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Natural Sciences Grade 9 Term 3 2023 Question Paper

July 5, 2025
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Natural Sciences Grade 9 Term 3 2023 Question Paper

In this page we will access a video and written walkthrough of the Natural Sciences Grade 9 Term 3 2023 Project, to prepare for the Term 3 2025 question paper.

Grade 9 Natural Sciences Term 3 2023 Paper: Revision For Term 3 2025 Exam

The scope for this Term 3 2023 paper is 100% aligned with the Term 3 2025 project that you are going to write.

2025 Scope Similarity 100%

2025 Natural Sciences Grade 9 Term 3 CAPS Topics/Scope:

-Forces

-Electric Cells as
Energy Systems

-Resistance

-Series and Parallel Circuits

-Safety with
Electricity

-Energy and The
National
Electricity Grid

-Cost of Electrical
Power

Being able to answer questions on this question paper will enable you to answer the Term 3 2025 Exam. Click the button below to read more about the Natural Sciences 2025 scope and predictions.
👇

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Practice over 200 Exam Questions and Answers on Natural Sciences subject, featuring questions with detailed, explained answers. Practicing these questions after studying the notes will deepen your understanding and help you master the concepts needed to answer exam questions.

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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION:

1. Write your name, surname and class on this question paper that serves as an answer sheet.
2. Answer ALL the questions on the question paper.
3. This question paper consists of SECTIONS A and B and is based on the prescribed content framework in the CAPS document.
4. Allocation of marks:
SECTION A: 15
SECTION B: 45
5. This question paper consists of FOUR questions.
6. All drawings must be done in pencil and labelled in blue ink.
7. Write neatly and legibly.

Question 1 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

ⓘ CAPS AI is the first reliable and trusted academic AI that you can ask questions as you go through your textbooks, question papers, and notes, it is programmed with the fundamental CAPS curriculum guidelines and content which allows it to give the prompter relevant answers that are aligned with the South African CAPS curriculum and it can further your understanding about any subject topic in general.

ⓘ Below are Question 1 explained answers by CAPS AI (supervised by Natural Sciences Teachers)

1.1 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1.1.1
Correct Answer: A – same current throughout the components
Explanation: In a series circuit, all components are connected one after the other. The same current flows through each component because there is only one path for current to travel.

1.1.2
Correct Answer: C – Light travels in a straight line
Explanation: Shadows are formed when light is blocked by an opaque object. Since light travels in a straight line, it cannot bend around the object, hence a shadow forms.

1.1.3
Correct Answer: A – Sun
Explanation: A luminous object is one that produces its own light. The sun emits its own light, while chalk, a ruler, and white walls can only reflect light.

1.1.4
Correct Answer: B – Nichrome
Explanation: A filament in a light bulb is made of nichrome, a metal alloy that has high resistance and glows when electric current passes through it, producing light.

1.1.5
Correct Answer: A – Resistor
Explanation: A resistor is a component in a circuit that resists the flow of current (electrons), often to control or limit the current.

1.2 TERMINOLOGY: Write the correct scientific term

1.2.1
Answer: Fuse
Explanation: A fuse is a safety component that melts and breaks the circuit if the current is too high, preventing damage.

1.2.2
Answer: Cell (or Battery)
Explanation: A cell is the component that produces electrical energy through a chemical reaction. Multiple cells form a battery.

1.2.3
Answer: Switch
Explanation: A switch is used to open or close a circuit, allowing or stopping the flow of current.

1.2.4
Answer: Electron
Explanation: Electrons are negatively charged sub-atomic particles that move from one object to another during charging.

1.2.5
Answer: Lightning
Explanation: Lightning is the massive discharge of electrons between a thundercloud and the ground, caused by the build-up of static electricity.

1.3.1 The build-up of electric charge
→ B. Static electricity
Explanation: Static electricity is the result of electric charges building up on the surface of an object, usually caused by friction.

1.3.2 Process which causes electrons to be transferred from one object to another
→ A. Friction
Explanation: Friction occurs when two materials rub against each other, causing electrons to transfer, which can result in static electricity.

1.3.3 The pulling away of two like charged objects
→ E. Repulsion
Explanation: Objects with the same charge (positive-positive or negative-negative) repel or push away from each other. This is called repulsion.

