Written from scratch in CAIE's exact format — not real past papers. Attempt each question before revealing the mark scheme; that's where the actual practice value is.
These questions cover only what Lesson 1 taught (scalars vs. vectors, distance vs. displacement, and SI units) — nothing here assumes content from lessons that aren't written yet.
Original question · Q1
State whether each of the following is a scalar or a vector quantity.
(a) Speed[1]
(b) Displacement[1]
(c) Mass[1]
(d) Acceleration[1]
Explanation
(a) Speed — scalar. Magnitude only, no direction. [1]
(b) Displacement — vector. Has both magnitude and a specified direction from the start point. [1]
(c) Mass — scalar. A quantity of matter, no direction involved. [1]
(d) Acceleration — vector. Rate of change of velocity, which is itself a vector, so acceleration inherits direction. [1]
Original question · Q2
A cyclist rides once around a circular track of circumference 300 m, returning to her exact starting point.
(a) Calculate the total distance travelled.[1]
(b) State the magnitude of her displacement, and explain your answer.[2]
Explanation
(a) Distance = 300 m — the full path length travelled. [1]
(b) Displacement = 0 m. [1] Because she finishes at the same point she started, there is zero net change in position — displacement depends only on start and end points, not on the path taken between them. [1]
Original question · Q3
Convert each of the following into base SI units. Give each answer to 3 significant figures.
(a) 4.20 km[1]
(b) 350 cm[1]
(c) 18.0 minutes[1]
Explanation
(a) 4.20 km = 4.20 × 10³ m = 4200 m. [1]
(b) 350 cm = 350 × 10â»Â² m = 3.50 m. [1]
(c) 18.0 min × 60 = 1080 s. [1] (marks awarded for the correct base unit and correct significant figures, not just the correct number)
