage
9
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
06.3 Read off largest wavelength = 589.6 nm ✓ 3 AO3
hc award MP2 for any wavelength in the
Use of E = ✓ diagram, condone POT
3.37 × 10−19 (J) ✓
must be at least 3sf for MP3
Total 8
10
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
07.1 the natural/harmonic frequency of (the air in) the cylinder 1 AO2
matches this (driving) frequency (of the loudspeaker) ✓
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
07.2 Stationary at P, maximum amplitude at Q ✓ Ignore references to random motion of 2 AO2
particles
Vertical (or parallel to PQ) oscillations at Q ✓
Condone vibrate for oscillate
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
07.3 λ = 4(L + x) AND v = f λ 1 AO1
combined without errors in manipulation ✓
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
Some annotation on the graph must be seen
07.4 Correct read off from large triangle ✓ 3 AO3
for MP1
4
Gradient calculated and use of gradient = ✓ Condone POT error for MP1 and MP2
𝑣
leading to 310–320 (m s−1) ✓ MP2 may be combined into one step
do not credit MP3 without any working
2sf or 3sf for MP3
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
07.5 Idea that it is the x-intercept OR idea that it is the y- 2 AO4
v
intercept multiplied by ✓
4
description of how to determine the x- or y-intercept Reject MP2 for a graphical extrapolation or
mathematically eg using similar triangles ✓ just simply the word ‘extrapolate’
Alternative:
Idea of one data point AND gradient/previously-calculated v
being used ✓
1 4L 4x
and substituted into the equation = + ✓
f v v
Total 9
13
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
08.1 Spreading of pulse / parts of a pulse take different times to MP1 must refer to pulse/signal/information 2 AO1
travel through the fibre / pulse broadening ✓ etc. Eg ‘different rays take different times’ is
insufficient for MP1
Zero marks for a description that includes
Due to different paths through the optical fibre / due to material dispersion or references to different
entering the optical fibre at different angles ✓ colours
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
c
08.2 use of v = leading to 1.52 ✓ Condone 2sf here 1 AO1
n
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
MP1 requires words or algebra or subject of
08.3 Use of Δx = vΔt to find the maximum path difference ✓ 2 AO2
equation
Path difference evaluated to at least 3sf, then adds 10 km
to find the longest path to get 12.7 (km) ✓ Alternative:
Calculates total time ✓
Evaluates total time and then calculates
distance of longest path ✓
MP2 depends on MP1
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
10.0
08.4 (Use of cos−1 °
leading to) 38 ✓ 1 AO2
12.7
ecf from 08.3
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
08.5 Correct read-off for the time period (0.8 × 10−4 s) (reject 2 AO3
POT error here)
OR
1
use of f = (condone a read-off for an incorrect time
T
period, eg pulse duration, interval between pulses) ✓
Both correct leading to 1.25 × 104 (Hz) ✓
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
08.6 Read off pulse duration = 0.24 × 10−4 s (reject POT error) 2 AO3
OR
Add the time delay (13.7 × 10−6 s) to a value of time ✓
3.8 × 10−5 (s) ✓
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
08.7 Idea of broadened pulses overlapping ✓ 1 AO2
Total 11
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
arc length Alternative:
09.1 1 AO3
Angle is defined as ✓ w
radius (sin θ or tan θ = n and)
D
angle is small so sin θ (or tan θ) is
approximately θ
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
09.2 Direct measurement of separation of at least 5 (angular) MP1 only awarded when annotation shows 4 AO3
fringes with evidence seen on figure ✓ measurements taken to centre of fringe.
Use of measurement of scale line to determine (angular) Expect angular fringe separation to be around
fringe width(s) ✓ 2.2 × 10−5 rad
n Do not allow diffraction grating equation
Use of θn = ✓
s MP3 is rejected if candidate attempts to
1.05 × 10−11
to 1.25 × 10−11
(m) (at least 2 sf) ✓ evaluate a length for either w or D
MP4 reliant on MP2 AND 3
17
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
h
09.3 Use of mv = (to find v) ✓ MP1 and MP2 can be combined 3 AO2
1 2 Expect to see V =
h2
Use of mv = eV ✓
22me
2
1.5 x 104 (V) ecf on 09.2 ✓ Expect 1.2-1.3 x104 (V) if prev answer was in
range
Total 8
18
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
10.1 V2 1 AO1
(Use of P = leading to) 2900 (W) ✓
R
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
10.2 Power/energy/heat dissipated in nichrome/in the water Allow 2 marks max for: 3 AO2
must be much greater (than power/energy/heat dissipated
compares local mains voltage with quoted
in copper wires) ✓1
voltage across nichrome wire ✓
(in series) the voltage is shared in the ratio of resistances current must be the same in nichrome and
✓2 cable ✓
Voltage must be much higher across the nichrome (than If no other mark awarded, allow one mark for
the copper) since P = IV ✓3 to avoid energy/power loss in cable or to
reduce overheating in copper cable
OR
the current is the same in the copper and the nichrome ✓2
P = I 2R so resistance of nichrome must be higher ✓3
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
L
10.3 Use of R = OR evaluation or correct expression of A ✓ A = 8.0 × 10−8 m2 2 AO2
A
Allow POT error in MP1
1.3 (m) ✓ (1.29 m to 3sf)
Do not allow 1.30m (rounding error)
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
Full marks can be awarded for a correct
10.4 Power consumption decreases (for the first 5 ms) then is 3 AO2
discussion that takes into account voltage
constant thereafter ✓ varying slightly due to nichrome:copper
Because: potential divider
R increases as T increases (for the first 5 ms) ✓
V2
V stays the same AND statement of P = or equiv ✓
R
Total 9
20
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
11.1 x = 52.3 cm ✓ Accept equivalent answer in m or mm 1 AO1
Must be 3sf only
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
11.2 1 mm uncertainty leading to 0.2(%) Condone 0.19(%) 1 AO2
0.1 (cm)
× 100 ✓
answer to 11.1 1 or 2 sf only
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
Any two of: ✓✓
11.3 Ecf on their x 3 AO2 × 2
x
• Use of tan = to determine θ For bullet point 1 only, condone sin in place AO3
2D of tan only if the candidate comments on
• Use of dsin = n with their (sin) and their d small angle approximation in words or
• Correct expression of d (reject POT error) algebraically
= 648 nm ✓ Expect 7.45o
d = 1.0 x 10-5 m
21
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO
11.4 Idea that the x/angle between bright maxima will increase Ignore references to grating spacing 2 AO4
✓
Decreases percentage uncertainty in x or θ
AND decreases percentage uncertainty in wavelength ✓
Total 7
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
Question Key Answer AO
12 D kg m3 s−3 A−2 AO1
13 C 8V AO2
14 C 0.78 A AO2
15 B increase decrease AO2
16 A 2.7% AO4
17 B 1.4% AO4
18 B AO3
1
19 D 2K AO1
H
20 A 4.5λ longitudinal AO1
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MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2024
21 B 457 Hz AO1
22 C 68° AO1
23 C 28° AO2
24 A NX < NY EX > EY AO1
1
25 D AO1
hc
Total 14 marks
24
