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Thinka Jun 2023 (V2) Cambridge International A Level-Style Mock — Science - Combined (0653)

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An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Jun 2023 (V2) Cambridge International A Level Science - Combined (0653) paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from Cambridge.

Extended Theory Paper

Answer all questions. Use a calculator if needed. Show all working clearly with appropriate units.
34 PastPaper.question · 78 PastPaper.marks
PastPaper.question 1 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A climber of mass \( 60\text{ kg} \) climbs a vertical height of \( 15\text{ m} \) in \( 30\text{ s} \). Calculate the useful power developed by the climber. Assume \( g = 9.8\text{ N/kg} \).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

First, calculate the work done against gravity: \(\text{Work done} = m \cdot g \cdot h = 60 \times 9.8 \times 15 = 8820\text{ J}\). Next, calculate the power: \(\text{Power} = \frac{\text{Work done}}{\text{time}} = \frac{8820}{30} = 294\text{ W}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for calculating work done (\(8820\text{ J}\)) or showing correct substitution \(P = \frac{mgh}{t}\). 1 mark for correct power with units: \(294\text{ W}\) (accept \(290\text{ W}\) from 2 significant figures calculation).
PastPaper.question 2 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A toy car accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of \( 8.0\text{ m/s} \) in \( 4.0\text{ s} \). It then travels at a constant speed of \( 8.0\text{ m/s} \) for another \( 6.0\text{ s} \). Calculate the total distance travelled by the toy car during this \( 10.0\text{ s} \) journey.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

The distance travelled can be found from the area under the speed-time graph.

Distance during acceleration (triangle area): \(\frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} = \frac{1}{2} \times 4.0 \times 8.0 = 16\text{ m}\).

Distance during constant speed (rectangle area): \(\text{width} \times \text{height} = 6.0 \times 8.0 = 48\text{ m}\).

Total distance = \(16 + 48 = 64\text{ m}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for calculating either individual distance (\(16\text{ m}\) or \(48\text{ m}\)) or showing correct method to find the total area under graph. 1 mark for correct final total distance of \(64\text{ m}\).
PastPaper.question 3 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A spring has an unstretched length of \( 12.0\text{ cm} \). When a load of \( 6.0\text{ N} \) is suspended from it, the length of the spring becomes \( 15.0\text{ cm} \). Calculate the spring constant \( k \) of the spring in \( \text{N/cm} \).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

First, calculate the extension \(x\) of the spring: \(x = 15.0\text{ cm} - 12.0\text{ cm} = 3.0\text{ cm}\).

