Multiple choice questions
Multiple choice questions will appear throughout both exams papers (Breadth and Depth), and at both Foundation Tier and Higher Tier.
These questions provide you with a number of answers, from which you must select the answer or answers that you think are correct.
A multiple choice question may require you to:
- tick one or more boxes next to the correct statements in a list
- tick 'true' or 'false' next to each statement in a list
- draw a ring around the correct answer in a list
- select the correct answer or answers from 'talking heads' speech bubbles
- join the boxes by drawing lines between two linked statements or between questions and correct answers
- select the correct word from a list to complete one or more sentences
- re-order statements into the correct sequence
The question may tell you in bold type how many ticks, rings or lines to draw. If you draw less than this, or more than this, you will not be able to get full marks. Make sure that you draw straight lines, rather than complex wavy lines.
There will usually be more options than correct answers. Read each option carefully and decide whether it is right or wrong.
The number of marks for the question will not always match the number of ticks, rings or lines required - read the question carefully to make sure you understand what you have to do.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
In 1913, Niels Bohr suggested a new model of the atom. This model has been further developed over time.
Complete the following sentences using words from the list: [4 marks]
In the modern model of the atom, the mass of the atom is concentrated in the ______. This central part of the atom is made up of particles called _______ and ______ and has an overall _______ charge.
| nucleus | positive | electrons | protons | neutrons | negative |
| nucleus |
| positive |
| electrons |
| protons |
| neutrons |
| negative |
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper J259, 2016.
In the modern model of the atom, the mass of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus. This central part of the atom is made up of particles called protons/neutrons and neutrons/protons and has an overall positive charge.
For this question you need to use the words to fill in the gaps. It is recall of atomic structure that is required for this question. The mass is concentrated in the nucleus of the atom. This is made up of protons and neutrons and therefore has a positive charge.
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Below is a simple model of the atom, with one part labelled. Label the other three parts (A, B and C) shown.
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper J259, 2016.
A: Nucleus
B: Neutron
C: Electron
This is similar to the previous question in that it is assessing the same content but in a different format. For this question you just need to label the diagram.
Sample question 3 - Foundation
Question
Which of the following is not a use for ionising radiation?
Put a tick (鉁) in the box next to the correct answer. [1 mark]
| A | to sterilise food | |
| B | as a tracer in the body | |
| C | to sterilise surgical instruments | |
| D | to send messages from mobile phones |
| A |
|---|
| to sterilise food |
| B |
|---|
| as a tracer in the body |
| C |
|---|
| to sterilise surgical instruments |
| D |
|---|
| to send messages from mobile phones |
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper A182, June 2013.
| A | to sterilise food | |
| B | as a tracer in the body | |
| C | to sterilise surgical instruments | |
| D | to send messages from mobile phones | 鉁 |
| A |
|---|
| to sterilise food |
| B |
|---|
| as a tracer in the body |
| C |
|---|
| to sterilise surgical instruments |
| D |
|---|
| to send messages from mobile phones |
| 鉁 |
Ionising radiation would not be used to send phone messages as the benefit would not outweigh the risk, it is used in the other three examples.