Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes for

Physics
For first AS Examination in 2009
For first A2 Examination in 2010
Subject Code: 1210
Contents
Specimen Papers 1
Assessment Unit AS 1 3
Assessment Unit AS 2 17
Assessment Unit AS 3 29
Assessment Unit AS 3 (Confidential Instructions) 39
Assessment Unit A2 1 45
Assessment Unit A2 2 63
Assessment Unit A2 3 79
Assessment Unit A2 3 (Confidential Instructions) 91

Mark Schemes 97
Assessment Unit AS 1 99
Assessment Unit AS 2 105
Assessment Unit AS 3 109
Assessment Unit A2 1 113
Assessment Unit A2 2 119
Assessment Unit A2 3 125

Useful Formulae for AS 1 and AS 2 129

Useful Formulae for A2 1 and A2 2 131
 Subject Code 1210
QAN 500/2471/1
QAN 500/2438/3
A CCEA Publication © 2007

Further copies of this publication may be downloaded from www.ccea.org.uk

Specimen Papers

1
2
 Centre number
71

Candidate number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2009

Physics

Assessment Unit AS 1

Forces, Energy and Electricity

SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME

1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided
at the top of this page. For Examiner’s
Answer all questions. use only
Write your answers in the spaces provided in this question paper. Question
Marks
Number
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES 1
2
The total mark for this paper is 75. 3
Quality of written communication will be assessed in question 7.
4
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the
marks awarded to each question. 5
Your attention is drawn to the Data and Formulae Sheet which is inside this 6
question paper. 7
You may use an electronic calculator. Total
Marks

3
1 (a) (i) State the difference between a vector quantity and a scalar quantity.

[1]

(ii) Which of the following list of quantities are scalars?

energy displacement distance speed mass acceleration velocity

Scalars:

[2]

(b) Two forces of magnitude 16 N and 12 N act on an object of mass 5.0 kg at the
same time.

(i) Calculate the minimum and maximum acceleration that the object can
experience when the two forces act on it.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Minimum acceleration = __________ m s-2

Maximum acceleration = __________ m s-2 [4]

(ii) Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force and the angle it makes with the
16 N force when the two forces act at 90° to each other.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Magnitude of resultant force = __________ N

Angle with 16 N force = ___________ ° [3]

4
2 The speed-time graph shown in Fig. 2.1 represents the motion of three cyclists A, B
and C as they move along a straight, horizontal road.

Fig. 2.1

(a) Describe the motion of each of the cyclists shown on the graph between 0 and 20
seconds.

Cyclist A:

[1]

Cyclist B:

[2]

Cyclist C:

[1]

(b) (i) Calculate the distance travelled by cyclist B during the first 12 s of the
motion.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Distance travelled by B = ______________ m [3]

5
 (ii) Describe how the acceleration of cyclist C at a time of 10 s could be found
from the graph.

[2]

(c) At time t = 0, cyclist A and cyclist B are level.

(i) At what time is cyclist A at his maximum distance ahead of cyclist B?

Time = ________________ s [1]

(ii) Explain your answer fully.

[3]

6
3 (a) State the principle of moments.

[2]

(b) A diagram of a lever inside a set of bathroom scales is shown in Fig. 3.1. The
lever is 20 cm long and is fixed at one end, P. When a woman stands on the
scales, her weight acts at point A, 3.0 cm from P.

Fig. 3.1

At the right-hand end of the lever the force in the spring changes to keep the
system in equilibrium. The up and down motion of the spring turns a pointer
showing the weight on the outside of the scale.

(i) Draw an arrow on Fig. 3.1 to show the force acting in the spring when the
woman stands on the scales. [1]

(ii) Inside a set of scales there are four levers like the one described. The total
weight on the scales is spread evenly between the four levers. The woman,
of mass 75 kg, stands on the scales. Calculate the force acting on each lever.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Force = ______________ N [2]

7
 (iii) Calculate the tension in the spring caused by the woman standing on the
scales. Ignore the weight of the lever.
You are advised to show your working.

Tension in spring = ______________ N [2]

(iv) Calculate the spring constant of the spring if the extension of the spring is
6.0 mm when the woman stands on the scales. Remember to include the
correct unit.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Spring constant = _________________ [3]

(c) State one way in which the design of the scales could be changed so that less
extension was produced in the spring when the woman stands on the scales.

[1]

8
4 Machines called tensile testers are used in the manufacturing of steel. The machine
stretches the piece of steel until it reaches its breaking point.

(a) What is the maximum stress that can be applied to the steel before it reaches its
breaking point called?

[1]

(b) The tension T and resulting extension x of a sample of steel of cross-section area
2.38 × 10-5 m2 and length 0.25 m were measured. The results are shown in Table
4.1.

T/N ×103 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
x/m ×10-4 0.53 1.1 1.6 2.1 2.6 3.1 3.9 5.3 8.0

(i) Plot a graph of T against x on the grid below. [3]

9
(ii) Use the graph to find a value for the limit of proportionality of the steel.

Limit of proportionality _______________ m [1]

(iii) Calculate the stress in the sample of steel when the tension force is 5000 N.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Stress = _______________ Nm-2 [3]

(iv) Calculate the strain in the sample of steel when the tension force is 5000 N.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Strain = _______________ [3]

(v) Calculate the Young modulus of steel.

You are advised to show your working clearly.

Young modulus = _______________ Pa [3]

10
5 (a) State what is meant by the principle of conservation of energy.

[1]

(b) A gymnast of mass 55 kg hangs at rest on a high bar as shown in Fig. 5.1. The
height of the bar above the ground is 2.80 m. The centre of mass of the gymnast is
0.90 m from her hands in the position shown.

Centre of
mass

0.9 m

0.9 m

Centre of
2.8 m
Mass

2.8 m

______________________ Ground ______________________

Fig. 5.1 Fig. 5.2

The gymnast then lifts herself to the handstand position shown in Fig. 5.2.

Calculate the work done by the gymnast to get to this handstand position.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Work done = ________________ J [2]

11
(c) When the gymnast is at this height of 3.7 m above the ground, she loses her grip
on the bar and falls vertically downwards.

(i) Use this data to calculate the speed with which the gymnast hits the ground.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Speed = _________________ m s-1 [3]

(ii) In practise, would the speed be faster or slower than what you calculated in
(c)(i)? Explain your answer.

[2]

12
6 The points plotted in Fig. 6.1 show how the current through a NTC thermistor depends
on voltage across it.

Fig. 6.1

(a) (i) Draw a circuit that could have been used to obtain the series of data plotted
in Fig. 6.1.

Circuit diagram:

[3]

(ii) State which component in your circuit would be adjusted to obtain the series
of readings.

Component to be adjusted: _____________________ [1]

(b) (i) Calculate the resistance of the thermistor at a current of 0.30 mA.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Resistance = _______________ kΩ [3]

13
(ii) The thermistor in the circuit is replaced with a piece of resistance wire.
Describe and explain what happens to its resistance as current increases.

