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Free Practice Questions for Catalonia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato (CIC Generalitat)

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Sample Catalonia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato (CIC Generalitat) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Catalonia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato (CIC Generalitat) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Two point masses m1 = 2.0 × 10^4 kg and m2 = 5.0 × 10^4 kg are separated by a distance r = 50 m in empty space. What is the magnitude of the gravitational attraction force between them? (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.2.67 × 10^-5 N
B.1.34 × 10^-3 N
C.5.34 × 10^-5 N
D.6.67 × 10^-7 N
Explanation: Using Newton's law of universal gravitation F = G·m1·m2 / r², substituting the given values yields F = (6.674 × 10^-11) · (2.0 × 10^4) · (5.0 × 10^4) / (50)² = 2.67 × 10^-5 N. This mutual attractive force acts along the line connecting the two masses.
2Calculate the gravitational field strength (g) on the surface of a spherical planet with mass M = 4.0 × 10^24 kg and radius R = 5.0 × 10^6 m. (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.10.68 m/s²
B.5.34 m/s²
C.21.36 m/s²
D.5.34 × 10^7 m/s²
Explanation: The gravitational field strength at the planet surface is given by g = G·M / R². Plugging in values gives g = (6.674 × 10^-11) · (4.0 × 10^24) / (5.0 × 10^6)² = 10.68 m/s² directed radially inward.
3Determine the gravitational potential energy of a mass m = 250 kg positioned at a distance r = 1.0 × 10^7 m from the center of Earth (M_E = 5.97 × 10^24 kg). (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.-9.96 × 10^9 J
B.-9.96 × 10^16 J
C.+9.96 × 10^9 J
D.-4.98 × 10^9 J
Explanation: Gravitational potential energy in a central field is U = -G·M_E·m / r. Substituting the parameters yields U = -(6.674 × 10^-11) · (5.97 × 10^24) · 250 / (1.0 × 10^7) = -9.96 × 10^9 J, which is negative with reference at infinity.
4Planet A orbits a star at distance rA = 1.0 AU with an orbital period TA = 1.0 year. Planet B orbits the same star at rB = 9.0 AU. According to Kepler's third law, what is Planet B's orbital period TB?
A.27.0 years
B.81.0 years
C.9.0 years
D.3.0 years
Explanation: Kepler's third law states T² / r³ = constant. Therefore, (TB / TA)² = (rB / rA)³, which gives TB = TA · (9.0)^(3/2) = 1.0 · 27.0 = 27.0 years.
5Calculate the speed of a satellite moving in a circular orbit at radius r = 1.60 × 10^7 m around Earth (M_E = 5.97 × 10^24 kg). (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.4.99 km/s
B.7.91 km/s
C.3.53 km/s
D.24.9 km/s
Explanation: Equating gravitational force to centripetal force yields v = √(G·M_E / r). Substituting values gives v = √[(6.674 × 10^-11 · 5.97 × 10^24) / (1.60 × 10^7)] = √(2.49 × 10^7) = 4990 m/s = 4.99 km/s.
6What is the escape velocity from the surface of the Moon (M_M = 7.35 × 10^22 kg, R_M = 1.74 × 10^6 m)? (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.2.38 km/s
B.1.68 km/s
C.11.2 km/s
D.5.66 km/s
Explanation: Escape velocity is given by v_esc = √(2·G·M_M / R_M). Inserting Moon parameters gives v_esc = √[2 · (6.674 × 10^-11) · (7.35 × 10^22) / (1.74 × 10^6)] = √(5.638 × 10^6) = 2375 m/s = 2.38 km/s.
7If the acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface is g0 = 9.81 m/s², what is the gravitational field strength at an altitude h = 2 R_E above the surface?
A.1.09 m/s²
B.3.27 m/s²
C.2.45 m/s²
D.4.91 m/s²
Explanation: At altitude h = 2 R_E, the distance from Earth's center is r = R_E + h = 3 R_E. Since g ∝ 1/r², g(h) = g0 / 3² = 9.81 / 9 = 1.09 m/s².
8Calculate the gravitational potential V created by Earth (M_E = 5.97 × 10^24 kg) at a distance r = 2.00 × 10^7 m from its center. (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.-1.99 × 10^7 J/kg
B.-9.96 × 10^13 J/kg
C.+1.99 × 10^7 J/kg
D.-3.98 × 10^7 J/kg
Explanation: Gravitational potential is defined as V = -G·M_E / r. Plugging in values yields V = -(6.674 × 10^-11 · 5.97 × 10^24) / (2.00 × 10^7) = -1.99 × 10^7 J/kg.
9What is the orbital period T of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius r = 1.00 × 10^7 m around Earth (M_E = 5.97 × 10^24 kg)? (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.9954 s (~2.77 h)
B.3140 s (~0.87 h)
C.15800 s (~4.39 h)
D.86400 s (24 h)
Explanation: The orbital period is T = √[4π²·r³ / (G·M_E)]. Substituting values gives T = √[39.478 · 1.00 × 10^21 / (3.984 × 10^14)] = √(9.909 × 10^7) = 9954 s ≈ 2.77 hours.
10Calculate the total mechanical energy E of a satellite of mass m = 800 kg in a circular orbit of radius r = 1.28 × 10^7 m around Earth (M_E = 5.97 × 10^24 kg). (G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
A.-1.245 × 10^10 J
B.-2.490 × 10^10 J
C.+1.245 × 10^10 J
D.-6.225 × 10^9 J
Explanation: For a circular orbit, mechanical energy is E = -G·M_E·m / (2r). Substituting values yields E = -(6.674 × 10^-11 · 5.97 × 10^24 · 800) / (2 · 1.28 × 10^7) = -1.245 × 10^10 J.

