Practice Questions

1. The Geiger-Nuttall theory of α-particle emission relates the half-life of the α-particle emitter to
the energy E of the α-particle. One form of this relationship is

166
L= 1
– 53.5.
E 2

L is a number calculated from the half-life of the α-particle emitting nuclide and E is measured
in MeV.

Values of E and L for different nuclides are given below. (Uncertainties in the values are not
shown.)

1
1 −
/ MeV 2
1
Nuclide E / MeV L
E2
238
U 4.20 17.15 0.488
236
U 4.49 14.87 0.472
234
U 4.82 12.89 0.455
228
Th 5.42 7.78
…………..
208
Rn 6.14 3.16 0.404
212
Po 7.39 –2.75 0.368

1
(a) Complete the table above by calculating, using the value of E provided, the value of 1

E2
228
for the nuclide Th . Give your answer to three significant digits.
(1)

1
 1
The graph below shows the variation with 1
of the quantity L. Error bars have not been
E 2

added.

L 20

16

12

0
0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
11 – 12
E 2 / MeV
–4

208
(b) (i) Identify the data point for the nuclide Rn . Label this point R.
(1)

228
(ii) On the graph, mark the point for the nuclide Th . Label this point T.
(1)

(iii) Draw the best-fit straight-line for all the data points.
(1)

(c) (i) Determine the gradient of the line you have drawn in (b)(iii).

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Without taking into consideration any uncertainty in the values for the gradient and
for the intercept on the x-axis, suggest why the graph does not agree with the stated
relationship for the Geiger-Nuttall theory.

...........................................................................................................................

2
 ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(d) On the graph above, draw the line that would be expected if the relationship for the
Geiger-Nuttall theory were correct. No further calculation is required.
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

2. This question is about an electrostatics experiment to investigate how the force between two
charges varies with the distance between them.

A small charged sphere S hangs vertically from an insulating thread as shown below.

A second identically charged sphere P is brought close to S. S is repelled as shown below

P S
force F

3
The magnitude of the electrostatic force on sphere S is F. The separation between the two
spheres is r.

(a) On the axes below draw a sketch graph to show how, based on Coulomb’s law, you
1
would expect F to vary with .
r2

0
0 1
r2
(2)

1
Values of F are determined for different values of r. The variation with of these values is
r2
shown below. The estimated uncertainties in these values are negligible.

F / 10- 3 N 7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
1
2
/10 3 m- 2
r

(b) (i) Draw the best-fit line for these data points.
(2)

4
 (ii) Use the graph to explain whether, in the experiment, there are random errors,
systematic errors or both.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii) Calculate the gradient of the line drawn in (b) (i).

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iv) The magnitude of the charge on each sphere is the same. Use your answer to (b)
(iii) to calculate this magnitude.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(c) Explain how a graph showing the variation with lg r of lg F can be used to verify the
relation between r and F.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 16 marks)

5
3. This question is about the rise of water in a capillary tube.

A capillary tube is a tube that is open at both ends and has a very narrow bore. A capillary tube
is supported vertically with one end immersed in water. Water rises up the tube due to a
phenomenon called capillary action. The water in the bore of the tube forms a column of height
h as shown below.

narrow bore

glass wall glass wall

water

6
(a) The height h, for a particular capillary tube was measured for different temperatures of
the water. The variation with temperature  of the height h is shown below. Uncertainties
in the measurements are not shown.

17

16

15

14

13
h / cm
12

11

10

9.0

8.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
 C

(i) On the graph above, draw a best-fit line for the data points.
(1)

(ii) Determine the height h0 of the water column at temperature = 0C.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

7
(b) Explain why the results of this experiment suggest that the relationship between the
height h and temperature  is of the form

h = h0(1 − k)

where k is constant.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(4)

(c) Deduce that the value of k is approximately 4.8  10−3 deg C−1.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

8
(d) The experiment is repeated using tubes with bores of different radii r but keeping the
1
water temperature constant. The graph below shows the variation with of the height h
r
for capillary tubes of different radii r for a water temperature of 20C.

