INTERNATIONAL AS

PHYSICS
PH02
Unit 2 Electricity, waves and particles

Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: 1.0 Final

*236XPH02/MS*
 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2023

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 oxfordaqaexams.org.uk

Copyright information

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Copyright © 2023 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2023

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 2023

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

01 uses E = hf or 2.2 × 10–4 (J) seen  2 2 × AO1

value that rounds to 1.4 × 103 (TeV) 

Total 2

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

02 comment about circuit when switch was open  Condone ‘battery’ for ‘cell’. 3 3 × AO2
MP1 e.g. voltmeter reading is the emf OR the
emf is 1.53 V OR no current present, so no
lost volts/energy loss.

MP2: Reject idea that current causes internal

comment that closing the switch produces a current in
resistance. Reject idea that there was any
circuit/cell AND cell has internal resistance 
current when switch is open.

conclusion that voltmeter reading decreases with relevant MP3: e.g. ‘terminal pd/voltage’ decreases;
reason  idea of ‘lost volts’ in cell; pd exists across
internal resistance.

Allow explanation in terms of ε = I(R + r) if

terms defined. Allow explanation in terms of a
potential divider circuit.

Total 3

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

03 idea that a photon transfers, or an electron receives, a MP1: Allow ‘an electron absorbs a photon’. 3 3 × AO1
discrete amount of energy OR idea that a photon transfers
all its energy to an electron 

MP2: Allow idea that electrons with max KE

maximum kinetic energy (of electron) equals photon energy are emitted from surface of metal.
minus work function 
MP2: Allow use of ‘hf – ϕ‘ if at least one term
is defined.

idea that some electrons have lower KE because: MP3: Condone idea that energy to remove
electron varies with depth. Reject idea that
more energy (than work function) is needed to be
the work function varies.
emitted
OR
(extra) energy loss occurs during emission 

Total 3

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

Do not allow suggestion of modal dispersion.

04.1 Max 2 from:  2 2 × AO1
Condone ‘frequency’ for ‘wavelength’.
different wavelengths take different times to travel (through
core)
‘Spread out more’ is insufficient for ‘different
times’.
(because) different wavelengths travel at different speeds
(in core)
Ignore any specific correlation between
(because) refractive index of fibre varies with wavelength wavelength and wave speed.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

04.2 idea that increased length of fibre leads to: MP1: Condone ‘dispersion’ will increase with 2 2 × AO2
length. Reference to dispersion can be for
increased pulse broadening material or modal.
OR reduced intensity / amplitude  MP1: Allow a specific reason for reduced
intensity e.g. absorption / scattering /
refraction (out of core) / attenuation. Allow
‘weaker signal’ for reduced intensity.

idea that (max) transmission rate depends on:

For full credit their MP1 and MP2 must
having distinct time gaps between (adjacent) pulses correlate.
OR pulses having a minimum intensity 

Total 4

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

One from: 
05.1 Accept ‘A scans’. 1 AO1

lithotripsy / breaking stones

cleaning (surgical) equipment
cleaning teeth / plaque removal
monitor blood speed/flow
deep-tissue heating
ultrasonic scalpel

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

05.2 uses c = f λ with 3.5 (km s–1)  For MP1 condone POT errors. 2 2 × AO2
Allow 1 mark max for correct λ of another
tissue: fat 4.4 × 10–4 m; muscle 5.0 × 10–4 m.
1.1 × 10–3 (m)  Calculator value is 1.09375 × 10–3 (m)

Total 3

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.1 mass per unit length  Condone ‘linear density’. 1 AO1

Accept ‘mass of wire/string divided by length
of wire/string’.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

B = Basic; D = Detailed
06.2 Max 4:     4 4 × AO4

Mark Description (A) Determining l:

• measure with a ruler / tape (B)
Detailed comments about any two areas AND
4 • reference to distance of string between
one basic comment about any area
Detailed comment about any one area AND vibration generator and (top of) pulley (D)
3
one basic comment about another area
(B) Process:
Detailed comment about one area OR
2 • change l and record f , or vice versa (B)
basic comments about two or three areas
• move vibration generator to change l (B)
1 Basic comment about any area
• change f of vibration generator (B)
0 No relevant content • change f by adjusting signal generator (D)
• description of first harmonic e.g. max
amplitude/antinode in middle of string or
Treat annotations (on Figure 2) as Basic level only. one loop seen (D)

(C) Control variables:

• same string / µ (B)
• same tension (B)
• same mass (B)
• same tension by using same mass (D)

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.3 second / 2nd  1 AO2

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

06.4 (reasonably) sinusoidal line drawn with: MP2: Trough and crest should fall within grey 2 2 × AO3
shaded areas shown.
correct amplitude (~ 1 box) for two peaks 
correct wavelength and correct phase difference 