Using Hooke's Law, \(F = kx\), rearrange to solve for \(k\):
\(k = \frac{F}{x} = \frac{6.0\text{ N}}{3.0\text{ cm}} = 2.0\text{ N/cm}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for calculating the correct extension of \(3.0\text{ cm}\). 1 mark for correct calculation of spring constant: \(2.0\text{ N/cm}\) (or \(2\text{ N/cm}\)).
PastPaper.question 4 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Describe a chemical test, including the reagent used and the observation, to distinguish between ethane and ethene.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Bromine water (or aqueous bromine) is orange/brown. Ethene is an unsaturated alkene, so it will undergo an addition reaction with bromine, decolourising the bromine water. Ethane is a saturated alkane and does not react with bromine water under normal conditions, so the solution remains orange.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for naming the reagent: bromine water / aqueous bromine (accept bromine). 1 mark for the correct difference in observation: decolourises with ethene AND remains orange/brown/unchanged with ethane.
PastPaper.question 5 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
State the name of the homologous series to which the hydrocarbon \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_6 \) belongs, and state the general formula for this homologous series.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Hydrocarbon \(\text{C}_3\text{H}_6\) has the general pattern \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}\), which represents the alkenes. Therefore, the homologous series is alkenes and the general formula is \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for identifying the homologous series as alkene(s). 1 mark for stating the general formula as \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}\).
PastPaper.question 6 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Explain how increasing temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis in a plant up to and beyond its optimum temperature.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Up to the optimum temperature, an increase in temperature increases the kinetic energy of enzymes and substrates, leading to more frequent successful collisions and a faster rate of photosynthesis. Beyond the optimum temperature, the high temperature alters the active site of enzymes (denaturation), which stops the reaction and decreases the rate.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for: up to the optimum temperature, rate increases because enzymes have more kinetic energy / more successful collisions. 1 mark for: beyond the optimum temperature, rate decreases because enzymes involved are denatured.
PastPaper.question 7 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Using ideas about colliding particles, explain why increasing the concentration of a reactant solution increases the rate of reaction.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Increasing the concentration means there are more reactant particles in a given volume (per unit volume). This increases the frequency of collisions (collisions per unit time) between reactant particles, thereby increasing the rate of reaction.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for stating there are more particles per unit volume / space. 1 mark for stating there is an increased frequency of collisions / more collisions per second.
PastPaper.question 8 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
In the extraction of iron, the reaction that occurs is: \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2 \). Explain, in terms of oxygen transfer, why this reaction is described as redox.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Redox reactions involve both oxidation and reduction occurring simultaneously. In this reaction, iron(III) oxide (\(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\)) loses oxygen to form iron (\(\text{Fe}\)), so it is reduced. Carbon monoxide (\(\text{CO}\)) gains oxygen to form carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), so it is oxidized.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for stating that iron(III) oxide / \(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\) is reduced because it loses oxygen. 1 mark for stating that carbon monoxide / \(\text{CO}\) is oxidized because it gains oxygen.
PastPaper.question 9 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A box of mass \(12\text{ kg}\) is pushed along a horizontal surface with a force of \(40\text{ N}\). The frictional force opposing motion is \(16\text{ N}\). Calculate the acceleration of the box.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Find the resultant force acting on the box: \(F_{\text{net}} = \text{Applied force} - \text{Friction} = 40\text{ N} - 16\text{ N} = 24\text{ N}\). 2. Use Newton's second law \(F = ma\) to calculate acceleration: \(a = \frac{F_{\text{net}}}{m} = \frac{24\text{ N}}{12\text{ kg}} = 2.0\text{ m/s}^2\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for calculating the resultant force of \(24\text{ N}\) (or showing \(40 - 16\)). 1 mark for the correct acceleration of \(2.0\text{ m/s}^2\) (accept \(2\text{ m/s}^2\)).
PastPaper.question 10 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
An electric motor is used to lift a weight of \(50\text{ N}\) through a vertical height of \(4.0\text{ m}\) in a time of \(5.0\text{ s}\). Calculate the useful power output of the motor.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Calculate the work done by the motor: \(W = \text{Force} \times \text{distance} = 50\text{ N} \times 4.0\text{ m} = 200\text{ J}\). 2. Calculate the power output: \(P = \frac{\text{Work done}}{\text{time}} = \frac{200\text{ J}}{5.0\text{ s}} = 40\text{ W}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for correct calculation of work done (\(200\text{ J}\)) or stating the correct formula (\(P = \frac{Fd}{t}\)). 1 mark for the correct power of \(40\text{ W}\) (accept \(40\text{ J/s}\)).
