109/1

Student Personal
Marker Code Identification Number (SPIN)

South Pacific Form Seven Certificate

PHYSICS
2010
QUESTION and ANSWER BOOKLET
Time allowed: Three hours

INSTRUCTIONS

Write your Student Personal Identification Number (SPIN) on the top right hand
corner of this page and on the fold-out flap on the last page.

Answer ALL QUESTIONS. Write your answers in the spaces provided in this booklet. If
you need more spaces for answers, ask the Supervisor for extra paper. Write your SPIN
on all extra sheets used and clearly number the questions. Attach the extra sheets at
the appropriate places in this booklet.

The questions are organised under the headings below, with allocations of marks and
suggested times indicated. The total marks assigned to the questions is 152.

In addition to this, four marks will be awarded for correct use of significant figures and a
further four marks will be awarded for correct use of units of measurement.

Marks Time
Questions One and Two Waves 30 marks 35 minutes
Questions Three to Five Mechanics 53 marks 63 minutes
Questions Six to Eight Electricity and Electromagnetism 47 marks 56 minutes
Questions Nine and Ten Atomic and Nuclear Physics 22 marks 26 minutes
-------------
152 marks + 8 marks
-------------
Some useful formulae are given on Sheet 109/2 provided.

Check that this booklet contains pages 2-22 in the correct order and that none of these
pages is blank.

YOU MUST HAND THIS BOOKLET TO THE SUPERVISOR AT THE END OF THE
EXAMINATION.

TOTAL MARKS
160
 2

WAVES
(30 marks; 35 minutes)

QUESTION ONE: FROG NOISES (15 marks)

Speed of sound in air = 3.40 x 102 m s-1

One species of frog is believed to make its mating call in a hollow partly filled with water as shown
below. The frog does this to increase the volume of his call.

The hollow can be considered to be like a pipe closed at one end as shown below, with the bottom
of the pipe corresponding to the surface of the water.

(a) On the diagram above draw the fundamental standing wave. Mark the positions of any
nodes (N) and antinodes (A). (2 marks)

One such hollow is 0.640 m deep.

(b) Show that the frequency of the frog’s song is 133 Hz.

(2 marks)

(c) Calculate the frequency of the third harmonic.

frequency = (2 marks)

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Nearby, another frog is in a hollow which has less water in it, making it slightly deeper. The frog
produces a fundamental of 130 Hz.

(d) Explain how the frog can compensate for this change in water level to still produce a standing
wave.

(2 marks)

(e) If both frogs call at exactly the same time, beats are heard. Calculate the beat frequency.

beat frequency = (2 marks)

(f) Explain, in detail, how beats are produced.

(3 marks)

The frogs can also produce standing waves in open-ended, empty logs (that is, logs with their
centres removed).

(g) Explain why the fundamental frequency of the frog’s song in the log (of the same length as
the hollow) would be different to the fundamental frequency in the hollow.

(2 marks)

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QUESTION TWO: THE EMISSION SPECTRUM (15 marks)

Speed of light = 3.00 × 108 m s–1

The apparatus shown below allows the emission spectrum of hydrogen gas to be observed. The
light that is emitted passes through a diffraction grating that has 5.9 × 105 lines per metre, and a
spectrum of coloured lines is viewed through the telescope. There are several different order
spectra that can be viewed. Each order is made up of 4 coloured lines; red, green/blue, purple and
violet.

hydrogen diffraction
discharge tube grating

telescope

light
position W

position Z

As the telescope is rotated from W to Z, each of the 4 lines of the first order spectrum is seen in
turn.

(a) Show that the spacing of the slits in the diffraction grating is 1.7 x 10-6 m.

(2 marks)

(b) Explain why the violet line would be seen first as the telescope rotates from W to Z.

(2 marks)

(c) The wavelength of the green/blue line is 4.86 x 10-7 m. Show that the diffraction angle for this
line in the first order spectrum is 17º.

(2 marks)

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(d) There are also several higher order spectra observed for hydrogen. It was found that the
third order purple line coincides with the second order red line. If the angle for the red line in
the first order spectrum is 22.8°, show that the wavelength of the purple line is 4.4 × 10–7 m.

(3 marks)

(e) The diffraction grating was replaced with one that had half as many lines per cm. State TWO
differences that would be observed.

(2 marks)

The atoms of hydrogen in a discharge tube are in rapid motion in random directions. Although each
may emit a well-defined frequency, in practice the light received by the detector is a band of
frequencies.

