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iGCSE Notes Numbered PDF
iGCSE Notes Numbered PDF
for the
Cambridge iGCSE Syllabus
B. Murphy
Contents
Appendix
Syllabus 234
1
Topic 1:
General Physics
Length
• Length is a distance measurement and its SI unit is
the metre (m).
Time
• Time is usually measured with a stopclock. Human
timing is not precise because of reaction times.
2
Speed
• Speed tells us how fast something is moving.
• It is measured in m/s.
Examples
• A sprinter runs 100m in 10s. Calculate his average speed.
Acceleration
• Acceleration tells us how quickly something is changing
its speed.
• It is measured in m/s2.
Change in speed ( m s )
Average Acceleration (m s 2 ) =
time taken (s)
Example:
3
Distance/time graphs
• A Distance/time graph is a way of representing
motion.
distance
Acceleration
stationary
Constant speed (fast)
time
t t t
4
Distance/Time Graph
questions
• Calculate the speeds of the car and the bike
below:
500
375
Distance (m)
Car
Bike
250
125
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (s) 10
Speed/time graphs
• A Speed/time graph is an alternative way
of representing motion.
speed
Non-Uniform
Acceleration
Constant speed
Rapid acceleration
Gradual acceleration
Stationary
time
11
12
5
Speed/time graph questions
• Describe the motion of the following
bodies:
(a) (b) (c)
v v v
t t t
13
Speed/time calculation.
• (a) Find the acceleration of the bike in the first 10s.
• (b) Find the distance moved by the bike in the first 20s.
Motion of a bike
15.00
11.25
Speed (m/s)
7.50
3.75
0
0 5 10 15 20
time (s) 14
The Ticker-Timer
Ticker Tape
Ticker Timer
6
Ticker Tape
Slow moving ticker-tape
16
Charts
17
18
7
Calculations
19
20
1 2 3
Big Paper
Stone Small Tray Small Paper Coin
Stone Stone
Vacuum
Sand Sand
Bucket Bucket
21
8
Gravity
• Experiment 1
• Experiment 2
• Experiment 3
23
Density
• Density tells us how compact the mass is in a material.
• It is given by:
mass(kg) mass(g)
Density ( kg m 3 ) = or Density ( g cm 3 ) =
volume(m 3 ) volume(cm 3 )
9
Density Calculation
Complete the following table:
Density (kg/
Object Mass (kg) Volume (m3)
m3)
A 4000 2
B 8000 4
C 2000 1000
D 2000 4
Irregular objects
• The volume of a liquid can be determined using a
measuring cylinder.
26
Hooke’s Law
• Hooke’s Law states that the extension in a spring is
proportional to the load applied.
load α extension
or
F = kx
27
10
Extension/Force Graphs
• A graph can be plotted to show how Force varies
with extension for a spring.
28
Load/Extension Graphs
• A graph can be plotted to show how extension varies
with load for a spring.
29
Extension/Force Graphs
extension Proportionality
Limit
Linear Region
0 Load
30
11
Newton’s 1st Law
• If the forces around an object balance (resultant
0N), then it will either:
• Remain at rest
or
31
Air Air
Gravity
Gravity
Moves at a
Remains at rest
constant speed
in a straight
line
32
Falls at a
constant
speed in a
straight line.
Gravity
33
12
Unbalanced Forces
• If the forces around an object do not balance, then
they will cause the object to accelerate (or
decelerate).
Questions
• 1. What will be the Force needed to produce an
acceleration of 2m/s2 on a mass of 4kg?
35
Q
400 N
10 000 N
A front wheel drive car is travelling at constant velocity. Q is the force of the air on the moving car.
P is the total upward force on both front wheels.
(iii) Sketch a graph showing how the velocity of the car changes with time (start the graph just
before the driving force is doubled.) 36
13
Circular Motion
• When an object is moving in a circle, it must be experiencing a
force TOWARDS THE CENTRE of the circle.
direction of force
37
Questions
• For each of the following examples, draw a sketch to
show the situation, name the force providing the
circular motion, and indicate its direction:
38
Moments
• A moment is a turning force.
• It is given by:
39
14
Example
• Calculate the moment produced:
0.1m
100N
40
Anti-clockwise Clockwise
moments moments
41
Results
Left-Hand Side Right-Hand Side
2 8 4 ?
3 4 ? 6
5 2 2 ?
6 3 ? 2
42
15
Moments Questions
• 1. Explain why a mechanic would choose a long-arm
spanner to undo a tight nut.
20 cm 25 cm
X 4N
43
Uses of Levers
• Spanner
• Nutcracker
• Scissors
44
Centre of Mass
• Centre of mass is the point on an object that is the
‘average’ position of the mass of the object.
45
16
Regular Objects
46
Stability
• Stability tells us how secure something is on the ground.
47
Simple Addition
• If two vectors are parallel, then they can be simply
added or subtracted to give a resultant.
3N 5N
RESULTANT
2N
48
17
2D-Addition
• If the vectors are not parallel we have to draw a scale
diagram and add the vectors to give a resultant.
RESULTANT
3m/s
49
Examples
• 1. A plane flies North at 40m/s. The wind
blows to the East at 15 m/s. Calculate the
overall velocity.
Heat Sound
Kinetic Gravitational
Energy Potential
Energy
Forms
Electricity
Chemical
Elastic
Light Potential
Potential
Energy
Energy
51
18
Energy Transfers
• When any physical process takes place, there is a transfer
of energy from one form to another.
Light
Heat
52
• A lightbulb
• A petrol lawnmower
• A car
• Headphones
• A microphone
• A waterfall
53
Kinetic Energy
• All objects that are moving have kinetic energy.
• It depends on the mass of the object and its speed.
• It is measured in joules.
1 2
KE = mv
2
54
19
Gravitational Energy
• Gravitational energy is stored in objects that
are at a height.
• It measured in joules.
GPE = mgh
55
56
Efficiency
• Efficiency tells us how effective a process or energy transfer is.
• The more useful energy that is produced, for the least input energy, the
more efficient the process is.
output
Efficiency = (×100)
input
57
20
Work Done
• Work is a type of energy change and is measured
in Joules.
58
Power
• Power is the rate at which energy is transferred.
• It is also the rate at which Work is done.
• The unit for Power is Watts (W).
• Power is calculated from either:
Energy Change(J )
Power(W )=
Time Taken(s)
or
Work Done(J )
Power(W )=
Time Taken(s)
59
time
height
weight
• Measure your weight in newtons.
21
Pressure
• Pressure tells us how concentrated a force is.
• It is calculated from:
Force(N ) 2 Force(N )
Pressure( N m 2 )= or Pressure( N cm )=
2
Area(m ) Area(cm 2 )
61
Examples
2cm
1cm 20g
1cm
Examples
63
22
Pressure in Liquids
Pressure in a liquid is due to
the weight of the liquid
above a point.
Pressure increases with
depth.
Pressure will also increase
with density of liquid
(more weight).
P = ρ gd
We can calculate pressure
from:
64
Direction
65
Questions
• 1a). Draw a diagram of the cross section of a dam.
66
23
Non-Renewable Energy
Resources
• Non-Renewable resources are resources that are
used up and cannot be easily replaced. Examples are
fossil fuels and Nuclear fuels.
67
68
• Safety
• Pollution
Nuclear Fusion • Problems
Energy usage
• Transport
• Electricity
The Energy
• Fossil Fuels
Crisis
• Pollution
• Depletion
Renewable
Alternatives
• Advantages Nuclear Fission • Energy
Density
• Unreliable
• Pollution
• Not Controllable
• Safety
• Energy Density 69
24
General Physics
Quantity and Symbol
Definition/Word equation Units
symbol equation
Scalar Quantities Scalar quantities only have a magnitude.
Vector quantities have a magnitude, a direction
Vector Quantities
and a point of application.
Speed is the rate of change of distance. It is a
scalar quantity.
Speed = Total distance
s=d
Total time m/s
t
Average Speed, s For constant acceleration situations, the cm/s
s=u+v
average speed is also equal to the average of km/h
2
the initial and final speeds.
s = initial speed + final speed
2
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. m/s
Velocity It is speed in a given direction. A vector cm/s
quantity. km/h
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
a= v–u
Acceleration, a Acceleration = Final velocity – initial velocity m/s2
t
Time
Mass is a property of a body that resists change
Mass, m
in motion.
Weight is the force on a mass due to the
gravitational field of the Planet. It changes
from planet to planet. Weights can be Newtons,
Weight, W, F W=mxg
compared using a balance. N
Weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity
Weight = mass x gravitational field strength
Density is the mass per unit volume.
ρ=m Kg/m3
Density, ρ Density = mass
V g/cm3
volume
A force is a push or a pull; it can change the
Newtons,
Force, F shape, direction, and/or speed of an object. F=ma
N
Force = mass x acceleration
Load, (Hookes Load = spring constant x extension F=kl Newtons,
law) Load α extension F α l N
A moment is the turning affect of a force.
Moment Moment = force x perpendicular distance from Moment = F d Nm
the pivot
When there is no resultant force AND no
Equilibrium resulting turning affect, a system is in
equilibrium.
Work done = Force x distance in the direction
Work done, W, E W = F d = ΔE Joules, J
of the force = change in energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of a body due to
Kinetic energy,
its motion. KE = ½ m v2 Joules, J
KE
Kinetic energy = ½ x mass x velocity2
25
Gravitational potential energy is the energy of
a body due to its position in the gravitational
Gravitational
field. GPE = m g h Joules, J
energy, GPE
Gravitational energy =mass x acceleration due
to gravity x height gained/lost
Efficiency = useful output x 100%
Efficiency %
total input
Power is the rate at which energy is converted.
Power = work done
P=E
Power, P time taken Watts, W
t
Power = energy change
time taken
N/m2
Pressure = force P=F Pascals,
Pressure, p, P
area A Pa
millibar
N/m2
Fluid Pressure, p, Pressure = density of fluid x acceleration due Pascals,
P=ρgh
P to gravity x height of fluid above Pa
Millibar
26
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 1 Compilation
General Physics
27
2
cm3
30
liquid
20
22. A cylindrical can is rolled along the ruler shown in the diagram.
can rolled
mark on
can
0 cm 5 10 15 20 25 30 cm
A 13 cm B 14 cm C 26 cm D 28 cm
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3
33. The graph shows how the speed of a car changes with time.
Q
speed
P
O R time
Which of the following gives the distance travelled in time interval OR?
movement
30 cm
of snail
snail
55. What are correct units used for mass and for weight?
mass weight
A kg kg
B kg N
C N kg
D N N
66. Two objects X and Y are placed on a beam as shown. The beam balances on a pivot at its
centre.
Y
X
pivot
77. A shop-keeper places two identical blocks of cheese on a set of scales and notices that their
combined mass is 240 g. Each block measures 2.0 cm x 5.0 cm x 10.0 cm.
88. The table shows the length of a wire as the load on it is increased.
load / N 0 10 20 30
Which subtraction should be made to find the extension caused by the 20 N load?
A 54.1 cm – 0 cm
B 54.1 cm – 50.0 cm
C 54.1 cm – 52.1 cm
D 56.3 cm – 54.1 cm
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5
Where should the drum be pushed to topple it over with least force?
A B C D
10 Which device is designed to convert chemical energy into kinetic energy (energy of motion)?
10.
A an a.c. generator
B a battery-powered torch
C a car engine
D a wind-up mechanical clock
11 A ball is released from rest and rolls down a track from the position shown.
11.
C
ball
starts
here B
12
12. Two sharp nails and two blunt nails are held on a piece of wood. Each nail is hit with the same
hammer with the same amount of force.
When it is hit, which nail causes the greatest pressure on the wood?
A B
hammer
sharp nails
C D
hammer
blunt nails
13
13. The diagram shows a manometer connected to a container of carbon dioxide.
container
carbon dioxide
5 cm
mercury
manometer
Which statement correctly describes the pressure exerted by the carbon dioxide?
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32
2
V
water
T
Q
U
S
What other distance needs to be measured in order to be able to calculate the volume of the
water?
