Physics Past Paper Common

Questions By Vasumitra
Gajbhiye
1. Motion, Forces and Energy
As the trolley moves across the rough surface, it slows down and stops. Explain, in
terms of the work done, the energy change that takes place as the trolley slows down.

work done against / due to / because of friction or kinetic energy (of trolley)
used to do work

kinetic energy decreases (to zero)

thermal energy produced

Why a bus begins to topple?

line of action of centre of mass falls outside the base.

State the principle of the conservation of momentum.

no external forces OR isolated system

sum of momenta / (total) momentum remains constant

State the principle of conservation of energy.

In a closed/ isolated system, total energy of the system is conserved/ constant.

initial energy = final energy

What is centre of mass?

(the point) where (all) the mass can be considered to be concentrated

State two properties of an object that may be changed by the action of forces.

shape

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 1

 size / volume / length / density / any linear dimension

direction (of motion) / speed / velocity / momentum / kinetic energy /

acceleration

State the two conditions which must be true for an object to be in equilibrium.

no resultant force OR forces are balanced OR all forces in opposite directions

are equal OR forces cancel

no resultant {moment / torque / turning effect} OR (sum of) clockwise moment(s)

= (sum of) anticlockwise moment(s)

Hooke’s Law

State Hooke’s law

extension is directly proportional to load (if elastic limit is not exceeded)

Explain what is meant by the term limit of proportionality of the spring.

up to the limit of proportionality, extension proportional to load

What type of energy is stored in springs?

Strain/ elastic potential energy.

Terminal velocity

Describe and explain the motion of an object released from top of an fluid, from
when it is released until it reaches terminal velocity.

(initial) acceleration caused by weight / force of gravity

drag / resistance force increases (with speed)

acceleration decreases as resistance force increase

when weight(downward force) = resistance(upward force), (finally / at terminal

velocity) no acceleration / constant speed

(finally / at terminal velocity) no resultant force

Explain why opening the parachute cannot reduce the speed of the skydiver to zero.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 2

 at zero speed there is no air resistance

weight / downwards force is (still) acting or there is (now) a resultant force

(downwards at zero speed)
OR

forces balance at a speed greater than zero

speed cannot decrease / no deceleration once forces balance

Why not 100% of GPE is converted to KE when an object falls?

(work done against) friction / drag / resistance or thermal energy generated

Particles arrangement and motion

Describe the motion of molecules of the gas.

Molecules move randomly/ in random directions

Molecules have high speed

Molecules collide with each other/ with walls.

Molecules change direction in collision

Molecules move in straight line between collision

Molecules collide with the walls (of cylinder)

Describe the motion of molecules of the solid.

Molecules vibrate

State two ways in which the molecular structure of liquid is different from the
molecular structure of solid.

Liquid molecules not in fixed position

Liquid molecules have random/irregular arrangement

Liquid molecules are (slightly) further apart

State two ways in which the molecular structure of solids is different from the
molecular structure of liquids.

in solid, particles are arranged in regular lattice and just vibrate

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 3

 in liquid, particles are arranged randomly, slide past each other, move.

Describe, in terms of molecules and their motion, how a liquid differs from a gas.

molecules close(r)

molecules move only small distances (between collisions) or do not move freely

molecules move in clusters or slide past each other

State two ways in which the molecular structure of gas is different from the
molecular structure of liquid.

(gas) molecules further apart

greater PE

move singly/ in straight lines

faster

Why solids have fixed shapes? Explain in terms of forces between molecules and
arrangement of molecules.

Solids – molecules in lattice arrangement

solids – strong forces between molecules

Why liquids adapt to the shape of their container? Explain in terms of forces
between molecules and arrangement of molecules.

liquids – molecules not fixed in place OR molecules have an irregular

arrangement OR molecules (slightly) further apart (on average) than in solids
OR spaces between the molecules

liquids – (average) forces too weak to keep molecules in a definite pattern OR

forces just enough to hold molecules in the bulk of the liquid

Why gas fills their container? Explain in terms of forces between molecules and
arrangement of molecules.

gases – molecules far apart

gases – weak / no forces between molecules (except during collisions)

Explain the melting of a solid in terms of molecules and energy.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 4

 molecules must be separated OR (intermolecular) bonds must be broken /
overcome

work done (against bonds) OR energy is required / needed

NOT increase of KE / speed

Explain, in terms of forces between molecules, why gases expand more than liquids
when they have the same rise in temperature. Assume that the pressure remains
constant.

average distance between molecules greater (in gas)

(attractive) forces between molecules lower or zero in gas

Gas pressure

Explain, in terms of the momentum of the molecules, how gas molecules exert
pressure.

