UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS

Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Certificate

Principal Subject
* 4 7 1 2 0 2 5 5 3 8 *

PHYSICS 9792/03
Paper 3 Part B Written Paper October/November 2013
3 hours
Candidates answer on the Question Paper.
No Additional Materials are required.

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

Write your Centre number, candidate number and name on all the work you hand in.
Write in dark blue or black pen.
You may use a pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid.
DO NOT WRITE IN ANY BARCODES.

Section A
Answer all questions. For Examiner’s Use
You are advised to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes on this section.
1
Section B
2
Answer any three questions. All six questions carry equal marks.
You are advised to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes on this section. 3
Electronic calculators may be used. 4
You may lose marks if you do not show your working or if you do not use
appropriate units. 5

At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together. 6
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question 7
or part question.
8

10

11

12

Total

This document consists of 43 printed pages and 1 blank page.

DC (RW/SW) 71188/7
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Data

gravitational field strength close to Earth’s surface g = 9.81 N kg–1

elementary charge e = 1.60 × 10 –19 C

speed of light in vacuum c = 3.00 × 108 m s–1

Planck constant h = 6.63 × 10 –34 J s

permittivity of free space e0 = 8.85 × 10 –12 F m–1

gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10 –11 N m 2 kg –2

electron mass me = 9.11 × 10 –31 kg

proton mass mp = 1.67 × 10 –27 kg

unified atomic mass constant u = 1.66 × 10 –27 kg

molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K –1 mol –1

Avogadro constant NA = 6.02 × 10 23 mol –1

Boltzmann constant k = 1.38 × 10–23 J K–1

Stefan-Boltzmann constant r = 5.67 × 10–8 W m–2 K– 4

Formulae

uniformly accelerated s = ut + 1 at 2 change of state ΔE = mL

2
motion
sinθ1
v 2 = u 2 + 2as refraction n =
sinθ2

u+v v1
s = t n =
2 v2

heating ΔE = mcΔθ

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d(NΦ)
diffraction electromagnetic induction E = −
dt
single slit, minima nλ = b sin θ

grating, maxima nλ = d sin θ Hall effect V = Bvd

ax ......t......
double slit interference λ = time dilation t' =
D
v2
1–
λ c2
Rayleigh criterion θ ≈
b
1
kinetic theory m c2 = 3 kT
2 2
photon energy E = hf
work done on/by a gas W = pΔV
h
de Broglie wavelength λ =
p dN
radioactive decay = –λN
dt
simple harmonic motion x = A cos ωt
N = N0e–λt
v = –Aω sin ωt

a = –Aω 2 cos ωt t 1 = In 2
2
λ
F = –mω 2x
attenuation losses I = I0e–μx
1
E = mA 2ω 2
2
mass-energy equivalence ΔE = c 2Δm
energy stored in a W = 1 QV
2
capacitor –13.6 eV
hydrogen energy levels En =
n2
Q1Q2
electric force F =
4pe0r 2 Heisenberg uncertainty h
ΔpΔx 艌
principle 2p
Q1Q2
electrostatic potential W =
energy 4pe0r
h
ΔEΔt 艌
2p
Gm1m2
gravitational force F = − 1
r2 Wien’s displacement law λ max ⬀
T
Gm1m2
gravitational potential E = −
r Stefan’s law L = 4prr 2T 4
energy
electromagnetic radiation Δλ Δf v
magnetic force F = BIl sinθ ≈ ≈
from a moving source λ f c
F = BQv sinθ

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Section A For
Examiner’s
Answer all questions in this section. Use

You are advised to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes on this section.

1 (a) Draw a diagram to illustrate what is meant by diffraction of a wave at a narrow slit.

[2]

(b) Fig. 1.1 shows two slits illuminated by monochromatic light.

e X
A
original
direction b
of light
B e

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

The slits are separated by a distance b of 5.2 × 10–6 m. A converging lens is used to
focus the light emerging from the slits at X. The monochromatic light has a wavelength
of 5.9 × 10–7 m. Fig. 1.1 shows only the part of the waves emerging from the two slits at
an angle θ to the original direction.