[3]

14
7 Physicists have calculated that the European Union could reduce carbon dioxide
emissions by up to 53 million tonnes if superconductors were used in power plants.

Write a short account on superconductors and their uses. You should include the
following in your answer.

• A sketch showing the variation of resistance with temperature for a metal that
becomes superconducting.
• A definition of what a superconductor is.
• A description of the term transition temperature.
• An explanation of why the use of superconductors in power plants could reduce
carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
• Two other examples of uses of superconductors.

[7]

Quality of written communication [2]

15
16
 Centre number
71

Candidate number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2009

Physics

Assessment Unit AS 2

Waves, Photons and Medical Physics

SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME

1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
For Examiner’s
Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided use only
at the top of this page. Question
Answer all questions. Marks
Number
Write your answers in the spaces provided in this question paper. 1
2
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
3
The total mark for this paper is 75. 4
Quality of written communication will be assessed in question 2. 5
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the 6
marks awarded to each question.
7
Your attention is drawn to the Data and Formulae Sheet which is inside this
question paper. 8
You may use an electronic calculator. Total
Marks

17
1 The graph in Fig.1.1 shows the vibration of a single particle in a medium as a wave
travels past.
Displacement/mm

66

0
0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1
Time/ms

-6

Fig. 1.1

Making use of the information from the graph, answer the following:

(a) (i) What is the amplitude of the vibration?

Amplitude = _________ mm [1]

(ii) What is the periodic time of the vibration?

Period = ___________ ms [1]

(iii) Calculate the speed of the wave if the wavelength is 6.2 cm.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Speed = ___________ m s-1 [4]

(b) State an example of a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.

Transverse wave = ___________________________ [1]

Longitudinal wave = ___________________________ [1]

18
2 In both CT scans and MRI scans the patient lies on a platform which moves into the
scanner. From the patient’s point of view both procedures appear very similar.

In the space below, draft a document for patients that covers the following points.

1 What MRI and CT stand for.

2 Basic principles behind each technique.
3 Potential risks or dangers.

The document should be in continuous prose.

[7]

Quality of written communication [2]

19
3 (a) (i) On Fig. 3.1 complete the paths followed by the three rays coming from the [3]
top of the object.

0 F1 F2

Fig. 3.1

(ii) On Fig. 3.1, draw an arrow to show the image formed. [1]

(b) A long-sighted person has a near point of 1.6 m. The near point of a normal eye
is 0.25 m.

(i) Calculate the focal length of the converging lens needed to correct such an
eye defect.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Focal length = _____________ m [3]

(ii) Calculate the power of the converging lens used in (b)(i). Remember to
include an appropriate unit.

Lens power = ____________ [1]

Unit = ____________ [1]

20
4 Fig. 4.1 shows the frequency response for the human ear.

Intensity/Wm 2
-

Threshold of
pain I1 = ______

5 × 10-9

Threshold of
hearing 1 × 10-12

f1 = ____ f2 = ____ f3 = ____

Frequency/Hz

Fig. 4.1

(a) What does the shaded area represent?

[1]

(b) Insert an appropriate value for each of the values f1, f2, f3 and I1 shown on the
diagram. [4]

(c) Convert the intensity 5 × 10-9 W m-2 into an intensity level. Remember to include
the correct unit.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Intensity level = ______________ [2]

Unit = ______________ [1]

21
5 In order to measure the speed of sound in air, a student is asked to set up the resonance
tube experiment.

(a) Complete a labelled sketch, in the space below, of the apparatus and how it is
arranged to obtain these results. The resonance tube has been included for you. [4]

Resonance
tube

Fig. 5.1

(b) (i) In the resonance tube, draw the first mode of vibration. [1]

(ii) On Fig. 5.1 mark the nodes (N) and antinodes (A). [2]

(iii) Briefly describe what a node is.

[1]

(c) Calculate the wavelength of the sound if the length of the first mode of vibration
is 0.66 m.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Wavelength = _______________m [2]

22
 The student graphs her results as shown in Fig. 5.2.

Frequency/Hz

357

0
0
4.2 1/length/m-1
Fig. 5.2

(d) Use the graph to calculate the speed of sound in air.

You are advised to show your working clearly.

Speed of sound = __________________ m s-1 [4]

23
6

Fig. 6.1

Fig. 6.1 shows two things:

1 a simplified arrangement for a double source interference experiment using light;

2 a typical interference pattern obtained from such an experiment.

(a) (i) What is meant by coherent sources of light?

_____________________________________________________________ [1]

(ii) Apart from being coherent sources, what other feature must the sources have
in order to produce an observable interference pattern?

Feature = _______________________________________ [1]

24
(b) A phase difference of π rad (phase angle 180°) exists between the light emitted
from each source. Which section on the interference (fringe) pattern represents
destructive interference? Explain your answer.

Answer by ticking the appropriate box below.

Regions labelled A ‰

Regions labelled B ‰
[1]
Explanation

[2]

(c) Calculate the distance between the centre of one bright fringe and the centre of the
next bright fringe if the light has a wavelength of 550 nm, the sources are 0.2 mm
apart, and the distance between the slits and the screen is 4 m.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Fringe separation = _____________ mm [4]

25
7 The photoelectric effect is the ejection of electrons from a metal as a result of
electromagnetic waves shining on the metal surface.
Electron
Electromagnetic
ejected
radiation

Electron
Metal Surface

Fig. 7.1

(a) Explain why electromagnetic radiation of less than a certain frequency is unable
to cause photoelectric emission from a metal surface.

[3]

(b) (i) The work function of the metal is 6.9 × 10-19 J.

Calculate the minimum frequency of electromagnetic wave that could cause
photoelectric emission.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Frequency = _______________ Hz [3]

(ii) Hence calculate the maximum wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

Wavelength = _______________ m [1]

(iii) An electron at the surface of the metal is emitted with a kinetic energy of
4.5 × 10-19 J. How much energy did the electromagnetic radiation transfer to
the electron?

Transferred energy = ________________ J [1]

26
8 (a) Complete the wavefront diagrams in Figs 8.1 and 8.2 to show diffraction.

Incident Direction of wave Incident

wavefronts wavefronts

Barrier Barrier

Fig. 8.1 Fig. 8.2

[4]

Electrons can be diffracted. Figs. 8.3 and 8.4 represent electron diffraction patterns
for two different crystalline solids with similar molecular arrangements.

Fig. 8.3 Fig 8.4

Electron micrograph A Electron micrograph B

27
(b) The micrographs were obtained under identical experimental conditions. What
can you deduce about the molecular separation in the two crystalline solids?

Explain your deduction.

Deduction:

[1]

Explanation:

[2]

(c) An electron microscope is to be used to study the molecular structure of a metal

alloy. Theory has predicted the electron wavelength will be 0.54 nm.

Calculate the minimum speed to which the electrons have to be accelerated in

order to be used in this application.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Speed = _______________ m s-1 [3]

28
 Centre number
71

Candidate number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2009

Physics
Assessment Unit AS 3
Practical Techniques (Internal Assessment)
SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME
1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided at the
top of this page.