PastPaper.question 11 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A spring has an unstretched length of \(12.0\text{ cm}\). When a load of \(6.0\text{ N}\) is suspended from it, the length of the spring becomes \(15.0\text{ cm}\). Calculate the spring constant, \(k\), of the spring. Include the unit.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Calculate the extension (\(x\)) of the spring: \(x = 15.0\text{ cm} - 12.0\text{ cm} = 3.0\text{ cm}\) (or \(0.030\text{ m}\)). 2. Use Hooke's Law \(F = kx\) to find the spring constant \(k\): \(k = \frac{F}{x} = \frac{6.0\text{ N}}{3.0\text{ cm}} = 2.0\text{ N/cm}\). Alternatively, using SI units: \(k = \frac{6.0\text{ N}}{0.030\text{ m}} = 200\text{ N/m}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for calculating the extension as \(3.0\text{ cm}\) or \(0.03\text{ m}\). 1 mark for correct value and unit of spring constant: \(2.0\text{ N/cm}\) or \(200\text{ N/m}\).
PastPaper.question 12 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Describe the chemical test used to distinguish between an alkane and an alkene, and state the observation for the alkene.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Bromine water (aqueous bromine) is orange/brown. When added to an alkene, an addition reaction occurs, and the solution becomes colourless. Alkanes do not react with bromine water in the absence of UV light, so the solution remains orange/brown.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for stating the test reagent: bromine water / aqueous bromine. 1 mark for the observation with alkene: turns from orange / yellow / brown to colourless (accept 'decolourises', reject 'becomes clear').
PastPaper.question 13 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Decane, \(\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22}\), can be cracked to form octane, \(\text{C}_8\text{H}_{18}\), and one other hydrocarbon product. Deduce the molecular formula of this other product and state the family (homologous series) to which it belongs.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. The cracking equation is: \(\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22} \rightarrow \text{C}_8\text{H}_{18} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_4\). By subtracting the atoms of octane from decane, the molecular formula of the other product is found to be \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\). 2. Since \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\) has the general formula \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}\), it belongs to the alkene family.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for the correct molecular formula: \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\). 1 mark for identifying the homologous series: alkene (or alkenes).
PastPaper.question 14 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A plant is kept in a sealed glass container under high, constant light intensity. However, the rate of photosynthesis remains low. Explain how increasing the carbon dioxide concentration in the container affects the rate of photosynthesis.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Under high light intensity, the rate of photosynthesis is no longer limited by light. Instead, the concentration of carbon dioxide is the limiting factor. Therefore, increasing the carbon dioxide concentration will increase the rate of photosynthesis.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for stating that the rate of photosynthesis increases / goes up. 1 mark for explaining that carbon dioxide was the limiting factor.
PastPaper.question 15 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Using collision theory, explain how increasing the temperature increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. At higher temperatures, particles have more kinetic energy and move faster, leading to more frequent collisions (more collisions per unit time). 2. A greater proportion of particles have energy equal to or greater than the activation energy, meaning a higher percentage of collisions are successful.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for explaining that particles have more kinetic energy / move faster, leading to more frequent collisions (or more collisions per unit time). 1 mark for explaining that a greater proportion of collisions are successful / a greater proportion of particles have energy equal to or greater than the activation energy.
PastPaper.question 16 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
Copper(II) oxide reacts with hydrogen gas according to the following equation: \(\text{CuO} + \text{H}_2 \rightarrow \text{Cu} + \text{H}_2\text{O}\). Identify the substance that is reduced in this reaction, and explain your choice in terms of oxygen transfer.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Reduction is defined as the loss of oxygen. In this reaction, copper(II) oxide (\(\text{CuO}\)) loses oxygen to become copper (\(\text{Cu}\)), so it is the substance that is reduced.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for identifying copper(II) oxide / \(\text{CuO}\) as the substance reduced (reject 'copper' or 'Cu'). 1 mark for explaining that it loses oxygen during the reaction.
PastPaper.question 17 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A toy car with a mass of \(0.50\text{ kg}\) is travelling with a kinetic energy of \(16\text{ J}\). Calculate the speed of the toy car. Show your working and state the unit.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

