6

2 (a) Complete Fig. 2.1 to show whether each of the quantities listed is a vector or a scalar. For
Examiner’s
Use
vector / scalar

distance moved ................................

speed ................................

acceleration ................................

Fig. 2.1
[3]

(b) A ball falls vertically in air from rest. The variation with time t of the distance d moved by
the ball is shown in Fig. 2.2.

d /m

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
t /s

Fig. 2.2

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(i) By reference to Fig. 2.2, explain how it can be deduced that For
Examiner’s
1. the ball is initially at rest, Use

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

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

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

2. air resistance is not negligible.

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

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

(ii) Use Fig. 2.2 to determine the speed of the ball at a time of 0.40 s after it has been
released.

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

(iii) On Fig. 2.2, sketch a graph to show the variation with time t of the distance d moved
by the ball for negligible air resistance. You are not expected to carry out any further
calculations. [3]

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 8

3 (a) The variation with extension x of the tension F in a spring is shown in Fig. 3.1. For
Examiner’s
Use

200

F /N

150

100

50

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
x /cm

Fig. 3.1

Use Fig. 3.1 to calculate the energy stored in the spring for an extension of 4.0 cm.
Explain your working.

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

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(b) The spring in (a) is used to join together two frictionless trolleys A and B of mass M1 and For
M2 respectively, as shown in Fig. 3.2. Examiner’s
Use

spring

trolley A trolley B
mass M1 mass M2

Fig. 3.2

The trolleys rest on a horizontal surface and are held apart so that the spring is
extended.

The trolleys are then released.

(i) Explain why, as the extension of the spring is reduced, the momentum of trolley A
is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the momentum of trolley B.

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

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

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

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

(ii) At the instant when the extension of the spring is zero, trolley A has speed V1 and
trolley B has speed V2.
Write down

1. an equation, based on momentum, to relate V1 and V2,

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

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

2. an equation to relate the initial energy E stored in the spring to the final
energies of the trolleys.

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

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

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 10

(iii) 1. Show that the kinetic energy EK of an object of mass m is related to its For
momentum p by the expression Examiner’s
Use
p2
EK = .
2m

[1]

2. Trolley A has a larger mass than trolley B.

Use your answer in (ii) part 1 to deduce which trolley, A or B, has the larger
kinetic energy at the instant when the extension of the spring is zero.

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

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

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4 (a) State what is meant by the diffraction of a wave. For

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

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

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

(b) A laser produces a narrow beam of coherent light of wavelength 632 nm. The beam is
incident normally on a diffraction grating, as shown in Fig. 4.1.

diffraction
grating X

laser light
P 76 cm
wavelength 632 nm

165 cm screen

Fig. 4.1

Spots of light are observed on a screen placed parallel to the grating. The distance
between the grating and the screen is 165 cm.
The brightest spot is P. The spots formed closest to P and on each side of P are X
and Y.
X and Y are separated by a distance of 76 cm.
Calculate the number of lines per metre on the grating.

number per metre = ................................................. [4]

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 12

(c) The grating in (b) is now rotated about an axis parallel to the incident laser beam, as For
shown in Fig. 4.2. Examiner’s
Use

diffraction diffraction
grating grating

laser laser
light light

before rotation after rotation

Fig. 4.2

State what effect, if any, this rotation will have on the positions of the spots P, X and Y.

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

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

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

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

(d) In another experiment using the apparatus in (b), a student notices that the distances
XP and PY, as shown in Fig. 4.1, are not equal.
Suggest a reason for this difference.

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

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

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6 An electric heater is to be made from nichrome wire. Nichrome has a resistivity of For
1.0 × 10–6 Ω m at the operating temperature of the heater. Examiner’s
The heater is to have a power dissipation of 60 W when the potential difference across its Use

terminals is 12 V.

(a) For the heater operating at its designed power,

(i) calculate the current,

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

(ii) show that the resistance of the nichrome wire is 2.4 Ω.

[2]

(b) Calculate the length of nichrome wire of diameter 0.80 mm required for the heater.

length = ............................................. m [3]

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(c) A second heater, also designed to operate from a 12 V supply, is constructed using the For
same nichrome wire but using half the length of that calculated in (b). Examiner’s
Explain quantitatively the effect of this change in length of wire on the power of the Use

heater.

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

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

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

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

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7 One of the isotopes of uranium is uranium-238 ( 238

92
U). For
Examiner’s
Use
(a) State what is meant by isotopes.

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

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

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

(b) For a nucleus of uranium-238, state

(i) the number of protons,

number = ................................................. [1]

(ii) the number of neutrons.

number = ................................................. [1]

(c) A uranium-238 nucleus has a radius of 8.9 × 10–15 m.