Answer all questions in this paper, using this booklet. Rough work and
calculations must also be done in this booklet. Except where instructed, do not
describe the apparatus or the experimental procedures.

The supervisor will tell you the order in which you are to answer the questions.
One hour is to be spent on Section A and 30 minutes on Section B. You may be
told to start with the tests in Section A, or with the single question in Section B.

Section A consists of four short experimental tests. A 14-minute period is For Examiner’s
allocated to each of these tests. At the end of this period you will be instructed to use only
move to the area set aside for Section B. Section B consists of one question in Question
Marks
which you will analyse a set of experimental results. Number
1
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES 2
The total mark for this paper is 40. 3
Section A and Section B carry 20 marks each.
4
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the marks
awarded to each part question. 5
You may use an electronic calculator. Total
Marks

29
Section A

1 In this experiment you are to measure the diameter of the body of a drinks can.

(a) (i) Obtain an estimate of the diameter of the body of the can by laying the 30 cm
rule provided across the top of the can and taking a measurement.

Diameter = _________________ mm [1]

(ii) Explain why this value is only an estimate.

[1]

(b) Use the piece of string and the metre rule provided to obtain a better estimate of
the diameter of the body of the can.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

Diameter = _________________ mm [3]

30
2 In this experiment you are to obtain a value for the period of oscillation of a hacksaw
blade that is loaded with a mass at one end. Fig. 2.1 shows the arrangement of the
apparatus, which is already set up for you.

Blade
Clamp

Mass

200 mm

Fig. 2.1

(a) Pull the mass about 2 cm to one side and release it so that it oscillates. Take
measurements to determine the period of oscillation T.
You are advised to show your working clearly.

T = ______________ s [3]

(b) Reduce the length L of the blade until it is too short to determine a reliable value of
the period. Record this value Lmin of the length. Explain how you decided that it
was no longer possible to determine a reliable value of the period.

Lmin =____________mm [1]

Explanation:

[1]

31
3 In this experiment you are to use a converging lens to obtain a focused image of an
object. The apparatus has been set up as shown in Fig. 3.1.

Object
Lens Screen

Lamp

u v
Fig. 3.1

(a) (i) Move the screen until a focused image of the object is obtained on it. Record
below the distance v of the screen from the lens.

Image distance = ____________mm [1]

(ii) Estimate the uncertainty in your value of v, and explain how this uncertainty
arises.

Uncertainty in v = ± _________ mm [1]

Explanation:

[1]

(b) The focal length f of the lens is given by 1/u + 1/v = 1/f.

Use your value of the image distance to calculate the focal length of the lens.
Remember the object distance was 200 mm.

Focal length f = _______________ mm [2]

32
4 In this experiment you will measure the resistance of an unknown resistor X.

(a) Set up the circuit shown in Fig. 4.1 [1]

6V
X
V

Fig 4.1

If you have difficulty in setting up a working circuit, you may ask for assistance.
A deduction of 1 mark will be made.

(b) (i) Adjust the variable resistor so as to obtain a current I of 0.20 A in the circuit.
In Table 4.1, record the value V of the potential difference across the
unknown resistor. Calculate the value of the resistance R of the unknown
resistor, and record this in the third column of the table.

I/A V/V R/Ω

0.20

0.40

0.60
[3]

Table 4.1

(ii) Repeat this procedure for currents I of 0.40 A and 0.60 A. Record all your
results in Table 4.1.

(c) Calculate the average Rav of your three values of R.

Rav =________________Ω [1]

33
 Section B

5 E.m.f. and Internal Resistance

A student uses the circuit shown in Fig. 5.1 to determine the e.m.f.. E and the internal
resistance r of a cell.

E
E
V

rr

Fig 5.1

The variable resistor can be set to known values R. The voltmeter measures the
potential difference V across the resistor. This is the same as the terminal potential
difference of the cell. The student takes a set of values of V corresponding to different
values of R. He records the results in Table 5.1.

R/Ω V/V x-axis y-axis

_______ _______

0.15 0.35
0.25 0.51
0.50 0.77
1.00 1.03
1.50 1.17
2.00 1.25
Table 5.1

The student plans to use the equation:

1 r 1
= + Equation 5.1
V ER E

to use a graphical method to obtain the values of E and r.

34
(a) Theory

(i) What graph should be plotted so as to give a straight line from which E and r
can be obtained? State the horizontal and vertical axes.

Horizontal (x-) axis: ________________ [1]

Vertical (y-) axis: ________________ [1]

(ii) Show how the values of E and r are related to the gradient and intercept of
the graph in (i).

Gradient of graph: ____________ [1]

Intercept of graph: ____________ [1]

If you are unable to work out what graph is required, or how to use it to
find E and r, you may ask for assistance. A deduction of up to 4 marks
will be made.

(b) Data processing

(i) Head the third and fourth columns of Table 5.1 with the quantities that
should be calculated for the x- and y-axes for the graph in (a)(i). Include [2]
appropriate units.

(ii) Calculate the values for the third and fourth columns of Table 5.1. Record [2]
them in Table 5.1.

(iii) On the grid of Fig. 5.2, draw the graph of the processed data in Table 5.1.
Label the axes and choose suitable scales. Plot the points and draw the best [4]
straight line through them.

35
 Fig. 5.2

(c) Analysis

(i) Measure the gradient of the graph. Include an appropriate unit.

Gradient = __________________ Unit: __________________ [2]

(ii) Measure the y-intercept of the graph. Include an appropriate unit.

y-intercept = ________________ Unit: __________________ [2]

36
 (iii) Hence calculate the values of E and r.

E = _____________V [1]

r = _____________Ω [1]

(d) Evaluation

The voltmeter used in Fig. 5.1 must have a very high resistance.

(i) Explain why this is necessary.

[1]

(ii) The student has used an unsuitable spacing for the values of resistance R.

Explain why the spacing of the values is unsuitable.

[1]

37
38
 ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS)
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit AS 3
Practical Techniques (Internal Assessment)

CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR AS 3 PRACTICAL TEST

39
Question 1

Requirements

1 Empty aluminium drinks can, diameter of body 68 mm.

2 Fine string, 0.5 m length.
3 Half-metre rule.
4 30 cm rule.

Preparation

Lay the apparatus on the bench.

Action at changeover

None.

40
Question 2

Requirements

1 Hacksaw blade.
2 200 g mass.
3 Wooden blocks, 2.
4 G-clamps, 2.
5 Stopwatch or stopclock reading to 0.1 s or better.
6 Half-metre rule.

Preparation

Cover the teeth of the hacksaw blade with sellotape. Bolt, or attach firmly with sellotape, the 200 g
mass to one end of the blade. Clamp the blade between the wooden blocks and clamp the blocks to
the edge of the bench so that it projects horizontally, as shown in Fig. 2.1, with a projecting length
of 200 mm.
Blade
Clamp

Mass

200 mm

Fig. 2.1

Check that, when the mass at the end of the blade is drawn to one side and released, it oscillates
freely in a horizontal plane.

