www.erwintuition.

com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

2010 HCI H2 Physics Preliminary Examinations

Suggested solution for Paper 2
Q1
(a)

(b)

(c)
1.
2.

vy2 = uy2 + 2aysy

0 = (usin80.0) 2 + 2 (- 9.81) (1.75)
u = 5.95 m s-1

[M1]
[C1]

vy = uu + ayt
0 = 5.95 sin80.0o 9.81(T/2),
where T is time of flight and is twice the time to reach maximum height,
T = 1.1946 s
Range Sx= 5.95 cos80.0 (1.1946) = 1.23 m.

[C1]
[A1]

Large angle gives a longer time of flight for a given projection speed and hence
juggler has more time to manipulate balls.
[B1]
Large angle keeps (horizontal) range small and of the order of the natural distance
between the jugglers hands.
[B1]

(d) The left hand has 1.19/2 = 0.597 seconds before ball 1 arrives.

[A1]

(e) The minimum distance between the two hands must be at least greater than the diameter
of the balls.
[B1]
Otherwise, an upward moving ball will collide with a downward moving ball.
[B1]
Q2
(a) Decrease in GPE = Increase in EPE + Work done against drag force
m g H= k e2 + F H
80.0(10)H = (100)(H 20.0)2 + 300 (H)
800 H = 50( H2 40H +400) + 300 H
16 H = H2 40H + 400 + 6 H
0 = H2 50H +400
0 = (H 40) (H 10)
H = 40 m , 10 m (rejected)
(b)

(c)

= ke, where e is the extension of the rope

= 100 (40.0 20.0)
= 2000 N

T mg = ma
2260 80.0(10) = 80.0a
a = 15 m s-2
Direction: Vertically upwards

www.erwintuition.com

[M1]
[C1]

[A1]

[A1]
[M1]
[A1]
[B1]

www.erwintuition.com

2010

(d)

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

Tension in
rope

20.0

Height Daniel falls through

[B1]

3(a)
Normal contact
force from ground

The direction of the

normal contact force from
the wall should be drawn
properly into the page
using the right symbol. In
the event where it is really
hard to draw, a clearly
written statement to
explain the direction is
required.

Horizontal Normal
Contact force from
wall into the paper

Weight of cube
Figure 3b
[B1] mark each for each clearly labeled force X 3
(b)

Normal horizontal contact force of wall on cube provides the centripetal force for cube
to spiral.
[B1]
Component of the weight down the slope causes the acceleration of cube down slope.
[B1]

(ci)

Since the horizontal normal contact force is always perpendicular to the direction of
motion, work done is zero.
[B1]

(ci)

Rate of increase of kinetic energy

potential energy.

4(a)

Gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field is the work done per unit mass
by external force to bring a mass from infinity to that point
[B1]
without a change in kinetic energy.
[B1]

4(bi)

rate of decrease of gravitational

[M1]
[A1]
= m g v sin.

Gm
r

[A1]

4(bii) Distance of any point on the ring to P

Potential at P, Vp =

R2

4Gm
R2 + h2
www.erwintuition.com

+ h2

[M1]
[A1]

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

4(biii) Work done W by external force at constant kinetic energy = the change in
gravitational potential energy of the system.
[A1]
W required from h to h1

= (Vp)M

R2 + h 2 R2 + h2
1

= 4G mM

As h1 gets smaller, W gets more negative (or W is negative but increase in

magnitude).
[A1]
5

(a)

(i)

V = 1.398 0.281 = 1.117 V

I = 0.31x10-3 A
R = V/I = 3600

[A1]

(ii)

R = l/A, thus
[M1]
= RA/l = 3600 x 0.800 x 0.210 / 0.900
[A1]
= 670 (2 s.f.)
(iii) Any one of these:
[B1]
Among all the readings given, the least significant or most
imprecise is the current reading (only 2 s.f.). The current reading
will be subject to significant random errors.
EITHER: Increase the area of the copper plates in the soil. This
will decrease the resistance of the sample of soil to be measured
and increase the current readings for the same voltage applied.
OR use a higher voltage supply so that current will be greater.

