# Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 NSC June 2025 QP (Eng) > Grade 12 Physical Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the NSC June Exam 2025 (English), 19 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-may-june-2025-eng/2b61ea53-1406-44b7-93f9-b735820fc0db - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Physical Sciences - Grade: Grade 12 - Language: English - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2025 - Exam period: NSC June 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 June 2025 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-may-june-2025-eng/2b61ea53-1406-44b7-93f9-b735820fc0db) ## About this document Physical Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC June Exam · 2025 · English. 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 SENIOR CERFITICATE EXAMINATIONS/ NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS (P1) MAY/JUNE 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/May/June 2025 SC/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. 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. 2025 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Physical Sciences/P1 3 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential 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 Three forces act on an object so that the resultant force is zero. Which ONE of the following vector diagrams is the CORRECT representation of the three forces? A B C D (2) 1.2 Two large objects P and R, each of mass m, are placed with their centres r metres apart, as shown in the diagram below. They exert a gravitational force of magnitude F on each other. P m m R r The mass of R is increased to 2m and the objects are now placed so that the distance between their centres is 2r metres. Which ONE of the following is the magnitude of the gravitational force that R now exerts on P? A 1 F 2 B F C 2F D 4F (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Physical Sciences/P1 4 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential 1.3 The velocity versus time sketch graph below is for the motion of a ball that is projected vertically upwards from the top of a building. Velocity (m·s-1) P Q S time (s) R The ball reached its greatest height above the ground at a certain time. Which point on the graph corresponds to this greatest height? A P B Q C R D S (2) 1.4 Two hard objects collide INELASTICALLY in an isolated system. Which ONE of the following statements is CORRECT for this collision? A Both total momentum and total kinetic energy are conserved. B Neither total momentum nor total kinetic energy is conserved. C Total momentum is not conserved, but total kinetic energy is conserved. D Total momentum is conserved, but total kinetic energy is not conserved. (2) 1.5 Engine P has a greater maximum power output than engine Q. Which ONE of the following statements is CORRECT when P and Q each operate at their maximum power output? A Q does more work than P in the same amount of time. B P and Q do the same amount of work in the same amount of time. C P and Q do the same amount of work, but Q does it in a shorter time than P. D P and Q do the same amount of work, but P does it in a shorter time than Q. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Physical Sciences/P1 5 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential 1.6 The absorption spectra of the same element surrounding both star A and star B are observed from Earth. The spectral lines for star B are more red-shifted than those for star A. How do the frequencies of the observed spectral lines and the speed of star B compare to that of star A? FREQUENCIES OF THE OBSERVED SPEED OF STAR B SPECTRAL LINES FROM STAR B COMPARED TO COMPARED TO THOSE FROM STAR A THAT OF STAR A A Higher Greater B Higher Smaller C Lower Greater D Lower Smaller (2) 1.7 R and S are two small charged spheres placed a distance apart. P is a point to the right of sphere S. ER and ES are the electric fields at point P due to the charges on spheres R and S respectively. See the diagram below. ES P ER R S Which ONE of the following combinations is CORRECT for the net charge on spheres R and S? SPHERE R SPHERE S A Positive Negative B Negative Positive C Negative Negative D Positive Positive (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Physical Sciences/P1 6 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential 1.8 The circuit below was used in a practical investigation. The battery has emf ε and internal resistance r. Ignore the resistance of the connecting wires. Graphs K and L below were obtained from the readings taken. V1 ε, r A S V2 Graph K Graph L Voltage (V) Voltage (V) 0 0 Current (A) Current (A) Which ONE of the combinations below CORRECTLY indicates the voltmeter readings taken to obtain graphs K and L? GRAPH K GRAPH L A V1 V1 B V1 V2 C V2 V1 D V2 V2 (2) 1.9 Which ONE of the following is the function of the split-ring commutator in an electric motor? The split-ring commutator … A rotates the coil. B delivers current from the coil to the external circuit. C ensures that the coil rotates continuously in one direction. D ensures that the current in the external circuit changes direction. