Monday 1 June 2026 – Morning
A Level Physics A
H556/02 Exploring physics
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
* 2 6 7 8 0 2 1 5 8 0 *
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
* H 5 5 6 0 2 *
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 100.
• 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.
© Cambridge OCR 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (WW/FC) 368395/4 Turn over
, 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 Which element is used as a contrast medium in X-ray imaging?
A Barium
B Fluorine
C Gadolinium
D Technetium
Your answer
[1]
2 Which is the correct circuit symbol for a component that only allows d.c. current to flow in
one direction?
A
B
C
D
Your answer
[1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026
, 3
3 A student investigates how the resistance of copper wire varies with length.
Which variable must be controlled during this investigation?
A Length
B Potential difference (p.d.)
C Resistance
D Temperature
Your answer
[1]
4 What is a reasonable estimate for the mass of 5 m3 of copper?
A 5 kg
B 500 kg
C 50 000 kg
D 500 000 kg
Your answer
[1]
5 Which statements are true for photons of a given frequency?
1 A photon has energy directly proportional to its wavelength
2 A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy
3 The number of photons is conserved in all interactions
A 1
B 2
C 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Your answer
[1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026 Turn over
A Level Physics A
H556/02 Exploring physics
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
* 2 6 7 8 0 2 1 5 8 0 *
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
* H 5 5 6 0 2 *
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 100.
• 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.
© Cambridge OCR 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (WW/FC) 368395/4 Turn over
, 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 Which element is used as a contrast medium in X-ray imaging?
A Barium
B Fluorine
C Gadolinium
D Technetium
Your answer
[1]
2 Which is the correct circuit symbol for a component that only allows d.c. current to flow in
one direction?
A
B
C
D
Your answer
[1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026
, 3
3 A student investigates how the resistance of copper wire varies with length.
Which variable must be controlled during this investigation?
A Length
B Potential difference (p.d.)
C Resistance
D Temperature
Your answer
[1]
4 What is a reasonable estimate for the mass of 5 m3 of copper?
A 5 kg
B 500 kg
C 50 000 kg
D 500 000 kg
Your answer
[1]
5 Which statements are true for photons of a given frequency?
1 A photon has energy directly proportional to its wavelength
2 A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy
3 The number of photons is conserved in all interactions
A 1
B 2
C 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Your answer
[1]
© Cambridge OCR 2026 Turn over