Calculate, for a uranium-238 nucleus,

(i) its mass,

mass = ............................................ kg [2]

(ii) its mean density.

density = ...................................... kg m–3 [2]

(d) The density of a lump of uranium is 1.9 × 104 kg m–3.

Using your answer to (c)(ii), suggest what can be inferred about the structure of the
atom.

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

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

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

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 5

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided. For

Examiner’s
Use

1 A metal wire has a cross-section of diameter approximately 0.8 mm.

(a) State what instrument should be used to measure the diameter of the wire.

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

(b) State how the instrument in (a) is

(i) checked so as to avoid a systematic error in the measurements,

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

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

(ii) used so as to reduce random errors.

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

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

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

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2 (a) The distance s moved by an object in time t may be given by the expression For
Examiner’s
s = 1 at 2 Use
2

where a is the acceleration of the object.

State two conditions for this expression to apply to the motion of the object.

1. ......................................................................................................................................

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

2. ......................................................................................................................................

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

(b) A student takes a photograph of a steel ball of radius 5.0 cm as it falls from rest. The
image of the ball is blurred, as illustrated in Fig. 2.1.
The image is blurred because the ball is moving while the photograph is being taken.

initial position
of ball in photograph 80
cm

final position 90
of ball in photograph cm

100
cm

Fig. 2.1

The scale shows the distance fallen from rest by the ball. At time t = 0, the top of the ball
is level with the zero mark on the scale. Air resistance is negligible.

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Calculate, to an appropriate number of significant figures, For

Examiner’s
(i) the time the ball falls before the photograph is taken, Use

time = ............................................ s [3]

(ii) the time interval during which the photograph is taken.

time interval = ............................................. s [3]

(c) The student in (b) takes a second photograph starting at the same position on the scale.
The ball has the same radius but is less dense, so that air resistance is not negligible.

State and explain the changes that will occur in the photograph.

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

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

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

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

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3 (a) (i) Define force. For

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

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

(ii) State Newton’s third law of motion.

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

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

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

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

(b) Two spheres approach one another along a line joining their centres, as illustrated in
Fig. 3.1.

sphere sphere
A B

Fig. 3.1

When they collide, the average force acting on sphere A is FA and the average force
acting on sphere B is FB.

The forces act for time tA on sphere A and time tB on sphere B.

(i) State the relationship between

1. FA and FB,

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

2. tA and tB.

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

(ii) Use your answers in (i) to show that the change in momentum of sphere A is equal
in magnitude and opposite in direction to the change in momentum of sphere B.

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

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

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(c) For the spheres in (b), the variation with time of the momentum of sphere A before, For
during and after the collision with sphere B is shown in Fig. 3.2. Examiner’s
Use
15
momentum
to right / N s
10

sphere A
5

0
time

sphere B
–-5
5

–10
-10

–15
-15

Fig. 3.2

The momentum of sphere B before the collision is also shown on Fig. 3.2.

Complete Fig. 3.2 to show the variation with time of the momentum of sphere B during
and after the collision with sphere A. [3]

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 10

4 (a) State two features of a stationary wave that distinguish it from a progressive wave. For
Examiner’s
1. ...................................................................................................................................... Use

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

2. ......................................................................................................................................

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

(b) A long tube is open at one end. It is closed at the other end by means of a piston that
can be moved along the tube, as shown in Fig. 4.1.

tube
piston

loudspeaker
L

Fig. 4.1

A loudspeaker producing sound of frequency 550 Hz is held near the open end of the
tube.
The piston is moved along the tube and a loud sound is heard when the distance L
between the piston and the open end of the tube is 45 cm.
The speed of sound in the tube is 330 m s–1.

(i) Show that the wavelength of the sound in the tube is 60 cm.

[1]

(ii) On Fig. 4.1, mark all the positions along the tube of

1. the displacement nodes (label these with the letter N),

2. the displacement antinodes (label these with the letter A).

[3]
(c) The frequency of the sound produced by the loudspeaker in (b) is gradually reduced.

Determine the lowest frequency at which a loud sound will be produced in the tube of
length L = 45 cm.

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

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5 (a) Tensile forces are applied to opposite ends of a copper rod so that the rod is stretched. For
The variation with stress of the strain of the rod is shown in Fig. 5.1. Examiner’s
Use
2.5

stress / 108 Pa

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
strain / 10–3

Fig. 5.1

(i) Use Fig. 5.1 to determine the Young modulus of copper.