(b)

(i)

Use a variable voltage supply in place of the battery. Plot the

graph of the voltmeter reading V against the current I. The gradient
equals the resistance R of the soil and the y-intercept the emf due
to the copper plate interacting with the soil. Calculate the resistivity
using the value of resistance R obtained from the gradient of the
graph.

Vary the area of the copper plates in the soil (use different depths),
find the corresponding R of the soil between the plates using V
and I, and plot the graph of the R against A-1. The gradient is l
where l = x. Calculate resistivity as gradient divided by x.

The labels 60 W and 120 V indicate that the normal operating conditions
for the bulb. If a DC voltage of 120 V is applied across the bulb, then the
power dissipated is 60 W. If an alternating voltage is applied, then the
RMS value of the voltage should be 120 V so that the mean power
dissipated is 60 W.
Vrms = 170/2 = 120 V
Mean P = IrmsVrms
Irms = Mean P/V rms = 60/ 120 = 0.500 A

www.erwintuition.com

[M1]
[A1]

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

(ii)
Compare the given equation with V=V0 sin (2f t).
Therefore 100 = 2f, and f = 50 Hz.
P/W

P=V2/R = (V02/R)sin2(2f t)
[1] Correct sine-squared
curve (note P=0 when t=0)
[1] All three values
labelled (120W, 60W, T =
0.020 s)

Peak power 120

Mean power 60
0

[B2]

t/s

T = 1/f
= 1/50
= 0.020 s

(a)

The gap between the STM probe tip and the sample surface acts like
a potential barrier to the electrons.

[B1]

When a pd is applied between the probe and the sample, there is a finite
probability that electrons can tunnel through this potential barrier
due to the wave nature of the electrons even though the electron does
not have sufficient kinetic energy.
The probability of tunneling is T e 2 kd where d is the width of the
potential barrier. Thus tunneling current varies exponentially with the
distance of gap d between the probe and the sample surface. As
probe scans across the surface, the distance d changes and the variation
in tunneling current can be detected and used to plot the topography of
the sample surface.

[B1]

[B1]

1st mark: identifying potential barrier

2nd mark: identifying electrons as the particles tunneling the barrier
3rd mark: the tunneling current varies exponentially with the width of the
potential barrier which is identified as the distance of the gap.
(b)

(i)

Work function energy refers to how much additional energy needs to be

provided to the electron for it to cross the potential barrier classically.
This equals to U-E in the equation for k.
Substituting the values,
8 2 m(U E )
k=
=
h2

8 2 9.11 1031 (4.0 1.6 10 19 )

( 6.63 10 )
34

[M1]

[A1]

10

= 1.02 10

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

(ii)

C2

T e 2kd
T
e 2kd
= 2kd
T0 e 0
T
= e 2 k ( d d o )
T0

[C1]

2(1.021010 )( d 11010 )
0.0002
=e
0.0001

d = 6.60 x 10-11 m

(c)

(a)

DNA complexes are poor electrical conductors. As a result, electrons

that have tunneled through to the molecule accumulates. This results in a
strong electrostatic field that will disrupt the tunneling process. The
conducting film helps to channel the tunneling current away.

Units of E = Units of
-2

(b)(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(c)(i)

Fl
F
= Units of
Ae
A

Fl
(6.0)(1.60)
=
Ae (1.01 10 7 )(1.6 10 3 )

= 5.89 x 1010 kg m-1 s-2

(ii)

[M1]
[A1]
[B1]
[B1]
[A1]
[B1]
[C1]
[A1]

Work = Area under the force-extension graph

=

1
1
(12)(0.002) + (12 + 14.4)(0.0036) + 14.8(0.0148)
2
2

= 0.278 J

(d)

[A1]

-2

= kg m s m
= kg m-1 s-2
The extension of the material is proportional to the applied load if the limit
of proportionality is not exceeded.
Mark X on (2.0, 12.4)
Material B.
Glass is brittle and is unlikely to undergo extended stretching/plastic
deformation after it reaches its limit of proportionality before its breaking
point.

