of the plasticine balls, the
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Question 1
(a) A ball is moving with constant
velocity collides with another ball
which has a smaller mass. Before
collision, the smaller ball is at
stationary.
Explain the changes which occur to
each ball during the collision.
(b) For safety reason, explain why a bus
must have passenger and speed
limit.
Question 2 SPM 2003 Section B
Diagram 2(a)
(a) shows two identical
plasticine spherical balls before being
released from the same height. Diagram
(b) shows the state of the plasticine
balls
lls when the hit the wood and the
sponge. It was observed that the
plasticine stopped more quickly when it
hit the wood.
(a) (i) What does the word
momentum mean?
(ii) Observe Figure(a) and
Figure(b). Compare the shape
FIZIKMOZAC 2010
surface of the
wood, the surface of the
sponge before and when the
plasticine balls hit the
surfaces.
Relate the changes in shapes
of the plasticine balls and the
surfaces to deduce a relevant
physics concept.
(b) Explain the changes in energy
that occur from the moment the
plasticine ball is released until it
reaches the position in Diagram
(b).
(c) An earth-monitoring
monitoring satellite
falls into the earth’s atmosphere
at a high velocity and reaches a
high temperature. This is
caused by the earth’s
gravitational force and air
resistance.
Using the appropriate physics
concepts, suggest and explain
suitable designs or ways to
protect the satellite and its
equipment:
(i) from extreme heat,
(ii) from breaking up on
landing
[10 m]
Question 3 (SPM 2008) Section B
Diagram 3.1 .1 shows two identical steel
balls placed onto spring M and spring
N. Both springs are elastic and fixed to
a horizontal surface. The springs are
pushed down until the lengths of spring
M and spring N are the same.
[Assume spring M and spring N are of
the same material, same coil diameter
and same original length]
 (ii) Using Diagram 3.1 and
Diagram 3.2,
.2, state the energy
changes that take place from
the moment the spring is
compressed until the ball
reaches its maximum height.
[2 marks]

(c) Diagram 3.3

.3 shows a pole vaulter
performing a jump.

Diagram 3.3

(i) What is the meaning of Using appropriate physics

elasticity?
ty? concepts, explain the use of
[1 mark] suitable equipment and
techniques to improve his
(ii) Using Diagram 3.1 .1 and performance. Your answer should
Diagram 3.2,
.2, compare the include the following aspects:
thickness of the spring wire (i) Vaulter’s attire
and the maximum height (ii) Vaulter’s movement
reached by the balls. (iii) Pole used
Relate the thickness of the (iv) Safety
spring wire with the maximum
height of the ball to make a [10 m]
deduction regarding the
relationship between the
thickness of the spring wire
and the elastic potential
energy of the spring.
[5 marks]
(b) The forces used to compress
ompress the
springs in Diagram 3.1(a).1(a) and
Diagram 3.1(b) are F1 and F2
respectively.

(i) Compare F1 and F2. Give one

reason for this answer.
[2 marks]

FIZIKMOZAC 2010
Question 4 SPM 2007 Section C
Diagram 11.1 shows the speed limit and
the load limit of heavy vehicles such as
buses and lorries.

Diagram 11.1

(a) What is meant by speed?

[1 m]

(b) Using the concepts of momentum

and inertia, explain why the
speed limit and the load limit
must be imposed on heavy
vehicles. [4 m]

(c) A tanker of mass 1 800 kg

accelerates from rest to a velocity
of 45 km/hr in 10 s.
(i) Calculate the acceleration of
the tanker

(ii) Calculate the force acting on

the tanker.
[5 m]
(d) Diagram 11.2 shows four tankers
P, Q, R and S, with different
specifications. You are required
to determine
ermine the most suitable
tanker to deliver oil safely. Study
the specifications of all the four
tankers from the following
aspects:
- The type of brakes
- The number of tyres
- The number and size of the tanks
- The distance between the trailer
and the tractor.

