MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

FIJI YEAR 10 CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION 2015

BASIC SCIENCE

Time Allowed: Two Hours

(An extra ten minutes is allowed for reading this paper.)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Write all your answers in the Answer Book provided.

2. Write your Index Number also in the top row of boxes on the Marking
sheet provided and then draw a cross on the corresponding numbers in the
boxes below your Index Number.

3. Write all your answers for the Multiple Choice questions only on the
Marking sheet with a pencil.

4. If you need more paper, ask the supervisor for extra sheets. Tie these
sheets inside the Answer Book at the appropriate places.

5. You may use a calculator, provided it is silent, battery-operated

and non-programmable.

6. There are three sections in this paper. Sections A and B are

compulsory. Note the choices in Section C. Answer Section C in the
Answer Booklet.

SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS

Total Suggested
Section Guidelines
Mark Time

A There are thirty multiple-choice questions

in this section. 30 36 minutes
All are compulsory.

B There are six short-answer questions. Each

question is worth 10 marks each. 60 72 minutes
All the questions are compulsory.

C There are three essay questions.

Answer one question. 10 12 minutes

COPYRIGHT: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 2.

INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO ANSWER MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

The following shows how to answer Section A of the Marking Sheet. Using a pencil,
draw a cross in the box next to the letter of best answer on the Marking Sheet.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. On the Marking Sheet, draw a cross in the box next to the letter of the
best answer with a pencil.
For example, if you select B as your answer, you should draw a cross in
the box next to the letter B.

33 A B C D

2. If you change your mind, shade out your answer as shown, and place a
cross in the box for your new .

33 A B C D

3. If you change your mind again and like your first answer better, shade

out your second answer and tick ( ) your first answer.
For example: 33 A B C D


4. If your cross is too big for the box, or if you draw a circle, your answer may be
marked wrong.
cross is too big circles are not to be used

32 A B C D 34 A B C D

5. No mark will be given if you cross more than one letter as the answer for
a question.

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FY10CE 2015: BASIC SCIENCE.

 3.

SECTION A [30 marks]

The thirty multiple-choice questions in this section are all

compulsory. Each question is worth 1 mark.

Use the picture below to answer questions 1 and 2 on the toad dissection.

(Source: http://int.search.tb.ask.com)

1. The letter P indicates the

A. liver.
B. heart.
C. stomach.
D. Large Intestine.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 The stomach is J shaped as indicated in P

2. The structure P belongs to which system?

A. Digestive.
B. Excretory.
C. Circulatory.
D. Respiratory.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 The stomach is part of the digestive system. The digestive system is a group of organs in
our body that work together to convert the food we eat into energy. Other organs in the
digestive system include: mouth, liver, bile duct, small intestine, appendix, large
intestine, and rectum.
 The Excretory system involves organs that work on removing excess or waste materials
from the body. Organs in the excretory system are kidney, liver, large intestine and skin
 The circulatory system ensures that blood continually flows through your body
transporting nutrients, oxygen, and carbon dioxide to and from cells of the body. The
heart and blood vessels make up this system.
 The respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide
from the body. The main respiratory organs are the lungs.
SECTION A (continued)

3. Which of the following statements given below is not true?

A. Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood.

B. Valves are present to prevent backflow of blood.
C. Left side of the heart contains oxygenated blood.
D. Right ventricles pumps blood to various parts of the body.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood or blood high in carbon dioxide to the
lungs where carbon dioxide is removed and replaced by oxygen)
 The left ventricle pumps blood to all parts of the body.

4. Exchange of air occurs in ___________ which are also known as air sacs.

A. alveoli
B. bronchi
C. bronchioles
D. alveolar duct

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Alveoli - tiny air sacs in our lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
takes place between the lungs and the blood stream.
 Bronchi – are the two main pipes through which air enters the lungs
 Bronchioles – small tubes which branch from the bronchi and which leads to the tiny air
sacs or alveoli
 Alveolar duct –these are ducts that connect the bronchioles to the alveoli

5. The movement of plants towards the source of light is known as

A. geotropism.
B. hydrotropism.
C. phototropism.
D. chemotropism.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Tropism – are the growth of plants in response to a stimulus
 Geotropism – growth of plants in response to gravity
 Hydrotropism – growth of plants is response to water
 Chemotropism – growth of plants in response to a chemical
SECTION A (continued)

6. Which of the following organisms in the given food web is not a

consumer?

Organism C
Organism F

Organism B
Organism E

Organism D Organism A

Source: http://search.tb.ask.com=Food+web

A. Organism F
B. Organism E
C. Organism B
D. Organism A
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Plants are the only organisms that make their own food, they introduce the energy into
our food chain, as they are the only organisms that are able to directly capture the suns
energy and convert it to food which is then passed on along the food chain.
Organism A is the only plant indicated in the Food web provided.

