JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE

Preliminary Examination 2009

Name: _____________________________ Class: 08___________

PHYSICS 9745/03
Higher 2

Paper 3 2 Sep 2009

2 hours

Candidates answer on the Question Paper.

No Additional Materials are required.

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST For

Examiner’s Use
Do not open this booklet until you are told to do so.
1 /10
Write your name and class in the spaces provided at the top of this
page. 2 /10
Write in dark blue or black pen.
You may use a soft pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working. 3 /12
Do not use highlighters, glue or correction fluid.

There are two sections in this paper. Section A has four questions. 4 /8
Section B has three questions.

Section A /20
Answer all questions.
/20
Section B
Answer any two questions.

You are advised to spend about one hour on each section.

At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together. Total /80

The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each

question or part question.

(This question paper consists of xx printed pages)

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Data
speed of light in free space, c = 3.00 × 108 m s-1
permeability of free space, µo = 4π × 10−7 H m−1
permittivity of free space, εo = 8.85 × 10−12 F m−1 = (1/(36π)) × 10−9 F m−1
elementary charge, e = 1.60 × 10−19 C
the Planck constant, h = 6.63 × 10−34 J s
unified atomic mass constant, u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg
rest mass of electron, me = 9.11 × 10−31 kg
rest mass of proton, mp = 1.67 × 10−27 kg
molar gas constant, R = 8.31 J K−1 mol−1
the Avogadro constant, NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol−1
the Boltzmann constant, k = 1.38 × 10−23 J K−1
gravitational constant, G = 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg−2
acceleration of free fall, g = 9.81 m s−2

Formulae
uniformly accelerated motion, s = ut + 1
2
at 2
v2 = u2 + 2as
work done on/by a gas, W = p ∆V
hydrostatic pressure, p = ρgh
Gm
gravitational potential, φ = −
r
displacement of particle in s.h.m., x = xo sin ωt
velocity of particle in s.h.m., v = vo cos ωt
v = ± ω ( xo2 − x 2 )

resistors in series, R = R1 + R2 + . . .
resistors in parallel, 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + . . .
Q
electric potential, V =
4 πεo r

alternating current / voltage, x = xo sin ωt

transmission coefficient, T = exp(-2kd)

8π2 m(U − E )
where k =
h2
radioactive decay, x = xo exp(−λt)
0.693
decay constant, λ =
t1
2

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Section A
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) State two differences between a systematic error and a random error. [2]
Soln
Systematic error occurs when the reading is always higher or lower than the
actual value.
Random error occurs when the reading is sometimes higher or lower than the
average value.
Systematic error can be eliminated. Random error can only be reduced.

(b) The time taken for a simple pendulum to complete one oscillation may be
determined by using a stopwatch as shown in Fig.1.1.

Fig.1.1

Suggest one example of a systematic error which could occur in the experiment.
[1]
Soln
- Stopwatch consistently runs slower or faster.
- start or end oscillation timing at the wrong position

(c) The string of the pendulum bob in (b) was cut and the bob flies off into a
parabolic path at an angle of 15o to the horizontal platform at a speed of
2.5 m s-1 at 0.125 m above the ground as shown in Fig.1.2.

2.5 m s-1
15o

0.125 m

Fig.1.2

On Fig.1.3, the line OX represents the velocity of the pendulum bob at the instant
the string is cut.

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2.5 m s-1 X

15o
O
Fig.1.3

(i) Explain why OX represents the velocity of the bob and not its speed. [1]

The directed line OX specifies both magnitude and direction.

(ii) Explain why the bob enters a parabolic path. [1]

The bob experiences a constant downward acceleration due to its

weight.

(iii) Calculate the maximum height reached by the bob above the ground. [2]

At maximum height, vy = 0
0 = 2.5 sin15 o − gt
t = 0.066 s
s y = 0.125 + 2.5 sin15 o (t ) − 0.5g (t )2 
= 0.125 + 0.0213 = 0.146 m

(iv) Calculate the time taken for the bob to hit the ground. [2]

1 2
−0.125 = 2.5t sin15 o − gt
2
t = 0.239s

(v) Calculate the horizontal displacement of the bob when it hits the ground
after the string is cut. [1]

sx = 2.5 cos15 o (0.239 )

= 0.577 m

2 (a) State the first law of thermodynamics. [2]

The first law of thermodymanics states that the increase in internal energy of a
system is the sum of heat supplied to the system and the work done on the
system. statement: 2 or 0

(b) Explain what is meant by the internal energy of a system. [1]

The internal energy of a system is the sum of the random kinetic energy and
potential energy of all the molecules in the system.