Young modulus = .......................................... Pa [3]

(ii) On Fig. 5.1, sketch a line to show the variation with stress of the strain of the rod as
the stress is reduced from 2.5 × 106 Pa to zero. No further calculations are expected.
[1]

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(b) The walls of the tyres on a car are made of a rubber compound. For
The variation with stress of the strain of a specimen of this rubber compound is shown Examiner’s
in Fig. 5.2. Use

stress

0
0 strain

Fig. 5.2

As the car moves, the walls of the tyres bend and straighten continuously.

Use Fig. 5.2 to explain why the walls of the tyres become warm.

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

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

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

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

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6 (a) A metal wire of constant resistance is used in an electric heater. For

In order not to overload the circuit for the heater, the supply voltage to the heater is Examiner’s
reduced from 230 V to 220 V. Use

Determine the percentage reduction in the power output of the heater.

reduction = ............................................ % [2]

(b) A uniform wire AB of length 100 cm is connected between the terminals of a cell of
e.m.f. 1.5 V and negligible internal resistance, as shown in Fig. 6.1.

1.5 V

100 cm
C
A B
L

5.0 Ω
A

Fig. 6.1

An ammeter of internal resistance 5.0 Ω is connected to end A of the wire and to a

contact C that can be moved along the wire.

Determine the reading on the ammeter for the contact C placed

(i) at A,

reading = ............................................. A [1]

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(ii) at B. For
Examiner’s
Use

reading = ............................................ A [1]

(c) Using the circuit in (b), the ammeter reading I is recorded for different distances L of the
contact C from end A of the wire. Some data points are shown on Fig. 6.2.

0.4

I/A

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
L / cm

Fig. 6.2

(i) Use your answers in (b) to plot data points on Fig. 6.2 corresponding to the
contact C placed at end A and at end B of the wire. [1]

(ii) Draw a line of best fit for all of the data points and hence determine the ammeter
reading for contact C placed at the midpoint of the wire.

reading = .............................................. A [1]

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(iii) Use your answer in (ii) to calculate the potential difference between A and the For
contact C for the contact placed at the midpoint of AB. Examiner’s
Use

potential difference = .............................................. V [2]

(d) Explain why, although the contact C is at the midpoint of wire AB, the answer in (c)(iii) is
not numerically equal to one half of the e.m.f. of the cell.

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

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

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

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7 (a) The radioactive decay of some nuclei gives rise to the emission of α-particles. For
State Examiner’s
Use

(i) what is meant by an α-particle,

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

(ii) two properties of α-particles.

1. ...............................................................................................................................

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

2. ...............................................................................................................................

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

(b) One possible nuclear reaction involves the bombardment of a stationary nitrogen-14
nucleus by an α-particle to form oxygen-17 and another particle.

(i) Complete the nuclear equation for this reaction.

14 ...... 17
7
N + α 8
O + ................. [2]
......

(ii) The total mass-energy of the nitrogen-14 nucleus and the α-particle is less than
that of the particles resulting from the reaction. This mass-energy difference
is 1.1 MeV.

1. Suggest how it is possible for mass-energy to be conserved in this reaction.

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

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

2. Calculate the speed of an α-particle having kinetic energy of 1.1 MeV.

speed = ....................................... m s–1 [4]

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Answer all the questions in the spaces provided. For

Examiner’s
Use

1 A digital voltmeter with a three-digit display is used to measure the potential difference across
a resistor. The manufacturers of the meter state that its accuracy is ±1% and ±1 digit.
The reading on the voltmeter is 2.05 V.

(a) For this reading, calculate, to the nearest digit,

(i) a change of 1% in the voltmeter reading,

change = ..............................................V [1]

(ii) the maximum possible value of the potential difference across the resistor.

maximum value = ..............................................V [1]

(b) The reading on the voltmeter has high precision. State and explain why the reading may
not be accurate.

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

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

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

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2 (a) State the two conditions that must be satisfied for a body to be in equilibrium. For
Examiner’s
1. ...................................................................................................................................... Use

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

2. ......................................................................................................................................

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

(b) Three co-planar forces act on a body that is in equilibrium.

(i) Describe how to draw a vector triangle to represent these forces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(ii) State how the triangle confirms that the forces are in equilibrium.

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

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

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(c) A weight of 7.0 N hangs vertically by two strings AB and AC, as shown in Fig. 2.1. For
Examiner’s
Use

T1
35° T2
50°

7.0 N

Fig. 2.1

For the weight to be in equilibrium, the tension in string AB is T1 and in string AC it

is T2.

On Fig. 2.1, draw a vector triangle to determine the magnitudes of T1 and T2.

T1 = ................................................... N

T2 = ................................................... N
[3]

(d) By reference to Fig. 2.1, suggest why the weight could not be supported with the strings
AB and AC both horizontal.