7. Two members of the same species fight over who gets a certain food. This is an
example of

A. mutualism.
B. community.
C. competition.
D. Commensalism.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Mutualism – a relationship where the orgasms involved both benefit
 Community – all the organisms living together and interacting with each other in a
particular environment
 Commensalism – a relationship where one of the organism involved benefits while the
other is not affected at all.
SECTION A (continued)

8. Which changes must the organisms living in coastal areas adapt to?

A. Water level and degree of salinity

B. Water level and amount of sunlight
C. Temperature and availability of oxygen
D. Temperature and availability of nutrients
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 One of the effects of climate change is the rise in sea level hence intruding salt water
might contaminate groundwater supplies. Hence organisms living along the coast will
have to adapt to water level and the degree of salinity

9. Which marine ecosystem in the list will be affected by Oil

spills, sewage, pesticides and widespread destruction?

A. Coral reefs.
B. Salt marshes.
C. Coastal wetlands.
D. Mangrove swamp.

10. The movement of Planaria (a flatworm) towards food is

known as positive

A. chemo – taxis.
B. biological clock.
C. courtship displays.
D. circadian rhythms.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Chemo – taxis: movement of an organism in response to a chemical stimuli and in the
case of this question, food is the chemical stimuli.
 Biological clock – a mechanism in the body that controls when natural process in the
body takes place such as sleeping, waking up, and aging.
 courtship displays – a pattern of behaviour displayed by animals to attract prospective
mates.
 circadian rhythms - Circadian rhythm is a specific form of biological clock that functions
on a 24-hour cycle.

11. Atoms are composed of

A. protons only.
B. electrons only.
C. electrons and nuclei.
D. electrons and protons.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 An atom is composed of the nuclei (where protons and electrons are located) and
electrons (spinning around the nuclei)
SECTION A (continued)

12. Moving from the left side of the periodic table to the right side,
the elements become:

A. liquid.
B. less metallic.
C. solid in state.
D. more conductive.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Non-metals are located on the right side of the periodic table. There is no standard state
of non-metals, some are liquids, some are solids and there are those that are gasses.
Non-metals are brittle, not malleable or ductile, poor conductors of both heat and
electricity, and tend to gain electrons in chemical reactions.

13. The vertical columns on the periodic table are called

A. metals.
B. periods.
C. non-metals.
D. groups/families.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Groups / families – vertical columns of the Periodic table
 Periods - horizontal rows of the Periodic Table

14. Metals like to ___________ electrons to become __________ ions

A. lose, positive
B. gain, positive
C. lose, negative
D. gain, negative

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 In order for metals to gain a full outer shell it is easier for metals to lose electrons. In
doing so they gain a positive charge (electrons having a negative charge).

15. For the formula equation: 2Mg + O2 2MgO, the word equation
would begin as

A. Heat plus oxygen ……

B. Manganese plus oxygen ……
C. Magnesium plus oxygen ……
D. Molybdenum plus oxygen ……
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Mg – is the symbol for Magnesium
 O2 – is the symbol for oxygen
SECTION A (continued)

16. The property of metals which can be beaten into thin sheets is called

A. ductility.
B. expansion.
C. conduction.
D. malleability.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Ductility – a metals ability to be stretched or drawn into wires.
 Expansion – a metals ability to get bigger or longer when heated
 Conduction – a metals ability to transmit electricity or heat

17. Which of the following is a balanced chemical equation?

A. H2O2 H2O + O2

B. 2Fe2O3 + 3C 4Fe + 3CO2

C. 2Mg + HCl MgCl + H2

D. SO2 + O2 + 2H2O 4H2SO4

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Option Number atoms in the Number of atoms in the products

reactants
A H = 2, O = 2
B Fe = 4, O = 6, C = 3
C M = 2, H = 1, Cl = 1
D S = 1, O = 6, H = 4
H = 2, O = 3
Fe = 4, O = 6, C = 3
Mg = 1, , H = 2, Cl = 1
S = 4, O = 16, H = 8

18. Non-metals are used in

A. fertilisers.
B. aeroplanes.
C. water boilers.
D. making machinery.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Metals are durable, strong and resistant to weather, which is why they are used in the
production of Options B, C and D.
 Non-metals do not have the required properties for the manufacture of Options B, C and
D but are used to make fertilizers.
SECTION A (continued)

Use the diagram shown below to answer questions 19 and 20.