About the Catalonia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato (CIC Generalitat) Exam

The Catalonia PAU Physics (Física) examination tests 2º Bachillerato physics mastery across five core curriculum areas: Gravitational Field (Newton's universal law of gravitation, gravitational intensity g, gravitational potential energy, satellite orbits, escape velocity, Kepler's laws), Electromagnetic Field & Induction (Coulomb's law, electric potential, Lorentz force, charged particle trajectory in B-field, Biot-Savart law, Faraday-Lenz law of electromagnetic induction, AC generation), Wave Motion & Acoustics (harmonic waves, wave equation, sound intensity level in decibels, interference, standing waves, Doppler effect), Optics (Snell's law, total internal reflection, thin lenses, lensmaker formula, magnification, physical optics, dispersion), and Modern Physics (Special relativity, Lorentz factor, time dilation, length contraction, photoelectric effect, work function, de Broglie wavelength, mass defect, binding energy per nucleon, radioactive decay laws). Note: The official exam is written/problem-solving in Catalan/Spanish; local practice questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Exam sponsor: Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC) / Generalitat de Catalunya. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written 90-minute paper covering 5 core physics blocks: Gravitational Field & Satellite Dynamics, Electromagnetic Field & Induction, Wave Motion & Acoustics, Optics & Optical Instruments, and Modern Physics (Relativity, Quantum, and Nuclear Physics).

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

0-10 scale (min 4.0 in Access Phase required to average with Bachillerato GPA).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase + EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise (Generalitat de Catalunya, PAU 2026); 50% reduction and full exemption available for eligible groups

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.

50%

Curriculum Core Concepts

Key theoretical and practical principles tested on the 2nd Bachillerato Physics syllabus.

50%

Applied Analysis & Problem Solving

Analytical interpretation, reasoning, and application of knowledge in Physics.

Preparing for the Catalonia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato (CIC Generalitat) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 0-10 scale (min 4.0 in Access Phase required to average with Bachillerato GPA).
  • Assessment: Written 90-minute paper covering 5 core physics blocks: Gravitational Field & Satellite Dynamics, Electromagnetic Field & Induction, Wave Motion & Acoustics, Optics & Optical Instruments, and Modern Physics (Relativity, Quantum, and Nuclear Physics).
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase + EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise (Generalitat de Catalunya, PAU 2026); 50% reduction and full exemption available for eligible groups Official sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the official Catalonia PAU Physics exam?

The official Catalonia PAU Physics exam is a 90-minute written examination administered in Catalan and Spanish. The 100 practice questions on this platform provide an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed to help students master core 2nd Bachillerato curriculum concepts.

What is the passing score for Catalonia PAU Physics?

The exam is graded on a 0–10 scale. In the Access Phase (Fase de Acceso), a minimum score of 4.0 is required to average with the Bachillerato GPA (which counts for 60% of the final university access score, while PAU counts for 40%, requiring a total average of >= 5.0).

What is the fee for taking the PAU exam in Catalonia?

The Generalitat de Catalunya, through the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC), sets the 2026 PAU ordinary fees at EUR 41.30 examination right, EUR 68.70 access phase, and EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise. A 50% reduction and a full exemption are available for eligible groups such as large families (família nombrosa general), scholarship holders, and students with a recognised disability of 33% or more.