H2 Physics Nov 2008 GCE A-level - Solutions

Paper 1

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 Paper 2

1(a)(i) Vertically,
vy2 = uy2 + 2 ay sy [1]
vy2 = 0 + 2 (9.81) 32 {uy = 0 since stone is “thrown horizontally” }
vy = 25 m s-1 [1]
{ Alternatively, may use ½ mvy2 – 0 = mgh }

(ii) sin  = vy / v, where v = velocity of impact [1]

 = sin-1 (25 / 34) = 47.5 [1]
{ Alternatively, may det vx first; then use tan  = vy/vx }
(b) F = m (v – u) / t = 0.13 (2 – 34) / 0.95 [1]
= -4.38 N [1,sign is not essential]

(c) A large splash implies a large transfer of KE from stone to KE of the water that
is splashed out (as well as sound energy & thermal energy at impact). [1]

With a reduced KE, the required work done to bring the stone to rest will decrease
and hence it will be slowed down in a shorter distance. [1]

{Answers based on momentum or force considerations do not address the question & earn no
credit}

2(a) {A good ans must state/imply the 2 defining features of shm, and state how Fig 2.2 has them}

The graph shows a straight line passing through the origin

with a negative gradient. [1]

A straight line passing through the origin implies that acceleration of plate is proportional to
displacement; [1]
a negative gradient shows that the acceleration is always opposite in direction to the
displacement. [1]
-2
(b)(i) 9.81 m s {or just above this value} [1]

When the sand is on the plate, 2 forces act on it: its weight mg and the normal contact force of
plate on the particle, N.

The sand first loses contact when the plate is moving downwards from the point of maximum
displacement. [1]

ma = mg- N and N = 0 when contact is lost.

When N = 0, ma = mg
=> a = g = 9.81 m s-2 [1]

(ii) From graph when a = 9.81 m s-2, amplitude = 3.8 mm [1]

3(a)(i) For an object orbiting around Earth, the gravitational force provides the centripetal force,
ie, G M m / r2 = m v2 / r [1]

KE of satellite = ½ m v2 = ½ (G M m / r) [1]

(ii) GPE of satellite = - G M m / r

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 -GMm/ r
Ratio of GPE to KE = = -2 (shown) [1]
0.5 G M m / r

(b)(i) {From (a) (ii), KE =  ½ GPE }

Co-ordinates for the plot of KE against orbital radius:
Orbital radius / Rp 1.5 2 3 4
Kinetic Energy / 109 J 3.35 2.5 1.7 1.25
(ii) At R= 4Rp KE = 1.25 x 109 J [1]

At R = 2Rp, KE = 2.5 x 109 J [1]

2  KE
Using v = ,
m
When KE = 1.25 GJ, v = 1250 ms-1 [1]
When KE = 2.50 GJ, v = 1770 ms-1 [1]

Change in speed, v = 520 m s-1 [1]

{KE is NOT = ½ mv2 !}

4(a)(i) From the graph, maximum power of 5.62 W occurs at 4.5 V. [1]
Applying P = I V, 5.62 = I  4.5
I = 1.25 A [1]
(a)(ii) Resistance = V / I = 4.5 / 1.25 = 3.6  [1]
(b) Applying the equation E = I (R + r) to both conditions, E = 1.25 (3.60 + r) ---(1) [1]
E = 1.60 (2.03 + r) ---(2) [1]
Solving the simultaneous equations above, r = 3.6  [1]

Alternatively: (According to the Max Power Transfer Theorem), the power transferred to the
external resistance R is a max if R = the internal resistance, [1]
 r = R = 3.6  [2]

5 Either, An intrinsic semiconductor at low temp or 0 K has a completely filled valence band and an
empty conduction band with a small energy gap in between. (Illustrate with diag.) Hence
there are no charge carriers and the electrical resistance is high, or,

When temperature is low, electrons in the valence band do not have sufficient energy to jump
across the energy gap to get into the conduction band. [1]

When temperature rises, electrons in the valence band receive thermal energy to enter into
the conduction band leaving holes in the valence band. [1]

Electrons in the conduction band & holes in the valence band are mobile charge carriers
and can contribute to current. [1]

Increasing the number of charge carriers means lower resistance. [1]

