Cambridge IGCSE™

COMBINED SCIENCE 0653/21

Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended) May/June 2023
45 minutes

You must answer on the multiple choice answer sheet.

*9384631348*

You will need: Multiple choice answer sheet

Soft clean eraser
Soft pencil (type B or HB is recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS
• There are forty questions on this paper. Answer all questions.
• For each question there are four possible answers A, B, C and D. Choose the one you consider correct
and record your choice in soft pencil on the multiple choice answer sheet.
• Follow the instructions on the multiple choice answer sheet.
• Write in soft pencil.
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number on the multiple choice answer sheet in the
spaces provided unless this has been done for you.
• Do not use correction fluid.
• Do not write on any bar codes.
• You may use a calculator.

INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 40.
• Each correct answer will score one mark.
• Any rough working should be done on this question paper.
• The Periodic Table is printed in the question paper.

This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

IB23 06_0653_21/2RP
© UCLES 2023 [Turn over
 2

1 Which characteristic of living organisms involves chemical reactions in cells that break down
nutrient molecules and release energy?

A excretion
B nutrition
C respiration
D sensitivity

2 Which structures are present in an animal cell?

cell
cell wall cytoplasm nucleus
membrane

A     key
B     = present
C     = not present
D    

3 Which row describes the movement of water by osmosis?

from a region of to a region of through

A low water potential high water potential a partially permeable membrane

B low water potential high water potential a totally permeable membrane
C high water potential low water potential a totally permeable membrane
D high water potential low water potential a partially permeable membrane

4 Which combination of pH and temperature does not denature a protease enzyme from the
stomach?

temperature
pH
/ °C

A 3 37
B 3 60
C 10 37
D 10 60

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 3

5 Four test-tubes are set up as shown.

In which test-tube is there an increase in oxygen concentration after 4 hours?

A B C D
black
polythene
to keep
water out light
light light light light
water plant
water snail

6 What is the purpose of chemical digestion?

A to absorb minerals including calcium and iron

B to pass food out as faeces
C to break down large nutrient molecules into smaller molecules
D to secrete enzymes

7 Which row matches the adaptation of a root hair cell to its function?

adaptation function

A large surface area uptake of water and glucose

B large surface area uptake of water and ions
C small surface area uptake of water and glucose
D small surface area uptake of water and ions

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23 [Turn over

 4

8 The diagram shows a section through the heart.

Which vessel is the pulmonary vein?

D A

B
C

9 Which molecule contains the energy that is released in aerobic respiration?

A C6H12O6 B CO2 C H2O D O2

10 What are features of sexual reproduction?

fusion
nature of offspring
of nuclei

A no genetically different
B yes genetically identical
C no genetically identical
D yes genetically different

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 5

11 The diagrams show four different flowers.

1 2 3 4

Which flowers are wind pollinated?

A 1 and 3 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4

12 Which letter represents the secondary consumer in the food chain shown?

A B C D

13 The flow chart shows some of the steps in the process of eutrophication.

increased availability of nitrates and other ions

↓
step X
↓
increased decomposition after death of producers
↓
step Y
↓
reduction in amount of dissolved oxygen
↓
death of fish requiring dissolved oxygen in water

What is happening at step Y?

A increased aerobic respiration by decomposers

B decreased aerobic respiration by decomposers
C increased growth of aquatic plants
D decreased growth of aquatic plants

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23 [Turn over

 6

14 Which diagram represents particles in a gaseous element?

A B C D

15 What is the relative mass of a proton and the relative charge on a proton?

relative mass relative charge

A 0.0005 +1
B 0.0005 –1
C 1 –1
D 1 +1

16 Sodium reacts with chlorine to form sodium chloride.

Which statement describes a change that occurs during this reaction?

A Each chlorine atom loses one proton.

B Each sodium atom loses one electron.
C The mass number of each chlorine atom increases.
D The atomic number of sodium decreases.

17 Sodium burns in oxygen forming sodium oxide.

An equation for this reaction is shown.

xNa + yO2 → zNa2O

What are x, y and z?

x y z

A 2 1 2
B 2 2 1
C 4 1 2
D 4 2 2

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 7

18 Which statement about the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide is correct?

A Lead anions move to the anode where they gain electrons.