To find the speed of the toy car, we use the formula for kinetic energy:
\(E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\)

Rearranging the formula to solve for speed (\(v\)):
\(v^2 = \frac{2E_k}{m}\)
\(v^2 = \frac{2 \times 16\text{ J}}{0.50\text{ kg}} = 64\text{ m}^2/\text{s}^2\)
\(v = \sqrt{64} = 8.0\text{ m/s}\)

PastPaper.markingScheme

Award 1 mark for correct substitution or rearrangement of the formula: \(v = \sqrt{\frac{2 \times 16}{0.50}}\)
Award 1 mark for correct value with unit: \(8.0\text{ m/s}\) (accept \(8\text{ m/s}\))
PastPaper.question 18 · Short Answer
2 PastPaper.marks
A molecule of decane, \(\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22}\), is cracked at high temperature in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction produces one molecule of ethene, one molecule of propene, and one molecule of an alkane, \(X\). Deduce the molecular formula of alkane \(X\).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

During a cracking reaction, the total number of carbon and hydrogen atoms remains constant.

Total carbon atoms initially = 10
Carbon atoms in ethene (\(\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\)) and propene (\(\text{C}_3\text{H}_6\)) = \(2 + 3 = 5\)
Carbon atoms in alkane \(X\) = \(10 - 5 = 5\)

Total hydrogen atoms initially = 22
Hydrogen atoms in ethene and propene = \(4 + 6 = 10\)
Hydrogen atoms in alkane \(X\) = \(22 - 10 = 12\)

Therefore, the molecular formula of alkane \(X\) is \(\text{C}_5\text{H}_{12}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

Award 1 mark for showing working, such as calculating the number of carbon atoms (5) or hydrogen atoms (12), or writing the unbalanced or partially balanced equation.
Award 1 mark for the correct molecular formula: \(\text{C}_5\text{H}_{12}\) (reject 'pentane' unless formula is also provided).
PastPaper.question 19 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
A skydiver jumps from a moving aircraft. Explain, in terms of the forces acting on the skydiver, why they eventually reach a constant terminal velocity.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. At the start of the jump, the only major force is weight acting downwards, causing the skydiver to accelerate downwards. 2. As speed increases, the upward air resistance acting on the skydiver increases. 3. Eventually, the air resistance becomes equal and opposite to the weight. The resultant force becomes zero, so the acceleration is zero, and the skydiver travels at a constant speed known as terminal velocity.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: State that weight causes downward acceleration or is initially greater than air resistance. 1 mark: State that air resistance increases as speed increases. 1 mark: State that terminal velocity is reached when air resistance equals weight, resulting in zero resultant force or zero acceleration.
PastPaper.question 20 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
A student hangs various weights from a copper wire and measures its extension. Explain what is meant by the 'limit of proportionality', and describe how the relationship between load and extension changes once this limit is exceeded.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. The limit of proportionality is the point beyond which the extension of a material is no longer directly proportional to the applied load. 2. Before this limit, the relationship between load and extension is linear, meaning double the force results in double the extension. 3. Once this limit is exceeded, the relationship becomes non-linear, with the extension increasing much more rapidly for each unit of additional load, and the wire may suffer permanent deformation.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: Definition of limit of proportionality as the point where extension is no longer proportional to load. 1 mark: Describing the linear or proportional relationship before this limit. 1 mark: Describing the non-linear relationship after this limit (extension increases disproportionately or plastic deformation occurs).
PastPaper.question 21 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Describe how an addition polymer is formed from monomer units, and explain why this reaction is classified as 'addition polymerization'.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. The monomer molecules must be unsaturated, meaning they contain a carbon-to-carbon double bond (\(C=C\)). 2. During the reaction, these double bonds open up, allowing adjacent monomer molecules to join together end-to-end to form a long, continuous chain (the polymer). 3. It is classified as an addition polymerisation because the monomer units add together to form a single product, with no other chemical species (such as water) being produced or lost.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: State that monomers are unsaturated or contain \(C=C\) double bonds. 1 mark: Describe the opening up of double bonds to link monomers into a long chain. 1 mark: Explain that addition polymerisation produces only one product or no other molecules are lost.
PastPaper.question 22 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Describe a chemical test that can be used to distinguish between a sample of ethane gas and a sample of ethene gas. State the name of the reagent used and the observations for both gases.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Add aqueous bromine (bromine water) to each gas sample. 2. With ethane, there is no reaction, so the solution remains orange, yellow, or brown. 3. With ethene, an addition reaction occurs across the double bond, which decolourises the bromine water, turning it from orange/yellow to colourless.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: Identify the reagent as aqueous bromine or bromine water. 1 mark: State that ethane remains orange/yellow/brown (no change). 1 mark: State that ethene turns the bromine water colourless or decolourises it.
PastPaper.question 23 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Explain how increasing the temperature from \(10\ ^\circ\text{C}\) to \(40\ ^\circ\text{C}\) affects the rate of photosynthesis in a typical terrestrial plant, referring to the role of enzymes.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. As the temperature rises from \(10\ ^\circ\text{C}\) towards the optimum temperature (typically around \(30\ ^\circ\text{C}\)), the kinetic energy of the enzymes and substrate molecules increases. This leads to more frequent, successful collisions and an increased rate of photosynthesis. 2. At the optimum temperature, the rate of photosynthesis reaches its maximum. 3. As the temperature rises further towards \(40\ ^\circ\text{C}\), the high thermal energy causes the enzymes to denature. The active sites change shape, so they can no longer bind to substrates, causing the rate of photosynthesis to decrease rapidly.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: State that increasing temperature increases kinetic energy, leading to more frequent successful collisions (increasing rate). 1 mark: Mention optimum temperature where the rate of photosynthesis is at its maximum. 1 mark: Explain that at higher temperatures (approaching \(40\ ^\circ\text{C}\)), enzymes denature (active site changes shape), rapidly decreasing the rate.
PastPaper.question 24 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Describe how the structure of the spongy mesophyll layer in a leaf is adapted to facilitate efficient gas exchange for photosynthesis.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. The cells in the spongy mesophyll are loosely packed with large intercellular air spaces between them. This creates a large internal surface area and allows gases (carbon dioxide and oxygen) to diffuse rapidly throughout the leaf tissue. 2. The cell walls are thin, which shortens the diffusion distance for gases entering and leaving the cells. 3. The cells are coated with a thin film of moisture, which allows carbon dioxide to dissolve before diffusing across the cell membrane into the cytoplasm.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: Mention the presence of large air spaces or loosely packed cells for rapid gas diffusion. 1 mark: Mention the thin cell walls for a short diffusion distance. 1 mark: Mention the thin film of moisture on cell surfaces which dissolves gases to aid diffusion.
PastPaper.question 25 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Using ideas about collision theory, explain why increasing the concentration of a reactant solution increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Increasing the concentration of a solution increases the number of reactant particles in a given volume (particles are closer together). 2. This increases the frequency of collisions between reactant particles (they collide more often / more collisions per unit time). 3. Consequently, there is an increased rate of successful collisions (collisions with energy greater than or equal to the activation energy), which increases the overall rate of reaction.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: State that there are more particles per unit volume. 1 mark: State that this increases the collision frequency or number of collisions per unit time (do not accept just 'more collisions' without a time reference). 1 mark: State that this leads to a higher rate of successful collisions.
PastPaper.question 26 · Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
The extraction of iron in a blast furnace involves the following reaction: \(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2\) Explain, in terms of oxygen transfer, why this reaction is classified as a redox reaction.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Oxidation is the gain of oxygen. In this reaction, carbon monoxide (\(\text{CO}\)) gains oxygen to become carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), so carbon monoxide is oxidised. 2. Reduction is the loss of oxygen. In this reaction, iron(III) oxide (\(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\)) loses oxygen to become iron (\(\text{Fe}\)), so iron(III) oxide is reduced. 3. Since both oxidation and reduction processes take place simultaneously, the overall reaction is a redox reaction.