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(i) Calculate For

Examiner’s
1. the path difference between the two beams when they meet at X, for a value of Use

θ = 10°,

path difference = ............................................. m [1]

2. the value of θ that will give a phase difference of 2π at X,

θ = ................................... degrees [2]

3. the number of values of θ, that will result in the two beams arriving in phase
at X.

number of values = .................................................. [3]

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(ii) Consider a point in the interference pattern at X where the waves from the two slits For
have a phase difference of π/2 (90°). Examiner’s
Use

1. Draw a diagram to show the resulting wave when two waves, each of amplitude
A and with a phase difference of π/2 (90°) superpose to form an image. Your
diagram can be a phasor diagram or a wave diagram.

[2]

2. Calculate how the intensity at this point compares with the maximum intensity
of the interference pattern.

intensity = maximum intensity × .................................................. [3]

[Total: 13]

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BLANK PAGE

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2 (a) State Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. For

Examiner’s
first law ............................................................................................................................. Use

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

second law .......................................................................................................................

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

third law ...........................................................................................................................

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

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

(b) Newton’s law of gravitation can be summarised by the equation

GMm
F=–
r2
where F is the gravitational force between two point masses M and m, separated by a
distance r, and G is the gravitational constant.

A planet of mass m moves around a sun of much larger mass M in a circular orbit of
radius r. It takes a time T to complete an orbit.

Show that Newton’s law of gravitation, applied to this planet, is in agreement with
Kepler’s third law.

[3]

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(c) The Earth completes one orbit of the Sun in one year. Saturn takes 29.5 years to For
complete an orbit of the Sun. The distance of the Earth from the Sun is 1.50 × 1011 m. Examiner’s
Use

(i) Calculate the distance of Saturn from the Sun. Assume that both orbits are circular.

distance = ............................................. m [3]

(ii) State the other main assumption you have had to make in order to answer question
(c)(i).

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

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

(d) The Sun rotates on its axis with a period of 23.4 days. A satellite is placed so that it
orbits the Sun with the same angular speed as the Sun’s rotation.

Use the expression derived in (b) to determine the distance of the satellite from the Sun.

Mass of the Sun = 1.99 × 1030 kg.

distance = ............................................. m [2]

[Total: 13]

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3 (a) (i) Define the term electric field strength. For

Examiner’s
.................................................................................................................................. Use

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

(ii) Complete the diagram in Fig. 3.1 to show the electric field pattern between the
parallel plates.

+
V
–

[2]
Fig. 3.1

(iii) The plates in Fig. 3.1 are separated by a distance d and there is a potential
difference V between them. A small charge of +Q, is moved from the centre of the
negative plate up to the positive plate.

State an expression for the work W done on the charge

1. in terms of V and Q,

W = .................................................. [1]

2. in terms of the force F on the charge and d.

W = .................................................. [1]

(iv) Use your answers to (iii) to show that the electric field strength between the plates
in (ii) is equal to the potential gradient.

[2]

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(b) The electric field pattern around two charges of +1 μC and +4 μC is shown in Fig. 3.2. For
Examiner’s
Use

Fig. 3.2 (not to scale)

The distance between the two charges is 6.0 cm.

(i) Calculate the force of repulsion between the two charges.

force = ............................................. N [2]

(ii) There is a neutral point between the charges. A point charge placed at the neutral
point does not experience a force.

Calculate the distance of the neutral point from the 1.0 μC charge.

distance = ........................................... cm [3]

(iii) On Fig. 3.2, draw a series of equipotential lines around the charges. [3]

[Total: 15]
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(a) The equation 1 m c 2 = 3 kT can be used in calculations to determine the internal energy
For
4 Examiner’s
2 2
of a gas. Use

(i) Calculate the value of 3 kT at a temperature of 27 °C. Give the unit with your answer.
2

3
kT = ............................ unit ................... [2]
2

(ii) State the meaning of the following.

1. m ........................................................................................................................

2. c 2 ....................................................................................................................

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

3. 1 m c 2 ...............................................................................................................
2

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

(b) The atmosphere is mostly a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen molecules.

For molecules in the atmosphere, deduce the ratio:

r.m.s speed of a nitrogen molecule

r.m.s speed of an oxygen molecule

Mass of a nitrogen molecule = 28 × 1.66 × 10–27 kg.