B Lead anions move to the cathode where they lose electrons.
C Lead cations move to the anode where they lose electrons.
D Lead cations move to the cathode where they gain electrons.

19 Which process is endothermic?

A the reaction of petrol with air in a car engine

B Cl –Cl → Cl + Cl
C the reaction of potassium with water

D C + O2 → CO2

20 The equation for the reaction of zinc oxide with carbon monoxide is shown.

ZnO + CO → Zn + CO2

Which statement explains the role of carbon monoxide in this reaction?

A It is the oxidising agent and it is oxidised.

B It is the oxidising agent and it is reduced.
C It is the reducing agent and it is oxidised.
D It is the reducing agent and it is reduced.

21 Dilute hydrochloric acid is tested with universal indicator and with calcium carbonate.

Which row shows the pH and describes the reaction with calcium carbonate?

pH reaction with calcium carbonate

A 2 a colourless gas is given off

B 2 no reaction
C 10 a colourless gas is given off
D 10 no reaction

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23 [Turn over

 8

22 The results of two tests on a solution of substance R are shown.

test result
aqueous sodium red-brown precipitate formed,
hydroxide added insoluble in excess

dilute nitric acid added

followed by aqueous white precipitate formed
silver nitrate added

What is R?

A iron(II) carbonate

B iron(III) carbonate

C iron(II) chloride

D iron(III) chloride

23 The character of the elements changes from metallic to non-metallic across a period of the
Periodic Table.

Which statement explains this change?

A Metal atoms need to gain electrons to form metal ions.

B It becomes more difficult for elements to lose electrons across a period.
C Non-metal atoms lose electrons more easily than metal atoms.
D Atoms get bigger across a period.

24 Copper oxide and excess carbon are mixed together.

The mass before heating is 12.2 g.

The mixture is heated strongly and allowed to cool.

The mass after heating is 10.4 g.

Why does the mass change?

A Carbon forms carbon dioxide which then combines with the copper oxide.
B Carbon reduces the copper oxide and leaves the test-tube as carbon dioxide.
C Copper oxide loses oxygen, turns into copper and the carbon remains unchanged.
D Carbon oxidises the copper oxide and leaves the test-tube as carbon dioxide.

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 9

25 Which statement about both carbon dioxide and methane is correct?

A Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane in the air cause an enhanced
greenhouse effect.
B Methane and carbon dioxide are hydrocarbons.
C Respiration increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and methane in the air.
D The combustion of fossil fuels increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and methane in
the air.

26 Why are alkanes members of the same homologous series?

A They are all hydrocarbons.

B They have similar physical properties.
C They have the same general formula.
D They all undergo combustion to give carbon dioxide and water.

27 What are the products of cracking large alkane molecules?

A smaller alkanes only

B smaller alkenes only
C smaller alkanes, alkenes and hydrogen
D smaller alkanes and hydrogen only

28 The graph shows the motion of a cyclist over a period of 30 s.

7
speed
m/s

0
0 20 30
time / s

Which distance does the cyclist travel?

A 90 m B 105 m C 115 m D 120 m

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23 [Turn over

 10

29 A solid cuboid block of metal has density ρ.

The diagram shows its dimensions.

y
x

Which expression is used to calculate the mass of the block?

ρ ρ
A B C ρxy D ρxyz
xy xyz

30 A spring that obeys Hooke’s law is fixed at one end.

When the spring is pulled by a force of 30 N, it has a stretched length of 14 cm.

When the spring is pulled by a force of 48 N, it has a stretched length of 20 cm.

What is the spring constant of the spring?

A 2.1 N / cm B 2.4 N / cm C 3.0 N / cm D 8.0 N / cm

31 A 3.0 kW electric kettle is switched on for 30 seconds.

Which row gives the equation that defines power and gives the energy transferred in the kettle?

equation energy / J

A P = ∆E 90
t

B P = ∆E 90 000
t
C P = ∆Et 0.10
D P = ∆Et 100

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 11

32 Solar cells mounted on a boat produce electrical energy to power the motor.

solar cells

Which resource does this energy come from?

A hydroelectric energy
B light energy
C tidal energy
D wind energy

33 The molecules in a liquid are close together.

What are other features of the molecules in a liquid?

