2016 HSC Physics

2016 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATION
Physics
Total marks 100
Section I Pages 228
General Instructions 75 marks

Reading time 5 minutes This section has two parts, Part A and Part B
Working time 3 hours
Part A 20 marks
Write using black pen
Attempt Questions 120
Draw diagrams using pencil
Allow about 35 minutes for this part
Board-approved calculators may
be used Part B 55 marks
A data sheet, formulae sheets and Attempt Questions 2130
Periodic Table are provided at Allow about 1 hour and 40 minutes for this part
the back of this paper
Section II Pages 2937
25 marks
Attempt ONE question from Questions 3135
Allow about 45 minutes for this section
1060
Section I
75 marks
Part A 20 marks
Attempt Questions 120
Allow about 35 minutes for this part
Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 120.
1 Some mobile phones are recharged at a power point using a charger that contains a
transformer.
What is the purpose of the transformer?
(A) To convert AC at the power point to DC

(B) To convert DC at the power point to AC
(C) To increase the AC voltage at the power point
(D) To decrease the AC voltage at the power point
2 Both Westinghouse and Edison proposed methods for supplying electricity to homes.
What advantage did Westinghouses method have over Edisons?
(A) DC could be supplied at a lower current, making it safer for the consumer.
(B) DC could be supplied at a lower voltage, making it safer for the consumer.
(C) AC allowed for the use of a lower transmission current, reducing energy losses.
(D) AC allowed for the use of a lower transmission voltage, reducing energy losses.
3 A region of space contains a constant magnetic field and a constant electric field.
How will these fields affect an electron that is stationary in this region?
(A) Both fields will exert a force.

(B) Neither field will exert a force.
(C) Only the electric field will exert a force.
(D) Only the magnetic field will exert a force.
2
4 The graph shows information about three superconductors X, Y and Z including their year
of discovery.
100 Z
90
80
Critical temperature (K)
70
60
50
40
30
20 Y
10 X
0
1910 1930 1950 1970 1990
Year of discovery
Which row of the table correctly classifies X, Y and Z?
X Y Z
(A) Metal Metal alloy Compound
(B) Metal Compound Metal alloy
(C) Metal alloy Metal Compound
(D) Metal alloy Compound Metal
5 The diagram shows two parallel charged plates 5 103 m apart.
+15 V
5 103 m
0V
What is the magnitude of the electric field between the plates in V m1?
(A) 3.3 104

(B) 0.33
(C) 3
(D) 3000
3
6 In a thought experiment, a jet is travelling at 0.5 c relative to the ground, towards a train
that is travelling at 0.1 c relative to the ground, as shown.
0.5 c
0.1 c
What is the speed of the light emitted from the trains headlight, as measured by a pilot
in the jet?
(A) 0.1 c
(B) 0.4 c
(C) 0.6 c
(D) 1.0 c
7 A magnet passes through a copper tube at constant velocity along the path shown.
A current is induced in the tube by the motion of the magnet.
Copper tube
Path of magnet
N S P Q
Which row of the table correctly describes the forces acting between the tube and the
magnet at points P and Q?
Force at P Force at Q
(A) Attraction Repulsion
(B) Repulsion Attraction
(C) Attraction Attraction
(D) Repulsion Repulsion
4
8 Which movement of the magnet(s) will produce the greatest deflection of the
galvanometer?
(A) 2v (B) v
N S N S
S N
G G
(C) v (D) 2v
N S N S
G G
9 How does back emf affect a DC motor?
(A) It creates heat in the iron core.

(B) It limits the speed of the motor.
(C) It reverses the current in the coil.
(D) It increases the torque of the motor.
5
10 In a thought experiment, a train is moving at a constant speed of 0.8 c. A lamp is located
at the midpoint of a carriage. There are doors W and Z at each end of the carriage which
open automatically when light from the lamp reaches them.
Lamp 0.8 c
W Z
The passenger standing at the midpoint of the carriage switches on the lamp.
Which statement best explains what the passenger observes about the doors?
(A) Z opens before W because the lamp is moving towards Z .