Mass of an oxygen molecule = 32 × 1.66 × 10–27 kg.

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

(c) Complete, in words, the equation summarising the first law of thermodynamics.

The increase in the internal energy of a system equals ..................................................

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

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

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(d) During the first part of the power stroke in a diesel engine, the pressure of the burning For
gas remains constant at 8.00 × 106 Pa, while the volume of the gas increases from Examiner’s
3.00 × 10–5 m3 to 7.10 × 10–5 m3. Use

(i) Calculate the work done by the gas during the first part of the power stroke.

work done = .............................................. J [2]

(ii) While this expansion is taking place, the temperature of the gas rises by 900 K.
The mass of the gas is 1.27 × 10–3 kg and its specific heat capacity at constant
pressure is 1.01 × 103 J kg–1 K–1.

Calculate the heat gained by the burning gas.

heat gained = .............................................. J [2]

(iii) Deduce, using your answers to (d)(i) and (d)(ii), the change in the internal energy
of the burning gas.

change in internal energy = .............................................. J [1]

[Total: 14]

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5 (a) (i) Show that the nature of radioactive decay leads to the differential equation For
Examiner’s
dN Use
= –λN.
dt

[3]

(ii) Show that a solution to the equation in (a)(i) is

N = N0e–λt

where N0 is the number of radioactive nuclei when the time t = 0.

[4]

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(b) When decommissioning a nuclear reactor, two radioactive isotopes of nickel are found For
to be present in the steel of the reactor shielding. The details of these two isotopes are Examiner’s
as follows. Use

isotope half-life / years present activity / 1012 Bq

59
28Ni 80 000 2.1

63
28Ni 92 230

(i) Calculate the activity of both isotopes in 1000 years time.

activity of nickel-59 = ................................................. Bq

activity of nickel-63 = ................................................. Bq

[4]

(ii) Comment on your answers to (b)(i) in relation to storage problems for the two
isotopes.

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

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

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

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

[Total: 13]

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6 The energy levels En of the hydrogen atom are described by the empirical equation For
Examiner’s
–13.6 eV Use
En =
n2
(a) (i) Calculate the energy, in joules, of a photon of ultra-violet light emitted when an
electron in a hydrogen atom falls from energy level n = 3 to energy level n = 1.

energy = .............................................. J [3]

(ii) Calculate the wavelength of these photons.

wavelength = ............................................. m [2]

(b) The hydrogen spectrum is observed in light from a distant galaxy. It is found that the
wavelength corresponding to an electron in a hydrogen atom falling from energy level
n = 3 to energy level n = 1 has increased to 1.28 × 10–7 m.

(i) Explain why this increase takes place.

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

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

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

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

(ii) Calculate the speed of the galaxy relative to the Earth.

speed = ........................................ m s–1 [2]

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(c) Explain why changes in wavelength, such as this, have led to the idea that the Universe For
is expanding and to the Big Bang theory. Examiner’s
Use

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Total: 12]

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Section B For
Examiner’s
Answer any three questions in this section. Use
You are advised to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes on this section.

7 (a) Explain what is meant by the term longitudinal wave.

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

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

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

(b) State two differences between a standing wave and a progressive wave. Refer to both
waves in each answer.

difference 1. .....................................................................................................................

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

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

difference 2. .....................................................................................................................

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

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

(c) Fig. 7.1 is a graph of the displacement of particles in a standing wave against distance,
at the instant when the displacement is a maximum.

0.1

displacement
/ cm
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
distance / cm
X
–0.1

Fig. 7.1

The position of particle X is shown on the wave.

(i) 1. On Fig. 7.1, mark the position of any particle which is π radians out of phase
with particle X. Label it O. [1]

2. On Fig. 7.1, draw an arrow from particle X showing the direction of its
instantaneous velocity. [1]
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(ii) Use the information in Fig. 7.1 to determine the distance moved by particle X during For
half a cycle. Examiner’s
Use

distance = ........................................... cm [1]

(d) Fig. 7.2 shows a progressive wave at an instant as it travels along.