6(a) The nucleus {NOT: substance, nuclide, atom, or particle} [1]

is unstable and spontaneously and randomly, emits either alpha particles, beta particles and/or
gamma rays. [1]

(b)(i) The fraction of the total number of undecayed nuclei {NOT: nuclide} which will decay per unit

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 time,
or, the probability of decay of a nucleus per unit time. [2]

(ii) Sample Mass

No. of strontium-90 nuclei = x N A = 2.4  10-8  10-3 x NA/ 90 u
Mass of 1 mol
= 1.6  1014 [1]
A =  N,
1.26 105 =   1.6  1014 [1]
 = 7.875  10-10 s-1 [1]

(c) For small decay const, the activity would not change appreciably while the mass & activity are
measured. {A = N  A   ,for a given N} [1]

{or, if  is large, then activity would change while the mass is being measured}
{Any answer which refers to the accuracy/uncertainty of measurements or the dangers of high
levels of radiation gets no mark.}

7(a)(i) Initially the rate is relatively very high. It then decreases [1 for either]
to a final constant value. [1]

(ii) Vol of room = 12x5x3 = 180 m3

Assuming the room to be a sphere: 4/3 R3 = 180 , R = 3.5 m
Fr the graph, the estimated time for the fireball to engulf the whole room 1.5 millisec.
 impossible for a firefighter in the room to get out in time.

[ 1m for reasonable estimate of radius of fireball; 1m for approx time for fireball to engulf the
room; 1m for concluding that it’s impossible to get out in time. ] [3]

(b)(i) From Fig 7.1, when t = 40 ms, R = 14.5 m

lg 40 = 1.60, lg 14.5 = 1.16

(1.700, 1.200)

(1.200, 1.000)

[1 for correct plot to precision of ½ smallest sq]

[1 for best-fit line ]

(ii) Gradient = (1.205– 1.040) / (1.700 – 1.300) = 0.413 [Range:0.380 to 0.420, 2 m]

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(iii) {Refer to Glossary of Terms Used in Physics Paper (syllabus): Suggest is used in 2 main
contexts. It may either imply that there is no unique answer, or that candidates are expected
to apply their general knowledge to a “novel” situation, one that formally may not be in the
syllabus.}

From the given equation Rn = k tm, n lg R = m lg t + lg k

 m / n = gradient of the line [1]

Since m & n are integers, & taking m/n = 0.4 ie 4/10

a possible value of m = 2 and a possible value of n = 5 [2]
{or, m =4 & n = 10, etc. }
{Refer to similar situation in P3 Q1c(i)}
(c) Re-arranging the given expression, c = R5 / V
At t = 40 ms, c1 = 10.55 / (2.5  10-3) = 51000000
5 -3
c2 = 12.0 / (5.0  10 ) = 49800000
c3 = 13.25 / (7.5  10-3) = 50000000
c4 = 13.85 / (10.0  10-3) = 50000000
5 -3
c5 = 14.4 / (12.5  10 ) = 49500000

{Checking for at least 3 values of V: 2 marks; checking for 2 values of V gets 1 mark;
Appropriate comment, such as: Since c is approximately constant, the expression is valid
gets 1 mark. Many did not know how to “show”. }
(d)(i) {Anything sensible which is related to the property of the fuel}, eg volatility of the gas, calorific
value of fuel, surrounding pressure, density of the gas [1]

(ii) {Any sensible enclosed space}, eg underground coal mine, tunnel, cargo bay of a ship. [1]

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 Paper 3

1(a)(i) Plot at least 3 pts {excluding the origin} of p against 1/V, or pV against p {or V} [2]

(ii) For p against 1/V, inverse proportionality is demonstrated by a straight line through the origin.
{Many failed to mention that the line must pass through the origin} [1]

(b) {W= Area under F-d graph; work done is “cumulative” from d = 0 to d. Many however
incorrectly plotted a graph of the work done in each section, instead of the total work done fr d
= 0.}

d/m 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Work / J 0 5.0 17.5 37.5 47.5
{NOT: 12.5}

{From d = 0 to d = 1.0 and from d = 2.0 to d = 3.0, graph is a straight line. [1,1]

From d = 1.0 to d = 2.0, graph curves upwards (gradient is increasing) [1]

From d = 3.0 to d = 4.0, graph curves downwards (gradient decreases to zero) [1]
Graph is smooth throughout }