A ST B SV C TU D TV
2
15. A stopwatch is used to time a race. The diagrams show the watch at the start and at the end of the
race.
start end
60 60
55 5 55 5
50 10 50 10
45 15 45 15
40 seconds 20 40 seconds 20
35 25 35 25
30 30
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3
316. The diagram shows a speed-time graph for a body moving with constant acceleration.
speed
0
0 time
A acceleration
B distance
C speed
D time
417. A tunnel has a length of 50 km. A car takes 20 min to travel between the two ends of the tunnel.
A 2.5 km / h
B 16.6 km / h
C 150 km / h
D 1000 km / h
34
4
619. Three children, X, Y and Z, are using a see-saw to compare their weights.
X Y Y Z X Z
Which line in the table shows the correct order of the children’s weights?
821. A spring is suspended from a stand. Loads are added and the extensions are measured.
spring
stand
loads rule
A B C D
extension
extension
extension
extension
0 0 0 0
0 load 0 load 0 load 0 load
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5
A B C D
10
23. What is the source of the energy converted by a hydro-electric power station?
A hot rocks
B falling water
C oil
D waves
11
24. A labourer on a building site lifts heavy concrete blocks onto a lorry. Lighter blocks are now lifted
the same distance in the same time.
What happens to the work done in lifting each block and the power exerted by the labourer?
36
6
liquid
A ammeter
B barometer
C manometer
D thermometer
13
26. The diagrams show two divers swimming in the sea and two divers swimming in fresh water. Sea
water is more dense than fresh water.
0m 0m
A sea water C fresh water
2m 2m
4m 4m
B D
6m 6m
14
27. When water evaporates, some molecules escape.
A the molecules at the bottom of the liquid with less energy than others
B the molecules at the bottom of the liquid with more energy than others
C the molecules at the surface with less energy than others
D the molecules at the surface with more energy than others
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2
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
A mm 2 B mm 3 C cm 2 D cm 3
cotton
cm 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
When the length of cotton is wound closely around a pen, it goes round six times.
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3
330. The diagram shows the speed-time graph for an object moving at constant speed.
2
speed
m/s
1
0
0 1 2 3 4
time / s
31.
4 A small steel ball is dropped from a low balcony.
32.
5 Which statement about the mass of a falling object is correct?
2 2 4
1 3 2
B g / cm2
C g / cm3
D kg / m2
A B C D
M
M
M M
936. An experiment is carried out to measure the extension of a rubber band for different loads.
load / N 0 1 2 3
length / cm 15.2 16.2 18.6
extension / cm 0 1.0 2.1 3.4
40
5
12
39. The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer. The barometer re ading is h cm of mercury.
mercury
13
41. Two boys X and Y e ach have the same total weight and are standing on soft ground.
X Y
Which boy is more likely to sink into the soft ground and why?
A X larger than Y
B X smaller than Y
C Y larger than X
D Y smaller than X
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2
142. A decorator wishes to calculate the area of a bathroom tile so that he can estimate the amount of
adhesive that he needs to buy.
43.
2 The three balls shown are dropped from a bench.
44. A car accelerates from traffic lights. The graph shows how the car’s speed changes with time.
3
speed
m/s
20
0
0 10 time / s
How far does the car travel before it reaches a steady speed?
A 10 m B 20 m C 100 m D 200 m
43
3
A The mass of a bottle of water at the North Pole is different from its mass at the Equator.
B The mass of a bottle of water is measured in newtons.
C The weight of a bottle of water and its mass are the same thing.
D The weight of a bottle of water is one of the forces acting on it.
5 Two blocks X and Y are placed on a beam as shown. The beam balances on a pivot at its centre.
Y
X
pivot
647. The masses of a measuring cylinder before and after pouring some liquid into it are shown in the
diagram.
cm3 cm3
200 200
100 100
liquid
48.
7 A girl and a boy are pulling in opposite directions on a rope. The forces acting on the rope are
shown in the diagram.
girl boy
200 N 150 N
rope
49. Which single force has the same effect as the two forces shown?
A 50 N acting towards the girl
B 350 N acting towards the girl
C 50 N acting towards the boy
D 350 N acting towards the boy
850. Objects with different masses are hung on a 10 cm spring. The diagram shows how much the
spring stretches.
10 cm
20 cm
30 cm
100 g
The extension of the spring is directly proportional to the mass hung on it.
45
5
A capacitor
B generator
C motor
D transformer
52.
10 A power station uses nuclear fission to obtain energy.
A chemical energy.
B electrical energy.
C gravitational energy.
D internal energy.
53. A ball is released from rest and rolls down a track from the position shown.
11
ball C
starts
here B
12
54. A water manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply to a house. It gives a
reading of h cm of water.
gas
supply
h cm
55. Why is it better to use water rather than mercury in this manometer?
A h would be too large if mercury were used.
B h would be too small if mercury were used.
C The tube would need to be narrower if mercury were used.
D The tube would need to be wider if mercury were used.
13
56. A farmer has two carts. The carts have the same weight, but one has four narrow wheels and the
other has four wide wheels.
In rainy weather, which cart sinks le s s into soft ground, and why?
© U C L E S 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
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2
57. A measuring cylinder contains some water. When a stone is put in the water, the level rises.
1
cm3 cm3
200 200
150 150
100 100
50 50
stone
10
speed
m/s 8
0
1 2 3 4 5
time / s
A 10 m B 30 m C 90 m D 135 m
48
3
60. Below are four statements about the effects of forces on objects.
4
561. A simple balance has two pans suspended from the ends of arms of equal length. When it is
balanced, the pointer is at 0.
pivot arm
pointer
pan X pan Y
Four masses (in total) are placed on the pans, with one or more on pan X and the rest on pan Y.
A 1 g, 1 g, 5 g, 10 g
B 1 g, 2 g, 2 g, 5 g
C 2 g, 5 g, 5 g, 10 g
D 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 10 g
62.
6 A person measures the length, width, height and mass of a rectangular metal block.
Which of these measurements are needed in order to calculate the density of the metal?
A mass only
B height and mass only
C length, width and height only
D length, width, height and mass
64.
8 The diagram shows four models of buses placed on different ramps.
A chemical
B light
C nuclear
D sound
66.
10 A labourer on a building site lifts a heavy concrete block onto a lorry. He then lifts a light block the
same distance in the same time.
A less for the light block less for the light block
B less for the light block the same for both blocks
C more for the light block more for the light block
D the same for both blocks more for the light block
50
5
68. A manometer is being used to me asure the pressure of the gas inside a tank. A, B, C and D
12
show the manometer at different times.
At which time is the gas pressure inside the tank gre atest?
A B C D
gas
General Physics
52
2 For
Examiner’s
Use
11. A group of students attempts to find out how much power each student can generate. The
students work in pairs in order to find the time taken for each student to run up a flight of
stairs.
The stairs used are shown in Fig. 1.1.
finishing point
starting point
Fig. 1.1
(a) Make a list of all the readings that would be needed. Where possible, indicate how the
accuracy of the readings could be improved.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
(b) Using words, not symbols, write down all equations that would be needed to work out
the power of a student.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) (i) When the student has reached the finishing point and is standing at the top of the
stairs, what form of energy has increased to its maximum?
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Suggest why the total power of the student is greater than the power calculated by
this method.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[3]
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Examiner’s
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22. A small rubber ball falls vertically, hits the ground and rebounds vertically upwards.
Fig. 2.1 is the speed-time graph for the ball.
10 B
speed D
8
m/s
6
2
A
0 C E
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
time / s
Fig. 2.1
(a) Using information from the graph, describe the following parts of the motion of the ball.
(i) part AB
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) part DE
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) Explain what is happening to the ball along the part of the graph from B through C to D.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Whilst the ball is in contact with the ground, what is the
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(e) Use the graph to calculate the distance travelled by the ball between D and E.
(f) Use the graph to calculate the deceleration of the ball between D and E.
deceleration = ..................................[2]
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Examiner’s
Use
13. Fig. 1.1 shows apparatus that may be used to compare the strengths of two springs of the
same size, but made from different materials.
spring
scale
masses
Fig. 1.1
(a) (i) Explain how the masses produce a force to stretch the spring.
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain why this force, like all forces, is a vector quantity.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Fig. 1.2 shows the graphs obtained when the two springs are stretched.
20
force/N spring 1
15
spring 2
10
5
0
0 10 20 30 40
extension/mm
Fig. 1.2
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Examiner’s
Use
(i) State which spring is more difficult to extend. Quote values from the graphs to
support your answer.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) On the graph of spring 2, mark a point P at the limit of proportionality. Explain your
choice of point P.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) Use the graphs to find the difference in the extensions of the two springs when a
force of 15 N is applied to each one.
24. The speed of a cyclist reduces uniformly from 2.5 m/s to 1.0 m/s in 12 s.
deceleration = ..................................[3]
distance = ..................................[2]
1220 N
950 N
40° 30°
box
Fig. 3.1
(a) By the use of a scale diagram (not calculation) of the forces acting at P, find the weight
of the box. [5]
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Examiner’s
Use
(b) Another box of weight 1500 N is raised vertically by 3.0 m.
(ii) The crane takes 2.5 s to raise this box 3.0 m. Calculate the power output of the
crane.
power = ..................................
[4]
4 Fig. 4.1 shows a sealed glass syringe that contains air and many very tiny suspended dust
particles.
syringe
seal
piston
dust particles
Fig. 4.1
(a) Explain why the dust particles are suspended in the air and do not settle to the bottom.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The air in the syringe is at a pressure of 2.0 × 105 Pa. The piston is slowly moved into the
syringe, keeping the temperature constant, until the volume of the air is reduced from
80 cm3 to 25 cm3. Calculate the final pressure of the air.
pressure = ..................................[3]
A B
E C
v = 6 m/s
Fig. 1.1
B C D E B
6
speed
m/s 5
4
3
2
1
0A
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
time / s
Fig. 1.2
(a) Use information from Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2 to describe the motion of the cyclist
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
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3 For
Examiner’s
Use
(b) The velocity v of the cyclist at C is shown in Fig. 1.1.
State one similarity and one difference between the velocity at C and the velocity at E.
similarity ...........................................................................................................................
difference ......................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Calculate
distance = …………………
circumference = …………………
[4]
cliff
falling
rock
river
Fig. 2.1
(a) The mass of the rock is 75 kg. The acceleration of free fall is 10 m/s2.
Calculate the weight of the rock.
weight = …………………[1]
(b) The rock falls from rest through a distance of 15 m before it hits the water.
Calculate its kinetic energy just before hitting the water. Show your working.
(c) The rock hits the water. Suggest what happens to the kinetic energy of the rock during
the impact.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
62
5 For
Examiner’s
Use
38. A large spring is repeatedly stretched by an athlete to increase the strength of his arms.
Fig. 3.1 is a table showing the force required to stretch the spring.
Fig. 3.1
...................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Use the results in Fig. 3.1 to show that the spring obeys Hooke’s law.
[1]
(b) Another athlete using a different spring exerts an average force of 400 N to enable her
to extend the spring by 0.210 m.
(i) Calculate the work done by this athlete in extending the spring once.
(ii) She is able to extend the spring by this amount and to release it 24 times in 60 s.
Calculate the power used by this athlete while doing this exercise.
power = …………………
[4]
140
R S T
120
speed
m/s
100
80
60
Q
40
20
P
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Describe in detail the motion of the sphere shown by the graph.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
64
3
(b) On Fig. 1.2, draw arrows to show the directions of the forces acting on the sphere when For
it is at the position shown by point S on the graph. Label your arrows with the names of Examiner’s
the forces. [2] Use
Fig. 1.2
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(d) Use the graph to calculate the approximate distance that the sphere falls
65
4
210. Fig. 2.1 shows a simple pendulum that swings backwards and forwards between P and Q. For
Examiner’s
Use
support
string
P Q
R pendulum bob
Fig. 2.1
(a) The time taken for the pendulum to swing from P to Q is approximately 0.5 s.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) (i) State the two vertical forces acting on the pendulum bob when it is at position R.
1. ...............................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) The pendulum bob moves along the arc of a circle. State the direction of the
resultant of the two forces in (i).
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) The mass of the bob is 0.2 kg. During the swing it moves so that P is 0.05 m higher
than R.
Calculate the increase in potential energy of the pendulum bob between R and P.
