AQA GCSE Physics: the mark scheme language that gets the mark
162 wording rules from real AQA mark schemes and examiner reports, 2018–2025 · organised by topic
GCSE marks live and die on exact wording. AQA mark schemes spell it out: (allow …) lists the alternatives that still score, do not accept … names the answers that score nothing, and where a specific word is required, only that word earns the mark. Examiner reports say the same thing after every exam — what students had to say, and which popular phrasings were "insufficient". Everything below is taken from real AQA GCSE Physics mark schemes Mark scheme and real examiner reports Examiner report — nothing invented.
Quiz mode: the wording is hidden — read the source line, say the answer out loud, then tap the card to check.
4.1 Energy49
Mark schemeAir resistance / drag (allow wind)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.1.1
Mark schemePercentage increase = (1.5/9.5) x 100 = 15.8% (allow an answer that rounds to 15.8%, or 16%)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.1.1.1
Mark schemeThe work done is equal to (allow "the same as") the work done against air resistanceAQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.1.1.1
Mark schemeUse a tape measure (allow metre rule or laser measure)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.1.2
Mark schemeFirst blank: kg (allow kilogram)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.1.1.3
Mark schemeSecond blank: °C (allow degrees Celsius)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.1.1.3
Mark schemeBecause the maximum power output of the cyclist is constant (allow maximum force on pedals is constant)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.1.1.4
Mark schemeIndependent variable: (type of) insulation/material — do not accept thickness of materialAQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.1.2.1
Mark schemeSame temperature decrease in a shorter time means a higher thermal conductivity (allow converse; material X has higher conductivity than Y)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.1.2.1
Mark schemeSome energy is wasted in her muscles, or transferred as thermal energy to the surroundings (allow air resistance)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.1.2.1
Mark schemeUseful power output = 1170 (W) (allow 1200 W if correct working shown)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2021 · spec 4.1.2.2
Mark schemeCorrect final answer 26% (a correct answer rounding to 26 scores full marks; allow 0.26 for partial credit)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.3
Mark schemeDoesn't cause global warming (allow climate change/greenhouse effect)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.1.3
Mark schemeHigher / greater / longer range (allow less frequent refuelling)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.3
Mark schemeNames a pollutant released by burning fossil fuels: carbon dioxide / particulates / sulfur dioxide / nitrogen oxides (allow greenhouse gases)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2021 · spec 4.1.3
Mark schemeThis causes global warming (allow greenhouse effect or climate change)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.1.3
Mark schemeTidal (allow "the tides")AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.3
Mark schemeEnergy from the toy is dissipated to the surroundings/air (allow transferred to the surroundings/air)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.1.1.1
Mark schemeBecause in position B the eye is level with the maximum height of the toy (allow parallax error is reduced)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.1.1.2
Mark schemeSo the person must leave the ground at a greater speedAQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2025 · spec 6.1.1.2
Mark schemeMetals have a higher thermal conductivity (allow metals are good/better thermal conductors)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.1.2.1
Mark schemeWhich allows a greater rate of thermal energy transfer (allow energy is transferred more quickly)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.1.2.1
Mark schemeThe efficiency must be less than 100%AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2021 · spec 6.1.2.2
Mark schemeWhich can cause global dimming (allow reduces air quality / causes smog)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2024 · spec 6.1.3
Mark schemeWhich contributes to global warming (allow climate change / greenhouse gas / greenhouse effect)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2024 · spec 6.1.3
Examiner reportGravitational potential energy or gravitational field strength were insufficient to score a mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.1.1
Examiner reportPythagoras was insufficient as the triangle described would not give the height of the zip wire.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.1.2
Examiner reportSome students commented on muscle mass and strength which were insufficient to score marks. Clear comparisons, including at least one difference and one similarity, were needed to score 4 marks.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.1.2
Examiner report‘Greater extension’ was insufficient unless also linked to ‘snapping’.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 4.1.1.2
Examiner reportIf a student included a negative sign in front of their value for energy, it was ignored.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.1.1.3
Examiner reportAnswers in terms of good / bad insulators were insufficient to score a mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.1.2.1
Examiner reportAny suggested change followed by the reason ‘it is more accurate’ was insufficient to score the explanation mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 4.1.2.1
Examiner reportCommon answers which were insufficient were ‘easier to read’ and ‘see the results more clearly’.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 4.1.2.1
Examiner reportSome students gained no credit by describing different required practical methods.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.2.1
