# Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 2026 QP (Eng) > Grade 12 Physical Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Prediction Exam 2026 (English), 18 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-physical-sciences-2026-nsc-november-prediction-exam-question-paper-paper-1/0413df7b-bc47-4d8d-b2c9-cd8c77f4d322 - Updated: 2026-10-29 - Subject: Physical Sciences - Grade: Grade 12 - Language: English - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2026 - Exam period: NSC November Prediction Exam - Paper: 1 - Publisher: Hlayiso - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 18 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 2026 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-physical-sciences-2026-nsc-november-prediction-exam-question-paper-paper-1/0413df7b-bc47-4d8d-b2c9-cd8c77f4d322) ## About this document Physical Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Prediction Exam · 2026 · English. Question paper, 18 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 Prediction hlayiso mock exams Practice Series: Grade 12 NSC Preparation WWW.HLAYISO.COM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS (P1) PREDICTION EXAMINATION 2026 MARKS: 150 TIME: 3 hours This question paper consists of 15 pages and 3 data sheets. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Physical Sciences/P1 2 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. Write your name and class (or 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. You may use appropriate mathematical instruments. 8. Show ALL formulae and substitutions in ALL calculations. 9. Round off your FINAL numerical answers to a minimum of TWO decimal places. 10. Give brief motivations, discussions, etc. where required. 11. You are advised to use the attached DATA SHEETS. 12. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Physical Sciences/P1 3 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS 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 A loaded truck of mass 8 000 kg and a car of mass 1 200 kg collide head-on on a straight, horizontal road. Which ONE of the following statements about the collision is CORRECT? A The truck exerts a greater force on the car than the car exerts on the truck. B The forces that the vehicles exert on each other are equal in magnitude, and the car experiences the greater magnitude of acceleration. C The forces that the vehicles exert on each other are equal in magnitude, and both vehicles experience accelerations of equal magnitude. D The car exerts a greater force on the truck, but the truck experiences (2) the greater magnitude of acceleration. 1.2 An object has a weight w on the surface of the Earth. Planet X has THREE times the mass of the Earth and TWICE the radius of the Earth. The weight of the same object on the surface of planet X is … A 6w B 3w 2 C 4w 3 D 3w (2) 4 1.3 A ball is thrown vertically upwards and is caught again at the same height from which it was thrown. Ignore the effects of air friction. Which ONE of the following quantities of the ball is the SAME at the instant it is released and at the instant it is caught? A Velocity B Momentum C Kinetic energy D Direction of motion (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Physical Sciences/P1 4 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction 1.4 A net force acts on an object of mass 2 kg that is initially at rest on a frictionless horizontal surface. The force acts in a fixed direction, and its magnitude changes with time as shown in the graph below. Net force (N) 10 Time (s) 0 1 2 3 4 The speed of the object at t = 4 s is … A 10 m·s–1 B 20 m·s–1 C 5 m·s–1 D 40 m·s–1 (2) 1.5 An ambulance with its siren on moves at constant velocity TOWARDS a stationary listener. The siren emits sound of constant frequency. Which ONE of the following combinations CORRECTLY describes the wavelength and the frequency of the sound detected by the listener, compared with the sound emitted by the siren? DETECTED DETECTED WAVELENGTH FREQUENCY A Longer Lower (2) B Shorter Higher C Longer Higher D Shorter Lower 1.6 A particular spectral line of hydrogen has a wavelength of 486 nm when it is measured in a laboratory on Earth. The same spectral line in the light from galaxy P is observed at 492 nm, and in the light from galaxy Q at 501 nm. Which ONE of the following statements is CORRECT? A Both galaxies are moving towards the Earth, and galaxy P is moving faster. B Both galaxies are moving towards the Earth, and galaxy Q is moving faster. C Both galaxies are moving away from the Earth, and galaxy P is moving faster. D Both galaxies are moving away from the Earth, and galaxy Q is moving (2) faster. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Physical Sciences/P1 5 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction 1.7 Two identical small metal spheres carry charges of +6q and –2q. They exert an electrostatic force of magnitude F on each other when the distance between their centres is r. The spheres are brought into contact and are then placed so that the distance between their centres is 2r. Which ONE of the following combinations CORRECTLY describes the new electrostatic force between the spheres? MAGNITUDE NATURE A F/12 Repulsion B F/12 Attraction (2) C F/3 Repulsion D F/6 Attraction 1.8 Three IDENTICAL resistors, R1 , R2 and R3 , are connected to a battery with negligible internal resistance, as shown below. R2 R1 R3 The power dissipated in resistor R1 is P. The power dissipated in resistor R2 is … A 1 2P B P C 1P 4 D 2P (2) 1.9 Which ONE of the following combinations is CORRECT for a DC generator? ENERGY CONVERSION COMPONENT THAT ENSURES THE CURRENT IN THE EXTERNAL CIRCUIT IS IN ONE DIRECTION A Mechanical to electrical Split-ring commutator (2) B Electrical to mechanical Split-ring commutator C Mechanical to electrical Slip rings D Electrical to mechanical Slip rings Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Physical Sciences/P1 6 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction 1.10 Light of different frequencies is shone, in turn, on two different metals, P and R. The graphs below show how the maximum kinetic energy, Ek(max) , of the ejected electrons changes with the frequency, f, of the incident light for each metal. Ek(max) (J) P R f (Hz) 0 Which ONE of the following statements is CORRECT? A The gradient of the graph for metal R is greater than the gradient of the graph for metal P. B Metal P has a larger work function than metal R. C For the same frequency of incident light, electrons ejected from metal R have a greater maximum kinetic energy than those ejected from metal P. D Metal R has a larger work function than metal P, and the gradient of (2) each graph is equal to Planck’s constant. [20] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Physical Sciences/P1 7 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 2 (Start on a new page.) Block A of mass 6 kg rests on a rough horizontal table. It is connected to block B of mass 2 kg by a light, inextensible string that passes over a light, frictionless pulley fixed to the edge of the table. Block B hangs vertically. A learner pushes block A with a constant force F of magnitude 20 N, directed at an angle of 30◦ BELOW the horizontal, as shown in the diagram below. Block A moves to the right and block B moves downwards. The coefficient of kinetic friction between block A and the table is 0,35. Ignore the effects of air friction. F = 20 N 30◦ A 6 kg B 2 kg 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 block A. (5) 2.3 Calculate the magnitude of the kinetic frictional force acting on block A. (3) 2.4 Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of block B by applying Newton’s Second Law to EACH block separately. (4) 2.5 The angle between force F and the horizontal is now INCREASED. Force F still acts below the horizontal and its magnitude remains 20 N. How will the kinetic frictional force acting on block A be affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2) [16] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Physical Sciences/P1 8 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 3 (Start on a new page.) Ball X is thrown vertically upwards from the ground at a velocity of 20 m·s–1 . At the SAME instant, ball Y is thrown vertically upwards from the edge of a balcony that is 8 m above the ground, as shown in the diagram below. Both balls reach the SAME maximum height above the ground. Ball Y misses the balcony on its way down, and both balls land on the ground. Ignore the effects of air friction. (same for both balls) maximum height Y 8m 20 m·s–1 X ground (not drawn to scale) 3.1 Define the term free fall. (2) 3.2 Calculate the maximum height above the ground reached by the balls. (3) 3.3 Using EQUATIONS OF MOTION ONLY, calculate the speed at which ball Y was thrown upwards. (3) 3.4 Calculate the time interval between the instants at which ball X and ball Y strike the ground. (3) 3.5 On the same set of axes, sketch velocity-time graphs for ball X and ball Y from the instant they are thrown until EACH ball strikes the ground. Take UPWARDS as POSITIVE. Label the graphs X and Y. Indicate the following on the graphs: • The initial velocity of EACH ball • The time at which EACH ball reaches its maximum height (4) [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Physical Sciences/P1 9 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 4 (Start on a new page.) Trolley A of mass 2 kg moves EAST along a straight, horizontal, frictionless track. It collides head-on with trolley B of mass 3 kg, which is moving WEST at 1 m·s–1 , as shown below. E east 1 m·s–1 A 2 kg B 3 kg The velocity-time graph below shows the velocity of trolley A before, during and after the collision. Take EAST as POSITIVE. Velocity of trolley A (m·s–1 ) 3 2 1 1,2 1,4 1,6 1,8 2,0 Time (s) 0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0 –1,2 –2 4.1 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words. (2) 4.2 Calculate the velocity of trolley B immediately after the collision. (4) 4.3 Calculate the magnitude of the average force that trolley A exerts on trolley B during the collision. (3) 4.4 Is the collision ELASTIC or INELASTIC? Use a suitable calculation to support the answer. (4) [13] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Physical Sciences/P1 10 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 5 (Start on a new page.) A crate of mass 40 kg is released from rest at point P at the top of a rough ramp that is inclined at 30◦ to the horizontal. The crate slides 6 m down the ramp to point Q, as shown below. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and the surface of the ramp is 0,25. Ignore the effects of air friction. P kg 40 6m Q 30◦ 5.1 Define the term non-conservative force. (2) 5.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the crate as it slides down the ramp. (3) 5.3 Using ENERGY PRINCIPLES ONLY, calculate the speed of the crate at point Q. (5) An electric winch now pulls the crate from Q back up the ramp to P at a CONSTANT SPEED of 0,8 m·s–1 , by means of a rope that is parallel to the surface of the ramp. The coefficient of kinetic friction remains 0,25. 5.4 Calculate the average power delivered by the winch to the crate. (4) [14] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Physical Sciences/P1 11 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 6 (Start on a new page.) A siren mounted on a pole outside a fire station emits sound of a constant frequency. A minibus taxi travels at a constant velocity along a straight road that passes the fire station. A passenger in the taxi uses a frequency app on a cellphone to record the frequency of the sound from the siren. The app records a frequency of 892,5 Hz while the taxi approaches the siren, and a frequency of 807,5 Hz after the taxi has passed the siren. siren fire station taxi v Take the speed of sound in air as 340 m·s–1 . Ignore the effects of wind. 6.1 State the Doppler effect in words. (2) 6.2 Explain, in terms of the wavefronts reaching the passenger, why the frequency recorded while the taxi approaches the siren is HIGHER than the frequency of the sound emitted by the siren. (2) 6.3 Calculate the speed of the taxi. (6) 6.4 Calculate the frequency of the sound emitted by the siren. (2) [12] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Physical Sciences/P1 12 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 7 (Start on a new page.) Two small charged spheres, P and Q, carrying charges of +3 µ C and –3 µ C respectively, are fixed 0,3 m apart. P +3 µ C Q –3 µ C 0,3 m 7.1 Draw the resultant electric field pattern due to spheres P and Q. (3) A third small sphere, R, carrying a charge of +4 µ C, is now fixed 0,4 m NORTH of sphere P. Sphere Q is 0,3 m EAST of sphere P, so that the three spheres lie at the corners of a right-angled triangle, as shown below. R +4 µ C N 0,4 m E P +3 µ C Q –3 µ C 0,3 m 7.2 State Coulomb’s law in words. (2) 7.3 Calculate the net electrostatic force exerted on sphere P by spheres Q and R. (5) 7.4 Calculate the magnitude of the net electric field at the position of sphere P due to spheres Q and R. (3) [13] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Physical Sciences/P1 13 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.) In the circuit below, the battery has an emf of 12 V and an unknown internal resistance r. Light bulb L is marked 6 V; 9 W. Resistor R1 = 1,5 Ω, resistor R2 = 6 Ω and resistor R3 = 12 Ω. The resistances of the ammeter, the switch and the connecting wires are negligible. Assume that the resistance of bulb L remains constant. ε r R3 = 12 Ω L R2 = 6 Ω S A R1 = 1,5 Ω When switch S is CLOSED, bulb L operates at its rated values (it is working as rated). 8.1 Define the term emf of a battery. (2) 8.2 Calculate the resistance of bulb L. (3) 8.3 Calculate the reading on the ammeter. (3) 8.4 Calculate the internal resistance, r, of the battery. (4) 8.5 Calculate the energy converted to heat inside the battery in 2 minutes. (3) Switch S is now OPENED. 8.6 How will the brightness of bulb L be affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Explain the answer. (4) [19] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Physical Sciences/P1 14 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.) 9.1 The simplified diagram below represents an AC generator. Coil ABCD rotates between the poles of a magnet. Component X connects the coil to the external circuit. At the instant shown, the plane of the coil is PARALLEL to the magnetic field, and side AB of the coil is moving UPWARDS. direction of rotation C S B D N A X resistor 9.1.1 Write down the name of component X. (1) 9.1.2 In which direction does the induced current flow in side AB of the coil at the instant shown? Choose from A to B or B to A. (2) 9.1.3 Sketch a graph of induced emf versus time for ONE complete rotation of the coil, starting from the position shown in the diagram. (No values are required on the axes.) (2) 9.1.4 State TWO changes that can be made to this generator to increase the maximum emf induced in the coil. (2) 9.2 The graph below shows the output voltage of a different AC generator. This generator is connected to an electric heater of resistance 44 Ω. Voltage (V) 325 0 –325 0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 Time (s) 9.2.1 Define the term rms potential difference. (2) 9.2.2 Calculate the frequency at which the coil of this generator rotates. (2) 9.2.3 Calculate the average power delivered to the heater. (4) [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Physical Sciences/P1 15 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction QUESTION 10 (Start on a new page.) 10.1 The work function of metal Y is 3,68× 10–19 J. In an investigation, red light of wavelength 680 nm and violet light of wavelength 410 nm are shone, one at a time, onto a clean surface of metal Y in a photocell. 