molecules collide with walls

momentum (of a molecule) changes / reverses

force is exerted because force is rate of change of momentum or force is

change in momentum per unit time (or per second) or F = mu - mv /t.

force spread out over area / surface. p = F / A

The gas bubble rises to the surface. The volume of the gas bubble increases as it
rises higher in the water. Explain why the volume of the bubble increases.

pressure in a liquid increases with depth OR pressure decreases (as bubble

rises)

pressure (of gas) is inversely proportional to volume OR internal pressure

greater than external pressure (momentarily) OR (air) molecules do not have to
hit surface of bubble as frequently (to stop the bubble collapsing) OR the bubble
is not as strongly compressed

Explain why the volume of the air in the balloon decreases as the temperature
decreases.

molecules move more slowly / have less kinetic energy

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 5

 pressure (inside balloon) decreases or pressure is directly proportional to
temperature or p T

volume is directly proportional to temperature or V T

molecular collisions less frequent

molecular collisions less violent / hard / exert smaller impulse

water / external pressure compresses balloon or

water pressure greater (and balloon compressed)

Explain what happens to the pressure of a constant volume of air when the
temperature of the air increases. Use ideas of momentum of molecules in your
explanation.

(temperature of air increases) so molecules move faster / their KE increases

molecules collide with walls of container and change momentum

greater change of momentum when temperature is higher OR collisions more

frequent OR harder collisions OR force = rate of change of momentum

(higher force and hence) higher pressure

If volume increase, what happens to the pressure.

pressure decrease

density decrease/ fewer atoms per unit volume

rate of collisions decrease/ fewer collisions per unit volume

Explain, in terms of the behaviour of the molecules, why the pressure has increase.

(molecules) collide with walls more often

OR more collisions with walls per second or per unit time OR greater force per
unit area

Moment

What is meant by the moment of a force about a pivot.

(moment of a force) is the turning effect (about a point / pivot)

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 6

 2. Thermal Physics
Conduction

Explain, in terms of the atomic lattice and electrons, how thermal energy is
transferred through the aluminium.

atoms (touching the hotplate) / lattice vibrate (faster) more

atoms pass on energy / vibration to neighbouring atoms / to other atoms by

collision

atoms pass on energy to electrons

electrons hit distant atoms or electrons move (through lattice)

Describe, in terms of molecules, how thermal energy is transferred from the heated
sand through the base of the plastic pot.

(thermal energy is transferred by) conduction

sand molecules gain KE OR vibrate more OR hit (other) molecules (when

heated)
OR

Energy is transferred to molecules of plastic pot in contact with sand (through

collisions)
OR

Energy OR (lattice) vibrations transferred to neighbouring molecules

Explain how electrons transfer thermal energy through the metal of the can

atoms / ions vibrate

(vibrating) atoms / ions hit electrons

electrons propelled / travelling through metal lattice/ moving through metal

lattice

electrons hit (distant) atoms and transfer energy to distant atoms

free electrons / delocalised electrons mentioned

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 7

 Liquid

Explain, in terms of the water molecules, what happens to the thermal energy
supplied to the water as it boils.

energy used to breaks bonds. molecules escape from the liquid (as a vapour)

(thermal energy) does work against intermolecular forces

molecules separated/ moved apart and gain potential energy.

Eventually, the water reaches boiling point. Thermal energy from the hotplate is still
being transferred to the water. Explain, in terms of molecules, the effect of this thermal
energy on the water.

molecules escape from the liquid (as a vapour)

bonds broken / (attractive) forces overcome

molecules gain potential energy or work done (to separate molecules / break
bonds / overcome forces)

Describe what happens to molecules of the liquid as its temperature begins to

increase.

molecules (in liquid) move faster or gain energy

molecules move apart (on average)

Explain, in terms of molecules, why liquids are very difficult to compress

molecules (already very) close / touching

(repulsive) forces (very) large

Explain, in terms of molecules, why a liquid expands when heated.

molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster

molecules push others away and move further apart

As temperature increase, why does the ice starts to melt.

k.e. of molecules / (thermal) energy absorbed (from water / surroundings) or

energy absorbed from (cooling) water

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 8

 supplies latent heat or energy used to overcome intermolecular forces / to break
bonds

Gas

When the temperature of gases increased explain, in terms of molecules, what

happens to the pressure of gas

(Pressure of the gas) increases

Molecules gain KE and move faster

Molecules collide with/ hit walls more often/ frequently

More collisions with wall per unit time (e.g. per second)

Molecules collide with/ hit walls with greater force/ impulse/ harder.

