02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

1. (a) (i) Define the term ‘capacitance’. [ 1 mark]

Capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store charge. It is the ratio of the charge on either plate
to the potential difference across the plates at a point in time.
(ii) A capacitor with a capacitance of 2100 μF is charged until the potential difference
between its plates is 6.0 V. Determine:
a) the charge on one of the plates [2 marks]
Q
C= Q=CV
V
Q=6× 2.1× 103 × 10−6
Q=1.26 × 10−2 F
b) the energy stored by the capacitor. [2 marks]
Recall
1 2
1 2 1 Q
E= C V ¿ QV 2
2 2 ¿
C
¿ 0.5 ×2100 ×1 0−6 × 36
¿ 3.78 ×10−2 J
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

(b) A student set up the circuit shown in Figure 1 and after closing the switch, S, observed how
the voltmeter reading varied with time. A graph of the data obtained is shown in Figure 2. Noting
that the voltmeter reading decreased as time elapsed the student proposed the hypothesis that the
voltmeter reading V is inversely proportional to the elapsed time t.
1
Student suggested V ∝
t
1
Hence t ∝
V
Time Voltage 1
t V V
15 4.7 .213
30 3.7 .270
45 2.9 .345
60 2.3 .435
75 1.8 .556
90 1.4 .714
 02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

1
Since the line obtained is not a straight line through the origin then is not proportional to t
V
hence the student’s suggestion is wrong.

2. (a) In relation to a semi-conductor

(i) explain what is meant by
a) P-type material. [1 mark]
The majority charge carriers are positive ions.
b) N-type material. [1 mark]
The majority charge carriers are negative electrons.
c) the depletion region. [1 mark]
The region on either side of the junction where there are no net charge carriers.

Graph of 1/V vs t
0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4
1/V

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Time
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

(ii) Draw a diagram of a junction transistor and draw the transistor symbol [2 marks]
(b) The current, I, through the p-n junction of a diode is related to the voltage across the
junction, V, by the expression
eV
I =I 0 exp ( )
nkT
where I 0 is the saturation current; n is the junction idealist factor; k is the Boltzmann’s constant
and T is the temperature in kelvin. Some DC measurements made on a silicon diode at 300 K,
yielded the following results:

V /Volt I /μA ln (I ¿)¿

0.490 1 0.00
0.568 10 2.30
0.647 100 4.61
0.732 1000 6.91
0.818 5000 8.52
I eV
ln =
I 0 nkT
eV
ln I −ln I 0=
nkT
eV
ln I = + ln I 0
nkT
e
m=
nkT
e
n=
mkT
n=1.469
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

Chart Title
9.00
f(x) = 26.34 x − 12.68
8.00 R² = 0.99
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85
 02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

3. (a) The radioactive gas Radon-220, an α-emitter, is easily separated from its powdered solid
parent and is known to have a short half-life. Describe how you would accurately measure the
half-life of Radon. In your account give details of the apparatus required, the procedure to be
followed and the way the collected data will be processed. [7 marks]
See Atomic notes Page 8

Aim: To determine the half-life of Radon 220

Apparatus: GM Tube, Thorium Hydroxide powder, screw clips, squeeze bottle, valves, stop
watch
Diagram

Method
1. A GM tube is used to measure the background count rate.
2. Some thorium hydroxide [which is a solid] is placed in a squeeze bottle.
3. The screw clips are opened.
4. The bottle is squeezed so that it forces radon-220 into the collecting vessel.
5. The screw clips are then closed. This prevents any freshly produced radon-220 gas produced by
the thorium hydroxide from entering the collecting vessel.
6. Immediately after closing the screw clips, the scalar and stop watch are started.
7. The count rate R is recorded every t, 10 seconds, for a period of 5 minutes.
8. The background count rate is subtracted from the measured count rate to find the actual count
rate A.
9. A graph of A against time, t is plotted.
 02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

(b) The half-life of Radon-220 is actually 54 seconds: it decays by the emission of 􀁟-particles,
one particle being emitted for each atom decaying.
(i) How many α-particles would be emitted by a 4 mg sample of 220 86 Rn in 108 seconds

Number of half-lifes is 2
Hence 3 mg decayed
3 × 10−2 × 6.02× 1023 m × N A
Thus the # of emitted α-particles, n= =
220 Z
n=8.2 ×1018 α
(ii) A laboratory is deemed safe after a Radon-220 leak when the activity has decreased to
less than 0.1% of its original value. What is the MINIMUM number of minutes for which the
laboratory must remain closed?
1
0.1 %=
1000
1 1 n
∴ n= 2 =1000 n=9
2 1000
Hence the lab should remain closed for at least 9 half lives or minutes

