PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for PAU Physics (Cantabria)

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Spain Cantabria PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad)

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Cantabria PAU Applied Mathematics for Social Sciences II

Practice Questions

Cantabria PAU Artistic Drawing II

Practice Questions

Cantabria PAU Artistic Foundations

Practice Questions

Cantabria PAU Biology

Practice Questions

Cantabria PAU Business and Business Model Design

Practice Questions

Cantabria PAU Chemistry

Practice Questions
Exam Review

Key Facts: PAU Physics (Cantabria) Exam

90 min

Exam time duration for the PAU Physics paper

University of Cantabria (UNICAN) PAU Organising Commission

0–10 scale

Scoring system (minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase)

Cantabria PAU Regulations

5 Blocks

Syllabus blocks: Gravitational Field, Electromagnetism, Waves, Optics, Modern Physics

2º Bachillerato Curriculum (LOMLOE)

100

High-quality practice questions in this OpenExamPrep subject bank

OpenExamPrep

Master the 2026 Cantabria PAU Physics exam with 100 practice questions covering gravitational field, electromagnetic field, waves, optics, and modern physics. This English-language MCQ bank is a study adaptation of the theory and calculation knowledge behind the official written exam.

Sample PAU Physics (Cantabria) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the PAU Physics (Cantabria) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A satellite orbits Earth at an altitude equal to Earth's radius $R_E = 6.37 \times 10^6\text{ m}$. If the gravitational field strength at Earth's surface is $g_0 = 9.80\text{ m/s}^2$, what is the gravitational field strength $g$ at the satellite's orbital altitude?
A.2.45 m/s²
B.4.90 m/s²
C.1.23 m/s²
D.9.80 m/s²
Explanation: Gravitational field strength decreases with distance according to $g = g_0 (R_E / r)^2$. At an altitude $h = R_E$, the radial distance from Earth's center is $r = R_E + h = 2 R_E$. Substituting $r = 2 R_E$ yields $g = 9.80 / 2^2 = 9.80 / 4 = 2.45\text{ m/s}^2$.
2According to Kepler's Third Law ($T^2 / a^3 = k$), if Planet A orbits a star at distance $r$ with orbital period $T$, what is the orbital period of Planet B orbiting the same star at a distance of $4r$?
A.16T
B.8T
C.4T
D.64T
Explanation: Kepler's Third Law states that $T^2 \propto r^3$, so $T_B = T_A (r_B / r_A)^{3/2}$. For $r_B = 4r$, $(4)^{3/2} = \sqrt{4^3} = \sqrt{64} = 8$. Thus, $T_B = 8T$.
3What is the escape velocity from the surface of a spherical planet with mass $M = 6.0 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}$ and radius $R = 6.4 \times 10^6\text{ m}$? ($G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2$)
A.7.91 × 10³ m/s
B.1.58 × 10⁴ m/s
C.1.12 × 10⁴ m/s
D.2.24 × 10⁴ m/s
Explanation: Escape velocity is calculated using $v_{esc} = \sqrt{2GM/R}$. Substituting the values: $v_{esc} = \sqrt{\frac{2 \times 6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 6.0 \times 10^{24}}{6.4 \times 10^6}} = \sqrt{1.2506 \times 10^8} \approx 1.12 \times 10^4\text{ m/s}$ ($11.2\text{ km/s}$).
4The gravitational potential at a point outside a planet of mass $M = 4.0 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}$ is $V = -4.0 \times 10^7\text{ J/kg}$. What is the distance $r$ from the center of the planet to this point? ($G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2$)
A.3.34 × 10⁶ m
B.1.33 × 10⁷ m
C.4.00 × 10⁶ m
D.6.67 × 10⁶ m
Explanation: Gravitational potential is defined by $V = -GM/r$. Rearranging gives $r = -GM/V = \frac{6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 4.0 \times 10^{24}}{4.0 \times 10^7} = 6.67 \times 10^6\text{ m}$.