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

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

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3 A cyclist is moving up a slope that has a constant gradient. The cyclist takes 8.0 s to climb For
the slope. Examiner’s
The variation with time t of the speed v of the cyclist is shown in Fig. 3.1. Use

v / m s–1

0
0 2 4 6 8
t/s

Fig. 3.1

(a) Use Fig. 3.1 to determine the total distance moved up the slope.

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

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(b) The bicycle and cyclist have a combined mass of 92 kg. For
The vertical height through which the cyclist moves is 1.3 m. Examiner’s
Use

(i) For the movement of the bicycle and cyclist between t = 0 and t = 8.0 s,

1. use Fig. 3.1 to calculate the change in kinetic energy,

change = .............................................. J [2]

2. calculate the change in gravitational potential energy.

change = .............................................. J [2]

(ii) The cyclist pedals continuously so that the useful power delivered to the bicycle
is 75 W.
Calculate the useful work done by the cyclist climbing up the slope.

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

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(c) Some energy is used in overcoming frictional forces. For

Examiner’s
(i) Use your answers in (b) to show that the total energy converted in overcoming Use

frictional forces is approximately 670 J.

[1]

(ii) Determine the average magnitude of the frictional forces.

average force = ..............................................N [1]

(d) Suggest why the magnitude of the total resistive force would not be constant.

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

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

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

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5 (a) A source of sound has frequency f. Sound of wavelength λ is produced by the source. For
Examiner’s
Use
(i) State

1. what is meant by the frequency of the source,

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

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

2. the distance moved, in terms of λ, by a wavefront during n oscillations of the

source.

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

(ii) Use your answers in (i) to deduce an expression for the speed v of the wave in
terms of f and λ.

[2]

(b) The waveform of a sound wave produced on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope
(c.r.o.) is shown in Fig. 5.1.

1 cm

1 cm

Fig. 5.1

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The time-base setting of the c.r.o. is 2.0 ms cm–1. For

Examiner’s
(i) Determine the frequency of the sound wave. Use

frequency = ............................................Hz [2]

(ii) A second sound wave has the same frequency as that calculated in (i). The
amplitude of the two waves is the same but the phase difference between them
is 90°.

On Fig. 5.1, draw the waveform of this second wave. [1]

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 14

6 (a) (i) State what is meant by an electric current. For

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

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

(ii) Define electric potential difference.

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

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

(b) The variation with potential difference V of the current I in a component Y and in a
resistor R are shown in Fig. 6.1.

0.7

I/A

0.6
component Y

0.5

resistor R

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 2 4 6 8 10
V/V

Fig. 6.1

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Use Fig. 6.1 to explain how it can be deduced that resistor R has a constant resistance For
of 20 Ω. Examiner’s
Use

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

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

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

(c) The component Y and the resistor R in (b) are connected in parallel as shown in
Fig. 6.2.

E Y R 20 Ω

Fig. 6.2

A battery of e.m.f. E and negligible internal resistance is connected across the parallel
combination.

Use data from Fig. 6.1 to determine

(i) the current in the battery for an e.m.f. E of 6.0 V,

current = ..............................................A [1]

(ii) the total resistance of the circuit for an e.m.f. of 8.0 V.

resistance = ............................................. Ω [2]

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 16

(d) The circuit of Fig. 6.2 is now re-arranged as shown in Fig. 6.3. For
Examiner’s
Use
Y R

Fig. 6.3

The current in the circuit is 0.20 A.

(i) Use Fig. 6.1 to determine the e.m.f. E of the battery.

E = ..............................................V [1]

(ii) Calculate the total power dissipated in component Y and resistor R.

power = .............................................W [2]

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7 One property of α-particles is that they produce a high density of ionisation of air at For
atmospheric pressure. In this ionisation process, a neutral atom becomes an ion pair. The Examiner’s
ion pair is a positively-charged particle and an electron. Use

(a) State

(i) what is meant by an α-particle,

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

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

(ii) an approximate value for the range of α-particles in air at atmospheric pressure.

range = ........................................... cm [1]

(b) The energy required to produce an ion pair in air at atmospheric pressure is 31 eV.
An α-particle has an initial kinetic energy of 8.5 × 10–13 J.

(i) Show that 8.5 × 10–13 J is equivalent to 5.3 MeV.

[1]

(ii) Calculate, to two significant figures, the number of ion pairs produced as the
α-particle is stopped in air at atmospheric pressure.

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

(iii) Using your answer in (a)(ii), estimate the average number of ion pairs produced
per unit length of the track of the α-particle as it is brought to rest in air.

number per unit length = .................................................. [2]

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