(f) Using the Doppler effect, explain why this happens.

(2 marks)

The expected frequency of the violet line is 7.31 × 1014 Hz. Analysis of the violet band of light
received by the detector showed that light of frequency 7.35 × 1014 Hz was also present.

(g) Calculate the component of the velocity, in the direction of the spectrometer, of the hydrogen
atoms that produced the frequency 7.35 × 1014 Hz. Ignore any relativistic effects.

velocity = (2 marks)

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MECHANICS
(53 marks; 63 minutes)

QUESTION THREE: OLYMPIC HAMMER THROW (21 marks)

-2
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.80 m s

The men’s Olympic hammer throw involves throwing a steel ball of mass
7.26 kg which is attached to a wire handle.

Part 1: The beginning of the throw

At the start of one particular throw, an athlete swings the hammer with a
constant speed of 10.0 m s-1 in a circle of radius of 1.80 m. The wire
10.0°
handle makes an angle of 10.0º to the horizontal. At the instant shown
there are two forces acting on the hammer, the gravitational force (weight)
and the tension in the wire.

(a) State the direction of the two forces acting on the steel ball at the instant shown.
Direction of gravitational force is
Direction of tension is
(2 marks)

(b) Calculate the weight of the steel ball.

weight = (2 marks)

(c) Show that the steel ball has a centripetal acceleration of 55.6 m s-2.

(2 marks)

(d) Calculate the centripetal force acting on the steel ball.

centripetal force = (2 marks)

(e) If the hammer is at 10.0º to the horizontal calculate the tension force in the wire

tension force = (2 marks)

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Part 2: The final part of the throw

During the final part of the same throw, the athlete increases the hammer’s speed steadily while
the hammer rotates around him three times. The steel ball reaches its maximum speed of
20.0 m s-1 at the release point. The radius is constant at 1.80 m throughout the throw.

(a) Show that the angular velocity increases from 5.56 rad s-1 to 11.1 rad s-1.

(2 marks)

(b) Calculate the angular displacement of the steel ball when it rotates around the athlete three
times.

angular displacement = (1 mark)

(c) Calculate the angular acceleration of the steel ball.

angular acceleration = (2 marks)

(d) Calculate the time taken to accelerate the steel ball.

time taken = (2 marks)

(e) Explain why the steel ball will travel in a straight line away from the athlete, once the hammer
thrower has released it.

(2 marks)

(f) Hammer throwing is a dangerous sport and has resulted in fatalities among spectators. To
make the sport safer, it has been suggested that the hammer wire should be shortened.
Explain why shortening the wire results in a shorter throw.

(2 marks)

P.7 11 Q3 21
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QUESTION FOUR: SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION (23 marks)

At a fun park, Ben (mass = 2.0 x 101 kg) and Helen (mass = 6.0 x 101 kg) are each playing on a
‘spring swing’ that goes up and down over time.

In the instance shown above, Helen’s spring, A, is at the highest point of its motion while Ben’s
spring, B, is at its lowest point. Both springs have the same spring constant, k = 1.0 x 102 N m-1.

(a) State the amplitude of Helen’s motion.

amplitude = _______________________________ (1 mark)

(b) Explain why Helen’s motion is simple harmonic motion.

(2 marks)

(c) Show that the period of Helen’s motion is 4.9 s.

(2 marks)

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(d) Helen and Ben’s motion can be followed using a reference circle. Use the reference circles
provided below to draw the initial displacement phasors for Helen and Ben. Label them
clearly.

A (Helen) B (Ben)

(2 marks)

(e) On the above diagram draw the initial velocity phasor for Helen. Label it clearly.
(1 mark)

(f) On the above diagram draw the initial acceleration phasor for Ben. Label it clearly.
(1 mark)

(g) Calculate the angular frequency for Helen’s motion.

angular frequency = (2 marks)

(h) Show that the vertical displacement of Helen after 1.0 s of the motion is 0.028 m.

(2 marks)

(i) Calculate the acceleration of Helen after 1.0 s of the motion.

acceleration = (2 marks)

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(j) If Ben was on the moon instead of on the Earth, would the period be different. Explain

(2 marks)

(k) Calculate the size of the maximum elastic potential energy stored in Ben’s spring.

maximum elastic potential energy = (2 marks)

(l) Because of damping, Helen’s amplitude decreases. Sketch a graph of displacement versus
time for 3 cycles.

(2 marks)

(m) An added feature is that the top of the spring can be made to move up and down. Under
certain conditions the system can resonate. Explain what this means.

