AqA
AS
PHYSICS
7407/1
Paper 1
Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: 1.0 Final
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2
, MARK SCHEME – AS PHYSICS – 7407/1 – JUNE
2023
Physics - Mark scheme instructions to examiners
1. General
The mark scheme for each question shows:
the marks available for each part of the question
the total marks available for the question
the typical answer or answers which are expected
extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement and help to delineate what is acceptable or
not worthy of credit or, in discursive answers, to give an overview of the area in which a mark or marks may be
awarded.
The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark scheme and should only
be applied to that item in the mark scheme.
At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where consequential marking needs
to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the diagram or at a different place on the script.
In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which confuse the main
part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is straightforward and consistent.
2. Emboldening
2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is used, with the
number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a potential mark.
2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the mark.
2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different terms in the mark
scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement.
3. Marking points
3.1 Marking of lists
This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which candidates have provided extra
responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that ‘right + wrong = wrong’.
Each error/contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of errors/contradictions equals or
exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be awarded.
However, responses considered to be neutral (often prefaced by ‘Ignore’ in the mark scheme) are not penalised.
3.2 Marking procedure for calculations
Full marks can usually be given for a correct numerical answer without working shown unless the question states
‘Show your working’. However, if a correct numerical answer can be evaluated from incorrect physics then
working will be required. The mark scheme will indicate both this and the credit (if any) that can be allowed for
the incorrect approach.
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However, if the answer is incorrect, mark(s) can usually be gained by correct substitution/working and this is
shown in the ‘extra information’ column or by each stage of a longer calculation.
A calculation must be followed through to answer in decimal form. An answer in surd form is never
acceptable for the final (evaluation) mark in a calculation and will therefore generally be denied one mark.
3.3 Interpretation of ‘it’
Answers using the word ‘it’ should be given credit only if it is clear that the ‘it’ refers to the correct subject.
3.4 Errors carried forward, consequential marking and arithmetic errors
Allowances for errors carried forward are likely to be restricted to calculation questions and should be shown by the
abbreviation ECF or conseq in the marking scheme.
An arithmetic error should be penalised for one mark only unless otherwise amplified in the marking scheme.
Arithmetic errors may arise from a slip in a calculation or from an incorrect transfer of a numerical value from
data given in a question.
3.5 Phonetic spelling
The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be credited (eg fizix) unless there is a possible
confusion (eg defraction/refraction) with another technical term.
3.6 Brackets
(…..) are used to indicate information which is not essential for the mark to be awarded but is included to help the
examiner identify the sense of the answer required.
3.7 Ignore / Insufficient / Do not allow
‘Ignore’ or ‘insufficient’ is used when the information given is irrelevant to the question or not enough to gain the
marking point. Any further correct amplification could gain the marking point.
‘Do not allow’ means that this is a wrong answer which, even if the correct answer is given, will still mean
that the mark is not awarded.
3.8 Significant figure penalties
Answers to questions in the practical sections (7407/2 – Section A and 7408/3A) should display an appropriate
number of significant figures. For non-practical sections, an A-level paper may contain up to 2 marks (1 mark for
AS) that are contingent on the candidate quoting the final answer in a calculation to a specified number of
significant figures (sf). This will generally be assessed to be the number of sf of the datum with the least number
of sf from which the answer is determined. The mark scheme will give the range of sf that are acceptable but this
will normally be the sf of the datum (or this sf −1).
An answer in surd form cannot gain the sf mark. An incorrect calculation following some working can gain the sf
mark. For a question beginning with the command word ‘Show that…’, the answer should be quoted to one more sf
than the sf quoted in the question eg ‘Show that X is equal to about 2.1 cm’ –
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