CSEC JANUARY 2010 PAPER 2

1. Figure 1 shows an experiment to investigate Charles’ law. The temperature (θ) in ℃ was

varied and the length of a column of dry air (L) was measured. The mercury trapped the air in
the capillary tube, thus keeping the mass of air constant.

1(a) In table 1 below, the absolute temperature (T) in K can be calculated by adding 273 to the

temperature (θ) in ℃ .

Table 1

L/mm 152.0 158.0 163.0 170.0 179.0 182.0

θ/ ℃ 14.0 29.0 40.0 57.5 78.0 85.0
T/K 287.0 302.0 313.0 330.5 351.0 358.0

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1(b) To plot a graph of L against T (ANIMATE EACH POINT BELOW)

Graph of L vs. T Scale for L Axis: 1 cm = 2 mm

Scale for T-Axis: 1 cm = 5 K
182
180
178
176
174
172
170
168
166
164
162
L / mm 160
158
156
154
152
150
148
146
144
142
140
270275280285290295300305310315320325330335340345350355360

T/ K

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I. AXES

When told to plot a graph of L against T:

 The first variable mentioned (L) goes on the Y – axis.

 The second variable mentioned (T) goes on the X – axis.

II. LABELS

 On the top of the graph page write: Graph of L against T.

 The Y – axis must be drawn on the edge of the vertical grid and labelled L / mm.
 The X – axis must be drawn on the edge of the horizontal grid and labelled T / K.
 Both axes must be numbered at least every 2cm.

III. SCALES

 Choose the scale for each axis so that it is easy to plot and read off the co-ordinates of
all the points.
 The chosen scale should ensure that the plotted points spread over more than half of the
graph page on both X and Y axes.
 The best scales are 1cm = (any ONE of the numbers 1, 2, 25 or 5, with a decimal place
and zeroes before or zeroes after the number).

BROKEN SCALE ON Y- AXIS:

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 The smallest reading on the Y-axis is more than 3 of the largest reading, so a broken

scale must be used.

 The Y- axis does not start at the origin but at the smallest reading (or close to it).
 You are told to start the Y-axis at 140
 The RANGE of readings to be plotted = largest reading - smallest reading (or close to it)
= 182 - 140 = 42
 The Y – axis is 21 cm long and a range for L of 42 must be plotted on it. If 21 cm = 42,
then 1cm = 2, which is rounded up to the best scale of 2.
 Label the top right hand side of the graph page: Scale for L: 1cm = 2
BROKEN SCALE ON X- AXIS:

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 1
 The smallest reading on the X-axis is more than 3 of the largest reading, so a broken

scale must be used.

 The X - axis does not start at the origin but at the smallest reading (or close to it).
 You are told to start the X-axis at 270
 The RANGE of readings to be plotted = largest reading - smallest reading (or close to it)
= 358 - 270 = 88
 The X – axis is 18 cm long and a range for T of 88 must be plotted on it. If 18 cm = 88,
then 1cm = 4.8, which is rounded up to the best scale of 5.
 Label the top right hand side of the graph page: Scale for T: 1cm = 5

IV. PLOTTING

[Insert animation – graph being plotted as outlined below ]

 Plot all the pairs of values from the table.

 The points used to plot the graph must be thin, small crosses or fine dots with a tiny circle
around them. The lengths of the crosses or diameters of the tiny circles around the plots
should not occupy more than the smallest block on the grid.
 The points must be accurately plotted [to half of the 2mm block on the grid].
2
=¿
 For the Y – axis 1cm = 2 2mm = 5 0.4

5
=¿
 For the X – axis 1cm = 5  2mm = 5 1

V. BEST FIT LINE

 The best fit line of L against T is one thin, straight line which does not pass through the
origin, but cuts the Y-axis.
 The best fit line is drawn so that the total perpendicular distance of the points above the
line balances the total below.

1(c) GRADIENT
[Insert animation – co-ordinates for gradient being determined as outlined below.]

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[Insert animation – to use co-ordinates from graph to calculate gradient]

Graph of L vs. T Scale for L Axis: 1 cm = 2 mm

Scale for T-Axis: 1 cm = 5 K
182
180
178
176
174
172
170
168
166
164
162
L / mm 160
158
156
154
152
150
148
146
144
142
140
270275280285290295300305310315320325330335340345350355360

T/ K

To calculate the SLOPE or gradient (S) of the graph.

