GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — May 2025 PAST PAPER: J249/03 (Higher
Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J249/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/03 (Higher Tier) Paper provides a fully
merged resource that integrates the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme. This
format allows learners to see exactly how each question is assessed, clarifying examiner expectations and
highlighting the steps, reasoning, and accuracy required for top-band performance. This calculator-
allowed paper assesses advanced physics concepts, including forces, energy, waves, electricity,
magnetism, particle model, and atomic structure. Candidates are expected to apply scientific knowledge,
perform multi-step calculations, interpret data, analyse experimental results, and explain phenomena
using appropriate scientific reasoning. The paper also evaluates understanding of practical techniques and
the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly. 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 focused revision for the 2026
OCR GCSE Physics A (Higher Tier) J249/03 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 force is a contact force?
A Electrostatic
B Friction
C Gravity
D Magnetic
Your answer
[1]
2 A crane lifts a steel beam of mass 500 kg to the top of a building 50 m high.
What is the increase in gravitational potential energy of the beam?
Use the equation: gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height
Gravitational field strength = 10 N / kg
A 2500 J
B 5000 J
C 25 000 J
D 250 000 J
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 An astronaut has a mass of 80 kg.
Calculate the weight of the astronaut on the Moon.
Use the Equation Sheet.
The gravitational field strength on the Moon is 1.6 N / kg.
A 8.0 N
B 50 N
C 128 N
D 800 N
Your answer
[1]
4 The force–extension graph for a rubber band, during loading and unloading, is shown.
Force Loading
Unloading
Extension
Which row describes the behaviour of the rubber band?
Deformation Obeys Hooke’s Law?
A elastic no
B elastic yes
C plastic no
D plastic yes
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 A current–carrying wire is in a magnetic field.
Under which conditions will the wire experience the smallest force?
Use the Equation Sheet.
Magnetic flux density
Current in wire (A) Length of wire (m)
of field (mT)
A 6 4 0.8
B 8 4 0.5
C 8 5 0.4
D 12 6 0.2
Your answer
[1]
6 An object is 1.0 m below the surface of a swimming pool.
Which statement describes the vertical forces acting on the object if it is not moving?
A Upthrust = water resistance
B Upthrust > water resistance
C Upthrust = weight
D Upthrust > weight
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J249/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/03 (Higher Tier) Paper provides a fully
merged resource that integrates the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme. This
format allows learners to see exactly how each question is assessed, clarifying examiner expectations and
highlighting the steps, reasoning, and accuracy required for top-band performance. This calculator-
allowed paper assesses advanced physics concepts, including forces, energy, waves, electricity,
magnetism, particle model, and atomic structure. Candidates are expected to apply scientific knowledge,
perform multi-step calculations, interpret data, analyse experimental results, and explain phenomena
using appropriate scientific reasoning. The paper also evaluates understanding of practical techniques and
the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly. 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 focused revision for the 2026
OCR GCSE Physics A (Higher Tier) J249/03 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 force is a contact force?
A Electrostatic
B Friction
C Gravity
D Magnetic
Your answer
[1]
2 A crane lifts a steel beam of mass 500 kg to the top of a building 50 m high.
What is the increase in gravitational potential energy of the beam?
Use the equation: gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height
Gravitational field strength = 10 N / kg
A 2500 J
B 5000 J
C 25 000 J
D 250 000 J
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 An astronaut has a mass of 80 kg.
Calculate the weight of the astronaut on the Moon.
Use the Equation Sheet.
The gravitational field strength on the Moon is 1.6 N / kg.
A 8.0 N
B 50 N
C 128 N
D 800 N
Your answer
[1]
4 The force–extension graph for a rubber band, during loading and unloading, is shown.
Force Loading
Unloading
Extension
Which row describes the behaviour of the rubber band?
Deformation Obeys Hooke’s Law?
A elastic no
B elastic yes
C plastic no
D plastic yes
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 A current–carrying wire is in a magnetic field.
Under which conditions will the wire experience the smallest force?
Use the Equation Sheet.
Magnetic flux density
Current in wire (A) Length of wire (m)
of field (mT)
A 6 4 0.8
B 8 4 0.5
C 8 5 0.4
D 12 6 0.2
Your answer
[1]
6 An object is 1.0 m below the surface of a swimming pool.
Which statement describes the vertical forces acting on the object if it is not moving?
A Upthrust = water resistance
B Upthrust > water resistance
C Upthrust = weight
D Upthrust > weight
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