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20
h/m
0.15

0.10

0.05

0
0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
1
– / 10 3 m–1
r

It is suggested that capillary action is one of the means by which water moves from the
roots of a tree to the leaves. A particular tree has a height of 25 m.

Use the graph to estimate the radius of the bore of the tubes that would enable water to be
raised by capillary action from ground level to the top of the tree. Comment on your
answer.

Estimate: .................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................

Comment: .................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 13 marks)

9
4. This question is about a spider’s web.

An experiment was carried out to measure the extension x of a thread of a spider’s web when a
load F is applied to it. The results of the experiment are shown plotted below. Uncertainties in
the measurements are not shown.

9.0 thread
breaks at
8.0 this point

7.0

6.0

5.0
–2
F / 10 N
4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0

x / 10 –2 m

(a) Draw a best-fit line for the data points.

(1)

10
(b) When a load is applied to a material, it is said to be under “stress”. The magnitude P of
the stress is given by

F
P=
A

where, A is the area of cross-section of the sample of the material.

Use the graph and the data below to deduce that the thread used in the experiment has a
greater breaking stress than steel.

Breaking stress of steel = 1.0  109 N m−2

Radius of spider web thread = 4.5  10−6 m

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

11
(c) In a particular web, one thread has the same original length as the thread used in the
experiment. In the making of this web, the original length of the thread is extended by 2.4
 10−2 m.

(i) Use the graph to deduce that the amount of work required to further extend the
thread to the length at which it just breaks, is about 1.6  10−3 J. Explain your
working.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) If the thread is not to break due to the impact of a flying insect, then the thread
must be capable of absorbing all the kinetic energy of the insect as it is brought to
rest by the impact. Determine the impact speed that an insect of mass 0.15 g must
have in order that it just breaks the thread.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

12
5. Some students were asked to design and carry out an experiment to determine the specific latent
heat of vaporization of water. They set up the apparatus shown below.

d.c. supply V

A
Water
Heater

g Top-pan balance

The current was switched on and maintained constant using the variable resistor. The readings
of the voltmeter and the ammeter were noted. When the water was boiling steadily, the reading
of the top-pan balance was taken and, simultaneously, a stopwatch was started. The reading of
the top-pan balance was taken again after 200 seconds and then after a further 200 seconds.

The change in reading of the top-pan balance during each 200 second interval was calculated
and an average found. The power of the heater was calculated by multiplying together the
readings of the voltmeter and the ammeter.

(a) Suggest how the students would know when the water was boiling steadily.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) Explain why a reading of the mass lost in the first 200 seconds and then a reading of the
mass lost in the next 200 second interval were taken, rather than one single reading of the
mass lost in 400 seconds.
(2)

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

13
 The students repeated the experiment for different powers supplied to the heater. A graph of the
power of the heater against the mass of water lost (the change in balance reading) in 200
seconds was plotted. The results are shown below. (Error bars showing the uncertainties in the
measurements are not shown.)

120

100

80

60
power / W

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mass / g

(c) (i) On the graph above, draw the best-fit straight line for the data points.
(1)

(ii) Determine the gradient of the line you have drawn.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

14
 In order to find a value for the specific latent heat of vaporization L, the students used the
equation

P = mL,

where P is the power of the heater and m is the mass of water evaporated per second.

(d) Use your answer for the gradient of the graph to determine a value for the specific latent
heat of vaporization of water.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(e) The theory of the experiment would suggest that the graph line should pass through the
origin. Explain briefly why the graph does not pass through the origin.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

6. This question is about modelling the thermal processes involved when a person is running.

When running, a person generates thermal energy but maintains approximately constant
temperature.

(a) Explain what thermal energy and temperature mean. Distinguish between the two
concepts.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

The following simple model may be used to estimate the rise in temperature of a runner

15
assuming no thermal energy is lost.

A closed container holds 70 kg of water, representing the mass of the runner. The water is
heated at a rate of 1200 W for 30 minutes. This represents the energy generation in the runner.