When the temperature of gases decreased explain, in terms of molecules, what

happens to the pressure of gas

molecules lose KE and move more slowly

fewer collisions per unit time OR less hard collisions with walls/ balloon

lower pressure

OR BETTER:

(Pressure of the gas) decrease

Molecules lose KE and move slowly

Molecules collide with/ hit walls less often/ frequently

Fewer collisions with wall per unit time (e.g. per second)

Molecules collide with/ hit walls with less force/ impulse/ harder.

When volume is decreased explain, in terms of the behaviour of molecules, what

happens to the pressure of gas.

(Pressure of the gas) increases. Molecules close together

Molecules collide with walls more often/ frequently OR more collisions with walls
per second or per unit time.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 9

 Greater force per unit area.

When volume is increase explain, in terms of the behaviour of molecules, what

happens to the pressure of gas.

lower pressure

fewer collision with wall/ balloon per second or per unit time.

larger surface area of walls OR atoms further apart OR atoms travel further

OR BETTER:

(Pressure of the gas) decrease. Molecules further apart

Molecules collide with walls less often/ frequently OR fewer collisions with walls
per second or per unit time.

Greater force per unit area.

Explain, in terms of molecules, why gases are easiest to compress.

More room for molecules OR molecules fit into gaps OR there are gaps
between molecules.

No/weak repulsive forces between molecules OR (repulsive) forces between

molecules smaller OR pressure on walls, smaller OR only small pores/ pressure
required.

OR BETTER:

Gas molecules are further apart so there is larger intermolecular space between
molecules.

No/ weak repulsive forces between molecules.

Brownian motion

Describe and explain the motion of smoke particles under microscope and account
for this motion in terms of the air molecules.

Smoke particles show random/ haphazard/ unpredictable/ movement

Smoke particles show sudden change of direction/ zig-zag motion

Smoke particles appear/ disappear from view OR go out of/ come into focus.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 10

 IF THEY SAY TO ONLY EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OF THE MOTION OF SMOKE
PARTICLE LEAVE THE FIRST THREE POINTS FROM ABOVE.

Air molecules collide with smoke particles from all direction/ unevenly cause
random motion of particles

Air molecules move randomly.

Air molecules faster

Air molecules smaller lighter/ have smaller mass

Difference

State and explain how the size of attractive forces acting between the molecules of
gas compares with the size of attractive forces between the molecules of a solid.

(Attractive) forces (much) smaller between gas molecules

Gas molecules (much) further apart.

State and explain, in terms of the forces between the molecules, how the
compressibility of a gas differs from that of a liquid.

gases compressible OR liquids incompressible

no/ weaker repulsive forces between molecules OR vice versa for liquid
molecules.

Explain in terms of molecules why it is possible to compress gas, but not liquid.

Gas molecules (very) far apart from OR empty space between gas molecules.

Molecules of liquid (very) close together compact OR are touching (each other).

Explain, in terms of molecules, why a liquid expands more than a solid when
heated.

forces between liquid molecules weak(er than in solids)

less energy / work done to separate molecules or greater separation for same
work done / same increase in energy

State ways in which evaporation differs from boiling.

at surface/ not within liquid

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 11

 at any temperature/ not at boiling point

(evaporation) causes cooling

boiling requires a heat source

bubbles rising

State ways in which boiling differs from evaporation.

boiling throughout liquid (evaporation at surface)

boiling at one temperature (evaporation at any/ all temperature/ below boiling

point).

boiling produces bubbles (evaporation does not).

boiling not affected by draught/ area (evaporation is)

Evaporation

Explain, in terms of the behaviour of molecules, the process of evaporation.

some molecules at the surface gain more KE, so have more energy than others

heat energy used to work done against/ overcome attractive forces between
molecules.

most energetic molecules escape from the surface of the liquid

Explain, in terms of the behaviour of molecules, how evaporation process helps the
body to cool down.

evaporation OR heat/ (thermal) energy needed for evaporation leaves sweat

cooler

faster molecules/ higher energy molecules escape

heat flows from body to warm the sweat (so body cools)

Explain, in terms of molecules, how sweating helps to cool your body on a hot day

(thermal) energy in the skin / body transferred to (molecules of) sweat

These molecules (have enough KE to) escape from the skin / become water
vapour

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 12

 Leaving behind molecules with lower energy

Which leaves the skin / body at a lower temperature

Explain, in terms of molecules, why temperature decreases during evaporation.

Molecules do work against attractive forces as they evaporate.

Faster/ more energetic water molecules (more likely to) escape from surface

Slower/ less energetic molecules remain (so temperature is lower).

Average energy of remaining molecules decrease.

In terms of molecules, state and explain how the rate of evaporation of the puddles
in is affected by a reduction of wind speed.

