Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2022

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced

Subsidiary Level in Physics (WPH12)
Paper 01 Waves and Electricity
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October 2022
Question Paper Log Number P71879A
Publications Code WPH12_01_2210_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2022
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners

must mark the first candidate in exactly the same way as they
mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must
be rewarded for what they have shown they can do rather than
penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not
according to their perception of where the grade boundaries
may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark
scheme should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded.
Examiners should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the
answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should also be
prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is
not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide
the principles by which marks will be awarded and
exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the
mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team leader must
be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
replaced it with an alternative response.
 Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle

The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed
up by examples. It is not a set of model answers.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should
be credited in every answer unless the MS has specified specific words that must
be present. Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’

1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
information are needed for 1 mark.

1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance
is increased”.

1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not accept
gravity] [ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit
will normally mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.

2.2 This does not apply in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question where the
units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.

2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only once
within one clip in ePen.

2.4 Occasionally, it may be decided not to insist on a unit e.g the candidate may be
calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not one that should
be known and is complex.

2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by means of [no
ue].

3. Significant figures

3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not be prevent
a mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer in the MS.

3.2 Too few significant figures will mean that the final mark cannot be awarded in
‘show that’ questions where one more significant figure than the value in the
question is needed for the candidate to demonstrate the validity of the given
answer.
3.3 The use of one significant figure might be inappropriate in the context of the
question e.g. reading a value off a graph. If this is the case, there will be a clear
indication in the MS.

3.4 The use of g = 10 m s-2 or 10 N kg-1 instead of 9.81 m s-2 or 9.81 N kg-1 will mean
that one mark will not be awarded (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m
s-2 or 9.8 N kg-1

3.5 In questions assessing practical skills, a specific number of significant figures

will be required e.g. determining a constant from the gradient of a graph or in
uncertainty calculations. The MS will clearly identify the number of significant
figures required.

4. Calculations

4.1 Bald (i.e. no working shown) correct answers may score full marks.

4.2 Some working is expected for full marks to be scored in a ‘show that’ question
or an extended calculation question.

4.3 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks, then both marks will be available for
a reverse working. If the question is worth 3 marks then only 2 marks will be
available.

4.4 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of
physically correct values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power of
10 error.

4.5 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.

5. Quality of Written Expression

5.1 Questions that asses the ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer are marked with an asterisk.

5.2 Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured.

5.3 Linkage between ideas, and fully-sustained reasoning is expected.

Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the speed of a wave is independent of its

amplitude.
B is not the correct answer as the speed of a wave is independent of its
amplitude.
C is not the correct answer as period and frequency are both related to
time. To calculate speed, a quantity involving distance is also required.

2 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as this transition would result in the

emission of a photon with the shortest wavelength.
C is not the correct answer as the arrow direction indicates absorption
rather than emission.
D is not the correct answer as the arrow direction indicates absorption
rather than emission.

3 D is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as increasing temperature causes an increase

in current for this circuit.
B is not the correct answer as increasing temperature causes an increase
in current for this circuit.
C is not the correct answer as increasing temperature decreases the p.d.
across the thermistor, but increases the p.d. across the fixed resistor.

4 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as both compressions and rarefactions have

zero displacement of molecules at their centre.
C is not the correct answer as both compressions and rarefactions have
zero displacement of molecules at their centre.
D is not the correct answer as both compressions and rarefactions have
zero displacement of molecules at their centre.

5 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the graph on the right is that of a diode.
B is not the correct answer as the graph in the middle is that of a
filament bulb.
D is not the correct answer as the graph on the left is that of an ohmic
conductor.
6 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as increasing the temperature of a metal

wire causes an increase in the amplitude of lattice vibrations.
C is not the correct answer as a change in the number of conduction
electrons is normally related to semiconductors.
D is not the correct answer as a change in the number of conduction
electrons is normally related to semiconductors.

7 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as the total charge (1.25 × 45 C) is divided

by e to establish the number of electrons passing in 45 seconds.
C is not the correct answer as the total charge (1.25 × 45 C) is divided
by e to establish the number of electrons passing in 45 seconds.
D is not the correct answer as the total charge (1.25 × 45 C) is divided
by e to establish the number of electrons passing in 45 seconds.