(B) W opens before Z because W is moving towards the lamp.
(C) W and Z open simultaneously because the lamp is placed at an equal distance
from both.
(D) W and Z open simultaneously because the distance from the lamp to each door has
contracted by the same amount.
11 What is the wavelength, in metres, of a photon with an energy of 3.5 eV?
(A) 1.2 106

(B) 3.5 107
(C) 1.18 1015
(D) 5.67 1026
6
12 Which diagram correctly shows the deflection of a cathode ray by a bar magnet?
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
13 When light of a specific frequency strikes a metal surface, photoelectrons are emitted.
If the light intensity is increased but the frequency remains the same, which row of the
table is correct?
Number of photoelectrons Maximum kinetic energy

emitted of the photoelectrons
(A) Remains the same Remains the same
(B) Remains the same Increases
(C) Increases Remains the same
(D) Increases Increases
7
14 A satellite orbits Earth with period T. An identical satellite orbits the planet Xerus which
has a mass four times that of Earth. Both satellites have the same orbital radius r.
Earth r Xerus r
What is the period of the satellite orbiting Xerus?
T
(A)
4
T
(B)
2
(C) 2T
(D) 4T
15 Which of the following statements correctly describes the effect of light in a solar cell?
(A) The light produces electron-hole pairs.

(B) The light causes pure silicon to become n-type silicon.
(C) The light increases the potential difference across the p-n boundary.
(D) The light transfers energy to electrons in the conduction band of the p-type
semiconductor.
8
16 The cone of a speaker is pushed so that the coil moves in the direction shown.
N
Movement
X Y
Conductor
Which row of the table correctly identifies the behaviour of the speaker and the direction
of the current through the conductor?
The speaker The direction of the

behaves like a current is from
(A) generator X to Y
(B) generator Y to X
(C) motor X to Y
(D) motor Y to X
9
17 A projectile was launched horizontally inside a lift in a building. The diagram shows the
path of the projectile when the lift was stationary.
Lift
The projectile was launched again with the same velocity. At this time, the lift was
slowing down as it approached the top floor of the building.
Which diagram correctly shows the new path of the projectile (dotted line) relative to the
path created in the stationary lift (solid line)?
(A) Lift (B) Lift
(C) Lift (D) Lift
10
18 A motorcycle travels around a vertical circular path of radius 3.6 m at a constant speed.
The combined mass of the rider and motorcycle is 200 kg.
3.6 m Path of motorcycle
What is the minimum speed, in m s1, at which the motorcycle must travel to maintain
the circular path?
(A) 0.42
(B) 1.9
(C) 5.9
(D) 35
19 Muons are subatomic particles which at rest have a lifetime of 2.2 microseconds ( s).
When they are produced in Earths upper atmosphere, they travel at 0.9999 c.
Using classical physics, the distance travelled by a muon in its lifetime can be calculated
as follows:
x = vt
= 660 m
Which row of the table correctly summarises the behaviour of these muons?
Muons reference frame Earths reference frame

Distance travelled Lifetime Distance travelled Lifetime
(m) ( s) (m) ( s)
(A) 660 2.2 > 660 > 2.2
(B) > 660 > 2.2 660 2.2
(C) 660 2.2 < 660 < 2.2
(D) < 660 < 2.2 660 2.2
11
20 In the motor shown, the rotor spins clockwise, as viewed from point P, when connected
to a DC supply.

P +
What happens when the motor is connected to an AC supply?
(A) There is no movement of the rotor.

(B) The rotor produces clockwise movement only.
(C) The rotor vibrates at the frequency of the AC supply.
(D) The rotor continuously turns half a rotation clockwise, then half a rotation
anticlockwise.
12
2016 Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
2016 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
Physics
Centre Number
Section I (continued)
Part B 55 marks
Attempt Questions 2130 Student Number
Allow about 1 hour and 40 minutes
for this part
Answer the questions in the spaces

provided. These spaces provide
guidance for the expected length of
response.
Show all relevant working in questions

involving calculations.
Extra writing space is provided on

Do NOT write in this area.
pages 27 and 28. If you use this space,

clearly indicate which question you
are answering.
Write your Centre Number and

Student Number at the top of this
page.
Please turn over
13
Office Use Only Do NOT write anything, or make any marks below this line.
4393310351
1061 15330
BLANK PAGE
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Question 21 (5 marks)
(a) Why does orbital decay occur more rapidly for satellites in a low-Earth orbit 2
than for satellites in other orbits?
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(b) Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force that acts on a 50 kg satellite 3
when it is 8000 km from Earths centre.
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(a) When an alternating current is passed through coil A, a voltage is observed on 2

the oscilloscope connected to coil B.
Coil A Coil B
Oscilloscope
How could a bar magnet be used, instead of coil A, to produce a similar pattern
on the oscilloscope?