Reduces (rate of evaporation)

No/ fewer evaporated molecules blown away/ removed by wind, OR greater

humidity/ vapour pressure.

In terms of molecules, state and explain how the rate of evaporation of the puddles
in is affected by an increase in water temperature.

Increases (rate of evaporation)

Molecules move faster/ have more energy OR molecules have energy to

escape.

Which container has faster rate of cooling wide and shallow OR narrow and deep.

Water in wider container AND has water with larger surface (area).

Rate of evaporation higher/ faster/ quicker OR higher chance of evaporation.

Suggest ways in which the rate of evaporation can be reduced.

Cover/ decrease surface area

Reduce temperature

Reduce draught(a current of cool air in a room or other confined space)

Increase humidity of air.

Suggest ways in which the rate of evaporation can be increased.

Increase temperature/ supply more heat/ make hotter

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 13

 Blow air across surface.

Reduce humidity

Decrease pressure.

Thermometer

How to increase the range of a thermometer.

capillary tube longer or liquid with lower expansivity or smaller bulb with less
volume or increase diameter of tube.

What happen to range if smaller bulb is used, with smaller volume of liquid?
(range) increases and less expansion/increase in volume (of mercury per unit
temperature rise)

How to increase the sensitivity of a thermometer.

capillary tube thinner/finer or liquid with higher expansivity or larger bulb with more
volume of liquid or smaller bulb with same volume of liquid.

State what is meant by a linear scale.

same distance moved (by thread) for same temperature change

State and explain the two features of a liquid-in-glass thermometer that are
necessary for linearity
statement 1: bore of constant (cross sectional) area
explanation: idea of same movement / change in length of liquid / thread
AND
for same increase in volume / expansion (of liquid)

statement: (liquid has) constant thermal expansion

explanation: liquid moves same distance for each °C temperature rise

State what is meant by range.

difference between the maximum temperature and minimum temperature it can
measure

State what is meant by sensitivity.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 14

 distance moved by the thread per °C OR per unit temperature change

If a larger bulb is used, with more of the same liquid what happens to its sensitivity.

greater sensitivity

volume increase (of liquid in second thermometer) is greater or liquid moves a

greater distance (for the same temperature increase)

If a larger bulb is used, with more of the same liquid what happens to its range.
smaller range and either of:
• smaller temperature increase for liquid / meniscus to reach end of tube
• expands more / greater sensitivity and tube of same length

State physical properties that can be used to measure temperature

expansion of liquid

expansion of solid

expansion of gas

density (of liquid)

(electrical) resistance

State two benefits of using a thermocouple thermometer instead of a liquid-in-glass

thermometer.

large range

(measure) high temperatures

remote sensing

small size OR small mass

small thermal capacity

suitable for data logging

responds quickly OR measures rapidly varying temperatures OR temperature

changing continuously

State and explain the two features of a liquid-in-glass thermometer that are
necessary for linearity.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 15

 statement: bore of constant (cross sectional) area
explanation: idea of same movement / change in length of liquid / thread
AND
for same increase in volume / expansion (of liquid)

statement: (liquid has) constant thermal expansion

explanation: liquid moves same distance for each °C temperature rise

Others

Suggest how to reduce the loss of thermal energy from the surface of a block.

lagging / insulation (around block) OR insulate (the block)

raise temperature of block by a smaller amount OR heat for a shorter time OR

use lower power heater for same time OR higher power for same temperature
rise / shorter time

polish the surface of the block OR wrap the block in shiny material OR paint
(shiny) white

reduce initial temperature of block (to below room temperature) OR raise

temperature of room

reduce draughts

When temperature increase, explain in terms of molecules, why does the internal
energy increase.
kinetic energy (and potential energy) of molecules increase (hence internal energy
increases)

State, in terms of molecules, what is meant by an increase in internal energy.

increase in kinetic energy of molecules or increase in potential energy of

molecules

What are the advantages of solar cells.

no polluting gases / quiet / low maintenance / can be placed on roofs / clean / cheap
to run

What are the disadvantages of solar cells.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 16

 intermittent supply / unattractive / takes up space / uses land / d.c. output

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power schemes

damage to habitats (for fish) / construction is expensive / droughts / flood risk if dam
bursts

State uses for infrared radiation.

remote controls

(infrared) sensors / alarms

specific electrical appliances

thermal imaging

State two environmental benefits of the electrically powered bicycle.

less noise OR no noise

less OR no air / gaseous pollution (from the bicycle) OR does not produce acid
rain

(the bicycle) uses no / less fossil fuel

does not contribute to greenhouse effect OR does not release CO2

What are the consequences of burning coal?

air pollution / harmful gases / acid rain

CO2 / greenhouse gases / contribution to global warming

not renewable

damage from mining / drilling or any valid environmental consequence of

transport of coal

3. Waves
SOUND

Sound waves from a television are diffracted through doorways. Light waves from a
television are not diffracted through doorways. Suggest why light waves and sound
waves behave differently in this situation.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 17

 wavelength of light is (much) smaller than width of doorway or wavelength of
sound

wavelength of sound is similar to width of doorway OR λ width of gap for

diffraction to occur OR larger wavelength results in greater diffraction ORA

How compressions differ from rarefactions.

compressions are regions of high pressure

in compressions particles are close together than normal.

