Question 1

Which of the following statements about cells are true?
A: A cell is the basic unit of life.
B: Non-living things are made up of cells.
C: Different types of cells make up different body parts.
D: Most cells are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Accepted Answer

(3) A, C and D only. Statement A is true as cells are the fundamental units of life. Statement B is false because only living things are made of cells. Statement C is true as specialized cells form different body parts and tissues. Statement D is true because most cells are microscopic and cannot be seen without a microscope. Thus, A, C, and D are true statements.

Question 2

Which of the following statements are likely to be true about fruit P?
A: The flower of P has many ovules.
B: The flower of P has only one ovule.
C: The seed of P is most likely dispersed by water.
D: The seed of P is most likely thrown away when the fruit is eaten.

Accepted Answer

(4) B and D only. The diagram shows that Fruit P contains only one seed. This implies that the flower from which it developed had only one ovule (Statement B is true, A is false). The fruit has a fleshy part, which is an adaptation to attract animals for consumption. Animals would typically eat the fruit and then discard or excrete the seed, leading to dispersal (Statement D is true). Water dispersal (Statement C) is unlikely for a fleshy fruit without specific buoyancy adaptations.

Question 3

In the diagram below, K represents the processes during reproduction of a plant.
Which of the following processes does not take place at K?

Accepted Answer

(3) germination. The diagram shows the sequence from a flower through process K to a seed. Pollination and fertilisation occur within the flower and are necessary for seed formation. Seed dispersal occurs after the seed has formed and matured. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts and grows into a new plant; it happens *after* the seed has been formed and dispersed, not during the stages leading from flower to seed.

Question 4

Sarah observed some characteristics of herself and her family members and drew the family tree shown below.
Which of the statements best explains Sarah's observations?

Accepted Answer

(4) Eye colour and dimples are characteristics that can be inherited from parents.. The family tree clearly shows that both eye color (blue or brown) and the presence of dimples are shared between parents and children, indicating they are inherited traits. Statement (1) is false as children show variation. Statement (2) is false as children inherit from both parents. Statement (3) is false as other physical features like eye color and dimples are also inherited.

Question 5

Cheryl wanted to investigate if sunlight is needed for the germination of seeds using 2 set-ups. What variables must she keep the same in both the set-ups to make the experiment a fair test?
A: Amount of soil
B: Number of seeds
C: Presence of sunlight x
D: Amount of water added to the soil

Accepted Answer

(4) A, B and D only. To conduct a fair test investigating the effect of sunlight (the independent variable, marked with 'x'), all other potential factors influencing germination must be kept constant. These controlled variables include the amount of soil, the number of seeds, and the amount of water added to the soil. Therefore, A, B, and D must be kept the same.

Question 6

Three types of flowering plants, P, Q and R, were growing in area X as shown in diagram 1. Two years later, more P, Q and R were found growing in the fields as shown in diagram 2.
Which of the following are the likely characteristics of the fruits / seeds of plants, P, Q and R?

Accepted Answer

(4) fibrous husk, wing-like structure, splits open when ripe. From Diagram 2: Plant P spread along the river, indicating water dispersal, commonly associated with fibrous husks for buoyancy. Plant Q spread in the direction of the wind, indicating wind dispersal, often involving wing-like structures. Plant R spread around its original location, suggesting explosive dispersal, where fruits split open when ripe to scatter seeds. Option (4) matches these characteristics: P - fibrous husk (water dispersal), Q - wing-like structure (wind dispersal), R - splits open when ripe (explosive dispersal).

Question 7

Three identical syringes were covered with black tape. Each of them contained different substances, A, B and C.
The distance X of each plunger was 7cm at first. The distance X was then measured and recorded below after the plunger was pushed with the same amount of force into all three syringes.
What could the states of A, B and C be?

Accepted Answer

(1) Solid, Gas, Liquid. The experiment tests compressibility. Substance A's plunger position (7cm) did not change, indicating it is incompressible, like a solid or liquid. Substance B's plunger position (4cm) changed significantly, indicating it is highly compressible, like a gas. Substance C's plunger position (7cm) also did not change, meaning it is incompressible. Therefore, A and C are either solid or liquid, and B is gas. Option (1) Solid, Gas, Liquid fits these observations, where solids and liquids are incompressible, and gas is compressible.

Question 8

On a rainy morning, Marcus noticed that water droplets had formed on the inside of the glass windows of the school bus.
Which statement best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

(4) Warm water vapour inside the bus came into contact with the cooler glass surfaces.. This phenomenon is condensation. On a rainy morning, the bus windows are cooled by the outside temperature. Inside the bus, people breathe out warm, moist air, increasing the water vapour content. When this warm water vapour comes into contact with the cooler glass surface, it loses heat, cools down, and changes from a gaseous state back into tiny liquid water droplets.

