UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS

General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

* 8 3 6 5 1 8 7 9 8 3 *

9702/43

PHYSICS
Paper 4 A2 Structured Questions

October/November 2010
1 hour 45 minutes

Candidates answer on the Question Paper.

No Additional Materials are required.
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST
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Write in dark blue or black pen.
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DO NOT WRITE IN ANY BARCODES.
For Examiners Use
Answer all questions.
You may lose marks if you do not show your working or if you do not use
appropriate units.
At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together.
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or
part question.

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This document consists of 23 printed pages and 1 blank page.

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2
Data
speed of light in free space,

c = 3.00 10 8 m s 1

permeability of free space,

0 = 4 10 7 H m1

permittivity of free space,

0 = 8.85 10 12 F m1

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 10 23 mol 1

the Boltzmann constant,

k = 1.38 10 23 J K 1

gravitational constant,

G = 6.67 10 11 N m 2 kg 2

acceleration of free fall,

g = 9.81 m s 2

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Formulae
uniformly accelerated motion,

s = ut + 2 at 2
v 2 = u 2 + 2as

work done on/by a gas,

W = pV

gravitational potential,

= Gm

hydrostatic pressure,

p = gh

pressure of an ideal gas,

p =

simple harmonic motion,

a = 2x

velocity of particle in s.h.m.,

v = v0 cos t
v = (x 02 x 2 )

electric potential,

V =

capacitors in series,

1
3

Nm 2
<c >
V

Q
40r

1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + . . .

capacitors in parallel,

C = C1 + C2 + . . .

energy of charged capacitor,

W =

resistors in series,

R = R1 + R2 + . . .

resistors in parallel,

1
2 QV

1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + . . .

alternating current/voltage,

x = x0 sin t

radioactive decay,

x = x0 exp( t )

decay constant,

0.693
t1
2

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4
Section A

For
Examiners
Use

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

A planet of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r about the Sun of mass M, as illustrated in
Fig. 1.1.
planet
mass m
Sun
mass M

Fig. 1.1
The magnitude of the angular velocity and the period of revolution of the planet about the
Sun are x and T respectively.
(a) State
(i)

what is meant by angular velocity,

..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii)

the relation between x and T.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Show that, for a planet in a circular orbit of radius r, the period T of the orbit is given by
the expression
T 2 = cr 3
where c is a constant. Explain your working.

[4]
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(c) Data for the planets Venus and Neptune are given in Fig. 1.2.
planet

r / 108 km

T / years

Venus
Neptune

1.08
45.0

0.615

For
Examiners
Use

Fig. 1.2
Assume that the orbits of both planets are circular.
(i)

Use the expression in (b) to calculate the value of T for Neptune.

T = ....................................... years [2]

(ii)

Determine the linear speed of Venus in its orbit.

speed = ..................................... km s1 [2]

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2

(a) State the basic assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases.

..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [4]
(b) Use equations for the pressure of an ideal gas to deduce that the average translational
kinetic energy <EK> of a molecule of an ideal gas is given by the expression
<EK> =

3 RT
2 NA

where R is the molar gas constant, NA is the Avogadro constant and T is the
thermodynamic temperature of the gas.

[3]
2

(c) A deuterium nucleus 1H and a proton collide. A nuclear reaction occurs, represented by
the equation
2
1H

(i)

1
1p

3
2 He

+ c.

State and explain whether the reaction represents nuclear fission or nuclear
fusion.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [2]

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(ii)

For the reaction to occur, the minimum total kinetic energy of the deuterium nucleus
and the proton is 2.4 1014 J.
Assuming that a sample of a mixture of deuterium nuclei and protons behaves as
an ideal gas, calculate the temperature of the sample for this reaction to occur.

For
Examiners
Use

temperature = ............................................. K [3]

(iii)

Suggest why the assumption made in (ii) may not be valid.

