Monday 16 June 2025 – Morning
GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science)
J249/04 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• the Equation Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Physics A
(inside this document)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB penci
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 28 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/04 (Higher Tier)
QP and MS summer 2025
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 An electromagnetic wave travels in a vacuum.
A second electromagnetic wave travelling in a vacuum has a smaller wavelength.
Which row describes how the frequency and velocity of the second electromagnetic wave
compares with the frequency and velocity of the original wave?
Frequency Velocity
A larger equal
B larger larger
C smaller equal
D smaller larger
Your answer [1]
2 A sound wave travels from air to water. The speed of the sound wave is directly proportional to its
wavelength.
The wavelength of the sound wave in air is 80 cm.
The speed of the sound wave increases by a factor of 4 when it enters the water.
What is the wavelength of the sound wave in the water?
A 20 cm
B 40 cm
C 160 cm
D 320 cm
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the function of the neutral wire in an electrical device?
A To cause a potential difference between this wire and the earth wire
B To complete the circuit from the device back to the power supply
C To melt if the current through it is too high due to a fault
D To provide a low resistance path for the current if there is a fault
Your answer [1]
4 A scientist is doing an experiment using a radioactive source that emits only gamma rays.
Which safety procedure does not reduce irradiation of the scientist?
A The scientist places a lead shield between themselves and the source.
B The scientist points the source away from them.
C The scientist uses very long tongs to handle the source.
D The scientist wears gloves while handling the source.
Your answer [1]
5 Red light has a maximum wavelength of 750 nm.
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation with a wavelength of 850 nm?
A infrared
B ultraviolet
C visible light
D X-ray
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 A ball is floating on the surface of some water.
Waves are created on the surface of the water as shown.
Ball
Direction of waves
Which arrow shows the direction of movement of the ball due to the water waves?
A B
C D
Your answer [1]
7 Which value could be the speed of a person running?
A 0.50 m / s
B 5.0 m / s
C 50 m / s
D 500 m / s
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science)
J249/04 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• the Equation Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Physics A
(inside this document)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB penci
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 28 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/04 (Higher Tier)
QP and MS summer 2025
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 An electromagnetic wave travels in a vacuum.
A second electromagnetic wave travelling in a vacuum has a smaller wavelength.
Which row describes how the frequency and velocity of the second electromagnetic wave
compares with the frequency and velocity of the original wave?
Frequency Velocity
A larger equal
B larger larger
C smaller equal
D smaller larger
Your answer [1]
2 A sound wave travels from air to water. The speed of the sound wave is directly proportional to its
wavelength.
The wavelength of the sound wave in air is 80 cm.
The speed of the sound wave increases by a factor of 4 when it enters the water.
What is the wavelength of the sound wave in the water?
A 20 cm
B 40 cm
C 160 cm
D 320 cm
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the function of the neutral wire in an electrical device?
A To cause a potential difference between this wire and the earth wire
B To complete the circuit from the device back to the power supply
C To melt if the current through it is too high due to a fault
D To provide a low resistance path for the current if there is a fault
Your answer [1]
4 A scientist is doing an experiment using a radioactive source that emits only gamma rays.
Which safety procedure does not reduce irradiation of the scientist?
A The scientist places a lead shield between themselves and the source.
B The scientist points the source away from them.
C The scientist uses very long tongs to handle the source.
D The scientist wears gloves while handling the source.
Your answer [1]
5 Red light has a maximum wavelength of 750 nm.
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation with a wavelength of 850 nm?
A infrared
B ultraviolet
C visible light
D X-ray
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 A ball is floating on the surface of some water.
Waves are created on the surface of the water as shown.
Ball
Direction of waves
Which arrow shows the direction of movement of the ball due to the water waves?
A B
C D
Your answer [1]
7 Which value could be the speed of a person running?
A 0.50 m / s
B 5.0 m / s
C 50 m / s
D 500 m / s
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