66
5
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
67
2
112. A bus travels from one bus stop to the next. The journey has three distinct parts. Stated in For
order they are Examiner’s
uniform acceleration from rest for 8.0 s, Use
15
speed
m/s
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
time/s
Fig. 1.1
(a) On Fig. 1.1, complete the graph to show the first two parts of the journey. [3]
(b) Calculate the acceleration of the bus 4.0 s after leaving the first bus stop.
acceleration = ........................[2]
(c) Use the graph to estimate the distance the bus travels between 20 s and 25 s.
(d) On leaving the second bus stop, the uniform acceleration of the bus is 1.2 m / s2. The
mass of the bus and passengers is 4000 kg.
Calculate the accelerating force that acts on the bus.
force = ........................[2]
(e) The acceleration of the bus from the second bus stop is less than that from the first bus
stop.
Suggest two reasons for this.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
© UCLES 2006 0625/03/M/J/06
68
3
213. A student sets up the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.1 in order to find the resultant of the two For
tensions T1 and T2 acting at P. When the tensions T1, T2 and T3 are balanced, the angles Examiner’s
between T1 and the vertical and T2 and the vertical are as marked on Fig. 2.1. Use
pulley
vertical
pulley T1 = 6.0 N T2 = 8.0 N board
44°
69°
T3
Fig. 2.1
In the space below, draw a scale diagram of the forces T1 and T2. Use the diagram to find the
resultant of the two forces.
State
314. An electric pump is used to raise water from a well, as shown in Fig. 3.1. For
Examiner’s
Use
pump
ground
well
Fig. 3.1
(a) The pump does work in raising the water. State an equation that could be used to
calculate the work done in raising the water.
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The water is raised through a vertical distance of 8.0 m. The weight of water raised in
5.0 s is 100 N.
(i) Calculate the work done in raising the water in this time.
(ii) Calculate the power the pump uses to raise the water.
power = ........................[1]
(iii) The energy transferred by the pump to the water is greater than your answer to (i).
Suggest what the additional energy is used for.
..............................................................................................................................[1]
70
Topic 2:
Thermal Physics
Solids
• The particles in solids are tightly held together by strong
forces.
Liquids
• In liquids the forces are strong, but the vibrating
particles are not fixed in position.
• The particles can move but they are held close to their
neighbours.
71
Gases
• In gases the forces are very weak and they are virtually
free to move around their container.
Changing State
• When a material changes from one state to another,
bonds are either broken or created.
Phase Changes
• The phase change from solid to liquid is called ‘fusion’.
72
Phases Changes (Graphical)
Temperature vaporisation
liquid
water
fusion
Time
H = ml
H-J
m - kg
l - J/kg
Heat Capacity
• Whilst a material is being heated within a certain state
of matter, its temperature will rise.
73
Calculations
• To calculate heat required we use:
H = mcΔT
H-J
m - kg
C - J/kg/
ºC
∆T - ºC
10
Constant Volume
• If we increase the temperature of a gas in a
container at a constant volume, the particles
will move with more energy, and so there will
be more collisions, and so greater pressure:
11
Constant Pressure
• If we increase the temperature of a gas in a container at
a constant pressure, the particles will move with more
energy, but they need more space to keep the collisions
constant and so there will be a greater volume:
12
74
Constant Temperature
• If we keep the temperature of a gas constant, we
keep the kinetic energy of the particles constant.
P1V1 = P2V2
13
Brownian Motion
• When pollen grains are placed on the surface of a
liquid and a strong light source is used to illuminate
the pollen, the pollen is seen to move randomly.
14
Expansion
• Generally, objects expand as they get hotter and contract as they get cooler.
• Liquids expand more than solids on heating, and gases expand more than liquids.
• Solids expand with the greatest force. Gases expand with the least force.
15
75
Questions on Expansion
16
Temperature Scales
• The most common temperature scale that is used is the
Celsius scale. This has its zero at the freezing point of water,
and the boiling point of water is 100°C.
17
Internal Energy
18
76
Evaporation
• Evaporation is a process by which a liquid
cools due to the fact that particles are lost
from its surface.
Changing State
20
Thermometry
21
77
Liquid in Glass Thermometers
• Liquid in glass thermometers have liquid in
a glass bulb. As the liquid is heated it
expands and its level rises up the scale.
22
Thermocouple
• A thermocouple is a junction of two different metals.
• The higher the temperature, the more energy the electrons will have, more
electrons will move and we get a greater voltage.
23
Heat Transfer
• Heat flows from hot areas to cold areas.
24
78
Conduction
Heat
Heat
• Heat moves from particle to particle as they collide.
Questions on Conduction.
26
Warm fluid
expands and
Convection rises. (low
Cool fluid in density)
a beaker.
Convection
currents
circulate the
heat.
Denser Cool
fluid sinks
79
Questions on Convection
28
Radiation
Hot object
(warmer than
surroundings).
Infra-red
light energy
emitted..
Cooler
object
29
Radiation
• Black objects are better radiators and absorbers than
white or shiny objects.
30
80
Questions on Radiation
31
silver
surface
vacuum
32
81
1
Thermal Physics
Quantity and Symbol
Definition units
symbol equation
The temperature of a gas is related to the
motion of its particles. The faster, and o
Temperature, T, θ C, K
therefore the more energetic the particles
the hotter the gas.
The random, jerky motion of particles
(pollen in water, smoke in air) in a
Brownian Motion suspension is evidence for the kinetic model
of matter. The massive particles are moved
by light, fast moving molecules.
The more energetic molecules escape from
the surface of a liquid. This leaves the
Evaporation
liquid left behind with a lower average KE,
and hence a cooler liquid.
For a fixed mass of gas, the pressure is Pα1
Boyles’ Law inversely proportional to the volume, (at V
Temperature
constant temperature) PV = k
must be the
For a fixed mass of gas, the volume is VαT
absolute
Charles’ Law directly proportional to the temperature, (at V=kT
temperature
constant pressure)
in Kelvin,
For a fixed mass of gas, the pressure is PαT
K.
Pressure Law directly proportional to the temperature, (at P=kT
The other
constant volume)
quantities
For a fixed mass of gas, the PV = k must be
Pressure x Volume = a constant T consistent.
Gas Law
Temperature P1V1 = P2V2
T1 T2
The amount of heat energy required to c=E J/ oC
Thermal Capacity, c
change the temperature of a body by 1 oC ΔT
The amount of heat energy required to c=Q J/kg oC
Specific Heat
change the temperature of a unit mass of a mΔT Jkg oC
Capacity, c o
substance by 1 C
The amount of energy required to change J
Latent Heat, L the state of a body without a change in
temperature
The amount of energy required to change L=Q J/kg
Specific Latent Heat the state of unit mass of substance, from m J/g
of Fusion, L solid to liquid without a change in
temperature
The amount of energy required to change L=Q J/kg
Specific Latent Heat the state of unit mass of a substance from m J/g
of Vaporisation, L liquid to gas without a change in
temperature
The movement of heat energy by the
Conduction passing on of vibrations from particle to
particle.
82
2
83
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 1 Compilation
Thermal Physics
84
7
A B
C D
152. The size of a balloon increases when the pressure inside it increases.
The balloon gets bigger when it is left in the heat from the Sun.
A The air molecules inside the balloon all move outwards when it is heated.
B The air molecules inside the balloon are bigger when it is heated.
C The air molecules inside the balloon move more quickly when it is heated.
D The number of air molecules inside the balloon increases when it is heated.
16
3. What must expand in order to show the temperature rise in a mercury-in-glass thermometer?
174. The table shows the melting points and boiling points of four substances.
Which substance is a liquid at a room temperature of 20 oC?
A –101 –35
B –39 357
C 30 2100
D 327 1750
18
5. A bar made of half wood and half copper has a piece of paper wrapped tightly round it.
The bar is heated strongly at the centre for a short time, and the paper goes brown on one side
only.
heat
Which side goes brown, and what does this show about wood and copper?
0625/1/M/J/02
86
9
19
6. The diagrams show part of a water-heating system which is working by convection.
Which diagram shows the most likely flow of water in the system?
A B
hot hot
water water
tank tank
boiler boiler
heat heat
C D
hot hot
water water
tank tank
boiler boiler
heat 9 heat
7.19 The diagram shows a heater used to heat a tank of cold water.
20 A drop of water from a tap falls onto the surface of some water of constant depth.
water
lagging
view from above
tank
heater
Water waves spread out on the surface of the water.
A What
The is theare
waves main process by
longitudinal andwhich
travelheat moves
at the samethrough
speed the
in allwater?
directions.
B The
A waves are longitudinal and travel more quickly in one direction than in others.
conduction
C The
B waves are transverse and travel at the same speed in all directions.
convection
D The
C waves are transverse and travel more quickly in one direction than in others.
evaporation
D radiation
0625/1/M/J/02
20 What causes refraction when light travels from air into glass? [Turn over
87
A The amplitude of the light waves changes.
7
158. Two metal boxes containing air are standing in a room. Box X is on top of a heater. Box Y is on a
bench. The boxes are left for a long time.
X Y
heater bench
Which line in the table best describes the average speed of the molecules in the containers?
box X box Y
A fast zero
B fast slow
C slow fast
D zero fast
9. The top of the mercury thread in a mercury-in-glass thermometer reaches point X at 0 °C and
16
point Z at 100 °C.
Z
Y
X
W
A point W
B point X
C point Y
D point Z
88
8
17
10. The same quantity of heat energy is applied to four different blocks. The temperature rise
produced is shown on each block.
A B
temperature
temperature
rise is
rise is
3 °C
6 °C
C D
temperature
temperature rise is
rise is 18 °C
9 °C
18
11. A person holds a glass beaker in one hand and fills it quickly with hot water. It takes several
seconds before his hand starts to feel the heat.
0625/01/M/J/03
89
7
14 A student places his thumb firmly on the outlet of a bicycle pump, to stop the air coming out.
trapped air
direction of
motion
handle
What happens to the pressure and to the volume of the trapped air as the pump handle is pushed
in?
pressure volume
A decreases decreases
B decreases remains the same
C increases decreases
D increases remains the same
15 A balloon is inflated in a cold room. When the room becomes much warmer, the balloon becomes
larger.
How does the behaviour of the air molecules in the balloon explain this?
$
D! C
&$"'( "
)&% B
!"#$% # A
12. A substance is heated at a steady rate. It changes from a solid to a liquid, and then to a gas.
16
S
temperature
5 R
Q
11 The diagram shows a thick sheet of glass.
A
time
B
Which parts of the graph show a change of state taking place?
A P and R
D
B P and S
C Q and R C
D Q and S
13.
17 An engineer wants to fix a steel washer on to a steel rod. The rod is just too big to fit into the hole
12 A
of manometer
the washer. is being used to measure the pressure of the gas inside a tank. A, B, C and D
show the manometer at different times.
steel steel rod
At which time is washer
the gas pressure inside the tank greatest?
A B C D
How can the engineer fit the washer onto the rod?
gas
A cool the washer and put it over the rod
B cool the washer and rod to the same temperature and push them together
C heat the rod and then place it in the hole
D heat the washer and place it over the rod
U C L E S 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
91
9
15. An experiment is set up to find out which metal is the best conductor of heat. Balls are stuck with
18
wax to rods made from different metals, as shown in diagram X.
The rods are heated at one end. Some of the balls fall off, leaving some as shown in diagram Y.
diagram X diagram Y
A B C D
h e a t h e a t
before heating after heating
16.
19 Thermometer X is held above an ice cube and thermometer Y is held the same distance below
the ice cube. After several minutes, the reading on one thermometer changes. The ice cube does
not melt.
thermometer X
ice cube
thermometer Y
thermometer reason
17. Viewed through a microscope, very small particles can be seen moving with Brownian motion.
14
18.
15 A measured mass of gas is placed in a cylinder at atmospheric pressure and is then slowly
compressed.
piston
gas
piston pushed in
A It drops to zero.
B It decreases, but not to zero.
C It stays the same.
D It increases.
D
temperature
C
time
pressure gauge
air
flask
water
heat
What does the pressure gauge show as the air in the flask becomes hotter?
A a steady pressure
B a decrease in pressure
C an increase in pressure
D an increase and then a decrease in pressure
18 An iron bar is held with one end in a fire. The other end soon becomes too hot to hold.
hand fire
iron bar
21. How has the heat travelled along the iron bar?
A by conduction
B by convection
C by expansion
D by radiation
94
6
Why is this?
23.
15 To mark a temperature scale on a thermometer, fixed points are needed.
24. Four blocks, made of different materials, are each given the same quantity of internal (heat)
16
energy.