..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]

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3

A cylinder and piston, used in a car engine, are illustrated in Fig. 3.1.

cylinder
C

B
piston

Fig. 3.1
The vertical motion of the piston in the cylinder is assumed to be simple harmonic.
The top surface of the piston is at AB when it is at its lowest position; it is at CD when at its
highest position, as marked in Fig. 3.1.
(a) The displacement d of the piston may be represented by the equation
d = 4.0 cos(220t )
where d is measured in centimetres.
(i)

State the distance between the lowest position AB and the highest position CD of
the top surface of the piston.
distance = .......................................... cm [1]

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(ii)

Determine the number of oscillations made per second by the piston.

For
Examiners
Use

number = ................................................ [2]

(iii)

On Fig. 3.1, draw a line to represent the top surface of the piston in the position
where the speed of the piston is maximum.
[1]

(iv)

Calculate the maximum speed of the piston.

speed = ..................................... cm s1 [2]

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(b) The engine of a car has several cylinders. Three of these cylinders are shown
in Fig. 3.2.
Y

Fig. 3.2
X is the same cylinder and piston as in Fig. 3.1.
Y and Z are two further cylinders, with the lowest and the highest positions of the top
surface of each piston indicated.
The pistons in the cylinders each have the same frequency of oscillation, but they are
not in phase.
At a particular instant in time, the position of the top of the piston in cylinder X is as
shown.
(i)

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In cylinder Y, the oscillations of the piston lead those of the piston in cylinder X by a
phase angle of 120 ( 23 p rad).
Complete the diagram of cylinder Y, for this instant, by drawing
1.

a line to show the top surface of the piston,

[1]

2.

an arrow to show the direction of movement of the piston.

[1]

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(ii)

In cylinder Z, the oscillations of the piston lead those of the piston in cylinder X by a
phase angle of 240 ( 43 p rad).

For
Examiners
Use

Complete the diagram of cylinder Z, for this instant, by drawing

(iii)

1.

a line to show the top surface of the piston,

[1]

2.

an arrow to show the direction of movement of the piston.

[1]

For the piston in cylinder Y, calculate its speed for this instant.

speed = ..................................... cm s1 [2]

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4

(a) (i)

State what is meant by electric potential at a point.

..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii)

Define capacitance.
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The variation of the potential V of an isolated metal sphere with charge Q on its surface
is shown in Fig. 4.1.
200

150
V / kV
100

50

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5
Q / C

Fig. 4.1

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3.0

For
Examiners
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13
An isolated metal sphere has capacitance.

For
Examiners
Use

Use Fig. 4.1 to determine

(i)

the capacitance of the sphere,

capacitance = ............................................. F [2]

(ii)

the electric potential energy stored on the sphere when charged to a potential
of 150 kV.

energy = ............................................. J [2]

(c) A spark reduces the potential of the sphere from 150 kV to 75 kV.
Calculate the energy lost from the sphere.

energy = ............................................. J [2]

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5

The poles of a horseshoe magnet measure 5.0 cm 2.4 cm, as shown in Fig. 5.1.

direction of
movement
of wire

A
copper wire

5.0 cm
pole piece
of magnet

2.4 cm

Fig. 5.1
The uniform magnetic flux density between the poles of the magnet is 89 mT. Outside the
region of the poles, the magnetic flux density is zero.
A stiff copper wire is connected to a sensitive ammeter of resistance 0.12 . A student moves
the wire at a constant speed of 1.8 m s1 between the poles in a direction parallel to the faces
of the poles.
(a) Calculate the magnetic flux between the poles of the magnet.

magnetic flux = .......................................... Wb [2]

(b) (i)

Use your answer in (a) to determine, for the wire moving between the poles of the
magnet, the e.m.f. induced in the wire.

e.m.f. = ............................................. V [3]

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(ii)

Show that the reading on the ammeter is approximately 70 mA.

For
Examiners
Use

[1]
(c) By reference to Lenzs law, a force acts on the wire to oppose the motion of the wire.
The student who moved the wire between the poles of the magnet claims not to have
felt this force.
Explain quantitatively a reason for this claim.

