GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — June 2025 PAST PAPER: J249/04
(Higher Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J249/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/04 (Higher Tier) Paper provides a
fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme.
This integrated format allows learners to understand exactly how each question is assessed,
clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria required for achieving top-band
marks. This calculator-allowed paper assesses advanced physics topics, including forces, energy,
waves, electricity, magnetism, particle model, and atomic structure. Candidates are expected to
apply scientific knowledge, perform multi-step calculations, analyse experimental data, interpret
results, and explain phenomena using clear scientific reasoning. The paper also evaluates
understanding of practical techniques, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate
scientific concepts effectively. By pairing each question with 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 A (Higher Tier) J249/04 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 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 An electromagnetic wave travels in a vacuum.
A second electromagnetic wave travelling in a vacuum has a smaller wavelength.
Which row describes how the frequency and velocity of the second electromagnetic wave
compares with the frequency and velocity of the original wave?
Frequency Velocity
A larger equal
B larger larger
C smaller equal
D smaller larger
Your answer [1]
2 A sound wave travels from air to water. The speed of the sound wave is directly proportional to its
wavelength.
The wavelength of the sound wave in air is 80 cm.
The speed of the sound wave increases by a factor of 4 when it enters the water.
What is the wavelength of the sound wave in the water?
A 20 cm
B 40 cm
C 160 cm
D 320 cm
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the function of the neutral wire in an electrical device?
A To cause a potential difference between this wire and the earth wire
B To complete the circuit from the device back to the power supply
C To melt if the current through it is too high due to a fault
D To provide a low resistance path for the current if there is a fault
Your answer [1]
4 A scientist is doing an experiment using a radioactive source that emits only gamma rays.
Which safety procedure does not reduce irradiation of the scientist?
A The scientist places a lead shield between themselves and the source.
B The scientist points the source away from them.
C The scientist uses very long tongs to handle the source.
D The scientist wears gloves while handling the source.
Your answer [1]
5 Red light has a maximum wavelength of 750 nm.
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation with a wavelength of 850 nm?
A infrared
B ultraviolet
C visible light
D X-ray
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 A ball is floating on the surface of some water.
Waves are created on the surface of the water as shown.
Ball
Direction of waves
Which arrow shows the direction of movement of the ball due to the water waves?
A B
C D
Your answer [1]
7 Which value could be the speed of a person running?
A 0.50 m / s
B 5.0 m / s
C 50 m / s
D 500 m / s
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
(Higher Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J249/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249/04 (Higher Tier) Paper provides a
fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with its official mark scheme.
This integrated format allows learners to understand exactly how each question is assessed,
clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria required for achieving top-band
marks. This calculator-allowed paper assesses advanced physics topics, including forces, energy,
waves, electricity, magnetism, particle model, and atomic structure. Candidates are expected to
apply scientific knowledge, perform multi-step calculations, analyse experimental data, interpret
results, and explain phenomena using clear scientific reasoning. The paper also evaluates
understanding of practical techniques, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate
scientific concepts effectively. By pairing each question with 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 A (Higher Tier) J249/04 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 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 An electromagnetic wave travels in a vacuum.
A second electromagnetic wave travelling in a vacuum has a smaller wavelength.
Which row describes how the frequency and velocity of the second electromagnetic wave
compares with the frequency and velocity of the original wave?
Frequency Velocity
A larger equal
B larger larger
C smaller equal
D smaller larger
Your answer [1]
2 A sound wave travels from air to water. The speed of the sound wave is directly proportional to its
wavelength.
The wavelength of the sound wave in air is 80 cm.
The speed of the sound wave increases by a factor of 4 when it enters the water.
What is the wavelength of the sound wave in the water?
A 20 cm
B 40 cm
C 160 cm
D 320 cm
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the function of the neutral wire in an electrical device?
A To cause a potential difference between this wire and the earth wire
B To complete the circuit from the device back to the power supply
C To melt if the current through it is too high due to a fault
D To provide a low resistance path for the current if there is a fault
Your answer [1]
4 A scientist is doing an experiment using a radioactive source that emits only gamma rays.
Which safety procedure does not reduce irradiation of the scientist?
A The scientist places a lead shield between themselves and the source.
B The scientist points the source away from them.
C The scientist uses very long tongs to handle the source.
D The scientist wears gloves while handling the source.
Your answer [1]
5 Red light has a maximum wavelength of 750 nm.
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation with a wavelength of 850 nm?
A infrared
B ultraviolet
C visible light
D X-ray
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 A ball is floating on the surface of some water.
Waves are created on the surface of the water as shown.
Ball
Direction of waves
Which arrow shows the direction of movement of the ball due to the water waves?
A B
C D
Your answer [1]
7 Which value could be the speed of a person running?
A 0.50 m / s
B 5.0 m / s
C 50 m / s
D 500 m / s
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
