Free Practice Questions for CAPE Physics Unit 2

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Key Facts: CAPE Physics Unit 2 Exam

Paper 01 Questions

CXC CAPE Physics Syllabus

90m

Paper 01 Duration

CXC Timetable

Grades I–V

Acceptable Passing Grades

CXC CAPE Grading Policy

40%

Paper 01 Weighting

CXC CAPE Physics Scheme

BBD 69.50

Subject Fee (per Unit)

CXC Scale of Fees 2026

3 Modules

Syllabus Structure

CXC Physics Syllabus

150 hrs

Guided Learning Hours

CXC Curriculum Guide

CAPE Physics Unit 2 is administered across three modules: Electricity and Magnetism, A.C. Theory and Electronics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Paper 01 consists of 45 compulsory multiple-choice items (15 per module) completed in 90 minutes, contributing 40% of the total Unit grade. Paper 02 provides 40% through structured and essay questions, and School-Based Assessment or Paper 032 contributes 20%. Results are reported as Grades I to VII. These independent English-language MCQs are a study adaptation for Unit 2 topics, not an official-format simulation or a substitute for laboratory practical work and written problem-solving.

Sample CAPE Physics Unit 2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CAPE Physics Unit 2 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 98+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How is electric field strength, E, at a point in an electric field defined?

A.The electrostatic force per unit positive charge acting on a stationary test charge at that point

B.The work done per unit positive charge in bringing a test charge from infinity to that point

C.The total electrostatic potential energy possessed by a unit charge at that point

D.The rate of flow of electric charge per unit area through a surface perpendicular to the field

Explanation: Electric field strength E is defined vectorially as the electrostatic force experienced per unit positive charge placed at that point (E = F/q). It is measured in newtons per coulomb (N C^-1) or volts per metre (V m^-1).

2Two point charges of +2.0 µC and +4.0 µC are situated in a vacuum at a distance of 0.30 m apart. Given that 1/(4πε₀) = 9.0 × 10^9 N m^2 C^-2, what is the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them?

A.0.24 N

B.0.80 N

C.2.40 N

D.7.20 N

Explanation: According to Coulomb's Law, F = (q₁q₂)/(4πε₀r^2). Substituting the values: F = (9.0 × 10^9 × 2.0 × 10^-6 × 4.0 × 10^-6) / (0.30)^2 = (7.2 × 10^-2) / 0.09 = 0.80 N.

3A potential difference of 120 V is applied across two parallel metal plates separated by an air gap of 4.0 mm. What is the magnitude of the uniform electric field strength between the plates?

A.30 V m^-1

B.480 V m^-1

C.3.0 × 10^4 V m^-1

D.4.8 × 10^5 V m^-1

Explanation: For uniform parallel plates, the electric field strength is given by E = V/d. Converting 4.0 mm to 4.0 × 10^-3 m yields E = 120 / (4.0 × 10^-3) = 30,000 V m^-1 = 3.0 × 10^4 V m^-1.

4An electron of charge -e and mass m_e enters the uniform electric field between two horizontal parallel plates with an initial horizontal velocity v_x. Neglecting gravitational effects, what is the trajectory of the electron between the plates?

A.A parabolic path deflecting towards the positive plate

B.A circular path deflecting towards the negative plate

C.A straight line undeflected along its initial axis

D.An exponential curve deflecting towards the positive plate

Explanation: The electron experiences a constant vertical electrostatic force F_y = eE directed towards the positively charged plate, while its horizontal velocity v_x remains constant. Just as in projectile motion under gravity, a constant vertical acceleration combined with constant horizontal velocity results in a parabolic trajectory.

5Which statement correctly describes the relationship between electric field lines and equipotential surfaces?

A.Equipotential surfaces are always parallel to electric field lines, and work is done moving along them

B.Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to electric field lines, and no work is done moving a charge along an equipotential surface

C.Electric field lines point in the direction of increasing electric potential

D.Equipotential surfaces intersect each other whenever the electric field is non-uniform

Explanation: Electric field strength is the negative spatial gradient of potential (E = -dV/dr). Consequently, field lines are always normal (perpendicular) to equipotential surfaces. Moving a charge along an equipotential surface involves zero change in potential (ΔV = 0), so the work done is zero (W = qΔV = 0).