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark: Identify that carbon monoxide is oxidised because it gains oxygen. 1 mark: Identify that iron(III) oxide is reduced because it loses oxygen. 1 mark: State that redox is a reaction where both oxidation and reduction occur together.
PastPaper.question 27 · Explanation/Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Explain how the structure and arrangement of palisade mesophyll cells in a leaf adapt them to maximize the rate of photosynthesis.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Palisade mesophyll cells are adapted for photosynthesis in three key ways: 1. Position: They are located directly beneath the upper epidermis, exposing them to the maximum amount of sunlight entering the leaf. 2. Cellular structure: They contain a high concentration of chloroplasts, which are the sites of photosynthesis, ensuring high light absorption. 3. Arrangement: They are vertically elongated (columnar) and packed closely together, which maximizes the number of cells that can absorb the incoming light.

PastPaper.markingScheme

Award 1 mark for each of the following points, up to a maximum of 3 marks:
- Mentioning that they are positioned near the top / upper surface of the leaf (to receive maximum light) [1]
- Mentioning that they contain a high density / large number of chloroplasts [1]
- Mentioning that they are closely packed together / arranged vertically / column-shaped (to maximize light absorption) [1]
PastPaper.question 28 · Explanation/Descriptive
3 PastPaper.marks
Petroleum is separated into fractions by fractional distillation, but some fractions contain long-chain hydrocarbons that are in lower demand. Explain why cracking is carried out on these long-chain hydrocarbons, and identify the general types of products formed.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

1. Purpose of cracking: Fractional distillation produces an excess of larger, less useful hydrocarbon molecules (high boiling point, low flammability) compared to the market demand. Cracking is used to break these long-chain alkanes into smaller, more valuable molecules.
2. Product 1 (Alkanes): It produces shorter-chain alkanes, which make excellent fuels (like petrol) because they flow and ignite more easily.
3. Product 2 (Alkenes): It produces alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons), which contain a carbon-carbon double bond and are highly useful chemical feedstocks, specifically used to manufacture plastics and polymers.