(b) (i) Show that the thermal energy generated by the heater is 2.2 × 106 J.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Calculate the temperature rise of the water, assuming no energy losses from the
water. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg−1 K−1.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) The temperature rise calculated in (b) would be dangerous for the runner. Outline three
mechanisms, other than evaporation, by which the container in the model would transfer
energy to its surroundings.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(6)

16
 A further process by which energy is lost from the runner is the evaporation of sweat.

(d) (i) Describe, in terms of molecular behaviour, why evaporation causes cooling.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) Percentage of generated energy lost by sweating: 50%

Specific latent heat of vaporization of sweat: 2.26 × 106 J kg−1

Using the information above, and your answer to (b) (i), estimate the mass of sweat
evaporated from the runner.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii) State and explain two factors that affect the rate of evaporation of sweat from the
skin of the runner.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)

7. This question is about an experiment to measure the temperature of a flame.

17
(a) Define heat (thermal) capacity.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

A piece of metal is held in the flame of a Bunsen burner for several minutes. The metal is then
quickly transferred to a known mass of water contained in a calorimeter.

flame

water calorimeter
container

Bunsen burner
lagging (insulation)

The water into which the metal has been placed is stirred until it reaches a steady temperature.

(b) Explain why

(i) the metal is transferred as quickly as possible from the flame to the water;

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) the water is stirred.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

18
 The following data are available:
heat capacity of metal = 82.7 J K–1
heat capacity of the water in the calorimeter = 5.46 × 102 J K–1
heat capacity of the calorimeter = 54.6 J K–1
initial temperature of the water = 288 K
final temperature of the water = 353 K

(c) Assuming negligible energy losses in the processes involved, use the data to calculate the
temperature T of the Bunsen flame.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

8. This question is about thermodynamic processes.

(a) State what is meant by the concept of internal energy of an ideal gas.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

19
(b) The diagram below shows the variation with volume of the pressure of a fixed mass of an
ideal gas.

B
pressure

A C

0
0 volume

The change from B to C is an isothermal change at 546 K. At point A, the pressure of the
gas is 1.01  105 Pa, the volume of the gas is 22.0 m3 and the temperature of the gas is
273 K.

(i) State the temperature of the gas at point C;

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Calculate the volume of the gas at point C.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) For the change from B to C, 31.5  105 J of thermal energy is transferred to the gas.

(i) State the work done in the change from A to B.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

20
(ii) Determine the work done during the change C to A.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii) Explain whether the work in (ii) is done by the gas or on the gas.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iv) Determine the work done by the gas during one cycle ABCA.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

21
9. This question is about waves and wave motion.

(a) Describe, by reference to the propagation of energy, what is meant by a transverse wave.

Transverse wave

(2)

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

(b) State one example, other than a wave on a string, of a transverse wave.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

A transverse wave is travelling along a string that is under tension. The diagram below shows
the displacement of part of the string at time t = 0. The dotted line shows the position of the
string when there is no wave travelling along it.

displacement / cm

distance along string / cm

5.0 15 25 35 45

(c) On the diagram above, draw lines to identify for this wave

22
 (i) the amplitude (label this A);
(1)

(ii) the wavelength (label this λ).

(1)

(d) The period of the wave is 1.2 × 10–3 s. Deduce that the speed of the wave is 250 m s–1.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e) Using the axes below, draw the displacement of the string when t = 3.0 × 10–4 s. (The
displacement of the string at t = 0 is shown as a dotted line.)

displacement / cm

distance along string / cm

5.0 15 25 35 45

(3)
(Total 10 marks)

23
10. This question is about waves and wave properties.

(a) (i) Describe what is meant by a continuous travelling wave.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) With reference to your answer in (a)(i), state what is meant by the speed of a
travelling wave.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) Define, for a wave,

(i) frequency;

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) wavelength.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

24
A tube that is open at both ends is placed in a deep tank of water, as shown below.

tuning fork, frequency 256 Hz

tube

tank of water

A tuning fork of frequency 256 Hz is sounded continuously above the tube. The tube is slowly
raised out of the water and, at one position of the tube, a maximum loudness of sound is heard.