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Question 22 continues on page 17
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Question 22 (continued)
(b) A strong magnet is at rest a few centimetres above a solid metal disc made of a 4
non-magnetic metal. The magnet is then dropped.
Strong magnet
Solid non-magnetic, metal disc
The velocity of the magnet is shown in this graph.
Time (s)
0
Velocity
(m s1)
Gradient = 9.8
Account for the shape of the graph.
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End of Question 22
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(a) Explain the role of the deflection plates in displaying voltage changes applied to 3
the input of a cathode ray oscilloscope.
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(b) The diagram shows electrons travelling in a vacuum at 5.2 104 m s1 entering 3
an electric field of 10 V m1.

Electric field
Electrons
A magnetic field is applied so that the electrons continue undeflected.
What is the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field?

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The graph shows the effect of temperature on the resistance of a metal wire. 4
Resistance
Temperature
Tc
Explain the shape of this graph in terms of the behaviour of electrons in the metal,
both above and below the critical temperature (Tc ).
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Two teams carried out independent experiments with the purpose of investigating
Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation. Each team used the same procedure to
accurately measure the gravitational force acting between two spherical masses over
a range of distances.
The following graphs show the data collected by each team.
Team As results
5.0
4.0
Force ( 108 N)
3.0
2.0

1.0
0.0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Distance between the centres of masses (m)
Team Bs results
5.0
4.0
Force ( 108 N)
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Distance between the centres of masses (m)

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(a) Compare qualitatively the relationship between force and distance in the graphs. 2
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(b) Assess the appropriateness of Team As data and Team Bs data in achieving 3
the purpose of the experiments.
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End of Question 25
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Explain how applications of transformers have affected society. 5

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(a) Outline observations that Hertz made that were consistent with the photoelectric 3
effect. In your answer, identify equipment that was essential for him to make
these observations.
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(b) Explain how the result of ONE investigation of the photoelectric effect changed 4
the scientific understanding of the nature of light.
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The following diagram shows the acceleration of a rocket during the first stage of its 5
launch.
a = 25 m s2
NOT TO
SCALE
a = 10 m s2
a = 4.6 m s2
Earth

Explain the acceleration of the rocket with reference to the law of conservation of
momentum.
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Explain how different discoveries in physics led to the development of THREE 6

technologies, including the electric generator.
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The following makeshift device was made to provide lighting for a stranded astronaut
on Mars.
The mass of Mars is 6.39 1023 kg.
Light bulb
Switch
DC +
generator
Rope
2 kg
The 2 kg mass falls, turning the DC generator, which supplies energy to the light bulb.
The mass falls from a point that is 3 376 204 m from the centre of Mars.