A B C D
95
7
25. A long thin bar of copper is heated evenly along its length.
17
copper bar
heat
A It becomes lighter.
B It becomes longer.
C It becomes shorter.
D It bends at the ends.
X water
lid
small spacer
small air gap
hot water
bench
Thermal Physics
97
5 For
Examiner’s
Use
31. Fig. 3.1 is an attempt to show the molecules in water and the water vapour molecules over
the water surface.
water vapour
molecules
water molecules
Fig. 3.1
(a) Explain, in terms of the energies of the molecules, why only a few water molecules have
escaped from the water surface.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) State two ways of increasing the number of water molecules escaping from the surface.
1 .......................................................................................................................................
2 .................................................................................................................................. [2]
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
80 mm
air
piston
cylinder
Fig. 4.1
The piston is pushed in until the pressure in the cylinder rises to 3.8 × 105 Pa.
Calculate the new length of the air column in the cylinder, assuming that the
temperature of the air has not changed.
air
Fig. 4.2
The volume of the air in the cylinder changes as the temperature of the air changes.
(i) The apparatus is to be used as a thermometer. Describe how two fixed points, 0 °C
and 100 °C, and a temperature scale could be marked on the apparatus.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Describe how this apparatus could be used to indicate the temperature of a large
beaker of water.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[5]
0625/3/M/J/02
99
[4]
piston
work done = ..................................
dust particles
(ii) The crane takes 2.5 s to raise this box 3.0 m. Calculate the power output of the
crane. Fig. 4.1
(a) Explain why the dust particles are suspended in the air and do not settle to the bottom.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
power = ..................................
[4]
..........................................................................................................................................
4 Fig.......................................................................................................................................[3]
4.1 shows a sealed glass syringe that contains air and many very tiny suspended dust
particles.
(b) The air in the syringe is at a pressure of 2.0 × 105 Pa. The piston is slowly moved into the
syringe, keeping the temperature constant, until syringe the volume of the air is reduced from
80 cm3 to 25 cm3. Calculate the final pressure of the air.
seal
piston
pressure = ..................................[3]
dust particles
(a) Explain why the dust particles are suspended in the air and do not settle to the bottom.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The air in the syringe is at a pressure of 2.0 × 105 Pa. The piston is slowly moved into the
syringe, keeping the temperature constant, until the volume of the air is reduced from
80 cm3 to 25 cm3. Calculate the final pressure of the air.
pressure = ..................................[3]
Sun's rays
surface
Z
of solar
panel X cold junction
Y
hot junction
Fig. 5.1
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(c) Experiment shows that the temperature of the surface depends upon the type of
surface used.
Describe the nature of the surface that will cause the temperature to rise most.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]
0625/3/M/J/03
101
6 For
Examiner’s
Use
45. (a) Two identical open boxes originally contain the same volume of water.
One is kept at 15 °C and the other at 85 °C for the same length of time.
15 °C
85 °C
Fig. 4.1
With reference to the energies of the water molecules, explain why the levels are
different.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) In an experiment to find the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water, it took 34 500 J
of energy to evaporate 15 g of water that was originally at 100 °C.
A second experiment showed that 600 J of energy was lost to the atmosphere from the
apparatus during the time it took to evaporate 15 g of water.
Calculate the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water that would be obtained from
this experiment.
102
7 For
Examiner’s
Use
56. (a) Fig. 5.1 shows two identical metal plates. The front surface of one is dull black and the
front surface of the other is shiny silver.
The plates are fitted with heaters that keep the surfaces of the plates at the same
temperature.
Fig. 5.1
(i) State the additional apparatus needed to test which surface is the best emitter of
heat radiation.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
(b) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of an everyday situation in which a
convection current occurs.
Mark the path of the current with a line and show its direction with arrows. [3]
47. Fig. 4.1 shows apparatus that a student uses to make an estimate of the specific heat For
capacity of iron. Examiner’s
Use
iron block
Fig. 4.1
(a) The power of the heater is known. State the four readings the student must take to find
the specific heat capacity of iron.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
3. ......................................................................................................................................
4. ................................................................................................................................. [3]
(b) Write down an equation, in words or in symbols, that could be used to work out the
specific heat capacity of iron from the readings in (a).
[2]
104
7
(c) (i) Explain why the value obtained with this apparatus is higher than the actual value. For
Examiner’s
................................................................................................................................... Use
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) State one addition to the apparatus that would help to improve the accuracy of the
value obtained.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
105
8
5 8. (a) Fig. 5.1 shows the paths of a few air molecules and a single dust particle. The actual air For
molecules are too small to show on the diagram. Examiner’s
Use
paths of
air molecules
dust particle
Fig. 5.1
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
(b) Fig. 5.2 shows the paths of a few molecules leaving the surface of a liquid. The liquid is
below its boiling point.
Fig. 5.2
(i) State which liquid molecules are most likely to leave the surface.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
106
5
4 9. (a) State two differences between evaporation of water and boiling of water. For
Examiner’s
1. ...................................................................................................................................... Use
2. ..................................................................................................................................[2]
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(c) A laboratory determination of the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water uses a
120 W heater to keep water boiling at its boiling point. Water is turned into steam at the
rate of 0.050 g / s.
Calculate the value of the specific latent heat of vaporisation obtained from this
experiment. Show your working.
510. (a) Fig. 5.1 shows a tank used for evaporating salt solution to produce crystals. For
Examiner’s
Use
evaporating tank
steam in
salt solution
steam out
Fig. 5.1
Suggest two ways of increasing the rate of evaporation of the water from the solution.
Changes may be made to the apparatus, but the rate of steam supply must stay constant.
You may assume the temperature of the salt solution remains constant.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
..............................................................................................................................[1]
..............................................................................................................................[1]
(c) A toilet flush is operated by the compression of air. The air inside the flush has a
pressure of 1.0 × 105 Pa and a volume of 150 cm3. When the flush is operated the
volume is reduced to 50 cm3. The temperature of the air remains constant during this
process.
Calculate the new pressure of the air inside the flush.
pressure = .......................[2]
108
Topic 3:
Waves
Transverse Waves
Wavelength
amplitude
amplitude
Wavelength
Types of Waves
• Waves carry energy without matter being
transferred.
• Transverse.
• Longitudinal.
109
Transverse Waves
Longitudinal Waves
Reflection
• If waves hit a boundary, they will reflect.
Incident Reflected
wavefronts wavefronts
Reflecting
Surface
Normal
6
110
Refraction
• If a wave changes speed, its direction will change.
Incident
wavefronts
Boundary
Refracted
Wavefronts
Normal 7
Diffraction
• If a wave encounters a gap that is of a similar size as the
wavelength of the wave, we will get diffraction.
Period of a Wave
• The period of a wave is the time taken for the
wave to complete one cycle.
1
Period =
frequency
111
The Wave Equation
10
11
• The mirror produces a virtual upright image behind the mirror, the same size as
the object and at the same distance as the object.
Eye
Object Image 12
112
Refraction in a Rectangular
Block
Air Glass Air
r
i
r
i
13
Refractive Index
• When light moves through a medium, it is
slowed down.
14
Refraction
• When light moves from air to a medium it bends
towards the normal. The angles depend upon the
refractive index of the material concerned.
air medium
r
i
sin i
n=
sin r
15
113
Spectrum of Visible Light
• The colours of visible light can be arranged
according to their wavelength.
Dispersion
White light
screen
prism
17
Refraction in a Semi-Circular
Block
i C i r
Total
Critical
Refraction Internal
Angle
Reflection
18
114
Total Internal Reflection
• If the angle of Incidence is greater than the Critical
angle then the light undergoes TOTAL
INTERNAL REFLECTION.
19
Optical Fibres
Optical Fibre
20
Refracting Periscope
21
115
Keyhole Surgery
22
Converging Lens
focus focus
focal focal
length length
• The distance between the lens and the focus is called the “focal
length”
24
116
• Parallel light is converged to the focus.
• Light entering through the focus emerges
parallel.
25
Ray Diagrams
26
Problems
• Construct ray diagrams for the following:
27
117
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Long Wavelength Short Wavelength
28
Sound
• Sounds are produced when objects VIBRATE.
• Sound travels at about 340 m/s in air. It travels faster in liquids and faster still in
solids.
• Ultrasound is of a higher frequency than our ears can detect. (pre-natal scans, sonar)
29
Sound Waves
Low Frequency (Low pitch) and Large Low Frequency (Low pitch) and Small
Amplitude (Loud) Amplitude (Quiet)
High Frequency (High pitch) and Large High Frequency (High pitch) and Small
Amplitude (Loud) Amplitude (Quiet)
30
118
Wave Physics
Quantity and Symbol
Word equation / definition units
symbol equation
Waves transfer energy from one place to
Waves another without the mass movement of the
medium itself.
The oscillations are perpendicular to the
direction of wave travel. Examples include;
Transverse Waves
water waves, light, and any part of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
The oscillations are parallel to the direction
Longitudinal Waves
of wave travel. Example is Sound.
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum
cm
Amplitude displacement of the particles from their
m
equilibrium position.
Speed is the rate of change of distance of the
wave. It can be calculated using the cm/s
Wave Speed, v v=fλ
speed/distance/time equation or, m/s
Speed = frequency x wavelength
The distance between two adjacent crests, or
two adjacent troughs. Or the distance
between to adjacent points on a wave that are λ=v
Wavelength, λ m
in the same phase of motion. f
Wavelength = speed
frequency
The number of waves passing a point in 1
second, or the number of oscillations of a
f=v
Frequency, f particle or the source in 1 second Hertz, Hz
λ
Frequency = speed
wavelength
Time Period, T The time for one complete wave to pass a T = _1_
point or the time for one complete oscillation f
of a particle seconds
Time Period =_____1________
frequency
Refection The angle of incidence is equal to the angle i=r
of reflection.
Refraction Refraction is the change of direction that
occurs when waves enter, at an angle other
than 90o, a medium in which it travels at a
different speed.
Refractive Index, n Refractive index is n = sin i
the ratio of the sine of angle of incidence to sin r
the sine of the angle of refraction (Snell’s n=c
No units,
Law) v
it’s a
or the ratio of the speed of light in air or a n=R
ration
vacuum to the speed of light in the medium. A
or the ratio of the real depth to the apparent
depth
1
119
Critical Angle, C The Critical Angle occurs inside the more n = ___1___
dense medium and is the angle of incidence, sin C
at which the angle of refraction is 90o, i.e.
along the boundary between the mediums
Total Internal Total internal reflection occurs at angles
Reflection greater than the critical angle inside a more
dense medium.
Diffraction Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as
they pass through a gap. The narrower the
gap the more diffraction there is.
Dispersion Dispersion is the splitting of light into the
colours of the spectrum, due to the different
speeds at which these colours travel in the
prism.
Speed of Light And all other waves in the electromagnet 3.0 x108 m/s
spectrum
Monochromatic Monochromatic means of one frequency.
Therefore if monochromatic light is passed
through a triangular prism dispersion will not
occur.
Speed of Sound 330 m/s
2
120
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 1 Compilation
Waves
121
heat heat
9
A B
hot hot
water water
tank tank
heat heat
Water waves spread out on the surface of the water.
12
heat heat
2. A girl stands in front of a rock face.
25
0625/1/M/J/02 [Turn over
20 A drop of water from a tap falls onto the surface of some water of constant depth.
rock face
660 m
A The waves are longitudinal and travel at the same speed in all directions.
B The
Thegirl claps
waves her
are hands once.
longitudinal The
and speed
travel of quickly
more sound inin air
oneis direction
330 m / s.than in others.
C How
The long
waves
is itare transverse
before and the
she hears travel at the same speed in all directions.
echo?
D The waves are transverse and travel more quickly in one direction than in others.
2 x 660
______ 660
___ s 330
___ s 330
______
A s B C D s
330 330 660 2 x 660
213. A student measures how far a cork moves up and down on a wave in a tank of water.
ruler
cork
direction
of wave
A amplitude
B frequency
C speed
D wavelength
22
4. Alpha-particles, beta-particles, gamma-rays and infra-red radiation may all be emitted from a
solid.
0625/1/M/J/02
123
11
21
3 9
24
6. Four sound waves W, X, Y and Z are displayed by an oscilloscope screen. The oscilloscope
settings are the same in each case.