(2 marks)

P.10 8 Q4 23
 11

QUESTION FIVE: GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS AND FORCES (9 marks)

Universal Gravitational Constant = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2
Mass of the Earth, M = 5.98 x 1024 kg
Mass of satellite = 4.50 x 102 kg
Radius of earth = 6.38 x 106 m
Satellite orbit = 4.00 x 106 m above Earth’s surface.
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.80 m s-2

A satellite is put into orbit around the Earth. As shown in the diagram, the rocket, carrying the
satellite, travels from the Earth’s surface at point A, and climbs to an altitude of 4.00 x 106 m (point
B). At this point the satellite commences to move in a circular orbit at constant speed around the
Earth. The diagram (not drawn to scale) shows gravitational field lines near the Earth’s surface.

6
4.00 x 10 m

(a) The gravitational field lines become further apart as the distance from the Earth increases.
State what this means in terms of the force acting on the rocket.

(1 mark)

(b) Show that the force of gravity acting on the satellite at point B is 1.67 x 103 N.

(2 marks)

(c) Show that the speed of the satellite, in orbit at point B, is given by the following expression:
GM
v =
r .

(2 marks)

P.11 5
 12

(d) Calculate the speed of the satellite when it is in orbit.

speed = (2 marks)

(e) As the rocket climbs, it consumes fuel, but its thrust remains constant. Explain what effect
this will have on the motion of the rocket.

(2 marks)

Q5 9
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ELECTRICITY AND ELECTROMAGNETISM

(47 marks; 56 minutes)

QUESTION SIX: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS (12 marks)

I1 I2
25.0 Ω R
0.400 A

12.60 V
6.00 V 15.0 Ω
10.50 V

The voltage across the 15.0 Ω resistor is 6.00 V.

(a) State, in words, Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws.

Voltage Law:

Current Law:

(2 marks)

(b) State the basic physical principle upon which each is based.
Voltage Law:

Current Law:

(2 marks)

(c) Show that the voltage across the 25.0 Ω resistor is 4.50 V.

(2 marks)

P.13 6
 14

(d) Calculate the value of I1 the current through the 25.0 Ω resistor.

current = (2 marks)

(e) Calculate the value of I2 the current through the resistor, R.

current = (2 marks)

(f) Calculate the value of the resistance, R.

resistance = (2 marks)

P.14 6 Q6 12
 15

QUESTION SEVEN: THE STEREO (24 marks)

A typical speaker system has two separate speaker boxes, each of which has a large speaker
called a ‘woofer’ and a smaller one called a ‘tweeter’. Inductors and capacitors are widely used in
loudspeaker systems to direct audio signals to the most suitable speaker.

Part 1: The Woofer

The woofer is designed to produce the low
frequency sounds. An inductor is connected in
series with the speaker so that it directs the
alternating voltage of low frequencies from the
4.00 x 10-3H
amplifier to the speaker.

The circuit diagram for a simple woofer is shown

10.0 VRMS
opposite. It consists of a speaker and a
4.00 x 10-3 H inductor. The circuit can be considered Speaker
as an ideal resistor of 9.00 Ω with an ideal inductor
9.00 Ω
of negligible resistance. The current through the
speaker is 0.800 A r.m.s. when the input alternating
voltage from the amplifier is 10.0 V r.m.s.

(a) Calculate the voltage across the speaker.

voltage = (2 marks)

(b) The diagram below (not drawn to scale) shows the phasor for the voltage VL the voltage
across the inductor, VR the voltage across the resistor and Vs the voltage across the supply.
Label all phasors correctly.

(2 marks)

P.15 4
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(c) Show that the rms voltage across the inductor is 6.94 V.

(2 marks)
(d) Calculate the peak voltage across the inductor.

peak voltage = (2 marks)

(e) Calculate the reactance of the inductor.

reactance = (2 marks)

(f) Calculate the frequency of the input voltage from the amplifier.

frequency = (2 marks)

(g) Explain why, if the frequency is high, only a very small current will flow in the
inductor/speaker branch.

(2 marks)

The graph shows the inductor voltage, VL, and the current, I, on the same time axis.

VL
I
t

(h) Explain why the inductor voltage (VL) is maximum at the same time that the current is zero.

(2 marks)

P.16 12
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Part 2: The Tweeter

The tweeter is designed to produce high
frequency sounds and a capacitor is connected in
series to direct the high frequency alternating 50.0 x 10-6F
voltage from the amplifier to the tweeter.