(a) Calculate the maximum possible energy released by the light bulb as the mass 3
falls through a distance of one metre.
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(b) Explain the difference in the behaviour of the falling mass when the switch is 3
open.
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Section I Part B extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.
27
9248310355
Section I Part B extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.
28 2016 Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
8455310354
Physics
Section II
25 marks
Attempt ONE question from Questions 3135
Allow about 45 minutes for this section
Answer parts (a)(e) of one question in the Section II Writing Booklet. Extra writing booklets
are available.
Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.
Pages
Question 31 Geophysics ............................................................................. 3031
Question 32 Medical Physics ........................................................................... 32
Question 33 Astrophysics ................................................................................. 33
Question 34 From Quanta to Quarks ................................................................ 34
Question 35 The Age of Silicon ................................................................. 3537
1062 29
Question 31 Geophysics (25 marks)
Answer parts (a), (b) and (c) of the question on pages 24 of the Section II Writing
Booklet. Start each part of the question on a new page.
(a) (i) What role do geophysicists play in the monitoring of the nuclear test ban 2
treaties?
(ii) Explain how ONE geophysical method used in mineral exploration can 3
produce an economic benefit.
(b) (i) Describe a model that shows the relationship between the inclination of 3
Earths magnetic field and latitude.
(ii) Describe features of Earths magnetic field, other than the variation of its 3
inclination with latitude.
(c) Explain TWO corrections that must be made when gravimeter data is being 4
analysed.
30
Answer parts (d) and (e) of the question on pages 68 of the Section II Writing
(d) The diagram shows the magnetisation of rocks along lines perpendicular to the 4
same mid-ocean ridge, from locations A and B.
km km
80 60 40 20 20 40 60 80
A Key
Normal
km km magnetisation
80 60 40 20 20 40 60 80
Reverse
B magnetisation
Mid-ocean ridge
What valid inferences can be made from these data sets? Justify your answer.
(e) After an earthquake, the following seismograms were obtained from stations W, 6
X and Y on Earths surface.
Earthquake focus
W
Earth X
Y
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time after earthquake (minutes)
Relate features on the seismograms to the behaviour of different types of

earthquake waves and Earths internal structure.
End of Question 31
31
Question 32 Medical Physics (25 marks)
(a) (i) What are the differences between hard and soft X-rays? 2
(ii) Account for the widespread use of X-rays to create images of human 3
limbs.
(b) (i) Describe the piezoelectric effect and its application in ultrasound imaging. 3
(ii) An ultrasound pulse leaves the transducer and passes from the gel 3
through soft tissue and bone as shown. A table of acoustic impedances
is provided.
Gel Soft tissue Bone
Transducer
Medium Acoustic impedance (kg m2 s1)

Gel 1.632 106
Soft tissue 1.632 106
Bone 6.732 106
Describe what happens to the intensity of the ultrasound pulse at each

boundary. Use calculations to support your answer.
(c) Contrast the use of Doppler ultrasound imaging with the use of computed axial 4
tomography (CAT) imaging. In your answer, include an example of how each
is used.
(d) Describe how positron emission tomography (PET) scanning is used in 4

diagnosis. In your answer, refer to the interaction of positrons and electrons.
(e) Explain how principles of physics are applied in magnetic resonance 6

imaging (MRI).
32
Question 33 Astrophysics (25 marks)
(a) (i) Distinguish between the terms resolution and sensitivity as applied to 2
optical telescopes.
(ii) Outline ways of improving the resolution of ground-based telescopes. 3
(b) (i) Explain how trigonometric parallax is used to determine the distance to 3
a star.
(ii) Determine the absolute magnitude of a star which has an apparent 3

magnitude of 4.2 and a parallax of 0.055 arc seconds.
(c) Describe how the spectrum of a star can be used to determine its chemical 4
composition and surface temperature.
(d) Explain how the study of different types of variable stars has increased our 4
understanding of celestial objects.
(e) Describe how the distribution of stars on a HertzsprungRussell diagram relates 6

to the processes that occur during their evolution.
33
Question 34 From Quanta to Quarks (25 marks)
(a) (i) Identify the TWO types of nucleon and state ONE difference between 2
them.
(ii) Explain the stability of 42He nuclei in terms of TWO forces. 3
(b) (i) Outline features of the hydrogen spectrum that Bohrs model could not 3
explain.
(ii) Calculate the initial energy level of an electron in a hydrogen atom if it 3

emitted 4.089 1019 J on transition to the n = 2 level.
(c) Describe how contributions to atomic theory made by Pauli and Heisenberg 4
changed Bohrs model of the atom.
(d) Explain how evidence from experiments involving particle accelerators and 4
detectors has provided support for the standard model of matter.
(e) How did Fermis work in nuclear physics lead to applications that have affected 6
society?
34
Question 35 The Age of Silicon (25 marks)
(a) (i) Use sketches to show how analogue and digital voltage outputs are 2
different.
(ii) Describe ONE advantage of electronic circuits and ONE advantage of 3

electric circuits.
(b) (i) The table shows properties of a real operational amplifier. 3
Voltage gain 200 000