Question 9

The graph below shows the changes in temperature of water when it is heated continuously.
Based on the graph, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

(4) The water begins boiling after two minutes.. The graph shows water temperature increasing, then remaining constant at 100°C (at Y), and then increasing again (at Z). The plateau at 100°C (Y) is the boiling point, where water changes state to steam. Point X is at 50°C, and Z is above 100°C. Therefore, (1) water changes to steam at Y, not Z. (2) Evaporation occurs at all temperatures, but boiling specifically occurs at Y. (3) Freezing/melting occurs at 0°C, not X (50°C). (4) The temperature reaches 100°C (boiling point) at 2 minutes and then stays constant, indicating boiling has begun.

Question 10

Four containers, A, B, C and D, were each filled with 300ml of water. They were placed side by side in one corner of a room as shown below.
After 6 hours, the amount of water left in each container was measured.
Which of the following correctly shows the order of the containers from the most water left to the least water left in each container?
Most -> Least

Accepted Answer

(1) A, D, B, C. The rate of evaporation is directly proportional to the exposed surface area of the water. The container with the smallest surface area will have the least evaporation and thus the most water left, while the container with the largest surface area will have the most evaporation and the least water left. Comparing the openings: A (smallest) < D (medium-small) < B (medium-large) < C (largest). Therefore, the order from most water left to least water left is A, D, B, C.

Question 11

Ryan wants to conduct an experiment to show that plants take in water through their roots. He has the following set-ups, P, Q, R and S, as shown below.
Which two set-ups should he use to carry out a fair test?

Accepted Answer

(4) Q and S. To conduct a fair test showing that plants take in water through their roots, the experimental setup must vary only the presence/absence of roots in the water, while keeping all other conditions constant. Set-up Q shows a plant with roots in water and an oil layer to prevent surface evaporation. Set-up S shows a plant with its roots above the water (stem in water) and an oil layer. Comparing Q and S isolates the variable of root immersion in water, ensuring a fair test.

Question 12

The diagram below shows a river with factories and crops nearby.
The following table shows the number of fish caught in different parts of the river and the amount of rice crops harvested from fields near each part in one day.
Based on the table, which statement is not a possible conclusion?

Accepted Answer

(4) Rice crops near the factories at F grew better than those near E.. From the river flow, E is upstream, F is near factories, and G is downstream of factories. The data shows: E (30 fish, 50kg rice), F (10 fish, 25kg rice), G (0 fish, 15kg rice). This indicates increasing pollution from E to G, harming both fish and crops. (1), (2), and (3) are consistent with this. Statement (4) says rice crops at F grew better than E; however, 25kg at F is less than 50kg at E, so this statement is incorrect.

Question 13

Study the flowchart below.
Which of the following correctly identifies A, B and C?

Accepted Answer

(3) Leaves, Food-carrying tubes, Water-carrying tubes. To align with the provided answer (3), we must assume a specific interpretation of the flowchart questions, potentially implying an intended logical sequence of primary functions rather than a strict 'yes/no' progression as written.
- If A is 'Leaves': The question 'Does it help the plant transport food?' (Yes) implies that leaves, as the site of food production, are considered part of the food transport system's origin. This is a common simplification in primary science.
- If B is 'Food-carrying tubes': The question 'Does it help the plant make food?' (Yes, after 'No' to transport food) is biologically incorrect for food-carrying tubes (phloem), as they transport food, not make it. However, if the flowchart questions were intended as 'Does it help make food?' then 'Does it help transport food?', B (Food-carrying tubes) would make sense for 'transport food'. Given the inconsistency, we must follow the specified option which implies a flawed flowchart structure.
- If C is 'Water-carrying tubes': The question 'Does it help the plant transport water?' (Yes, after 'No' to previous questions) is biologically correct, as water-carrying tubes (xylem) transport water.

Question 14

A colony of ants were kept in a sealed container for an hour.
Which of the following shows the correct changes in the composition of air in the sealed container?

Accepted Answer

(2) decreased, increased. Ants are living organisms and undergo respiration. During respiration, organisms take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. In a sealed container, the ants will consume the available oxygen, causing its concentration to decrease. Simultaneously, they will produce carbon dioxide, causing its concentration to increase.

Question 15

The diagram below shows the direction of blood flow to and from the heart.
Which of the following correctly describes the blood in the blood vessels at A and B?

Accepted Answer

(3) rich in carbon dioxide, rich in oxygen. Blood vessel A carries blood from the heart 'to lungs'. This blood is deoxygenated, having returned from the body, and is going to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Therefore, blood at A is rich in carbon dioxide. Blood vessel B carries blood 'to other parts of the body'. This blood has just come from the lungs, where it was oxygenated. Therefore, blood at B is rich in oxygen.

