# 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. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-physical-sciences-2025-nsc-november-exam-question-paper-paper-1/de6fa50e-871d-4cbc-b063-d56997212b43 - Updated: 2026-09-28 - Subject: Physical Sciences - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2025 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Paper: 1 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 19 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Physical Sciences](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/physical-sciences) › [Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2025 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-physical-sciences-2025-nsc-november-exam-question-paper-paper-1/de6fa50e-871d-4cbc-b063-d56997212b43) ## About this document Physical Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025. Question paper, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Confidential NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS (P1) NOVEMBER 2025 MARKS: 150 TIME: 3 hours This question paper consists of 16 pages and 3 data sheets. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 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. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 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) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 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) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 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) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 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) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 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] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 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 Copyright reserved ### Page 17 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 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 18 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 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 19 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 Copyright reserved ## Related documents - [Physical Sciences Physics Grade 12 NSC QP P1 May June 2025 Mpumalanga](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-physics-grade-12-nsc-qp-p1-may-june-2025-mpumalanga/d9c5f1c3-bd6c-468e-a50a-f6b40782c695) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2025 - [Physical Sciences P1 Nov 2012 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-nov-2012-eng/f3e1efe1-d287-4610-8583-1bb6eb811406) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2012 · Eng - [PHY SC P1 MEMO GR 12 SEPT 2025 E+A watermark](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/phy-sc-p1-memo-gr-12-sept-2025-e-a-watermark/ee8fc295-8eb6-4163-acb0-c6d2b3dec26f) — Physical Sciences · Memo · 2025 - [Physical Sciences Physics Grade 12 NSC MEMO P1 May June 2025 Limpopo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-physics-grade-12-nsc-memo-p1-may-june-2025-limpopo/82f7a5dc-e27f-400b-84ae-bcf3217097d6) — Physical Sciences · Memo · 2025 - [Physics Grade 12 NSC P1 MEMO September 2025 Limpopo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physics-grade-12-nsc-p1-memo-september-2025-limpopo/ee326b2b-8480-42f2-8ce0-7bcf6229bde6) — Physical Sciences · Memo · 2025 - [Physical Sciences P1 Nov 2019 Memo Afr Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-nov-2019-memo-afr-eng/6250ed76-71a4-4f9b-bfe7-95a1f244df41) — Physical Sciences · Memo · 2019 · Eng ## More from Grade 12 Physical Sciences - [Pysical Sciences P2 Memo AfrEng watermark](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/pysical-sciences-p2-memo-afreng-watermark/cb0c7842-3512-4579-a012-a91b31f09008) — Memo · 2025 - [Physical Sciences Physics Grade 12 NSC MEMO P2 May June 2025 Limpopo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-physics-grade-12-nsc-memo-p2-may-june-2025-limpopo/f2cd1409-6db0-4f23-b078-ce944b93c2b5) — Memo · 2025 - [Physical Sciences Physics Grade 12 NSC MEMO March 2025 Mpumalanga](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-physics-grade-12-nsc-memo-march-2025-mpumalanga/88039ede-226f-4c60-918e-92c8ef3e11cc) — Memo · 2025 - [Physical Sciences Physics Grade 12 NSC QP March 2025 Mpumalanga](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-physics-grade-12-nsc-qp-march-2025-mpumalanga/f082b040-bae3-431b-9df9-32c20bbfe5c3) — QP · 2025 - [Physics Grade 12 NSC P2 QP September 2025 North West](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physics-grade-12-nsc-p2-qp-september-2025-north-west/503a9f15-e9a4-475d-bd27-9134cf104397) — QP · 2025 - [Physical Sciences P2 May-June 2025 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p2-may-june-2025-eng/efdef1a0-c94f-4d02-954a-5262f99ca4af) — QP · 2025 · Eng ## Collection - [Grade 12 past papers](https://www.hlayiso.com/grade-12/past-papers) --- Hlayiso: free CAPS and IEB past papers, memos, notes and study guides for South African learners. When citing, link the page URL above, not a PDF or /api/ URL.