..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]

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6

The variation with time t of the current I in a resistor is shown in Fig. 6.1.
I

Fig. 6.1
The variation of the current with time is sinusoidal.
(a) Explain why, although the current is not in one direction only, power is converted in the
resistor.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Using the relation between root-mean-square (r.m.s.) current and peak current, deduce
the value of the ratio
average power converted in the resistore .
maximum power converted in the resistor

ratio = ................................................ [3]

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7

Electrons are moving through a vacuum in a narrow beam. The electrons have speed v.
The electrons enter a region of uniform magnetic field of flux density B. Initially, the electrons
are travelling at a right-angle to the magnetic field.
The path of a single electron is shown in Fig. 7.1.

For
Examiners
Use

region of magnetic field

flux density B

electron
speed v

Fig. 7.1
The electrons follow a curved path in the magnetic field.
A uniform electric field of field strength E is now applied in the same region as the magnetic
field.
The electrons pass undeviated through the region of the two fields.
Gravitational effects may be neglected.
(a) Derive a relation between v, E and B for the electrons not to be deflected. Explain your
working.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
(b) An -particle has speed v and approaches the region of the two fields along the same
path as the electron. Describe and explain the path of the -particle as it passes through
the region of the two fields.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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8

(a) By reference to the photoelectric effect, state what is meant by the threshold frequency.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) The surface of a zinc plate has a work function of 5.8 1019 J.
In a particular laboratory experiment, ultraviolet light of wavelength 120 nm is incident
on the zinc plate. A photoelectric current I is detected.
In order to view the apparatus more clearly, a second lamp emitting light of wavelength
450 nm is switched on. No change is made to the ultraviolet lamp.
Using appropriate calculations, state and explain the effect on the photoelectric current
of switching on this second lamp.

..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]

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Section B

For
Examiners
Use

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

(a) (i)

State, with reference to X-ray images, what is meant by sharpness.

..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii)

Describe briefly two factors that affect the sharpness of an X-ray image.
1. ...............................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) An X-ray image is taken of the skull of a patient. Another patient has a CT scan of
his head.
By reference to the formation of the image in each case, suggest why the exposure to
radiation differs between the two imaging techniques.
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10 (a) State three properties of an ideal operational amplifier (op-amp).
1. ......................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
3. ......................................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) A circuit incorporating an ideal op-amp is to be used to indicate whether a door is open
or closed.
Resistors, each of resistance R, are connected to the inputs of the op-amp, as shown in
Fig. 10.1.
+3 V
S

+9 V

+
9 V

R
R
R

Fig. 10.1
The switch S is attached to the door so that, when the door is open, the switch is open.
The switch closes when the door is closed.

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(i)

Explain why the polarity of the output of the op-amp changes when the switch
closes.

For
Examiners
Use

..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [3]
(ii)

A red light-emitting diode (LED) is to be used to indicate when the door is open.
A green LED is to indicate when the door is closed.
On Fig. 10.1,
1. draw symbols for the LEDs to show how they are connected to the output of the
op-amp,
[1]
2. identify the green LED with the letter G.

[1]

Please turn over for Question 11.

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11 The linear attenuation (absorption) coefficient for X-ray radiation in bone, fat and muscle is
given in Fig. 11.1.
/ cm1
bone
fat
muscle

2.9
0.90
0.95
Fig. 11.1

(a) A parallel X-ray beam of intensity I0 is incident either on some bone or on some
muscle.
The emergent beam has intensity I.
Calculate the ratio
(i)

I
for a thickness of
I0

1.5 cm of bone,

ratio = ................................................ [2]

(ii)

4.6 cm of muscle.

ratio = ................................................ [1]

(b) Suggest why, on an X-ray plate, the contrast between bone and muscle is much greater
than that between fat and muscle.
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12 (a) Data may be transmitted as an analogue signal or as a digital signal.
(i)

For
Examiners
Use

Explain what is meant by

1. an analogue signal,
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
2. a digital signal.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
[3]

(ii)

State two advantages of the transmission of data in digital form.

1. ...............................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The block diagram of Fig. 12.1 represents a system for the digital transmission of
analogue data.

analogue
signal

multi-channel cable
ADC

DAC

output

Fig. 12.1
(i)

Describe the function of the ADC (analogue-to-digital converter).

..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii)

Suggest why the transmission cable has a number of channels.

..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]

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