Leave the stopwatch or stopclock and the half-metre rule on the bench close to the clamped blade.

Action at changeover

Restore the oscillating length of the blade to 200 mm.

41
Question 3

Requirements

1 Converging lens, focal length 150 mm.

2 Simple optical bench consisting of metre rule taped to bench, illuminated object, screen, and
lens holder.

Preparation

Place the lens in its holder and ensure that the illuminated object is on the axis of the lens.

Testing

Check that when the lens is placed at a distance of 200 mm from the illuminated object a focused
image can be obtained on the screen at a lens-screen distance of about 600 mm.

Action at changeover

Adjust object distance (u) to be 200 mm.

42
Question 4

Requirements

1 4.7 Ω resistor, mounted in holder.

2 3.0 V d.c. source (2 × 1.5 V cells in holder).
3 0 – 5 V d.c. voltmeter, analogue or digital.
4 0 – 1 A d.c ammeter, analogue or digital.
5 0 – 20 Ω variable resistor (potentiometer).
6 Connecting wire.

Preparation

Conceal any value markings on the 4.7 Ω resistor.

Lay the circuit components on the bench.

During the examination

If, and only if, the candidate asks for assistance, connect the circuit shown in Fig. 4.1.

6V
X
V

Fig. 4.1

Award the candidate 0 marks for part 4(a).

Action at changeover

Disconnect the candidate’s circuit.

43
Question 5

If, and only if, the candidate asks for assistance in part 5(a)(i), inform the candidate:

“The horizontal axis is 1/R;

the vertical axis is 1/V.”

Award the candidate 0 marks for part 5(a)(i).

If, and only if, the candidate asks for assistance in part 5 (a)(ii), inform the candidate:

“The slope of the graph is r/E;

the y-intercept is 1/E.”

Award the candidate 0 marks for part 5(a)(ii).

44
 Centre number
71

Candidate number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit A2 1
Momentum, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion,
Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics
SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME

1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided
at the top of this page.
Answer all questions.
Write your answers in the spaces provided in this question paper.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES For Examiner’s use

only
Question
The total mark for this paper is 90. Marks
Number
Quality of written communication will be assessed in question 7. 1
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the 2
marks awarded to each question. 3
Your attention is drawn to the Data and Formulae Sheet which is inside 4
this question paper. 5
You may use an electronic calculator. 6
Question 8 contributes to the synoptic assessment required of the specification. 7
8
Total
Marks

45
1 (a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.

[2]

(b) Fig. 2.1 is a graph showing the change in momentum of a car A of mass 1200 kg
involved in a collision at time t = 20 s.

Fig. 1.1

(i) Calculate the velocity of the car before the collision.

Velocity before collision _______________ m s-1 [2]

(ii) Calculate the velocity of the car immediately after the collision.

Velocity after collision _______________ m s-1 [1]

46
 The car collided head on with a motorcyclist of mass 250 kg travelling in the
opposite direction at a constant speed of 20 m s-1.

(iii) Calculate the speed of the motorcyclist immediately after the collision and
state its direction.

Speed = _____________ m s-1

Direction _________________ [4]

(iv) State and explain whether the collision was inelastic or elastic.

[3]

47
2 (a) Describe how the pressure that gas molecules exert on the walls of a container
changes when the temperature of the gas increases. Explain your answer.

[4]

(b) A cylinder has a fixed volume of 1.36 × 10-3 m3 and contains a gas at a pressure
of 1.04 × 105 Pa when the temperature is 15°C.

(i) Calculate the number of gas molecules in the container.

Number of molecules _____________ [5]

(ii) Calculate the new pressure of the gas when the temperature is increased to
25°C.

Pressure = _____________ Pa [3]

48
(iii) Calculate the increase in kinetic energy of all the gas molecules in the
container caused when the temperature is increased to 25°C.

Increase in kinetic energy = _____________ J [3]

49
3 (a) Define simple harmonic motion.

[2]

(b) The head of an electric toothbrush oscillates in simple harmonic motion. The
period of oscillation for the head of one toothbrush is 0.16 ms.

(i) Calculate the angular frequency of the oscillation.

Angular frequency ______________ rad s-1 [2]

When it is vibrating, the head moves a maximum distance of 0.60 mm from

its rest position.

(ii) Calculate its maximum acceleration.

Maximum acceleration = ____________ m s-2 [3]

50
(c) Fig. 2.1 shows how the displacement of the toothbrush head varies with time.

Fig.2.1

Sketch on Fig. 2.2 how the velocity varies with time.

Do not insert numerical values on the y-axis. [3]

Fig. 2.2

51
4 A DVD rotating inside a player must maintain a constant linear velocity of 3.84 m s-1
in order for the information on it to be read correctly. The laser in the DVD player
starts at the inside of the disc and moves outwards.

(a) (i) State and explain what must happen to the angular velocity of the disc as the
DVD is played.

[2]

(ii) Calculate the radius at which the DVD will have an angular velocity of
14.6 revolutions per second when the linear velocity is 3.84 m s-1.

r = _____________ cm [3]

The linear velocity of a CD is 1.3 m s-1 compared to the value of 3.84 m s-1 for a DVD.

(b) Explain whether dust particles are more likely to remain on a CD or a DVD when
the discs are in motion.

Assume that the maximum frictional force between a dust particle and DVD is the
same as between a dust particle and CD.

[4]

52
5 (a) The nuclear model of the atom was confirmed by alpha particle scattering
experiments. Outline the experimental observations obtained from alpha particle
scattering experiments and the conclusions about the structure of the atom that
these observations led to.

[4]

(b) Table 5.1 shows the nuclear radii for some elements calculated from scattering
experiments.

Table 5.1

Nucleus Mass Number Radius × 10-15 m

Helium 4 2.08
Carbon 12 3.04
Silicon 28 3.92

(i) The radii are related to the mass number by the equation r = r0A⅓ where r0 is a
constant. Calculate a value for r0.

r0 = _______________ m [2].

53
(ii) The results shown in Table 5.1 are to be displayed on a graph. What
quantities should be plotted on the y-axis and the x-axis in order to achieve a
straight line graph?

y-axis: _________________

x-axis: _________________ [2]

(iii) State the gradient of the graph you would draw.

[1]

(iv) State the intercept on the y-axis of your graph.

[1]

54
6 A smoke detector contains radioactive americium-241. Americium decays releasing
alpha particles. The alpha particles generated by the americium ionize the air
molecules in the chamber of the smoke detector.

(a) Explain why the alpha particles emitted by smoke detectors are not a health hazard
to us in our homes.

[1]

(b) Describe fully what ionization is and explain why alpha particles cause much more
ionization than beta particles.

[3]

(c) The becquerel (Bq) is the unit of activity of a radioactive source. What is meant
by the activity of a radioactive source?