(c) (i) Explain the formation of a standing wave in the tube.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

25
(ii) The tube is raised a further small distance. Explain, by reference to resonance, why
the loudness of the sound changes.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii) The tube is gradually raised from a position of maximum loudness until the next
position of maximum loudness is reached. The length of the tube above the water
surface is increased by 65.0 cm. Calculate the speed of sound in the tube.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

26
A sound wave is incident on the ear of a person. The pressure variation of the sound wave
causes a force F to be exerted on a moveable part of the ear called the eardrum. The variation of
the displacement x of the eardrum caused by the force F is shown below.

8
F/×10–5 N

0 0
–2.0 –1.0 1.0 2.0
–2
x/×10 mm

–4

–8

(d) The eardrum has an area of 30 mm2. Calculate the pressure, in pascal, exerted on the
eardrum for a displacement x of 1.0 × 10–2 mm.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e) (i) Calculate the energy required to cause the displacement to change from x = 0 to
x = +1.5 × 10–2 mm.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

27
 (3)

The sound wave causing a maximum displacement of the eardrum of 1.5 × 10–2 mm has
frequency 1000 Hz.

(ii) Deduce that the energy causing the displacement in (e)(i) is delivered in a time of
0.25 ms. Also, determine the mean power of the sound wave to cause this
displacement.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii) Suggest the form of energy into which the energy of the sound wave has been
transformed at the eardrum.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

In an experiment to measure the speed of sound, two coherent sources S1 and S2 produce sound
waves of frequency 1700 Hz. A sound detector is moved along a line AB, parallel to S1S2 as
shown below.

S1

S2

28
 When the detector is at P, such that S1P = S2P, maximum loudness of sound is detected. As the
detector is moved along AB, regions of minimum and maximum loudness are detected. Point X
is the third position of minimum loudness from P. The distance (S2X – S1X) is 0.50 m.

(f) (i) Determine the speed of the sound.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) At X, no sound is detected. The loudness of the sound produced by S1 alone is then
reduced. State and explain the effect of this change on the loudness of sound heard
at X and at P.

at X: ...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

at P: ...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 30 marks)

11. This question is about waves and wave properties.

Travelling and standing (stationary) waves

(a) State two differences between a travelling wave and a standing (stationary) wave.

1. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) In the scale diagram below, plane wavefronts travel from medium 1 to medium 2 across
the boundary AB.

29
 direction of travel

medium 1
A B

medium 2

State and explain in which medium the wavefronts have the greater speed.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) By taking measurements from the diagram, determine the ratio

speed of wave in medium 1

.
speed of wave in medium 2

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

30
(d) To demonstrate the production of a standing wave, Samantha attaches the end B of a
length AB of rubber tubing to a rigid support. She holds the other end A of the tubing,
pulls on it slightly and then shakes the end A in a direction at right angles to AB. At a
certain frequency of shaking, the tubing is seen to form the standing wave pattern shown
below.

A B

Explain how this pattern is formed.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(5)

31
(e) The speed v with which energy is propagated in the tubing by a travelling wave depends
on the tension T in the tubing. The relationship between these quantities is

v=k T

where k is a constant.

In an experiment to verify this relationship, the fundamental (first harmonic) frequency f

was measured for different values of tension T.

(i) Explain how the results of this experiment, represented graphically, can be used to
verify the relationship v = k T .

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii) In the experiment, the length of the tubing was kept constant at 2.4 m. The
fundamental frequency for a tension of 9.0 N in the tubing was 1.8 Hz. Calculate
the numerical value of the constant k.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

32
The Doppler effect

(f) A source S emits sound waves at constant frequency. In the diagram below, S is moving
at constant speed in the direction shown, along a straight-line between two stationary
observers A and B.

B A
S

(i) Draw, on the above diagram, three wavefronts representing the waves emitted by S.
(2)

(ii) Use your sketch to explain any difference in the frequency of the sound as heard by
observer A and by observer B.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 24 marks)

33
12. This question is about wave phenomena and the particle nature of light.