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(c) A fixed mass of an ideal gas is subjected to various changes of pressure, volume
and temperature through cycle ABCDA. The states A, B, C, and D of the gas are
shown in Fig.2.1 below.

State Pressure / 105 Pa Volume / 10-2 m3

A 2.0 1.5
B 0.5 6.0
C 0.5 2.0
D 1.0 1.5

Fig.2.1

The changes are shown in Fig.2.2 below.

p / 105 Pa

2.0 A

1.0
D

0.5 B
C
V / 10-2 m3
0
1.5 2.0 6.0

Fig.2.2

(i) Fig.2.3 below gives quantitative data for some of these changes. Fill in the
blanks in Fig.2.3. [4]

State Process Work done Heating Change in

change on gas / kJ of gas / kJ internal energy / kJ

A to B Isothermal −4.16

B to C Isobaric −5.63

C to D Adiabatic 0.36 0.36

D to A Isochoric

Fig.2.3
Solution:

During the change from state A to state B (isothermal process):

(A) ∆U is zero. Temperature constant hence no change in internal energy.
(B) Q = ∆U − W = (0) − (−4.16) = 4.16 kJ

During the change from state B to state C (isobaric process):

(C) W = p ∆V = (0.5 × 105)(6.0 − 2.0)(10-2) = 2.00 kJ. Constant pressure compression.
(D) ∆U = Q + W = (−5.63) + (2.00) = −3.63 kJ
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During the change from state C to state D (adiabatic process):

(E) Q is zero. No heat enters or leaves the system (or use 1st law).

During the change from state D back to state A (isochoric process):

(F) W is zero. No change in volume hence no work done.
(G) ∆U = 1.38 kJ. For whole cycle, no change in internal energy.
(H) Q = ∆U − W = (3.27) − (0) = 3.27 kJ

Answers:
State Process Work done Heating Change in
change on gas / kJ of gas / kJ internal energy / kJ
(B) (A)
A to B Isothermal −4.16 4.16 0

(C) (D)
B to C Isobaric 2.00 −5.63 −3.63

(E)
C to D Adiabatic 0.36 0 0.36

(F) (H) (G)

D to A Isochoric 0 3.27 3.27

1 mark for every 2 correct table entries, total 4 marks

(ii) This is a process in a cylinder of a diesel engine The cycle is repeated 10

times per second. Calculate the power output of this engine. [2]

Power output = (10 )(4.16 − 2.00 − 0.36 )(10 3 ) = 18.0 kW

substitution:1, answer: 1

(iii) Calculate the efficiency ε of this engine where ε is defined as

work output
ε= [1]
heat input

( 4.16 − 2.00 − 0.36 )(10 3 )

ε= = 24.2%
( 4.16 + 3.27 )(103 )
answer: 1

3 (a) Explain why the potential difference across the terminals of a normal battery is
always lower than its e.m.f when it is connected to a circuit.

State the condition under which the potential difference across a normal battery’s
terminals equal to its e.m.f. [2]

The battery is non-ideal and has internal resistance and when it is connected to a
circuit, the terminal p.d. of the source is reduced by the amount Ir.
(i.e.V =E – Ir) ------------------------[1]

When the current I through a source is zero (such as when the external circuit is
open) the terminal p.d. V will be equal to the e.m.f. E. -----------------------[1]

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(b) Fig.3.1 shows a uniform wire XY of length 150.0 cm and resistance 4.5 Ω
connected in series with a cell Z of e.m.f. 3.0 V with internal resistance 0.5 Ω.

