2021 January - Unit 2 Mark Scheme

INTERNATIONAL AS
PHYSICS
PH02
Unit 2 Electricity, waves and particles
Mark scheme
January 2021
Version: 1.0 Final
*211XPH02/MS*
MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS – PH02 – JANUARY 2021
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
OxfordAQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for OxfordAQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for
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Copyright © 2021 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
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.
3
ID
Question Answers Additional comments/Guidelines Mark
details
01.1 The resistance between opposite faces of a unit cube (of Accept resistance x cross-sectional area 1 E
the material)  divided by length.
Do not accept equation in symbols only.
ID
details
01.2 ρl Substitution or rearrangement 2 E

Use of R = 
A
If diameter used for radius, give 1 mark max
provided answer given (2.5 m)
Look for 4.52 x 10-8 for area
Do not accept 0.62 (m)
0.63 (m) 
Total 3
4
ID
details
02 (Idea that reflection at ends produces) two waves If there is a suggestion that the waves are in 3 E
(travelling) in opposite directions  phase or coherent allow MAX 2
Waves have the same frequency/wavelength (and similar
amplitude)  Accept mention of superposition of the two
Idea that the amplitude of the stationary wave is the waves for MP3
(algebraic) sum of the original wave and its reflection  Condone superimpose for superpose
Total 3
5
ID
details
03.1 Correct general shape with correct curvature of lines, Must be 5 maxima for MP2 2 E
minima at zero or constant value above and
symmetrical
AND
each maximum lower than the previous one 

For MP2 look for central maximum at least 3
Width of central maximum approximately 2 × width of
times as high as the 1st max on both sides
subsequent maxima and central maximum much
higher than the 1st max on both sides 
ID
details
03.2 M marked on the abscissa between the 1st maximum 1 E

from Question 03.1 and the origin 
ID
details
03.3 Allow increase (intensity) 1 E

Condone ‘stronger’
Brighter maxima 
Treat comments about position and clarity as
neutral
Total 4
6
ID
details
04.1 Alternative for MP1: determination of V 2 E

V across the external resistance (8.1 V)
Use of I = or total resistance is 0.015 + 0.0076 (Ω) 
R
540 (A) 
Allow 530 A
ID
details
04.2 Allow ecf for candidate’s 04.12 × 0.015 2 E

Credit alternative routes
Use of P = I2 R 
4370 or 4400 (W) ecf  Calculation of heat in external resistor (2220
W) gets 1 MAX
Total 4
7
ID
details
05.1 must show some working 1

Multiplies by 1.6 × 10−19 to give 5.47(2) × 10−19 (J) to
do not allow 5.48 × 10−19 (J)
at least 3 sf 
do not allow route with non-zero current
ID
details
Need consistent units in MP1
05.2 Uses hf = 𝜙𝜙 + Ek(max)  3 E
ℎ𝑐𝑐 Look for hf = 9.248 x 10-19 J or 5.56 eV

Uses c = f𝜆𝜆 or E = 
𝜆𝜆
−7
2.15 × 10 (m)  Accept 2.2 and 2.1(4)
ID
details
05.3 Gradient for both (new) lines the same as that for Condone lack of labels in MP1 2 E
sodium 
caesium line must have a negative intercept
on ordinate
Magnesium line lower than sodium AND Caesium
Condone Ca for Caesium
line higher than sodium line. 
Ignore any lines drawn below horizontal axis
Do not award MP2 if MP1 incorrect
8
ID
details
05.4 Vs reduced because accept argument that V becomes zero 2 E

because all photoelectrons are stopped
(photo)electrons collide with atoms in the air
Reducing their KE / their velocity/ KEmax Allow idea that KE is absorbed or used up
Do not condone ‘energy’
Do not give MP2 if process is confused with
work function
Total 8
9
ID
details
06.1 Line must extend above half of y-axis 1 E