Question 16

Dalton wanted to find out if fruits could be used to light up a bulb. He set up his experiment as shown below.
Dalton should set up another circuit using real batteries instead of fruits as a control for his experiment.
Which of the following circuits should be the control for his experiment?

Accepted Answer

(2). The experimental setup uses four fruits connected in series to a single light bulb. To create a fair control, the batteries should replace the fruits as the power source, maintaining a similar number of voltage sources and the same bulb. Option (2) shows four batteries connected in series to a single bulb, which is analogous to the experimental setup with four fruits in series.

Question 17

Study the diagram below.
Which of the following correctly shows substances A and B and systems J and K?

Accepted Answer

(1) Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Respiratory, Circulatory. System K distributes 'substance A and substance B' and 'digested food' to 'Other body parts', indicating it is the Circulatory System. The Digestive System provides 'substance A' (nutrients/oxygen) and 'digested food' to System K. System J exchanges 'substance A' (to K) and 'substance B' (from K), suggesting it is involved in gas exchange. Therefore, J is the Respiratory System, exchanging Oxygen (A) and Carbon dioxide (B) with the Circulatory System (K).

Question 18

The circuit below has four bulb holders labelled A, B, C and D.
Two bulbs are fixed in the bulb holders such that both bulbs will light up. In which two bulb holders are the bulbs fixed?

Accepted Answer

(4) B and D. The circuit diagram shows two parallel branches connected to a battery. One branch contains bulb holders C and A in series. The other branch contains bulb holders B and D in series. For two bulbs to light up, they must form a complete series circuit within one of these parallel branches. If bulbs are fixed in B and D, they complete the series circuit in the second parallel branch (Battery (+) -> junction -> Bulb B -> Bulb D -> junction -> Battery (-)), allowing both to light up.

Question 19

Study the diagram below and answer questions 19 and 20.
A circuit is set up as shown below. Bulbs X and Y light up with equal brightness when the switch is closed.
What will happen to the brightness of bulb X if one battery is removed and the circuit is closed?

Accepted Answer

(3) It will become dimmer.. The initial circuit has two batteries in series and two bulbs (X and Y) in series. When one battery is removed, the total voltage supplied to the series circuit is halved. According to Ohm's Law (V=IR), if the voltage (V) decreases and the total resistance (R) remains constant, the current (I) in the circuit will decrease. Since brightness depends on current, a decrease in current will make bulb X dimmer.

Question 20

Bulb Z is then connected to the circuit at A and B as shown below.
What will happen to the brightness of bulb X?

Accepted Answer

(3) It will become dimmer.. The original circuit had bulbs X and Y in series with two batteries. When bulb Z is connected in series with X and Y, the total resistance of the circuit increases (R_total = R_X + R_Y + R_Z). With the same total voltage from the batteries, an increase in total resistance will lead to a decrease in the total current flowing through the circuit (I = V/R). Since bulbs X, Y, and Z are all in series, the same (now lower) current flows through bulb X, making it dimmer.

Question 21

Caleb conducted an experiment using a circuit and recorded his results in a table shown below.
Which of the following circuits did Caleb use?

Accepted Answer

(3). Let's analyze the results table:
1. P Open, Q Open: 0 bulbs lit (Circuit is open)
2. P Close, Q Open: 0 bulbs lit (No current if only P is closed)
3. P Open, Q Close: 1 bulb lit (Only Q closed, 1 bulb lights)
4. P Close, Q Close: 2 bulbs lit (Both closed, 2 bulbs light)

Let's test Option (3): Battery -> Q -> (Bulb1 || (P -> Bulb2)).
- P Open, Q Open: Q is open, so no current flows. 0 bulbs lit. (Matches)
- P Close, Q Open: Q is open, so no current flows. 0 bulbs lit. (Matches)
- P Open, Q Close: Q is closed. Current flows. Bulb1 in parallel lights up. P is open, so Bulb2 does not light up. 1 bulb lit. (Matches)
- P Close, Q Close: Both Q and P are closed. Bulb1 lights up. Current also flows through P and Bulb2, so Bulb2 lights up. 2 bulbs lit. (Matches)
Circuit (3) perfectly matches all the observed results.

Question 22

Gladys poured some water into a bottle through a funnel as shown below.
After a while, the water stopped flowing into the bottle.
Which of the following statements best explains why the water stopped flowing?

Accepted Answer

(4) Air trapped in the bottle prevented more water from entering.. When water is poured into a bottle through a sealed funnel (with a rubber seal), the air inside the bottle needs to escape to make way for the incoming water. If the funnel creates an airtight seal and the water blocks the narrow opening, the air gets trapped. This trapped air exerts pressure that counteracts the incoming water, preventing further water from entering the bottle.

