AQA A-Level Physics Paper 1, June 2022: Question 8

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify which set of SI prefixes is arranged in descending order of magnitude.

Practise this question

Question

Multiple choice question 08 asks 'Which gives SI prefixes in descending order of magnitude?' with a weight of [1 mark]. Four options are provided: A (G p m), B (M G n), C (m n mu), and D (m mu p), each with an oval selection box next to it.
Question text

08 Which gives SI prefixes in descending order of magnitude?

[1 mark]

A G p m

B M G n

C m n μ

D m μ p

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme for question 08 indicating the correct answer is D (AO3) with the prefix sequence m, mu, p.

08 D (AO3) m μ p

How to answer it

SI Prefixes in Descending Order

Question 08 • 1 Mark • Multiple Choice

What this question tests

This question assesses your recall and understanding of standard international (SI) unit prefixes and their relative magnitudes. Specifically, it tests your ability to order sub-multiples or multiples correctly from largest to smallest value (descending order).

Question Part 08

Identifying SI Prefixes in Descending Order

✅ Correct Answer

D ( m μ p )

Mark: 1 / 1 available

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Descending order means arranging values from the largest magnitude to the smallest magnitude.
  • milli ( m ) = 10⁻³
  • micro ( μ ) = 10⁻⁶
  • pico ( p ) = 10⁻¹²
  • Comparing negative powers: 10⁻³ is greater than 10⁻⁶, which is greater than 10⁻¹².

🧠 Exam Technique

When dealing with negative powers of 10, remember that a smaller negative exponent represents a larger physical quantity (e.g., 0.001 is bigger than 0.000001). Translate each letter into its numerical multiplier before comparing sequence options.

❌ Common Errors

  • Ascending vs Descending: Accidentally picking an option ordered from smallest to largest magnitude.
  • Negative Exponent Confusion: Treating -12 as "bigger" than -3 because 12 is numerically larger than 3.

Topics

Physics · 3.1 Measurements and their errors

Question and mark scheme from the AQA A-Level Physics examination, Paper 1, June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.