Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AL Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
PAPER 2 Advanced
1
, Edexcel Al Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
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 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.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
,Edexcel Al Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
3
, Edexcel Al Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
Question 1: A planet orbits a star in a nearly circular path. If the radius of the orbit
doubles, how does the gravitational force change?
Options:
A) It halves
B) It doubles
C) It decreases by a factor of 4
D) It remains unchanged
Comprehensive Mark Scheme
Justification for Inclusion
This question tests the application of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which is
a fundamental topic in gravitational physics. This type of question typically appears
in exams to assess the candidate's understanding of inverse square law
relationships.
Context and Historical Trends (2015–2023)
• This type of question is frequently found in multiple-choice sections of physics
exams.
• Variants include asking about changes in orbital period, velocity, or
acceleration when radius changes.
• More advanced versions may involve Kepler’s laws or centripetal force
calculations.
Theory Required
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation states that: where:
• is the gravitational force,
• is the gravitational constant,
• and are the masses,
• is the separation distance.
Since force is inversely proportional to the square of distance, if doubles, becomes:
Thus, the force decreases by a factor of 4.
Common Answering Strategy
1. Identify the inverse square law relation.
2. Recognize that force is proportional to .
3. Apply the new radius value and compute the change in force.
4
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AL Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
PAPER 2 Advanced
1
, Edexcel Al Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
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 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.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
,Edexcel Al Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
3
, Edexcel Al Physics Marking Scheme 2 2025 Predicted
Question 1: A planet orbits a star in a nearly circular path. If the radius of the orbit
doubles, how does the gravitational force change?
Options:
A) It halves
B) It doubles
C) It decreases by a factor of 4
D) It remains unchanged
Comprehensive Mark Scheme
Justification for Inclusion
This question tests the application of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which is
a fundamental topic in gravitational physics. This type of question typically appears
in exams to assess the candidate's understanding of inverse square law
relationships.
Context and Historical Trends (2015–2023)
• This type of question is frequently found in multiple-choice sections of physics
exams.
• Variants include asking about changes in orbital period, velocity, or
acceleration when radius changes.
• More advanced versions may involve Kepler’s laws or centripetal force
calculations.
Theory Required
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation states that: where:
• is the gravitational force,
• is the gravitational constant,
• and are the masses,
• is the separation distance.
Since force is inversely proportional to the square of distance, if doubles, becomes:
Thus, the force decreases by a factor of 4.
Common Answering Strategy
1. Identify the inverse square law relation.
2. Recognize that force is proportional to .
3. Apply the new radius value and compute the change in force.
4