(c)(i) Gradient = (0.850 – [– 0.725]) / (6.700 – 7.500) = -1.97 or -2 [3]

(ii) The gradient gives the power of r in the relation betw g and r. [1]
( lg g = m lg r + lg c where m = gradient  -2 (1sf)
= lg crm = lg cr-2
g = cr-2 )
The value of the gradient suggests that the Earth’s gravitational field strength varies with 1/r2.
[1]

2(a)(i) When the coil rotates, there is a change in flux linking the coil. [1]

According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, an emf will be generated. [1]

{Alternatively: When the coil rotates, the sides of the coil cut the magnetic field (lines) of the
magnet. According to ……}

(ii) {Any 2 of following 4:}

number of turns, area of coil, magnetic flux density of magnet, angular frequency of rotation
{E0 = NBAw } [2]

(iii) The (instantaneous) flux  = BA sin  where  is the angle between the plane of the coil and B.
{or NBA cos , depending on how you define } [1]
As the coil rotates at constant angular frequency , the induced emf, which is the rate at which
magnetic flux varies with time, is N d/dt = NBA cos (t), also varies sinusoidally. [1]

(b)(i) peak input emf = Vr.m.s. ( 2 ) = 102 V [1]

(ii) Ns V 600 Vs
 s ,  => rms pd = 1440 V [1]
Np Vp 30 72

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(iii) Irms = Vrms/R = 1440/160 = 9 A [1]

(iv) Pav = Irms2 R = 92x 160 = 12 960 W {or 13 000 W} [1]

(v) Irms x Vrms in primary coil = Irms x Vrms in secondary coil [1]
ie, Current in generator x rms voltage of input emf = Ans in (iv)
 Current in generator = 12960/ 72 = 180 A [1]

3(a) {Any 2, each 1 m}

1. A wave that does not transport energy{no propagation of energy, no net translation of
energy}
2. Its wave profile/waveform does not advance/move forward
3. Positions of nodes (minimum amplitude) & antinodes(max amplitude) do not change (with
time)
4. Formed by the superposition of 2 progressive waves of the same frequency, wavelength,
amplitude & speed but travelling in opposite directions.
{This 4th pt was only “tolerated” by Examiner.}

(b) refers to the spreading {or bending} of waves [1]

when they pass through an opening {gap}, or round an obstacle . [1]
{Illustrate with diag but make sure the distance betw successive wavefronts are equal;
otherwise, it would indicate that there is a wavelength change-penalty 1m}

(c) Coherence refers to the relationship betw the vibrations of 2 waves at a given pt
{or 2 wave sources}. The waves are said to be coherent if they have a const phase difference
(with respect to time)
{No credit for “in phase”} {Illustrate with diag} [2]

(d) A wave is said to be polarized if its oscillations are

 in only one direction, & [1]
 in a plane which is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation [1]

{Alternatively, polarization is a phenomenon where the oscillations of a wave {or the wave
particles} are made to take place in only one direction in a plane normal to the direction of
wave travel.
Don’t write like this: Polarisation is when the oscillations are in only direction, & ……….}

4(a)(i) Internal energy is the sum of the kinetic energy of the molecules due to its random motion &
the pe of the molecules due to the intermolecular forces. [2]
(ii) The increase in internal energy of a system is equal to the sum of the heat supplied to the
system and the work done on the system. [1]

(b)(i) Work done by gas = Area under graph betw A & C

= 1  105  (20 – 5)  10-6 = 1.5 J [2]

(ii) Section Heat supplied / J Work done on gas / J Increase in U / J

AB 0 4.2 +4.2 {1st}
BC - 8.5 0 {1st} -8.5 {2nd }
CA +5.8 {4th } - 1.5 {1st fr (i)} +4.3 {3rd }
[4]
{Firstly, det the 3 cells marked by “1st “; followed by the “2nd “, “3rd “ & finally the “4th “. }

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 To det U (C  A):
U for cycle = 0
ie (+4.2) + (-8.5) + U (C  A) = 0
 U (C  A) = +4.3 J

W (B  C) = 0 as V = 0
Work done on gas fr C  A = negative of work done by gas fr C to A.
The rest: apply U = Q + W

5(a)(i) Electric field strength at a point is defined as the force per unit positive charge acting at that
point. [1]

