Monday 1 June 2026 – Morning
A Level Physics A
H556/02 Exploring 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
H556/02: Exploring physics
* H 5 5 6 0 2 *
*
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 28 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (WW/FC) 368395/4 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 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
AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
1 Which element is used as a contrast medium in X-ray imaging? Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
A Barium
It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
B Fluorine needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
C Gadolinium and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
D Technetium This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
Your answer indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
[1] commenced.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
2 Which is the correct circuit symbol for a component that only allows d.c. current to flow in candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
one direction? demonstrated.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
A on the examination.
Cambridge 2026
B
C
D
Your answer
[1]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H556/02 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
3 A student investigates how the resistance of copper wire varies with length.
Which variable must be controlled during this investigation? MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
A Length
RM ASSESSOR
B Potential difference (p.d.) 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Assessor Online Training;
Essential Guide to Marking.
C Resistance
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
D Temperature
Assessment Support Portal
Your answer 3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
[1]
YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.
4 What is a reasonable estimate for the mass of 5 m3 of copper?
MARKING
A 5 kg
1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
B 500 kg
2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
C 50 000 kg
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)
D 500 000 kg deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
Your answer 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.
[1]
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
5 Which statements are true for photons of a given frequency? response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
1 A photon has energy directly proportional to its wavelength
2 A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
3 The number of photons is conserved in all interactions 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
A 1 2
B 2
C 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Your answer
[1]
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
A Level Physics A
H556/02 Exploring 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
H556/02: Exploring physics
* H 5 5 6 0 2 *
*
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 28 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/4743/X] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (WW/FC) 368395/4 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 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
AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
1 Which element is used as a contrast medium in X-ray imaging? Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
A Barium
It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
B Fluorine needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
C Gadolinium and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
D Technetium This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
Your answer indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
[1] commenced.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
2 Which is the correct circuit symbol for a component that only allows d.c. current to flow in candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
one direction? demonstrated.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
A on the examination.
Cambridge 2026
B
C
D
Your answer
[1]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H556/02 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
3 A student investigates how the resistance of copper wire varies with length.
Which variable must be controlled during this investigation? MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
A Length
RM ASSESSOR
B Potential difference (p.d.) 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Assessor Online Training;
Essential Guide to Marking.
C Resistance
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
D Temperature
Assessment Support Portal
Your answer 3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
[1]
YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE SCRIPTS.
4 What is a reasonable estimate for the mass of 5 m3 of copper?
MARKING
A 5 kg
1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
B 500 kg
2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
C 50 000 kg
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)
D 500 000 kg deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
Your answer 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.
[1]
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
5 Which statements are true for photons of a given frequency? response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
1 A photon has energy directly proportional to its wavelength
2 A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
3 The number of photons is conserved in all interactions 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
A 1 2
B 2
C 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Your answer
[1]
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