Line must curve when leaving X-axis
Correct shape with threshold between 0.5 V and 0.8 V

and the maximum voltage < 1.0 V 
ID
details
Ignore switch if drawn or ‘protective’ resistor
06.2 2 E
in series with diode
Accept diode with circle, continuous line

through the triangle
If LDR or thermistor used for variable resistor,

allow MAX 1
Condone use of middle and end terminals on

All circuit symbols present and correct  potential divider for variable resistor.
Circuit correct including polarity 
10
ID
details
06.3 1 E
Penalise incorrect diode symbol and/or

polarity only once in 06.2 and 06.3
Correct circuit  Accept equivalent circuit
ID
details
06.4 Allows P.d. across diode to go down to 0V 1 E

If more than one answer given, mark as a list.
OR
E.g ‘protects circuit’ loses mark if given as an
Full range of potential differences available  extra statement.
Total 5
11
ID
details
07.1 Takes datum from Figure 7A – thermistor resistance is 11 4 E

to 11.5 Ω  For MP2 allow alternatives e.g. calculation of
currents (0.27 to 0.26 + 0.85 to 0.8) to give
Finds resistance of lamp from Figure 7B (3.0 / 0.85) = 1.12 to 1.06 A
3.5(3) Ω or (3 / 0.8)  = 3.75 Ω
1 1 1 Substitution or rearrangement
uses =
Rtot R1
+
R2

2.67 to 2.83 Ω  at least 3 sf
ID
details
07.2 Uses a potential divider equation or uses 3 × their 07.1  Allow alternatives e.g. 2 E
3 × their 07.1  Calculates circuit current (1.12 A to 1.06 A)
Uses R = V/I to give 3 × their 07.1 
Expect to see around 8.1 Ω
ID
details
07.3 Use of P = VI to give 2.4 to 2.7 (W)  Allow use of alternative power equations 1 E
Allow ecf
12
ID
details
07.4 2 E
Resistance of lamp increases (as it heats up) In MP1 condone statement that both increase
OR or both decrease.
Resistance of thermistor falls (as it heats up) 
Comment about one or other component

dominating or resistance is likely to fall since
Other statement from MP1 AND sensible comment resistance of combination is less than that of
about the resistance of the combination  either component or impossible to say as we
do not know which dominates
ID
details
Do not award any marks if answer suggests
07.5 Initial rate of temperature (increase) will be lower  2 E
rate increases or stays the same.
Condone suggestion that the lamp resistance

Because pd across lamp reduces or power in lamp is (initially) constant
reduces 
Do not condone ‘thermistor’ or ‘combination’
for ‘lamp’
Total 11
13
ID
details
08.1 Ignore references to amplitude 2 E

coherence requires the two sources to have
• the same frequency/ wavelength AND
• constant phase relationship/difference 
Allow the light (for both) comes from the
The idea that the above must be true as the light laser
comes from the same source 
ID
details
08.2 When light from both paths arrive in phase a bright 2 E

Condone discussion in terms of path
fringe is produced
difference in MP1
OR
When light from both paths arrive in anti-phase a
dark fringe is produced 
E.g. for MP2 ‘… changes the path length of
Idea that moving the mirror causes a path difference  the light from M2
ID
details
08.3 ¼ wavelength = 162.5 nm with reference to d or 2

distance moved by M2 
For MP2 allow idea that moving mirror d
explanation of how moving the mirror by ¼ λ changes path length by 2d
produces a phase difference of π or ½ cycle Accept argument in either 08.2 or 08.3
14
ID
details
08.4 3
Height changes correspond to changing brightness  Condone MP1 for attempt to line up – e.g.
dotted lines seen.
All 4 height changes are equal 
Example:
Scale so that height change (from dark to light or vice
versa) approximately 1.6 × 10−7 m 
Accept if ‘central’ peak is another dip down to
the zero level etc.
Accept shoulders rounded within two
horizontal squares
ID
details
08.5 (Smaller wavelength) improves resolution or allows Allow increases or higher for improves 1 E
smaller difference in height to be detected wtte 
Allow description of improvement that doesn’t
mention resolution
Treat references to frequency as neutral
15
ID
details
08.6 Idea that modal dispersion is caused by many Allow ‘emitted through different angles’ 2 E
different pathways OR different length paths
(The uneven face will cause) light entering the fibre to
be at a variety of angles (to the axis) 
Marks can be credited in a labelled diagram
Total 12
16
ID
details
09.1 Clear evidence of extrapolation of the rays on the diagram 2