W X
Y Z
A W and X
B W and Y
C X and Y
D X and Z
227. Which statement is correct about the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
A camera B camera
film film
object object
C camera D camera
film film
object object
0625/01/M/J/03
125
11
248. A sound wave passes through the air, in the direction shown.
→
direction of travel of sound wave
500 m
cliffs
island
He shouts for help, but all he can hear in reply is the echo of his shout from some cliffs.
What is the time interval between the boy shouting and hearing the echo?
500 2 × 500 340 2 × 340
A s B s C s D s
340 340 500 500
126
10
20
10. Water waves change direction when they move from shallow water to deep water.
new wave
direction
original
wave
direction
deep
water
shallow
water
A diffraction
B dispersion
C reflection
D refraction
21
11. A vertical stick is dipped up and down in water at P. In two seconds, three wave crests are
produced on the surface of the water.
wave P
crests
127
11
22
12. A plane mirror is on a wall.
23
13. The diagram shows a ray of light entering a block of glass.
normal
ray of
light
2
air 1
glass 3
angle angle
of incidence of refraction
A 1 3
B 1 4
C 2 3
D 2 4
24
14. Thre e rays of light fall on a converging lens as shown.
lens
Which diagram shows the path of the rays after passing through the lens?
A B
C D
25
15. Which type of wave c a n n ot travel through a vacuum?
A infra-red radiation
B microwaves
C sound waves
D X-rays
U C L E S 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
129
9
clamp "
ice
table #
Y
DANGER - X
BLASTING
V W
20 The drawing shows a wave.
Which
After thelabelled distance
explosion, she is the wavelength?
hears two bangs. One bang is heard a fraction of a second after the
other.
A diffracted.
Why is steel unsuitable as the core of the electromagnet?
AB Itradiated.
is a good conductor of electricity.
BC Itreflected.
forms a permanent magnet.
CD Itrefracted.
has a high density.
D It has a high thermal capacity.
18. Which diagram correctly shows a ray of light passing through a rectangular glass block?
22
A B
C D
19.
23 The ray diagram shows how an image is formed by a converging lens.
9
24 cm 10 cm 8 cm
19 The diagram shows a block of ice placed in a warm room.
$
!
clamp "
ice
table #
What is the focal length of this lens?
A 8 cm B 10 cm C 18 cm D 24 cm
A
B
D
131
11
24 A fire alarm is not loud enough. An engine er adjusts it so that it produces a note of the same pitch
21.
which is louder.
What effect does this have on the amplitude and on the frequency of the sound?
amplitude frequency
A larger larger
B larger same
8
C same larger
19 Two
D plastic cups are placed
same sameone inside the other. Hot water is poured into the inner cup and a lid
is put on top as shown.
25 lid
22. To estimate the width of a valley, a climber starts a stopwatch as he shouts. H e he ars an echo
from the opposite side of the valley after 1.0 s.
small spacer
small air gap
sound
hot water
climber
bench
valley
Which statement is correct?
The H e at loss
A sound by radiation
travels at 340 m /iss.prevented by the small air gap.
B No he at passes through the sides of either cup.
What is the width of the valley?
C The bench is he ated by convection from the bottom of the outer cup.
A 85 m B 170 m C 340 m D 680 m
D The lid is used to reduce he at loss by convection.
24. Water waves travel more slowly in shallow water than in deep water.
21
Which diagram shows what will happen to plane waves in deep water when they enter shallow
water?
A B
deep shallow deep shallow
C D
deep shallow deep shallow
27. The diagram shows a man standing at X who shouts to a man standing at Y.
24
X
N
W E
The man’s voice will be heard sooner and more clearly if the wind is blowing towards the
A north.
B south.
C east.
D west.
25 Sounds are made by vibrating objects. A certain object vibrates but a person nearby cannot hear
any sound.
134
B convection
C evaporation
D radiation 9
lagging
21
30. A woman tunes her radio to a station broadcasting on 200 m.
tank
What does the 200 m tell her about the radio wave?
heater
A its amplitude
B its frequency
C its speed
What is the main process by which heat moves through the water?
D its wavelength
A conduction
B convection
C evaporation
D radiation
What does the 200 m tell her about the radio wave?
A its amplitude
B its frequency
C its speed
D its wavelength
135
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 3 Compilation
Waves
136
7 For
Examiner’s
Use
5 1. Fig. 5.1 shows an arrangement where a plane mirror is used in a shop to watch a display
counter. The arrangement is drawn to a scale of 1 cm : 1 m.
plane mirror
P wall
display counter
Fig. 5.1
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) On Fig. 5.1, draw rays to show how much of the display cannot be seen from P.
Indicate this by shading in the part that cannot be seen.
[3]
(b) By construction on Fig. 5.1 and by using the scale, calculate how far the mirror must be
moved so that all of the display counter can be seen from P.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(a) During a lightning flash, the average wavelength of the light emitted is 5 × 10–7 m. This
light travels at 3 × 108 m/s.
(b) The interval between the lightning flash being seen and the thunder being heard is
3.6 s. The speed of sound in air is 340 m/s.
(i) Calculate the distance between the thunderstorm and the observer.
distance = ............................................
(ii) Explain why the speed of light is not taken into account in this calculation.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[3]
(c) A single ray of white light from the lightning is incident on a prism as shown in Fig. 6.1.
prism
screen
ray of
light
Fig. 6.1
Complete the path of the ray to show how a spectrum is formed on the screen. Label the
colours. [2]
0625/3/M/J/02
138
7 For
Examiner’s
Use
63. Fig. 6.1 shows wavefronts of light crossing the edge of a glass block from air into glass.
air
direction in which
wavefronts
are moving
glass
edge of glass
Fig. 6.1
(i) draw in an incident ray, a normal and a refracted ray that meet at the same point on
the edge of the glass block,
(ii) label the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction,
(iii) measure the two angles and record their values.
(b) Explain why the sound waves always reach the observer after the light waves.
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) The speed of sound waves in air may be determined by experiment using a source that
generates light waves and sound waves at the same time.
(i) Draw a labelled diagram of the arrangement of suitable apparatus for the
experiment.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain how you would calculate the speed of sound in air from your readings.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
0625/3/M/J/03
140
8 For
Examiner’s
Use
65. Fig. 6.1 shows a ray PQ of blue light incident on the side of a rectangular glass block.
A B
glass
C D
Q air
P Fig. 6.1
Fig. 6.1
(a) (i) By drawing on Fig. 6.1, continue the ray PQ through and beyond the block.
(ii) Mark the angle of incidence at CD with the letter i and the angle of refraction at CD
with the letter r.
[3]
(b) The speed of light in air is 3.0 x 108 m/s and the speed of light in glass is 2.0 x 108 m/s.
(i) Write down a formula that gives the refractive index of glass in terms of the
speeds of light in air and glass.
refractive index =
(c) The frequency of the blue light in ray PQ is 6.0 x 1014 Hz.
Calculate the wavelength of this light in air.
wavelength = ……………..……[2]
141
9 For
Examiner’s
Use
76. Fig. 7.1 shows the cone of a loudspeaker that is producing sound waves in air.
At any given moment, a series of compressions and rarefactions exist along the line XY.
cone
X Y
wires
air
Fig. 7.1
(a) On Fig. 7.1, use the letter C to mark three compressions and the letter R to mark three
rarefactions along XY. [1]
(i) a compression,
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) a rarefaction.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) A sound wave is a longitudinal wave. With reference to the sound wave travelling along
XY in Fig. 7.1, explain what is meant by a longitudinal wave.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) There is a large vertical wall 50 m in front of the loudspeaker. The wall reflects the
sound waves.
The speed of sound in air is 340 m/s.
Calculate the time taken for the sound waves to travel from X to the wall and to return
to X.
time = …………………[2]
67. Fig. 6.1 shows a ray of light OPQ passing through a semi-circular glass block. For
Examiner’s
Use
O
30°
Fig. 6.1
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) State the changes, if any, that occur to the speed, wavelength and frequency of the light
as it enters the glass block.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) At Q some of the light in ray OPQ is reflected and some is refracted.
On Fig. 6.1, draw in the approximate positions of the reflected ray and the refracted ray.
Label these rays. [2]
(d) The refractive index for light passing from glass to air is 0.67.
Calculate the angle of refraction of the ray that is refracted at Q into air.
143
10
78. Fig. 7.1 shows the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. For
Examiner’s
Use
v
i
γ - rays and X - rays ultra- s infra- radio
violet i red waves
b
l
e
Fig. 7.1
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Some γ-rays emitted from a radioactive source have a speed in air of 3.0 x 108 m/s and
a wavelength of 1.0 x 10–12 m.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
144
7
69. Fig. 6.1 shows white light incident at P on a glass prism. Only the refracted red ray PQ is For
shown in the prism. Examiner’s
Use
P red ray
Q
t
white ligh
screen
Fig. 6.1
(a) On Fig. 6.1, draw rays to complete the path of the red ray and the whole path of the
violet ray up to the point where they hit the screen. Label the violet ray. [3]
(b) The angle of incidence of the white light is increased to 40°. The refractive index of the
glass for the red light is 1.52.
Calculate the angle of refraction at P for the red light.
(ii) the red light after it leaves the prism at Q. speed = ........................ [1]
710. Fig. 7.1 shows how the air pressure at one instant varies with distance along the path of a For
continuous sound wave. Examiner’s
Use
air pressure
normal P X Y
air pressure distance in direction
of travel of the wave
Fig. 7.1
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) Describe the motion of a group of air particles situated on the path of the wave shown in
Fig. 7.1.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) The sound wave shown has speed of 340 m / s and a frequency of 200 Hz.
Calculate the distance represented by PX on Fig. 7.1.
distance = ........................[2]
146
Topic 4:
Electricity & Magnetism
Charge
• Charge is a property that objects can have.
Charging by Friction
• When two insulators are rubbed together,
ELECTRONS are transferred from one to the other
and the objects become charged.
147
Polythene Rods
• Polythene rods gain a negative charge when rubbed
with a cloth.
Perspex Rods
• Perspex rods gain a positive charge when rubbed
with a cloth.
Gold Leaf
Metal Case
• It consists of a metal (conductor) cap and rod with a thin piece of gold
foil (conductor) connected.
148
The Law of Electrostatics
• If charged objects are placed beside each other, they
experience a force.
repel repel
attract attract
Summary of Quantities
Unit’s
Quantity Symbol Unit
Symbol
Current I Ampere A
Potential
Difference V Volt V
(Voltage)
Resistance R Ohm Ω
9
149
Current/Voltage Graphs
10
Ohmic Resistors
• Ohmic resistors have a proportional relationship between
current and pd. This is because the resistance remains
constant for all voltages.
current
p.d.
11
Filament Lamp
• A filament lamp or standard resistor does not ‘behave
itself ’ as well as an ohmic resistor. The resistance increases
with voltage as the wire gets hotter.
current
p.d.
12
150
The Diode
• The diode’s behaviour depends upon its direction in the
circuit. It allows current to flow in the positive direction
but blocks it in the negative direction. It can be thought
of as an electric valve.
current
p.d.
0.7 V
13
Ohm’s Law
• Ohm’s Law states that the current in, and voltage
across a conductor are proportional provided that
the temperature and other physical quantities
remain the same.
14
V1 V2 Vt = V1 + V2 + ...
15
151
Current in Series Circuits
• In a series circuit the Current is the same at all
points in the circuit. This is because of the
conservation of charge.
It It
I t = I1 = I 2 = ...
I1 I2 I3
16
Rt Rt = R1 + R2 + ...
R1 R2
17
V1
Vt = V1 = V2 = ...
V2
18
152
Current in Parallel Circuits
• In a Parallel circuit the current supplying the
strands splits. Because of the conservation of
charge:
It
I1
I t = I1 + I 2 + ...
I2
19
Resistance in Parallel
Rt
1 1 1
R1 = + + ...
Rt R1 R2
R2
20
Resistance
V (V )
R(Ω) =
I(A)
21
153
Current
• Current is the rate at which charge (coulombs) passes a point in
a circuit.
Q(C)
I(A) =
t(s)
22
Potential Difference
• Electrical Energy is given to the charges in a cell (battery). This energy is
given up in the components.