Examiner reportThe datalogger would produce too much data was a common insufficient answer.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.2.1
Examiner report‘Turbine will rotate faster’ was insufficient to score a mark. ‘Rotate more smoothly’ was not enough to score the ‘less friction’ mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.1.2.1
Examiner reportMany students answer ed in terms of ‘saving energy’ which was insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.1.2.2
Examiner reportFor marking point 1 a link was needed between the type of gas and the effect it has i.e.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2025 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportInsufficient answers included hydro and water. Oil was insufficient as this was assumed to be non-renewable oil as opposed to palm oil or other biofuel oils.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportLess air pollution or less toxic gases was insufficient to score a mark. Comparison of start up times was insufficient as it does not relate to environmental advantages. Stating facts about a coal-fired power station but not comparing it with a gas-fired power station was insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportMany students did not use technical vocabulary to express themselves, giving responses which were insufficient. Statements repeating the questions stem ‘meaning the electricity supply is more reliable’ were insufficient to score the second mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportReferring to ‘hotter months’ was insufficient for ‘summer months’ or named months.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportStudents were required to calculate 7 per cent of the speed of light and many students managed to do this from either multiplying by 0.07, by 7/100, or by finding 10%, 5% and 1% or similar and adding appropriately.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2018 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportThe idea of ‘running out’ and ‘not running out’ was insufficient to score.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2025 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportTo score a mark a comparative statement was needed eg lower, not low mass of power source. A statement using the word ‘better’ would be insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner report‘Increases the battery’s power output’ was insufficient to score a mark. ‘Battery lasts longer’ was insufficient to score a mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.1.3
Examiner reportFor alternating potential difference, ‘more than one direction’ is insufficient.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2025 · spec 6.1.1.4
Examiner reportIt was quite common for students to refer to plastic having a lower melting point than metal, which was ignored. A fair number of students contradicted themselves by stating that metal is a good thermal conductor and a good insulator so that it keeps the coffee hot, which gained no credit.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.1.2.1
Examiner reportA few students referred to the previous question and stated that the efficiency of the heat pump is 87.5%, which gained no credit.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2021 · spec 6.1.2.2
4.2 Electricity25
Mark schemeWhich earths the charge (allow the tap is earthed)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2018 · spec 4.2.1.2
Mark schemeIdentify and remove/ignore any anomalous readingsAQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2024 · spec 4.2.1.3
Mark schemeDirectly proportional to the potential difference (allow p.d. or voltage)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.2.1.4
Mark schemeThe voltmeter in the circuit measures potential difference (allow p.d. or voltage)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 4.2.1.4
Mark schemeA different frequency would allow people to let go at a greater currentAQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.2.3.1
Mark schemeRisk: electric shock or electrocution (allow burn or death)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.2.3.2
Mark schemeA: transmission cables / power cables (allow power lines, cables)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2021 · spec 4.2.4.3
Mark schemeL is the transmission cables (allow power cables)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.2.4.3
Mark schemeStep-down transformer decreases the potential difference (allow p.d.)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.2.4.3
Mark schemeStep-up transformer increases the potential difference (allow p.d.)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.2.4.3
Mark schemeThe carpet/copper has a low resistance (allow the carpet/copper is a conductor)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2018 · spec 4.2.5.1
Mark schemeThe (large) potential difference between the two objects (allow strong electric field causes breakdown of air)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.2.5.2
Mark schemeBecause the total resistance of resistors in parallel is less than the resistance of the smallest resistor (allow less than either resistor)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 6.2.1.3
Mark schemeIn category A the body water percentage is about 61% (allow a value between 60% and 62%)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 6.2.1.3
Mark schemeSo the potential difference across R decreases (allow the LDR has a greater share of the potential difference)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.2.2
Mark schemeThe resistance of the LDR increases (allow resistance of the circuit increases)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.2.2
Mark schemeThe total resistance must be less than 20 ohms (allow the total resistance cannot be more than 20 ohms)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 6.2.2
Mark schemeSo energy/power losses in the transmission cables decrease (allow less heating in the cables)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.2.4.3