8 A is the correct answer (1)

B is not the correct answer as the light reflected is polarised.

C is not the correct answer as some of the light is reflected.
D is not the correct answer as the rest of the light is refracted.

9 B is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as the number of pulses detected is not

related to the amount of interference that takes place.
C is not the correct answer as the number of pulses detected is not
related to the frequency of the waves.
D is not the correct answer as the number of pulses detected is not
related to the wavelength of the waves.
10 C is the correct answer (1)

A is not the correct answer as these are units of charge.

B is not the correct answer as these are units of power.
D is not the correct answer as these are units of the Planck constant,
which is not equivalent to a volt.
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11 (The pattern shows that) diffraction is taking place (1)

(The pattern shows that) interference/superposition is taking place (1)

Bright/Maxima related to Constructive (interference)

Or Dark/Minima related to Destructive (interference) (1) 3

Total for question 11 3

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12a Ammeter in series with cell and an external component with resistance (1)
Voltmeter parallel with cell (1)
Variable resistor included in circuit (1) 3

12b (Uses conservation of energy to) obtain the equation ε = V + Ir (1)

Compares ε = V + Ir with y = mx +c (1)
e.m.f. is the y-intercept of the graph (1)
Internal resistance is the negative of the gradient (1) 4

Total for question 12 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
13a Use of R = V/I (to find resistance of whole circuit) (1)
Subtracts 9 Ω from 11 Ω (to get 2 Ω) (1)
Use of resistors in parallel formula (1)
R = 6.0 Ω (1)

3𝑅
(MP3 - Allow 2 = )
3+𝑅

OR
Use of R = V/I (to find V across 9.0 Ω resistor) (1)
Subtracts 1.26V from 1.54V (to get 0.28V) (1)
Conservation of charge used to establish current in R (0.467 A) (1)
R = 6.0 Ω (1) 4

Example of calculation
R = V/I for whole circuit = 1.54 V / 0.14 A = 11 Ω
Resistance of parallel section = 11 Ω − 9 Ω = 2 Ω
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= 𝑅 + 𝑅 , so 𝑅 = 2 − 3 = 6
𝑅𝑃 1 2
So R = 6 Ω

OR
V = IR for 9.0 Ω resistor = 0.14 A × 9.0 Ω = 1.26 V
p.d. across 3.0 Ω resistor and resistor R = 1.54 V – 1.26 V = 0.28 V
(for 3.0 Ω resistor) I = V / R = 0.28 V / 3.0 Ω = 0.0933 A
Current in resistor R = 0.14 A – 0.0933 A = 0.0467 A
R = V / I = 0.28 V / 0.0467 A = 6.0 Ω
13bi Use of cross-sectional area = πr2 (1)
Cross-sectional area = 1.8 × 10−8 (m2) (1) 2

(“Show that” so units not required)

(MP1 – not awarded if diameter is used)

Example of calculation
0.15 ×10−3 m 2
cross-sectional area = πr2 = π ( ) = 1.77 × 10−8 m2
2

13bii Use of R = ρl/A (1)

Length of copper wire = 9.5 m (1) 2

(e.c.f. from (b)(i))

(Answer using “show that” value = 10.7 m)

Example of calculation
𝑅𝐴 (9.0 Ω)(1.77 ×10−8 𝑚2 )
l= = = 9.48 m
𝜌 (1.68 ×10−8 Ωm)

13biii Use of I = nqvA (1)

v = 5.8 × 10−4 m s−1 (1) 2

(e.c.f. from b(i))

(Answer using “show that” value = 5.2 × 10−4 m s−1)
(ignore minus sign on answer)

Example of calculation
𝐼 (0.14 A)
v = 𝑛𝑞𝐴 = (8.49 ×1028𝑚−3 )(1.60 ×10−19 𝐶)(1.77 ×10−8𝑚2 ) = 5.8 × 10−4 m s−1

Total for question 13 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14a The electron only receives energy from one photon
Or there is a one to one interaction between photons and electrons (1)

