Wednesday 20 May 2026 – Afternoon
A Level Physics A
H556/01 Modelling physics
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
GCE
*
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Physics A
H556/01: Modelling physics
* H 5 5 6 0 1 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. A Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
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 36 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (ST/FC) 368236/5 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
1 Which option has the same unit as kg m s–2? AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
A Force constant × extension business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
B Force × distance It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
C Force × time made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
D Force × velocity
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
Your answer [1] of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
2 A football is kicked at 30° above the horizontal. Air resistance is negligible.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
Which measurement changes while the ball is in the air? candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
A Horizontal component of velocity
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
B Mass of the ball on the examination.
C Total energy store of the ball and Earth
Cambridge 2026
D Total momentum of the ball
Your answer [1]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H556/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
3 Which object has a couple with a torque of 10 Nm? MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
The diameter of each spherical object is 1.0 m. RM ASSESSOR
Each diagram shows forces acting tangentially at the rim. 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Online Training;
Essential Guide to Marking.
20 N 10 N
2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
A B
10 N 10 N Assessment Support Portal
3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.
5N 20 N
MARKING
C D 1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
5N
2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
Your answer [1] 3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.
5. Crossed Out Responses
Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all responses
are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which will select the
highest mark from those awarded. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate has penalised themselves by attempting more questions than
necessary in the time allowed.)
2
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
, H556/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
4
4 A parachutist jumps from an aeroplane. They accelerate until they reach terminal velocity. They
then open the parachute. Multiple Choice Question Responses
When a multiple choice question has only a single, correct response and a candidate provides two responses (even if one of these responses is correct),
Which graph shows how the magnitude of the resultant force on the parachutist changes with
then no mark should be awarded (as it is not possible to determine which was the first response selected by the candidate).
time from the start of the jump?
When a question requires candidates to select more than one option/multiple options, then local marking arrangements need to ensure consistency of
approach.
Contradictory Responses
When a candidate provides contradictory responses, then no mark should be awarded, even if one of the answers is correct.
Magnitude of the Magnitude of the
resultant force resultant force
Short Answer Questions (requiring only a list by way of a response, usually worth only one mark per response)
Where candidates are required to provide a set number of short answer responses then only the set number of responses should be marked. The
response space should be marked from left to right on each line and then line by line until the required number of responses have been considered. The
remaining responses should not then be marked. Examiners will have to apply judgement as to whether a ‘second response’ on a line is a development
0 0
0 Time 0 Time of the ‘first response’, rather than a separate, discrete response. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate is attempting to hedge their bets
and therefore getting undue benefit rather than engaging with the question and giving the most relevant/correct responses.)
A B
Short Answer Questions (requiring a more developed response, worth two or more marks)
If the candidates are required to provide a description of, say, three items or factors and four items or factors are provided, then mark on a similar basis
– that is downwards (as it is unlikely in this situation that a candidate will provide more than one response in each section of the response space.)
Longer Answer Questions (requiring a developed response)
Where candidates have provided two (or more) responses to a medium or high tariff question which only required a single (developed) response and
Magnitude of the Magnitude of the
resultant force resultant force not crossed out the first response, then only the first response should be marked. Examiners will need to apply professional judgement as to whether
the second (or a subsequent) response is a ‘new start’ or simply a poorly expressed continuation of the first response.
6. Always check the pages (and additional objects if present) at the end of the response in case any answers have been continued there. If the candidate
0 0 has continued an answer there, then add a tick to confirm that the work has been seen.
0 Time 0 Time
7. Award No Response (NR) if:
C D
• there is nothing written in the answer space
Your answer [1] Award Zero ‘0’ if:
3
Cambridge 2026
A Level Physics A
H556/01 Modelling physics
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
GCE
*
• the Data, Formulae and Relationships Booklet
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
Physics A
H556/01: Modelling physics
* H 5 5 6 0 1 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. A Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
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 36 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (ST/FC) 368236/5 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
1 Which option has the same unit as kg m s–2? AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
A Force constant × extension business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
B Force × distance It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
C Force × time made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
D Force × velocity
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
Your answer [1] of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
2 A football is kicked at 30° above the horizontal. Air resistance is negligible.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
Which measurement changes while the ball is in the air? candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
A Horizontal component of velocity
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
B Mass of the ball on the examination.
C Total energy store of the ball and Earth
Cambridge 2026
D Total momentum of the ball
Your answer [1]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H556/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
3 Which object has a couple with a torque of 10 Nm? MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
The diameter of each spherical object is 1.0 m. RM ASSESSOR
Each diagram shows forces acting tangentially at the rim. 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Online Training;
Essential Guide to Marking.
20 N 10 N
2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
A B
10 N 10 N Assessment Support Portal
3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.
5N 20 N
MARKING
C D 1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
5N
2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
Your answer [1] 3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.
5. Crossed Out Responses
Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all responses
are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which will select the
highest mark from those awarded. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate has penalised themselves by attempting more questions than
necessary in the time allowed.)
2
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
, H556/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
4
4 A parachutist jumps from an aeroplane. They accelerate until they reach terminal velocity. They
then open the parachute. Multiple Choice Question Responses
When a multiple choice question has only a single, correct response and a candidate provides two responses (even if one of these responses is correct),
Which graph shows how the magnitude of the resultant force on the parachutist changes with
then no mark should be awarded (as it is not possible to determine which was the first response selected by the candidate).
time from the start of the jump?
When a question requires candidates to select more than one option/multiple options, then local marking arrangements need to ensure consistency of
approach.
Contradictory Responses
When a candidate provides contradictory responses, then no mark should be awarded, even if one of the answers is correct.
Magnitude of the Magnitude of the
resultant force resultant force
Short Answer Questions (requiring only a list by way of a response, usually worth only one mark per response)
Where candidates are required to provide a set number of short answer responses then only the set number of responses should be marked. The
response space should be marked from left to right on each line and then line by line until the required number of responses have been considered. The
remaining responses should not then be marked. Examiners will have to apply judgement as to whether a ‘second response’ on a line is a development
0 0
0 Time 0 Time of the ‘first response’, rather than a separate, discrete response. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate is attempting to hedge their bets
and therefore getting undue benefit rather than engaging with the question and giving the most relevant/correct responses.)
A B
Short Answer Questions (requiring a more developed response, worth two or more marks)
If the candidates are required to provide a description of, say, three items or factors and four items or factors are provided, then mark on a similar basis
– that is downwards (as it is unlikely in this situation that a candidate will provide more than one response in each section of the response space.)
Longer Answer Questions (requiring a developed response)
Where candidates have provided two (or more) responses to a medium or high tariff question which only required a single (developed) response and
Magnitude of the Magnitude of the
resultant force resultant force not crossed out the first response, then only the first response should be marked. Examiners will need to apply professional judgement as to whether
the second (or a subsequent) response is a ‘new start’ or simply a poorly expressed continuation of the first response.
6. Always check the pages (and additional objects if present) at the end of the response in case any answers have been continued there. If the candidate
0 0 has continued an answer there, then add a tick to confirm that the work has been seen.
0 Time 0 Time
7. Award No Response (NR) if:
C D
• there is nothing written in the answer space
Your answer [1] Award Zero ‘0’ if:
3
Cambridge 2026