A They are arranged in a regular pattern but change positions with each other.
B They are arranged in a regular pattern and vibrate about fixed positions.
C They are arranged randomly and change positions with each other.
D They are arranged randomly and vibrate about fixed positions.

34 What is a method of thermal conduction in a metal?

A electrons moving through the metal, hitting distant molecules

B electrons vibrating and passing on energy to other electrons
C molecules moving through the metal, hitting other molecules
D protons moving through the metal, hitting distant molecules

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23 [Turn over

 12

35 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in
region Q.

region P region Q

What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented?

region P region Q type of wave

A compression rarefaction longitudinal

B compression rarefaction transverse
C rarefaction compression longitudinal
D rarefaction compression transverse

36 The diagram shows an object placed at position O near a thin converging lens.

F1 and F2 are the principal focuses of the lens.

A student draws four rays that leave the top of the object and pass through the lens.

Which labelled ray is not correct?

F1 O F2 B

37 The unit of electric charge is the coulomb (C).

Which combination of other units is equivalent to the coulomb?

A A/s B As C V/A D VA

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 13

38 Which circuit is used to determine the resistance of resistor R?

A B

R R
A A V

C D

R V
V R

A
A

39 Which arrangement of resistors has the smallest combined resistance?

A B

2.0 : 3.0 :
4.0 : 2.0 :
3.0 : 4.0 :

C D

2.0 :

3.0 : 2.0 : 3.0 : 4.0 :

4.0 :

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23 [Turn over

 14

40 The diagram shows two resistors connected in parallel to a battery.

Currents I1 and I2 are labelled.

Current I1 is greater than current I2.

I1

I2

Which calculation gives the current in the battery?

( I1 + I2 )
A I1 + I2 B I1 – I2 C I1 × I2 D
2

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 15

BLANK PAGE

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.

Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2023 0653/21/M/J/23

 The Periodic Table of Elements
Group

© UCLES 2023
I II III IV V VI VII VIII
1 2
H He
hydrogen helium
Key 1 4
3 4 atomic number 5 6 7 8 9 10

Li Be atomic symbol B C N O F Ne
lithium beryllium name boron carbon nitrogen oxygen fluorine neon
7 9 relative atomic mass 11 12 14 16 19 20
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
sodium magnesium aluminium silicon phosphorus sulfur chlorine argon
23 24 27 28 31 32 35.5 40
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr
potassium calcium scandium titanium vanadium chromium manganese iron cobalt nickel copper zinc gallium germanium arsenic selenium bromine krypton
39 40 45 48 51 52 55 56 59 59 64 65 70 73 75 79 80 84
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe
rubidium strontium yttrium zirconium niobium molybdenum technetium ruthenium rhodium palladium silver cadmium indium tin antimony tellurium iodine xenon
16

85 88 89 91 93 96 – 101 103 106 108 112 115 119 122 128 127 131
55 56 57–71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86

0653/21/M/J/23
lanthanoids
Cs Ba Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg Tl Pb Bi Po At Rn
caesium barium hafnium tantalum tungsten rhenium osmium iridium platinum gold mercury thallium lead bismuth polonium astatine radon
133 137 178 181 184 186 190 192 195 197 201 204 207 209 – – –
87 88 89–103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118
actinoids
Fr Ra Rf Db Sg Bh Hs Mt Ds Rg Cn Nh Fl Mc Lv Ts Og
francium radium rutherfordium dubnium seaborgium bohrium hassium meitnerium darmstadtium roentgenium copernicium nihonium flerovium moscovium livermorium tennessine oganesson
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71
lanthanoids La Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu
lanthanum cerium praseodymium neodymium promethium samarium europium gadolinium terbium dysprosium holmium erbium thulium ytterbium lutetium
139 140 141 144 – 150 152 157 159 163 165 167 169 173 175
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103
actinoids Ac Th Pa U Np Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm Md No Lr
actinium thorium protactinium uranium neptunium plutonium americium curium berkelium californium einsteinium fermium mendelevium nobelium lawrencium
– 232 231 238 – – – – – – – – – – –

The volume of one mole of any gas is 24 dm3 at room temperature and pressure (r.t.p.).