19. This person suffers from the problem of

A. cataracts.
B. delusions.
C. far-sightedness.
D. short-sightedness.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Cataracts – is when some areas of the normally clear natural lens of the eyes becomes
cloudy and results in the loss of vision. It is the main cause of vision loss in people over
40.
 Delusions – is a type of serious mental illness where a person cannot tell what is real
from what is imagined, having unshakable belief in something untrue.
 Far-sightedness – occurs when a person’s natural lenses in the eyes, focuses the image
behind the retina instead of on the retina
 Short-sightedness – occurs when a person’s natural lenses in the eyes, focuses the
image in front of the retina instead of on the retina

20. This problem could easily be corrected by the use of a

A. convex lens.
B. concave lens.
C. sunglass lens.
D. good night’s sleep.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Short-sightedness is caused by the natural lenses in the eyes not being able to focus the
image on the retina but focuses the image in front of the image instead. This is corrected
by wearing glasses with concave lenses.
SECTION A (continued)

21. Which of the following is a source of renewable energy?

A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Natural gas
D. Hydropower
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 The sources of Options A, B and C will all eventually run out.
 Option D uses hydropower or water that will not be depleted, it is renewable

22. When the Mechanical Advantage is more than 1, the

A. force is reduced.
B. speed is reduced.
C. force is multiplied.
D. speed is multiplied.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 MA > 1 – Force is multiplied
 MA < 1 – Speed is multiplied

23. This diagram shows an example of a lever. What will happen when the load is
moved closer to the fulcrum?

EFFORT
LOAD

FULCRUM

Source: http//: search.tb.ask.com

A. Less effort will be required to lift it.

B. The work done in lifting it will alter.
C. A greater effort will be required to lift it.
D. The same effort will be required to lift it.
SECTION A (continued)

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 This is an example of a class 1 lever, where the fulcrum is between the effort and the
load. Effort is applied on one end to move a load on the other end.
E-----------------F-----------------L
In this type of lever, the direction of force changes. When effort is applied downward,
the load moves upward. When effort is applied upward, the load moves downward.
By changing where the fulcrum is, you can change the amount of effort needed to move
the load. The closer the load is to the fulcrum, the less effort it requires.

24. Work is

A. a type of machine.
B. force that moves an object.
C. energy reflected from the sun.
D. a force that pulls you towards the earth.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Work is not a device – Machines are devices, includes, levers, gears, inclined planes.
 Work is done when a force that is applied to an object moves that object.
 Solar energy is reflected from the sun
 Gravity is the force that pulls you towards earth.

25. Which of the following types of quantities is Displacement?

A. Scalar.
B. Vector.
C. Magnitude.
D. Dimensional.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Scalar - is a one dimensional measurement of a quantity, like temperature, or weight.
 A vector has more than one number associated with it. Displacement is an example of a
vector quantity as it refers to the overall position, e.g. A student walks 20m North from
her home.
 Magnitude refers to the absolute size of a quantity, excluding other details like sign and
direction.

26. Which planet is closest to the earth?

A. Mars
B. Jupiter
C. Neptune
D. Mercury
SECTION A (continued)

27. What is the main cause of the greenhouse effect?

A. Increase in earth temperature.

B. Excess of nitrogen in the atmosphere
C. Excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
D. Heat from cooking fire of ever- increasing population

ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Option A is an impact of climate change.
 Options B and D contribute to the greenhouse effect, however collectively the main
cause of climate change is Option C which best answers the question.

28. Which of the following natural process removes carbon

dioxide from the atmosphere?

A. Water cycle.
B. Respiration.
C. Nitrogen cycle.
D. Photosynthesis.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Water cycle – is the process by which water moves on, in, and above the
Earth, changing its state from water, gas to solid
 Respiration – is the process by which oxygen is provided to, and carbon
dioxide is removed from the body. This process releases carbon dioxide
into the atmosphere.
 Nitrogen cycle – is the process by which nitrogen is circulated in nature
 Photosynthesis – is the process of converting the suns energy into food
by plants with carbon dioxide as one of the reactants required. This
process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

29. Ozone hole refers to

A. hole in ozone layer.

B. decrease in the ozone layer in troposphere.
C. decrease in thickness of ozone layer in stratosphere.
D. increase in the thickness of ozone layer in troposphere.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
 Ozone layer – this is a layer of ozone / O3 molecules high up in the atmosphere that
protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun
 Ozone hole – this term refers to the thinning of this ozone layer over the poles, enabling
harmful UV radiation of the sun to reach earth’s surface harming plants and animals.
The thinning is caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs – from aerosol cans and
refrigerants) being released into the atmosphere and react and breakdown O3
SECTION A (continued)

30. Approximately how many years ago did the Big bang take place?

A. 10 – 20 billion years ago.

B. 10 – 15 million years ago.
C. 10 – 15 thousand years ago.
D. 100 – 150 million years ago.
 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

FIJI YEAR 10 CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION 2015

BASIC SCIENCE

ANSWER BOOK

HAND IN THIS ANSWER BOOK TO THE SUPERVISOR BEFORE YOU

LEAVE THE EXAMINATION ROOM.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Write all your answers in this Answer Book.