Input impedance 2 MW
Output resistance 100 W
Bandwidth 01 MHz
How do these properties compare with those of an ideal amplifier?
(ii) An inverting amplifier is constructed using a single operational amplifier 3

and two resistors. The input resistor has a value of 2.2 kW. The graphs
show input and output voltages for the circuit of this amplifier over the
same time interval.
Vin (V) Input Vout (V) Output

10 10
8 8
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 time 0 time
2 2
4 4
6 6
8 8
10 10
Draw a diagram of this circuit, showing the value of each resistor.
35
(c) The logic circuit shown was constructed using a number of components. 4
B Output
The diagram shows acceptable input voltages for these components.
5.0 V
High
2.0 V
0.8 V
Low
0V
A low voltage output is required from the circuit.
Determine possible input voltages for A, B and C. Support your answer using a
truth table.
36
(d) Explain the advantages of using integrated circuits instead of individual 4

transistors in electronic devices.
(e) A circuit is required to automatically switch on a 240 V fan when the temperature 6
exceeds 30C. The circuit shown was designed by a student but does not operate
as intended.
+15 V
240 V
R1 R2
fan
30 kW 20 kW +15 V
R4
+ 47 W
t R3
20 kW
The graph shows the characteristic curve of the thermistor in the circuit.
100 000
50 000
Resistance (W)
10 000
5000
1000
500
100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Temperature (C)
Explain THREE changes that need to be made for this circuit to operate
correctly.
End of paper
37
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38
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39
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40
2016 Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
Physics
DATA SHEET
0
k
2
1063 41
FORMULAE SHEET
v2
l v = l0 1
c2
t0
tv =
v2
1
c2
m0
mv =
v2
1
c2
42
FORMULAE SHEET
d
M = m 5 log
10
IA ( mB mA ) 5
= 100
IB
1 1 1
= R 2 2
n f n i
2
Ir Z Z
2 1
= 2

I0 Z 2 + Z1
43
44

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2016 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

Total marks 100

Section I Pages 228

General Instructions 75 marks

Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 120.

What is the purpose of the transformer?

(A) To convert AC at the power point to DC

What advantage did Westinghouses method have over Edisons?

(A) Both fields will exert a force.

Which row of the table correctly classifies X, Y and Z?

5 The diagram shows two parallel charged plates 5 103 m apart.

(A) 3.3 104

A current is induced in the tube by the motion of the magnet.

9 How does back emf affect a DC motor?

(A) It creates heat in the iron core.

(A) Z opens before W because the lamp is moving towards Z .

11 What is the wavelength, in metres, of a photon with an energy of 3.5 eV?

(A) 1.2 106

Number of photoelectrons Maximum kinetic energy

What is the period of the satellite orbiting Xerus?

(A) The light produces electron-hole pairs.

The speaker The direction of the

(A) Lift (B) Lift

(C) Lift (D) Lift

3.6 m Path of motorcycle

Muons reference frame Earths reference frame

What happens when the motor is connected to an AC supply?

(A) There is no movement of the rotor.

Answer the questions in the spaces

Show all relevant working in questions

Extra writing space is provided on

pages 27 and 28. If you use this space,

Write your Centre Number and

Please turn over

Do NOT write in this area.

(a) When an alternating current is passed through coil A, a voltage is observed on 2

Do NOT write in this area.

Question 22 continues on page 17

Solid non-magnetic, metal disc

The velocity of the magnet is shown in this graph.

Account for the shape of the graph.

Do NOT write in this area.

A magnetic field is applied so that the electrons continue undeflected.

What is the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field?

The following graphs show the data collected by each team.

Do NOT write in this area.

Question 25 continues on page 21

Explain how applications of transformers have affected society. 5

Do NOT write in this area.

Do NOT write in this area.

Explain how different discoveries in physics led to the development of THREE 6

The mass of Mars is 6.39 1023 kg.

Do NOT write in this area.

Do NOT write in this area.

28 2016 Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW

Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.

Question 31 Geophysics ............................................................................. 3031

Question 32 Medical Physics ........................................................................... 32