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Physical Sciences/P1 7 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential 1.10 Which ONE of the following statements CORRECTLY describes the photoelectric effect? A An electron absorbs the energy of a photon and emits light. B An electron emits a photon when it collides with another electron. C An electron absorbs the energy of a photon and is ejected from the surface of a metal. D A photon is emitted when an electron moves from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. (2) [20] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Physical Sciences/P1 8 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 2 (Start on a new page.) A crate of mass 25 kg slides down a rough inclined plane at a constant speed of 2 m·s-1 towards point A while force F acts on it, parallel to the incline, as shown below. A constant kinetic frictional force of 40 N acts on the crate when the plane is inclined at an angle of 30° with the horizontal. 2.1 State Newton's First Law of Motion in words. (2) 2.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the crate, as it moves towards point A. (4) 2.3 Calculate the magnitude of F. (3) When the crate reaches point A, force F is removed, and the angle of inclination is decreased immediately to θ so that the crate continues moving at 2 m·s-1 towards point B. 2.4 Use the relationship between the forces acting on the crate between points A sin θ and B to show that µk = cos θ . (3) 2.5 The coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and the inclined plane sin θ is 0,19. Using the identity = tan θ, calculate the frictional force as the crate cos θ slides from point A to point B. (3) [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Physical Sciences/P1 9 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 3 (Start on a new page.) A ball is dropped from point A and reaches point B h metres below point A, in time t. The ball takes 2 s to fall from point B to point C on the ground. The distance from point B to point C is 8h metres. See the diagram below. Ignore the effects of air friction. A h B 8h C ground 3.1 Define the term free fall. (2) 3.2 Show, by means of calculations, that time t is equal to 1 second. (4) 3.3 Using EQUATIONS OF MOTION ONLY, calculate the speed with which the ball reached point C. (3) 3.4 Determine the height: 3.4.1 From which the ball was dropped (2) 3.4.2 Of the ball at point B (1) 3.5 Sketch a position versus time graph for the motion of the ball from the moment the ball was dropped until it reached point C. Take the GROUND AS THE ZERO POSITION. Indicate the following values on your graph: The position of the ball from which it was dropped The time and position of the ball when it was at point B The time taken for the ball to reach point C (4) [16] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Physical Sciences/P1 10 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 4 (Start on a new page.) Trolley A of mass 1,5 kg is at rest on a frictionless horizontal surface. A second trolley B, of mass 2 kg, travelling horizontally at a constant speed v, collides with trolley A. The trolleys stick together and move at a constant velocity to the right, covering a distance of 0,8 m in 2 s. See the diagram below. Ignore ALL frictional and rotational effects. Before collision After collision v Trolley B Trolley A Trolley B Trolley A 2 kg 1,5 kg 2 kg 1,5 kg 4.1 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words. (2) 4.2 Calculate speed v with which trolley B moves before the collision. (5) 4.3 Is the collision ELASTIC or INELASTIC? (1) 4.4 During another collision, trolley B exerts a greater force on trolley A and the change in momentum of trolley A is the same as before. How is the time for the collision affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Write down a relevant equation that supports the answer. (2) [10] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Physical Sciences/P1 11 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 5 (Start on a new page.) Water is drawn from a water source 12,5 m below the ground by an electric pump. The water is lifted vertically upwards at a constant speed, as shown in the simplified diagram below. electric pump water ground 12,5 m water source The pump lifts the water upwards at a rate of 2,5 kg∙s-1. Ignore ALL frictional and capillarity effects. 5.1 Define the term non-conservative force. (2) 5.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on a fixed mass of water as it moves from the source to the ground. (2) 5.3 The pump lifts 200 kg of water from the source to the ground at a constant speed. Calculate the: 5.3.1 Work done by the pump (3) 5.3.2 Constant speed at which the water is lifted (3) 5.3.3 Average power dissipated by the pump Ignore energy losses in the form of heat and sound. (3) [13] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Physical Sciences/P1 12 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 6 (Start on a new page.) A bat emits sound waves with a frequency fs as it flies at a constant speed vB towards a vertical cliff. The waves reflect off the cliff with the same frequency that they strike the cliff, and with a wavelength of λL = 0,016 m, as shown in the simplified diagram below. Take the speed of sound in air to be 340 m·s-1. reflected waves Cliff vB λL = 0,016 m 6.1 NAME and STATE the phenomenon that results in a change in frequency of the detected sound waves. (3) 6.2 Show that fs, the frequency of the sound waves emitted by the bat, is (21 250 – 62,5vB). (4) 6.3 The frequency of the reflected sound waves detected by the bat is 850 Hz higher than the frequency of the sound waves emitted by the bat. Calculate the speed