Travelling waves

(a) Graph 1 below shows the variation with time t of the displacement d of a travelling
(progressive) wave. Graph 2 shows the variation with distance x along the same wave of
its displacement d.

Graph 1 4
d / mm
2

0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
t/s
–2

–4

Graph 2 4
d / mm
2

0
0.0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4
x / cm
–2

–4

(i) State what is meant by a travelling wave.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

34
 (ii) Use the graphs to determine the amplitude, wavelength, frequency and speed of the
wave.

Amplitude: .................................................................................................
(1)

Wavelength: .................................................................................................
(1)

Frequency: .................................................................................................

.................................................................................................
(1)

Speed: .................................................................................................

.................................................................................................
(1)

Refraction of waves

(b) The diagram below shows plane wavefronts incident on a boundary between two media A
and B.

medium A
medium B

refractive index of medium B

The ratio is 1.4.
refractive index of medium A

The angle between an incident wavefront and the normal to the boundary is 50.

35
 (i) Calculate the angle between a refracted wavefront and the normal to the boundary.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) On the diagram above, construct three wavefronts to show the refraction of the
wave at the boundary.
(3)

Interference of waves

(c) State two conditions necessary to produce observable interference between light from two
sources.

1. .........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................
(2)

(d) A Young’s double slit experiment for red light is set up as shown below.

red filter double slit

source of
white light

single slit
screen

(not to scale)

An interference pattern of light and dark fringes is observed on the screen.

36
 (i) The red filter is now replaced by a blue filter. State and explain the change in
appearance, other than change of colour, of the fringes on the screen.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) The filter in (i) is removed. State and explain the appearance of the central
maximum fringe and also of fringes that are away from this central position.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

Particle nature of light

(e) The photo-electric effect cannot be explained on the basis of a wave theory of
electromagnetic radiation. State two experimental observations, other than the existence
of a threshold frequency, that led to this conclusion.

1. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

37
(f) Monochromatic light is incident on a metal surface in a photo-cell as shown below.

μA

monochromatic
light

The metal surface has work function 2.4 eV and the threshold wavelength for light
incident on the surface is S. The current in the photo-cell is measured using a
microammeter.

Calculate the threshold wavelength S.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(g) Light of wavelength 12 λS and intensity I is incident on the metal surface in (f). (Intensity
is the light power incident per unit area.) The current in the photo-cell is iP.

State and explain the effect on the current iP in the photo-cell for light incident on the
surface

(i) of wavelength 1
2 λS and intensity 2I;

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) of wavelength less than 1

2 λS and intensity I.

38
.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 30 marks)

39
13. This question is about diffraction.

Plane wavefronts of monochromatic light of wavelength  are incident on a rectangular slit of

width b. After passing through the slit, the light is brought to a focus on a screen distance D
from the slit as shown below. The width of the slit is comparable to the wavelength of the
incident light and b  D. The point P on the screen is opposite the centre of the slit.

b P

D
slit

screen

The sketch graph below shows that the variation with angle  of the intensity of the light on the
screen.

intensity

= 

40
(a) Explain qualitatively, this intensity distribution.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) The angle  =  is the angular half-width of the central maximum of the intensity
λ
distribution and is given by the expression  = . Derive an expression in terms of D, 
b
and b for the half-width d of the central maximum.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

41
 (c) The single slit is replaced by two rectangular slits of width b. The distance between the
centre of the slits is equal to 2b.

On the axes below, draw a sketch of the intensity distribution on the screen. (The
intensity distribution of a single slit is shown by the dotted line.)

intensity

= 
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

14. Wave properties

(a) By reference to the energy of a travelling wave, state what is meant by

(i) a ray.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) wave speed.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

42
(b) The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement xA of wave A as it
passes through a point P.

Wave A
3.0

2.0

1.0

xA/ mm 0.0
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 t / ms
–1.0

–2.0

–3.0

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement xB of wave B as it
passes through point P.