Answer in the range 40 to 42 degrees  Only award MP2 if MP1 awarded
ID
details
09.2 Answer in the range + (1.0 to 2.0) O  1
ID
details
09.3 Measurement involves 2 readings Answer should be consistent with the answer 1
to 09.2
17
ID
details
09.4 (a + d ) 2
correctly calculated 
2
Expect an answer of 2 to 4% and accept 1 or

Consistent % uncertainty calculated  2 sf only
Do not condone adding of absolute

uncertainties unless d = 50
Expect to see (100 x their 9.2 divided by their
9.1 ) + 1%
ID
details
09.5 Refractive index in the range 1.65 to 1.75  2 or 3 sf only 2

% uncertainty 1% greater than the answer given in
09.4  No sf penalty
Total 8
18
ID
details
10.1 Finds actual number of oscillations in 24 h = 61626 3 E

Alternative

Finds the necessary number of oscillations in 24 h =
24 × 60 × 60/1.4
61714  × 0.002
88 × 1.4 = 123 (s)  = 123 s
ID
details
10.2 l Substitution or manipulation 2 E

Uses 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋� 
g
0.49 m to at least 2 sf  Must show some working
ID
details
10.3 Additional mass should be placed above the existing Allow ref to rigid base 2 E
centre of mass (wtte) 
Idea that the new centre of mass will be nearer to the
Only allow MP2 if MP1 awarded
point of suspension or that the effective length of the
pendulum is less. 
19
ID
details
10.4 Additional mass needs to be placed higher so that 1 E
C of M is higher
OR
(Effective) length is shorter 
Total 8
20
Question Answer
11 C
12 D
13 B
14 D
15 A
16 C
17 D
18 A
19 B
20 C
21 C
22 C
23 B
24 B
21

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INTERNATIONAL AS

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from oxfordaqaexams.org.uk

Level of response marking instructions

Step 1 Determine a level

Step 2 Determine a mark

01.2 ρl Substitution or rearrangement 2 E

each maximum lower than the previous one 

03.2 M marked on the abscissa between the 1st maximum 1 E

03.3 Allow increase (intensity) 1 E

04.1 Alternative for MP1: determination of V 2 E

04.2 Allow ecf for candidate’s 04.12 × 0.015 2 E

05.1 must show some working 1

ℎ𝑐𝑐 Look for hf = 9.248 x 10-19 J or 5.56 eV

05.4 Vs reduced because accept argument that V becomes zero 2 E

06.1 Line must extend above half of y-axis 1 E

Correct shape with threshold between 0.5 V and 0.8 V

Accept diode with circle, continuous line

If LDR or thermistor used for variable resistor,

Condone use of middle and end terminals on

Penalise incorrect diode symbol and/or

06.4 Allows P.d. across diode to go down to 0V 1 E

07.1 Takes datum from Figure 7A – thermistor resistance is 11 4 E

2.67 to 2.83 Ω  at least 3 sf

Expect to see around 8.1 Ω

Comment about one or other component

Condone suggestion that the lamp resistance

08.1 Ignore references to amplitude 2 E

08.2 When light from both paths arrive in phase a bright 2 E

08.3 ¼ wavelength = 162.5 nm with reference to d or 2

09.1 Clear evidence of extrapolation of the rays on the diagram 2

09.2 Answer in the range + (1.0 to 2.0) O  1

Expect an answer of 2 to 4% and accept 1 or

Do not condone adding of absolute

09.5 Refractive index in the range 1.65 to 1.75  2 or 3 sf only 2

10.1 Finds actual number of oscillations in 24 h = 61626 3 E

10.2 l Substitution or manipulation 2 E

0.49 m to at least 2 sf  Must show some working

10.4 Additional mass needs to be placed higher so that 1 E

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