[1]

(d) The half life of radioactive Americium is 432 years. A new smoke detector
contains radioactive Americium with an activity of 35kBq.

Calculate the decay constant (λ) of the source and use this to find the activity of
the radioactive Americium after 30 years.

Decay constant λ________________ yr-1

Activity ___________ kBq [4]

55
7 Figure 6.1 shows the relationship between the nuclear binding energy per nucleon and
the nucleon number.

Fig. 7.1

(a) With reference to Figure 7.1, compare and contrast the principles of nuclear
fission and fusion.

You should include in your answer:

• A description of what fission and fusion are.

• Which nuclides on the graph undergo fission and fusion and why they undergo
these processes.
• A comparison of the energy released when heavy nuclei undergo fission and
when light nuclei undergo fusion.

56
 [6]

Quality of written communication [2]

(b) It is currently possible to use nuclear fission to produce energy on a large scale.
Explain why it is so difficult to achieve fusion on a large scale at present.

[2]

57
8 Data Analysis Question

This question contributes to the synoptic assessment requirement of the

specification. In your answer you will be expected to bring together and apply
principles and contexts from different areas of physics, and to use the skills of
physics in the particular situation described.

Speed measurement using a Pitot-static tube

Pitot-static tubes are used on aircraft as speedometers. The Pitot-static tube is mounted
on the aircraft so that the centre tube is always pointed in the direction of travel and the
outside holes are perpendicular to the centre tube.

Since the outside holes are perpendicular to the direction of travel, these tubes are
pressurised by the normal air pressure. The pressure in these tubes is the static
pressure Ps. The centre tube, however, is pointed in the direction of travel and is
pressurised by both the normal air pressure and the air velocity. The pressure in this
tube is the total pressure Pt. The difference in total and static pressure is the dynamic
pressure q.

q = Pt - Ps

(a) The total pressure, Pt, increases as the velocity of the aircraft increases. State and
explain whether the Pitot-static tube will give a more accurate reading at high or
low aircraft velocities.

[3]

58
(b) With the difference in pressures measured and knowing the local value of air
density ρ, the velocity is given by Equation 8.1:

1
q = ρv n Equation 8.1
2

Table 8.1 shows the values of dynamic pressure, q, measured by a Pitot-static tube
when an aircraft is moving with velocity v.

Table 8.1

v/m s-1 q/N m-2 log (v/m s-1) log (q/N m-2)
80 2902
90 3689
100 4470
110 5507
120 6408

It is possible to obtain a value for n by plotting a logarithmic graph. Taking

logarithms to the base 10 of each side of Equation 8.1 leads to Equation 8.2.

ρ
log q = log + n log v Equation 8.2
2

(i) Calculate values of log q and log v and insert them into the remaining
columns of Table 8.1. [2]

(ii) On Fig. 8.1, plot a suitable linear graph from which you will be able to
obtain a value for n. Draw the best straight line through the points. [5]

59
Fig. 8.1

60
(iii) Use your graph to calculate a value for n.

n = ______________ [3]

(iv) Use Equation 8.1 to calculate a value for ρ, the density of air at the cruising
height of this aircraft using the value of n obtained in (iii).

ρ = ______________ kg m-3 [2]

61
62
 Centre number
71

Candidate number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit A2 2

Fields and their Applications

SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME

1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided at
the top of this page.
Answer all questions.
Write your answers in the spaces provided in this question paper. For Examiner’s
use only
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES Question
Marks
Number
The total mark for this paper is 90. 1
Quality of written communication will be assessed in question 9. 2
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the 3
marks awarded to each question.
4
Your attention is drawn to the Data and Formulae Sheet which is inside this
question paper. 5
You may use an electronic calculator. 6
Question 9 contributes to the synoptic assessment required of the specification. 7
8
9
Total
Marks

63
1 (a) (i) Explain what is meant by a field of force.

[2]

(ii) A field of force may be represented by a diagram showing a pattern of field

lines.

1 Explain fully why the field lines in such a diagram can never cross.

[2]

2 Suggest how some information about the relative strength of a field can
be obtained from the pattern of the field lines.

[1]

(b) Compare electric and gravitational fields, deducing one way in which the electric
field strength near a point charge is similar to the gravitational field strength near
a point mass and one way in which the force produced by an electric field is
different from that produced by a gravitational field.

[2]

64
2 Newton’s law of gravitation may be expressed by the equation:

Gm1 m2
F=
r2

(a) (i) Express Newton’s law of gravitation in words.

[3]

(ii) Express the units of the constant G in terms of SI base units.

[1]

(b) The Earth may be assumed to be a uniform sphere. A uniform sphere behaves as
if it were a point mass, with all its mass concentrated at the centre.

(i) Sketch the gravitational field pattern near the surface of the Earth on Fig. 2.1
below.

Earth

Fig. 2.1 [2]

(ii) Show how the acceleration of free fall g at the surface of the Earth is related
to the mass ME and radius RE of the Earth.

g = ___________________ [2]

65
(iii) The radius of the Earth is 6.38 × 106 m. Use the relation you have derived
in (b)(ii), and information from your Data and Formulae Sheet, to
calculate the density of the Earth.

Density = __________________ kg m-3 [3]

66
3 (a) When two positive charges of magnitude Q1 and Q2 respectively are placed a
distance r apart in a vacuum, they exert a force on each other.

(i) Write down the equation giving the magnitude F of the force the charges
exert on each other. Identify any other symbols used.

[1]

(ii) By placing a tick in the appropriate box, indicate whether this force is
attractive or repulsive.

Attractive ‰
Repulsive ‰

Explain your choice ____________________________________________ [2]

(b) Fig 3.1 shows two point charges of magnitude +Q and +2Q respectively.

. .
+Q +2Q

Fig 3.1
[3]
(i) Sketch the pattern of the electric field around and between the charges.

(ii) For this arrangement of charges, there is a point at which the electric field
intensity is zero. On Fig 3.1 mark with an X the approximate position of this [1]
point.

67
(c) Two point charges of A and B, +Q and -2Q respectively, are placed in a vacuum.

• •
+Q -2Q
A B

Fig. 3.2

P is the point at which the resultant electric field due to these two charges is zero.

(i) Explain why P cannot lie off a line joining the charges.

[2]

(ii) Deduce whether P can lie to the left of A, between A and B or to the right of
B. Indicate your answer by placing a tick in the appropriate box.

P lies to the left of A ‰

P lies between A and B ‰
P lies to the right of B ‰

Explain your choice.

[3]

68
4 (a) (i) Define the farad, the unit of capacitance.

[1]

(ii) Discuss why this is an impractical unit to use for capacitance.

[1]

(b) Fig 4.1 shows a charged capacitor connected in a circuit with a resistor and a
switch.

Fig 4.1

(i) What effect does the resistor have on the discharge of the capacitor?

