GCSE (9–1) PHYSICS B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — June 2025 PAST PAPER:
Depth in Physics (Higher Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J259/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Higher Tier)
Paper (OCR J259/04) provides a fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with
its official mark scheme. This integrated format allows learners to see exactly how each question is
assessed, clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the standards required for top-band
performance. This calculator-allowed paper assesses advanced physics topics, 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. Practical skills, application of scientific methods, and
effective communication of scientific ideas are also evaluated. By presenting each question alongside
detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, problem-solving, and practical skills. It
supports precise, structured scientific responses and provides focused revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE
Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Higher Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 According to Newton’s third law, when two objects interact, they apply forces on each other.
(a) A person pushes on a wall with a force of 100 N.
The diagram shows two forces that form an interaction pair between the person and the wall.
Force of wall Force of person
pushing on person pushing on wall = 100 N
Which statements about this pair of forces are true and which are false?
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
True False
Both forces are acting on the person.
The forces are the same kind of force.
The forces are opposite in direction.
The force of the wall on the person equals 100 N.
[3]
(b) Which of these forces is a contact force?
Tick (✓) one box.
Electrostatic
Friction
Gravitational
Magnetic
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(c) Complete the sentences in the table to describe each interaction pair of forces.
Use words from the list.
attracting Earth Moon negatively
positively repelling Sun
A magnet attracting an The iron bar ........................................ the magnet.
iron bar.
A positively charged rod The piece of paper attracting the ........................................
attracting a piece of paper. charged rod.
The gravitational force of The gravitational force of the ......................................... on
the Earth on the Moon.
the ........................................ .
[4]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 Scientists advise people to use sunscreen when they are outside on a sunny day.
Sunscreen absorbs the UV radiation from the Sun.
(a) * Explain:
• how exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to human tissue
• why it is important to use sunscreen when outside on a sunny day.
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© OCR 2025
Depth in Physics (Higher Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J259/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Higher Tier)
Paper (OCR J259/04) provides a fully merged resource combining the complete examination paper with
its official mark scheme. This integrated format allows learners to see exactly how each question is
assessed, clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the standards required for top-band
performance. This calculator-allowed paper assesses advanced physics topics, 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. Practical skills, application of scientific methods, and
effective communication of scientific ideas are also evaluated. By presenting each question alongside
detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, problem-solving, and practical skills. It
supports precise, structured scientific responses and provides focused revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE
Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Depth in Physics (Higher Tier) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 According to Newton’s third law, when two objects interact, they apply forces on each other.
(a) A person pushes on a wall with a force of 100 N.
The diagram shows two forces that form an interaction pair between the person and the wall.
Force of wall Force of person
pushing on person pushing on wall = 100 N
Which statements about this pair of forces are true and which are false?
Tick (✓) one box in each row.
True False
Both forces are acting on the person.
The forces are the same kind of force.
The forces are opposite in direction.
The force of the wall on the person equals 100 N.
[3]
(b) Which of these forces is a contact force?
Tick (✓) one box.
Electrostatic
Friction
Gravitational
Magnetic
[1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(c) Complete the sentences in the table to describe each interaction pair of forces.
Use words from the list.
attracting Earth Moon negatively
positively repelling Sun
A magnet attracting an The iron bar ........................................ the magnet.
iron bar.
A positively charged rod The piece of paper attracting the ........................................
attracting a piece of paper. charged rod.
The gravitational force of The gravitational force of the ......................................... on
the Earth on the Moon.
the ........................................ .
[4]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 Scientists advise people to use sunscreen when they are outside on a sunny day.
Sunscreen absorbs the UV radiation from the Sun.
(a) * Explain:
• how exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to human tissue
• why it is important to use sunscreen when outside on a sunny day.
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. ................................................................................................................................................. [6]
© OCR 2025
