Please check the examination details below before entering your candidate information
Candidate surname Other names
Centre Number Candidate Number
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Monday 1 June 2026
Morning (Time: 1 hour 45 minutes) Paper
reference 9PH0/02 Mark Scheme (Results)
Physics
Advanced
PAPER 2: Advanced Physics II
Summer 2026
You must have: Total Marks
Scientific calculator and ruler
Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet (enclosed)
Pearson Edexcel Advanced Physics II
Instructions 9PH0/02
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
If pencil is used for diagrams/sketches/graphs it must be dark (HB or B).
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
centre number and candidate number.
•• Answer allthequestions.
Answer
questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need.
Information
•• The total mark for this paper is 90.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
• Into the question marked with an asterisk (*), marks will be awarded for your ability
structure your answer logically, showing how the points that you make are
related or follow on from each other where appropriate.
Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Try to answer every question.
•• Check your answers if you have time at the end.
You are advised to show your working in calculations including units
where appropriate.
Turn over
P79069APearson Education Ltd.
P:1/1/1/1/
*P79069A0128*
, Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Answer ALL questions.
All multiple choice questions must be answered with a cross in the box for the correct answer Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
from A to D. If you change your mind about an answer, put a line through the box and then largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
mark your new answer with a cross .
including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
1 Nuclear fusion occurs in the cores of stars. programmes for employers. For further information visit our
qualifications websites at or .
Which row of the table describes the conditions required in the core to maintain Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
nuclear fusion?
contact us page at
Temperature Density
A high high
B high low
C low high Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
D low low Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark) learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been
involved in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100
2 Which of the following describes the nature of radioactive decay? languages, we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high
standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more
A Predictable and instantaneous
about how we can help you and your students at:
B Predictable and spontaneous
C Random and spontaneous
D Random and instantaneous
(Total for Question 2 = 1 mark)
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79069A
Publication Code 9PH0_02_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is
Pearson
2
*P79069A0228*
, General Marking Guidance
3 The diagram shows a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for stars in a galaxy. • All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first
candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for
Luminosity what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
Q
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
P 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
Temperature 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.
The areas P and Q shown on the diagram represent stars in different parts of their
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by
life cycle.
which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
Which types of stars are present in the galaxy?
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a
A Main sequence stars only candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
B Red giant stars and white dwarf stars • Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with
an alternative response.
C Main sequence stars and red giant stars
D Main sequence stars and white dwarf stars
(Total for Question 3 = 1 mark)
4 Which of the following statements applies to both gravitational and electric fields?
A Each field is always uniform.
B Each field has an infinite range.
C The potential in each field is always negative.
D The forces produced by each field can be attractive or repulsive.
(Total for Question 4 = 1 mark)
3
*P79069A0328* Turn over
, Mark scheme notes
5 Which of the following are the SI base units of the Planck constant? Underlying principle
The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded,
A Nms
s
backed up by examples. It is not a set of model answers.
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
B kg m s–2
1. Mark scheme format
C kg m2 s–1
1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording
D kg m2 s–2
de
should be credited in every answer unless the MS has specified specific
words that must be present. Such words will be indicated by underlining
(Total for Question 5 = 1 mark) e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
6 A submarine is accelerating through water. information are needed for 1 mark.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence)
Which of the following statements is correct? distance is increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do
A The viscous drag acting on the submarine is constant.
not accept gravity] [ecf].
B The viscous drag cannot be determined using Stokes’ law.
2. Unit error penalties
ra
C The viscous drag increases as the water temperature increases.
D The viscous drag decreases as the speed of the submarine increases. 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.
(Total for Question 6 = 1 mark)
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
7 The molecules in a substance have a potential energy and a kinetic energy. spreadsheet.
2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only
The substance changes state from solid to liquid at its melting point.
g
once within one clip in epen.
Which row of the table gives the changes in the energy of the molecules? 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.
Potential energy Kinetic energy
2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by placing
A no change no change brackets around the unit.
B no change increases 3. Significant figures
st
C increases no change
3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not
D increases increases prevent a mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer
in the MS.
(Total for Question 7 = 1 mark) 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
be
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.