E=

[A1]

Working must be clearly shown to be given full credit.

Accepted range (0.264, 0.291)
Rod Z will break first.
Each rod X and Y only experiences half of the force on Z. The maximum
force that rods X and Y can take is more than half of Z, hence Z will reach
breaking point first.

www.erwintuition.com

[C1]
[A1]

[A1]
[B1]

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

Question 8
Mark
B1

D1

D2

B2

Aim
The aim of this experiment is to investigate how the attractive force varies
with the distance x.
(Some students used another quantity instead of force, eg. Extension of
spring. In such cases, students need to elaborate on how this quantity is
related to the attractive force and justify in order to score this mark.)
Preliminary work
The attractive force can be measured by the formula
F = ke where e is the extension of the spring, which is given by e = L L0,
where L0 is the initial length of the spring when it is not stretched and L is the
length of the spring when it is stretched. The spring constant k can be
measured by
i) suspending the spring vertically from a retort stand. Its length is measured
using a meter rule Lo.
ii) attach a mass of 50g to the bottom of the spring and measure its new
length L.
iii) calculate the spring constant k from k = F/e = (0.050 )(9.81)/(L-L0)
(Calibration curves are acceptable but elaborations on how to get the data
for this curve and how to use it are necessary. Spring balance is also
acceptable as a means to measure the force directly, however, as with scale
instruments, need elaboration on zero error).
Control Variable
The current in the coil is to be kept constant. This can be done by connecting
an ammeter to the coil as shown in the following diagram.
(Good answers include how a rheostat is necessary to allow for adjustments
to the resistance in the circuit as a means of ensuring constant current.
Some students forgot to include a cell in the circuit diagram)

A4
A

A5

B3

The rheostat is first used to vary the resistance in the circuit and hence the
current. The current should be fixed at a value such that when x = 6.0 cm,
the extension in the spring is more than 1.0 cm. This is to ensure that values
of e recorded in the experiment are large enough such that it can be
measured with acceptable percentage error with a meter rule.
(students should elaborate that an acceptable range is one whereby
variations in data are not just realistic, but also measurable, according to the
resolution of the measuring instruments)
More batteries can be connected in series to increase the current until the
resulting change in e is large enough.

A4
A

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

D3

A1

D4

A2
A3

C2

Hypothesis
Suppose the relationship between the attractive force F and the distance x is
expressed in power law,
F = cxn where c and n are constants to be determined.
lg F = n lg x + lg c
If we plot lgF against lgx, then a straight line will indicate that the relationship
is valid and the gradient is n and the y-intercept is lg c.
(some students neglect the interpretation of the gradient and vertical
intercept of the graph)
Procedure
a) Setup the apparatus as shown in Fig 1.1.
b) Use a meter rule to measure the length of the spring when it is
unstretched. Record this as L0.
c) Switch on the circuit to allow current to flow through the coil. Monitor
the ammeter to ensure that current is constant. Ensure that an
attractive force is exerted on the bar magnet by the coil (this occurs
when the spring is stretched). If there is a repulsive force instead,
switch the polarity of the battery in the circuit to reverse the direction
of current flow.
(Its important to include this step in verifying that an attractive force is
present and if not,elaborate on how one can rectify the problem)
d) Measure the distance between the magnet and the coil x. Also
measure the length of the stretched spring and record it as L.
e) Shift the magnet, together with the spring, corkboard and brick, for at
least 5 different values of x. For each x, record the new stretched
length of the spring L. Tabulate the data in the table below,
x /m L /m F =k(L-Lo)/N lg (x/m) lg (F/N)

f)

