Confidential
NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS (P1)
NOVEMBER 2025
MARKS: 150
TIME: 3 hours
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Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2025 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Physical Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2025 (English), 19 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Physical Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025. Question paper, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
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- Grade 12
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- 2025
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
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NSC November Exam 2025
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Physical Sciences/P1 2 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. Write your centre number and examination number in the appropriate spaces
on the ANSWER BOOK.
2. This question paper consists of TEN questions. Answer ALL the questions in
the ANSWER BOOK.
3. Start EACH question on a NEW page in the ANSWER BOOK.
4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
5. Leave ONE line between two subquestions, e.g. between QUESTION 2.1 and
QUESTION 2.2.
6. You may use a non-programmable calculator.
7. Show ALL formulae and substitutions in ALL calculations.
8. Round off your FINAL numerical answers to a minimum of TWO decimal
places.
9. Give brief motivations, discussions, etc. where required.
10. You are advised to use the attached DATA SHEETS.
11. Write neatly and legibly.
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Physical Sciences/P1 3 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS 2025
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each
question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter
(A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.11 E.
1.1 The net force acting on an object on a horizontal surface is always …
A in the direction of motion of the object.
B in the direction of acceleration of the object.
C zero when the object moves at constant acceleration.
D increasing when the object moves at constant acceleration. (2)
1.2 A hot-air balloon is moving upwards at a constant velocity. A small stone is
dropped from THE BALLOON. Which ONE of the following graphs represents
the motions of the balloon and the stone?
Ignore the effects of friction on the stone.
A B
stone
v (m·s-1)
balloon balloon
v (m·s-1)
0 t (s) 0 t (s)
stone
C D
stone
stone
v (m·s-1) v (m·s-1)
balloon balloon
0 t (s) 0 t (s)
(2)
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Physical Sciences/P1 4 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
1.3 A motor fixed to the ground is used to lift a box vertically upwards at a
CONSTANT VELOCITY.
box
motor
ground
Consider the statements below for the upward motion of the box.
(i) The rate at which work is done by the motor on the box increases.
(ii) The rate at which work is done by the motor on the box is constant.
(iii) The mechanical energy of the box increases.
(iv) The mechanical energy of the box is constant.
Which of the statements above are CORRECT?
A (i) and (iii) only
B (ii) and (iv) only
C (ii) and (iii) only
D (i) and (iv) only (2)
1.4 Objects P and Q, with masses m and 2m respectively, have the same
momentum.
Q
P
The velocity of P is …
A equal to the velocity of Q.
B half the velocity of Q.
C twice the velocity of Q.
D four times the velocity of Q. (2)
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Physical Sciences/P1 5 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
1.5 A block moves along a rough horizontal surface while a horizontal force F of
magnitude 18 N and a constant kinetic frictional force of magnitude 6 N act on
it.
fk = 6 N F = 18 N
Which ONE of the following combinations of ACCELERATION and NET WORK
DONE ON THE BLOCK is CORRECT?
NET WORK DONE ON
ACCELERATION
THE BLOCK
A Constant Increases
B Increases Constant
C Increases Increases
D Constant Constant (2)
1.6 A star's spectrum, observed from Earth, is red shifted. Which ONE of the
following statements is CORRECT?
A The speed of light is increasing.
B The star is moving towards Earth.
C The frequency of each spectral line has increased.
D The wavelength of each spectral line has increased. (2)
1.7 Three point charges, Q1, Q2 and Q3, are fixed in a straight line. Q1 is r metres
from Q2, while Q3 is 2r metres from Q2, as shown in the diagram below.
Q1 Q2 Q3
r 2r
The magnitude of the charge on Q2 is q. The net electrostatic force on charge
Q1 is zero.
What is the magnitude of charge Q3 in terms of q?
1
A q
9
1
B q
3
C 3q
D 9q (2)
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Physical Sciences/P1 6 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
1.8 Three identical light bulbs, X, Y and Z, are connected in a circuit, as shown in
the diagram below. Switch S is initially closed.
Ignore the internal resistance of the battery.
X S
Y Z
Switch S is now opened.
How will the brightness of bulbs X and Y be affected?
BRIGHTNESS OF BULB X BRIGHTNESS OF BULB Y
A Increases Decreases
B Decreases Increases
C Increases Increases
D Decreases Decreases (2)
1.9 How does the commutator in a DC motor ensure that the coil rotates
continuously in ONE direction?
A By reducing friction
B By converting AC to DC
C By reversing the direction of the current in the coil
D By maintaining electrical contact between the external and the internal
circuits (2)
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Physical Sciences/P1 7 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
1.10 Light of different wavelengths is incident on a metal surface.
Which ONE of the following graphs shows the CORRECT relationship between
the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons, Ek(max), and the inverse of
1
the wavelength of the incident light, λ?