(ii) Work done = force  displacement = q E d [1]

(iii) (By definition of pd), work done = qV [1]

Thus, fr (ii), qV = qEd
V = Ed [1]
{{Only for uniform E field; in general E = dV/dx,in magnitude }

(b)(i) Current I = Q/t = ne/t

n/t = I/e = 8.6  10-3 / (1.6  10-19) = 5.4  1016 [2]

(ii) KE gain = qV [1]

½ mev2 – 0 = qV [1]
Substituting, v = 1.45 x 108 m s-1 [2]

(iii) Method 1:
Power supplied = I V =(8.6 x 10-3 A) x (60 x 103 V) [1]
= 516 W [1]

Method 2:
Power supplied = KE gain by the electrons in 1 sec
= ½ mev2 x Ans in (i) [1]
= 516 W [1]

(c) (Power reaching anode = Heat gain by anode per sec + Negligible power used to produce
X-rays)

Thus, Power reaching anode  Heat gain by anode per sec [1]
= mc/t [1]
m/t = Ans in (iii)  c
= 516(3500 x 30) = 4.9 x 10 kg s-1 [1]

(d)(i) (By extrapolating the field lines backwards),

The field lines appear to radiate from the centre of the sphere. [1]

(ii) 1 Q
E= = 5.4 x 104 N C-1 [2]
4ε 0 r 2

(iii) {Since Q is a +ve charge, VA>VB>VC}

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 Can deduce: VA – VB = VB - VC
1 Q 1 Q 1 Q 1 Q 1 Q
(Since V = ), ( )( )=( )( ) [1]
4 0 r 4 0 rA 4 0 rB 4 0 rB 4 0 rC

Substituting, rC = 0.67 m [1]

6(a) Frequency is defined as the number of oscillations per unit time.{NOT: in one second} [1]

Angular frequency w is defined by the eqn,  = 2  f.

It is thus the rate of change of angular displacement (measured in radians per sec) [1]
{Examiner’s Report: Very few gave the relation w = 2  f, with an explanation}

(b)(i) Loss in GPE = m g h = 0.400  9.81  0.200 = 0.785 J [1]

(ii) Elastic potential energy, E = ½ F x = ½ k x2 , (x = extension = 0.200 m)

Since m is in equilibrium, mg = kx,
E = ½ mgx [1]
= 0.392 J [1]

(c) {As the mass is not pushed down & there is no KE change, one would expect the loss in GPE
to be equal to the EPE gain}

As the mass is lowered until equilibrium is reached, negative work is done by the external
agent. [1]

{Whenever there is negative work done on a system, the system loses energy} thus, in this
case some of the GPE lost by the system is due to the negative work done on it. [1]

{In other words, not all of the GPE lost is converted into EPE.}
{If the mass is released and allowed to come to rest, 50% of the GPE loss will be converted to heat
as the mass oscillates about the equil position before coming to rest. }

(d)(i) {Illustrate with diag to show the difference in extension at

(1) equilibrium position, &
(2) at lowest pt of its movement.}

Fig 1:Unstretched length Fig 2: At equilibrium position Fig 3: At lowest pt

At equil position, ke0 = mg  k = (0.4 kg)x (9.81 m s-2)  (0.20 m) = 19.6 N m-1

Net Force = Tension T – mg

= k(e0 + x) – mg , at lowest pt
= (19.6) ( 0.2 + 0.2) – (0.4) (9.81) = 3.92 N

(ii) (Consider at lowest pt)

a max = 2 x0
3.92 / 0.400 = 2 (0.200) [1]
 = 7.0 rad s-1 [1]

(iii) vmax = wxo = Ans in (ii) x 0.2 = 1.4 m s-1 [1]

(e)

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 GPE / J EPE / J KE / J Total E / J
Lowest point 0 {Given} 1.57 0 1.57
Equilibrium 0.785 0.392 0.392 1.57
position
Highest point 1.57 0 0 1.57
[5]
{Given: GPE at lowest pt = 0,  h is measured fr the lowest pt }