1.3.4 A device used to measure the voltage
→ F. Voltmeter
Explanation: A voltmeter is an instrument used to measure the potential difference (voltage) across two points in an electric circuit.

1.3.5 Metal containing copper which becomes a magnet when electric current passes through it
→ C. Conduction wire
Explanation: A conduction wire, usually made of copper, allows electric current to flow. When wrapped in coils and current flows, it can create a magnetic field — this is the principle behind electromagnets.

Question 2 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

ⓘ Below are Question 2 explained answers by CAPS AI (supervised by Natural Sciences Teachers)

QUESTION 2

2.1 Which of the above circuits (A or B) is connected in parallel?

Answer: B

Explanation:

In circuit B, the bulbs are arranged in parallel—each bulb has its own separate path to the battery.
In circuit A, the bulbs are in series, meaning the current must pass through each bulb one after the other.

2.2 Which bulb circuit (A or B) has greater brightness? Give a reason for your answer.

Answer: Circuit B has greater brightness.

Explanation:

In a parallel circuit, each bulb receives full voltage from the battery, so each glows brightly.
In a series circuit (like A), the voltage is shared between bulbs, so each bulb is dimmer.
Therefore, bulbs in circuit B shine brighter than those in circuit A.

2.3 What will happen in circuit B when one of the bulbs burns out?

Answer:
The other bulb will still stay on.

Explanation:

In a parallel circuit, each bulb is on a separate branch.
If one bulb burns out, the current can still flow through the other branch, so the other bulb continues to work.

2.4

2.5.1

Step 1: C
Explanation: “Water droplets (particles) in the cloud ionize, ice and water particles separate due to movement and friction.”
→ This is the first step, where friction inside the thundercloud causes separation of charges between particles.

Step 2: D
Explanation: “Negative charges accumulate at the base of the cloud and fall to the earth.”
→ As the charges separate, negative charges gather at the bottom of the cloud.

Step 3: B
Explanation: “Ions and free electrons are produced in the air outside the cloud and positive electricity rises from the ground.”
→ The negative charges at the cloud base attract positive charges from the ground, creating a strong electric field.

Step 4: A
Explanation: “The potential difference becomes too great, negative and positive charges join, electrical discharge creates a flash and hits the ground.”
→ The final stage: the potential difference is so large that lightning strikes, releasing energy as a flash of light.

5.1.1 Which circuit has the highest resistance?

Answer: Circuit D

Explanation:
In Circuit D, the three bulbs are connected in series — meaning the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances of the bulbs.
When resistors (or bulbs) are in series:

Thus, the more bulbs connected in series, the higher the total resistance.
Circuits A and C have fewer bulbs, and Circuit B has a voltmeter (which ideally has infinite resistance but doesn’t affect current flow as it’s parallel to the component it’s measuring).

Questions from NS Term 3 200+ Questions and Answers:

Label the following
What is the difference between a voltmeter and ammeter within a circuit?
Define/Explain functions of the following:
a. Power Pylons
b. Turbine
c. Supersonic
d. Contact force
e. Conventional Current

Question 5 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

ⓘ Below are Question 5 explained answers by CAPS AI (supervised by Natural Sciences Teachers)

QUESTION 5

5.1.2 In circuit B, what is the component that is circled?

Answer: Cells (battery)

Explanation:
The circled symbol in Circuit B is the symbol for multiple cells.
It is typically tall and short lines side indicating that it is more than one cell.

5.1.3 What is the purpose of the circled component?

Answer: To to power(voltage) across the circuit.

Explanation:
A battery powers a circuit by providing a voltage (electric potential difference) that pushes electrons through the circuit. The negative terminal of the battery has excess electrons, and the positive terminal has a shortage. When the circuit is closed, electrons flow from the negative to the positive terminal through the circuit, powering components like bulbs or motors along the way.

5.1.4 What is the voltage of each cell in circuit B?

Answer: 4 V

Explanation:

The total voltage of the two cells together is labeled as 4V, and the cells are connected in series, then each cell provides:

$$\frac{4\mathrm{V}}{2}=2\mathrm{V}$$

So, each cell has a voltage of 2V.

5.1.5 In which circuit will the bulb/bulbs be the brightest?

Answer: Circuit A

Explanation:
In Circuit A, there’s only one bulb connected directly to a cell.
The fewer the components (resistors or bulbs) in series, the lower the total resistance, and hence, the higher the current through the single bulb.
Since brightness depends on the power (P = V × I) and the current is highest when resistance is lowest, the bulb in Circuit A will be the brightest.

