INTERNATIONAL GCSE

PHYSICS
9203/2
Paper 2

Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: 1.0 Final

*236Y9203/2/MS*
 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from oxfordaqaexams.org.uk

Copyright information

OxfordAQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for OxfordAQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for
their own internal use, with the following important exception: OxfordAQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.

Copyright © 2023 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

Level of response marking instructions

Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.

Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.

Step 1 Determine a level

Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
lower levels of the mark scheme.

When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 2 with a small amount of level 3 material it would be
placed in level 2 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 3 content.

Step 2 Determine a mark

Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.

You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.

Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.

An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

Information to Examiners

1. General

The mark scheme for each question shows:

• the marks available for each part of the question
• the total marks available for the question
• the typical answer or answers which are expected
• extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement
• the Assessment Objectives, level of demand and specification content that each question is intended
to cover.

The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark scheme and
should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme.

At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where consequential
marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the diagram or at a different
place on the script.

In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which confuse
the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is straightforward and
consistent.

2. Emboldening and underlining

2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is used, with
the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a potential mark.

2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the mark.

2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different terms in the
mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.

2.4 Any wording that is underlined is essential for the marking point to be awarded.

3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists

This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students have
provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that
‘right + wrong = wrong’.

Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of errors /
contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be
awarded.

However, responses considered to be neutral (indicated as * in example 1) are not penalised.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

Example 1: What is the pH of an acidic solution?

[1 mark]

Student Response Marks

awarded
1 green, 5 0
2 red*, 5 1
3 red*, 8 0

Example 2: Name two planets in the solar system.

[2 marks]

Student Response Marks awarded

1 Neptune, Mars, Moon 1
2 Neptune, Sun, Mars, 0
Moon

3.2 Use of chemical symbols/formulae

If a student writes a chemical symbol/formula instead of a required chemical name, full credit can
be given if the symbol/formula is correct and if, in the context of the question, such action is
appropriate.

3.3 Marking procedure for calculations

Marks should be awarded for each stage of the calculation completed correctly, as students are
instructed to show their working. Full marks can, however, be given for a correct numerical
answer, without any working shown.

3.4 Interpretation of ‘it’

Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the correct
subject.

3.5 Errors carried forward

Any error in the answers to a structured question should be penalised once only.

Papers should be constructed in such a way that the number of times errors can be carried forward
is kept to a minimum. Allowances for errors carried forward are most likely to be restricted to
calculation questions and should be shown by the abbreviation ecf in the marking scheme.

3.6 Phonetic spelling

The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited unless there is a possible
confusion with another technical term.

3.7 Brackets

(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded but is
included to help the examiner identify the sense of the answer required.

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3.8 Allow

In the mark scheme additional information, ‘allow’ is used to indicate creditworthy alternative
answers.

3.9 Ignore

Ignore is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not enough to gain the
marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking point.

3.10 Do not accept

Do not accept means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is given as
well, will still mean that the mark is not awarded.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

Question 1

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

01.1 electrons 1 AO1

3.5.1a
L1‒3

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

01.2 24 1 AO2
I= 3.5.1c
60
L1‒3
I = 0.4 (A) allow 0.40 (A) 1

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

01.3 ammeter 1 AO1

3.5.1g
L1‒3

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

01.4 the current in the wire 1 AO1

becomes too high 3.6.3e
L1‒3

Question Answers Extra information Mark AO/

Spec. Ref.

01.5 circuit breakers can reset 1 AO1

3.6.3e
circuit breakers operate 1 L1‒3
much faster

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

01.6 earth wire 1 AO1

3.6.3d,f
L1−3

Total Question 1 8

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Question 2

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

02.1 any two from: 2 AO4

• thermometer 3.4.2c
• kettle L1‒3
• stopclock allow stopwatch / timer
• measuring cylinder
• top pan balance