5A space probe of mass $m = 500\text{ kg}$ moves in a circular orbit of radius $r = 1.0 \times 10^7\text{ m}$ around a body of mass $M = 5.0 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}$. What is its orbital speed? ($G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2$)
A.5.77 × 10³ m/s
B.8.16 × 10³ m/s
C.3.34 × 10³ m/s
D.4.08 × 10³ m/s
Explanation: Equating gravitational force to centripetal force: $G M m / r^2 = m v^2 / r \implies v = \sqrt{GM/r}$. Substituting: $v = \sqrt{\frac{6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 5.0 \times 10^{24}}{1.0 \times 10^7}} = \sqrt{3.335 \times 10^7} \approx 5.77 \times 10^3\text{ m/s}$.
6If the mass of a planet is doubled while its radius remains unchanged, how does the gravitational field strength $g$ at its surface change?
A.It quadruples (increases by a factor of 4)
B.It doubles (increases by a factor of 2)
C.It increases by a factor of √2
D.It remains unchanged
Explanation: Surface gravitational field strength is directly proportional to planetary mass ($g = GM/R^2$). Doubling $M$ while keeping $R$ constant doubles $g$.
7A $200\text{ kg}$ satellite is transferred from a circular orbit of radius $r_1 = 7.0 \times 10^6\text{ m}$ to $r_2 = 1.4 \times 10^7\text{ m}$ around Earth ($M_E = 5.97 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}$, $G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2$). How much energy must be supplied to perform this transfer?
A.5.69 × 10⁹ J
B.1.42 × 10⁹ J
C.2.84 × 10⁹ J
D.8.53 × 10⁹ J
Explanation: Total mechanical energy in a circular orbit is $E = -GMm/(2r)$. The energy required is $\Delta E = E_2 - E_1 = \frac{GMm}{2}\left(\frac{1}{r_1} - \frac{1}{r_2}\right)$. Calculating: \frac{6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 5.97 \times 10^{24} \times 200}{2} \left(\frac{1}{7.0 \times 10^6} - \frac{1}{1.4 \times 10^7}\right) = 3.982 \times 10^{16} \times 7.143 \times 10^{-8} = 2.84 \times 10^9\text{ J}$.
8A geostationary satellite remains fixed over a point on Earth's equator. Given Earth's mass $M_E = 5.97 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}$ and rotational period $T = 86400\text{ s}$, what is the radius $r$ of its geostationary orbit? ($G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2$)
A.3.58 × 10⁷ m
B.6.37 × 10⁶ m
C.2.11 × 10⁷ m
D.4.22 × 10⁷ m
Explanation: Using Kepler's Third Law in circular orbit form: $r^3 = \frac{GM_E T^2}{4\pi^2}$. Substituting $T = 86400\text{ s}$: $r^3 = \frac{6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 5.97 \times 10^{24} \times (86400)^2}{4\pi^2} \approx 7.53 \times 10^{22}\text{ m}^3$. Taking the cube root gives $r = 4.22 \times 10^7\text{ m}$ ($42,200\text{ km}$).
9A comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun has a perihelion distance of $r_p = 1.0 \times 10^{11}\text{ m}$ where its speed is $v_p = 60\text{ km/s}$. What is its speed $v_a$ at aphelion where its distance is $r_a = 5.0 \times 10^{11}\text{ m}$?
A.12 km/s
B.30 km/s
C.2.4 km/s
D.150 km/s
Explanation: Conservation of angular momentum requires $L = m r_p v_p = m r_a v_a \implies v_a = v_p (r_p / r_a)$. Substituting the given values: $v_a = 60 \times \frac{1.0 \times 10^{11}}{5.0 \times 10^{11}} = 12\text{ km/s}$.
10How much work is done by the gravitational field of Earth ($M_E = 5.97 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}$) to move a mass $m = 100\text{ kg}$ from $r_A = 2.0 \times 10^7\text{ m}$ to $r_B = 1.0 \times 10^7\text{ m}$? ($G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2$)
A.-1.99 × 10⁹ J
B.+1.99 × 10⁹ J
C.+3.98 × 10⁹ J
D.-3.98 × 10⁹ J
Explanation: Work done by conservative gravitational force is $W = -\Delta U = U_A - U_B = G M m \left(\frac{1}{r_B} - \frac{1}{r_A}\right)$. Calculating: $6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 5.97 \times 10^{24} \times 100 \left(\frac{1}{10^7} - \frac{1}{2 \times 10^7}\right) = 3.982 \times 10^{15} \times 5.0 \times 10^{-7} = +1.99 \times 10^9\text{ J}$.