Some of the photon energy is needed to overcome the work function

Or There is a minimum energy required to release electrons from the
(surface of the) plate (1)

Remaining photon energy is transferred to kinetic energy of electron

(and is therefore lower than photon energy)
Or Photon energy is shared between the work function and kinetic
energy of electron (so kinetic energy less than photon energy) (1) 3

14b Use of Ek = ½ mv2 (1)

Use of hf = Φ + ½ mv2 max (1)
Conversion of work function from eV into J (1)
f = 1.1 × 1015 (Hz), so source A (1) 4

Example of calculation
Ek = ½ mv2 = ½ × 9.11 × 10−31 kg × (5.70 × 105 m s−1)2 = 1.48 × 10−19 J
Φ = 3.68 eV × 1.60 × 10−19 J eV−1 = 5.89 × 10−19 J
hf = 1.48 × 10−19 J + 5.89 × 10−19 J = 7.37 × 10−19 J
7.37 × 10−19 J
f = 6.63 ×10−34 Js = 1.11 × 1015 Hz, so source A

Total for question 14 7

Question
Answer Mark
Number
15ai Divides 2Hz by 880 or 881Hz or 882Hz (1)

0.23% / 0.2% is less than 0.3% (so heard as same frequency) (1)

OR

Calculates 0.3% of 880 Hz or 882Hz (1)

879.4 Hz is less than 880 Hz (so heard as same frequency)

Or 882.6 Hz is greater than 882 Hz (so heard as same frequency)
Or 2.6 Hz is greater than 2 Hz (so heard as the same frequency) (1) 2

Example of calculation
(882−880) Hz
× 100 = 0.23%
882 Hz
*15aii This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning. Marks are awarded for indicative
content and for how the answer is structured and shows lines of reasoning. The
following table shows how the marks should be awarded for indicative content.

IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark

6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0
The
following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and lines of
reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for
structure of answer and sustained
line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical structure
with linkages and fully sustained lines of 2
reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some 1
linkages and lines of reasoning

Answer has no linkages between points and is 0

unstructured

Indicative content
• The two sound waves are not coherent (as they have a different frequency)
• As they do not have a constant phase relationship/difference
Or the phase difference changes
• Loud sounds related to constructive interference/superposition
• Quiet sounds related to destructive interference/superposition
• Constructive/loud sounds when in phase
• Destructive/quiet sounds when out of phase 6

(IC5 – allow phase difference of 2nπ radians / 0°)

(IC6 – allow antiphase or phase difference of π radians / 180°)
(Do not accept answers in terms of path differences or λ)
15b Use of v = fλ (1)
λ = 2L used (1)
Use of v = √( 𝜇𝑇 ) (1)
Decrease in tension = 2.5 N (1) 4

Example of calculation
(fλ)2 = T/μ
λ = 2L = 2 × 0.187 = 0.374 m
for 882 Hz, (882 Hz × 0.374 m)2 = T / 5.08 × 10−3 kg m−1
T = 552.8 N
for 880 Hz, (880 Hz × 0.374 m)2 = T / 5.08 × 10−3 kg m−1
T = 550.3 N
decrease in T = 2.5 N

Total for question 15 12

Question
Answer Mark
Number
16ai Use of n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 (1)
with sin θ2 as 1 (1)
critical angle = 75.1(°) (1)

Or
calculates ratio n2:n1 (1)
Use of sin C = 1/n (1)
critical angle = 75.1(°) (1) 3

Example of calculation
n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2
1.48 × sin C = 1.43 × sin 90°
C = 75.1°

16aii Angle of incidence measured/stated in range 79-81° (1)

This is greater than the critical angle (1)
Total internal reflection takes place (1) 3

(MP1 can be awarded for seeing angle correctly marked on diagram)

(If no angle of incidence measured, score 0)
(MP3 dependent upon awarding MP2)
(MP2 and MP3 can be awarded if angle of incidence is measured to be
between 76° and 85°)

(e.c.f. from (i))

16bi Use of n = c/v with n = 1.48 (1)

Use of speed = distance / time (1)
Time = 3.4 × 10−4 s (1) 3

(Allow MP2 if using speed of light in a vacuum)