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

02.2 thickness would affect the allow thickness affects the 1 AO4
(rate of) temperature time it takes to cool 3.4.2c
change allow thickness is a control L4‒5
variable

ignore to make it a fair test

unqualified

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

02.3 Level 2: The method would lead to the production of a 3–4 AO4
valid outcome. The key steps are identified and logically 3.4.2c
sequenced. 2 × L1‒3
2 × L4‒5
Level 1: The method would not necessarily lead to a valid 1–2
outcome. Some steps are identified, but the method is not
fully logically sequenced.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content
• boil the water using the kettle
• all cups the same size, so fill to the same level with
boiling water
• measure out a/same volume of water using the
measuring cylinder
• measure out a/same mass of water using top pan
balance
• place the lid on cup
• place thermometer/probe in the cup (through the hole in
the lid)
• measure starting temperature
• start stop clock
• observe thermometer until temperature drops to 60 °C
• stop stopclock and record time
• repeat for other cups
• use same starting temperature

To access level 2 there must be a description of measuring

both time and temperature and one control variable

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

02.4 y-axis label AO2

time taken to cool in 1 3.4.2c
seconds 2 × L1‒3
2 × L4‒5
scale
major grid lines 100 all values must be correct 1
seconds

plotting
all bars correct allow 1 plotting mark for 2
2 correct bars

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

02.5 evaporation 1 AO1

3.4.2a,b
convection 1 L1‒3

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

02.6 Δθ = 25 (°C) 1 3 × AO2

1 × AO1
E = 0.30 × 4000 × 25 allow a correct substitution 1 3.4.1b
of an incorrectly calculated L4‒5
value of Δθ

E = 30 000 allow a correct calculation of 1

an incorrectly calculated
value of Δθ
J or joule 1

Total Question 2 17

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Question 3

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

03.1 3 AO1
Object Description
3.8.2a
A collection of gas, dust and L1‒3
billions of stars.

A rocky object mostly found

between the orbits of Jupiter
Sun
and Mars.

An icy object whose orbital

Asteroid
radius varies by a large
amount.
Comet
The largest object in the solar
system.

The smallest gas planet in the

solar system.

Do not accept more than one line from a box on the left

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

03.2 moon(s) 1 AO1

3.8.2a
L1−3

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

03.3 6 1 AO3
3.8.2a
L4−5

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

03.4 orbital speed decreases as 1 AO3

height increases 3.8.2f,g
L4‒5
because the gravitational 1 L6‒7
force decreases

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

03.5 s = 2 × π × 42 000 000 m allow use of 3.14… 1 AO2

3.1.2c,d
s = 263 893 783 m allow a correct calculation 1 L6‒7
using an incorrectly/not
converted value of r

263 893 783 allow a correct substitution 1

v= of an incorrectly calculated
24 × 60 × 60
value of distance

v = 3054.32619099008 allow any correct answer to 1

at least 2 significant figures

v = 3100 m/s this mark can only be 1

awarded if the correct
equations have been used

Total Question 3 12

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Question 4

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

04.1 normal 1 AO1

3.3.5a
L4‒5

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

04.2 i = 40 r = 25 allow ± 1° 1 AO2

3.3.5e
sin 40 1 L4‒5
n=
sin 25

n = 1.5… allow any correct answer to 1

2 or more significant figures

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

04.3 1 1 AO2
1.61 = 3.3.5f,h
sin c
L6‒7
1 1
c = sin-1 � �
1.61

c = 38… (°) allow a correct answer to 2 1

or more significant figures

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

04.4 light is reflected off the 1 1 × AO1

inside of the engine 2 × AO3
3.3.5h
the image / light / 1 L4‒5
information / is transferred
to the phone through the
fibre optic cable by

total internal reflection 1

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Total Question 4 10
Question 5

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

05.1 ciliary muscle relaxes 1 AO3

3.3.6h
makes lens thinner 1 1 × L4‒5
2 × L6‒7
so focal length increases allow less powerful lens 1
allow less refraction

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

05.2 height of image 1 AO2

0.0020 = 3.3.6g
1.5
L4‒5
height of image = 0.0020 × 1
1.5

height of image = 0.003 (m) allow 0.0030 (m) 1

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AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

05.3 any two from: allow 1 mark for any correct 2 AO2
ray 3.3.6f
• ray drawn parallel to L6‒7
principal axis from top of 2 × L8‒9
object to lens virtual ray
drawn through (‒)F

• ray drawn from top of

object through the centre
of the lens undeviated

• a ray directed towards the

focal point on the
opposite side of the lens
to the object, which
emerges parallel to the
principle axis.

image drawn as an arrow 1

from the principal axis to the
point where two correct rays
cross

an answer of

scores 3 marks

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE PHYSICS – 9203/2 – JUNE 2023

