5054_s26_qp_22 2026 May-June Physics 5054 Question Paper 2 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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5054_s26_qp_222026 May-June Physics 5054 Question Paper 2 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge O Level Physics (5054) Question Paper 2 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 5054_s26_qp_22 · 5054/22/m/j/26 qp · 5054/22 May/June 2026 qp

Paper 2: Theory This is Paper 2: Theory, worth 80 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. Structured and free-response questions testing knowledge, understanding, and application of physics. Calculations should start with the relevant formula, followed by substitution with units.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (5054_s26_ms_22). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Physics question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Physics (5054).

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Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.

Same paper, other years

Physics (5054) Question Paper 2 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Theory

Based on analysis of 4 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2024, 2025)

1

Calculations using wrong values from a circuit — applying e.m.f. across one resistor instead of the total resistance

Most answers assumed that the e.m.f. of 12 V was across the 400 ohm resistor rather than the total resistance of 700 ohm. Candidates needed to use the total resistance to find the current in the circuit.5054 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: In a series circuit, the e.m.f. of the supply equals the total voltage across ALL components. Always calculate total resistance first (add series resistors), then use V = IR with the total resistance to find the current. Only then use that current to find the voltage across individual resistors.

2

Confusing momentum with moment of a force, and errors in conservation of momentum calculations

A significant number of candidates could not define momentum or confused momentum with the moment of a force.5054 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Momentum = mass x velocity (a property of a moving object). Moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot (a turning effect). In conservation of momentum problems, after a collision where objects stick together, the combined mass is the sum of BOTH masses. Write: m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2) x v_final.

3

Giving descriptions instead of physical explanations — stating what happens without saying why

Many candidates gave detailed explanations for questions, whilst others stated answers rather than explaining them and applying the physical principles.5054 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: When a question says 'explain', you must give the scientific reason. A description says WHAT happens; an explanation says WHY it happens. For example, do not just say 'the object accelerates' — say 'there is a resultant force acting on the object, so by Newton's second law it accelerates in the direction of the force'.

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Physics Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 4 official Cambridge documents