PastPaper.markingScheme

Award 1 mark for each of the following points, up to a maximum of 3 marks:
- Explaining that cracking breaks down larger, less useful hydrocarbons into smaller, more useful molecules (or matches supply with demand) [1]
- Identifying that shorter-chain alkanes are produced (which are useful as fuels) [1]
- Identifying that alkenes are produced (which are used to make plastics / polymers / chemical feedstocks) [1]
PastPaper.question 29 · Calculation
2 PastPaper.marks
A small toy car of mass \(0.5\text{ kg}\) is moving with a speed of \(4.0\text{ m/s}\). Calculate the kinetic energy of the car. Show your working.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Use the formula for kinetic energy: \(E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\). Substituting the given values: \(E_k = 0.5 \times 0.5\text{ kg} \times (4.0\text{ m/s})^2 = 0.25 \times 16 = 4.0\text{ J}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for the correct formula or substitution: \(0.5 \times 0.5 \times 4.0^2\). 1 mark for the correct answer with appropriate units (4.0 J or 4 J).
PastPaper.question 30 · Calculation
2 PastPaper.marks
Methane (\(\text{CH}_4\)) burns in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water according to the equation: \(\text{CH}_4 + 2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}\). Calculate the mass of carbon dioxide produced when \(8.0\text{ g}\) of methane is completely burned. [\(A_r\): \(\text{H} = 1\); \(\text{C} = 12\); \(\text{O} = 16\)]
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

First, calculate the relative formula masses: \(M_r(\text{CH}_4) = 12 + (4 \times 1) = 16\), and \(M_r(\text{CO}_2) = 12 + (2 \times 16) = 44\). According to the balanced equation, \(16\text{ g}\) of \(\text{CH}_4\) produces \(44\text{ g}\) of \(\text{CO}_2\). Therefore, \(8.0\text{ g}\) of \(\text{CH}_4\) produces: \\frac{8.0}{16} \\times 44 = 22\\text{ g}\) of \(\text{CO}_2\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for calculating the relative molecular masses correctly (16 and 44) or identifying the molar ratio (0.5 mol of methane produces 0.5 mol of carbon dioxide). 1 mark for the correct final mass of 22 g.
PastPaper.question 31 · Calculation
2 PastPaper.marks
A student exerts a constant horizontal force of \(15\text{ N}\) to push a box a distance of \(4.0\text{ m}\) along a horizontal floor. Calculate the work done by the student. Show your working.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Use the formula for work done: \(W = F \times d\). Substitute the given values: \(W = 15\text{ N} \times 4.0\text{ m} = 60\text{ J}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for the correct formula or substitution: \(15 \times 4.0\). 1 mark for the correct answer with unit (60 J, accept 60).
PastPaper.question 32 · Calculation
2 PastPaper.marks
A resistor in a simple circuit has a potential difference of \(6.0\text{ V}\) across it, resulting in a current of \(0.15\text{ A}\) passing through it. Calculate the resistance of the resistor. Show your working.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Use Ohm's Law to calculate the resistance: \(R = \frac{V}{I}\). Substitute the values: \(R = \frac{6.0\text{ V}}{0.15\text{ A}} = 40\\ \Omega\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for the correct formula or substitution: \(6.0 / 0.15\). 1 mark for the correct calculated resistance with appropriate unit (40 Γ̱ or 40 ohms).
PastPaper.question 33 · Calculation
2 PastPaper.marks
A water wave has a wavelength of \(0.20\text{ m}\) and a frequency of \(15\text{ Hz}\). Calculate the speed of this wave. Show your working.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Use the wave equation: \(v = f \lambda\). Substitute the given values: \(v = 15\text{ Hz} \times 0.20\text{ m} = 3.0\text{ m/s}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

1 mark for the correct formula or substitution: \(15 \times 0.20\). 1 mark for the correct answer with unit (3.0 m/s or 3 m/s).
PastPaper.question 34 · Calculation
2 PastPaper.marks
In an experiment investigating the rate of reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid, \(36\text{ cm}^3\) of hydrogen gas is collected in \(45\text{ seconds}\). Calculate the average rate of reaction during this time. Show your working.
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Use the formula for average rate of reaction: \\text{Rate} = \\frac{\\text{Volume of gas produced}}{\\text{Time taken}}\). Substituting the values: \\text{Rate} = \\frac{36\\text{ cm}^3}{45\\text{ s}} = 0.8\\text{ cm}^3/\\text{s}\).

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1 mark for correct calculation formula or substitution: \(36 / 45\). 1 mark for correct final answer with unit (0.8 cm^3/s, accept 0.8).

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