GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — May 2025 PAST PAPER:
Breadth in Physics (Higher Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J259/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Breadth in Physics (Higher Tier)
Paper (OCR J259/03) provides a fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with
its official mark scheme. This format allows learners to understand exactly how each question is assessed,
clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria required for high-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 knowledge to solve
multi-step problems, interpret and analyse experimental data, and explain phenomena with clear scientific
reasoning. The paper also evaluates understanding of practical techniques and the ability to communicate
scientific ideas effectively. By pairing each question with 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 (Higher Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 A boat makes a journey along a canal.
Fig. 1.1 shows part of the canal drawn to scale.
The boat travels from A to C via B.
Fig. 1.1
A B C
(a) The distance travelled from A to C is 5000 m.
(i) Find the distance from A to B.
Use:
• Fig. 1.1
• a ruler.
Distance from A to B = ...................................................... m [2]
(ii) When the boat leaves A, the time is 09:23.
When the boat reaches B, the time is 09:53.
Calculate the average speed of the boat for its journey from A to B.
Use the Equation Sheet.
Give your answer in m / s.
Average speed = ................................................. m / s [3]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(b) The boat sets off from A at constant acceleration and then reaches a constant speed.
Which row in the table shows the correct distance-time graph and speed-time graph for the
motion of the boat from A?
Tick (✓) one box.
Distance-time Speed-time
d Speed
t t
d Speed
t t
d Speed
t t
d Speed
t t
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(c) Fig. 1.2 shows the speed–time graph for the boat for a short period.
Fig. 1.2
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
Speed
(m / s)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (s)
Calculate the acceleration of the boat.
Use Fig. 1.2.
Acceleration = ............................................... m / s2 [3]
© OCR 2025
Breadth in Physics (Higher Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J259/03]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Breadth in Physics (Higher Tier)
Paper (OCR J259/03) provides a fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with
its official mark scheme. This format allows learners to understand exactly how each question is assessed,
clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria required for high-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 knowledge to solve
multi-step problems, interpret and analyse experimental data, and explain phenomena with clear scientific
reasoning. The paper also evaluates understanding of practical techniques and the ability to communicate
scientific ideas effectively. By pairing each question with 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 (Higher Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 A boat makes a journey along a canal.
Fig. 1.1 shows part of the canal drawn to scale.
The boat travels from A to C via B.
Fig. 1.1
A B C
(a) The distance travelled from A to C is 5000 m.
(i) Find the distance from A to B.
Use:
• Fig. 1.1
• a ruler.
Distance from A to B = ...................................................... m [2]
(ii) When the boat leaves A, the time is 09:23.
When the boat reaches B, the time is 09:53.
Calculate the average speed of the boat for its journey from A to B.
Use the Equation Sheet.
Give your answer in m / s.
Average speed = ................................................. m / s [3]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(b) The boat sets off from A at constant acceleration and then reaches a constant speed.
Which row in the table shows the correct distance-time graph and speed-time graph for the
motion of the boat from A?
Tick (✓) one box.
Distance-time Speed-time
d Speed
t t
d Speed
t t
d Speed
t t
d Speed
t t
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(c) Fig. 1.2 shows the speed–time graph for the boat for a short period.
Fig. 1.2
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
Speed
(m / s)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (s)
Calculate the acceleration of the boat.
Use Fig. 1.2.
Acceleration = ............................................... m / s2 [3]
© OCR 2025