Plot a graph of lgF against lgx

A1-3
Basic Procedure
A4
Labeled Diagrams
A5
Actions taken to set range readings
B1
Correct Dependent and Independent Variables
B2
Valid choice of control variable
B3
Action to improve accuracy of readings
D1
Theory on how to calculate the attractive force
D2
Pre experiment work necessary to measure spring constant
D3
Linearization
D4
Action to ensure correct current flow
(12 marks in total)

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010 HCI H2 Physics Preliminary Examinations

Suggested solution for Paper 3
SECTION A
Q1
(a)
AB:
Car travels at constant speed. Tom's reaction time.
BC:
Car decelerates uniformly. Tom applies car's brakes.
CD:
Car's velocity changes from one direction to the opposite direction. Actual collision of the two
vehicles.
DE:
Both vehicles stuck together after the collision and slow down to a rest. Friction of road on
the vehicles causes them to stop eventually.
[B4]
(b)

dp d (mv)
=
dt
dt
[30 (20)] 1000

F = 1200
(0.1) 3600

[M1]

F = 1.67 10 5 N

[A1]

F=

(c)

(d)

N3L: FVC = FCV

mC ( vC 2 vC 1 ) mV ( vV 2 vV 1 )
=
t
t
mV vC 2 vC 1 50
=
=
mC vV 2 vV 1 30
5
mV = ( 1200 ) = 2000 kg
3

[M1]

[A1]

Inelastic.
[B1]
(EITHER)
The 2 vehicles stuck together and move as one after the collision, as observed from the
velocity-time graph.
(OR)
The total KE of the 2 vehicles after the collision is less than the total KE of the 2 vehicles
before the collision.
[B1]

Q2
(a)(i)

The increase in the internal energy of the system, U, is the sum of the heat supplied to the
system, Q, and the work done on the system, W.
[B2]

(a)(ii) Internal energy U of a system is the sum of all microscopic kinetic energies of the
particles and their potential energies.
[B2]
(b)(i)

Work done by gas

= (0.070 0.020) x (11 x 105)
= 55 kJ

[M1]
[A1]

This booklet consists of 7 printed pages, inclusive of this page.

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

(b)(ii)

Q3
(a)

(b)(i)

Process

W / kJ

Q / kJ

U / kJ

A
B
C
D

201
-55
-185
0

0
74
0
-35

201
19
-185
-35

AQ + CQ correct [1]
DW correct [1]
BW correct [1] (for ve)
ABC U correct [1]

x = 2 a sin

[B1]

x=n
2 a sin = n
a = (1)(0.165 x 10-9)/ 2 sin(23.5o)
a = 2.07 x 10-10 m

[M1]
[M1]
[A1]

(b)(ii)
nd

2 order
st

1 order

[M1]

(c)(i)

2 a sin = n
< 2a sin / n
is maximum when = 90o and n = 1
< 4.14 x 10-10 m

(c)(ii) < 4.14 x 10-10

h/p < 4.14 x 10-10
h / (me vmin ) < 4.14 x 10-10
vmin > h / (me)(4.14 x 10-10)
vmin > 1.76 x 106 m s-1

[M1]
[M1]
[A1]

4(a)(i)

A nuclide with 3 protons and 4 neutrons.

(a) (ii)

Applying conservation of energy:

Gain in electric potential energy = loss in kinetic energy

Qq
4 0 x

[M1]
[A1]

= qV

[B1]

[M1]

3 1.6 10 19
= 400000
4 0 x

[A1]

Solving, x = 1.08 x 10-14 m

Page 2 of 7

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

(a)(ii) With quantum tunneling, the proton can still penetrate the barrier despite
having an energy that is less than the potential barrier.

[B1]

(b)(i) Energy released = (7.0138 + 1.0073 4.0015 x 2)(1.66 x 10-27)(3 x 108)2

= 2.70414 x 10-12 J

[M1]
[A1]

(b)(ii)1.