2.0

displacement
/ cm
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
time / cm

–2.0

Fig. 7.2

On Fig. 7.2, draw another progressive wave of the same amplitude and wavelength
π
which has a phase difference of (60°) relative to this progressive wave. [3]
3
(e) To locate their prey, some spiders use vibrations transmitted through their web. The
threads of the web are under tension. When the threads are disturbed by trapped prey,
progressive transverse waves travel along sections of thread. These reflect and form
standing waves.

On damp days, small droplets of water collect at equally spaced points along these
threads.

Fig. 7.3 shows such a thread.

water
thread droplet

Fig. 7.3

(i) Explain why water droplets of moisture only form at these points.

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

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(ii) The speed of a progressive transverse wave sent along the thread is 9.7 cm s–1. For
Examiner’s
Use information from the diagram in Fig. 7.3 to determine the frequency of the Use

standing wave. The diagram is drawn to a scale 1 cm representing 0.25 cm of

thread.

frequency = ........................................... Hz. [3]

(f) The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to describe the loudness of a sound relative
to a standard sound.
The loudness x of a sound of power P is given by
P
冢 冣
x = 10 log10 P dB
s

where PS, the standard sound, is the power of a sound just perceptible to the human
ear.

Fig. 7.4 shows the axes for a graph of loudness x, in decibels, against the ratio of
P
powers P .冢 冣
s

10

x / dB

0
0 5 10 15 P
Ps

–5

–10

Fig. 7.4

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(i) 1. Use the expression for x to complete the following table. For
Examiner’s
Use
P
P
x = 10 log10 P / dB
s
冢 冣
10Ps 10

5 Ps

Ps

–10
[2]

2. Use the axes in Fig. 7.4 and the data from the table in (f)(i) to draw the graph of
P
the loudness x, in decibels, against P .
s
冢 冣 [1]

(ii) Blue whales can emit sound waves from beneath huge shoals of fish. The waves
are powerful enough to stun large numbers of fish and drive them to the surface
of the sea. The whale then sweeps them into its open jaws as it follows them from
below.

The pistol-shrimp is only about 2 cm in length. It stuns its prey by clicking its claw,
emitting a very brief pulse of sound.

The table gives typical values for the loudness of the blue whale and the
pistol-shrimp.

power loudness
P x / dB
pistol-shrimp Pps 200

blue whale Pw 180

冢 P 冣.
Pps
1. Determine the magnitude of the ratio
w

冢 P 冣 = ................................................. [2]
Pps
w
2. By considering what is meant by power, suggest why it is possible for the very
small pistol-shrimp to emit a wave which has a loudness so much larger than
that emitted by an enormous blue whale.

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

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

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

[Total: 20]
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8 Fig. 8.1 shows a small mass attached to the end of a fixed spring. For
Examiner’s
Use

oscillations
of the mass
mass

Fig. 8.1 (not to scale)

The mass is given a small vertical displacement and then released. It oscillates with simple
harmonic motion about its equilibrium position.

(a) Define the term simple harmonic motion.

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

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

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

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

(b) The graph in Fig. 8.2 shows how the displacement x varies with time t for the motion of
the mass on the spring.

+1

displacement
x / cm
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
time t / s

–1

Fig. 8.2

The equation of the graph is

x = A cos ωt

where A and ω are constants.

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(i) Differentiate this equation with respect to time in order to derive an expression for For
the instantaneous velocity v. Examiner’s
Use

[1]

(ii) Using your expression in (b)(i) and data from the graph in Fig. 8.2, determine the
velocity of the mass at time t = 0.94 s.

velocity = ...................................... cm s–1 [4]

(iii) Fig. 8.3 shows the spring and the position of the mass at instant t = 0.94 s.

direction
of + x equilibrium
position of
the oscillating
direction mass
of – x mass

Fig. 8.3

On Fig. 8.3, add arrows labelled a and v to show the directions of the acceleration
and the velocity, respectively, at this instant in time. [2]

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(iv) The period of oscillation Ts for an oscillating mass of mass m is given by For
Examiner’s
m Use
Ts = 2π where k is the spring constant.
k
Using this expression and your definition of simple harmonic motion in (a), show
d2x k
that 2
= – x for this oscillating mass and spring.
dt m

[2]

(c) Fig. 8.4 shows a trolley attached to two identical horizontal springs each connected to a
rigid stand. The trolley is at rest at its equilibrium position.

trolley
rigid
stand

Fig. 8.4 (not to scale)

The trolley is pulled to one side and released. Its subsequent oscillations are lightly
damped.