[1]

(ii) Initially, before the switch is closed, the potential difference across the
capacitor is V0 and the charge on the plates is Q0. At time t = 0, the switch is
closed. On Fig. 4.2, sketch a graph showing the variation of charge Q with
time t from the moment the switch is closed until the capacitor is effectively
discharged. Label Q0 on the curve. [3]

69
 Q

O t
Fig. 4.2

(iii) What is the name given to the shape of this graph?

[1]

(iv) Explain what is meant by the time constant of the circuit.

[1]

(v) The capacitor in the circuit of Fig. 4.1 has a capacitance 47 pF and the
resistor has resistance 22 MΩ. How long after the switch is closed will it
take for the potential difference across the capacitor to fall to 14% of its
initial value?

Time = ________________ s [3]

70
5 (a) When a current is passed through a conductor, a magnetic field is created.

(i) Fig. 5.1 illustrates a long straight wire carrying a current normally out of the
plane of the paper.

~


Fig. 5.1

On Fig. 5.1 sketch the pattern of the magnetic field associated with this
current-carrying conductor. [2]

The conductor carries a current of 5.0 A and is placed perpendicular to a

uniform magnetic field. Fig. 5.2 represents the uniform horizontal magnetic
field. Remember the current is flowing out of the plane of the paper.

N  S

Fig. 5.2

(ii) In what direction is the force on the current-carrying conductor?

[1]

(b) The length of the wire in the field is 10 cm, and it experiences a force of
magnitude 40 mN. Calculate the magnetic flux density of the field.

Magnetic Flux Density = _______________ T [3]

71
6 (a) Describe briefly the principle of operation of the transformer.

[3]

(b) A small factory receives power at 10.8 kV and this is converted to 240 V by a
transformer. The factory draws 1200 A from the secondary coil. Calculate the
primary current. Assume the transformer is 100% efficient.

Primary current = _________________ A [3]

(c) In practice transformers are not 100% efficient. Name one source of power loss in
a transformer.

[1]

72
7 (a) A cathode ray oscilloscope has its Y-amplifier sensitivity set at 5 Vcm-1. The time
base is switched off. The controls are adjusted so that the spot is at the centre of
the screen.

Describe fully what would be seen on the screen when:

(i) a d.c. voltage of 6 V is applied to the input of the Y-amplifier,

[2]

(ii) an a.c. voltage of peak value 4 V is applied to the input of the Y-amplifier,

[2]

(b) With the Y-amplifier sensitivity still set at 5 V cm-1, the timebase is now turned on
and set at 25 µs cm-1. A sinusoidal signal of frequency 10 kHz and peak voltage
12 V is then applied to the input of the Y-amplifier. Fig. 7.1 illustrates the
graticule on the screen, which is 10 cm across and 6 cm high.

1 cm

1 cm

Fig. 7.1

(i) On Fig. 7.1, sketch the appearance of the waveform on the screen. [3]

(ii) Describe the adjustment which is required so that only one complete wave is
displayed across the full width of the screen.

[2]

73
8 (a) There are two main groups of fundamental particles, called hadrons and leptons.

(i) Name one example of a lepton.

[1]

(ii) State one difference between hadrons and leptons.

[1]

(b) Hadrons can be classified as either baryons or mesons.

(i) In terms of quark structure, describe the structure of baryons and mesons.

Baryons: [1]

Mesons: [1]

(ii) Describe the structure of an atom in terms of the types of particles it contains
and their constituent parts.

[3]

(c) Draw a labelled sketch of a linear accelerator and briefly describe the principle of
operation.

[4]

74
9 Synoptic free-response question

This question contributes to the synoptic requirement of the Specification. In

your answer, you will be expected to bring together and apply principles and
contexts from different areas of physics, and to use the skills of physics, in the
particular situation described.

In part (a) of this question you should answer in continuous prose. You will be
assessed on the quality of your written communication.

Communication Satellites

Geostationary satellites are widely used in telecommunications. They often receive

their electrical power by the conversion of solar energy to electricity.

(a) A student makes the following statement about a geostationary satellite.

“(1) Because the satellite is geostationary, it has no kinetic energy. (2) However,
work has been done to put it into orbit. (3) Therefore, its gravitational potential
energy has been increased. (4) The magnitude of the change in potential energy is
given by mgh, where m is the mass of the satellite, g is equal to 9.8 m s-2 and h is
the distance between the Earth’s surface and the satellite’s orbit.”

State which of the statements (1) to (4) is/are correct and which incorrect. If any
part is incorrect, explain why.

[6]

Quality of written communication [2]

75
(b) A geostationary satellite is fixed with solar panels of area 40 m2. The intensity of
radiation from the Sun at the position of the satellite is 1.5 kW m-2 and the
efficiency of the solar panels in converting light to electricity is 18%.

(i) Calculate the electrical power generated when the solar panels are placed
perpendicular to the line from the Sun to the satellite.

Power = _______________ kW [2]

(ii) Assume that the radiation from the Sun can be treated as having a single
wavelength of 550 nm,

(1) Calculate the energy of a photon of wavelength 550 nm.

Energy = _______________J [3]

(2) Calculate how many photons arrive on each square metre of the solar
panels in one second. Assume that the radiation strikes them normally.

Number of photons per second = _________________ [2]

76
(iii) In part (ii) of this question you were told to make the assumption that
sunlight can be treated as having a single wavelength. Give an example of an
everyday observation that tells you that sunlight does not, in fact have a
single wavelength.

[1]

77
78
 Centre number
71

Candidate number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics
Assessment Unit A2 3
Practical Techniques (Internal Assessment)
SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME

1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided at the top of this page.

Answer all the questions in this paper, using this booklet. Rough work and calculations must also
be done in this booklet. Except where instructed, do not describe the apparatus or the experimental
procedures.

The Supervisor will tell you the order in which you are to answer the questions. Not more than 29
minutes are to be spent in answering each question. You may be told to start with the experimental
tests in Section A, or with the single question in Section B.

Section A consists of two experimental tests. A 29-minute period is allocated to each of these tests.
At the end of this period you will be instructed to move to the next test. At the end of the 29-minute
period you will be instructed to move to the area set aside for your next question. Section B
consists of one question in which you will be tested on aspects of planning and design.

You will be assessed on the quality of language demonstrated in your response to Question 3.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

The total mark for this paper is 60.

All questions carry 20 marks each.
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the marks awarded to each
part question.
You may use an electronic calculator.

79
 Section A

1 Introduction

In this experiment you are to measure the wall thickness of a glass test tube by an
indirect method, which involves floating the test tube in water in a measuring cylinder.

Aims

The aims of the experiment are:

• to follow instructions in setting up the experiment and taking readings;

• to analyse the results using a graphical method;
• to determine a value for the wall thickness of the tube;
• to assess the uncertainty in this value.

Apparatus

You are provided with a measuring cylinder, which has already been filled with water
to around the 70 ml mark, and a dry test tube. The test tube will be placed in the
measuring cylinder, and small amounts of water added to it from the syringe provided,
so that the tube floats as shown in Fig. 1.1.

y
x

Fig. 1.1

In Fig. 1.1, x is the distance from the bottom of the tube to the water level in the test
tube, and y is the distance from the bottom of the tube to the water level in the
measuring cylinder. A rule is provided to measure these distances.