Energy of each alpha = (2.70414 x 10-12) = 1.3521 x 10-12 J

[A1]

1.3521 1012
Length =
= 52 mm
(5.0 10 3 )(5.2 1018 )

[A1]
[A1]

(b)(ii)2.

(c) Neutrons have no charge and are therefore able to penetrate more deeply B1
into the positively charged nucleus, resulting in higher probability of nuclear
reactions.

SECTION B
Q5
(a)(i)

Advantage: precise (can accurately target 1 specific vehicle) or longer range because laser
is unidirectional/small divergence
[B1]
Disadvantage: need to aim properly, need to ensure beam is reflected back to the gun

[B1]

(a)(ii) 1. Acceleration always directed towards a fixed point

and proportional to displacement from that point

[B1]
[B1]

(a)(ii) 2. SHM defining equation
x
= Cx

Let x = A cos( Bt ) , x
= AB sin( Bt )

[M1]

x
= B A cos( Bt ) = B x , where C = B

[A1]

(a)(ii) 3. From table, maximum distance is 5.100 m, hence amplitude = 0.100 m.

Let t = 0 s when time = 1004 ms (laser speed gun time), hence x = 0.100 cos(

[B1]

2
t)
T
[M1
]

When time = 1005 ms, t = 0.001 s, x = 0.095 m,

2
0.001) T = 0.0198 0.020 s
T
2
2
t ) and t = 0.005 s, x = 0.100 cos(
0.005) = 0.0016 m
(a)(ii) 4. Using x = 0.100 cos(
T
0.0198
0.095 = 0.100 cos(

Hence Z = x + 5.000 = 4.998 m.

[M1]
[A1]
[M1]
[A1]

Page 3 of 7

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

(a)(ii) 5. t = 0.001 s f = 1 / t = 1000 samples per second

Laser gun computes the average speed = x / t
t should as small as possible so that it approximates instantaneous speed.

[B1]
[M1]
[A1]

(b)(i)

Excitation of electrons/atoms from lower to higher energy levels

[B1]
with light of correct frequency f, such that the energy difference between the 2 levels is equal
to hf.
[B1]

(b)(ii)

When using optical pumping for a 2 levels laser, any incoming photon can cause simulated
absorption as well as stimulated emission.
[C1]
Initially most of the atoms are in the ground state, the incoming photons will cause more
stimulated absorption than stimulated emission.
[M1]
As more atoms become excited, the rate of stimulated emission will eventually increase until
it at most equals that of stimulated absorption, when the number of excited atoms is equal to
the number of ground state atoms. Thus it is very difficult to achieve population inversion.
[A1]

6a)

The magnetic flux density is defined as the force per unit length per unit current [B1]
acting on an infinitely long current carrying conductor placed perpendicularly to the magnetic
field.
[B1]

6b) (i)

o I1
2d
F21 = B1 I 2 L

o I 2
2d
F12 = B2 I 1 L
II
F
F
F = 21 = B1 I 2 = o 1 2 = B2 I 1 = 12
L
2d
L

B1 =

B2 =

[C1]

[A1]
d

6b)(ii) 1.

b)(ii) 2.

The current in each turn of the coil of the spring produces a magnetic field that is
perpendicular to the current in the adjacent coil.
[B1]
Since the current in the adjacent spring coils is flowing in the same direction, by
Flemings left hand rule, an attractive force will be exerted on the coils towards each
other.
[B1]
The spring coils will move towards each other and the length (vertical) will shorten.
The change in the length of the spring is therefore a compression.
[B1]

b)(ii) 3.

Force per unit length =

I2
F o I 2
=
F = o (2r ) where r is the radius of the
L 2d
2d

spring coil.

[B1]

Since the spring obeys Hookes law, F = kx where k is spring constant.

Page 4 of 7

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

b)(ii)

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

4.

C2

o I 2 r
o I 2
kx =
(2r ) x =
2d
dk

[B1]

Compression.