Example of calculation
v = c/n = 3.00 × 108 ms−1 / 1.48 = 2.03 × 108 ms−1
time = distance / speed = 70,000 m / 2.03 × 108 ms−1 = 3.45 × 10−4 s

16bii (Lower RI leads to) lower critical angle (1)

More light (totally internally) reflected

Or less light refracted
Or more of the incident light will hit the boundary at an angle greater
than the critical angle (1) 2

(MP2 dependent on awarding MP1)

Total for question 16 11

Question
Answer Mark
Number
17ai Use of P = VI (1)
P = 0.11 (W) (1) 2

(MP1 - Allow methods where R is calculated and then either P = I2R or

P = V2/R is used to calculate P)

Example of calculation
P = VI = 12.0 V × 9.2 × 10−3 A = 0.11 W

17aii Use of E = Pt to calculate energy of LED (1)

Use of v = fλ and E = hf to calculate photon energy (1)
Divides total energy in one minute by energy of a photon (1)
Number of photons in one minute = 2.1 × 1019 (1) 4

(candidates who do not convert minutes into seconds can score a

maximum of 2 marks – MP2 and MP3)
(“show that” value leads to 1.9 × 1019)
(allow full e.c.f. from (i))

Example of calculation
E = Pt = 0.11W × 60 s = 6.6 J
𝑣 3.00 ×108 ms−1
f = 𝜆 = 627 ×10−9m = 4.78 × 1014 Hz
E = hf = 6.63 × 10−34 Js × 4.78 × 1014 Hz = 3.17 × 10−19 J
6.6 J
Number of photons in one minute = 3.17 ×10−19 J = 2.1 × 1019

17b (Lower wavelength leads to) greater (photon) energy (1)

Therefore fewer photons (in one minute) (1) 2

(MP1 – accept hc/λ increases or hf increases)

(MP2 dependent on awarding of MP1)

17c Use of A = 4πr2 (1)

Use of I = P/A (1)
I = 2200 (W m−2, which is greater than 1100 W m−2) so student is
correct (1) 3

(MP2 – allow if use A = 0.69/1100)

Example of calculation
A = 4π (0.005)2 = 3.14 × 10−4 m2
0.69 W
I = 3.14 ×10−4m2 = 2196 W m−2

Total for question 17 11

Question
Answer Mark
Number
18a Use of nλ = d sin θ (1)
θ2 = 29° (1) 2

(For MP1, allow calculation of d/λ = 4.13 or λ/d = 0.242)

Example of calculation
sin 14.0° = 0.242 (when n = 1)
𝑑
n = 𝜆 sin θ, so if d and λ are the same, when n = 2, sin θ is doubled
so sin θ2 = 0.242 × 2 = 0.484
sin−1 0.484 = 28.9°

18b Suitable graph suggested (see table below) (1)

Calculate/determine gradient (1)
Correct method for determining λ from gradient of graph (1) 3

(MP2 do not award without any suggestion of the graph to be plotted)

(MP2 do not award if either of the axes involves λ)

MP1 MP3
y-axis x-axis gradient = or λ =
n d sin θ 1/λ 1/gradient
d sin θ n λ gradient
n sin θ d/λ d/gradient
sin θ n λ/d gradient × d
sin θ n/d λ gradient
n/d sin θ 1/λ 1/gradient
18c Use of tan to calculate θ2 (allow Pythagoras to find hypotenuse and
then using sin or cos) (1)

Use of nλ = dsinθ with n = 2 (1)

Use number of lines per m(m) = 1 / d (1)

Number of lines per mm = 149, so labelling incorrect

Or d = 3.33 ×10−6 m, not 6.69 × 10−6 m, so labelling incorrect (1) 4

Example of calculation
Tan θ = 0.397 m / 2.00 m = 0.199, θ = 11.2°
nλ = dsinθ , so d = nλ / sin θ = 2 × 650 × 10−9 m / sin (11.2°)
d = 6.69 × 10−6 m
number of lines per metre = 1/d = 1 / 6.69 × 10−6 m = 149,000 m−1
= 149 mm−1

Total for question 18 9

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