6A point charge of +6.0 µC is located at the origin. What is the work done by an external agent in bringing a test charge of +0.50 µC from point A at r_A = 0.60 m to point B at r_B = 0.20 m from the origin? (Take 1/(4πε₀) = 9.0 × 10^9 N m^2 C^-2.)

A.0.045 J

B.0.090 J

C.0.135 J

D.0.270 J

Explanation: The electric potential due to a point charge is V = Q/(4πε₀r). Here V_A = (9.0 × 10^9 × 6.0 × 10^-6) / 0.60 = 9.0 × 10^4 V, and V_B = (9.0 × 10^9 × 6.0 × 10^-6) / 0.20 = 2.7 × 10^5 V. The potential difference is ΔV = V_B - V_A = 1.8 × 10^5 V. The work done is W = qΔV = 0.50 × 10^-6 C × 1.8 × 10^5 V = 0.090 J.

7How is the capacitance of a capacitor defined, and what is the farad expressed in SI base units?

A.The ratio of the charge on either conductor to the potential difference between them; unit is A^2 s^4 kg^-1 m^-2

B.The rate of discharge of electrical energy per unit time; unit is kg m^2 s^-3

C.The total electrical energy stored per unit volume; unit is J m^-3

D.The opposition offered by a dielectric to the establishment of an electric field; unit is F m^-1

Explanation: Capacitance is defined as the ratio of the magnitude of charge on either plate to the potential difference between them (C = Q/V). One farad equals 1 C V^-1. Since 1 C = 1 A s and 1 V = 1 kg m^2 s^-3 A^-1, 1 F = (A s) / (kg m^2 s^-3 A^-1) = A^2 s^4 kg^-1 m^-2.

8A parallel-plate capacitor has capacitance C₀ with air between its plates. If the separation between the plates is doubled and a dielectric slab of relative permittivity ε_r = 6.0 completely fills the space between the plates, what is the new capacitance?

A.0.33 C₀

B.1.5 C₀

C.3.0 C₀

D.12.0 C₀

Explanation: The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor is given by C = (ε_r ε₀ A) / d. Doubling the separation d halves the capacitance (factor of 1/2), while introducing a dielectric with ε_r = 6.0 increases capacitance by a factor of 6. The resulting capacitance is C = 6.0 × (1/2) C₀ = 3.0 C₀.

9Two capacitors of capacitance 6.0 µF and 3.0 µF are connected in series across a 12.0 V d.c. power supply. What is the potential difference across the 3.0 µF capacitor?

A.4.0 V

B.6.0 V

C.8.0 V

D.12.0 V

Explanation: The equivalent capacitance in series is C_eq = (6.0 × 3.0) / (6.0 + 3.0) = 2.0 µF. The charge delivered from the supply is Q = C_eq V = 2.0 µF × 12.0 V = 24.0 µC. Since capacitors in series carry identical charge, the potential difference across the 3.0 µF capacitor is V = Q / C = 24.0 µC / 3.0 µF = 8.0 V.

10A 40 µF capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 150 V. How much electrical potential energy is stored in the electrostatic field of the capacitor?

A.0.225 J

B.0.45 J

C.0.90 J

D.3.00 J

Explanation: The energy stored in a charged capacitor is given by W = (1/2) C V^2. Substituting the values: W = 0.5 × (40 × 10^-6 F) × (150 V)^2 = 20 × 10^-6 × 22,500 = 0.45 J.