What is rarefaction.

region of low pressure where molecules/ particles are further apart.

Why sound waves are described as longitudinal.

particles vibrate/ oscillate OR compressions/ rarefactions move.

in the direction of travel of the wave.

What is meant by transverse wave.

particles vibrate at right angle/ perpendicular to wave direction.

State how longitudinal waves differ from transverse wave.

(longitudinal wave) vibration direction parallel to propagation / energy travel

direction

transverse wave vibration direction perpendicular to propagation / energy travel

direction

consists of rarefactions AND compressions

State how transverse waves differ from longitudinal wave.

particles (in transverse waves) vibrate perpendicular to the direction of travel (of
the wave) OR
particles in longitudinal waves vibrate parallel to the direction of travel of the
wave

longitudinal waves have compressions and rarefactions

transverse waves have troughs and crests

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 18

 Light

State one use of optic fibres in medicine.

Fibre passing to site to be examined / treated. Light travels down optic fibres by
multiple total internal reflections at the inner surface in to the body.

endoscopy

use to view internal organs using cameras.

State one use of optic fibres in communication.

light encoded

optic fibre transmits light. Light travels in fiber.

total internal reflection at inner surface or within fibre.

What is meant by total internal reflection?

Reflection in a more optically dense material where there is no refracted ray OR

all light in a more dense material is reflected./ incident ray in more dense
material

angle of incidence greater than critical angle

no light refracted

all the light is reflected

reflected with i = r

What is meant by critical angle?

The greatest angle of incidence at which refraction can occur

The angle of incidence at which the refracted ray travels along the boundary/
angle of refraction is 90.

The angle of incidence/ above which total internal reflection occurs.

What is principal focus?

Point on the principal axis OR use of term paraxial OR centre line

(point) where incident parallel rays meet after passing through lens OR origin of
rays that emerge parallel after passing through lens

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 19

 Explain, in terms of the behaviour of light rays, what is meant by principal focus for a
thin converging lens.

(point) where (parallel) rays (of light) meet (after passing through lens)

point) where parallel rays (of light) meet / are focussed (after passing through
lens) or (point) through which rays (of light) that emerge parallel pass (before
reaching lens)

Explain, in terms of the wavefronts, why the light changes direction as it enters the
solid.

idea of one side of wavefront enters / hits solid first OR wavefront does not all
hit the solid all at once;

idea of this side slowed down first OR this side delayed relative to other side

angle of wave(front) changes OR different parts of wavefront delayed by

different amounts

State what is meant by focal length

distance between principal focus / focal point and optical centre / lens

State why an image is virtual?

rays do not meet at image / only appear to come from image / do not originate from
image / cannot be seen on a screen / light does not pass through the image

State why an image is real?

light passes through it OR can be projected/seen on a screen OR refracted
rays cross/meet

State properties of the image formed by the mirror.

virtual
upright
same size as object
laterally inverted

Describe one medical use of X‐rays.

Treating cancer → absorbed by tumor → tumor killed.

X-ray shadowgraph → absorbed by bones → photograph is produced.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 20

 State one reason why it is necessary to take safety precautions when X‐rays are
used.
can cause burns / (cell) mutation / cell damage / tumours / cancer / damages DNA
etc.

State two conditions required for light to be totally internally reflected.

light (must pass) from medium where it travels slower or to medium where it is
faster or from medium with larger refractive index or to medium with smaller
refractive index

angle of incidence (must be) greater than the critical angle / sin–1(1 ÷ n)

Digital and Analogue signals

What is meant by digital?

consists of signal with two possible states - high and low state / voltage

Describe the difference between digital and analogue signals?

digital signal: consists of signal with 2 possible states - high and low states /
voltages

analogue signal: consist of signal with continuously varying voltage so can take
any value

What are the benefits of digital signals?

Digital signals enable an increased rate of transmission of data compared to

analogue

Due to accurate signal regeneration, the range of digital signals is larger than
the range of analogue signals (they can cover larger distances). OR Longer
range due to accurate signal regeneration.