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  Draw the largest possible right angled triangle, with the vertical and horizontal sides
represented by broken lines and the hypotenuse represented by at least half of the best fit
STRAIGHT line.
 The co-ordinates should be points that are easily read off. (e.g. use points on intersections
of grid-lines).
 Find the EXACT POINT where the vertical side of the triangle cuts the hypotenuse and
read off (to half of the 2mm block on the grid), the coordinates (x₂, y₂) = (t₂, L₂)
= (345, 176)
 Find the EXACT POINT where the horizontal side of the triangle cuts the hypotenuse
and read off (to half of the 2mm block on the grid), the coordinates (x₁, y₁) = (t₁, L₁)
= (272, 146)
 The units for the gradient are found by dividing the unit ( mm ) for the quantity on the

Y-axis by the unit ( K ) for the quantity on the X-axis.

 Calculate the slope or gradient (S) from:

dy dL L2 −L1 ( 176−146 ) mm
S= = = = =0.411mmK −1
dx dt t 2 −t 1 ( 345−272 ) K

1(d) The slope of the graph (S) represents the change of length (dL) over the change of absolute
temperature (dT).

1(e) Read-off from the Y - axis, given the x - coordinate: -

[Insert animation –to show how readings for L may be obtained from the GRAPH]

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  Starting at the X - axis, draw a vertical broken line from T = 273K to cut the best fit line.
 At the point of intersection, draw a horizontal broken line to the Y - axis and read off the
y – coordinate L = 146.4mm

Graph of L vs. T Scale for L Axis: 1 cm = 2 mm

Scale for T-Axis: 1 cm = 5 K
182
180
178
176
174
172
170
168
166
164
162
L / mm 160
158
156
154
152
150
148
146
144
142
140
270275280285290295300305310315320325330335340345350355360

T/ K

1(f) Charles law states that the volume of a fixed mass of gas is directly proportional to its
Absolute Temperature, the pressure remaining constant.

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1(g) Add 273 to convert the temperature in ℃ to K.

∴ Initial Temperature T 1 = (273 + 35) = 308K

T2
And Final Temperature = (273 + 75) = 348K

V2
To calculate the final volume ( ) of the gas, rearrange the formula for Charles law to make (
V2
) the subject.

[Insert rearrangement animation here]

V1 V2
T1 = T2 (Charles law)

V1T2
V2
= T1

V1
where the initial volume =2L

( 2 L ) (348 K )
∴V 2
= (308 K ) = 2.26 L

2(a) (i) The table below shows some derived physical quantities formulae and the derived SI
units for the quantities:

Table 2

Quantity Formula SI Units

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Force F = ma N or Kgms−2
Potential Energy E=m g h J or Kgm2 s−1∨Nm
Momentum p = mv Kgms−1

(ii) The law of conservation of linear momentum states:

When two or more bodies collide, the total momentum before collision equals the total
momentum after collision, providing no external resultant force acts on the bodies.

2(b) (i) Momentum (p) = mass (m) × velocity (v) Animation showing Collision

Mass of each truck (m) is the same and initial speed of each truck (u) is the same.

Before collision:

 For a head-on collision, the trucks have to be moving in opposite directions.

 Since velocity is a vector quantity, the opposite directions will be represented by (+) and
(-) signs.
 Initial velocity of truck moving East = + u
 Initial momentum of truck moving East = mu
 Initial velocity of truck moving West = −¿ u
 Initial momentum of truck moving West = −¿ mu
 Total momentum of trucks before collision = mu +¿ ( −¿ mu) = mu −¿ mu = 0

After collision:
 Trucks are at rest, so final speed of each truck (v) = 0
 Total momentum of trucks after collision = m (0) +¿ m (0) = 0

Total momentum of trucks before collision = total momentum of trucks after collision

∴ Total momentum is conserved.

(b) (ii) Animation showing Collision

Before collision:

mB u
 Momentum of bullet = mass of bullet ( ) × initial velocity of bullet ( B )

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 mT u
 Momentum of target = mass of target ( ) × initial velocity of target ( T )
mB uB + mT u T
 Total momentum before collision =
mB mT uT
 Substitute = 0.1kg, = 5kg, = 0 (rest)

 Total momentum before collision = 0.1 uB +5(0)=0.1 uB

After collision:

 Momentum of combined bullet and target after collision = mass of combined bullet and

mB +m T
target ( ) × final velocity of combined bullet and target (v).
−1
 Total momentum after collision = (mB +mT ) (v) where v = 6 ms
 Total momentum after collision = (0.1+5) 6 = (5.1) (6) = 30.6
 Total momentum before collision = total momentum after collision
u
 0.1 B = 30.6
30.6
uB =¿ 306 ms−1
 = 0.1

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3(a) A longitudinal wave is one in which the particles vibrate to and fro along the direction of
motion of the wave.