About the CAPE Physics Unit 2 Exam

CAPE Physics Unit 2 is the second of two independent certifiable Units in the Caribbean Examinations Council's Advanced Proficiency Examination in Physics. The syllabus covers three modules: Module 1 Electricity and Magnetism, Module 2 A.C. Theory and Electronics, and Module 3 Atomic and Nuclear Physics. It prepares students for university study in physics, engineering, and physical sciences through conceptual inquiry and quantitative problem-solving. Paper 01 is a compulsory multiple-choice examination of 45 items (15 per module) completed in 90 minutes, accounting for 40% of the overall Unit mark. These independent English-language MCQs provide focused revision for Paper 01 topics.

Exam sponsor: Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Paper 01: 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, 15 from each of the three Modules (1 hour 30 minutes, 40%). Paper 02: three compulsory structured/essay questions, one per Module (2 hours 30 minutes, 90 marks, 40%). School-Based Assessment Paper 031 or private-candidate Paper 032 (20%).

Time Limit

Paper 01 is 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). Paper 02 is 2 hours 30 minutes. Paper 032 for private candidates is 2 hours.

Passing Score

CXC does not publish percentage grade boundaries. CAPE results are reported as Grades I to VII (Grade I highest); Grades I to V are accepted as passing grades. The final grade combines Paper 01 (40%), Paper 02 (40%), and School-Based Assessment or Paper 032 (20%).

Exam / Certification Fees

Effective May–June 2026: BBD $69.50 per CAPE Unit plus BBD $48.50 candidate entry in member territories. External-territory rates are BBD $139.00 per Unit plus BBD $97.00 entry. Local registrar administrative fees may apply; verify with your school or Local Registrar.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

33%

Module 1: Electricity and Magnetism

Paper 01 draws 15 multiple-choice items here. Topics include Coulomb's law and electric field strength; electric potential and potential gradient; parallel-plate capacitance, dielectric effects, series and parallel capacitor combinations, energy storage, and exponential RC charge/discharge; electric current, charge carrier drift velocity, resistivity, and temperature dependence; electromotive force (e.m.f.), internal resistance, Kirchhoff's circuit laws, potential dividers, and potentiometers; magnetic flux density, forces on current-carrying conductors and moving charges, motion of charges in magnetic fields, velocity selectors, and the Hall effect; and electromagnetic induction, including magnetic flux, Faraday's law, Lenz's law, motional e.m.f., and eddy currents.

33%

Module 2: A.C. Theory and Electronics

Paper 01 draws 15 multiple-choice items here. Official outcomes include sinusoidal AC frequency, peak and r.m.s. values; transformers and high-voltage transmission; intrinsic and doped semiconductors, p-n junction characteristics, rectification and capacitor smoothing; input and output transducers; ideal and real op-amps, comparators, gain and bandwidth, negative feedback, inverting, non-inverting and summing amplifiers, and voltage followers; logic gates, truth tables, gate combinations, timing diagrams, adders, flip-flops and binary counters. The practice bank also includes additional AC study exercises on phase, reactance, series RLC impedance, resonance and power factor.

34%

Module 3: Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Paper 01 draws 15 multiple-choice items here. Topics include Planck's quantum relation and the photon model of electromagnetic radiation; photoelectric effect experimental observations, failure of classical wave theory, Einstein's photoelectric equation, work function, threshold frequency, stopping potential, and graphical analysis; de Broglie matter waves, wavelength calculations, and electron diffraction evidence for wave-particle duality; atomic energy levels, line emission and absorption spectra, electron transition wavelengths, and ionization energy; X-ray tube operation, energy conversion, and minimum cutoff wavelength; nuclear structure, nuclide notation, isotopes, and the strong nuclear force; mass defect, mass-energy equivalence, binding energy, binding energy per nucleon curve, nuclear stability, fission, and fusion; and radioactivity, spontaneous and random decay, alpha, beta-minus, and gamma radiation properties, decay law, decay constant, half-life, activity, radiation safety principles (time, distance, shielding), medical tracers, and carbon-14 dating.