(i) Explain what is meant by lightly damped oscillations.

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

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

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

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Question 8 continues on page 26

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(ii) The graph in Fig. 8.5 shows how the trolley’s displacement varies with time as it For
oscillates about its equilibrium position. Examiner’s
Use

15.0

10.0

displacement
/ cm
5.0

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
time / s

–5.0

–10.0

–15.0

Fig. 8.5

1. As time t elapses, the amplitude A of the oscillation changes.

Use data from the dashed curves in Fig. 8.5 to complete the table below for
missing values of amplitude A and the natural logarithm of A.

A / cm t /s ln (A / cm)
16.0 0.0 2.8
0.8
10.9 1.6 2.4
2.4
7.4 3.2 2.0
[2]

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2. On Fig. 8.6, draw a graph to show how ln A varies with time t. For
Examiner’s
Use
3.2

In (A / cm)

2.8

2.4

2.0
0 time t / s
[2]
Fig. 8.6

3. Determine the magnitude of the gradient of your graph.

gradient = ................................................. [1]

4. Hence, state the equation for your graph in Fig. 8.6.

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

5. Hence, determine the expression for A as a function of t that represents the

dashed curve in Fig. 8.5.

A = ................................................. [2]

[Total: 20]

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9 (a) Hall probes are used to measure the strength of a magnetic field. For
Examiner’s
Fig. 9.1 shows a slice of semiconducting material in a uniform magnetic field of magnetic Use

flux density B. The direction of the field is perpendicular to the slice, into the page.

semiconducting
material

v
–
direction electron
of electron
flow

uniform field into page

Fig. 9.1

Electrons in the semiconducting material flow from left to right with average speed v.
Eventually a small potential difference VH, the Hall voltage, is established across the
semiconductor.

(i) Describe how the Hall voltage is created.

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

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

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

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

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

(ii) On Fig. 9.1, draw and label the forces that are exerted on the electron once the Hall
voltage is established. [1]

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Question 9 continues on page 30

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(iii) Fig. 9.2 shows a slice of semiconducting material of thickness t, height d and length For
l in a uniform magnetic field of magnetic flux density B. The direction of the field Examiner’s
is perpendicular to the large face of the slice. Charge carriers flow through the Use

shaded face creating a current I.

d
charge
carrier
flow

Fig. 9.2

The current I in a slice of semiconducting material is given by the relationship

I = nAve

where n is the number of charge carriers per unit volume,

A is the area of the face through which charge flows,
v is the average speed of the electrons, and
e is the magnitude of the charge on an electron.

1. Show that the Hall voltage VH can be expressed as

BI
VH = .
nte
Show all stages of your working.

[4]

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2. A thin square slice of semiconductor of dimensions 10 mm × 10 mm × 0.56 mm, For

as shown in Fig. 9.2, has a current of 140 mA. The number of charge carriers Examiner’s
per unit volume is 4.3 × 1021 m–3 and e = 1.6 × 10–19 C. The Hall voltage is Use

62 mV.

Calculate the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field.

magnetic flux density = .............................................. T [3]

(b) Fig. 9.3 shows a side view of a U-shaped permanent magnet of mass 82.0 g resting on
an electronic top-pan balance.

d.c. supply
+ –

magnet
clamp

rod

electronic
balance

Fig. 9.3

An aluminium rod is clamped between the poles of the magnet so that the rod cannot
move. The rod is connected in the circuit shown.

The d.c. supply is switched on. The reading on the balance increases to 82.4 g.

(i) Calculate the additional force exerted on the magnet when there is a current in the
circuit.

additional force = .............................................. N [1]

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(ii) Explain how this additional force originates. For

Examiner’s
.................................................................................................................................. Use

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

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

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

(iii) Fig. 9.4 shows a plan view, from above, of part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 9.3.
The plan shows the aluminium rod fixed between the poles of the U-shaped
magnet. The direction of current in the aluminium rod is from left to right.