A B
Ek(max)(J) Ek(max)(J)
1 1
0 (m-1) 0 (m-1)
λ λ
C D
Ek(max)(J) Ek(max)(J)
1 1
0 (m-1) 0 (m-1)
λ λ
(2)
[20]
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Physical Sciences/P1 8 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 2 (Start on a new page.)
A block of mass 5 kg is at rest on a rough horizontal surface. When a constant force F
of magnitude 18 N acts on the block at an angle θ to the horizontal, the block experiences
maximum static friction. See the diagram below.
F = 18 N
5 kg θ
2.1 State Newton's Second Law of Motion in words. (2)
2.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the block. (4)
2.3 The horizontal component of force F is 15 N.
Calculate:
2.3.1 θ (2)
2.3.2 The coefficient of static friction (5)
2.4 Angle θ is decreased while the magnitude of force F remains constant.
How will the friction acting on the block be affected? Choose from INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Explain the answer. (4)
[17]
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Physical Sciences/P1 9 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 3 (Start on a new page.)
A ball is projected vertically upwards from the top of a building that is 5 m high.
Ignore the effects of friction.
5m
The table below shows the magnitude of the velocity of the ball at THREE different times
during its motion.
TIME (s) MAGNITUDE OF
VELOCITY (m·s-1)
0 15
p 0
3,36 q
3.1 Define the term free fall. (2)
3.2 Using EQUATIONS OF MOTION ONLY, calculate the value of p. (3)
The ball strikes the ground 3,36 seconds after it was thrown upwards.
3.3 Calculate q. (3)
The ball bounces to a maximum height of 3 m after it struck the ground.
3.4 Is the collision with the ground ELASTIC or INELASTIC?
Explain the answer WITHOUT the use of calculations. (3)
3.5 Sketch a velocity versus time graph for the motion of the ball from the time it
was projected until it reached the maximum height after it bounced.
Show the following NUMERICAL VALUES on the graph:
• The initial velocity
• Time p
• Velocity q (4)
[15]
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Physical Sciences/P1 10 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 4 (Start on a new page.)
Cricketers at an academy conduct an experiment to determine the relationship between
the contact time and the final momentum of a ball for a constant average net force.
A cricket ball of mass 150 g is thrown horizontally with a certain initial velocity and is
struck by a bat so that the ball moves in the opposite direction, as shown in the diagram
below. The average net force acting on the ball is horizontal.
bat
vi
ball
vf
The experiment is repeated using the same ball. The average net force and the initial
velocity of the ball are kept constant. The contact time between the bat and the ball is
changed EACH time. The results obtained are shown in the sketch graph below.
Final momentum pf (kg·m·s-1)
4,5
0
0,01 0,03 Contact time Δt (s)
4.1 Define the term impulse. (2)
4.2 Calculate the:
4.2.1 Average net force acting on the ball (3)
4.2.2 Magnitude of the initial velocity of the ball (4)
4.3 Redraw the graph in the ANSWER BOOK and label it as A.
On the same set of axes, draw the graph that will be obtained when a ball with
a bigger mass is used, without changing the initial velocity and average net
force. Label this as B. (2)
[11]
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Physical Sciences/P1 11 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 5 (Start on a new page)
A crate of mass 3 kg is at rest at point A on a frictionless horizontal surface. A constant
horizontal force F of 12 N acts on the crate and moves it from point A to point B. The
crate then moves down a rough plane, inclined at 20° to the horizontal. The distance
from point A to point B is 7 m and from point B to point C is 6,8 m, as shown in the
diagram below.
3 kg F = 12 N 3 kg
7m
A B
C
20º
Ground
5.1 State the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
5.2 Using ENERGY PRINCIPLES ONLY, calculate the kinetic energy of the crate
at point B. (3)
Force F is removed when the crate reaches point B. The crate then experiences a
constant frictional force of 21 N as it moves down the incline.
5.3 Draw a free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the crate as it
moves down the incline. (3)
5.4 Using ENERGY PRINCIPLES ONLY, determine whether the crate will pass
point C. (5)
[13]
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Physical Sciences/P1 12 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 6 (Start on a new page.)
An investigation is performed to determine the relationship between the velocity of a
moving sound source and the frequency of the sound detected.
The siren of an ambulance produces sound with a constant frequency. The ambulance,
with its siren on, moves towards a stationary sound detector (Part A) and away from the
stationary sound detector (Part B) at constant velocities. The experiment is repeated for
different velocities of the ambulance. The detected frequency is measured for EACH
velocity. The results obtained are shown in the graph below.