4
*P79069A0428*
Candidate surname Other names
Centre Number Candidate Number
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Monday 1 June 2026
Morning (Time: 1 hour 45 minutes) Paper
reference 9PH0/02 Mark Scheme (Results)
Physics
Advanced
PAPER 2: Advanced Physics II
Summer 2026
You must have: Total Marks
Scientific calculator and ruler
Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet (enclosed)
Pearson Edexcel Advanced Physics II
Instructions 9PH0/02
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
If pencil is used for diagrams/sketches/graphs it must be dark (HB or B).
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
centre number and candidate number.
•• Answer allthequestions.
Answer
questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need.
Information
•• The total mark for this paper is 90.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
• Into the question marked with an asterisk (*), marks will be awarded for your ability
structure your answer logically, showing how the points that you make are
related or follow on from each other where appropriate.
Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Try to answer every question.
•• Check your answers if you have time at the end.
You are advised to show your working in calculations including units
where appropriate.
Turn over
P79069APearson Education Ltd.
P:1/1/1/1/
*P79069A0128*
, Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Answer ALL questions.
All multiple choice questions must be answered with a cross in the box for the correct answer Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
from A to D. If you change your mind about an answer, put a line through the box and then largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
mark your new answer with a cross .
including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
1 Nuclear fusion occurs in the cores of stars. programmes for employers. For further information visit our
qualifications websites at or .
Which row of the table describes the conditions required in the core to maintain Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
nuclear fusion?
contact us page at
Temperature Density
A high high
B high low
C low high Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
D low low Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark) learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been
involved in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100
2 Which of the following describes the nature of radioactive decay? languages, we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high
standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more
A Predictable and instantaneous
about how we can help you and your students at:
B Predictable and spontaneous
C Random and spontaneous
D Random and instantaneous
(Total for Question 2 = 1 mark)
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79069A
Publication Code 9PH0_02_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is
Pearson
2
*P79069A0228*
, General Marking Guidance
3 The diagram shows a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for stars in a galaxy. • All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first
candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for
Luminosity what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
Q
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
P 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
Temperature 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.
The areas P and Q shown on the diagram represent stars in different parts of their
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by
life cycle.
which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
Which types of stars are present in the galaxy?
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a
A Main sequence stars only candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
B Red giant stars and white dwarf stars • Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with
an alternative response.
C Main sequence stars and red giant stars
D Main sequence stars and white dwarf stars
(Total for Question 3 = 1 mark)
4 Which of the following statements applies to both gravitational and electric fields?
A Each field is always uniform.
B Each field has an infinite range.
C The potential in each field is always negative.
D The forces produced by each field can be attractive or repulsive.
(Total for Question 4 = 1 mark)
3
*P79069A0328* Turn over
, Mark scheme notes
5 Which of the following are the SI base units of the Planck constant? Underlying principle
The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded,
A Nms
s
backed up by examples. It is not a set of model answers.
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
B kg m s–2
1. Mark scheme format
C kg m2 s–1
1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording
D kg m2 s–2
de
should be credited in every answer unless the MS has specified specific
words that must be present. Such words will be indicated by underlining
(Total for Question 5 = 1 mark) e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
6 A submarine is accelerating through water. information are needed for 1 mark.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence)
Which of the following statements is correct? distance is increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do
A The viscous drag acting on the submarine is constant.
not accept gravity] [ecf].
B The viscous drag cannot be determined using Stokes’ law.
2. Unit error penalties
ra
C The viscous drag increases as the water temperature increases.
D The viscous drag decreases as the speed of the submarine increases. 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.
(Total for Question 6 = 1 mark)
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
7 The molecules in a substance have a potential energy and a kinetic energy. spreadsheet.
2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only
The substance changes state from solid to liquid at its melting point.
g
once within one clip in epen.
Which row of the table gives the changes in the energy of the molecules? 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.
Potential energy Kinetic energy
2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by placing
A no change no change brackets around the unit.
B no change increases 3. Significant figures
st
C increases no change
3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not
D increases increases prevent a mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer
in the MS.
(Total for Question 7 = 1 mark) 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
be
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.
4
*P79069A0428*