There is also a strip of graph paper to measure the circumference of the tube.

80
(a) Procedure

Use the strip of graph paper to measure the circumference c of the outer surface of
the test tube. Record the value in part (a) of the Results section.

Lower the test tube carefully into the measuring cylinder so that it floats in the
water. Using the syringe, add a few millilitres of water to the test tube and allow it
to come to a new equilibrium position. Measure the distances x and y using a rule
held close to the measuring cylinder. Record your results in Table 1.1 of the
Results section.

Add further quantities of water to the test tube to give a series of values of x and y,
to cover as wide a range of y as possible. Record all your results in Table 1.1.

Results

Circumference of tube c = ___________ mm [2]

x/mm
y/mm
Table 1.1 [5]

Analysis

You are to plot a graph of y against x.

On the graph grid of Fig. 1.2, label the axes, choose suitable scales, plot the points
and draw the best straight line through them. [5]

81
 Fig. 1.2
(b) Measure the gradient m of your graph and enter the value below.
m = ___________________ [2]
(c) For a thin-walled tube, the wall thickness t is given approximately by
c
t = (1 – m). Equation 1.1
4π
Using your values of c and m, calculate the value of t and enter it below.

t =__________ mm [2]

82
Uncertainties

In arriving at your value of t there will be some uncertainty because of the

uncertainty in the measurement of c and the uncertainty in obtaining m from the
graph. Assume that the use of the assumption in Equation 1.1 introduces a
negligible additional error. Estimate the overall percentage uncertainty in your
value of t. Show clearly how you arrive at this estimate.

Percentage uncertainty in t =____________ % [4]

83
2 Introduction `

In this experiment you will investigate how the current through a coil depends on the
number of turns in the coil.

Aims

The aims of the experiment are:

• to construct a circuit to apply the same voltage across coils which have different
numbers of turns;

• to measure the current through each coil;

• to analyse the experimental results to determine the cross-sectional area of the wire
of which the coils are made.

Apparatus

You are provided with a power supply with an output of approximately 2 V, a variable
resistor, an ammeter, a voltmeter, suitable connecting leads, and five coils. The coils
have been wound around identical wooden rods, using wire of the same material and
diameter. Each coil has a different number of turns, which is marked on a label on the
rod.

Procedure

In the space below (Fig. 2.1), draw a diagram of a circuit, making use of the apparatus
listed, which could be used to adjust the current through each coil in turn until a
potential difference of 1.0 V is obtained across the coil. The current is also to be
measured.

Fig. 2.1

84
If you have difficulty in designing this circuit, ask the Supervisor for assistance.
You will be shown a card with the correct circuit diagram on it. A deduction of 3
marks will be made. [3]

Connect this circuit. Make contact to each end of the coil under investigation using a
connecting lead with a crocodile clip attached to one end. Connect the crocodile clip
to the wire at a point close to the wooden rod.

CAUTION: before switching on, ensure that the variable resistor is set to give
the MAXIMUM resistance between its terminals.

If you have difficulty in connecting a working circuit, ask the Supervisor for
assistance. A deduction of 2 marks will be made. [2]

For each coil, find the current I through the coil for the fixed potential difference of
1.0 V across the connections to the coil. The number of turns N in each coil is given
on a label attached to the rod. Tabulate your results in Table 2.1 in the Results
section.

Results

N 25 20 15 10 8
I/A
1/N 0.040 0.050 0.067 0.100 0.125

Table 2.1 [5]

Theory

Fig. 2.2 shows one of the coils.

8 turns

Fig. 2.2

The coil consists of N turns of wire wound on a rod of diameter D. Assume that the
total length of wire between the points at which contact is made is πDN.

85
The current I in the coil is then given by:

VS
I = Equation 2.1
( ρπDN )

where S is the cross-sectional area of the wire, ρ is the resistivity of the metal of the
wire and V is the fixed potential difference of 1.0 V between the points of contact.

Analysis

You are to plot a graph of I against 1/N.

(a) On the graph grid of Fig. 2.3, label the axes and choose suitable scales. Plot the
points and draw the best straight line through them. [5]

Fig. 2.3

86
(b) Measure the gradient of your graph and enter the value and unit below.

Gradient = ____________________________

Unit = ________________________________ [3]

(c) The values of ρ and D are given on a card on the bench. Use these data, the value
of the applied voltage V (1.0 V) and your value of the gradient to determine the
cross-sectional area S of the wire of the coil.

S =___________ mm2 [2]

87
 Section B

3 In part (a) of this question, you are expected to answer, where appropriate, in
continuous prose. Marking will reflect the quality of written communication in
this part of the question.

Introduction

Fig. 3.1 illustrates an experiment to investigate water flow along a narrow tube.

Fig. 3.1

A narrow glass tube (a capillary tube), of internal radius r and length L, is plugged
into a large flask so that the tube is horizontal. Starting when the water level in
the flask is at the mark M, the time T for a specified volume V to pass through the
tube is determined.

It is thought that T is given by a relation of the form

T = ArmLV Equation 3.1

where m is a constant, and A is also a constant provided that the experiment starts
each time with the water level at the mark M.

A theory suggests that m = -4, but it is not certain that the conditions of the theory
apply in this experiment.

Problems

You are asked to design an experiment to investigate the relation between T and r
expressed by Equation 3.1.

Resources Available

You are provided with a number of capillary tubes of different, unknown, internal
diameters in the range from about 1 mm to 4 mm but of the same length, a flask of the
type illustrated in Fig. 3.1, and suitable rubber bungs. The normal equipment of your
school or college Physics laboratory is also available.

88
Questions

(a) (i) Suggest how, for a given capillary tube, you would make an accurate
measurement of T for the delivery of 100 ml of water.

[3]

(ii) Suggest a method for the measurement of r for a tube of internal diameter
about 4 mm. Make a reasoned estimate of the likely percentage uncertainty
in this measurement, appropriate to the method you choose.

[4]

(iii) In this experiment, it is important that the tubes used should have a
reasonably constant internal diameter along their length. Suppose that a
thread of liquid about 20 mm long has been introduced into a capillary tube
of internal diameter about 1 mm. Suggest a method of checking the
constancy of the internal diameter of the tube.

[2]

Quality of written communication [2]

89
(b) Assume that a set of values of T and r has been obtained.

(i) State how you would use a graphical method to obtain a value for the
constant m in Equation 3.1. State also the equation on which your graph is
based.

[3]

(ii) State how a value for the constant A could be obtained from the graph in
(b)(i).

[2]

(c) Suggest two safety precautions that should be adopted in this experiment.

2 [2]

(d) Suppose that the results of the graphical analysis in (b) showed that the value of m
in Equation 3.1 was –4, as predicted by theory.