ΔEnergy(J )
V (V ) =
Q(C)
23
I
V1=IR1 V2=IR2
154
Simpler Design
Vt
I
V1
25
Task
• Using the 12V setting on the power pack, a
variable resistor, a voltmeter a bulb and leads,
construct a circuit that supplies the bulb with
exactly 4.56 V.
26
Energy = VIt
27
155
Power in D.C. Circuits
ΔEnergy
Since Power =
t
VIt
so Power =
t
Power = VI
28
V2
P = VI P=I R 2
P=
R
29
Conductors
• Increasing the temperature of a conductor will
increase its resistance since this will lead to more
electron collisions.
30
156
Semiconductors
The Transistor
collector
base
emitter
Transistor
+6V
0V
As the temperature drops, the resistance of the
thermistor ................... The voltage across b-e will....................
and the transistor is switched-on and the bulb lights.
Possible Use:
33
157
Transistor +6V
0V
34
Transistor
+6V
0V
35
Transistor
+6V
0V
36
158
The Diode
• The Diode is an electronic ‘valve’.
37
The Capacitor
• A capacitor charges-up when a current flows, and
discharges when the current is removed.
38
Rectification Circuit
A.C.
Input D.C.
Output
39
159
A.C Voltage
Half-Wave
Rectified
Half-Wave
Rectified and
Smoothed
40
41
Electronic Systems
• There are three stages to an electronic system:
42
160
NOT Gate
A B
A B
0 1
1 0
43
OR Gate
A B C
A
C 0 0 0
B
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1
44
AND Gate
A B C
A
0 0 0
C
B 0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1
45
161
Tasks
• Build an alarm clock for a deaf person that will light up at dawn.
• Build a eco-friendly device that would tell you if your pool was too
cold for swimming. The device should light up when you press a
button.
• Build a fire alarm that activates a buzzer and a warning light when it
gets too hot. The alarm should have a test button for the battery.
46
Heating
Element
Cathode
Vacuum
47
48
162
Uses of Cathode Rays
49
Magnets
• There are two types of magnetic pole, North and
South.
Magnetising and
Demagnetising
• Methods of magnetising include:
• Stroking
• Heating
• Hammering
• AC coil
51
163
Permanent Magnets vs
Electromagnets
• Permanent magnets keep their magnetism and need
no power source. Their strength not easy to control.
52
If a current is
passed through
a wire, a circular
magnetic field is
generated
around the wire.
53
If the current is
reversed, the
direction of the
magnetic field is
reversed.
54
164
Right-Hand Grip Rule
• The Right-Hand Grip
allows us to predict the
direction of the circular
field lines around a wire.
In a Solenoid,
the Magnetic
field from each
loop adds to
give a strong
magnetic field
through the
middle of the
coil.
57
165
Field Around a Coil
The magnetic field around a
solenoid is similar to that of
a bar magnet.
58
The Relay
• A relay is a device that uses electromagnetism to allow a
small current to switch-on a large current.
small
large
current
iron current
spring starter
motor
59
small
current
large
current
non-magnetic magnetic reed
reed 60
166
The Motor Effect
• If a current is placed in a magnetic field, the wire is forced
out.
S N
61
N S
62
thuMb - Movement
63
167
The DC Motor
• If we pass a current through a loop of wire, and
place it in a magnetic field, we get forces due to
the motor effect.
S N
commutator
64
Design Improvements
• Increasing the supply voltage (current) increases the
strength of the motor.
65
Induction
• Electromagnetic Induction can be seen as the opposite to
the Motor Effect.
Electrical Kinetic
Motor Effect
Energy Energy
Kinetic Electrical
Induction
Energy Energy
A current is induced
when the magnet is
moved through the
coil, but no current is
G induced when the
magnet is stationary.
66
168
Induced Current
• If the wire is pushed downwards, it will cut field lines
and a current will be induced into the page as shown.
S N
67
Generating AC
• If a coil spins in a magnetic field, an AC Voltage is
induced.
S N
68
Uses of Induction
• Microphone
• Bicycle Dynamo
69
169
Transformer Overview
70
Primary Secondary
Circuit (AC) NP NS Circuit (AC)
VS
VP
71
Transformer Equation
• If the number of coils increase, we have a step-up
transformer and the voltage increases in the same
ratio.
170
Energy Considerations
• Since Power in a circuit is given by P=VI, we can
calculate the electrical power in the primary and
secondary circuits:
PP = VP I P PS = VS I S
• If we assume the transformer to be 100%
efficient, we have:
VP I P = VS I S
73
171
Electricity and Magnetism
Quantity and Symbol
Word equation / definition units
symbol equation
Charge = current x time Coulombs,
Charge, q, Q Q=It
The charge on one electron is 1.6 x 10-19 C, As
An electric field is a region in which an
electric charge experiences a force. The
Electric Field
direction of the field is the direction in which
a positive test charge would move.
The electro-motive force, or E.M.F., is
Electro-motive
defined as the amount of energy supplied by
force, E, E.M.F., V
a source in driving charge around a complete
e.m.f.
circuit.
The potential difference is the energy
Potential Difference, difference per coulomb of charge that the V
1 V = 1 J/C
p.d.,V current is carrying before and after a mV
component.
Current is the rate of flow of charge.
Conventional current is from positive to I=Q A
Current, I
negative. This is the opposite direction to the t mA
flow of electrons.
Resistance is a property of a material that
opposes the flow of current. R=V Ohms
Resistance, R
Resistance = potential difference I Ω
current
Resistance is directly proportional to the
Ohms
Resistance, R length of a piece of wire, for constant RαL
Ω
temperature and cross-section area.
Resistance is indirectly proportional to the
cross-section area of a piece of wire, for Rα1 Ohms
Resistance, R
constant temperature and length. Material A Ω
and temperature also affect the resistance.
The current in a series circuit is the same at
every point. The sum of the p.d.’s across the
Series Circuits
components in a series circuit is equal to the
total p.d. across the supply.
The current from the source is the sum of the
currents in the separate branches of a parallel
Parallel Circuits
circuit. The p.d.’s across each parallel branch
in a parallel circuit is the same.
Total resistance = the sum of the resistors in Ohms
Resistors, in series RT = R1 + R2
series Ω
The combined resistance of 2 resistors in
1 1 1 Ohms
Resistors, in parallel parallel is less than that of either resistor by
RT = R1 + R2 Ω
itself.
Electrical Energy, E Electrical energy = potential difference x
E=VIt Joules, J
current x time
Electrical Power, P Electrical power = potential difference x P=IV Watts, W
1
172
current
Or Electrical power = potential difference2 P = V2
resistance R
Or Electrical power = current2 x resistance P = I2R
Electromagnetic A changing magnetic field can induce a
Induction e.m.f. in a closed circuit. The direction of the
induced e.m.f. opposes the change causing it.
Transformer, (for Ratio of the potential difference in the
100% efficiency) primary coil to the secondary coil is equal to
the ratio of the number of turns on the np/ns = Vp/Vs No units,
primary to the secondary, and equal to the =Is/Ip it’s a ratio
ratio of the current in the secondary to the
current in the primary
The Motor Effect A current carrying wire in a magnetic field
experiences a force. The direction of that
force can be worked out using Fleming’s
Left Hand Rule.
Thermionic A heated piece of metal will release
Emission electrons.
2
173
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 1 Compilation
174
15
12
1. When electricity is transmitted over long distances, energy is wasted. How can the wasted
34
25 energy
A girl stands
be keptinasfront of as
small a rock face.
possible?
300 turns
30 turns
12 V a.c. voltmeter
V
a.c.
The girl claps her hands once. The speed of sound in air is 330 m / s.
What is the voltmeter reading?
How long is it before she hears the echo?
A 1.2 V B 12 V C 120 V D 1200 V
2 x 660
______ 660
___ s 330
___ s 330
______
A s B C D s
330 330 660 2 x 660
26
3. Which diagram best shows the pattern of field lines around a bar magnet?
A B
N S N S
C D
N S N S
175
13
274. Which materials are suitable to make a permanent magnet and the core of an electromagnet?
A iron iron
B iron steel
C steel iron
D steel steel
6. Which of the following pieces of copper wire has the greatest electrical resistance?
29
length / m diameter / mm
A 5.0 0.05
B 5.0 0.10
C 50 0.05
D 50 0.10
20 Ω
10 Ω
A less than 10 Ω
B 10 Ω
C 20 Ω
D more than 20 Ω
space
Which component should be connected in the space to make the lamp light?
A B C D
329. Why are the electric lamps in a house lighting circuit normally connected in parallel?
33
10. In the circuit shown, one of the fuses blows and all the lamps go out.
+ –
B C
D
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177
16
36
11. The diagram shows part of a circuit used to switch street lamps on and off automatically.
LDR
–
What is the effect on the light-dependent resistor (LDR) when it gets dark?
A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases
37
12. An alternating potential difference (p.d.) is applied to the Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope.
The time-base is turned off.
A B C D
38 What is a beta-particle?
A a helium nucleus
B a high-energy electron
C four protons
D two neutrons
0625/1/M/J/02
178
12
13. A student wishes to use a magnetising coil to make a permanent magnet from a piece of metal.
26
metal
A aluminium
B copper
C iron
D steel
14. A metal rod XY is placed near a magnet. End X is attracted when it is placed near to the north pole
27
of the magnet, and also when it is placed near to the south pole.
X Y
N N
attraction
X Y
S S
attraction
How does end Y behave when it is placed, in turn, near to the two poles of the magnet?
0625/01/M/J/03
179
13
15. When the potential difference (p.d.) across a piece of resistance wire is changed, the current
28
through the wire also changes.
Which graph shows how the p.d. and current are related?
A B C D
0 0 0 0
0 p.d. 0 p.d. 0 p.d. 0 p.d.
16. Two faulty ammeters and two perfect ammeters are connected in series in the circuit shown.
29
A1 A2 A3 A4
A1 2.9 A
A2 3.1 A
A3 3.1 A
A4 3.3 A
17. Which electrical component would not normally be found in a battery-operated torch (flashlight)?
30
A B C D
180
14
31
18. A student connects two lamps in the circuit shown.
A 1 and 2
B 1, 2 and 3
C 1 and 3
D 2 and 3
32
19. A student makes four circuits.
A B
C D
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181
15
33
20. Four lamps are labelled ‘60 W 240 V’.
In which circuit are the lamps connected so that they all work at normal brightness?
A B C D
240 V 240 V 240 V 240 V
34
21. The diagram shows a solenoid connected to a sensitive voltmeter.
S
magnet
solenoid
V
182
16
35
21. The diagram shows a transformer with an alternating voltage of 100 V applied to the primary coil.
secondary coil
primary coil
36
22. The diagram below shows the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope tube.
spot of light
A B
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – + –
C D
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – + –
0625/01/M/J/03
183
17
P Z
thermometer
X
Y
DANGER - X
BLASTING
water
V W
After
Whenthetheexplosion, sheof hears
temperature two isbangs.
the water One the
increased, bang is heard
reading a fraction
on the ammeter of increases.
a second after the
other.
What is component X?
The second bang is an echo from
AA a capacitor
XY.
BB a light-dependent resistor
PV.
CC a reed relay
ZY.
DD a thermistor
WX.
39 An
25. Theelectromagnet
28 half-life of a radioactive substance
is used to separate is 5 hours.
magnetic A sample
metals is tested and metals.
from non-magnetic found to contain 0.48 g
of the substance.
Why is steel unsuitable as the core of the electromagnet?
How much of the substance was present in the sample 20 hours before the sample was tested?
A It is a good conductor of electricity.
A 0.03 g
B It forms a permanent magnet.
B 0.12 g
C It has a high density.
C 1.92 g
D It has a high thermal capacity.
D 7.68 g
184
14
26. Which circuit shows how a voltmeter is connected to measure the potential difference across the
29
cell?
A B C D
V 11 V
V
24 A fire alarm is not loud enough. An engineer adjusts it so that it producesV a note of the same pitc
which is louder.
What effect does this have on the amplitude and on the frequency of the sound?
27.
30 A polythene rod repels an inflated balloon hanging from a nylon thread.
amplitude
What charges must the rod frequency
and the balloon carry?
A larger larger
A The rod and the balloon carry opposite charges.
B larger same
B The rod and the balloon carry like charges.
C same larger
C The rod is charged but the balloon is not.
D same same
D The balloon is charged but the rod is not.