Examiner reportStatements like ‘it increases the accuracy not the precision’ were common and insufficient to score a mark. An answer of ‘the 4th result increased the mean’ was insufficient as the mean would have always increased if the result had been greater than the mean.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.2.1.3
Examiner reportFor 6 marks, students also needed to refer to the correct interval and range of readings from the graph.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.2.1.4
Examiner report‘Because it’s a series circuit’ was insufficient to score the 2nd marking point.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2024 · spec 4.2.2
Examiner reportSimply reading off values from the graph was insufficient without an explanation of what the implications were.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.2.3.1
Examiner reportAny mention of the alpha particle colliding with the nucleus was ignored as the idea of proximity to the nucleus was tested in 08.3.. Particles being ‘deflected’ was insufficient for a description as this refers to the path followed by the alpha particle not the force experienced.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.2.5.1
Examiner reportStudents often just said ‘opposite charges attract’ which was insufficient, or discussed magnetic poles which was not creditworthy.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.2.5.1
Examiner reportIt was reasonably common for students to read the percentage from the ends of the lines and base their evaluation on a reading of 80%, which gained no credit.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 6.2.1.3
4.3 Particle model of matter13
Mark schemeCorrect final answer: 359 (J) (allow answers that round to 360 J)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2018 · spec 4.3.2.3
Mark schemeCorrect unit J/kg (allow a unit consistent with their numerical answer, eg kJ/kg)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2021 · spec 4.3.2.3
Mark schemeThe measured change in mass is too high for the energy supplied (allow a smaller mass actually changed state at boiling point)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.3.2.3
Mark schemeAllows anomalies to be identified/removed (allow assessing the repeatability of the data)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.3.3.2
Mark schemeCorrect equation set up: new pressure × 24 = 1 212 000 (allow ecf from 08.3 constant)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2021 · spec 4.3.3.2
Mark schemeRandom error (allow a parallax error)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.3.3.2
Mark schemeSo the particles collide more frequently with the walls of the chamber (allow collide with more force)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.3.3.1
Examiner reportMany students stated that ‘the student could have measured it wrong the first time’ which was insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.3.1.1
Examiner reportBoth evaporation and change of state were common, insufficient answers for the first marking point.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.3.2.3
Examiner reportFor the 2nd mark a microscopic description was needed, which is why ‘greater force per m2’ was ignored.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.3.3.1
Examiner reportFor the 2nd marking point students needed to refer to more collisions with the tyre ‘per second’ or ‘more frequently’ or ‘greater rate’, the dependence on time is important. For the 3rd marking point te force referred to is the individual force experienced in a collision by a particle with the tyre wal, Students needed to state this so that it was clear whether they were talking about the total force or the individual force exerted by a particle. For the 4th marking point students needed to say…AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.3.3.1
Examiner reportA minority of students scored the first mark point, many students simply stating that the volume decreased which was insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2024 · spec 4.3.3.2
Examiner reportA lot of answers described the trend as directly proportional, and there were also many qualitative descriptions such as pressure increases evenly with temperature, which were insufficient to gain the mark.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 6.3.3.1
4.4 Atomic structure19
Mark schemeCorrect final answer after subtracting background: 13.35 (per second) (allow equivalent method giving 801 per minute)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2018 · spec 4.4.2.1
Mark scheme(Internal) contamination will cause greater risk of harm to cells/tissues/organs/DNA/genes (allow greater radiation dose, cancer risk, mutations)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.4.2.4
Mark schemeEnergy is released (allow either order with gamma rays)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.4.4.1
Mark schemeGamma rays are released (allow either order with energy)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.4.4.1
Mark schemeNuclear fusion is the joining together of nuclei (do not accept atoms)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2021 · spec 4.4.4.2
Mark schemeBecause the radiation is not detected beyond 5 cm (allow alpha cannot travel 10 cm in air, or beta and gamma would be detected at 10 cm)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.4.2.1
Mark schemeEffect: the count-rate decreased (allow decreased to almost zero)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 6.4.2.1
Mark schemeReason: because (gamma) radiation is absorbed by lead (allow gamma radiation cannot penetrate thick lead)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2023 · spec 6.4.2.1
Mark scheme60 minutes is 4 half-lives (allow 15 minutes is 1 half-life)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.4.2.3
Mark schemeCorrect order (least stable to most stable): D, B, A, C -- all four letters must be in the correct orderAQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2022 · spec 6.4.2.3