2. Answer all the questions with a blue or black ballpoint pen and use
pencil only for drawings. Do not use a red pen.

3. If you use extra sheets of paper, be sure to show clearly the questions
number(s) being answered and to tie each sheet securely in this
Answer Book at the appropriate place.

4. Before handling in this paper, check that your Index Number is at the
top of this page, and on the flap at the back of this Answer Book.

Marks

Gained:

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 2

SECTION A PART IMULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (30 MARKS)

Circle the letter that represents the best answer.

1 A B C D 16 A B C D

2 A B C D 17 A B C D

3 A B C D 18 A B C D

4 A B C D 19 A B C D

5 A B C D 20 A B C D

6 A B C D 21 A B C D

7 A B C D 22 A B C D

8 A B C D 23 A B C D

9 A B C D 24 A B C D

10 A B C D 25 A B C D

11 A B C D 26 A B C D

12 A B C D 27 A B C D

13 A B C D 28 A B C D

14 A B C D 29 A B C D

15 A B C D 30 A B C D

30

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 3

SECTION B SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (60 MARKS)

There are 6 questions in this section. Answer all the questions. Each
question is worth 10 marks each.

QUESTION 1 STRUCTURE AND LIFE PROCESSESS (10 marks)

(a) How do white blood cells differ from red blood cells? Give one
difference

(i) in their structure (1 mark)

White Blood Cells - are irregular in shape/ have

nucleus/colourless / bigger in size.
Red Blood Cells – regular in shape / red/ biconcave/ platelike in
shape / smaller in size.

(b) The graph below shows some of the components of air during
breathing.

(Source: http://search.tb.ask.com)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 4

(i) While doing this experiment in the class which indicator will
you use to test for the presence of carbon dioxide? ( ½ mark)
Limewater / calcium hydroxide solution / bromothymol
blue

(ii) Which gas is in a higher quantity in the body and give a reason
for it. (1 ½ marks)
Oxygen / O2
It is needed by the body to convert the food we eat into life
sustaining energy which the body uses to do work, contract
our muscles, reproduce, repair our cells, feed our brains and
for growth.

(c) What are the three main types of excretory products excreted by
living beings? (1 ½ marks)
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Urine/ Nitrogenous waste/ Ammonia (Fish) /Uric acid (birds)
3. Sweat
4. Excess salt
5. Excess water.

(d) Drawn below is the digestive system of human. Study it to answer

(d) (i) (1-3).

(Source:www.bxscience.edu)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 5

(i) Complete the table below by using the above diagram.

(3 marks)

ORGAN DESCRIPTION FUNCTION

1 Gall bladder Stores and excretes bile
2 Appendix There is no known
function
3 Large Intestine Absorbs water from
undigested food.
Stores water
temporarily

e) Study the diagram given below and answer the following

questions.

A B

(Source: http://search.tb.ask.com)

(i) Name the parts labelled A, B and C (1½ marks)

A. Renal Artery or Renal Vein

B. Medulla/nephrons

C. Renal vein or Renal artery

ii) Identify two products that are reabsorbed by the kidneys.

(1 mark)

1. Salt / glucose 2. Water

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

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QUESTION 2 LIVING TOGETHER & BIODIVERSITY (10 marks)

(a) Name a resource that are competed for by (1 mark)

(i) Animals:
Food/ Mates/Territories/ space /habitat / water
(ii) Plants:
Space/ nutrients/sunlight/ water and minerals

(b) Study the diagram below to answer the questions that follow.

(i) Identify the type of relationship shown (1 mark)

Mutualism
(ii) Describe how the two organisms benefit from each other.
(1 mark)

The bees derives its food from the nectar/juice of the

flower.
The flower is pollinated (self or cross-pollinated) by the
bees.

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 7

(c) Shown below is an illustration of kinesis movement where the dotted

line was the path taken by the Sow bug.

(Source http://search.tb.ask.com)

(i) Define kinesis (1 mark)

A cell or animals non-directional response to a stimulus

(ii) Why didn’t the sow bug move straight? (1 mark)

The organism does not have any fixed direction of response.

(d) Decomposers breakdown complex compounds of dead and

decaying plants and animals to its simplest forms. List two
examples of decomposers. (1 mark)

1. Fungi

2. Bacteria
or Earthworm

(e) Read the extract given below and from your own knowledge, answer
the following questions.

Corals in one form or another have been an important structural

feature of reefs in shallow tropical seas. They are highly productive
and biologically diverse. Reefs are being destroyed by an accumulation
of stresses arising from human activities. Water quality gets worse as
litter releases poisons and chemicals. People and animals can get sick
from drinking and using the dirty water. People and animals can also
get sick from eating large fish that have eaten other sea creatures (like
jellyfish) that have eaten tiny bits of plastic. Jelly fish also feed on
microscopic phytoplankton

(Source http://search.tb.ask.com)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 8

(i) What do you call the tiny animals that make up the corals?
(1 mark)
Coral polyps

(ii) Describe two human activities that cause stress to the reef.
(2 marks)
1. Water quality deteriorates due to chemicals and waste
from factories being dumped into waterways /

Illegal fishing methods such as the use of dynamites and

poisons

2.
Poor land use methods resulting in sedimentation

Excessive use of fertilisers and use of poor farming methods

use leads to nutrient pollution/

Growing population in coastal means more waste ends up in

waterways which eventually reaches the reef.

