Oxford Cambridge and RSA
A Level Physics A
H556/02 Exploring physics
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
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 answer 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 100.
• 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 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR A Level Physics A Exploring physics (H556/02) Question
Paper and Mark Scheme 2026
, 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 component of a gamma camera absorbs gamma rays and produces visible light?
A collimator
B computer
C photomultiplier tube
D scintillator
Your answer
[1]
2 What is a reasonable estimate for the diameter of an atom?
A 10–15 m
B 10–12 m
C 10–10 m
D 10–7m
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 The graph below shows the binding energy per nucleon, E, for nuclei of different nucleon
number, A.
X
E
0
0 A
Which of the following statement(s) correctly describe nuclear processes?
1 Fission of nuclei to the right of X releases energy
2 Fusion of nuclei to the left of X releases energy
3 Fission of nuclei to the right of X can happen spontaneously
A Only 1
B Only 2
C Only 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Your answer
[1]
4 The current in a copper wire of radius 2.5 × 10–4m is 1.4A.
The number density of charge carriers (electrons) in copper is 8.5 × 1028m3. What is the
mean drift velocity of the electrons in the wire?
A 2.1 × 10–4 mm s–1
B 0.13 mms–1
C 0.52 mms–1
D 1.9 mms–1
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 An isotope has a half-life of 243 years.
One sample of this isotope has activity A1.
A second sample of the same isotope has activity A2.
mass of isotope in first sample
What is the ratio: ?
mass of isotope in second sample
A1
A 243
A2
A1
B 243
A1
C A2
A2
D
243
Your answer
[1]
6 A student wants to determine the count-rate from a beta-emitting source in the laboratory.
Which procedure would be the best to determine the count-rate?
A Measure the counts over a long period of time
B Place the radiation detector (Geiger tube) about 1 metre away from the source
C Place the source close to a very strong magnet
D Place the source inside a lead box when measuring the counts
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
A Level Physics A
H556/02 Exploring physics
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
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 answer 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 100.
• 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 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR A Level Physics A Exploring physics (H556/02) Question
Paper and Mark Scheme 2026
, 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 component of a gamma camera absorbs gamma rays and produces visible light?
A collimator
B computer
C photomultiplier tube
D scintillator
Your answer
[1]
2 What is a reasonable estimate for the diameter of an atom?
A 10–15 m
B 10–12 m
C 10–10 m
D 10–7m
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 The graph below shows the binding energy per nucleon, E, for nuclei of different nucleon
number, A.
X
E
0
0 A
Which of the following statement(s) correctly describe nuclear processes?
1 Fission of nuclei to the right of X releases energy
2 Fusion of nuclei to the left of X releases energy
3 Fission of nuclei to the right of X can happen spontaneously
A Only 1
B Only 2
C Only 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Your answer
[1]
4 The current in a copper wire of radius 2.5 × 10–4m is 1.4A.
The number density of charge carriers (electrons) in copper is 8.5 × 1028m3. What is the
mean drift velocity of the electrons in the wire?
A 2.1 × 10–4 mm s–1
B 0.13 mms–1
C 0.52 mms–1
D 1.9 mms–1
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
5 An isotope has a half-life of 243 years.
One sample of this isotope has activity A1.
A second sample of the same isotope has activity A2.
mass of isotope in first sample
What is the ratio: ?
mass of isotope in second sample
A1
A 243
A2
A1
B 243
A1
C A2
A2
D
243
Your answer
[1]
6 A student wants to determine the count-rate from a beta-emitting source in the laboratory.
Which procedure would be the best to determine the count-rate?
A Measure the counts over a long period of time
B Place the radiation detector (Geiger tube) about 1 metre away from the source
C Place the source close to a very strong magnet
D Place the source inside a lead box when measuring the counts
Your answer
[1]
© OCR 2025