40.0 cm
magnetic pole

rod
current
clamp

magnetic pole

6.7 cm

Fig. 9.4

1. On Fig. 9.4, draw an arrow to show the direction of the magnetic field between
the poles that would produce a downward force on the magnet. [1]

2. The aluminium rod is 40.0 cm long and the length of each magnetic pole is
6.7 cm. The magnetic flux density between the poles of the magnet is 28.6 mT.

Calculate the current in the aluminium rod.

current = .............................................. A [3]

3. The connections to the d.c. supply are switched over so that the current is
reversed. The reading on the electronic balance changes.

Determine the new reading on the electronic balance.

new reading = .............................................. g [1]

[Total: 20]

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10 Werner Heisenberg argued that we can only be clear about what is meant by ‘the position of For
an object’ if we can specify experiments by which its position can be measured. Examiner’s
Use

(a) Imagine using a microscope with visible light to measure the position of a small visible
particle such as a tiny particle of smoke.

Explain why there is a limit to the resolution of the image and therefore an uncertainty
about the exact location of the object.

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Heisenberg realised that visible light would be useless for making a precise measurement
of the position of something as small as an electron. To get around this problem
Heisenberg suggested using a ‘gamma-ray microscope’. In his thought experiment for
this device gamma-rays bounce off the electron and into a measuring device which can
be used to determine the location of the electron.

Explain why using gamma-rays could improve the resolution of the image formed when
using such a microscope and so allow a more precise measurement of position to be
made.

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(c) (i) Explain why scattering light or gamma-rays from an electron causes the electron to
change its momentum.

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(ii) Describe how the momentum change of the electron depends on the wavelength of For
the electromagnetic radiation that is used to observe it. Examiner’s
Use

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(iii) Explain how Heisenberg’s gamma-ray microscope thought experiment seems to

explain (qualitatively) the Uncertainty Principle
h
ΔpΔx 艌 .
2p
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(d) The Uncertainty Principle does not seem to affect us noticeably in everyday life. For
example, when an 80 kg man walks in a straight line at 2.0 m s–1 and passes through a
doorway of width 1.2 m he is not obviously deflected from his path.

Carry out a calculation to show that the deflection due to the Uncertainty Principle is
utterly negligible.

[3]

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(e) Whilst Heisenberg’s gamma-ray microscope thought experiment seems to ‘explain’ the For
Uncertainty Principle, it should not be taken as a realistic description of how such a Examiner’s
microscope would actually work. Physicists do not think that photons and electrons are Use

really like tiny billiard balls; uncertainty is fundamental.

Explain how quantum theory has led to the view that the world is indeterministic rather
than deterministic.

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[Total: 20]

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11 (a) For centuries inventors have dreamed of building a perpetual motion machine. There For
are two kinds of perpetual motion machine. Examiner’s
Use

• A perpetual motion machine of the first kind does more work than the energy supplied
to it.
• A perpetual motion machine of the second kind converts thermal energy into
mechanical work with 100% efficiency.

(i) Use a law of physics to explain why a perpetual motion machine of the first kind is
impossible.

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(ii) Use a law of physics to explain why a perpetual motion machine of the second
kind is impossible.

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(b) Fig. 11.1 shows a proposal for a perpetual motion machine. For
Examiner’s
Use

electric electrical
generator
starting motor output
handle

Fig. 11.1

An electric motor is connected to an electrical generator by a fixed axle so that when the
motor turns it also turns the generator. The output of the generator is connected to the
input of the motor and excess electricity is used to provide useful work (e.g. to power a
house).

The inventor claims that when the starting handle is turned and released the system will
continue to spin at an ever increasing rate, or else can be used as a constant supply of
electrical energy for useful work.

(i) In order for the machine to work, the inventor has to make an assumption about the
output of the generator. Explain what this is.

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(ii) State and explain whether this is an example of a perpetual motion machine of the
first or second kind.

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(iii) If a simple version of this machine is constructed in the laboratory, and the starting For
handle is used to make it start spinning, it just slows down and stops once the Examiner’s
handle is released. Use

Explain why it cannot be used as a continual source of energy and why it eventually
stops.

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(c) (i) The equation:

d(NΦ)
E=–
dt
is an expression of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction and Lenz’s law.