Increased use of fossil fuels and cutting down of many trees

leads to increased water temperatures which results in
corals bleaching.
This also results in high levels of Carbon-dioxide in the
oceans making it more acidic decreasing the levels of
calcium carbonate minerals in the sea making it harder for
corals to build skeletons.

Over-harvesting of davui/triton resulting in Crown of

Thorns population increasing to a point where it consumes
coral tissue faster than the corals can grow.

iii) Draw a food chain from the abstract that shows the link to cause
sickness to humans.
(1 mark)

Phytoplankton Jelly fish Large fish People

/Animals

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 9

QUESTION 3 EXPERIMENT DESIGNING (10 marks)

In this question you have to design an experiment to solve the stated

scientific problems. Use your knowledge from your Year 10 Scientific
Investigations to design an authentic experiment following the guidelines
below. Also include two safety rules while in the Science Laboratory.

Choose only one question from the three choices given below

(i) Design an experiment to show hydrotropism in plants.

OR

(ii) Design an experiment to show the effect of surface area on the

rate of reaction.

OR

(iii) Design an experiment to show production of electricity from

mechanical energy.

HYPOTHESIS: (1 mark)

(i) Plants will grow (ii) The more the (iii) Electricity can be
towards water surface area of the produced from
solute the faster the mechanical energy.
rate of reaction

MATERIALS: (2
marks)

(i) Seeds, porous pot, (ii) A chunk/lump of (iii) Coils of copper

water, a deep tray
/container, sand.
OR
Gauze wire, wet
cotton wool, seeds,
beaker
marble /coral, wire, magnet, current
powdered meter, connecting
marble/coral, beaker wires
and two test tubes,
HCl

METHOD: (3 marks)

(i) (ii) (iii)

1. Fill the tray with 1. Prepare a 1. Connect the
sand solution of coils of copper
2. Make a pit in the hydrochloric wire to the
sand, place the acid in a beaker current detector
porous pot on by adding 2ml of / meter using

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 10

one side of the concentrated the connecting

tray/container solution to 20ml wires.
3. Place the seeds of water. 2. Move the bar
in the sand on 2. Place a magnet in and
the opposite chunk/lump of out of the coils
side as shown in coral/marble in of wire.
the diagram one test tube 3. Observe the
4. Leave the and the current meter
experiment for a powdered for the
week. marble/coral in production of
another electricity.
OR 3. Add 10 ml of
1. Place the wet dilute HCl in the
cotton wool in test tubes.
the middle of 4. Observe the rate
the gauze wire. of reaction (the
2. Place the seeds rate at which
on the wet bubbles are
cotton wool produced and
3. Place the gauze the rate at
over the mouth which the
of the cotton coral/marble
wool dissolves in the
4. Leave the two test tubes).
experiment set
up for a week.

DIAGRAM: (2 marks)

(i) (ii) (iii)

Coil of copper
wire

Magnet – moving in and

out of coil of copper
wire

Current meter /
detector

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

 11

OR

SAFETY RULES (2 marks)

1. Acid is to be handled with care and any spills on body tissue will
require much water to be flushed on the area affected.

2. Always pour acid into water and not vice-versa.

3. All chemical reactions are to be observed with care.

4. Appropriate closed shoes and coats are to be worn at all times

5. Wear safety glasses when conducting chemical reactions.

6. Clean all the equipment and areas at the end of the experiment.

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

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QUESTION 4 MATTER (10 marks)

(a) An electronic arrangement of an unknown element X is shown below.

(Source: http://search.tb.ask.com/electron+shells+EXAMS)

(i) How many protons and electrons are there? (1 mark)

Proton 9

Electron 9

NB: No. of electrons = No. of protons

(ii) Write the symbol of the ion that X would form. (½ mark)

X-1

(b) The Periodic Table for the first 20 elements is shown below. Use the
information in the periodic table to answer the following questions.

H He

Li Be B C N O F Ne

Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar

K Ca

(i) Write down the electronic configuration for the elements Li and
S
Li – 2, 1
S – 2, 8, 6
(1 mark)

(ii) Comment on the trend in the reactivity of atoms of Li across to

Na.
Reactivity increases as one goes down the group, thus Na is
more reactive than Li.
(1 mark)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

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(iii) Give the symbol of an element that does not take part in
chemical reactions.
He, Ne, Ar (Nobel gases).
(½ mark)

(c) An iron rod was kept in a glass container having CuSO4 solution. On
examining, it was found that the blue colour of the solution had faded.
After few days when the iron rod was taken out of the solution, a
number of small holes were noticed in it.