Explain the suitability of the

aspects. Justify your choice.
[10 m]

FIZIKMOZAC 2010
Question 5
Spiderman heard a loud sound when he
jumped down on to a wooden platform
without bending his legs as shown in
Diagram 7.1.
He repeated the action (at
at the same
height) but bend his legs while landing
and heard a soft sound while landing on
the same platform as shown in Diagram
7.2.
The Spiderman experienced a change of
momentum in both situations and he
took shorter time to complete his action
when he landed without bending his
legs.
Loud landing sound
DIAGRAM 7.1
Soft landing sound
DIAGRAM 7.2
(i) What is meant by momentum?
[1 mark]
(ii) Using Diagram 7.1 and 7.2,
compare the change of
FIZIKMOZAC 2010
momentums experienced by
the Spiderman. Relate the time
for change of momentum and
the force acting on the
Spiderman, deduce a relevant
physics concept.
[5 marks]
Question 6: Conceptual: SBP F4 08
Diagram 9.1 and Diagram 9.2 show two
springs M and N. Both springs are of
the same material and same wire
thickness but have different spring
constant.
(i) What is meant by spring constant?
[1 mark]
(ii) Using Diagram 9.1 and Diagram
9.2, compare the mass loaded by
the spring, the diameter of the
spring and the extension of the
spring.
Relate the mass loaded by the
spring, the diameter of the spring
and the extension of the spring
with the spring constant.
[5 marks]
Question 7:Understanding:
Understanding: SBP F4 08
The springs in Diagram 9.1 and 9.2 will
return to its original length when the
load is removed. Explain how the forces
between molecules cause the ela elasticity.
[ 4 marks]
Question 8:
Diagram 10.1 and Diagram 10.2 show
two methods of transfering a heavy
load of 50 kg from the ground to the
lorry. The forces needed to transfer
the heavy load are not the same.
However, the work done for both
methods of transfering are the same.
Diagram 10.1
Diagram 10.2
(a) What is meant by work?
[1 mark]
(b) Using diagram 10.1 and 10.2,
compare the forces needed to
transfer the load, the distance
travelled by the load and the
potential energy gained by the load.
FIZIKMOZAC 2010
Relate the forces needed to transfer
the load and the distance travelled
by the load with the work
wo done.
State the relationship between the
potential energy gained by the load
and the work done on transfering the
load.
[ 5 marks]
Question 9:Understanding:
Understanding: SBP Mid 08
Diagram 11 shows the structure of a
rocket.
Using the principle of conservation of
momentum, explain the working
principle of the rocket.
[4 marks]
Question 10: Qualitative:
Qualitative SBP F4 08
Diagram 9.3 shows a spring of the
suspension system in an ordinary
motorcycle.
 (i) State two functions of the s
spring in
the suspension system ?
[2 marks]
(ii) Using the suitable physics
concepts, you are required to give
some suggestions on designing a
racing motorcycle of 500cc. Explain
your suggestions based on the
following aspects ;
- density of motorcycle parts
- engine power
- spring in suspension system
- size of tyre
- the designs of the spring

Question 11: Qualitative:: Johor 07

Diagram 9.3 shows a model of a school
bus.
DIAGRAM 9.3
Explain the modification to the bus to
help to improve the safety of the
passengers and will be more
comfortable.
Emphasise your explanation in the
following aspects:
(i) the shape of the bus body,
(ii) safety features of the bus.
[10 marks]
Question 12: Section B
(a) Diagram 9.1 represents a 50 cent
coin and a leaf falling in a vacuum
container. The coin is heavier than
the leaf.
Using Diagram 9.1 and the information
given about the weight of the two
objects, compare the mass of the coin
and the leaf, the time taken to fall, the
positions of the coin and the leaf and
finally, deduce the physical quantity
which causes the object to fall.
[5 marks]
(b) A stone which is released from a tall
building falls down in the air.
During the fall, the stone
experiences an energy change.
(i) What is meant by energy?
[1 mark]
(ii) Explain the energy changes in
the stone
[4 marks]
(c) Diagram 9.2 shows a student trying
to launch a water rocket.

