OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science)
J249/04 Depth in physics (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
H
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• the Equation Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Physics B
(inside this document)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
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 90.
• 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 22 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
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, 2
1. Waves can be reflected, refracted, and transmitted at boundaries between different materials.
a) Which of the following correctly describes what happens when light enters a denser material?
Tick (✓) one box. [1]
A Speed increases, wavelength increases, bends away from normal v
B Speed decreases, wavelength decreases, bends towards normal v
C Speed decreases, frequency decreases, bends towards normal v
D Speed increases, frequency increases, bends away from normal v
[1]
b) A student shines white light through a glass prism.
Explain why a spectrum (rainbow) is produced on the other side.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
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, 3
c) State the difference between specular reflection and diffuse reflection.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
d) Sound waves can travel through solids, liquids and gases. Explain why sound cannot travel
through a vacuum.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Physics B (Twenty First Century Science)
J249/04 Depth in physics (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
H
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• the Equation Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Physics B
(inside this document)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
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 90.
• 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 22 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, 2
1. Waves can be reflected, refracted, and transmitted at boundaries between different materials.
a) Which of the following correctly describes what happens when light enters a denser material?
Tick (✓) one box. [1]
A Speed increases, wavelength increases, bends away from normal v
B Speed decreases, wavelength decreases, bends towards normal v
C Speed decreases, frequency decreases, bends towards normal v
D Speed increases, frequency increases, bends away from normal v
[1]
b) A student shines white light through a glass prism.
Explain why a spectrum (rainbow) is produced on the other side.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, 3
c) State the difference between specular reflection and diffuse reflection.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
d) Sound waves can travel through solids, liquids and gases. Explain why sound cannot travel
through a vacuum.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