Preparing for the CAPE Physics Unit 2 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: CXC does not publish percentage grade boundaries. CAPE results are reported as Grades I to VII (Grade I highest); Grades I to V are accepted as passing grades. The final grade combines Paper 01 (40%), Paper 02 (40%), and School-Based Assessment or Paper 032 (20%).
Assessment: Paper 01: 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, 15 from each of the three Modules (1 hour 30 minutes, 40%). Paper 02: three compulsory structured/essay questions, one per Module (2 hours 30 minutes, 90 marks, 40%). School-Based Assessment Paper 031 or private-candidate Paper 032 (20%).
Time limit: Paper 01 is 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). Paper 02 is 2 hours 30 minutes. Paper 032 for private candidates is 2 hours.
Exam / certification fees: Effective May–June 2026: BBD $69.50 per CAPE Unit plus BBD $48.50 candidate entry in member territories. External-territory rates are BBD $139.00 per Unit plus BBD $97.00 entry. Local registrar administrative fees may apply; verify with your school or Local Registrar. Official sources

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CAPE Physics Unit 2: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master formulas and units across all three modules: E = F/q, V = W/q, C = Q/V, τ = RC, B = F/(IL), E = BLv, X_C = 1/(2πfC), X_L = 2πfL, Z = √(R² + (X_L - X_C)²), A_v = -R_f/R_in, E = hf, hf = Φ + eV_s, λ = h/p, and E_b = Δm c².

2Understand phasor relationships in AC circuits: remember that in a capacitor current leads voltage by 90°, while in an inductor voltage leads current by 90° (mnemonic: CIVIL).

3Pay close attention to operational amplifier configurations: verify whether the input is fed to the inverting or non-inverting terminal and confirm whether supply rail saturation limits the output voltage.

4Distinguish between light intensity and frequency in the photoelectric effect: intensity determines photon arrival rate (photocurrent), while frequency determines individual photon energy (maximum electron kinetic energy and stopping potential).

5Memorize the shape and peak of the binding energy per nucleon curve: understand why fusing light nuclei (A < 56) and fissioning heavy nuclei (A > 200) both release energy by moving products closer to the iron-56 peak.

6Be confident converting between electron-volts and joules (1 eV = 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ J) and between unified atomic mass units and MeV (1 u ≈ 931.5 MeV).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on CAPE Physics Unit 2 Paper 01?

Paper 01 consists of 45 compulsory multiple-choice items, with exactly 15 questions drawn from each of the three Modules. Each item has four options and is worth 1 mark (45 raw marks, weighted to 90 marks, contributing 40% of the overall Unit grade).

Which calculations can I practise in this bank?

This bank provides independent practice in Coulomb's law forces, uniform electric field strength, point charge potential, capacitor combinations and stored energy, RC time constants and exponential decay, wire resistivity, internal resistance and potential dividers, magnetic forces on wires and charges, cyclotron orbital radius, velocity selector speeds, Faraday's law induced EMF, motional EMF, AC peak/RMS values, capacitive and inductive reactances, series RLC impedance and resonant frequency, transformer turns and power ratios, inverting and non-inverting op-amp gains, photon energy and de Broglie wavelengths, photoelectric stopping potentials, hydrogen spectral line wavelengths, X-ray cutoff wavelengths, nuclear mass defects and binding energies, fusion Q-values, and radioactive half-life and activity.

Can I take CAPE Physics Unit 2 before Unit 1?

Yes. The Caribbean Examinations Council designs Unit 1 and Unit 2 as independent, discrete certifiable qualifications. While Unit 1 (Mechanics, Waves, Properties of Matter) provides helpful scientific background, candidates may register for Unit 2 independently or take both Units in the same examination series.

Are calculators allowed in the CAPE Physics Unit 2 examination?

Yes. CXC regulations permit candidates to use silent, non-programmable scientific calculators for Paper 01 and Paper 02. Programmable calculators and devices with communication capabilities are strictly prohibited.

How are CAPE Physics Unit 2 results graded?

Results are reported on CXC's seven-point scale from Grade I (highest) to Grade VII. Grades I to V are accepted as passing grades for sixth-form certification and university matriculation. Paper 01 contributes 40%, Paper 02 contributes 40%, and the School-Based Assessment (or Paper 032 for private candidates) contributes 20%.