 GPE at equil position = mg (0.2 m) = (0.4) x(9.81) x (0.2) = 0.785 J

 GPE at highest pt = mg (0.2+0.2) = 1.57 J

KE at lowest & highest pts of shm = 0

KE at equil position = ½ m vmax2 = ½ x (0.4 kg) x (Ans in d(iii))2

= ½ x 0.4 x 1.42 = 0.392 J

EPE = ½ k x (extension fr unstretched condition)2 {NOT fr equil position!}

 EPE at highest pt = ½ x (19.6 N m-1) x (0.0 m)2 = 0

 EPE at equil position = ½ x (19.6 N m-1) x (0.2 m)2 = 0.392 J
 EPE at lowest pt = ½ x (19.6 N m-1) x (0.2 + 0.2 m)2 = 1.57 J

{Alternatively: EPE = ½ mw2x (extension)2 }

Total energy = const = 1.57 J

(f)
Total E
1.57 J
EPE
GPE
0.785 J

0.392 J
KE

[3]
{ Total Energy = constant  a horiz line at 1.57 J
GPE = mgh  a linear graph
KE = ½ m(w2 – x2)  ellipse EPE = (½)(k) (extension)2 }

7(a) {2 m for the 2 most impt observations; & 2 m for linking observations to the deductions about
the nucleus, the context of the expt should also be included }

Results of an expt where a beam of alpha particles is fired at a thin gold foil, where n = no of
alpha particles incident per unit time.

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 


Nucleus

Angle of deflection /0

-170 0 170

1. Most of the -particles which passed through the metal foil were deflected by very small
angles, [1]
2. A very small proportion was deflected by more than 90, some of these approaching 180
[1]

From these 2 observations it can be deduced that:

The size of nucleus is very small compared to that of the atom. [1]
The nucleus is positively charged since the positively-charged alpha particles are repelled/
deflected. [1]

(b)(i) x = 235 + 1 -98 = 138 [1]

y = 92 + 0 – 52 = 40 [1]

(ii) Energy released = [ Sum of rest masses of reactants – Sum of rest masses of products]c2 [1]
= [(235.0439 u + 1.0087 u ) – (137.9603 u + 97.9197 u)]c2 [1]
= (235.0439 + 1.0087 – 137.9603 – 97.9197) 1.66 10-27 (3  108)2
= 2.58  10-11 J [1]

(iii) Emission of a gamma ray {NOT: heat energy”} [1]

(iv)1. (By PCM, total momentum before fission = total momentum after)
Zero momentum of U-235 + Negligible momentum of slow neutron = (mv)Te  (mv)Zr )
0 = (mv)Te  (mv)Zr [1]
v Zr / v Te = m Te / m Zr
= 137.9603 / 97.9197 = 1.41 [1]

2. 1 2
 mv  2
2  Zr = ( mZr )  vZr 
Ratio =  
1 mv 2
2
Te
mTe  vTe 

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 2
v  v 
(Since v Zr / v Te = m Te / m Zr), =  Te   Zr  [1]
 vZr   vTe 
v 
=  Zr  = Ans in 1 above = 1.41 [1]
 vTe 

{It is useful to remember that when a stationary nucleus emits a single particle, by PCM, the
ratio of their KE = ratio of their speeds, which in turn, = reciprocal of the ratio of their
masses }

(v) Fr (iii), given: (½ mv2)Te + (½ mv2)Zr = 2.3 x 10-11 J ------- eqn 1

Fr (iv) part 2, (½ mv2)Te = (½ mv2)Zr  1.41 -------- eqn 2

Given: mZr = 97.9197 u, mTe = 137.9603 u --------- eqn 3

Solving, vZr = 1.29 x 107 m s-1 [3]

{You may need to do your working on one of the blank pages}

(vi) {1 m for any 2}

 No net (external) force acts on system
 Momentum {or speed} of slow neutron is negligible
 Momentum of gamma ray (if any is emitted)is negligible

{A general statement that “energy is conserved” or “momentum is conserved” gets no mark.}

General Remark from Examiners:

“There is a tendency amongst candidates to write out all or part of the question when
answering descriptive questions. This is unnecessary. Indeed the spaces provided on the
question paper are designed such that a repeat of the question is discouraged.”

General

1. Attempting all 3 option questions in Sect B. Consequences?

2. “There is a tendency amongst candidates to write out all or part of the question when
answering descriptive questions. This is unnecessary. Indeed the spaces provided on the
question paper are designed such that a repeat of the question is discouraged.”

End of solutions

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