[A1}

6c)(i) According to the Faradays law of Electromagnetic Induction, when the metal axle Y of the
truck first enters the magnetic field entry point P with an initial velocity, there will be an
induced electromotive force (emf) across the two metal wheels of Y whose magnitude is
directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage. The wheel on the left (at
the top according to figure) will be at a higher potential.
[B1]
Since the axle Y, the two wheels and the railing form a complete loop, induced current will
hence flow.
[B1]
Using Flemings left hand rule, a magnetic force opposite to the direction of motion would be
produced due to this current flow. This opposing force on the wheels will cause braking to
occur.
[B1]
c)(ii)

At any instant when axle Y enters magnetic field,

Induced emf E = IR = Bwv
Induced current I =

Bwv
R

[B1]

Since FB = - BIw (using the direction of motion as +ve direction)

M a = B (

Bwv
)w
R

[B1]

B 2 w2
a = (
)v = v a v ----------------(1)
RM
c)(iii)

[B1]

(If the trucks initial speed is high, the magnetic braking force experienced upon entering and
leaving the magnetic field may not be able to bring the truck to rest completely.)
To improve, we can either have several regions of PQ placed close to each other for
consecutive braking effects
[B2]
OR
Have a stronger vertical magnetic field B.
[B1]
Any reasonable explanation that leads to a larger acceleration hence braking force eg. with
reference to (1), would be awarded the second mark.
[B1]

7(a)
Similarities:
1.
Both fields exert forces on moving charged particles.
2.
They are non-contact forces/action-at-a-distance force

[B1]
[B1]

Alternative answers
3.
The forces they exert long range forces.
4.
They are conservative fields
Differences
1.
Electric field will change the magnitude of the speed of charged particles whereas magnetic
field can be used to change the direction of motion of charged particles.
[B1]
2.
If the paths of charged particles are not straight line path, it will be parabolic and circular
paths in electric and magnetic field respectively.
[B1]
Page 5 of 7

www.erwintuition.com

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

C2

Alternative answers
3.
The electric force is either parallel or anti-parallel to the Electric field whereas the magnetic
force is always mutually perpendicular to the magnetic field and the motion of charged
particle.
4.
There will not be any magnetic force on stationary charged particle whilst there will be
electric force on charged particle regardless of its state of motion.
b(i) Using Flemings Left Hand Rule, the magnetic force will be mutually perpendicular to the
velocity and the magnetic field.
[B1]
It provides the necessary centripetal force for uniform circular motion.
[B1]
(ii)

m v2
FB =
r

C1 [1]

m v2
r
mv
r=
Bq

Bqv=

C1 [1]

T=

(iii)

mv
Since r =
Bq
2 m
T=
Bq

v
Bq
=
r
m

C1 [1]
C1 [1]

In the above derivation for the period, period is found to be dependent on mass and
charge of deuteron and B only
(iv)

B1

K.E

B1
[2]
distance

Point 2

Point 3

Point 4

(v)
1. Gain in KE crossing each gap = e V
Hence gain in KE per revolution = 2 e V = 2 (100) ( 1.6 x 10-19) = 3.2 x 10-17 J
2.

T=

2 m
Bq

f =

Bq
2 m

0.400 (1.6 10 19 )
2 (3.34 10 27 )

C1 [1]

C1 [1]
Page 6 of 7

www.erwintuition.com

[C1]
[C1]

www.erwintuition.com

2010

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (COLLEGE SECTION)

H2 PHYSICS

= 3.05 106 Hz

[A1]

3. Number of revolutions to gain 1.00 MeV =

1.00 106 1.6 10 19

3.2 10 17

= 5000
Time taken = 5000 x

C2

2 (3.34 10

27

(0.400)(1.60 10

19

= 1.63 x 10-3 s

[C1]
[C1]
[A1]

(Relativistic effects negligible at these speeds)

Page 7 of 7

www.erwintuition.com