Wave B

2.0

1.0

xB / mm 0.0
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 t / ms
–1.0

–2.0

(i) Calculate the frequency of the waves.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

43
 (ii) The waves pass simultaneously through point P. Use the graphs to determine the
resultant displacement at point P of the two waves at time t = 1.0 ms and at time t =
8.0 ms.

At t = 1.0 ms: ...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

At t = 8.0 ms: ...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

15. This question is about driving a metal bar into the ground and the engine used in the process.

Large metal bars can be driven into the ground using a heavy falling object.

object mass = 2.0×103 kg

bar mass = 400kg

44
In the situation shown, the object has a mass 2.0 × 103 kg and the metal bar has a mass of 400
kg.

The object strikes the bar at a speed of 6.0 m s–1 It comes to rest on the bar without bouncing.
As a result of the collision, the bar is driven into the ground to a depth of 0.75 m.

(a) Determine the speed of the bar immediately after the object strikes it.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b) Determine the average frictional force exerted by the ground on the bar.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

45
(c) The object is raised by a diesel engine that has a useful power output of 7.2 kW.

In order that the falling object strikes the bar at a speed of 6.0 m s–1, it must be raised to a
certain height above the bar. Assuming that there are no energy losses due to friction,
calculate how long it takes the engine to raise the object to this height.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

The diagram below shows the relation between the pressure and the volume of the air in the
diesel engine for one cycle of operation of the engine. During the cycle there are two adiabatic
processes, an isochoric process and an isobaric process.

pressure
thermal energy

B C

A
volume

46
(d) Explain what is meant by

(i) an adiabatic process;

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) an isochoric process;

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii) an isobaric process.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(e) Identify, from the diagram, the following processes.

(i) Adiabatic processes

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Isochoric process

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii) Isobaric process

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

47
 During the process B → C thermal energy is absorbed.

The diesel engine has a total power output of 8.4 kW and an efficiency of 40%. The cycle of
operation is repeated 40 times every second.

(f) State what quantity is represented on the diagram by the area ABCD.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(g) Determine the value of the quantity that is represented by the area ABCD.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(h) Determine the thermal energy absorbed during the process B → C.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 22 marks)

16. This question is about the kinematics of an elevator (lift).

(a) Explain the difference between the gravitational mass and the inertial mass of an object.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

48
An elevator (lift) starts from rest on the ground floor and comes to rest at a higher floor. Its
motion is controlled by an electric motor. A simplified graph of the variation of the elevator’s
velocity with time is shown below.

velocity / m s –1
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
time / s

(b) The mass of the elevator is 250 kg. Use this information to calculate

(i) the acceleration of the elevator during the first 0.50 s.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) the total distance travelled by the elevator.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

49
 (iii) the minimum work required to raise the elevator to the higher floor.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iv) the minimum average power required to raise the elevator to the higher floor.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(v) the efficiency of the electric motor that lifts the elevator, given that the input power
to the motor is 5.0 kW.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) On the graph axes below, sketch a realistic variation of velocity for the elevator. Explain
your reasoning. (The simplified version is shown as a dotted line)

velocity / m s –1
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
time / s
(2)

The elevator is supported by a cable. The diagram below is a free-body force diagram for when
the elevator is moving upwards during the first 0.50 s.

50
 tension

weight

(d) In the space below, draw free-body force diagrams for the elevator during the following
time intervals.

(i) 0.5 to 11.50 s (ii) 11.50 to 12.00 s

(3)

A person is standing on weighing scales in the elevator. Before the elevator rises, the reading on
the scales is W.

51
(e) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show how the reading on the scales varies during
the whole 12.00 s upward journey of the elevator. (Note that this is a sketch graph – you
do not need to add any values.)

reading on scales

0.00
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
time / s
(3)

(f) The elevator now returns to the ground floor where it comes to rest. Describe and explain
the energy changes that take place during the whole up and down journey.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)

52
17. This question is about Newton’s laws of motion, the dynamics of a model helicopter and the
engine that powers it.

(a) Explain how Newton’s third law leads to the concept of conservation of momentum in the
collision between two objects in an isolated system.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b) The diagram illustrates a model helicopter that is hovering in a stationary position.

