OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Physics B
(Twenty First Century Science)
J259/03 Breadth in physics (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
worked solutions
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
H
• 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 [ ].
• This document has 23 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
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, 2
1. Electromagnetic waves travel at different wavelengths, frequencies and energies.
a) Which of the following statements about electromagnetic waves is correct?
Tick (✓) one box.
A Gamma rays have the longest wavelength and lowest frequency v
B Radio waves have the lowest frequency and lowest energy
C Ultraviolet waves have a longer wavelength than visible light
D X-rays have a higher frequency than gamma rays
[1]
b) Explain why visible light is only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
c) A microwave oven uses microwaves to heat food. State one property of microwaves that makes
them suitable for this use.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
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, 3
d) Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical equipment.
Explain why gamma rays are suitable for this purpose but could be harmful if safety precautions
are not followed.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Physics B
(Twenty First Century Science)
J259/03 Breadth in physics (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
worked solutions
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
H
• 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 [ ].
• This document has 23 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, 2
1. Electromagnetic waves travel at different wavelengths, frequencies and energies.
a) Which of the following statements about electromagnetic waves is correct?
Tick (✓) one box.
A Gamma rays have the longest wavelength and lowest frequency v
B Radio waves have the lowest frequency and lowest energy
C Ultraviolet waves have a longer wavelength than visible light
D X-rays have a higher frequency than gamma rays
[1]
b) Explain why visible light is only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
c) A microwave oven uses microwaves to heat food. State one property of microwaves that makes
them suitable for this use.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
, 3
d) Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical equipment.
Explain why gamma rays are suitable for this purpose but could be harmful if safety precautions
are not followed.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
for more: tyrionpapers,com