The signal can be regenerated so there is minimal noise

Extra data can be added so that the signal can be checked for errors

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 21

 4. Electricity and Magnetism
DC Motor

Describe how the split-ring commutator on an electric motor works.

brushes connect to other split ring every half turn

reverses direction of current every half turn.

Explain the purpose of the split-ring commutator.

brushes connect to other split ring every half turn. keeps coil rotating (in the
same direction)

by changing direction of current (in the coil)

every half cycle/180 degrees

A split-ring commutator is an important feature of a DC motor. Suggest one reason

why the DC motor cannot operate without a split-ring commutator
coil does not continue to rotate in the same direction

AC Generator

How AC generators work?

(as coil rotates) it cuts (magnetic) field between the magnets

This induces an e.m.f. / voltage / p.d. (in the coil)

This produces a current in the (coil transferred to the) galvanometer (via the slip
rings and carbon brushes)

Direction of current flow changes with each 180 degree rotation of coil

What is the function of slip ring?

(provide) continuous connection while coil rotating

State the position of the rotating coil when the alternating output voltage is at a
maximum value and explain why the maximum output occurs at this position.

(plane of coil) horizontal

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 22

 maximum number of magnetic field lines are cut at fastest rate (coil cutting
magnetic field the fastest)

Transformer

Explain how does a transformer works?

alternating current in primary coil

alternating magnetic field is produced in primary coil

field channelled/transferred from primary to secondary by core

induced EMF in secondary coil

Why transformers do not work on DC current?

There is no change in the magnetic field. With an unchanging field passing through
the secondary coil, no voltage is induced in it.

Why transformers don’t work at DC?

There is no change of flux.

Explain why the power losses in transmission cables are lower when electrical
energy is transmitted at higher voltages.

smaller current (and same resistance when the power is transmitted and an
equal rate)

less thermal energy loss / produced (in cables)

Safety

Earthing question.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 23

 An electrical device has a metal case. Explain the benefit of earthing the metal
case.

(if) live wire touches metal case

prevents electrocution OR metal case cannot become live OR metal case

always at earth potential / voltage

Explain how a fuse protects a circuit.

if current too high

fuse melts

What is the reason for choosing a particular fuse rating.

fuse rating/value above but near (to) normal operating current/ 10 A

OR

fuse rating/value slightly higher (than) normal operating current /10

if too low it would break / blow / melt when the appliances are operating
normally

if fuse too high wouldn’t break / blow until current was too high which would be
dangerous (to people /wires /appliance)

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 24

 If there is high current why is it necessary to use thick wire?

thick wires have a smaller resistance

less thermal energy generated in wires

more efficient OR less risk of fire / insulation melting

Why circuit breakers are used?

quick response

protects against electric shock

protects against overheating

(easily) re-settable

avoids damage to lawnmower

State and explain why electrical sockets and plugs used outside in a garden need to
be different from those that can be used safely in a room inside a house.

conditions (outdoors) may be damp / wet

water conducts (electricity) OR clear statement of need for waterproof / outdoor

specification (components)

State and explain why fuses and circuit breakers are installed in electrical circuits
connected to the mains supply.

protects components / appliances / circuit / wires / user / mains supply prevents

electrical supply overheating / fires / electrocution / shocks

excess current / power in circuit / wires OR fuse melts / blows OR circuit

breaker opens

Other Theory

What is meant by electromagnetic induction?

When magnetic fields cut by a conductor. induce current/emf

What is electric field?

A region in which an electric charge experiences a force.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 25

 What is the direction of the electric field?
direction of force on a positive charge.

What is the direction of the magnetic field?

the direction of the force on a N-pole

Describe how to demagnetise a bar magnet using alternating current (AC) in a coil.

place magnet in coil

EITHER

(gradually) withdraw magnet

with ac (in coil) switched on

OR

reduce current

to zero

Describe how to demagnetise a bar magnet?

heat magnet

to high temperature / red hot

hammer the magnet

repeatedly / in E–W direction

(place) magnet in a coil / solenoid carrying AC.

remove magnet from coil OR decrease current (slowly) to zero

Describe how the cone of the loudspeaker produces this sound.

it / cone vibrates
any two from:
alternating current (a.c.) (in coil / wire) or alternating magnetic field
(neighbouring) air vibrates or vibrations passed on

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 26

 (producing) compressions and rarefactions / vibrations parallel to energy transfer
vibrating at 15 000 Hz (this 15000 frequency will be given in question)

What is the purpose of variable resistor?

To vary the current across name component.

Suggest a practical use for LDR.

switch on street lights (at night) / turn on security light (at night)

When describing the motion of ray of beam in magnetic field or electric field use the
word deflect and curve, then state the direction.

