CSEC Physics Paper 2 May/June 2026 - Free CXC Past Paper with Answers

Define EACH of the following terms as it relates to motion.

Displacement

Acceleration

The letters A, B, C and D on the graph in Figure 4 represent the various stages of the cyclist’s motion during his journey.

Describe the motion of the cyclist at EACH of the stages labelled A, B and D.

Stage A Stage B Stage D

Calculate the TOTAL distance travelled by the cyclist during the ten-minute journey, as shown in Figure 4 on page 9.

Calculate the average speed of the cyclist during the ten-minute journey.

Determine the deceleration of the cyclist.

Define the term 'power' as an electrical quantity and state the standard unit (SI unit) in which it is measured.

Calculate the total power which is supplied to the circuit.

Fill in the blank spaces in the statements below which relate to the manner in which the appliances are connected.

The appliances are connected in ____________________________________________________. As a result, the voltage across each appliance is ____________________________________.

Suggest ONE advantage of connecting the appliances as shown in Figure 5 on page 10.

Calculate the current in the microwave.

A fuse must be used with the microwave. Briefly explain the purpose of the fuse in the electrical circuit.

Identify the three types of thermometers shown in Figure 6. A B C

State TWO features of Thermometer A which determine the time taken for the thermometer to respond to changes in temperature.

Determine the physical property employed by Thermometer B, that varies with temperature.

Using the kinetic theory, explain why the (i) rate of evaporation of water increases with temperature (ii) pressure exerted by a given mass of gas increases when its temperature is raised and its volume is kept constant.

rate of evaporation of water increases with temperature

pressure exerted by a given mass of gas increases when its temperature is raised and its volume is kept constant.

A metal cylinder containing gas is taken out of a refrigerated store maintained at $-23 \text{ }^\circ\text{C}$. The pressure in the cylinder was $75 \text{ Pa}$ before it was removed.

Calculate the pressure in the cylinder when the surrounding temperature rises to $27 \text{ }^\circ\text{C}$, assuming that the cylinder itself does not expand.

Figure 7 shows a representation of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Figure 7. The electromagnetic spectrum

Identify the type of radiation in EACH of the regions represented by P, Q, R and S in Figure 7. P Q R S

X-rays and ultrasound can both be used for scanning internal organs. Explain why ultrasound can be used to scan unborn babies whereas X-rays are NOT used.

Figure 8 is a diagram (not drawn to scale) which shows three rays emerging from the top of an object. The path of one ray through the lens has been completed on the diagram.

Figure 8. Path of three rays emerging from the top of an object

Define the term 'focal length' with respect to a converging lens.

On the diagram in Figure 8, complete the paths of the other two rays.

Figure 9 shows a ray of red light from a source incident on the face $PR$ of a glass prism at point $S$. The source emits visible light.

Figure 9. A glass prism

The angle of incidence, $i$, of the ray is $42^\circ$. The refractive index of the glass for red light is $1.5$.

Calculate, to 3 significant figures, the angle of refraction in the glass at $S$.

On Figure 9, draw the refracted ray at face $PR$ and the ray emerging from face $PQ$ of the prism. Label this ray $T$.

Figure 10 shows three nuclei, $E$, $F$ and $G$, of different atoms, two of which are isotopes.

Figure 10. Three nuclei of different atoms

Define the term 'isotope'.

Assuming that the chemical element symbol of the three nuclei are $E$, $F$ and $G$, as shown in Figure 10, write the nuclide notation of each in the form $_Z^A X$.

From Figure 10, identify which atoms are isotopes.

A certain radioisotope is administered just prior to a severe medical procedure. The graph in Figure 11 shows the activity of the sample of the radioisotope given to the patient over a few hours.

Figure 11. Graph of radioactive decay

Define the term 'half-life' of a radioactive nuclide.

Using the graph in Figure 11, and assuming that all the radioactive substance stays in the patient's body, state the original mass of the sample.

Determine the average half-life of the radioactive substance. Draw lines on the graph, or otherwise, to illustrate your answer.

Estimate the mass of the radioactive substance that remains after four half-life periods. Show your working.