5.2 Mention FOUR factors that can influence the resistance of a resistor.

Answer:

Type of material (conductor or insulator)
Length of the resistor
Thickness (cross-sectional area) of the resistor
Temperature of the resistor

5.3 Describe how each factor affects the resistance of the resistor.

Type of Material:
Different materials have different resistivities. For example, copper has a lower resistance than iron for the same size.

Length of Resistor:
Resistance increases as the length of the resistor increases because electrons encounter more collisions in a longer path.

Thickness (Cross-sectional Area):
Resistance decreases as the thickness increases. A thicker conductor allows more room for electrons to pass through, reducing collisions.

Temperature:
Resistance generally increases with temperature for conductors because atoms vibrate more, increasing collisions with electrons.

5.4 If each bulb has a resistance of 5 ohms, calculate the total resistance in Circuit D

Answer:
In Circuit D, the three bulbs are connected in series.

=5Ω+5Ω+5Ω=15Ω

So, the total resistance in Circuit D is 15 ohms.

Questions from Geography Term 3 200+ Questions and Answers:

QUESTION 1
1. Define the following terms:
1.1. Force (2)
1.2. Newton (N) (2)
1.3. Friction (2)
1.4. Contact force (2)
1.5. Field force (2)
1.6. Tension (2)

2. Complete the following sentences by filling in the missing terms.
2.1. Opposite poles of magnets __________. (1)
2.2. Like poles of magnets _________. (1)
2.3. State whether the following elements are magnetic or non-magnetic:
2.3.1. Carbon (1)
2.3.2. Iron (1)
2.3.3 Sodium (1)
2.3.4. Nickel (1)
2.3.5. Lithium (1)
2.3.6. Explain the difference between true north and magnetic north. (3)

3. For each of the following pairs of objects, state which of the following objects exerts a
greater gravitational force:
3.1. The sun or the earth (1)
3.2. The earth or the moon (1)
3.3. A car or a human (1)
3.4. A human or a cat (1)
3.5. Name two factors that affect the gravitational force between two objects. (2)
3.6. Calculate the weight for a 5kg object on Earth, which has a gravitational force of
9.8m.s2. (2)
3.7. Calculate the mass of an object that weighs 196N on Earth. (2)
3.8. An astronaut has a mass of 100kg. Calculate his weight on Earth and on
the moon, which has a gravitational force of:
$$1.6\mathrm{m.s}^2$$
(4)

4.1. Draw the pattern of the magnetic field around the magnet below.

State whether the following objects will attract or repel each other.
5.1. Two positively charged pieces of paper. (1)
5.2. A negatively charged polystyrene ball and a positively charged ruler. (1)

Question 6 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

ⓘ Below are Question 6 explained answers by CAPS AI (supervised by Natural Sciences Teachers)

QUESTION 3: RIVERS

6.1.1

Name the device used to measure potential difference.

Answer: Voltmeter

Explanation:
A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in an electrical circuit.

6.1.2

If the current that flows in AB is 1 A, will the current that flows in part EF of the circuit be MORE THAN, LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 1 A?

Answer: Equal to 1 A

Explanation:
In a series circuit, the current is the same at all points.
Since the current flowing through AB is 1 A, the same current flows through EF, because there are no branches in the circuit.

6.1.3

If the potential difference across bulb X is 2 V, calculate the potential difference across bulb Y. Show your workings.

Answer:
Given:

Total potential difference supplied by the cells = 3 V
Potential difference across X = 2 V

Then:
Potential difference across Y=3V−2V=1V
Explanation:
In a series circuit, the total voltage is the sum of the voltages across each component:

V=3V−2V=1V

6.1.4

If light bulb X blows, what will happen to light bulb Y? Explain your answer.

Answer:
Bulb Y will go off.

Explanation:
In a series circuit, if one component (like bulb X) blows (its filament breaks), it creates an open circuit.
Since the current can no longer flow through the circuit, bulb Y will also go off because there’s no complete path for the current.

6.2.1

Circuit Diagram - Natural Sciences Grade 9 — Circuit Diagram – Natural Sciences Grade 9

6.2.2

What will happen to the voltmeter reading if the bulb marked X fuses? Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.