10.1.1 Define the term work function. (2) 10.1.2 Use suitable calculations to determine which ONE of the two colours of light will eject electrons from metal Y. (4) 10.1.3 Calculate the maximum speed of the electrons ejected from metal Y by the violet light. (3) 10.1.4 The intensity of the violet light is now increased. How will the maximum kinetic energy of the ejected electrons be affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2) 10.2 White light from a lamp is passed through a container of cool hydrogen gas and then through a prism. The spectrum observed on a screen consists of a continuous band of colours crossed by a few narrow dark lines. cool H2 screen lamp prism 10.2.1 Name the type of spectrum observed. (1) 10.2.2 Explain, in terms of the energy levels of the hydrogen atoms, why the dark lines appear in the spectrum. (2) [13] TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Physical Sciences/P1 1 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction DATA FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 12 PAPER 1 (PHYSICS) TABLE 1: PHYSICAL CONSTANTS NAME SYMBOL VALUE Acceleration due to gravity g 9,8 m·s–2 Universal gravitational constant G 6,67× 10–11 N·m2 ·kg–2 Radius of the Earth RE 6,38× 106 m Mass of the Earth ME 5,98× 1024 kg Speed of light in a vacuum c 3× 108 m·s–1 Planck’s constant h 6,63× 10–34 J·s Coulomb’s constant k 9× 109 N·m2 ·C–2 Charge on electron e 1,6× 10–19 C Electron mass me 9,11× 10–31 kg Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 17 Physical Sciences/P1 2 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction TABLE 2: FORMULAE MOTION vf = vi + a∆t ∆x = vi ∆t + 21 a∆t2 or ∆y = vi ∆t + 12 a∆t2 ( ) ( ) vi + vf vi + vf v2f = v2i + 2a∆x or v2f = v2i + 2a∆y ∆x = ∆t or ∆y = ∆t 2 2 FORCE Fnet = ma p = mv fmax s = µs N fk = µk N Fnet ∆t = ∆p ∆p = mvf – mvi w = mg m m m m M M F = G 1 2 2 or F = G 12 2 g = G 2 or g = G 2 d r d r WORK, ENERGY AND POWER W = F∆x cos θ U = mgh or EP = mgh K = 12 mv2 or Ek = 12 mv2 Wnet = ∆K or Wnet = ∆Ek Wnc = ∆K + ∆U or Wnc = ∆Ek + ∆Ep ∆K = Kf – Ki or ∆Ek = Ekf – Eki W Pave = Fvave P= ∆t WAVES, SOUND AND LIGHT 1 v = fλ T= f v ± vL hc fL = fs E = hf or E = v ± vs λ E = W0 + Ek(max) or E = W0 + Kmax where E = hf and W0 = hf0 and Ek(max) = 12 mv2max or Kmax = 12 mv2max Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 18 Physical Sciences/P1 3 Hlayiso/Prediction 2026 NSC Prediction ELECTROSTATICS kQ1 Q2 kQ F= E= 2 r2 r W F V= E= q q Q Q n= or n = e qe ELECTRIC CIRCUITS V R= emf (ε ) = I(R + r) I Rs = R1 + R2 + . . . q = I∆t 1 1 1 = + +... Rp R 1 R 2 W W = Vq P= ∆t W = VI∆t P = VI W = I2 R∆t P = I2 R V2 ∆t V2 W= P= R R ALTERNATING CURRENT Imax Irms = √ Pave = Vrms Irms 2 Vmax Vrms = √ Pave = I2rms R 2 V2 Pave = rms R Copyright reserved ## Related documents - [PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 GR12 QP JUNE2023 English](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-gr12-qp-june2023-english/12e0de93-4ad5-48ea-bbff-cb51ba6f9a1b) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2023 · Eng - [PHYS SCIENCES P1 GR12 QP SEPT2022 English](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/phys-sciences-p1-gr12-qp-sept2022-english/ef216851-4105-40f6-9cb0-f3146d776699) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2022 · Eng - [Physical Science P1 (SG) (English) 2013 QP](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-science-p1-sg-english-2013-qp/ed268f35-b433-4e08-9d31-c9740a72299f) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2013 · Eng - [Physical Science P1 (SG) (English) June 2012 QP](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-science-p1-sg-english-june-2012-qp/0c084a64-a915-451d-b115-ecf0fdc0bc4b) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2012 · Eng - [PHYS SCIENCES P1 GR12 MEMO SEPT2021 Xho English B Copy](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/phys-sciences-p1-gr12-memo-sept2021-xho-english-b-copy/813b1849-8c40-4d71-92b0-1f6a8e44c4f9) — Physical Sciences · Memo · 2021 · Eng - [Physical Sciences P2 May-June 2025 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p2-may-june-2025-eng/efdef1a0-c94f-4d02-954a-5262f99ca4af) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2025 · 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 - [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) — 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) — 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 - [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) — 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 ## 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.