Earthing is only useful if live wire touches the appliance not when excess current
flow into the circuit.

Fuse are only useful when excess current flows into the circuit, not when live wire
touch the appliance.

5. Nuclear Physics
State what is meant by nuclear fusion.

joining together of (small / H) nuclei

to produce a bigger nucleus of different element / He nucleus or with the

release of energy

State what is meant by nuclear fission.

splitting of a nucleus into (2) parts forming light(er)nucleus

State what is meant by background radiation?

the radiation that is always present due the surrounding/environment in every day
life.

What are the sources of background radiation?

soil / rocks / earth / cosmic rays / space / Sun / weapons testing / radon / nuclear
waste

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 27

 Describe the composition and structure of a neutral atom of uranium‐235.

(very small) nucleus and surrounded by electrons (in orbit / shells)

92 protons or 92 electrons or number of protons = number of electrons

protons and neutrons in nucleus

143 neutrons

Explain why radioactivity readings are not constant.

(radioactive decay is a) random (process)

Describe how the americium-241 ionises air

alpha (particles emitted from americium)

move close to / hit molecules in the air (between the metal plates)

removing electrons (out of the molecules)

Explain why an extremely high temperature is needed when forcing these two nuclei
together.

are positively charged / have like charges or need to come close together

they repel each other

(high temperature produces) high (kinetic) energy / momentum / speed / ability

to do large quantity of work

β-particles ionise the air they pass through less strongly than the same number of α-
particles. Suggest why this is so.

β-particles have charge of smaller size

β-particles have smaller mass

β-particles have less energy

β-particles travel faster / less time near to air molecule

effect / force on electrons in air molecules less

Suggest reasons for using an α‐particle emitter in a smoke detector.

alpha particles highly ionizing / more ionising than beta particles or gamma rays
AND ionise air more easily

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 28

 alpha particles short range (in air) AND stopped by smoke

safer to use and cause less harm because they do not travel out of smoke
detector as they have short range.

How radioactive sources are stored and handled safely?

detail of shielded storage (store in lead lined shield storage)

detail of secure storage (store in safe and secure storage)

protective clothing

minimise exposure by time OR distance OR activity

monitoring exposure

detail of handling source appropriately for, e.g. use of tongs

must be disposed of securely

limitation of access to approved personnel

procedure in place in case of accident / criminal act to protect people and / or

environment

Suggest and explain three precautions for the safe use of X-rays.

shielding of operator behind screen / lead apron / out of room AND to limit
absorb radiation

shielding of other parts of patient with lead / shielding of other parts of patient
AND to limit absorb radiation

limit time of exposure / not too frequent / max number of X-rays per year AND to
limit dose

limit strength / intensity of X-ray beam AND to limit dose

distance from source AND reduces intensity / amount of radiation / exposure

State economic and environmental consequences of producing nuclear waste.

must be stored with shielding

must be stored securely / safely

must be transported with shielding

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 29

 must be transported securely

expensive to store

expensive to transport

in case of accident / terrorism could escape to environment / danger to people

site of storage uninhabitable for thousands of years

State two differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

nuclear fission – nucleus / atom splits (into two)

AND

nuclear fusion – two nuclei / atoms join together

One from:

nuclear fission –large(r) mass (number) OR heavy nuclei / atoms involved OR

neutrons involved / emitted}
AND
nuclear fusion – small(er) mass (number) OR light nuclei / atoms involved OR
no neutrons

fission in a nuclear reactor AND fusion in Sun / stars

fission produces very radioactive / long lasting waste

fission makes lighter new elements AND fusion makes heavier new elements

fission at normal p / T AND fusion at high p / T

fusion produces more energy (than fission)

State use of radioactive nuclides in medicine.

sterilisation of equipment, treatment of cancer, gamma for diagnosis, radiotherapy
NOT any link to X-rays

State and explain practical application of gamma rays?

suitable application e.g. sterilisation of equipment, medical diagnosis /

treatment, thickness control, detecting leaks / cracks, food preservation

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 30

 explanation e.g. destroys bacteria, destroys cancer cells, lower amount of
radiation detected if thickness too large, radiation detected at site of leak,
destroys microbes in food

6. Space Physics
How redshift supports big bang?

the furthest galaxies show the biggest red shift

(meaning that) the furthest galaxies are moving fastest suggesting that galaxies
are moving away from earth

(so the) Universe is expanding

(extrapolating backwards this suggests that) the Universe started from an initial
point

Explain why it is summer in the northern hemisphere when it is winter in the

southern hemisphere.
It is summer in the northern hemisphere as it is tilted towards the Sun. The southern
hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun and so it is winter there.

