Marking Scheme 2025| A Review of 300
Multiple Choice Questions with Answers and
Rationale| Pass Guaranteed
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive collection of 300 multiple-choice questions covers the core
topics of the Edexcel A Level Physics syllabus. Each question is designed to test
understanding of key concepts, principles, and applications across mechanics,
electricity, waves, nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and astrophysics. The
questions range from basic recall to complex problem-solving scenarios, providing
thorough exam preparation. Each question includes the correct answer and a
detailed rationale explaining why that answer is correct and why the other options
are incorrect.
SECTION A: MECHANICS
1. What physical quantity is defined as the product of mass and acceleration?
A) Force
B) Work
C) Power
D) Momentum
Answer: A) Force
Rationale: Newton's second law states that force equals mass times acceleration (F
= ma). Work is force × distance, power is work/time, and momentum is mass ×
velocity. Therefore, force is the product of mass and acceleration.
,2. Which of the following is a vector quantity?
A) Speed
B) Distance
C) Displacement
D) Mass
Answer: C) Displacement
Rationale: A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. Displacement has
both magnitude and direction, making it a vector. Speed, distance, and mass are
scalar quantities as they only have magnitude without direction.
3. What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?
A) E = ½mv²
B) E = mgh
C) E = F × d
D) E = mc²
Answer: B) E = mgh
Rationale: Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is calculated using E = mgh, where
m is mass, g is gravitational field strength, and his height. Option A (½mv²) is
kinetic energy, C is work done, and D is Einstein's mass-energy equivalence.
4. If a car traveling at 20 m/s comes to rest in 5 seconds, what is its
acceleration?
A) 4 m/s²
B) -4 m/s²
C) 100 m/s²
D) -100 m/s²
Answer: B) -4 m/s²
,Rationale: Acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity)/time = (0 - 20)/5 = -4
m/s². The negative sign indicates deceleration. Option A gives the magnitude but
wrong sign; C and D are incorrect calculations.
5. Newton's First Law states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform
motion unless acted upon by:
A) A balanced force
B) An unbalanced external force
C) Gravity
D) Friction
Answer: B) An unbalanced external force
Rationale: Newton's First Law (the law of inertia) states that an object stays at rest
or moves at constant velocity unless acted upon by a net external force. Balanced
forces result in no change in motion, gravity is one type of force, and friction is
another. Only an unbalanced force causes acceleration.
6. What quantity is measured in watts?
A) Energy
B) Power
C) Force
D) Pressure
Answer: B) Power
Rationale: The watt (W) is the SI unit of power, defined as one joule per second.
Energy is measured in joules, force in newtons, and pressure in pascals. Power is
the rate of energy transfer.
7. A stone is thrown horizontally from a cliff. What remains constant during
its flight?
, A) Vertical velocity
B) Acceleration
C) Horizontal velocity
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Rationale: In projectile motion, the horizontal velocity remains constant (assuming
no air resistance) and the acceleration (due to gravity) remains constant at 9.8 m/s²
downward. The vertical velocity changes due to gravity, so A is incorrect.
8. What is the work done when a force of 20 N moves an object 3 m in the
direction of the force?
A) 6.67 J
B) 60 J
C) 20 J
D) 23 J
Answer: B) 60 J
Rationale: Work done = Force × Distance = 20 N × 3 m = 60 J. Work is measured
in joules. Option A incorrectly divides, C ignores the distance, and D adds the
values.
9. Which statement about momentum is correct?
A) Momentum is always conserved
B) Momentum is conserved in isolated systems
C) Momentum is a scalar quantity
D) Momentum equals mass divided by velocity
Answer: B) Momentum is conserved in isolated systems
Rationale: The principle of conservation of momentum states that total momentum
remains constant in an isolated system (no external forces). A is too broad, C is
incorrect (momentum is vector), and D is incorrect (p = mv, not m/v).