GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — Actual May
2025 PAST PAPER: Physics (Higher Tier) All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR
J260/07]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Combined Science B (Twenty First Century Science) May 2025 Physics (Higher
Tier) Paper (OCR J260/07) integrates the full official examination paper with its detailed mark
scheme to create a clear and structured revision resource. This paper assesses students’
understanding of advanced physics topics, including forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism,
and practical investigation skills. Candidates are expected to apply knowledge to both familiar and
novel contexts, interpret data critically, and provide reasoned scientific 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
producing precise, well-structured answers. This integrated format strengthens conceptual
understanding, supports targeted revision, and prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR
GCSE Combined Science B (Twenty First Century Science) Higher Tier Physics examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Casey is driving a car along a straight, level road when they see a road block ahead.
The graph shows how the speed of the car changes with time immediately after Casey sees the
road block.
30
20
Speed
(m / s)
10
0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
Time (s)
(a) While Casey is reacting to the obstruction the car continues to travel at constant speed.
Calculate the distance travelled by the car while Casey is reacting.
Use the Equation Sheet.
Distance = ...................................................... m [4]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(b) The initial kinetic energy of the car is 174 kJ.
When Casey presses the brakes, the braking force acting on the car is 4350 N.
The work done by the brakes to stop the car = the kinetic energy lost by the car.
Calculate the distance travelled while the car is braking.
Use the equation: work done = force × distance
Distance = ...................................................... m [4]
(c) In the village where Casey lives the speed limit has been reduced from 30 mph to 20 mph.
Explain how reducing the speed limit can improve road safety in the village.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 Amit does an experiment at room temperature to compare the thermal conductivity of different
insulating materials.
(a) This is Amit’s method:
• Place a small metal container inside a large metal container.
• Place some insulating material between them.
• Pour water at a temperature of 80 °C into the small container and place a lid on it.
• Measure the temperature of the water every minute for 30 minutes using a thermometer.
• Repeat the experiment using different insulating materials.
This is the apparatus used:
Thermometer
Lid
Insulating material
Water
Small metal container
Large metal container
(i) State two variables that Amit should control in this experiment.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) Explain why Amit uses metal containers rather than plastic containers.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
2025 PAST PAPER: Physics (Higher Tier) All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR
J260/07]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Combined Science B (Twenty First Century Science) May 2025 Physics (Higher
Tier) Paper (OCR J260/07) integrates the full official examination paper with its detailed mark
scheme to create a clear and structured revision resource. This paper assesses students’
understanding of advanced physics topics, including forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism,
and practical investigation skills. Candidates are expected to apply knowledge to both familiar and
novel contexts, interpret data critically, and provide reasoned scientific 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
producing precise, well-structured answers. This integrated format strengthens conceptual
understanding, supports targeted revision, and prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR
GCSE Combined Science B (Twenty First Century Science) Higher Tier Physics examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Casey is driving a car along a straight, level road when they see a road block ahead.
The graph shows how the speed of the car changes with time immediately after Casey sees the
road block.
30
20
Speed
(m / s)
10
0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
Time (s)
(a) While Casey is reacting to the obstruction the car continues to travel at constant speed.
Calculate the distance travelled by the car while Casey is reacting.
Use the Equation Sheet.
Distance = ...................................................... m [4]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(b) The initial kinetic energy of the car is 174 kJ.
When Casey presses the brakes, the braking force acting on the car is 4350 N.
The work done by the brakes to stop the car = the kinetic energy lost by the car.
Calculate the distance travelled while the car is braking.
Use the equation: work done = force × distance
Distance = ...................................................... m [4]
(c) In the village where Casey lives the speed limit has been reduced from 30 mph to 20 mph.
Explain how reducing the speed limit can improve road safety in the village.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 Amit does an experiment at room temperature to compare the thermal conductivity of different
insulating materials.
(a) This is Amit’s method:
• Place a small metal container inside a large metal container.
• Place some insulating material between them.
• Pour water at a temperature of 80 °C into the small container and place a lid on it.
• Measure the temperature of the water every minute for 30 minutes using a thermometer.
• Repeat the experiment using different insulating materials.
This is the apparatus used:
Thermometer
Lid
Insulating material
Water
Small metal container
Large metal container
(i) State two variables that Amit should control in this experiment.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) Explain why Amit uses metal containers rather than plastic containers.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