Ambulance Sound detector
Part A
Sound detector Ambulance
Part B
1 298
Detected frequency (Hz)
1 115
0
5 10 15 20 25 30
Velocity of the ambulance (m·s-1)
6.1 STATE the Doppler effect. (2)
6.2 For this experiment, write down:
6.2.1 The independent variable (1)
6.2.2 A controlled variable (1)
6.3 What conclusion can be made for Part B of this experiment? (2)
6.4 Calculate the speed of sound in air. (6)
[12]
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Physical Sciences/P1 13 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 7 (Start on a new page.)
A sphere X is placed at point A on a horizontal surface. X carries a charge of +3 x 10−7 C.
Point P is r metres to the left of point A.
r
P X
A
The magnitude of the electric field at point P is 1,08 x 106 N∙C−1.
7.1 Describe an electric field. (2)
7.2 Draw the electric field pattern due to the charge on sphere X. (2)
7.3 Show, by means of a calculation, that r = 0,05 m. (3)
Sphere Y, carrying a charge of −5 x 10−7 C, is now fixed at point P and sphere Z, carrying
a charge of −4 x 10−7 C, is fixed 0,04 m to the right of sphere X.
−5 x 10−7 C +3 x 10−7 C −4 x 10−7 C
Y X Z
r 0,04 m
A
7.4 The NET FORCE acting on sphere X is 0,0427 N at point A.
Is the surface frictionless? Choose from YES or NO. Explain the answer by
means of a calculation. (6)
7.5 Sphere Y is brought into contact with sphere X, and is placed back in its original
position.
How will the magnitude of the force that sphere X now exerts on sphere Y be
affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (2)
[15]
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Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)
Two identical headlights, L1 and L2, and a starter motor, M, of a car are connected to a
battery, as shown in the circuit diagram below. The resistance of each headlight is 12 Ω,
while the resistance of the starter motor is 0,1 Ω. The emf (Ɛ) and internal resistance (r)
of the battery are unknown.
The ammeters and the connecting wires have negligible resistance, while the voltmeter
has a high resistance. Switches S1 and S2 are initially open.
A1 A2
r
L1 L2
Ɛ V Starter motor
12 Ω 12 Ω M
0,1 Ω
S1 S2
8.1 Define the term emf. (2)
8.2 Switch S1 remains open while switch S2 is closed.
The reading on ammeter A2 is 120 A.
Calculate the reading on the voltmeter. (3)
8.3 Switch S1 is now closed and switch S2 is opened. The power dissipated by
each headlight is 15 W.
8.3.1 Calculate the current passing through L1. (3)
8.3.2 Write down the reading on ammeter A1. (1)
8.4 Calculate the emf of the battery. (6)
8.5 Both switches are now closed.
How will the reading on ammeter A1 be affected? Choose from INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
Explain the answer WITHOUT the use of a calculation. (5)
[20]
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Physical Sciences/P1 15 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)
An AC generator operates a fan. The directions of the rotation of the coil and the induced
current are shown in the simplified diagram below.
Z
V Fan
9.1 Define the term rms potential difference. (2)
9.2 What is the polarity of the magnet at Z? (2)
9.3 The resistance of the fan is 60 Ω and the maximum potential difference
produced by the generator is 311,11 V. Calculate the cost of operating the fan
for 1,5 hours if the cost of electricity is R3,33 per kWh. (5)
The voltage versus time graph for this generator is given below.
Voltage (V)
0
4 Time (s)
9.4 Redraw this graph in the ANSWER BOOK and label it as A. On the same set
of axes, draw the graph for ONE rotation of the coil when the speed of rotation
is doubled. Label this as graph B. (3)
9.5 State ONE way in which this generator can be changed to a DC generator. (1)
[13]
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Physical Sciences/P1 16 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
QUESTION 10 (Start on a new page.)
10.1 Learners conduct an experiment to determine whether electrons will be emitted
from the surface of different metals when light with a single frequency is incident
on the metal. The maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons are measured
when light of frequency 1,045 × 1015 Hz is used.
The results obtained are shown in the table below.
METALS ELECTRONS MAXIMUM KINETIC
EMITTED ENERGY (J)
Zinc Yes 0
Sodium Yes 2,53 × 10−19
Caesium Yes 3,50 × 10−19
Metal M No –
10.1.1 Define the term work function. (2)
10.1.2 Write down the threshold frequency of zinc. (1)
10.1.3 How does the work function of sodium compare to that of caesium?
Choose from SMALLER THAN, GREATER THAN or EQUAL TO.