How many days are there from one full Moon to the next?
27.5 days

How much distance is a light year?

9.5*10^15 m

Name the force which causes planets to orbit the Sun.

gravity

Name the force which keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
gravity

What shape are planetary orbits?

elliptical

How is the orbit of a comet different to the orbit of a planet?

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 31

 more highly elliptical

The Moon does not emit light. Explain how we’re able to see the Moon.
The moon reflects light form sun.

Describe the movement of the Moon.

The Moon orbits the Earth, taking 27.5 days to do so

From which two elements is the Sun mostly made?

Hydrogen and helium

What two properties do molecular clouds have that allow them to collapse?
They are cold and dense enough to collapse.

Explain how stars are formed.

When a molecular cloud is cold and dense enough, clumps of it can collapse under
the force of gravity. The clump collapse into a spinning sphere of superhot gas,
which pulls in more matter from the molecular cloud. It becomes a star once nuclear
fusion starts.

Explain what is meant by nuclear fusion.

Nuclear fusion is where light nuclei fuse (join) together to create a heavy nucleus of
different element and some mass turns into energy

Why can nuclear fusion only occur at high temperatures?

The nuclei all have the same positive charge so need to be moving fast enough to
overcome the electrostatic repulsion.

Explain what is a protostar.

A very young star that is still gathering mass from its parent molecular cloud.

Explain what is a main sequence star.

A stable part of a star’s life cycle when it is burning hydrogen in its core before
moving onto another stage of its life cycle once it has used up 12% of its hydrogen.

Explain what is a red giant

A star with a starting mass of less than eight solar masses that is burning helium in
its core. Its shell of hydrogen has expanded and cooled.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 32

 Explain what is a white dwarf.
The final stage of a star that started with less than eight solar masses and has run
out of fuel.

Explain what is a supernova.

An exploding star that began life with more than 8 solar masses and has run out of
fuel.

Explain what is a neutron star.

A collapsed star composed almost entirely of neutrons when a star with more than 8
solar masses reaches the end of its life.

Explain what is a black hole.

This is the final stage in the life cycle of a star that started with more than 8 solar
masses. It has enough mass left over after exploding as a supernova to collapse to
a point where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape.

Calculate the age of the universe from this graph.

Step 1: find the Hubble’s constant. using d/v

d/v = 60000/3000 = 20 km/s per million light years.
Step 2: convert this Hubble’s constant to per seconds by dividing this Hubble’s
constant by speed of light in Km.
20 / 9.5*10^12 = 2.105263158*10^-12 per second.
Step 3: find the reciprocal of this value to fin age of universe in seconds.

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 33

 1 / 2.105263158*10^-12 = 4.75*10^17s
Step 4: convert it to years by dividing by (60*60*24*365)
4.75*10^17 / (60*60*24*365) = 15.1*10^9 years = 15.1 billion years.

What do we call a large group of star?…

galaxy

… Why do these groups form?

Gravity

What causes the redshift in the light arriving from distant galaxies?

The galaxies are moving away;

the wavelength is redshifted/increased/ stretched;

What two pieces of evidence suggest big bang?

Red shift and Cosmic microwave background radiation.

What does the big bang theory describe?

Origin of the universe.

What do scientists believe is the origin of CMBR?

Radiation produced shortly after big bang.

Why was the discovery of CMBR so important to the scientists believing the ‘Big
Bang’ theory to be correct?
Provides evidence for big bang. Can only be explained using big bang.

Explain what is meant by the ‘Big Bang’ theory.

Universe began at a (very) small (initial) point. ‘explosion’ causing Universe to
expand

Why scientists cannot answer the question “why the universe was created”?
no evidence. involve religious believes.

What is redshift?
Increase in observed wavelength of light.

Why it is better to use the most recent value of Hubble’s constant than older ones?

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 34

 data more reliable
accept data is more accurate
or
improved equipment / techniques
more technology is insufficient
or
data obtained from more (distant) galaxies
accept a wider range of data
accept data closer to the line of best fit
or data less scattered
accept no anomalous result(s)
accept all data fits the pattern

What is blueshift?
decrease in observed wavelength of light and increase in frequency of light.

Describe the life history of a star like sun.

formed from dust/gases

pulled together by gravity

massive so very large gravitational forces (pulling inwards)

hydrogen → helium / fusion releases energy [not fission or just ‘nuclear’]

high temperature creates high pressure (pushing outwards)

long period when forces balance

then expands → red giant / red star

then contracts to (dense) white dwarf / white star

Physics Past Paper Common Questions By Vasumitra Gajbhiye 35