PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
Surname
Forename(s)
Candidate signature
I declare this is my own work
F
AQA GCSE
PHYSICS 2025 : Triology
Foundation Tier Paper 1
Materials Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
For this paper you must have:
a ruler
a scientific calculator
the periodic table (enclosed). For Examiner’s Use
Instructions Question Mark
1
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Pencil should only be used for drawing. 2
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page. 3
Answer all questions in the spaces provided. Do not write 4
outside the box around each page or on blank pages.
5
If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the
end of this book. Write the question number against your answer(s). 6
Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want 7
to be marked. 8
In all calculations, show clearly how you work out your answer. TOTAL
Information
The maximum mark for this paper is 100.
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
You are expected to use a calculator where appropriate.
You are reminded of the need for good English and clear
presentation in your answers.
A black and white logo
For Examiner’s Use
SOLE Property of Tyrion's
AI-generated content may be incorrect.
AQA Physics 1F 2025 Triology Question Paper
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Do not write
Outside the
Box
0 1 A 1. Which type of radiation is the most ionizing?Tick one box:
Alpha (α)
Beta (β)
Gamma (γ) [1 mark]
2. Complete the following nuclear equation for the alpha decay of radium-226:
226
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎88 → 𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑋𝑋222 + 𝐻𝐻𝑒𝑒24
What is the value of 𝑋𝑋? [1 mark]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
0 1 B 1. A sample of a radioactive isotope has an initial activity of 320 Bq. After 3 half-lives,
what will its activity be? Show your working. [2 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
0 1 C 1. A scientist uses a Geiger-Müller tube to measure radiation levels near a
radioactive source. The count rate is recorded as 240 counts in 60 seconds.
Calculate the count rate per second (in counts per second). [2 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
2. The scientist places a sheet of aluminum between the source and the detector, and
the count rate decreases significantly. Explain which type of radiation is likely being
emitted and why aluminum reduces the count rate. [2 marks]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
0 1 D When handling radioactive materials, scientists use long tongs and wear lead aprons.
Explain why these precautions are necessary when working with radioactive sources.
[2 marks]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….………………………
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
Surname
Forename(s)
Candidate signature
I declare this is my own work
F
AQA GCSE
PHYSICS 2025 : Triology
Foundation Tier Paper 1
Materials Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
For this paper you must have:
a ruler
a scientific calculator
the periodic table (enclosed). For Examiner’s Use
Instructions Question Mark
1
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Pencil should only be used for drawing. 2
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page. 3
Answer all questions in the spaces provided. Do not write 4
outside the box around each page or on blank pages.
5
If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the
end of this book. Write the question number against your answer(s). 6
Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want 7
to be marked. 8
In all calculations, show clearly how you work out your answer. TOTAL
Information
The maximum mark for this paper is 100.
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
You are expected to use a calculator where appropriate.
You are reminded of the need for good English and clear
presentation in your answers.
A black and white logo
For Examiner’s Use
SOLE Property of Tyrion's
AI-generated content may be incorrect.
AQA Physics 1F 2025 Triology Question Paper
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Do not write
Outside the
Box
0 1 A 1. Which type of radiation is the most ionizing?Tick one box:
Alpha (α)
Beta (β)
Gamma (γ) [1 mark]
2. Complete the following nuclear equation for the alpha decay of radium-226:
226
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎88 → 𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑋𝑋222 + 𝐻𝐻𝑒𝑒24
What is the value of 𝑋𝑋? [1 mark]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
0 1 B 1. A sample of a radioactive isotope has an initial activity of 320 Bq. After 3 half-lives,
what will its activity be? Show your working. [2 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
0 1 C 1. A scientist uses a Geiger-Müller tube to measure radiation levels near a
radioactive source. The count rate is recorded as 240 counts in 60 seconds.
Calculate the count rate per second (in counts per second). [2 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
2. The scientist places a sheet of aluminum between the source and the detector, and
the count rate decreases significantly. Explain which type of radiation is likely being
emitted and why aluminum reduces the count rate. [2 marks]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
0 1 D When handling radioactive materials, scientists use long tongs and wear lead aprons.
Explain why these precautions are necessary when working with radioactive sources.
[2 marks]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….………………………