25 To estimate the width of a valley, a climber starts a stopwatch as he shouts. He hears an ech
28.
31 Anfrom
electrical component
the opposite is of
side to be
theplaced
valley in the 1.0
after circuit
s. at Z, to allow the brightness of the lamp to
be varied from bright to dim.
sound
climber
Z
valley
What should be connected at Z?
The sound travels at 340 m / s.
A B C D
What is the width of the valley?
V
A 85 m B 170 m C 340 m D 680 m
A aluminium
B copper
C iron
D steel
185
15
30. The circuit shown contains four lamps and thre e switches.
32
switch 1
lamp 1
switch 2 lamp 2
lamp 3
switch 3
lamp 4
A switch 1 only
B switch 1 and switch 2 only
C switch 1 and switch 3 only
D switch 2 and switch 3 only
31. The diagram shows a torch containing two 2 V cells, a switch and a lamp.
33
plastic
case
brass
connecting switch
strip lamp
A B C D
A B
current current
C D
current current
187
17
34. A student carries out an experiment to se e the effect of a magnetic field on a wire carrying a
36
current.
wire moves
upwards
N S
direction
of current
35. A be am of cathode rays passes through an electric field betwe en two parallel plates.
37
+ + + + + +
cathode rays
_ _ _ _ _ _
36. A brass rod is positioned in an east-west direction and a plotting compass is placed at each end.
27
brass rod
N
plotting
compass
Which diagram shows the positions of the needles of the plotting compasses?
aluminium
silver
iron
plastic
A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
189
13
38. In which circuit does the voltmeter read the potential difference across the lamp?
29
A B
V V
C D
6V
switch
X
A X
Y
A
Z
A
X Y Z
A 2A 3A 5A
B 3A 2A 5A
C 3A 3A 3A
D 5A 2A 3A
41. A lamp is to be connected in a circuit so that the p.d. across it can be varied from 0 to 6 V.
32
A B
6V 6V
C D
6V 6V
191
15
5 A fuse
43. Which graph shows the output voltage from a simple a.c. generator?
34
voltage
A 0
time
voltage
B 0
time
voltage
C 0
time
voltage
D 0
time
44. A transformer has 50 turns on its primary coil and 100 turns on its secondary coil. An a.c. voltage
35
of 25.0 V is connected across the primary coil.
25.0 V
primary coil
secondary coil
50 turns
100 turns
45. Two circuits are set up as shown. The iron rods are placed close together, and are fre e to move.
36
A It decre ases.
B It decre ases then incre ases.
C It incre ases.
D It does not change.
– +
A B C
© U C L E S 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
193
11
47. A student investigates which end of a magnetic compass needle is attracted to a bar magnet.
26
A Both ends of the compass needle are attracted by the north pole of the magnet.
B Both ends of the compass needle are attracted by the south pole of the magnet.
C One end of the compass needle is attracted by the north pole and the other end by the south
pole.
D The compass needle is not attracted by either end of the magnet.
48.
27 From which materials are the coil and the core of an electromagnet made?
coil core
A copper copper
B copper iron
C iron copper
D iron iron
49. What are the symbols used for the units of current and resistance?
28
A A W
B A Ω
C V W
D V Ω
50.
29 When a plastic comb is placed next to a small piece of aluminium foil hanging from a nylon
thread, the foil is repelled by the comb.
Why is this?
A B C D
52. F our lamps and four switches are connected to a power supply as shown in the circuit diagram.
31
When all the switches are closed, all the lamps are lit.
When one of the switches is then opened, only one lamp goes out.
A B
C D
Which of the four labelled points in the circuit is the only one where the current is less than 2 A?
A
A
C D
195
13
N S
coil X coil Y
24 V 6V
What are suitable numbers of turns for coil X and for coil Y?
A 240 60
B 240 240
C 240 960
D 960 60
Which line in the table shows the charge and the temperature of the anode?
A negative cool
B negative hot
C positive cool
D positive hot
197
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 3 Compilation
198
9 For
Examiner’s
Use
71. (a) Two non-conducting spheres, made of different materials, are initially uncharged. They
are rubbed together. This causes one of the spheres to become positively charged and
one negatively charged.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Once charged, the two spheres are separated, as shown in Fig. 7.1.
+ + – –
+ + + – – –
+ + – –
Fig. 7.1
On Fig. 7.1, draw the electric field between the two spheres. Indicate by arrows the
direction of the electric field lines. [2]
(c) A conducting wire attached to a negatively charged metal object is connected to earth.
This allows 2.0 × 1010 electrons, each carrying a charge of 1.6 × 10–19 C, to flow to
earth in 1.0 × 10–3 s.
Calculate
charge .....................................
current .....................................
[3]
T1
240 V a.c.
T2
primary secondary
Fig. 8.1
(b) Fig. 8.2 shows the 15 V output across the secondary coil.
potential
difference
time
Fig. 8.2
On the same axes, sketch the graph of the potential difference across the terminals T1
and T2 before the battery is connected. [2]
(c) Explain how the circuit converts an a.c. supply into a d.c. output.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(d) On Fig. 8.1, draw in a battery connected so that it may be charged. [1]
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200
11 For
Examiner’s
Use
(e) When fully charged, the 12V battery can supply a current of 2.0 A for 30 hours (1.08 ×
105 s).
Calculate
power = ......................................
(ii) the total energy that the battery will supply during the 30 hours.
energy = ......................................
[4]
9 Fig. 9.1 shows three resistors connected across a low voltage d.c. supply, and a c.r.o.
A d.c. F
supply
B C D E
Y input
Fig. 9.1
3. (a) Explain how you would use a 1 V d.c. supply to calibrate the c.r.o.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) On Fig. 9.1, draw in the connections between the c.r.o. and the circuit so that the
potential difference between points C and D may be measured. [2]
(c) The potential differences between A and F, B and C, C and D, and D and E are
measured.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
6.0 V
Fig. 8.1
(a) Calculate
current = ..................................
resistance = ..................................
energy = ..................................
[6]
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(a) Calculate
power = ..................................
voltage = ..................................
[4]
(b) Explain
(i) what is meant by the statement that the transformer is 100% efficient,
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) how the transformer changes an input voltage into a different output voltage.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
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203
11 For
Examiner’s
Use
106. Fig. 10.1 and Fig. 10.2 show two views of a vertical wire carrying a current up through a
horizontal card. Points P and Q are marked on the card.
vertical
P Q
wire
(i) draw a complete magnetic field line (line of force) through P and indicate its
direction with an arrow,
(ii) draw an arrow through Q to indicate the direction in which a compass placed at Q
would point.
[3]
(b) State the effect on the direction in which compass Q points of
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) Fig. 10.3 shows the view from above of another vertical wire carrying a current up
through a horizontal card. A cm grid is marked on the card. Point W is 1 cm vertically
above the top surface of the card.
T vertical
wire carrying
R S current
Fig. 10.3
State the magnetic field strength at S, T and W in terms of the magnetic field strength
at R. Use one of the alternatives, weaker, same strength or stronger for each answer.
at S ........................................................................
at T ........................................................................
at W........................................................................ [3]
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204
10 For
Examiner’s
Use
87. Fig. 8.1 shows a 240 V a.c. mains circuit to which a number of appliances are connected and
switched on.
Fig. 8.1
power = …………..[1]
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) State two advantages of connecting the appliances in parallel rather than in series.
advantage 1 ...............................................................................................................
advantage 2 ...............................................................................................................
[3]
(c) Calculate
current = …………..
energy = …………..
resistance = …………..
[7]
© UCLES 2004 0625/03 M/J/04
205
11 For
Examiner’s
Use
9 8. Electromagnetic induction can be demonstrated using a solenoid, a magnet, a sensitive
ammeter and connecting wire.
(a) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus set up to demonstrate
electromagnetic induction. [2]
(b) State one way of using the apparatus to produce an induced current.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) Without changing the apparatus, state what must be done to produce
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
2 3
1 A 4
A
0
5
Fig. 10.1
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) (i) Name the components from which logic gates are made.
...............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) In the space below, draw the symbol for an AND gate.
Label the inputs and the output. [1]
(iii) Describe the action of an AND gate with two inputs. [2]
207
11
810. A student has a power supply, a resistor, a voltmeter, an ammeter and a variable resistor.
For
Examiner’s
(a) The student obtains five sets of readings from which he determines an average value Use
for the resistance of the resistor.
In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of a circuit that he could use.
[3]
(b) Describe how the circuit should be used to obtain the five sets of readings.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
6.0 V
A
resistor resistor of
3.0 Ω unknown value
Fig. 8.1
(ii) Calculate the charge passing through the 3.0 Ω resistor in 120 s.
208
12
911. (a) Fig. 9.1 shows an a.c. supply connected to a resistor and a diode. For
Examiner’s
Use
resistor
a.c. supply output
Fig. 9.1
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) On Fig. 9.2, sketch graphs to show the variation of the a.c. supply voltage and the
output voltage with time.
a.c. supply
voltage
0
time
output
voltage
0
time
Fig. 9.2
[2]
(b) (i) In the space below, draw the symbol for a NOT gate.
[1]
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
209
14
11
12. Fig. 11.1 shows a flexible wire hanging between two magnetic poles. The flexible wire is For
connected to a 12 V d.c. supply that is switched off. Examiner’s
Use
+
N S 12 V d.c.
–
Fig. 11.1
(a) Explain why the wire moves when the supply is switched on.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) When the wire first moves, energy is changed from one form to another. State these two
forms of energy.
210
15
(d) Fig. 11.2 shows the flexible wire made into a rigid rectangular coil and mounted on an For
axle. Examiner’s
Use
magnetic pole
axle
N N
coil
S S
magnetic pole
axle
Fig. 11.2
(i) Add to the diagram an arrangement that will allow current to be fed into the coil
whilst allowing the coil to turn continuously. Label the parts you have added. [1]
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
211
9
A C B R
4.0 Ω
one metre resistance wire
sliding
contact
Fig. 8.1
current = ........................[2]
(b) The sliding contact C is moved to A. The lamp lights at its normal brightness.
Calculate
resistance = ........................[1]
(i) Describe any change that occurs in the brightness of the lamp.
..............................................................................................................................[1]
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[2]
(d) The 1 m wire between A and B, as shown in Fig. 8.1, has a resistance of 2.0 Λ.
Calculate the resistance between A and B when
resistance = ........................[1]
(ii) the 1 m length is replaced by a 1 m length of a wire of the same material but of only
half the cross-sectional area.
resistance = ........................[1]
914. A transformer is needed to step down a 240 V a.c. supply to a 12 V a.c. output. For
Examiner’s
(a) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of a suitable transformer. [3] Use
(b) Explain
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[1]
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[2]
Calculate
power = ........................[1]
energy = ........................[1]
213
11
15. (a) Fig. 10.1 shows a positively charged plastic rod, a metal plate resting on an insulator,
10 For
and a lead connected to earth. Examiner’s
Use
positively charged
plastic rod
metal plate
lead connected
insulator
to earth
Fig. 10.1
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
Calculate
charge = ............................
Background Radiation
• Whenever radioactivity from a sample is measured,
background radioactivity interferes with the
readings.
α-Particle Emission
• The nucleus is unstable and needs to eject mass.
α-particle
215
β -Particle Emission
• Nucleus unstable. A neutron needs to change into a
proton.
β-particle
γ-Radiation
• Nucleus excited and too much energy.
• γ -ray emitted.
γ-ray
Properties of Radioactivity
• Nature
• Penetration
• Ionisation
• Dangerous
• Speed
216
Detecting Radioactivity
• Radioactivity is detected using a GM tube. This
detects the ionisation in a low pressure tube. It is
often connected to a counter.
Summary of Radioactivity
Sub-Atomic Particles
• There are three subatomic particles.
Proton +1 1 AMU
Electron -1 Negligible
217
Rutherford Scattering
• Large + α-particles are fired at gold atoms.
10
Gold
Nucleus
11
Nuclear Notation
X
A
12
218
Isotopes
13
Half-Life
• Over time, the number of particles in a radioactive
sample decreases, and so does the activity of the
sample.
14
Decay Curve
Number of Particles
1000000
750000
500000
250000
0
0 25 50 75 100
Time
A similar shaped curve is produced for the activity of the sample
against time with the same half-life.