Z
0.5 Ω

3.0 V

X Y
Fig.3.1

(i) Calculate the potential difference between X and Y. [2]

Potential difference across wire XY = [4.5 / (4.5+0.5)] x 3 --------------------[1]

= 2.70 V --------------------------[1]

Another circuit consisting of a cell W in series with 1.0 Ω and 2.0 Ω resistors is
connected to positions X and P which are 80.0 cm apart. These are illustrated in
Fig.3.2.
Z
0.5 Ω

3.0 V

80.0 cm
X P Y

G
1.0 Ω 2.0 Ω
E F
A

W
Fig.3.2

(ii) If the galvanometer registers a null deflection at position P, what is the

reading shown on the ammeter? [2]

Voltage across XP = (LXP / LXY) x 2.7

= (0.8/1.5) x 2.7 = 1.44 V -------------------[1]
At balanced point,
VEF = VXP = 1.44 V
Current = 1.44 / 3 = 0.480 A --------------------------[1]

(iii) Calculate the power loss in cell Z. [2]

Voltage across the internal resistance = 3.0 – 2.7 = 0.3 V

Power loss = V2 /R = 0.32 / 0.5 = 0.180 W
[1 mark for working and 1 mark for correct answer]

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(iv) Wire XY is replaced with another wire of the same material and length but
with a smaller cross-sectional area.

State and explain the changes (if any) in

1. the balance length, [2]

Lxp decreases
Since R= ρL / A, when A decreases, R increase ----------[1]
Vxy increases and so Lxp decreases ---------------[1]
( Zero mark for no explanation)

2. and the final ammeter reading at balance. [2]

No change in ammeter reading

There are no changes for the ammeter reading at the new balanced
point since it is independent of the resistance in the primary circuit.

4 Strontium-90 decays with the emission of a β-particle to form Yttrium-90. The decay
constant of Strontium-90 is 0.025 year-1.

(a) Define decay constant. [2]

Decay constant of a nuclide is the fraction of a sample of the nuclide that

decayed per unit time. (2 or 0)

(b) At the time of purchase of a Strontium-90 source, the activity is 3.7 × 106 Bq.

(i) Calculate, for this sample of strontium, the initial number of nuclei. [3]

A
A = λN
N = equation (1)
λ
(3.7 × 106 )(365)(24)(3600)
= substitution (1)
(0.025)
= 4.67 × 1015 answer (1)

(ii) Determine the activity of the sample 5.0 years after purchase. [3]

A = Ao e-λt
ln A = ln Ao − λt equation (1)

= ln (3.7 × 106) − (0.025)(5) = 15.0 working (1)
 A = 3.27 × 106 Bq answer (1)

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Section B
Answer two questions from this section. Each question carries 20 marks.

5 (a) (i) Define gravitational field strength at a point. [1]

The gravitational field strength at a point in a gravitational field is defined as

the gravitational force per unit mass acting on an object placed at that point.

(ii) Define gravitational potential at a point. [1]

The gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field is defined as the

work done per unit mass in moving an object from infinity to that point.

(iii) State the relationship between gravitational field strength g and gravitational
potential φ. [1]

dφ
g=−
dr

(iv) The equation for the gravitational potential in the field of a point mass is
GM
φ=− . Explain the negative sign in the equation. [2]
r

Due to the attractive nature of gravitational force, work is done by external

agent to increase separation between masses (e.g. from certain point to
infinity). explanation:1

Hence negative work done to decrease separation (e.g. from infinity to

certain point) which is the direction of motion that gravitational potential is
defined. conclusion:1

(b) (i) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength g at the surface of
the Earth. Express your answer in terms of the universal gravitational
constant G, the mass of the Earth ME and the radius of the Earth RE. State
two assumptions you make. [4]

GME m
Gravitational force F = 2
equation:1
RE
F GME
Gravitational force per unit mass g = = 2
equation manipulation:1
m RE
Assumptions: any 2 assumptions:2
- the Earth is spherical
- the Earth has uniform density throughout
- the Earth is treated as a point mass
- the object is a point mass

(ii) A common equation for the gravitational potential energy of an object above
the surface of the Earth is U = mgh . Suggest a reason why this equation
should not be applied when h is more than several kilometres. [1]

When h is large, g is not constant.