FIZIKMOZAC 2010
 (a) (i) What is the meaning of
momentum.
[1 mark]

(ii) State the total momentum of

the pistol and bullet in
Diagram 9.1. Using Diagram
You are required to give some
9.1 and Diagram 9.2, compare
suggestion on how to design a water
the total momentum before
rocket for a national competition. Using
and after the bullet is fired.
the knowledge on forces, motion and
Using Diagram
ram 9.2, compare
properties of materials, explain the
the magnitude and direction of
suggestion based on the following
the momentum of the bullet
aspects:
and pistol. Name the physics
(i) Material used
principle that can be applied
(ii) Shape of the rocket
to the motion of the bullet and
(iii) Angle of launching
pistol.
(iv) Volume of water in the rocket
[5 marks]
(v) Added structure for the moti
motion
of the rocket.
[10 marks]
(iii) Diagram 9.3 shows the structure of
a jet engine for a small jet plane.

Question 13 Section B:
Diagram 9.1 shows a stationary pistol
on a smooth surface. Diagram 9.2
shows the pistol and bullet after the
pistol has been fired by remote control.

You are required to give some

suggestions to improve the design
of the jet engine so that it can be
used on a larger jet plane that
travels at a higher speed. Using
the knowledge on forces and

FIZIKMOZAC 2010
 motion and the properties of
materials, explain the suggestions
based on the aspects labeled on
Diagram 9.3.
[10 marks]
(c) Explain what happen to the
velocity of the ball when it
reaches point R on the ground.
[3 marks]

Question 14: Section B

Diagram 9 shows a ball placed on the
smooth incline plane at point P. The
ball is rolling down over the incline
plane caused by gravitational potential
energy. Point Q and point R are at the
middle of the incline plane and at the
ground respectively.
(d) Based on the physical principle
above, you are required to design
a roller skate track. Using
appropriate physics concept,
explain the design of the roller
skatete track so that it can be used
to oscillate skate board
continuously. Your answer
should inculed the following
aspects.
(i) Shape of the track
(ii) Slope of the track
(iii)Surface
Surface of the track
(iv)Safety
[10 marks]

Question 15: Section C: Pahang 09

You are a coach responsible to choose
a student to join the school basket ball
team. A basic physical fitness test was
carried out and the results based on
(a) What is meant by gravitational
certain characteristics are as shown in
potential energy?
table 11.1.
[1 mark]
A B C D E
(b) (i) Using Diagram 9, compare the 70 65 50 60 40
Mass / kg
height of the ball, the
Height / m 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.4 1.6
gravitational potential energy of
Responding 0.01 0.20 0.01 0.05 0.04
the ball, the velocity of the ball
and the kinetic energy of the ball time / s
at point P and point Q. Deduce Power (time 4 3 2 2 1

the relationship between the taken to

kinetic energy and the transfer 50
gravitational potential energy of bricks to a
the rolling ball. distance of
[5 marks] 5 m / min
Time taken 11.0 10.6 10.5 11.2 12.4
(ii) Name the physical principle to complete
involved in (b)(i) 100 m run
[1 mark] /s

FIZIKMOZAC 2010
 (a) What is meant by power?
[1 mark]

(b) Based on table 11.1, explain the

suitable characteristics of the
student to be in the basket ball
team. Choose which student will
be in the basket ball team and
explain your choice.
[10 marks]

(c) When a 100 m runner reached the

finish line, the runner stopped
suddenly and fell on the ground.
Explain the situation using the
appropriate physics concept.
[4 marks]

(d) Two students were asked to run

up the stairs to the top floor of a
10 m building. Data obtained for
the two students are as shown by
table 11.2
Mass /kg Time /s
Student A 55.0 12.0

Student B 60.0 14.0

Calculate power of each student

and determine which student has
the highest power.
[5 marks]

FIZIKMOZAC 2010