GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — May 2025 PAST
PAPER: Breadth in Physics (Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme
[OCR J259/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Breadth in Physics
(Foundation Tier) Paper (OCR J259/01) 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 knowledge to solve problems, interpret experimental data, explain
scientific phenomena, and demonstrate understanding of practical applications. The paper also
evaluates clear communication of reasoning and effective use of scientific methods. By presenting
each question alongside detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, problem-
solving, and practical skills. It supports structured, precise scientific responses and provides focused
revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Breadth in Physics
(Foundation Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 A student is experimenting with an iron nail and a bar magnet.
(a) First, they place a paper clip close to the iron nail.
The nail does not attract the paper clip.
Then they place a bar magnet touching the end of the nail.
The nail now attracts the paper clip, so the paper clip is attached to the nail.
(i) Which of these is a correct description of the nail?
Tick (✓) one box.
Electromagnet
Induced magnet
Permanent magnet
[1]
(ii) What happens to the paper clip when the bar magnet is taken away?
Tick (✓) one box.
It becomes a permanent magnet.
It falls off the nail.
It stays permanently attached to the nail.
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(iii) Paperclips can be made from different metals.
Which two of these metals could the paperclip in this experiment be made from?
Tick (✓) two boxes.
Copper
Nickel
Steel
[1]
(b) The diagram shows the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
S N
Complete the table to show the property of a magnetic field that is shown by each feature of the
diagram.
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
Feature of the Direction of Poles of the Type of Strength of
diagram magnetic field magnet magnet magnetic field
Arrows
Distance between lines
S and N
[3]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(c) Explain why a magnetic compass can be used to support the idea that the Earth’s core is
magnetic.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
PAPER: Breadth in Physics (Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme
[OCR J259/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Breadth in Physics
(Foundation Tier) Paper (OCR J259/01) 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 knowledge to solve problems, interpret experimental data, explain
scientific phenomena, and demonstrate understanding of practical applications. The paper also
evaluates clear communication of reasoning and effective use of scientific methods. By presenting
each question alongside detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, problem-
solving, and practical skills. It supports structured, precise scientific responses and provides focused
revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Breadth in Physics
(Foundation Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 A student is experimenting with an iron nail and a bar magnet.
(a) First, they place a paper clip close to the iron nail.
The nail does not attract the paper clip.
Then they place a bar magnet touching the end of the nail.
The nail now attracts the paper clip, so the paper clip is attached to the nail.
(i) Which of these is a correct description of the nail?
Tick (✓) one box.
Electromagnet
Induced magnet
Permanent magnet
[1]
(ii) What happens to the paper clip when the bar magnet is taken away?
Tick (✓) one box.
It becomes a permanent magnet.
It falls off the nail.
It stays permanently attached to the nail.
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(iii) Paperclips can be made from different metals.
Which two of these metals could the paperclip in this experiment be made from?
Tick (✓) two boxes.
Copper
Nickel
Steel
[1]
(b) The diagram shows the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
S N
Complete the table to show the property of a magnetic field that is shown by each feature of the
diagram.
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
Feature of the Direction of Poles of the Type of Strength of
diagram magnetic field magnet magnet magnetic field
Arrows
Distance between lines
S and N
[3]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(c) Explain why a magnetic compass can be used to support the idea that the Earth’s core is
magnetic.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
