GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — June 2025 PAST PAPER:
Depth in Physics (Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J259/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Foundation
Tier) Paper (OCR J259/02) provides a fully merged resource combining 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 to achieve
top-band marks. This calculator-allowed paper assesses core physics concepts in greater depth, including
forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and basic atomic structure. Candidates are expected to
apply knowledge to solve multi-step problems, interpret experimental data, analyse results, and explain
phenomena using clear scientific reasoning. Practical skills and the application of scientific methods are
also evaluated. By presenting each question alongside detailed marking guidance, the resource
strengthens analytical, problem-solving, and practical skills. It supports the development of precise,
structured scientific responses and provides focused revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physics B
(Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Foundation Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Electromagnetic spectrum radiation ranges from a low to a high frequency.
(a) Complete the list to show all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order from lowest
frequency to highest frequency.
Use these words.
Infrared Visible light X-rays
Lowest frequency Radio waves
Microwaves
..............................................
..............................................
Ultraviolet
..............................................
Highest frequency Gamma
[2]
(b) Which statements about the electromagnetic spectrum are true and which are false?
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
True False
All parts of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at the speed of light.
Gamma radiation has the longest wavelength.
Radio waves carry the greatest energy.
Visible light is a transverse wave.
[3]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(c) When electromagnetic radiation hits a material, it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted.
What happens to the electromagnetic radiation in these situations?
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
Absorbed Reflected Transmitted
Infrared radiation heats up a plastic block.
Microwaves bounce off a metal sheet.
Visible light passes through glass.
[2]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 A scientist has two pieces of equipment to send to the Moon.
They want to find the weight of both pieces of equipment.
(a) Which statement about mass and weight is true?
Tick (✓) one box.
Mass is a force.
The weight is equal to the mass.
Weight is the force on a mass due to gravity.
[1]
(b) The diagram shows a spring balance.
A spring balance uses a spring to measure weight.
0
5
10
15
20
The scientist hangs a small piece of equipment on the spring balance. The spring extends.
They then replace the equipment with a heavier piece of equipment.
Describe what happens to the extension of the spring when the small piece of equipment is
replaced with the heavier piece.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
Depth in Physics (Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J259/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Foundation
Tier) Paper (OCR J259/02) provides a fully merged resource combining 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 to achieve
top-band marks. This calculator-allowed paper assesses core physics concepts in greater depth, including
forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and basic atomic structure. Candidates are expected to
apply knowledge to solve multi-step problems, interpret experimental data, analyse results, and explain
phenomena using clear scientific reasoning. Practical skills and the application of scientific methods are
also evaluated. By presenting each question alongside detailed marking guidance, the resource
strengthens analytical, problem-solving, and practical skills. It supports the development of precise,
structured scientific responses and provides focused revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physics B
(Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Foundation Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 Electromagnetic spectrum radiation ranges from a low to a high frequency.
(a) Complete the list to show all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order from lowest
frequency to highest frequency.
Use these words.
Infrared Visible light X-rays
Lowest frequency Radio waves
Microwaves
..............................................
..............................................
Ultraviolet
..............................................
Highest frequency Gamma
[2]
(b) Which statements about the electromagnetic spectrum are true and which are false?
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
True False
All parts of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at the speed of light.
Gamma radiation has the longest wavelength.
Radio waves carry the greatest energy.
Visible light is a transverse wave.
[3]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(c) When electromagnetic radiation hits a material, it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted.
What happens to the electromagnetic radiation in these situations?
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
Absorbed Reflected Transmitted
Infrared radiation heats up a plastic block.
Microwaves bounce off a metal sheet.
Visible light passes through glass.
[2]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 A scientist has two pieces of equipment to send to the Moon.
They want to find the weight of both pieces of equipment.
(a) Which statement about mass and weight is true?
Tick (✓) one box.
Mass is a force.
The weight is equal to the mass.
Weight is the force on a mass due to gravity.
[1]
(b) The diagram shows a spring balance.
A spring balance uses a spring to measure weight.
0
5
10
15
20
The scientist hangs a small piece of equipment on the spring balance. The spring extends.
They then replace the equipment with a heavier piece of equipment.
Describe what happens to the extension of the spring when the small piece of equipment is
replaced with the heavier piece.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