(Source: http://search.tb.ask.com/search/AJimage.jhtml?&searchfo)

(i) State the reason for the change.

(1 mark)

Iron is more reactive than Copper therefore displacing / taking

the place of copper in the Copper sulphate solution. This
results in the formation of iron sulphate and copper coming
out of the solution and forming a layer over the nail.

(iii) Write the chemical equation of the reaction involved.

(1 mark)

Fe + CuSO4 FeSO4 + Cu

(d) List two properties of non-metals.

(2 marks)

1. Poor conductor of electricity

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2. Good insulators

3. Poor conductor of heat

4. Dull

5. Brittle

6. Low melting and boiling points

(e) Explain the effects heating and cooling of metals for the two processes
listed below:

1. Annealing

Heating a metal to red hot followed by slow cooling making the

metal soft and malleable; making it easy to cut and shape.

2. Quenching

Heating a metal to red hot and cooling rapidly by dipping in

water, making the metal hard and brittle.

(2 marks)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

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QUESTION 5 ENERGY (10 marks)

(a) Use the diagram below to answer the question that follows.

(SOURCE: http://www.oldschool.com.sg/index.php/module)

(i) What will you observe with light bulb A if light bulb D is faulty?

Light bulb A will still light up.

(½ mark)

(b) Below is an electricity bill extract from a home in Naqere. Use the
information on it to answer the questions that follow.

TARIFF READING METER READING USAGE BILLE

DESCRIPTION TYPE NUMBER PRESENT PREVIOUS KWHS D
DAYS
Domestic Normal SR00169 017773 017656 36
Reading 1:1

(ii) Calculate the amount of electricity (kWh) used in the 36 days.

(Show working) (1 mark)

Final reading-initial reading = 017773-017656 = 117kWh

(iii) If the charge of the current usage is 33c/kwh, how much will
this family pay for this month’s bill with 15% VAT? (Show
working) (1 mark)

Electricity cost = 117kWh x $0.330 = $38:61

15%of $38:61= 05:79
TOTAL = $44:40

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(iv) Identify two ways which the family can help reduce their
monthly electricity bill.

 Purchase and use energy efficient products

 Unplug items when not in use e.g. iron, TV, coffee
maker, Stereo
 Do not leave refrigerator open
 Dry clothes outside during fine days
 Use energy efficient bulbs
 Use solar energy

(1 mark)

(c) The graph below represents a trip taken by a Basic Science student in
a wheel chair. Answer the questions below by using the graph.

Dis tance v. Tim e

4.5
4
3.5
Distance (m)

3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Tim e (s )

(Source: http://searchfor=GRAPHS+ON+TIME+VS+DISTANCE)

(i) How far away from the starting point is the person after 1.5s?
3 metres
(½ mark)

(ii) What is the velocity between 0.0 s and 2.0 s? (Show working)

Velocity = Y2 – Y1 ÷ X2 – X1 = 4-0 ÷ 2- 0 = 4÷2 = 2m/sec

(1 mark)

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(iii) What would be the acceleration of a car if it is travelling at

30m/s speeds up to 60m/s in 10 sec.? (Show the working)
(1 mark)

Final velocity = 60m/sec. Initial velocity = 30m/sec and

time =10 sec
Acceleration = Change in velocity
Change in time

= ΔV
ΔT

= 60m/sec – 30 m/sec = 30m/ sec

10 sec 10 sec 10 sec

= 3m /sec2 OR 3msec-2

(iv) Describe what happens to the trip from the 2nd second to the 6th
second. (1 mark)

The wheel chair is at a standstill / stationary / not moving

(d) The gear system shown below is to be added to a hacksaw motor so

that the speed of the power hacksaw can be controlled. Study it
carefully to answer the questions that follow.

(Source: http://search.tb.ask.comimage.jhtml?&searchfor=Gears+and+teeth)

(i) In which direction was the driver gear (Gear A) rotating? (1 mark)

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Clockwise / to the right

(ii) Calculate the RPM (revolutions per minute) of gear B. (Show

working).
(1 mark)
No: of turns = No of teeth in D = 20 teeth = 2
No of teeth in C 10 teeth

With 2 full turn in the gear A, gear B would have only turned
once or 1 rotation.

2 turns = 200rpm
1 turn = X

2turns X = 200rpm
X = 200rpm x I turn
2 turns
No: of revolutions /min = 100 rpm

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(e) A wheelbarrow is used to move a load of bricks. The wheelbarrow can

take 50 kg of bricks (i.e. a weight of 500 N) at a time. Calculate the
force required to lift a fully loaded wheelbarrow. The dimensions of
the wheelbarrow are given as follows:

(Source: http://search.tb.ask.com/&searchfor=Wheelbarrow.)

