Monday 8 June 2026 – Morning
A Level Physics A
H556/03 Unified physics
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
You must have:
GCE
*
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Physics A
H556/03: Unified physics
* H 5 5 6 0 3 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. A Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answers should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 70.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (DE/SG) 368104/5 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
1 The diagram shows an electrical panel heater with the front panel removed. The front panel is
attached when the heater is in use.
Resistance Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
wire meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
300 mm Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
Front
panel It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
600 mm
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
To mains commenced.
supply
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
The resistance wire heats the front panel. The front panel emits infrared radiation. candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
(a) The table shows data for this heater.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
Input potential difference (p.d.) / V 230 on the examination.
Input power / W 200
Cambridge 2026
Length of resistance wire / m 10
Resistivity of resistance wire / Ωm 4.9 × 10–7
The resistance wire has a circular cross-section and a constant diameter.
Calculate the diameter of the wire.
Diameter = ...................................................... m [4]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H556/03 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
(b) The energy radiated per unit time P from the front panel can be calculated using the equation:
MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
P = 0.9AσT 4 PREPARATION FOR MARKING
RM ASSESSOR
where:
• A is the surface area of the front panel in m2 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Online Training;
• T is the surface temperature in K Essential Guide to Marking.
• σ is the Stefan constant, 5.67 × 10–8 W m–2 K–4.
2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
The front panel measures 600 mm × 300 mm. The surface temperature of the front panel Assessment Support Portal
is 90.0 °C.
Calculate the energy radiated per unit time from the front panel. 3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
Give your answer to 2 significant figures. YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.
MARKING
1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.
Energy radiated per unit time = ...................................................... W [4] 5. Crossed Out Responses
Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
Suggest why the heater transfers more energy per unit time than your answer to (b). response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
..........................................................................................................................................................
Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
..................................................................................................................................................... [1] Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all responses
are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which will select the
2
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
A Level Physics A
H556/03 Unified physics
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
You must have:
GCE
*
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Physics A
H556/03: Unified physics
* H 5 5 6 0 3 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. A Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answers should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 70.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (DE/SG) 368104/5 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
1 The diagram shows an electrical panel heater with the front panel removed. The front panel is
attached when the heater is in use.
Resistance Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
wire meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
300 mm Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
Front
panel It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
600 mm
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
To mains commenced.
supply
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
The resistance wire heats the front panel. The front panel emits infrared radiation. candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
(a) The table shows data for this heater.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
Input potential difference (p.d.) / V 230 on the examination.
Input power / W 200
Cambridge 2026
Length of resistance wire / m 10
Resistivity of resistance wire / Ωm 4.9 × 10–7
The resistance wire has a circular cross-section and a constant diameter.
Calculate the diameter of the wire.
Diameter = ...................................................... m [4]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H556/03 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
(b) The energy radiated per unit time P from the front panel can be calculated using the equation:
MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
P = 0.9AσT 4 PREPARATION FOR MARKING
RM ASSESSOR
where:
• A is the surface area of the front panel in m2 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Online Training;
• T is the surface temperature in K Essential Guide to Marking.
• σ is the Stefan constant, 5.67 × 10–8 W m–2 K–4.
2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
The front panel measures 600 mm × 300 mm. The surface temperature of the front panel Assessment Support Portal
is 90.0 °C.
Calculate the energy radiated per unit time from the front panel. 3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
Give your answer to 2 significant figures. YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.
MARKING
1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.
Energy radiated per unit time = ...................................................... W [4] 5. Crossed Out Responses
Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
Suggest why the heater transfers more energy per unit time than your answer to (b). response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
..........................................................................................................................................................
Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
..................................................................................................................................................... [1] Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all responses
are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which will select the
2
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