Explain the answer. (3)
10.1.4 Light of the same frequency, but with a higher intensity, is now
incident on metal M. Will electrons now be ejected? Choose from
YES or NO. Give a reason for the answer. (2)
10.2 The energy diagram below (NOT drawn to scale) shows the electron energies
in different energy levels, E1, E2 and E3, of a certain atom.
E3 = 5,7 x 10-19 J
Increasing energy
E2 = 5,1 x 10-19 J
E1 = 1,3 x 10-19 J
10.2.1 An electron of this atom moves from E3 to E1. Photon X is emitted.
Calculate the frequency of photon X. (4)
10.2.2 Is it possible for a photon with an energy of 2,5 x 10-19 J to be emitted
from this atom? Choose from YES or NO. Give a reason for the
answer. (2)
[14]
TOTAL: 150
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Physical Sciences/P1 1 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
DATA FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 12
PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)
GEGEWENS VIR FISIESE WETENSKAPPE GRAAD 12
VRAESTEL 1 (FISIKA)
TABLE 1: PHYSICAL CONSTANTS/TABEL 1: FISIESE KONSTANTES
NAME/NAAM SYMBOL/SIMBOOL VALUE/WAARDE
Acceleration due to gravity
g 9,8 m·s-2
Swaartekragversnelling
Universal gravitational constant
G 6,67 x 10-11 N·m2·kg-2
Universele gravitasiekonstante
Radius of the Earth
RE 6,38 x 106 m
Radius van die Aarde
Mass of the Earth
ME 5,98 x 1024 kg
Massa van die Aarde
Speed of light in a vacuum
c 3 x 108 m·s-1
Spoed van lig in 'n vakuum
Planck's constant
h 6,63 x 10-34 J·s
Planck se konstante
Coulomb's constant
k 9 x 109 N·m2·C-2
Coulomb se konstante
Charge on electron
e 1,6 x 10-19 C
Lading op elektron
Electron mass
me 9,11 x 10-31 kg
Elektronmassa
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Physical Sciences/P1 2 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
TABLE 2: FORMULAE/TABEL 2: FORMULES
MOTION/BEWEGING
v f = vi + a ∆t Δx = v i Δt + 21 a∆t 2 or/of Δy = v i Δt + 21 a∆t 2
v + vf v + vf
v 2f = v i2 + 2a Δx or/of v 2f = v i2 + 2a Δy Δx = i Δt or/of Δy = i Δt
2 2
FORCE/KRAG
Fnet = ma p = mv
fs
max
= μsN fk = μkN
Fnet Δt = Δp
w = mg
Δp = mv f - mv i
mm m1m 2 M M
F= G 12 2 or/of F =G g=G or/of g=G 2
d r2 d2 r
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER/ARBEID, ENERGIE EN DRYWING
W = FΔxcos θ U = mgh or/of EP = mgh
Wnet = ΔK or/of Wnet = ∆Ek
K= 1
2 mv2 or/of Ek = 1
2 mv2
∆K = K f − K i or/of ∆Ek = Ekf − Eki
W
Wnc =ΔK+ΔU or/of Wnc = ΔE k + ΔE p P =
Δt
Pave = Fvave / Pgemid = Fvgemid
WAVES, SOUND AND LIGHT/GOLWE, KLANK EN LIG
1
v = fλ T =
f
v ± vL v ± vL hc
fL = fs / fL = fb E = hf or/of E =
v ± vs v ± vb λ
E = Wo + Ek(max) or/of E = Wo + K max where/waar
1 2 1 2
E = hf and/en Wo = hfo and/en Ek (max) = mv max or/of K max = mv max
2 2
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Physical Sciences/P1 3 DBE/November 2025
NSC Confidential
ELECTROSTATICS/ELEKTROSTATIKA
kQ1Q 2 kQ
F = E =
r2 r2
W F
V= E=
q q
Q Q
n= or/of n=
e qe
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS/ELEKTRIESE STROOMBANE
V
emf (ε) = I(R + r)
R=
I
emf (ε) = I(R + r)
R s = R1 + R 2 + ...
1 1 1 q = IΔt
= + + ...
R p R1 R 2
W = Vq W
P=
Δt
W = VIΔt
P = VI
W = I2RΔt
P = I2R
V 2 Δt
W= V2
R P=
R
ALTERNATING CURRENT/WISSELSTROOM
Pave = Vrms Irms / Pgemid = Vwgk I wgk
Imax I maks
Irms = / I wgk =
2 2 2
Pave = I rms R / Pgemid = I 2wgk R
Vmax Vmaks
Vrms = / Vwgk = 2
Vrms 2
Vwgk
2 2 Pave = / Pgemid =
R R
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