Total 8

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

1 2𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
07.1
1
combines W = VQ and Ek = mv2 to give final formula  Expect to see Ve = mv2 AND 𝑣𝑣 2 = 1 AO2
2 2 𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

07.2 Need v or λ as subject at least once. 2 2 × AO2

2 × 5.0 × 104
× 1.60 × 10–19
𝑣𝑣 = � −31 seen  Condone use of me and e in substitutions.
9.11 × 10
ℎ
Allow MP1 for showing that 𝜆𝜆 =
�2𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉

v must be correct if used in de Broglie

equation. Expect 1.325 × 108 m s–1.

substitutes into an equation for wavelength and gives a

value to at least 3 sf that rounds to 5.5 × 10–12 m  Reject 5.6 × 10–12 m from using v to 2 sf.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

λD
07.3 uses w =  All 3 values need to be substituted. 2 2 × AO2
s
Allow POT error for s. Only allow λ value that
rounds to 5.5 × 10–12 or 5.6 × 10–12.

9.6 × 10–7 (m)  Allow 9.8 × 10–7 (m).

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

Allow coherence.
07.4 diffraction (when passing through slits)  2 2 × AO1

superposition / interference (at the screen) 

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

07.5 fringe spacing decreases because (de Broglie) wavelength 2 2 × AO1

decreases 

(because the) momentum or speed increases 

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

07.6 bright fringes / maxima arise from waves arriving in-phase Allow an equivalent explanation of dark 3 3 × AO2
or with nλ path difference  fringes / minima.
Do not accept ‘out of phase’ for ‘antiphase’.

Max 2 from:  

diffraction occurs (at each slit)

superposition occurs (at screen) Do not allow ‘superimposition’.

(leading to) constructive interference AND destructive

interference

Total 12

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

08.1 states Ohm’s law as current is directly proportional to pd (at MP2 is dependent on MP1. Penalise 2 1 × AO1
constant temperature)  contradictions. Allow reasoned arguments
about not knowing if the temperature is
1 × AO3
constant.
MP1: Condone ‘proportional’ for ‘directly
proportional’. Allow comment that a graph
showing Ohm’s Law is linear / has constant
gradient AND passes through origin. No
credit for idea that gradient is related to the
resistance.
yes, component obeys law up to:
For MP2 allow 1 sf ‘1 V’.
allow 60 to 63 mA OR 1.0 to 1.2 V
OR
no, component does not obey law above:
allow 60 to 63 mA OR 1.0 to 1.2 V 

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

Allow MP2 for stating that current increases

08.2 (as temperature increases) resistance of thermistor 2 2 × AO3
and for using V = IR to show pd across fixed
decreases 
R increases.

idea that the share of pd across thermistor decreases, so

MP2: Reject ‘pd across thermistor decreases,
pd across fixed R increases 
so pd across fixed R increases’.

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

08.3 correct use of 1.3 or 8.7 V in a potential divider equation MP1: Allow 3 sf read-offs if they round to 1.3 2 2 × AO3
OR or 8.7. Allow 6.1 for R in potential divider
uses 8.7 V in V = IR to calculate current (1.4 mA)  equation. Allow POT error for R in V = IR.
1.3
MP1: Expect to see: 𝑅𝑅 = × 6100 OR
8.7
6100 𝑅𝑅
8.7 = × 10 OR 1.3 = × 10 OR
6100+𝑅𝑅 6100+𝑅𝑅
8.7 = I × 6100

MP2: Answer must have a subject.

correct working to give 910 (Ω)  Calculator value is 911.494 (Ω).
Using 1.43 mA gives 909.0909 (Ω).
Allow 930 (Ω) if rounded value of 1.4 mA
used. Calculator value is 928.5714 (Ω).

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2023

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

08.4 uses V = IR to get total resistance (6850 Ω) and subtracts 1a is for getting parallel resistance (expect 3 3 × AO3
1.1
6100 Ω OR uses potential divider formula with 8.9 V 1a 750 Ω). May see 𝑅𝑅 = 8.9 × 6100
2a is for using parallel resistor formula.
use of parallel resistor formula with RT in correct place 2a 1 1 1
Expect to see = +
750 900 R
answer in range 3900 to 4600 (Ω) 3a In 2a allow ecf for RT from MP1 but not from
08.3 unless the value rounds to 900
OR

 is for getting current in thermistor (IT).

correct use of V = IR to get current in IT 1b 1b

Expect ~1.2 mA for IT (using VT =1.1 V and

RT = 900 Ω)
subtracts their IT from 1.46 mA to get IS and uses IS in V = 2b is for getting current in S (IS) and using in
IR 2b V = IR. For 2b expect IS = 0.25 mA and 1.1
V for VS. Allow an ecf for VS.
answer in range 3900 to 4600 (Ω) 3b