0.70 m 0.70 m

rotating
blades

downward motion of air

The rotating blades of the helicopter force a column of air to move downwards. Explain
how this may enable the helicopter to remain stationary.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) The length of each blade of the helicopter in (b) is 0.70 m. Deduce that the area that the
blades sweep out as they rotate is 1.5 m2. (Area of a circle = r2)

53
 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(d) For the hovering helicopter in (b), it is assumed that all the air beneath the blades is
pushed vertically downwards with the same speed of 4.0 m s–1. No other air is disturbed.

The density of the air is 1.2 kg m–3.

Calculate, for the air moved downwards by the rotating blades,

(i) the mass per second;

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) the rate of change of momentum.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(e) State the magnitude of the force that the air beneath the blades exerts on the blades.

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(f) Calculate the mass of the helicopter and its load.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(g) In order to move forward, the helicopter blades are made to incline at an angle  to the
horizontal as shown schematically below.

54
While moving forward, the helicopter does not move vertically up or down. In the space
provided below draw a free body force diagram that shows the forces acting on the
helicopter blades at the moment that the helicopter starts to move forward. On your
diagram, label the angle.
(4)

55
(h) Use your diagram in (g) to explain why a forward force F now acts on the helicopter and
deduce that the initial acceleration a of the helicopter is given by

a = g tan

where g is the acceleration of free fall.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(5)

(i) The helicopter is driven by an engine that has a useful power output of 9.0  102 W. The
engine makes 300 revolutions per second. Deduce that the work done in one cycle is 3.0
J.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

56
(j) The diagram below shows the relation between the pressure and the volume of the air in
the engine for one cycle of operation of the engine.

pressure

B C

A
volume

(i) State the name given to the type of process represented by D→A.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) During one cycle of the engine, the gas absorbs Q1 units of thermal energy and Q2
units of thermal energy are transferred from the gas. On the diagram above, draw
labelled arrows to show these energy transfers.
(2)

(iii) The efficiency of the engine is 60. Using your answer to question (i), calculate
the values of Q1 and Q2.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 30 marks)

57
18. This question is about momentum and the kinematics of a proposed journey to Jupiter.

(a) State the law of conservation of momentum.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

A solar propulsion engine uses solar power to ionize atoms of xenon and to accelerate them. As
a result of the acceleration process, the ions are ejected from the spaceship with a speed of
3.0 × 104 m s–1.

xenon ions spaceship

speed = 3.0×104 m s –1 mass = 5.4×102 kg

(b) The mass (nucleon) number of the xenon used is 131. Deduce that the mass of one ion of
xenon is 2.2 × 10–25 kg.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) The original mass of the fuel is 81 kg. Deduce that, if the engine ejects 77 × 1018 xenon
ions every second, the fuel will last for 1.5 years. (1 year = 3.2 × 107 s)

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

58
 (d) The mass of the spaceship is 5.4 × 102 kg. Deduce that the initial acceleration of the
spaceship is 8.2 × 10–5 m s–2.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(5)

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the acceleration a of the spaceship. The
solar propulsion engine is switched on at time t = 0 when the speed of the spaceship is 1.2 × 103
m s–1.

10.0

9.5

a / ×10– 5m s– 2
9.0

8.5

8.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
t / ×107 s

59
(e) Explain why the acceleration of the spaceship is increasing with time.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(f) Using data from the graph, calculate the speed of the spaceship at the time when the
xenon fuel has all been used.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(g) The distance of the spaceship from Earth when the solar propulsion engine is switched on
is very small compared to the distance from Earth to Jupiter. The fuel runs out when the
spaceship is a distance of 4.7 × 10–11 m from Jupiter. Estimate the total time that it would
take the spaceship to travel from Earth to Jupiter.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 19 marks)

60
19. Momentum

(a) State the law of conservation of linear momentum.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) A toy rocket of mass 0.12 kg contains 0.59 kg of water as shown in the diagram below.

high-pressure air

water

nozzle, radius 1.4mm

The space above the water contains high-pressure air. The nozzle of the rocket has a
circular cross-section of radius 1.4 mm. When the nozzle is opened, water emerges from
the nozzle at a constant speed of 18 m s–1. The density of water is 1000 kg m–3.