Question 23

The diagram below shows how some examples of matter are classified.
Which of the following correctly represents X and Y?

Accepted Answer

(2) has definite shape, has no definite shape. X lists 'rice, sugar, hair' which are all solids. Solids have a definite shape. Y lists 'nitrogen, oil, steam'. Nitrogen and steam are gases, and oil is a liquid. Both liquids and gases do not have a definite shape (they take the shape of their container). Therefore, option (2) correctly states that X (solids) 'has definite shape' and Y (liquids and gases) 'has no definite shape'.

Question 24

Which of the following statements are correct about the human systems?
A: The respiratory system helps transport food to all parts of the body.
B: The muscular system works together with the skeletal system to help us move.
C: The digestive system breaks down food into simpler substances that can be absorbed.
D: The circulatory system carries oxygen and digested food to all parts of the body.

Accepted Answer

(4) B, C and D only. Statement A is incorrect; the respiratory system handles gas exchange, not food transport. Statement B is correct; muscles contract and pull on bones to facilitate movement. Statement C is correct; the digestive system chemically and mechanically breaks down food for absorption. Statement D is correct; the circulatory system transports essential substances like oxygen and digested nutrients throughout the body via blood.

Question 25

The graph shows the amount of undigested food in three different parts of the human digestive system.
Which of the following correctly matches A, B and C to the parts of the human digestive system?

Accepted Answer

(3) mouth, small intestine, stomach. The graph shows the amount of undigested food in different parts of the digestive system. Digestion progresses from mouth to stomach to small intestine, with the amount of undigested food decreasing. Thus:
- Part A (highest bar) = Mouth (digestion begins, most food still undigested).
- Part C (middle bar) = Stomach (some digestion occurs, less undigested food than mouth).
- Part B (lowest bar) = Small Intestine (most digestion and absorption completed, least undigested food).
Therefore, A=mouth, B=small intestine, C=stomach.

Question 26

Study the set-up below. A ball is placed between a screen and a torch.
Which of the following changes will cause the shadow on the screen to become larger?

Accepted Answer

(1) Move the ball closer to the torch.. To make a shadow larger, the object casting the shadow must block a wider angle of light from the source. Moving the ball closer to the torch (light source) achieves this, causing a larger shadow on the screen. Moving the ball closer to the screen or the screen closer to the ball would make the shadow smaller. Moving the torch further from the screen (and thus also further from the ball) would typically make the shadow smaller and sharper.

Question 27

Kayla was walking along the road at night from point A to D as shown below.
Which of the following graphs correctly shows the changes in the size of her shadow from positions A to D?

Accepted Answer

(3). The street light is positioned above point C. When an object is far from a light source, its shadow is long. As it approaches the light source, the shadow shortens, becoming shortest when directly under the light. As it moves away from the light source again, the shadow lengthens. Therefore, Kayla's shadow length would decrease as she walks from A to C, reaching its minimum at C, and then increase as she walks from C to D. Graph (3) correctly depicts this trend.

Question 28

Three beakers, A, B and C, contain water at different temperatures. Metal strips are placed in between the beakers as shown below. The arrows show the direction of heat flow through the strips.
What can you conclude about the temperature of the water in beaker B compared to the other beakers?

Accepted Answer

(2) The water in beaker B has the highest temperature.. Heat always flows from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. The arrows indicate that heat flows from Beaker B to Beaker A, meaning Temperature(B) > Temperature(A). Similarly, heat flows from Beaker B to Beaker C, meaning Temperature(B) > Temperature(C). Therefore, the water in beaker B must have the highest temperature among the three beakers.

Question 29

The set-up below shows a method to open the stuck metal lid on a glass jar by heating the metal lid with a lighter.
Why was the metal lid easier to open after it was heated for some time?

Accepted Answer

(2) The metal lid expanded more than the glass jar.. Materials expand when heated, but different materials expand at different rates. Metals generally expand more than glass for the same temperature change. When the metal lid is heated, it expands more than the glass rim of the jar, thereby loosening its grip and making it easier to twist open.

Question 30

A datalogger was used to record the temperature of water when ice cubes were added to it.
The readings were taken every minute for ten minutes and recorded in the graph below.
Which of the following explains the change in temperature shown on the graph?

Accepted Answer

(1) The water lost heat to the ice cubes.. The graph shows that the temperature of the water decreases over time after ice cubes are added. Heat always flows from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. Since the water is initially warmer than the ice cubes, heat flows from the water to the ice cubes, causing the water's temperature to drop.

P5 Science SA2 2025 — Rulang

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