4. (a) State Kirchhoff’s two laws for electrical circuits and give the physical principle that each law
is based on. [4 marks]
Kirchhoff's 1st Law states that sum of the current flowing into a junction must be equal to the
sum of the current flowing out of it. This is a consequence of charge conservation. Kirchhoff's
voltage law (2nd Law) states that the sum of all voltages across all components in a closed loop
in a circuit must equal to the sum of the emfs of all sources in that loop. This is based on the
conservation of energy.
(b) Distinguish between the ‘e.m.f.’ and the ‘terminal p.d.’ of a cell. [2 marks]
The EMF of a cell is the voltage across its terminals when it is not delivering current to an
external circuit. (Open circuit voltage).
In terms of energy: The emf of a source is numerically equal to the work gone per unit charge in
converting other forms of energy to electrical energy.
The Terminal PD. of a cell is the voltage across its terminal when it is delivering current to an
external circuit (close circuit voltage).
In terms of energy: The T.P.D. of a source is numerically equal to the work done per unit charge
in converting electrical energy into other forms of energy.
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

(c) Figure 3 shows a network of resistors and batteries. The internal resistance of each battery
(i) Calculate the current flowing through the 12 V battery.
Note ab is not connected. Therefore, no current is flowing in middle branch.
Hence the rest of the circuit is connected in series.
Total resistance is R s=8 Ω
Total voltage V S =12−8=4 V
OR
∑ E=∑ IR+∑ Ir12−8=6 I +2 I I =0.5 A

Apply the 1st law

I 1+ I 2=I 3

For top loop, apply the 2nd law

−I 1−2 I 1−1 I 3−7−1 I +12=0

4 I 1 + I 3=5

For bottom loop 2, apply the 2nd law

−I 2−2 I 2−I 3−7−I 2+ 8=0

4 I 2 + I 3=1

Solving gives I 1=1 A

 02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

5. Figure 4 shows an ideal non-inverting operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit.

For non-inverting OP AMP:

Rf
A=1+
Ri

From the circuit

440
A=1+ ¿ 1+1112
40
Vo
But A=
Vi

V o =A × V i¿ 12× 0.250¿ 3 V

If not saturated; then max output; V o =5V

Vo 5
A= V i= V i=417 mV
Vi 12
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

In general
Rf Rf
V o =− ( R1
v 1+ v 2
R2 )
Given V o =−2 v 1−5 v 2

Rf R
=2; f =5
R1 R2

If R f =100 k Ω
R1=50 k Ω; R2=20 k Ω
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

The cut off wavelength, λ min is the wavelength emitted when high energy electrons loss their
initial energy in a collision with atomic nuclei.
The sharp peaks or characteristic peaks, occur when an energetic electron knocks off an electron
from deep within the atom. An electron from a higher energy level falls in to replace this electron
and a characteristic x-ray is emitted.
The continuous spectrum is as a result of an electron losing varying amounts of kinetic energy as
it passes close to the nucleus.

P=IV ¿ 50 ×1.2 ×103 ×10−3¿ 60 W

1 2 qV 2 qV
Ek =E E m v 2=qV v 2=
2 m
v=
√
m
v=1.3 ×108 ms−1

hc hc
qV = λ = −11
λ min min qV ¿ 2.49 ×10 m
 02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

1. (a) Define magnetic flux density, B, in terms of the force on a current-carrying wire.
Magnetic flux density, B of a magnetic field is defined as the force acting per unit Current, I on
a straight current-carrying conductor of unit length, l which lies perpendicularly to the direction of the
magnetic field with units of tesla, T or weber per metre squared, wb /m 2

Recall: F M =BIl sin θ

FM
B=
Il sinθ
(b) Figure 1 (b) shows a wire, P, carrying a current perpendicular to the plane of the paper, between two flat
permanent magnets which have poles on their faces as shown in Figure 1 (a). Draw the resultant magnetic
field pattern between the two magnets. Indicate on the figure, with an arrow labelled M, the direction of
motion of the wire.
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

Figure 1 (c) shows a narrow beam of electrons travelling at a speed. V. and directed into a
uniform electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates placed a distance, d, apart.
The top late is at a positive potential. V relative to the lower plate. A magnetic field is now
applied perpendicularly to the direction of the electric field between the plates and the deflection
of the beam is cancelled.