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(c) A space vehicle of mass 500 kg moves in a circular orbit at a height of 1000 km
above the surface of the Earth. Given that the mass of Earth is 6.0 × 1024 kg and
radius of Earth is 6400 km, determine

(i) gravitational potential energy U of the space vehicle [2]

GM E m (6.67 × 10 −11 )(6.0 × 10 24 )(500)

U=− =− = −2.70 × 10 10 J
RE + h (6400 + 1000)(10 ) 3

substitution:1, answer: 1

(ii) linear speed v of the space vehicle [3]

The centripetal force is supplied by the gravitational force.

mv 2 GM E m
=
RE + h (RE + h )2
GM E
v2 = working:1
RE + h
GM E (6.67 × 10 −11)(6.0 × 10 24 )
v= = = 7350 m s-1
RE + h (6400 + 1000)(10 ) 3

substitution:1, answer: 1

(iii) period T of the orbit of the space vehicle [2]

2π (6400 + 1000)(103 )
T = = 6330 s
7350
substitution:1, answer: 1

(iv) The engine of the space vehicle provides energy for it to reach an infinite
distance from the Earth. Determine the minimum energy delivered by the
engine. [3]

Kinetic energy of satellite = 2

= 1.35 × 1010 J
1 (500)(7350) 2

intermediate answer: 1
Total energy of satellite = PE + KE = ( −2.70 × 10 ) + (1.35 × 1010 )
10

= − 1.35 × 1010 J intermediate answer:1

Therefore minimum energy from engine = 1.35 × 1010 J answer:1

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6 (a) (i) Define magnetic flux density. [2]

Magnetic flux density in a magnetic field is the force per unit length acting on
a conductor carrying a unit current placed at right angles to the field. (2 or 0)

(ii) Indicate on Fig.6.1 showing the directions of the other physical quantities
involved, in relation to the magnetic flux density B. [1]

Fig.6.1

correct vectors shown

(b) State the laws of electromagnetic induction. [2]

Faraday’s law states that the induced e.m.f. in a coil is directly proportional to the
rate of change of flux linkage through the coil.
(1)

Lenz’s law states that the direction of the induced e.m.f. opposes the change
producing it.
(1)
OR
Lenz’s law states that the direction of the induced current is such as to produce an
effect that opposes the change producing it.

(c) In an experiment, an electron travelling with a speed 2.3 × 107 m s-1 enters a
magnetic field of uniform flux density 0.40 T, in a direction at right angles to the
field as shown in Fig.6.2. The magnetic field is directed into the page.

B
x x x x

speed = 2.3 × 107 m s-1 x x x x

e
x x x x

x x x x

Fig.6.2

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(i) Calculate the radius of the path of the electron in the field. [2]
mv 2 mv
Bev =  r=
r Be
(9.11× 10 −31 )(2.3 × 107 )
= working
(0.40)(1.6 × 10−19 )
(1)
= 3.27 × 10-4 m answer
(1)

(ii) The electron enters the magnetic field normal to the left edge of the field, and
exits normally from the same edge.

1. Draw the path of the electron in the magnetic field. [1]

semi-circle curving downwards

2. Calculate the duration of time for the electron to stay in the magnetic
field. [2]

T πm π (9.11× 10−31 )
t= = = working
2 Be (0.40)(1.6 × 10 −19 )
(1)
= 4.47 × 10-11 s answer
(1)

(d) Fig.6.3 shows the position of a wire in a magnetic field where the magnetic flux
density B is 0.40 T, directed to the right.

B
wire with current out of plane of paper

Fig.6.3

The wire, which is of length 0.12 m, carries a current of 3.0 A out of the plane of
the paper.

(i) Draw a diagram to show the shape and direction of the magnetic field due to
the current in the wire. [2]

shape (1)

direction (1)

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(ii) State the direction of the force acting on the wire. [1]

To the top of the page.

(iii) Calculate the force acting on the wire. [2]

F = BI l
= (0.40)(3.0)(0.12) substitution (1)
= 0.144 N answer (1)

(e) Fig.6.3 shows part of an electric motor. When the current in the wire is switched
off, the motor acts as an electrical generator.