FL X dL = FE X dE

500N X 0.2 m = FE X 0.5m

FE = 500N X 0.2 m
0.5m

= 100N
0.5

= 200 N

(1 mark)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

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QUESTION 6 EARTH AND BEYOND (10 marks)

(a) Explain three reasons why earth is a suitable planet for humans to
live in. (3 marks)
(i) WATER: Presence of water which is the most important
chemical for life. It keeps the body free of toxins and internal
system balance.
(ii) ATMOSPHERE: Earth has breathable atmosphere. The
presence of oxygen necessary for life is present in water and
put into the atmosphere by plant and trees as a by-product of
photosynthesis.
(iii) CLIMATE: Has a suitable climate and it does not go from one
extreme to another.
(iv) LIGHT: The earth receives sunlight the ultimate source of
energy for all living things on the planet. Plants convert
energy from the sun into a form that can be used by all living
things in the process called photosynthesis.
(v) OZONE: Protects the earth from harmful UV rays of the sun
so it is liveable or habitable.

(b) Study the diagram below to answer the following questions.

http://pixgood.com/enhanced-greenhouse-effect-for-
kids.html

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(i) Describe the differences between global warming and

greenhouse effect. (2 marks)

Green House Effect Global Warming

Natural phenomenon whereby
excess naturally occurring
green-house gases forms a
blanker like layer in the
earth’s atmosphere trapping
some of the suns heat/energy
to keep our planet warm and
liveable, functioning in a
similar way as a greenhouse.
The absence of this would
have made our planet too cold
to live on.
Global warming occurs when
there are excessive
Greenhouse gasses like carbon
dioxide in our atmosphere
(derived from the excessive
burning of fossil fuels and
cutting down of vast areas of
rainforests that has been
occurring in our planet).
Excessive levels of greenhouse
gasses like carbon dioxide
means more heat is being
retained in our atmosphere
resulting in increased global
temperature.

(ii) Draw and label the position of the ozone layer which protects
the earth from the UV radiation in the space provided.
(1 mark)

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(c) Below is the picture of a village church after a series of rainfall.

Use this information to answer the questions that follow.

(source:http://mesfiji.org/category/fiji-climate)

(i) Describe two possible reasons or causes of the above scenario

in the village.

1. Global warming and climate change resulting in

changing weather patterns / high occurrence of natural
disasters at higher intensity more hurricanes and
flooding /overflowing of riverbanks, sea level rise

2 Poor farming practices / drainage, poor land use

planning especially with high tide

(1 mark)

(ii) If this was your village describe two ways in which you can help
the village return to normalcy after this kind of climate change
effect.

1. Build sea walls.

2. Relocate the village to another place if it’s an ongoing
problem.
3. Improve drainage
4. Use of renewable sources of energy such as water, solar
and wave energy
5. Create more awareness on this problem – causes and
solutions

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6. Plant disaster or salt tolerant crops

7. Emission mitigation
8. Expand on reforestation to increase the carbon sinks

(2 marks)

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.

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SECTION C: ESSAY (10 marks)

QUESTION NUMBER: 1

Mangroves are important and is claimed to be the source of livelihood

in the Fiji islands.

BENEFITS OF MANGROVE:

 Basis of a complex marine food chain.

 Creation of breeding habitat / Nursery for marine organisms
 Establishment of restrictive impounds that offer protection for
maturing offspring.
 Filtering and assimilating pollutants from upland run-off.
 Stabilization of bottom sediments.
 Water quality improvements.
 Protection of shorelines from erosion.
 Provide livelihood for many humans including fuel, charcoal
and timber and areas for fishing
 Form a buffer zone defending the coastline from flooding and
erosion, land stabilization, nutrient cycling , processing
pollutants (including absorption of heavy metals)

WAYS IN WHICH MANGROVES ARE THREATENSED:

 Clearing: Mangroves have been thought to be unproductive and

smelly. These were removed to make way for agriculture,
settlements, building of wharfs and hotels and reclamation of
land. Clear felling, aquaculture and over-exploitation of
fisheries in mangroves are the greatest threats to mangrove
species over the next 10-15 years.
 Overharvesting:
Mangrove trees are used for firewood, building shelters, wood
chip and pulp production, charcoal production, and animal
fodder
 River changes:
Dams and irrigation change the salinity of the forest and less
water reaches the mangroves, freshwater diversions may lead
to the dying of mangroves.
 Climate change:
Mangroves require stable sea-level for its survival. They are
very vulnerable to sea-level rise caused by global warming and
climate change.
 Pollution: Fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxic man-made
chemicals carried by river systems from sources upstream can

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kill animals living in mangrove forests, while oil pollution can

smother mangrove roots and suffocate the trees.

