GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — Actual June 2025 PAST PAPER:
Physics (Higher Tier) All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J250/12]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A (Gateway Science) June 2025 Physics (Higher Tier) Paper (OCR
J250/12) merges the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a structured
and comprehensive revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of higher-tier physics
topics, including forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and practical investigation skills.
Candidates are expected to apply knowledge to both familiar and novel contexts, analyse data critically,
and communicate scientifically accurate explanations. By presenting each question alongside its marking
criteria, the resource clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the reasoning and analytical skills
required for high-band responses, and guides learners in constructing precise, well-structured answers.
This integrated format strengthens conceptual understanding, supports focused revision, and ensures
thorough preparation for the 2026 OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) Higher Tier
Physics examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 A student calculates that the energy used to make steel for a car is 1 260 000 000 J.
Which of these is equal to 1 260 000 000 J?
A 1260 GJ
B 1260 kJ
C 1260 MJ
D 1260 nJ
Your answer [1]
2 Object X and object Y move at the same speed.
Object X has 10 J of kinetic energy.
Object Y has twice the mass of object X.
What is the kinetic energy of object Y?
A 5J
B 10 J
C 20 J
D 100 J
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 A student drops a ball.
The graph shows the relationship between the kinetic energy of the ball just before it hits the
ground and the height from which the ball is dropped.
Height from
which ball is
dropped (m)
0
0
Kinetic energy (J)
Which phrase describes this relationship?
A Directly proportional
B Negative correlation
C Non-linear
D Zero correlation
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
4 A geologist places different materials between a rock and a radiation detector to determine if the
rock emits beta particles.
Rock Material Radiation detector and counter
The counter records if radiation from the rock is detected when each material is used.
Which row shows the geologist’s results if the rock emits beta particles?
Key
✓ radiation from the rock is detected
✗ radiation from the rock is not detected
Material placed between the rock and the detector
5 sheets of 10 mm of
1 cm of air
paper aluminium
A ✗ ✗ ✗
B ✓ ✗ ✗
C ✓ ✓ ✗
D ✓ ✓ ✓
Your answer
[1]
5 Which of these would not reduce unwanted energy transfers?
A Filling gaps around doors and window frames
B Lubricating a bicycle chain
C Increasing the temperature of your home
D Insulating a mug that contains a hot drink
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
Physics (Higher Tier) All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J250/12]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A (Gateway Science) June 2025 Physics (Higher Tier) Paper (OCR
J250/12) merges the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a structured
and comprehensive revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of higher-tier physics
topics, including forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and practical investigation skills.
Candidates are expected to apply knowledge to both familiar and novel contexts, analyse data critically,
and communicate scientifically accurate explanations. By presenting each question alongside its marking
criteria, the resource clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the reasoning and analytical skills
required for high-band responses, and guides learners in constructing precise, well-structured answers.
This integrated format strengthens conceptual understanding, supports focused revision, and ensures
thorough preparation for the 2026 OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) Higher Tier
Physics examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 A student calculates that the energy used to make steel for a car is 1 260 000 000 J.
Which of these is equal to 1 260 000 000 J?
A 1260 GJ
B 1260 kJ
C 1260 MJ
D 1260 nJ
Your answer [1]
2 Object X and object Y move at the same speed.
Object X has 10 J of kinetic energy.
Object Y has twice the mass of object X.
What is the kinetic energy of object Y?
A 5J
B 10 J
C 20 J
D 100 J
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 A student drops a ball.
The graph shows the relationship between the kinetic energy of the ball just before it hits the
ground and the height from which the ball is dropped.
Height from
which ball is
dropped (m)
0
0
Kinetic energy (J)
Which phrase describes this relationship?
A Directly proportional
B Negative correlation
C Non-linear
D Zero correlation
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
4 A geologist places different materials between a rock and a radiation detector to determine if the
rock emits beta particles.
Rock Material Radiation detector and counter
The counter records if radiation from the rock is detected when each material is used.
Which row shows the geologist’s results if the rock emits beta particles?
Key
✓ radiation from the rock is detected
✗ radiation from the rock is not detected
Material placed between the rock and the detector
5 sheets of 10 mm of
1 cm of air
paper aluminium
A ✗ ✗ ✗
B ✓ ✗ ✗
C ✓ ✓ ✗
D ✓ ✓ ✓
Your answer
[1]
5 Which of these would not reduce unwanted energy transfers?
A Filling gaps around doors and window frames
B Lubricating a bicycle chain
C Increasing the temperature of your home
D Insulating a mug that contains a hot drink
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