(i) Deduce that the volume of water ejected per second through the nozzle is 1.1 
10–4 m3.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

61
(ii) Deduce that the upward force that the ejected water exerts on the rocket is
approximately 2.0 N. Explain your working by reference to Newton’s laws of
motion.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii) Calculate the time delay between opening the nozzle and the rocket achieving
lift-off.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

62
20. Linear motion

At a sports event, a skier descends a slope AB. At B there is a dip BC of width 12 m. The slope
and dip are shown in the diagram below. The vertical height of the slope is 41 m.

A
(not to scale)

slope
41m

B C D
1.8m

dip 12m

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the speed v down the slope of the skier.

25.0

20.0

15.0
v / ms –1
10.0

5.0

0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0
t/s

The skier, of mass 72 kg, takes 8.0 s to ski, from rest, down the length AB of the slope.

63
(a) Use the graph to

(i) calculate the kinetic energy EK of the skier at point B.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) determine the length of the slope.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(b) (i) Calculate the change EP in the gravitational potential energy of the skier between
point A and point B.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Use your answers to (a) and (b)(i) to determine the average retarding force on the
skier between point A and point B.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

64
 (iii) Suggest two causes of the retarding force calculated in (ii).

1. ...............................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................
(2)

(c) At point B of the slope, the skier leaves the ground. He “flies” across the dip and lands on
the lower side at point D. The lower side C of the dip is 1.8 m below the upper side B.

Determine the distance CD of the point D from the edge C of the dip. Air resistance may
be assumed to be negligible.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(4)

(d) The lower side of the dip is altered so that it is inclined to the horizontal, as shown below.

B C D
slope
1.8m

dip
12m

(i) State the effect of this change on the landing position D.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

65
 (ii) Suggest the effect of this change on the impact felt by the skier on landing.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 20 marks)

21. This question is about gravitational field strength near the surface of a planet.

(a) (i) Define gravitational field strength.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) State why gravitational field strength at a point is numerically equal to the
acceleration of free fall at that point.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

66
(b) A certain planet is a uniform sphere of mass M and radius R of 5.1  106 m.

(i) State an expression, in terms of M and R, for the gravitational field strength at the
surface of the planet. State the name of any other symbol you may use.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) A mountain on the surface of the planet has a height of 2000 m. Suggest why the
value of the gravitational field strength at the base of the mountain and at the top of
the mountain are almost equal.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

67
(c) A small sphere is projected horizontally near the surface of the planet in (b). Photographs
of the sphere are taken at time intervals of 0.20 s. The images of the sphere are placed on
a grid and the result is shown below.

point of
release

1.00 cm represents 1.00 m

The first photograph is taken at time t = 0. Each 1.00 cm on the grid represents a distance
of 1.00 m in both the horizontal and the vertical directions.

Use the diagram to

(i) explain why air resistance on the planet is negligible;

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) calculate a value for the acceleration of free fall at the surface of the planet.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

68
 (d) Use your answer to (c)(ii) and data from (b) to calculate the mass of the planet.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)

22. This question is about gravitational potential.

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) A meteorite moves towards the Moon from a long distance away.

(i) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show the variation with distance from the
centre of the Moon of the gravitational potential of the meteorite as it approaches
the Moon. The radius of the Moon is r.

gravitational +ve
potential

0
r
distance from centre of Moon

–ve
(2)

69
 (ii) The radius r of the Moon is 1.7  106 m and its mass is 7.3  1022 kg.

Estimate the impact speed with which the meteorite hits the surface of the Moon.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii) Suggest one factor that will make the impact speed greater than your estimate.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c) A similar meteorite moves towards the Earth from a long distance away.

Suggest how the total energy of the meteorite varies with distance when the meteorite is

(i) outside the Earth’s atmosphere;

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) inside the Earth’s atmosphere.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

70