THREE WAY IN STOPPING OR MINIMISING THREATS TO OUR

MANGROVES.
 Removing subsidies on fertilizer use, which would limit their
use and reduce the problem of marine dead zones.
 Rapid legislative protection of vital ecosystems, like coral reefs
and mangrove forests, in the form of Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs), biosphere reserves, and marine parks.
 Reducing the conversion of important and valuable coastal
ecosystems to aquaculture facilities and real estate.
 Education and awareness
 Replanting of mangroves by school children, stake holders
 CONCLUSION

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QUESTION 2

CLIMATE CHANGE is defined as the general changes in the

weather patterns , including temperatures, precipitation, winds
and other factors.
Scientists have predicted that the world’s climate is changing a
lot and has affected many living things and no-living things. Fiji
is not an exception but is also part of the experience in the
impacts of climate change.

There are evidences in climate changes in Fiji such as:

 Inundation of low lying areas where freshwater sources

foods and habitation have been affected drastically.
 The islands that have been affected have been either
relocated or programmes undertaken to reduce the risk and
mitigate climate change. These have been verified with
evidences in the relocation of villages, reducing disaster
risks and climate change.
 In Nacula and Yaqeta villages in the Yasawa group of islands
are two prime examples that have experienced the brunt
of coastal erosion and these have worsened due to El-Nino
as effects of Climate Change take its toll. In Nacula Village,
8-10 metres inland from the original coastline has been
eroded. Food sources such as Beech-de-mer which were
found earlier in the shallow water are now found in deep
waters of the sea.
 Vunidogoloa village along the Natewa coast has been
relocated 280 km North of Navikoso due coastal erosion.
This is to reduce risk disaster and management and
enhance resilience.
 Yadua Island and Dagadrua Island in Vanua Levu experience
sea level rise and beaches are disappearing slowly due to sea
level rises and Climate change. Some areas are on the
verge of being washed away.

Climate Change is caused by the increase in greenhouse gases in

the atmosphere and these include Carbon dioxide, methane,
water vapour, nitrous oxide. Greenhouse effect in its natural
balance is good for our planet as it keeps it warm. However when
there are excessive amounts of the greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere, this would mean that more heat can be trapped
resulting in global warming.

Land use change can also affect the climate change such as
Logging of trees. These trees help in absorbing carbon dioxide and
evaporation and transpiration. If these are affected then it will
affect the climate.

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Global warming also results in warming of the oceans and melting

of ice caps leading to the rise in sea levels. This may also result
in the intrusion of salt water into water tables. Low lying areas
become flooded and there will be loss of properties.

Global warming also results in the occurrence of natural disaster

at a higher frequency and intensity such as hurricanes, droughts,
flooding of low lying areas.

Some ways of minimising the effects of Climate change are:

 Improve education and awareness

 Plant more trees
 Mitigation- the aim to reduce greenhouse gases emission to
reduce or delay impacts and introduce adaptation measures
to Climate change.
 Use traditional knowledge in planting drought tolerant crop
varieties or species in plants and animal stocks, have
intercropping.
 Rainwater storage, more spending on irrigation.
 Organic farming
 Reduce, reuse and recycle materials such as paper, plastics,
bottles etc.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is important to address Climate change
and its impact on the living things and their sources of
minimising the problem.

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QUESTION 3

Relationships occur in communities and ecosystems for

organisms to survive and continue their existence. These
interactions may occur between the members of the same species
or with other species. The essay will discuss the different forms
of symbiotic or close relationships.

One such relationship is referred to as Mutualism where both

organisms involved benefit from the relationship. A good case in
point would be the association between algae and fungi (Lichen)
living on trees. The algae photosynthesise while fungi increase
the surface area of absorption water and mineral for synthesising
food which is also shared with the fungi.

Commensalism on the other hand is a relationship where one of

the organism’s benefits and the other is not affected. A good
example would be the association between a tree and an orchid.
One will support the other while the tree is not affected.

Predation is also an association between two organisms where

one benefits and the other suffers. A good example would be a cat
catching and killing a rat (prey) for its food and consuming it.

Another example would be Parasitism where an organism lives on

another organism (host), the parasite benefits while the host
becomes weak a good example would be a head louse and the
host’s blood for their survival.

Likewise, Competition is an association between organisms that

also need to survive and usually the food are in short supply.
These may include light, water, food, and mates. There are two
forms and they are Intra specific and interspecific competition.

Intra specific competition is a relationship between two

organisms that rival over the same food or resource and it occurs
between two organisms that belong to the same species. For
example two lizards will compete for insects in the garden.

On the contrary, interspecific competition is a relationship

between two organisms of different kind competing for the same
resource. For example the lizard and the toads compete for
insects in the garden for their food and energy.

In conclusion, relationships are important for the survival of an

organism. The organism may attain energy for work,
reproduction, growth and survival.

© MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIJI, 2015.