Examiner reportA reference to the force or the field was needed to score the second marking point.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.4.1.1
Examiner reportA comparison was needed to score the second mark. ‘A steep graph’ was insufficient, but ‘a steeper graph’ would have scored the reason mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Foundation, 2025 · spec 4.4.2.1
Examiner reportStudents tended to score the second marking point rather than the first, although vague statements like less harm/damage to the environment were insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.4.2.3
Examiner reportMany students were unclear of the difference between the two terms and gave vague answers about ‘radiation being around you versus in you’, which were insufficient to score.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.4.2.4
Examiner reportStudents needed to refer to the graph, and factual recall about alpha radiation, to score the 1st and 3rd mark points.,.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2024 · spec 4.4.3.1
Examiner report‘Decays the fastest’ was insufficient to score the 2nd marking point.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.4.3.3
Examiner reportTo score the first marking point, students needed to indicate that the neutron becomes part of the U-235 nucleus, it was insufficient to only say that the neutron collides with the nucleus.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.4.4.1
Examiner reportElements fuse or atoms fuse was insufficient. Nuclei fuse was insufficient unless they said to form a larger / heavier nucleus.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.4.4.2
Examiner reportStating that alpha has a low range in air was too vague to gain the mark. Other answers which were insufficient for the second marking point included that it was alpha because as distance increases the count rate decreases.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 1, Higher, 2023 · spec 6.4.2.1
4.5 Forces29
Mark schemeReads the weight from the scale diagram as 25 kN (allow 24 to 25 kN inclusive)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.5.1.1
Mark schemeCorrect substitution: weight = 0.22 x 9.8 (allow ecf from mass calculated in 04.3)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.5.1.3
Mark schemeDivides by g to find the mass of rice: 2.108 ÷ 9.8 = 0.215 kg (allow 0.22 kg; allow 0.255 / 0.26 kg for 2 marks if basket weight not subtracted)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.5.1.3
Mark schemeDirection in the range 18-20 degrees from the horizontal (allow 70-72 degrees from the vertical, or a bearing of 288-290)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.5.1.4
Mark schemeMagnitude of the tension force in the range 156-160 N (allow a calculated value of 158)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.5.1.4
Mark schemeSo it gives a linear scale (allow easy to calibrate)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.5.3
Mark schemeCorrect unit: pascals or Pa (allow N/m2; do not accept lower-case "pa")AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.5.5.1.2
Mark schemeFinal numerical answer: (Δ)p = 12112.8 (allow a correctly rounded answer, or a correct calculation using either 0.50 or 1.70 alone)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.5.5.1.2
Mark schemeReason: the (mean) time was the lowest / it fell the fastest / it had the most streamlined shape (only scores if Cone selected; ignore reference to surface area)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.5.6.1.2
Mark schemeThe road is not straight (allow the driver may change lanes)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.5.6.1.2
Mark schemeVelocity is a vector and speed is a scalar (allow velocity includes direction, speed does not)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.5.6.1.2
Mark schemeWorking shown: (34 + 37 + 34) / 3, allow 105 / 3AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.5.6.1.2
Mark schemeSo the skydiver falls at terminal velocity (allow constant velocity/speed)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.5.6.1.5
Mark schemeTerminal velocity = 46 m/s (allow 44-48, consistent with their extrapolated line)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.5.6.1.5
Mark schemeResultant force decreases to zero (allow air resistance becomes equal to weight/gravity)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.5.6.2.1
Mark schemeIgnore anomalies and calculate a mean/averageAQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.5.6.2.2
Mark schemeIn the opposite direction (accept to the left or forwards; if no other mark scored, allow "pushes the engine forwards")AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.5.6.2.3
Mark schemeBrakes overheat / brakes lock (allow brake fade / wheels locking)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2019 · spec 4.5.6.3.4
Mark schemeDecreases the rate of change in momentum (allow reduces acceleration/deceleration)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.5.7.3
Mark schemeThis happens at about 15 minutes (allow 14 to 16 minutes, or "for the last 10 minutes", or "at the maximum height")AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2024 · spec 6.5.1.3
Mark schemeSo the resultant force is zero at a lower speed (with parachutes open), allow air resistance equal to weight at a lower speedAQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2024 · spec 6.5.4.1.5
Mark schemeSo the resultant force is not constant because resultant force is directly proportional to acceleration for constant mass (allow F = ma)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2022 · spec 6.5.4.2.2
Mark schemeGravitational force acts on the rocket (in the opposite direction to the motion of the rocket), allow air resistanceAQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2024 · spec 6.5.5.1
Examiner reportMany had difficulty describing their ideas clearly and answers were often too vague to gain credit.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2025 · spec 4.5.3