Explain what is meant by Lenz’s law and how this relates to the minus sign in the
equation.

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(ii) When a strong magnet is dropped through a long vertical copper pipe, it falls at a For
very slow, constant velocity, even though it is not rubbing against the inside surface Examiner’s
of the pipe and copper is not magnetic. Use

Use Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws to give a qualitative explanation of this unusual
effect.

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(iii) If it were possible to change the sign of Lenz’s law, then a strong magnet and a
copper pipe could be used to generate energy and to build a perpetual motion
machine of the first kind.

Explain in principle how this could work. You are not expected to design a machine.

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(d) The atmosphere contains an enormous amount of thermal energy. If we could transfer
just a small amount of this thermal energy to useful work (e.g. electricity) with 100%
efficiency, then we would have a huge, new global energy resource.

Explain why this is not possible.

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[Total: 20]
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12 One assumption of Einstein’s special theory of relativity is that the velocity of light c is the For
same for all uniformly moving observers. This leads to situations which seem to contradict Examiner’s
common sense. Fig. 12.1 shows such an example. Use

rocket moving
B at constant v
velocity v

flash-light
at rest in
A’s laboratory

Fig. 12.1

Observer A is in a laboratory at rest while observer B passes in a rocket travelling at a

constant velocity v relative to A’s laboratory.

(a) At the moment that B passes A, a flash-light in A’s laboratory emits a very short pulse
of light in the same direction as the rocket’s motion.

(i) What is the velocity of the light pulse relative to A, as measured by equipment at
rest in A’s laboratory?

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(ii) What is the velocity of the light pulse relative to B as measured by A?

Explain your answer.

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(iii) What is the velocity of the light pulse relative to B as measured by equipment at
rest in B’s rocket?

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(iv) Explain, by referring to the measuring equipment used by A and by B, how they For
can disagree over the velocity of the light pulse relative to B. Examiner’s
Use

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(b) If we want to know the time interval between events at different locations we need to
compare times at different places.

For example, if a friend leaves you when your clock is at 1 pm and later tells you that she
arrived home when her home clock reads 4 pm you can work out that the time of her
journey was 3 hours, assuming the two clocks were synchronised.

In the Newtonian world this is just common sense, but in the relativistic world things are
more complicated.

Consider different ways in which the two clocks might be synchronised.

Method 1: Start two clocks at your house and then get someone to transport one of the
clocks to your friend’s house.

(i) Explain why this would introduce a small difference into the times shown on the two
clocks.

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(ii) State and explain whether the time difference in (b)(i) leads to an over-estimate
or under-estimate of the actual time for the journey as measured in your reference
frame.

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(iii) Discuss qualitatively whether the velocity at which the clocks are separated is likely For
to make any difference to the time difference between the clock times. Examiner’s
Use

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Method 2: A better way to synchronise two different clocks is to attach a light detector
to each clock so that it can start the clock when it receives a pulse of light. The clocks
are set to zero and a flashlight is placed exactly half way between them, as shown in
Fig. 12.2. A single flash is then used to start both clocks at the same moment.

light light
detector flash-light detector

12 12
9 3 9 3
6 6
clock X d d clock Y

Fig. 12.2

(iv) Explain why both clocks start at the same moment and then continue to keep time
with each other (tick at the same rate) for an observer at rest with respect to both
clocks.

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(v) Method 2 is used to synchronise the two clocks in one reference frame. For
Examiner’s
Fig. 12.3 shows an observer moving past this reference frame at uniform velocity v. Use

light light
detector detector
clock X flash-light clock Y
12 12
9 3 9 3
6 6
d d

observer v

Fig. 12.3

Explain carefully, by referring to the synchronisation process and the velocity of

light, why the observer will conclude that the clocks are not synchronised, and
explain which clock the observer thinks has started first.

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(vi) Two civilisations, in different parts of the galaxy, are at rest with respect to one For
another. They have been in contact for a very long time and have managed Examiner’s
to synchronise their clocks and calendars using Method 2. They decide to hold Use

simultaneous festivals on both planets to celebrate their friendship.

Discuss whether an observer travelling between the civilisations would agree that
the festivals were simultaneous events.

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[Total: 20]

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2013 9792/03/O/N/13