The following diagram shows a simple tweeter 10.0 VRMS

speaker. An alternating voltage of 10.0 V r.m.s. at tweeter
a frequency of 1.00 x103 Hz is the input from the
amplifier. Assume the speaker to be an ideal 8.00 Ω
resistor, of 8.00 Ω.

(a) Show that the reactance of the capacitor is 3.18 Ω.

(2 marks)

(b) Calculate the impedance of the circuit.

impedance = (2 marks)

(c) Calculate the current through the circuit.

current = (2 marks)

(d) Explain how the current in the circuit changes when the input frequency is increased.

(2 marks)

P.17 8 Q7 24
 18

QUESTION EIGHT: THE TRANSFORMER (11 marks)

Henry is investigating a transformer.

(a) He notices that the output coil has more turns than the input coil. Describe the effect this
difference in the number of turns will have on the output voltage.

(2 marks)

The output coil in a transformer can be considered to be an ideal inductor of inductance

30.0 x 10-3 H. Henry connects the output coil of the transformer to a voltage source and a
resistance of 6.00 Ω, as shown below. It is connected to a DC voltage supply. When the switch is
closed the current rises from zero to a steady value of 2.00 A.

30.0 x 10-3 H 6.00 Ω

(b) Calculate the energy stored in the coil when the current reaches its steady value.

energy = (2 marks)

(c) Calculate the time constant for the circuit.

time constant = (2 marks)

P.18 6
 19

(d) Show that the value of the current one time constant after the switch is closed is
approximately 1.3 A.

(2 marks)

(e) Explain what happens to the size and direction of the voltage across the coil from the instant
when the switch is closed to when the current reaches a steady value.

(3 marks)

P.19 5 Q8 11
 20

ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS

(22 marks; 26 minutes)

QUESTION NINE: THE ATOM SMASHER (12 marks)

8 -1
Speed of light = 3.00 x 10 m s
Charge on the electron = 1.60 x 10-19 C

The first atom smasher was made by Cockcroft and Walton in 1932. They accelerated protons, by
passing them across a 5.00 x 105 V potential difference, towards a stationary lithium target.

Proton Lithium X

The two identical daughter nuclei, X, move at almost right angles to the original direction of the
proton with equal speeds. This nuclear reaction can be represented as:
1
1 H +3
7
Li → 2X
The rest masses of the nuclei are:
1 -27
1H = 1.6728 x 10 kg
7
3 Li = 1.1645 x 10-26 kg
X = 6.6437 x 10-27 kg

(a) Show that the resulting mass deficit that occurs in this reaction is 3.04 x 10-29 kg.

(2 marks)

(b) Explain why energy is released during this reaction.

(2 marks)

P.20 4
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(c) Show that the amount of energy released during the reaction is 2.74 x 10-12 J.

(2 marks)

(d) Calculate the kinetic energy of the proton as it hits the lithium atom.

kinetic energy = (2 marks)

(e) Determine the kinetic energy of each nucleus, X, after the nuclear reaction. State any
assumptions.

kinetic energy = (2 marks)

(f) Explain, using physical principles, how you can accurately determine the angle of trajectory of
each nucleus, X. (No mathematical calculations are required.)

(2 marks)

P.21 8 Q9 12
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QUESTION TEN: THE HYDROGEN ATOM (10 marks)

Speed of light = 3.00 x 108 m s-1
Rydberg’s constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1

It is possible to observe the atomic line spectra of the hydrogen atom by using a spectrometer to
view light from a hydrogen-filled discharge tube.

(a) State the meaning of the term ionisation energy.

(1 mark)

(b) State the meaning of the term excitation energy

(2 marks)

Visible light is able to be observed by performing the above experiment.

(c) Explain, in terms of electron movement, how visible light would be produced in this
experiment.

(2 marks)

(d) Name two other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be emitted in this experiment.

(2 marks)

(e) Calculate the frequency of the radiation when an electron in the hydrogen atom jumps from
the third to the first excited energy level. State whether the radiation is absorbed or emitted.

frequency = (3 marks)

Q10 10
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Student Personal
Identification Number
(SPIN)

PHYSICS
2010
For Candidate Use

Number of
extra sheets
used. Write
NIL if there
are none.

FOR MARKER’S USE ONLY

Q1
15

Q2
15

Q3
21

Q4
23

Q5
9

Q6
12

Q7
24

Q8
11

Q9
12

Q10
10
Units
4 3 2 1 4
Significant Figures
4 3 2 1 4

TOTAL
160