Examiner reportSome students appreciated that a range of weights were needed to obtain a table of results and made a relevant comment about measuring the extension.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2018 · spec 4.5.3
Examiner reportUnspecific answers about the release of energy were not credited, but the use heat energy instead of thermal was accepted..AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.5.6.3.4
Examiner reportAs an ‘explain’ question, simply stating ‘force is reduced’ was insufficient for any credit to be given.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.5.7.3
Examiner reportTo access Level 3, students needed to give a judgement and support it with data from the bar chart.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2024 · spec 6.5.4.2.2
Examiner reportMany had the idea of braking causing heating, but this was given in the question, so students needed to give more detail. Only a small proportion referred to the increased risk at a greater speed, with students far more likely to just state that braking from a greater speed will cause the brakes to overheat, which was not enough to gain the third marking point.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2025 · spec 6.5.4.3.4
4.6 Waves14
Mark schemeFinal answer: uncertainty = 5 (degrees) (allow the answer alone for both marks)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.6.1.3
Mark schemeEvery point on the wave front enters / hits the shallow water at the same timeAQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.6.2.2
Mark schemeSo the edge/part of the wave front entering the shallow water slows down (first)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.6.2.2
Mark schemeThe velocity / speed of the wave is slower in shallow waterAQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.6.2.2
Mark scheme(But) absorbed by bone (allow do not pass through bone; do not accept reflected by bone)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.6.2.4
Mark schemePass through / penetrate soft tissue (a named soft tissue such as skin or muscle must be specified, not just 'tissue')AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.6.2.4
Mark schemeSubstitution: magnification = 0.8 / 2.0 (allow their measured heights)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2021 · spec 4.6.2.5
Mark schemeBecause wave speed increases while the frequency stays constant (so wavelength must increase, since v = f x wavelength)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2021 · spec 6.6.1.2
Examiner reportReferences to shortening the string suggested that the students understood what was required but did not describe how to adjust the apparatus to change the length.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.6.1.2
Examiner reportMisreading the protractor was a common, but insufficient response.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.6.1.3
Examiner reportSome of the students realised that there would be a current in the aerial but used terms such as ‘produce a current’ and ‘produce an electrical signal’ which were insufficient for credit to be awarded.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.6.2.3
Examiner reportSome students did not specify ‘soft’ tissue or a named soft tissue, which was required as bone is a tissue.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.6.2.4
Examiner reportThe reason had to state greatest/highest temperature, or the liquid was the hottest. A higher temperature or hotter liquid was insufficient to gain this mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2023 · spec 4.6.3.1
Examiner reportMany students correctly calculated that the sum or mean of the numbers is zero, but this gained no credit.AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2025 · spec 6.6.2.2
4.7 Magnetism and electromagnetism8
Mark schemeThe rods become (induced) magnets (allow the rods are (temporarily) magnetised)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.7.1.1
Mark schemeAnd attracted to the south pole of the fixed magnet (allow following a magnetic field line for 1 mark if no other marks scored)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.7.1.2
Mark schemeA potential difference is induced (across the ends of the coil/wire) (allow induced current)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2019 · spec 4.7.3.3
Mark schemeIron (allow nickel / cobalt)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2023 · spec 4.7.3.4
Mark schemeIncrease the current (in the coil/electromagnet), allow increase the potential differenceAQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2024 · spec 6.7.2.1
Mark schemeRadio waves are produced (by the transmitter) (allow microwaves)AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2024 · spec 6.7.2.1
Examiner reportAnswers simply in terms of ‘increasing the magnetic field’ were insufficient for credit to be awarded.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2020 · spec 4.7.2.1
Examiner reportAnswers such as ‘bigger magnet’ or ‘more coils’ were too vague to gain credit.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.7.3.1
4.8 Space physics5
Mark schemeForces pulling inwards caused by (the force of) gravity (do not allow weight)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2020 · spec 4.8.1.1
Mark schemeDifference: (orbital) period, height, or speed (allow orbital speed)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Foundation, 2022 · spec 4.8.1.3
Mark schemeFinal answer: 15 complete orbits (allow 16 for one mark fewer if incorrectly rounded up)AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2018 · spec 4.8.1.3
Examiner reportLight moving to the red end of the light spectrum was insufficient to score a mark.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2022 · spec 4.8.2
Examiner reportSimply stating something like ‘it has a low speed’ was insufficient.AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2, Higher, 2021 · spec 4.8.2
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