of the bat, vB. (5) [12] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Physical Sciences/P1 13 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 7 (Start on a new page.) 7.1 A small negative charge q placed at a fixed distance from charged sphere Q, experiences a force F, as shown in the diagram below. F - q Q The charge q is now removed. Draw the electric field pattern for the charged sphere Q. (3) 7.2 Sphere S is attached to the ceiling at point P by a light inextensible string. When sphere R, on an insulated stand, is brought close to sphere S they repel and sphere S comes to rest with the horizontal distance between the centres of the spheres equal to 0,03 m. Sphere R is directly below point P. The string makes an angle θ with the vertical, as shown in the diagram below. ceiling P θ R S 0,03 m Insulated stand 7.2.1 State Coulomb's law in words. (2) 7.2.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on sphere S when it is at rest. (3) Sphere R has a charge of +6 nC. Sphere S has a charge +3 nC and a mass of 0,15 g. 7.2.3 Calculate angle θ. (5) [13] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.) In the circuit diagram below, the battery has an emf of 24 V and an internal resistance of 0,3 Ω. Light bulb L has a resistance of 9,5 Ω and R is a resistor of unknown resistance. Ignore the resistance of the ammeters and the connecting wires. A2 r = 0,3 Ω ε = 24 V R L 9,5 Ω S1 S2 A1 13 Ω 9Ω V 8.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2) When both switches S1 and S2 are CLOSED, the reading on ammeter A1 is 0,8 A. 8.2 Calculate the: 8.2.1 Current through light bulb L (3) 8.2.2 Reading on ammeter A2 (4) 8.2.3 Resistance of resistor R (5) Switch S2 is now OPENED, while switch S1 remains CLOSED. 8.3 How will this affect the reading on ammeter A2? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2) 8.4 How will the brightness of bulb L be affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Explain the answer. (4) The letters A to F represent different quantities in the circuit, as shown in the table below. A Voltage across the battery D Current through ammeter A2 B Internal resistance of the battery E Resistance of resistor R C Current through ammeter A1 F Potential difference across the 9 Ω resistor Switch S1 is now OPENED, while switch S2 is CLOSED. 8.5 Write down the LETTERS of the quantities that will now be equal to zero. (3) [23] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Physical Sciences/P1 15 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.) 9.1 The diagram below represents a simplified version of an AC generator. The induced current flows from X to Y in the coil when the coil is rotated clockwise, as shown in the diagram below. Y A X 9.1.1 What is the polarity of A? Choose from NORTH or SOUTH. (2) 9.1.2 State ONE way in which the induced emf of this generator can be increased. (1) 9.1.3 Sketch a graph of induced current versus time for ONE complete rotation of the coil from the horizontal position, as shown in the diagram above. (3) 9.2 An AC generator produces a maximum output voltage of 340 V. A 1 200 W electric kettle operates optimally when it is connected to this generator. 9.2.1 Define the term root mean square current. (2) 9.2.2 Calculate the root mean square current passing through the kettle. (4) 9.2.3 Calculate the resistance of the kettle. (3) [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Physical Sciences/P1 16 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/NSC Confidential QUESTION 10 (Start on a new page.) Light of different frequencies is incident on a metal plate. The sketch graph below shows the relationship between the maximum kinetic energy, Ek(max), of the photoelectrons and the energy of the incident photons. 2,99 Ek(max) ( x 10-19 J) 0 3,68 x 10-19 Y Energy of photons (J) 10.1 Define the term work function of a metal. (2) 10.2 Write down the numerical value of the gradient of the above graph. (2) 10.3 Calculate the: 10.3.1 Maximum speed of the photoelectrons when photons with energy Y, as shown on the graph, strike the metal plate (3) 10.3.2 Value of Y (4) 10.4 Photons with energy 4,02 x 10-19 J strike the metal plate and photoelectrons are emitted. The number of photons with energy 4,02 x 10-19 J striking the metal plate per second is now increased. How will the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons be affected? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2) [13] TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved ### Page 17 Physical Sciences/P1 1 DBE/May/June 2025 SC/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 3,0 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 9,0 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/May/June 2025 SC/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 max fs = 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 + E k(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/May/June 2025 SC/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 emk ( 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 2 P = I2R V 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 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 - [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 - [Physical Sciences P1 May-June 2023 Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-may-june-2023-afr/80867f16-662e-47e9-876d-cae8701a81ef) — Physical Sciences · QP · 2023 · Afr ## 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.