3(b)

Figure 2. Displacement of particles at various positions along a wavetrain

(b)(i) The wave length is the distance between 2 particles which have the same displacement i.e.
between 2 crests (BF) or between 2 troughs (DH) or the length of one wave (AE or EI).

(ii) The amplitude is the maximum displacement of the particles.

From Figure 2, the amplitude = wB or xD or yF or zH.

(c) A transverse wave is one in which the particles vibrate at right angles to the direction of
motion of the wave as shown in the diagram below.

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(d) (i) Multiply the frequency (f) by 1000 to convert from kHz to Hz.

∴ f = 0.350 kHz = 350 Hz

λa va λa
To calculate the wave length of sound in air ( ), rearrange the formula =f to
λa
make ( ) the subject.

Va
∴ λa
= f

Va −1
where speed of sound in air ( ) = 340 ms and frequency of sound (f) = 350 Hz

−1
340 ms
∴ λa
= −1 = 0.97m
350 s

(ii) The frequency (f) of the wave is a constant 350 Hz in both air and water.

a
v¿
¿
w f λa
nw v¿
(iii) Refractive index of sound in water ( ) = = f λw
¿
velocity ∈water ¿
velocity ∈air ¿
¿

λa 0.97
= λw = 1.29 = 0.752

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4. (a) FIGURE 3- ANIMATE HEAT MOVEMENT IN ORDER OF DATA OUTLINED
BELOW.

The home cooked meal is kept warm by using the vacuum flask to reduce heat transfer to the
surroundings. This is achieved by the use of:

 The cork stopper, cork supports and glass vessel, which act as insulators or poor
conductors of heat. They reduce heat losses due to convection and conduction.
 The silvering of the glass reflects radiation. This reduces heat losses due to radiation.
 The vacuum prevents heat loss by conduction and convection.

4(b) DIAGRAM OF A SOLAR WATER HEATER ANIMATING THE INCIDENT LIGHT

ONTO THE WATER PIPES.

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(i) WITHOUT A GLASS COVER OVER THE COLLECTOR

The energy in kWh collected by the absorber per day is calculated as follows:

 Incident solar radiation = 5kWh m-2 per day

 The daily energy incident on an area of 1 m2 = 5kWh.
 The daily energy incident on the collector area of 5 m2 = 5kWh m-2 x 5 m2 = 25 kWh.
 The daily energy absorbed by the collector = 95% of the daily energy incident = 95% of
25 kWh = 23.75 kWh.

(ii) The collector emits 50% of the heat energy it receives from the atmosphere.

The daily energy used to heat the water = 50% of the daily energy absorbed by the collector.

= 50% of 23.75 kWh = 11.88 kWh

(iii) WITH A GLASS COVER OVER THE COLLECTOR

 The daily energy incident on the glass cover of area 5 m2 = 25 kWh.

 The glass cover transmits 80% of the sunlight to the collector.
 The daily energy transmitted through the glass to the collector = 80% of the daily energy
incident on the glass cover = 80% of 25 kWh = 20kWh.
 The glass cover allows 8% of the heat transmitted through the glass to the collector
to go back to the atmosphere.
 The daily energy received by the collector = (100 – 8)% of the daily energy transmitted
through the glass to the collector = 92% of 20kWh = 18.4 kWh.
 The daily energy (EH) absorbed by the collector = 95% of daily energy incident on the
collector = 95% of daily energy transmitted through the glass to the collector
= 95% of 18.4 kWh = 17.48 kWh.

(iv) To calculate the mass (m) of water that the collector with the glass cover can heat during the

day to obtain a change in temperature from 25 ℃ to 55 ℃ , proceed as follows:

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  Calculate change of temperature ∆ θ = (55 ℃ - 25 ℃ ¿ = 30K.
 Convert daily energy absorbed by collector (EH) from kWh to J by multiplying
by 3.6 x 106 ∴ E = [(17.48) (3.6 x 106)] J
H

 Rearrange the formula EH = m c ∆ θ to make m the subject

EH
m = c∆θ where c = 4 200 Jkg-1K-1

( 17.48 )( 3.6× 106 )

∴ m= = 499 kg.
4 200× 30

5 (a) To determine the I-V characteristics of an unknown electrical component, X.