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

08.5 idea that more limited range of pd leads to lower resolution Condone ‘sensitivity’ for resolution. 1 AO4
(V per degree)

Total 10

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

09.1 (radio) waves are (vertically) polarised, or description of MP1 is for a relevant comment about 2 1 × AO3
oscillations occurring only in one plane  polarisation.
MP2 is for a comment about signal strength 1 × AO2
and alignment. Allow ‘orientation’ for
idea that maximum signal received is when receiving ‘alignment’.
aerial is aligned (parallel) to transmitting aerial  For MP2, condone idea that signal strength
would be zero when receiving aerial is
horizontally aligned.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

09.2 reduction of amplitude of oscillations/vibrations Condone ‘dissipative force’. 1 AO1

OR dissipation of energy (in oscillating system)  Allow ‘reduction of energy from an oscillating
system’.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

09.3 damper needs to be at an antinode (nearest the clamp)  Allow ‘damper shouldn’t be at a node’. 2 2 × AO3
Allow ‘an antinode occurs at d from clamp’.
Allow ‘maximum amplitude’ for ‘antinode’.
Allow two marks for ‘first antinode occurs at a
point d from clamp’
If no other mark, allow 1 mark for statement
wavelengths of highest frequencies will have shortest that highest frequency corresponds to
spacing between antinodes (and nodes)  shortest wavelength.

Total 5

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

10.1 idea that there is 0.5 mm uncertainty in the readings at both 1 AO2
ends of the ruler 

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

10.2 Allow
0.01
× 100 = 0.78% 1 AO1
0.1
× 100 = 0.78% seen  1.28
12.8
Calculator value is 0.78125%

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

10.3 𝑙𝑙 2 2 × AO2
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋� used 
𝑔𝑔

some working to give 9.6 (m s–2)  Answer to 2 sf only.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

10.4 doubles answer in 10.2 OR

1
or 0.0025 or 0.25% seen Their value from 10.2 must round to 0.8. 2 2 × AO2
400
 MP2: Accept 2 sf answers of ‘1.8’ and ‘1.9’, or
1.8 or 1.9 or 2  1 sf answer of ‘2’.

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Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

10.5 Any 2 from:   2 2 × AO2

increase length of pendulum / string; ‘increase L’
record greater number (than 10) of oscillations Reject ‘record more times’.

repeat timings for T10 Reject bland ‘repeat timings’.

use of a fiducial mark at centre of oscillation

repeat for different values of L AND plot appropriate graph Appropriate graphs are: T2 vs L; T vs √𝐿𝐿
(2 marks)

Total 8

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2023

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

11.1 Allow sinθc =

1
OR θc = arcsin �
1
� OR 1 AO1
1.49 1.49
1
θc = sin–1 �1.49�
n
uses sinθc = 2 to give
n1
θc = 42.2(°) 
Must have θc or ‘critical angle’ as subject.
Allow θ for θc.
Calculator value is 42.155°.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

11.2 (total internal) reflection (occurs at P) because angle of Allow 45° for ‘angle of incidence’ and 42° for 2 2 × AO3
incidence is greater than critical angle  ‘critical angle’.
If no other mark, allow max 1 mark for a
description of the path e.g. ‘ray reflects at P
travels horizontally right because angle of incidence is 45°
and travels horizontally to leave at right-hand
so ray reflects at 45° or reflects through 90°
side’ OR for drawing a fully correct path on
OR Figure 16.
leaves at right hand side of fibre because ray is:
incident at normal / perpendicular to surface / at an angle of
incidence of 0° / at angle of incidence less than critical
angle 

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

11.3 uses Snell’s law: 1.49sinθ1 = 1.39sinθ2  2 2 × AO1

to give a value for θ2 to at least 2 sf and that rounds to 49° Calculator value is 49.2862°.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2023


Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

11.4 refracted ray shown as straight line drawn at 50° (to normal Line should deviate to right and pass to left of 1 AO3
at P) the ‘o’ in ‘optical fibre’ label in Figure 17.

Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark AO

11.5 intensity increases because (refracted) light re-enters the Reject ‘less total internal reflection occurs’. 2 2 × AO2
fibre when fuel is present (in the groove) 

idea that overall light intensity increases as more grooves For MP2, accept a diagram of stepped
are filled  increases in intensity.

Total 8

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JUNE 2023

Question Key Answer AO

12 D 3.43 V AO3

AO3

13 D 12 V 4V

2Ε AO3
14 C
R

AO3

15 B increasing value no change

16 C 2.5 × 10−18 J AO3

AO2

17 B

d AO2
18 B
2

19 D 20 cm s−1 AO3

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AO3

20 A downwards downwards

21 C 41.6° AO1

22 D 90 cm AO2

AO1

23 A decreases decreases

24 C 1.6 rad AO1

AO1

25 D

Total = 14 marks

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