GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — June 2025 PAST PAPER: J249/02
(Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J249/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/02 (Foundation Tier) Paper provides a
fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme. This
integrated format allows learners to see exactly how each question is assessed, clarifying examiner
expectations and highlighting the criteria required for top-band performance. This calculator-allowed
paper assesses fundamental physics concepts, including forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism,
and basic atomic structure. Candidates are expected to apply scientific knowledge, solve problems using
appropriate methods, interpret experimental data, and explain phenomena clearly and accurately. The
paper also evaluates understanding of practical techniques and scientific reasoning. By presenting each
question alongside detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, problem-solving, and
practical skills. It supports the development of structured, precise scientific responses and provides
targeted revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physics A (Foundation Tier) J249/02 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
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 statement describes how the Sun was formed?
A By the electromagnetic attraction of dust and gas
B By the gravitational attraction of dust and gas
C By the heating of gas in a large cloud of dust and gas
D By the nuclear fission of gas in a large cloud of dust and gas
Your answer [1]
2 A hot drink is poured into a mug.
Which method would not help to keep the drink hot?
A Use a lid on the mug.
B Use a mug with a larger surface area.
C Use a mug with thicker sides.
D Wrap the mug with an insulating material.
Your answer [1]
3 Which row explains how energy moves from object X to object Y by an electromagnetic wave?
Object X Electromagnetic wave Object Y
A absorbs energy emits energy transfers energy
B absorbs energy transfers energy emits energy
C emits energy absorbs energy transfers energy
D emits energy transfers energy absorbs energy
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
4 A ball is lifted vertically from a height of 1.6 m to a height of 2.0 m.
The force used to lift the ball is 3.0 N.
What is the work done on the ball?
Use the equation: work done = force × distance
A 1.2 J
B 3.2 J
C 4.8 J
D 6.0 J
Your answer [1]
5 The diagram shows a model of the Sun, the Earth and the Moon.
The dashed lines show the orbits of object Q and object R.
R
P
Q
Not to scale
Which row identifies each object?
Object P Object Q Object R
A the Earth the Moon the Sun
B the Moon the Earth the Sun
C the Sun the Earth the Moon
D the Sun the Moon the Earth
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 The isotope aluminium-27 has the symbol 27
13Al.
How many neutrons are in a nucleus of aluminium-27?
A 13
B 14
C 27
D 40
Your answer [1]
7 What is the function of the earth wire in an electrical device?
A To complete the circuit
B To melt if the current is too high due to a fault
C To provide a low resistance path for the current if there is a fault
D To provide power to the device
Your answer [1]
8 Which material will gamma radiation not easily penetrate?
A A sheet of paper
B A thick block of lead
C A thin sheet of aluminium
D Human skin
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
(Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J249/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/02 (Foundation Tier) Paper provides a
fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme. This
integrated format allows learners to see exactly how each question is assessed, clarifying examiner
expectations and highlighting the criteria required for top-band performance. This calculator-allowed
paper assesses fundamental physics concepts, including forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism,
and basic atomic structure. Candidates are expected to apply scientific knowledge, solve problems using
appropriate methods, interpret experimental data, and explain phenomena clearly and accurately. The
paper also evaluates understanding of practical techniques and scientific reasoning. By presenting each
question alongside detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, problem-solving, and
practical skills. It supports the development of structured, precise scientific responses and provides
targeted revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physics A (Foundation Tier) J249/02 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
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 statement describes how the Sun was formed?
A By the electromagnetic attraction of dust and gas
B By the gravitational attraction of dust and gas
C By the heating of gas in a large cloud of dust and gas
D By the nuclear fission of gas in a large cloud of dust and gas
Your answer [1]
2 A hot drink is poured into a mug.
Which method would not help to keep the drink hot?
A Use a lid on the mug.
B Use a mug with a larger surface area.
C Use a mug with thicker sides.
D Wrap the mug with an insulating material.
Your answer [1]
3 Which row explains how energy moves from object X to object Y by an electromagnetic wave?
Object X Electromagnetic wave Object Y
A absorbs energy emits energy transfers energy
B absorbs energy transfers energy emits energy
C emits energy absorbs energy transfers energy
D emits energy transfers energy absorbs energy
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
4 A ball is lifted vertically from a height of 1.6 m to a height of 2.0 m.
The force used to lift the ball is 3.0 N.
What is the work done on the ball?
Use the equation: work done = force × distance
A 1.2 J
B 3.2 J
C 4.8 J
D 6.0 J
Your answer [1]
5 The diagram shows a model of the Sun, the Earth and the Moon.
The dashed lines show the orbits of object Q and object R.
R
P
Q
Not to scale
Which row identifies each object?
Object P Object Q Object R
A the Earth the Moon the Sun
B the Moon the Earth the Sun
C the Sun the Earth the Moon
D the Sun the Moon the Earth
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 The isotope aluminium-27 has the symbol 27
13Al.
How many neutrons are in a nucleus of aluminium-27?
A 13
B 14
C 27
D 40
Your answer [1]
7 What is the function of the earth wire in an electrical device?
A To complete the circuit
B To melt if the current is too high due to a fault
C To provide a low resistance path for the current if there is a fault
D To provide power to the device
Your answer [1]
8 Which material will gamma radiation not easily penetrate?
A A sheet of paper
B A thick block of lead
C A thin sheet of aluminium
D Human skin
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