15
219
Nuclear Reactions
• A nuclear reaction is a ‘random’ process.
16
Nuclear Equations
• Nuclear reactions are shown with an equation.
17
Examples of Nuclear
Equations
14
7 N + 24α → 178 O + 11 H
238
92 U→ Th + 24α
234
90
1
0 n → 11 p + −10 β
54 Xe + −1 β
I → 131
131 0
53
18
220
Nuclear and Atomic Physics
Quantity and Symbol
Word equation / definition charge
symbol equation
Positive particle found in the nucleus of an 1
Proton, p 1p +1
atom.
Negative particle found in orbits around the 0
Electron, e -1e -1
nucleus of an atom.
1
Neutron, n Neutral particle found in the nucleus 0n 0
Nucleon Any particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
A
ZX
Nuclide notation
Where X is the symbol for the nuclide
Proton Number, Z The number of protons in the nucleus
Nucleon Number, A The number of nucleons in the nucleus
A helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons
4
Alpha Particle, α and 2 neutrons, given out when a nucleus 2 α +2
decays
A high speed electron, given off when a
neutron in the nucleus decays in to a proton 0
Beta Particle, β -1β -1
and beta particle. The proton remains in the
nucleus.
Electromagnetic radiation, sometimes given 0
Gamma Ray, γ 0γ 0
off when a nucleus decays.
There is a small amount of radiation around
us all the time because of radioactive
Background
materials in the environment. It is mainly
Radiation
from sources such as soil, rock, air, building
materials, food and drink, and even space.
Radioactive decay is a random, spontaneous
Radioactive Decay event that cannot be change by chemical or
physical methods.
A A-4 4
Alpha Decay ZX → Z-2Y + 2 α
A A 0
Beta Decay ZX → Z+1Y + -1β
A A 0
Gamma Decay ZX → ZX + 0γ
The half life of a radioactive source is the
Half Life time taken for half the available particle to
decay. It is constant for a source.
The atoms of one element are not all exactly
alike. Some may have more neutrons than
others. These different versions of the
element are called isotopes. They have
Isotopes
identical chemical properties, although the
atoms have different masses. Isotopes have
the same proton number, but different
neutron numbers
221
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 1 Compilation
222
17
absorber counter
LDR
–
What is the effect on the light-dependent resistor (LDR) when it gets dark?
22
3.
40 10 Ne represents anAatom of neon. B C D
A 10 B 12 C 22 D 32
38
4. What is a beta-particle?
A a helium nucleus
B a high-energy electron
C four protons
D two neutrons
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0625/1/M/J/02
223
17
absorber counter
When a piece of paper is used as the absorber, the count rate drops to the background count
rate.
A alpha only
B beta only
C gamma only
D alpha, beta and gamma
7.
40 22
10 Ne represents an atom of neon.
A 10 B 12 C 22 D 32
0625/1/M/J/02
224
When the temperature of the water is increased, the reading on the ammeter increases.
18
What is component X?
8. An atom of lithium contains three protons and three electrons.
40
A a capacitor
The nucleon number (mass number) of the atom is 7.
B a light-dependent resistor
How
C many
a reedneutrons
relay are there in the atom?
AD 3a thermistor
B 4 C 7 D 10
38
9. Which type of radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper?
A α-particles
B β-particles
C γ-rays
D X-rays
39
10. The half-life of a radioactive substance is 5 hours. A sample is tested and found to contain 0.48 g
of the substance.
How much of the substance was present in the sample 20 hours before the sample was tested?
A 0.03 g
B 0.12 g
C 1.92 g
D 7.68 g
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18
38
11. Which line correctly describes -particles?
penetrates 1 cm
electric charge
of aluminium?
A negative yes
B negative no
C positive yes
D positive no
39
12. A small amount of a radioactive isotope contains 72 billion unstable nuclei. The half-life of the
isotope is 4 hours.
A 6 billion
B 9 billion
C 18 billion
D 24 billion
40
13. How many nucleons are in a nucleus of 19 K
39
?
A 19 B 20 C 39 D 58
U C L E S 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
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17
14. Which type of radiation has the gre atest ionising effect?
38
A -particles
B -particles
C -rays
D all have the same ionising effect
A 0 mg B 40 mg C 100 mg D 200 mg
16. In the symbol below, A is the nucleon number and Z is the proton number.
40
Z
X
What is represented by the symbol?
A an electron
B a neutron
C a nuclide
D an X-ray
16
How many protons, electrons and neutrons does the atom contain?
A 7 7 3
B 3 7 3
C 3 4 4
D 3 3 4
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15
18. The diagram shows five atoms in a radioactive substance. The atoms each give out an α-particle.
38
1st particle
atom
1
atom
atom 2
5
atom atom
4 3
2nd particle
19. Atom 1 is the first to give out a particle. Atom 3 is the second to give out a particle.
A atom 2
B atom 4
C atom 5
D impossible to tell
radioactive source
2m
Geiger counter
A α-particles
B β-particles
C γ-rays
D radio waves
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12 For
Examiner’s
Use
10 Some liquid from an atomic power station is known to be radioactive. A sample of this liquid
is tested in a laboratory.
(a) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the test apparatus used to verify that
α-particles are emitted from the liquid. [2]
(b) Explain how the apparatus may be used to estimate the quantity of α-radiation being
emitted from the sample.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) State any two safety precautions that the technician might take whilst making the test.
precaution 1 .....................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
precaution 2 .....................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
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12 For
Examiner’s
Use
11 (a) A radioactive isotope emits only α-particles.
(i) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you would use to
prove that no β-particles or γ-radiation are emitted from the isotope.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain how your results would show that only α-particles are emitted.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[6]
(b) Fig. 11.1 shows a stream of α-particles about to enter the space between the poles of a
very strong magnet.
α-particles
S
Fig. 11.1
Describe the path of the α-particles in the space between the magnetic poles.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
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13 For
Examiner’s
Use
11 (a) α-particles can be scattered by thin gold foils.
α-particle 1
α-particle 2
α-particle 3
gold nuclei
Fig. 11.1
(b) What does the scattering of α-particles show about atomic structure?
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
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13
10 (a) Fig. 10.1 is the decay curve for a radioactive isotope that emits only β-particles. For
Examiner’s
Use
400
count rate
300
counts / min
200
100
0
0 10 20 30 40
time / min
Fig. 10.1
Use the graph to find the value of the half-life of the isotope.
(i) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus required, set up to
make the determination.
[2]
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [3]
233
12
11 Fig. 11.1 shows a beam of radiation that contains !-particles, "-particles and #-rays. The For
beam enters a very strong magnetic field shown in symbol form by N and S poles. Examiner’s
Use
beam of
radiation
Fig. 11.1
"-particles
#-rays
[6]
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.
University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department
of the University of Cambridge.
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PHYSICS 0625 IGCSE 2007
CURRICULUM CONTENT
Students can follow either the Core curriculum only or they may follow the Extended curriculum, which
includes both the Core and the Supplement. Students aiming for grades A* to C must follow the
Extended curriculum. Students are expected to have adequate mathematical skills to cope with the
curriculum.
Reference should also be made to the summary list of symbols, units and definitions of quantities.
Throughout the course, attention should be paid to showing the relevance of concepts to the students'
everyday life and to the natural and man-made world. In order to encourage such an approach and to
allow flexibility in teaching programmes to meet the more generalised Aims, the specified content of the
syllabus has been limited. In this wider sense, as well as in the literal sense, the following material
should be regarded as an examination syllabus rather than a teaching syllabus.
All students should be able to: In addition to what is required for the
Core, students following the Extended
curriculum should be able to:
1. General Physics
1.1 Length and time -use and describe the use of rules and -use and describe the use of a mechanical
measuring cylinders to determine a length method for the measurement of a small
or a volume distance
-use and describe the use of clocks and -measure and describe how to measure a
devices for measuring an interval of time short interval of time (including the period
of a pendulum)
1.2 Speed, velocity and -define speed and calculate speed from -distinguish between speed and velocity
acceleration total distance -recognise linear motion for which the
total time acceleration is constant and calculate the
-plot and interpret a speed/time graph or a acceleration
distance/time graph -recognise motion for which the
-recognise from the shape of a speed/time acceleration is not constant
graph when a body is (a) at rest, (b)
moving with constant speed, (c) moving
with changing speed
-calculate the area under a speed/time
graph to determine the distance travelled
for motion with constant acceleration
-demonstrate some understanding that
acceleration is related to changing speed
-state that the acceleration of free fall for -describe qualitatively the motion of bodies
a body near to the Earth is constant falling in a uniform gravitational field with
and without air resistance (including
reference to terminal velocity)
1.3 Mass and weight -show familiarity with the idea of the mass -demonstrate an understanding that mass
of a body is a property which 'resists' change in
-state that weight is a force motion
-demonstrate understanding that weights -describe, and use the concept of, weight
(and hence masses) may be compared as the effect of a gravitational field on a
using a balance mass
1.4 Density -describe an experiment to determine the -describe the determination of the density
density of a liquid and of a regularly of an irregularly shaped solid by the
shaped solid and make the necessary method of displacement and make the
calculation necessary calculation
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-describe the ways in which a force may -recall and use the relation between force,
change the motion of a body mass and acceleration (including the
direction)
-find the resultant of two or more forces -describe, qualitatively, motion in a curved
acting along the same line path due to a perpendicular force
(F = mv2 / r is not required)
(b) Turning effect -describe the moment of a force as a
measure of its turning effect and give
everyday examples
-describe, qualitatively, the balancing of a -perform and describe an experiment
beam about a pivot (involving vertical forces) to verify that
there is no net moment on a body in
equilibrium
-apply the idea of opposing moments to
simple systems in equilibrium
(c) Conditions for -state that, when there is no resultant force
equilibrium and no resultant turning effect, a system is
in equilibrium
(d) Centre of mass -perform and describe an experiment to
determine the position of the centre of
mass of a plane lamina
-describe qualitatively the effect of the
position of the centre of mass on the
stability of simple objects
(e) Scalars and vectors -demonstrate an understanding of the
difference between scalars and vectors
and give common examples
-add vectors by graphical representation to
determine a resultant
-determine graphically a resultant of two
vectors
1.6 Energy, work and power -demonstrate an understanding that an
(a) Energy object may have energy due to its motion
or its position, and that energy may be
transferred and stored
-give examples of energy in different -recall and use the expressions
2
forms, including kinetic, gravitational, k.e.= ½ mv and p.e. = mgh
chemical, strain, nuclear, internal,
electrical, light and sound
-give examples of the conversion of energy
from one form to another and of its transfer
from on place to another
-apply the principle of energy conservation
to simple examples
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2. Thermal Physics
2.1 Simple kinetic molecular
model of matter
(a) States of matter -state the distinguishing properties of
solids, liquids and gases
(b) Molecular model -describe qualitatively the molecular -relate the properties of solids, liquids and
structure of solids, liquids and gases gases to the forces and distances between
-interpret the temperature of a gas in terms molecules and to the motion of the
of the motion of its molecules molecules
-describe qualitatively the pressure of a
gas in terms of the motion of its molecules
-describe qualitatively the effect of a
change of temperature on the pressure of a
gas at constant volume
-show an understanding of the random
motion of particles in a suspension as
evidence for the kinetic molecular model of
matter
-describe this motion (sometimes known as -show an appreciation that massive
Brownian motion) in terms of random particles may be moved by light, fast-
molecular bombardment moving molecules
(c) Evaporation -describe evaporation in terms of the -demonstrate an understanding of how
escape of more-energetic molecules from temperature, surface area and draught
the surface of a liquid over a surface influence evaporation
-relate evaporation and the consequent
cooling
(d) Pressure changes -relate the change in volume of a gas to -recall and use the equation pV = constant
change in pressure applied to the gas at at constant temperature
constant temperature
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(d) Digital electronics -explain and use the terms digital and
analogue
- state that logic gates are circuits
containing transistors and other
components
-describe the action of NOT, AND, OR,
NAND and NOR gates
-design and understand simple digital
circuits combining several logic gates
-state and use the symbols for logic gates
(the American ANSI#Y 32.14 symbols will
be used)
4.4 Dangers of electricity -state the hazards of
(i) damaged insulation
(ii) overheating of cables
(iii) damp conditions
-show an understanding of the use of fuses
and/or circuit-breakers
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