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

05.4 rays diverge on leaving the 1 AO2

diverging lens 3.3.6j
L6‒7
approximately the same dependent on MP1 1
amount of refraction by the
eye lens as shown in Figure
10

rays focused on the retina dependent on MP1 1

Total Question 5 12

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Question 6

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

06.1 a conductor is in a magnetic allow wire for conductor 1 AO1

field 3.6.4a
1 × L4−5
a current in a conductor 2 × L6‒7
produces a magnetic field 1

so there is a force on the 1

conductor
if no other mark awarded,
allow 1 mark for two
magnetic fields interacting

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

06.2 (increasing the potential 1 AO3

difference) increases the 3.6.4b
current in the fan 1 × L4−5
2 × L6‒7
and hence the strength of 1
the magnetic field produced

which increases the force on 1

the fan

OR (2nd and 3rd marks)

increases the power of the

fan (1)

increases the kinetic energy

of the fan (1)

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AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

06.3 any two pairs from; AO4

3.6.4a
• test a greater range of allow there is not enough 1 2 × L4‒5
potential difference data to draw a conclusion 2 × L6‒7

• because 4 data points is 1

insufficient to spot a
pattern / trend

OR

• test more fans 1

• to see if other fans have allow not all fans may 1

the same relationship behave in the same way

OR

• repeat the measurement

at 4 volts (1)

• because it is an
anomalous point (1)

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

06.4 the fan can run more slowly 1 2 × AO3

(when less cooling is 3.6.4a
required) 1 × L4‒5
1 × L6‒7
so

any one from:

• less power / energy allow it is more efficient 1
transferred
• quieter
• last longer

Total Question 6 12

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Question 7

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

07.1 difference 1 AO1

caesium-134 has 3 fewer AO2
neutrons 3.7.1f
1 × L4‒5
1 1 × L6‒7
similarity
(both have the same)
number of protons

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

07.2 (5 half-lives) AO2

3.7.2h
1 5 L6‒7
activity = 1.35 × 1016 × � � 1
2

activity = 4.2… × 1014 Bq allow any correct answer to 1

2 or more significant figures

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

07.3 5 half-lives of caesium-137 1 AO3

is 150 years 3.7.2h
L6‒7
(2011 + 150 =) 2161 1
allow use of their number of
half-lives from 07.2

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

07.4 137 , 0 (top line) 1 AO2

3.7.2f
56 , -1 (bottom line) 1 L6‒7
if no other mark awarded
allow 1 mark for correct
numbers on the beta particle

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AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

07.5 Level 2: Scientifically relevant features are identified; the 3–4 2 × AO1
way(s) in which they are similar / different is made clear 2 × AO3
and (where appropriate) the magnitude of the similarity / 3.7.2g,i
difference is noted. 2 × L4‒5
2 × L6‒7
Level 1: Relevant features are identified and differences 1–2
noted.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content
• gamma is the most penetrating
• alpha is the least penetrating
• gamma is the least ionising
• alpha is the most ionising
• correct order of range
• correct order of ionisation
• ionisation causes cancer / genetic mutations
• risk to humans linked to penetration, range and ionising
ability for each type of radiation
• risk to humans linked to ingestion / contamination of
radioactive material

To access level 2 the risk to humans must be linked to

a property of the radiation or ingestion / contamination

Total Question 7 12

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Question 8

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

08.1 Ep = 74 × 9.8 × 10 1 AO2

3.2.1d,e
Ep = 7252 (J) 1 L8‒9
for subsequent marks to be
awarded the correct
equation for Ep must have
been used
(Ep = Ek)

7252 = 0.5 × 74 × v2 1

7252 allow v2 = �
7252
� 1
v = √� � 0.5 × 74
0.5 × 74

v = 14 (m/s) 1

AO/
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.

08.2 distance is small so air allow force ∝ mass 1 AO3

resistance can be ignored 3.2.1d,e
L8−9
so both have the same allow acceleration = g 1
acceleration

OR

mgh = ½ mv2 (1)

(so v does not depend on m

because) v = √(2gh) (1)

OR

(Ep lost = Ek gained)

Ek gained ∝ m (1)

so final v does not change

(1)

Total Question 8 7

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