About the PAU Physics (Cantabria) Exam

Comprehensive 100-question practice test bank for the Cantabria (Universidad de Cantabria / UNICAN) PAU exam in Physics (Física). Assesses 2º Bachillerato physics principles across mechanics, electromagnetism, wave physics, optics, and modern physics.

Exam sponsor: University of Cantabria (UNICAN) PAU Organising Commission. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Cantabria PAU Physics exam consists of a 90-minute written examination featuring problem-solving exercises and theoretical questions divided into five curriculum blocks: Gravitational Field, Electromagnetic Field & Induction, Wave Motion & Acoustics, Geometric & Physical Optics, and Modern Physics (Quantum, Relativity & Nuclear).

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase.

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 71.09 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase.

Exam sponsor website

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

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.

20%

Gravitational Field & Celestial Mechanics (Campo Gravitatorio)

Newton's law of universal gravitation, gravitational field intensity and potential, Kepler's laws, satellite orbital dynamics, escape velocity, and mechanical energy conservation in celestial systems.

20%

Electromagnetic Field & Induction (Campo Electromagnético e Inducción)

Coulomb's law, electric field and potential, Gauss's law, Lorentz force on moving charges, magnetic fields produced by currents (Biot-Savart and Ampère's laws), Faraday-Lenz law of electromagnetic induction, and motional EMF.

20%

Wave Motion & Acoustics (Movimiento Ondulatorio y Acústica)

Harmonic wave equations, phase velocity and wavelength, spherical wave energy and intensity, decibel scale, standing waves on strings and pipes, Doppler effect, and wave interference.

20%

Optics & Wave/Ray Phenomena (Óptica Geométrica y Ondulatoria)

Snell's law of refraction, total internal reflection and critical angle, thin lenses and spherical mirrors, optical instruments, Young's double-slit interference, single-slit diffraction, and polarization.

20%

Modern Physics & Quantum/Relativity/Nuclear Physics (Física Moderna)

Photoelectric effect, de Broglie matter waves, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Einstein's special relativity (time dilation and length contraction), nuclear binding energy, radioactive decay laws, and nuclear fission/fusion.

Preparing for the PAU Physics (Cantabria) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase.
  • Assessment: The Cantabria PAU Physics exam consists of a 90-minute written examination featuring problem-solving exercises and theoretical questions divided into five curriculum blocks: Gravitational Field, Electromagnetic Field & Induction, Wave Motion & Acoustics, Geometric & Physical Optics, and Modern Physics (Quantum, Relativity & Nuclear).
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 71.09 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PAU Physics (Cantabria): Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the fundamental formulas for each block: Newton's gravity and Kepler's laws, Lorentz force and Faraday induction, wave equations and decibel calculations, Snell's law and lensmaker equations, and photoelectric/relativity/nuclear energy equations.
2Pay strict attention to SI units and order-of-magnitude scientific notation when solving numerical problems.
3Practice multi-step derivations such as orbital transfer energies, cyclotron radius, Doppler frequency shifts, and thin lens system image positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this practice bank in the same format as the real Cantabria PAU Physics exam?

No. The official Cantabria PAU Physics paper is a 90-minute written examination in Spanish with open-ended numerical problems and theoretical questions requiring step-by-step mathematical derivations. This bank is an English-language multiple-choice adaptation designed to test and reinforce the core concepts and numerical problem-solving techniques.

What is the official subject title and target level for this PAU exam in Cantabria?

The official title is Física, a 2º Bachillerato subject taken by students in the Ciencias y Tecnología track under Real Decreto 243/2022 (LOMLOE).

How is the Cantabria PAU Physics exam structured and scored?

The official exam is scored on a 0–10 scale with a minimum 4.0 required in the Access Phase to qualify for university entrance grade calculation.