Apparatus: ammeter, voltmeter, rheostat or variable resistor, switch, 1.5V cell, connecting wires.

 Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above.

 Close the switch and record the voltage (V) from the voltmeter and the current (I) from
the ammeter.
 Vary the rheostat and record V and I for five more pairs of readings.
 Plot a graph of I versus V.

5 (b) (i)

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  Resistance of each bulb = 1 000 Ω
R2 R
 and 3 are in parallel

R2 R3
 The total parallel resistance (RP) of and is calculated from:

1 1 1 1 1 2 1 000
= R2 + R3 = 1 000 + 1 000 = 1 000 ∴R = = 500 Ω
RP P 2

 R1 is in series with RP
 The total series resistance (RT) for the whole circuit = RP + R1 = 500 + 1000 = 1 500 Ω

(b) (ii)

 When all three bulbs are lit, the total resistance (RT) = 1 500 Ω .
 Use the formula VT = IT RT
 Rearrange the formula to make total current (IT) drawn from the supply the subject

VT
IT = RT where total voltage from the supply (VT ) =110V

110
IT = 1 500 = 0.073A

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5(c) To determine the MINIMUM current rating for a fuse to protect the microwave oven:

 Use the formula P = I V

 Rearrange the formula to make current (I) the subject:

P
I= V where power (P) = 1 100 W and voltage (V) = 110 V

1 100 W
I= 110 V = 10A.

∴ Minimum current rating = 11 - 15 A.

6. (a) In order to determine the type of radiation that is emitted from a source, any one of the
following methods can be used:

Method 1: Use of Absorbers such as paper, aluminium plate and lead plate.

Scaler or
Sourc GM
Ratemeter
e Tube

Absorbe
r

As shown in the diagram above, the GM tube is connected to a scaler or ratemeter and placed
1cm away from the source. The absorber is placed between the source and the GM Tube.

 If a large drop in count rate is detected when paper is placed, then alpha ( α ¿

radiation is present.
 If a large drop in count rate is detected when aluminum is placed, then beta ( β ¿

radiation is present.

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  If a small drop in count rate is detected when lead is placed, then gamma ( γ ¿

radiation is present.

Method 2: Use of Electric Fields

The GM tube is connected to a scaler or ratemeter and moved to different positions between the
plates, as shown in the diagram above.

 If a count is detected at the position labelled “GM Tube 1”, then alpha ( α ¿ radiation

is present.
 If a count is detected at the position labelled “GM Tube 2”, then beta ( β ¿ radiation is

present.
 If a count is detected at the position labelled “GM Tube 3” ,then gamma ( γ ¿ radiation

is present.

Method 3: Use of Magnetic Fields

GM Tube2

X X X X XXXXX
X X X X XXXXX
Source GM Tube
X X X X XXXXX
3
X X X X X X XX X
X X X X XXXX
GM Tube
1
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In the diagram above, the GM tube is connected to a scaler or ratemeter and moved to different
positions in the magnetic field.

 If a count is detected at the position labelled “GM Tube 1”, then beta ( β ¿ radiation is

present.
 If a count is detected at the position labelled “GM Tube 2”, then alpha ( α ¿ radiation

is present.
 If a count is detected at the position labelled “GM Tube 3”, then gamma ( γ ¿ radiation

is present.

C
(b) The nuclear equation which represents the nuclear reaction in which Carbon ( ¿ 146¿ loses a

e
beta particle ( ¿ −10¿ to become Nitrogen (147 N ) is:

14 0 14
6 C → −1 e +¿ 7 N

( c) One equation for a fusion reaction is

H + 21¿ 2 He+ 42¿
1H → energy
¿ ¿

∆
The loss in mass due to the energy released is the difference in mass ¿ m) between the left and

right hand sides of the equation. It is determined by subtracting the mass of the Helium atom on
the right hand side of the equation from the mass of both Hydrogen atoms on the left hand side,

∆
 Difference in mass ¿ m) = (2) (2.0140u) – (4.0026u) = 0.0254u

 Multiply ∆ m by 1.66 x 10-27 to convert it from u to kg.

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 ∴ ∆ m = (0.0254)( 1.66 x 10-27) kg

 Calculate the energy (E) released in fusion from:

E = ∆ m c2 where speed of light in a vacuum (c) = 3 x 108 ms

−1

∴ E = [(0.0254)( 1.66 x 10-27) ] x[(3 x 108)2] = 3.7948 x 10-12 J

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