(i) With the current switched off, the wire is moved to cut the magnetic flux
perpendicularly. Calculate the speed of the wire required to give an
instantaneous e.m.f. of 0.24 V. [2]

ε = Bl v
0.24 = (0.40)(0.12) v working (1)
 v = 5.0 m s-1 answer (1)

(ii) The resistance of the wire is 0.15 Ω. When the current in the wire is switched
on again, the wire moves with the speed as in (e)(i). This 3.0 A current in the
moving wire is supplied by a source. Calculate the e.m.f. of this source,
whose internal resistance is negligible. [3]

Vs − εb = IR  Vs = IR + εb equation (1)
Vs = (3.0)(0.15) + 0.24 substitution (1)
= 0.69 V answer (1)

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7 (a) (i) State what is meant by the photoelectric effect. [1]

It refers to the phenomenon whereby electrons are emitted when

electromagnetic radiation (photons) incident on metal surfaces.

(ii) List three experimental observations associated with this photoelectric

effect. [3]

Result 1: Current is proportional to intensity.

Result 2: For every material of cathode irradiated, there is a limiting

frequency fo or threshold frequency, below which no electrons would be
emitted from the cathode regardless of the light intensity.

Result 3: The maximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons depends

only on the frequency of the incident radiation, and not its intensity.

Result 4: The emission of photoelectrons starts with no observable time

lag, even for very low intensity of incident radiation.

Any 3 of the 4 - [3]

(b) A lamp emitting light of wavelength 590 nm, is placed above a metal surface
which contains atoms of radius 2.0 × 10−10 m. Each electron in the metal requires a
minimum energy of 4.0 × 10−19 J before it can be emitted from the metal surface,
and it may be assumed that the electron can collect energy from a circular area
which has a radius equal to that of the atom. The lamp provides energy at a rate
of 0.50 W m-2 at the metal surface.

(i) Estimate, on the basis of wave theory, the time required for an electron to
collect sufficient energy for it to be emitted from the metal. [3]

−10 2
Area of atom= πr = 3.14(2 × 10
2
) = 1.256 × 10−19 m [1]
E = Pt
4.0 × 10−19 = 0.5 × 1.256 × 10−19 × t [1]

t = 6.37 s [1]

(ii) Calculate the energy of the light photon and comment on your answer to
(b)(i). [2]

hc ( 6.63 × 10 × 3 × 10 )
−34 8

E= = −9
= 3.37 × 10−19 J [1]
λ 590 × 10
The energy of the light is smaller than the required minimum energy needed
for emission, therefore electron will not be emitted regardless of the duration
of time. [1]

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(c) Fig. 7 illustrates some of the electron energy levels in an isolated atom of lithium.
The energies of the levels are given in electron-volts (eV).

0
-0.67 eV
-0.94 eV
-1.43 eV
-2.49 eV
A B C D
-5.73 eV

-8.68 eV

Fig. 8

(i) An electron of a lithium atom is in the lowest energy level shown. How much
energy is required to remove this electron from the atom? [1]

8.68 eV [1]

(ii) 1. Which of the transitions A, B, C or D will lead to emission of radiation

of the shortest wavelength? [1]

A [1]

2. Calculate the wavelength of this radiation. [2]

hc
E=
λ

λ=
( 6.63 ×10 )( 3 ×10 )
−34 8

( −0.67 + 5.73) (1.6 × 10 ) −19

[1]

= 2.46 × 10−7 m
[1]

3. State the region of the electromagnetic spectrum which this radiation

lies. [1]

Ultraviolet (UV)

(iii) Sketch in the diagram below the appearance of the spectrum which the four
transitions A, B, C and D produce. Label each line of the spectrum with their
corresponding letter. [2]

Increasing frequency

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D C B A
Spacing- [1]
Correct sequence - [1]

(iv) The work function of lithium differs from the energy required to remove the
outer electron from an isolated lithium atom. Suggest why it is so. [2]

There are free electrons in a metal which are not attached to a particular
atom. [1]
Work function is the energy required to remove a free electron from a metal
surface, thus it is different. [1]

(v) The energy level at -5.73 eV is a metastable state that has a lifetime of
10-5 s. What is the uncertainty of the energy of this energy state? [2]

h
∆E ∆t ≥
4π
6.63 × 10 −34
∆E ≥
4π (10−5 )
∆E ≥ 5.3 × 10−30 J

End-of-Paper

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