Answer: Decreases

Explanation:
In the image for 6.2, the bulbs X and the other bulb are connected in parallel and the voltmeter is connected across the second bulb.

If bulb X fuses:

It removes one of the parallel pathways.
The total current from the battery decreases because there’s less load.
The potential difference across the remaining bulb may slightly decrease because in a real battery internal resistance causes terminal voltage to drop less with lower current.

But in ideal textbook conditions, it should remain the same because in a parallel circuit, voltage across parallel branches remains the same.

However, since the instruction expects a single-word answer from choices and typically assumes ideal conditions, the correct answer should be:

Remains the same

Reason:
In an ideal parallel circuit, the potential difference across each branch is equal to the supply voltage and does not depend on whether the other branch is present or not.

6.2.3 A voltmeter is always connected in parallel because it is designed to measure the voltage (potential difference) between two points in a circuit.

**Connecting it in parallel ensures it measures the exact voltage across a component, like a bulb or resistor, without affecting the current flowing through the circuit.

from NS Term 3 notes?

A circuit fuse is a safety device that protects electrical circuits from damage caused by too much current. It contains a thin metal wire that melts and breaks the circuit if the current gets too high, stopping the flow of electricity and preventing fires or damage to components. Once a fuse blows, it must be replaced.

Question 7 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

ⓘ Below are Question 7 explained answers by CAPS AI (supervised by Natural Sciences Teachers)

QUESTION 3: RIVERS

7.1.1

How many units were bought with R30,00?

Answer: 25 kWh

Explanation:
The receipt shows Credit Units: 25 kWh for a total of R30,00.
So, 25 units (kWh) were bought.

7.1.2

Use the information on the voucher and determine the cost of electricity per unit.

Answer:

Cost per unit:

$$=\frac{R30,00}{25\mathrm{~kWh}}\\=R1,20\mathrm{~per~kWh}$$

Explanation:
You divide the total cost by the total number of units bought to find the cost per unit.

7.1.3

Use your answer in QUESTION 7.1.2 to determine how much it will cost to keep two 100 W bulbs on for 24 hours.

Formula:

Cost=Power (kW)×Time (h)×Unit price (R/kWh)

Calculations:

Total power = 100 W × 2 = 200 W = 0,2 kW
Time = 24 hours
Unit price = R1,20

Cost=0,2×24×1,20=R5,76

Answer: R5,76

Explanation:
Convert total power to kW, multiply by time and unit price to get total cost.

Questions from NS Term 3 200+ Questions and Answers:

Use the information on the voucher to answer the following questions

Determine the cost of electricity per unit if the Total was R33.00
Determine the cost of electricity per unit if Credit Units were 22 kWh.
Determine the cost of electricity per unit before tax.
Determine the cost of electricity per unit if there were 2.00 kWh free units.

7.1.4

Name ONE way in which consumers can reduce their electricity bills.

Answer:
Use energy-saving light bulbs (like LEDs) or switch off appliances when not in use.

Explanation:
Reducing usage or switching to more efficient devices cuts down on total consumption, lowering the electricity bill.

7.2.1

Name ONE similarity between the two power stations.

Answer:
Both power stations generate electricity by turning turbines connected to generators.

Explanation:
Whether using steam from burning coal or from nuclear reactions, both ultimately turn turbines to generate electrical power.

7.2.2

Name ONE difference between the two power stations.

Answer:
A coal power station burns coal to heat water, while a nuclear power station uses nuclear reactions (fission) to heat water.

Explanation:
The primary energy source differs — coal power relies on fossil fuel combustion, while nuclear power uses atomic reactions.

Natural Sciences Grade 9 Term 3 2023 Question Paper

Grade 9 Natural Sciences Term 3 2023 Paper: Revision For Term 3 2025 Exam

2025 Natural Sciences Grade 9 Term 3 CAPS Topics/Scope:

Want to Master Term 3 2025 Natural Sciences Exam Questions?

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Or get an online tutor from R50 per month?

Question 1 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

Question 2 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

Questions from NS Term 3 200+ Questions and Answers:

Question 5 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

Questions from Geography Term 3 200+ Questions and Answers:

Question 6 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

from NS Term 3 notes?

Question 7 : Explained Answers By CAPS AI

Questions from NS Term 3 200+ Questions and Answers:

Other Subjects Grade 9 Term 3 Question Papers

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