State the direction of the magnetic field.

The direction of the magnetic field is perpendicularly into the plates.
V V
Due to no deflection: F E =F M qE=BqvE=Bv =Bv B=
d vd

3500
B=
2.8 ×50 ×107 ×10−3

B=2.5 m T

1
B∝
d

By proportionality, for the magnetic flux density, B to be doubled, the new distance, d N between
the plates is then adjusted to be half of the original, d O so that no deflection occurs. That is:

d O 50
d N= =
2 2

d N =25 mm
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

A bistable device is an electrical device that only has two stable states; on and off. It is also
possible to get two stable outputs for the same input.

I1 I2 Q Q́
0 1 1 0
0 0 1 0
1 0 0 1
0 0 0 1
1 0 0 1
0 0 0 1

1 and 2 shows the output is latched on the same output even if the
input changes. The alarm is at Q́ , 1 & 2 are in set mode. At line 3, if the alarm switch is
triggered, the alarm goes on. At line 4 even if the switch in reversed the alarm stays on.
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

Truth table

A B D
0 0 1
0 0 0
1 0 0
1 1 0
NOR Gate Truth Table
Recall logic gates do it alter the frequency of the input. Hence output frequency is 1 kHz.
The output frequency is 1 kHz.
Recall, since one input is always connected to ground, then that input will always be logic 0. The
output wave form is that of a flat line. Hence the gate, P is an AND gate.

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

1
Count Rate Corrected Count Rate
d/cm √C
(Counts/min) (C/min)
15 2527 2500 0.0200
20 1135 1108 0.0300
25 652 625 0.0400
30 427 400 0.0500
35 301 274 0.0604
40 235 208 0.0693
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

Corrected distance is d− x
1
I∝
r2
1
I∝ 2
(d−x )
k
C=
(d −x)2
k
√2 C=
d−x
k
d− x= 2
√C
k
d= 2 + x y=mx+c
√C
 02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

2012 Page
Using Fleming’s left hand rule
From the diagram, the current flows from B → A. That is perpendicularly into the diagram

Using the principal of moments and the pivot @ PP'

∑ cwm=∑acwm
mgx=Fymgx=BILy
mgx
I=
BLy
Method
 Use the rheostat to vary the current. Note the current reading on the metre
 Adjust the position of mg until there is balance and note the length reading on the metre.
See notes for detailed explanation
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

5 ×9.81 ×10−4
50=
50 ×5 ×2 ×10−2 × 10−2
∴ B=9.81 ×10−2 T
For non-inverting op-amp
Rf
A=1+
Ri
Rf
10=1+
20
R f =180 kΩ
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

Graph of V_Out vs V_In

15

10

0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

-5

-10

-15

-20

Gradient, m=9.92
12.1+9.72
m=
1.22+0.98
21.82
m=
2.2
´
m=9.9 18
Thus, the gain is also 9.92
The threshold frequency, f 0 is the minimum frequency of EM radiation required to just emit an
electron from the surface of a target metal.
The work function, Φ 0 is the minimum energy required to just remove an electron from the
surface atom of the target material.
 Graph of eV_s vs f
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268
10

5 f(x) = 6.24 x − 28.53

R² = 0.99

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

-5

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30

E=Φ+ E km
When I =0 A ; e V s=E km
E=Φ+e V s
e V s=E−Φ
e V s=hf −h f 0
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

Capacitance is the ability and measure of a capacitor to retain charge. It is defined as the charge
(Q) per unit potential difference (V) across (the conductors of) the capacitor. The SI unit of
capacitance is the Farad [F]. A capacitor is said to have a capacitance of 1 Farad (F) if the
potential difference across it changes by 1 volt when a charge of 1 coulomb is placed on it or is
removed from it.

1 1 1 1
= + +
C S C 1 C2 C 3

C p=C 1+C 2 +C3

1
The Time Constant is the time for which the potential difference across the capacitor falls to of
e
its initial value during discharge.
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

−t
RC
V =V 0 (1−e )
02238020/CAPE 2010 Page 268

−t
110
=1−e RC
120
−t
e RC =0.0833
t=−RC ln 0.0833
t=24.853 s

−t
110
=e RC
120
t=−RC ln 1/12
t=8.7 × 10−7 s

Q
C=
V
Q=CV
Q=¿

1
E= C V 2
2
Er =∆ E