OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/06 Physics ( Foundation Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• the Equation Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Combined
Science A (Physics) (inside this document)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
F
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 60.
• 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 16 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1. Which of the following correctly describes all electromagnetic waves?
A They are longitudinal and travel through a vacuum
B They are transverse and travel at the same speed in a vacuum
C They are transverse but cannot travel through a vacuum
D They have the same wavelength and frequency
Your answer [1]
2.A student lists the EM spectrum in order of increasing wavelength. Which order is correct?
A Gamma → X-rays → UV → Visible → Infrared → Microwaves → Radio
B Radio → Microwaves → Infrared → Visible → UV → X-rays → Gamma
C Gamma → UV → X-rays → Visible → Infrared → Radio → Microwaves
D Radio → Infrared → Visible → UV → Microwaves → X-rays → Gamma
Your answer [1]
3. Why are gamma rays more dangerous to humans than radio waves?
A Gamma rays travel faster than radio waves
B Gamma rays have a longer wavelength and lower frequency
C Gamma rays are highly ionising and can cause cell mutations
D Radio waves cannot pass through the human body
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
4. A Geiger–Müller tube is used to detect radiation from a radioactive source.
The table shows the count rate with different materials placed between the source and the
detector.
Material between source and detector Count rate (counts/s)
None 4320
Paper 4218
5 mm aluminium 182
5 mm lead 34
Which type of radiation is being emitted?
A Alpha
B Beta
C Gamma
D Neutron
Your answer [1]
5. A worker in a nuclear power station needs to protect themselves from radioactive
contamination.
Which of the following would be most effective at preventing contamination?
A Wearing a lead-lined suit
B Standing as far away from the source as possible
C Using an airtight suit
D Limiting the time spent near the source
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science)
J250/06 Physics ( Foundation Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• the Equation Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Combined
Science A (Physics) (inside this document)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
F
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 60.
• 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 16 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1. Which of the following correctly describes all electromagnetic waves?
A They are longitudinal and travel through a vacuum
B They are transverse and travel at the same speed in a vacuum
C They are transverse but cannot travel through a vacuum
D They have the same wavelength and frequency
Your answer [1]
2.A student lists the EM spectrum in order of increasing wavelength. Which order is correct?
A Gamma → X-rays → UV → Visible → Infrared → Microwaves → Radio
B Radio → Microwaves → Infrared → Visible → UV → X-rays → Gamma
C Gamma → UV → X-rays → Visible → Infrared → Radio → Microwaves
D Radio → Infrared → Visible → UV → Microwaves → X-rays → Gamma
Your answer [1]
3. Why are gamma rays more dangerous to humans than radio waves?
A Gamma rays travel faster than radio waves
B Gamma rays have a longer wavelength and lower frequency
C Gamma rays are highly ionising and can cause cell mutations
D Radio waves cannot pass through the human body
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
4. A Geiger–Müller tube is used to detect radiation from a radioactive source.
The table shows the count rate with different materials placed between the source and the
detector.
Material between source and detector Count rate (counts/s)
None 4320
Paper 4218
5 mm aluminium 182
5 mm lead 34
Which type of radiation is being emitted?
A Alpha
B Beta
C Gamma
D Neutron
Your answer [1]
5. A worker in a nuclear power station needs to protect themselves from radioactive
contamination.
Which of the following would be most effective at preventing contamination?
A Wearing a lead-lined suit
B Standing as far away from the source as possible
C Using an airtight suit
D Limiting the time spent near the source
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