On Fig. 3.2, sketch a graph of the way in which T would vary with r. [2]

Fig. 3.2

90
 ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit A2 3
Practical Techniques (Internal Assessment)

CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR A2 3 PRACTICAL TEST

91
Question 1

Requirements

1 Test tube, 150 mm × 18 mm (one for each candidate).

2 Measuring cylinder, 100 ml × 1.0 ml.
3 Beaker, 250 ml.
4 Syringe.
5 Stand, clamp and boss.
6 Metre rule.
7 Graph paper.

Preparation

Clamp the measuring cylinder vertically, using the stand, clamp and boss. Place it at a convenient
place on the bench.

Add water to the cylinder to the 70 ml mark. Add about 200 ml of water to the beaker, and leave
beside the measuring cylinder. Fill the syringe with water to the 5 ml mark, ensuring that air is
excluded.

Cut a strip of graph paper 150 mm × 20 mm for each candidate.

Before the Examination

Place the test tube, syringe, beaker of water, metre rule and strip of graph paper near the clamped
measuring cylinder.

Action at changeover

Remove the test tube from the measuring cylinder and top up the water level in the cylinder to the
70 ml mark. Refill the syringe to the 5 ml mark. Remove the strip of graph paper.

Place a dry test tube and a new strip of graph paper on the bench near the measuring cylinder, metre
rule and beaker.

92
Question 2

Requirements

1 D.c. power supply, capable of providing approximately 2.0 V.

2 Ammeter, 0 – 2 A d.c., analogue or digital.
3 Voltmeter, 0 – 2 V d.c., analogue or digital.
4 Constantan (Eureka) wire, s.w.g. 30.
5 Wooden dowel, 13 mm diameter, 0.5 m length.
6 Rheostat.
7 Connecting leads.
8 Self-adhesive labels.
9 Insulating tape.

Preparation

Cut five 100 mm lengths of the dowel.

Take one length of dowel and tightly wrap eight turns of constantan wire around it, taking care not
to let neighbouring turns touch. Secure the turns in place with insulating tape. Bend the ends of the
wire at right angles to the dowel and cut off surplus wire, leaving only about 5 mm projecting from
the curved surface of the dowel. Write “8 turns” on a small self-adhesive label and attach it to the
dowel. The arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 2.2.

8 turns

Fig. 2.2 Coil on dowel

On the remaining four lengths of dowel, wrap coils of ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five turns
respectively. Secure the turns and cut off surplus wire as before. Prepare labels with the
information “10 turns”, “15 turns”, “20 turns” and “25 turns”, and attach them to the
corresponding dowels.

Set the output of the power supply to approximately 2.0 V. Tape the output control so that the
candidate cannot adjust it.

It will be required to use two terminals on the rheostat: that at the end of the slider bar, and that at
the opposite end of the rheostat coil. Tape over or remove the terminal at the nearer end of the
rheostat coil so that the candidate cannot use it.

93
On a card, provide the circuit diagram of Fig. 2.1.
2V

8 turns

Fig 2.1 Circuit diagram

The card must be placed out of view of the candidates, but should be made available to any
candidate requesting assistance with the design of the circuit. If the candidate is given this
assistance, award 0 marks in this part of the script.

Measure the diameter D of the dowel, to the nearest tenth of a mm. Prepare a card with the
following information:

D = 13.1 mm (eg)
ρ = 4.90 x 10-7 Ω m

Two of the six connecting leads must have 4 mm plugs at one end and 4 mm plugs connected to
crocodile clips at the other, to make contact with the protruding ends of the wire coils. If the meter
terminals are not provided with 4 mm sockets, the relevant connecting leads should have spade
terminals.

Testing

Connect the circuit shown in Fig. 2.1, using the 8-turn coil. Use the rheostat to adjust the potential
difference across the coil to 1.0 V. Check that the current is about 0.6 A.

Before the Examination

Place the power supply, ammeter, voltmeter, rheostat set to maximum resistance, connecting leads
and five coils unconnected on the bench.

Leave the card with the dowel diameter and wire resistivity data on the bench.

94
During the Examination

If the candidate requests assistance with the design of the circuit, show the circuit diagram card and
mark the candidate’s script with a score of 0 for this part.

If the candidate requests assistance with the connection of the circuit, first check the candidate's
circuit diagram. If this is correct, connect the circuit and carry out the Testing procedure above.
Mark the candidate’s script with a score of 0 for this part.
If the candidate’s circuit diagram has to be corrected, show the circuit diagram card (with a score of
0 for this part) and allow the candidate another attempt at connection without penalty.

Action at changeover

Disconnect the apparatus and leave as at the start of the examination.

95
96
 Mark Schemes

97
98
 ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS)
General Certificate of Education
2009

Physics

Assessment Unit AS 1

Forces, Energy and Electricity

SPECIMEN PAPER

MARK
SCHEME

99
1 (a) (i) Scalars have no direction, vectors do [1]

(ii) Energy, distance, mass, speed

½ each, round down [2]

(b) (i) Max force = 28 N [1]

Max a = 5.6 m s-2 [1]
Min F = 4 N [1]
Min a = 0.8 m s-2 [1]

(ii) R2 = 122 + 16 2 [1]

R = 20 N [1]
tan θ = 12/16 θ = 37° [1] [10]

2 (a) A: steady speed 8 m s-1 [1]

B: constant acceleration until 8 s, then steady speed [2]
C: non-uniform acceleration [1]

(b) (i) dist = area under graph [1]

dist = (½ × 8 × 14) + (4 × 14) [1]
dist = 112 m [1]

(ii) draw tangent or shown on graph [1]

Calculate gradient of tangent [1]

(c) (i) 4.5 s [1]

(ii) Before this, A travelling faster than B

So distance between them increases
After that point, B travelling faster than A
So starts to reduce distance between them or catch up

Any 3 points [3] [13]

3 (a) ACM = CM [1]

If in equilibrium [1]

(b) (i) Arrow up in spring [1]

(ii) Total force = 735.8 N [1]

Force per lever = 183.9 N [1]

(iii) 184 × 3 = F × 20 [1]

28 (27.6) N (ecf from (ii)) [1]

100
 (iv) F = kx
28 = k ( 6 × 10-3) (ecf from (iii)) [1]
4600 N m-1 [2]

(c) Make distance to spring longer

Use spring with higher spring constant
Use more than 4 levers inside scales [1] [11]

4 (a) Ultimate tensile strength [1]

(b) (i) Suitable scale [1]

Points correct [1]
Line drawn [1]

(ii) Limit of proportionality between 3-3.3 × 10-4(m) [1]

(iii) Stress = F/A [1]

5 × 10 −3
= [1]
2.38 × 10 −5
[1]
= 210 (N m-2)

x [1]
(iv) strain =
L

2.6 × 10 −4 [1]
=
0.25

= 1.04 × 10-5 [1]

Stress
(v) E = [1]
Strain

210 [1]
E= ecf from (iii)
1.04 ×10 −5

E = 2.02 × 103 Pa [1] [14]

101
5 (a) Energy can be changed from one form to another but cannot be
created or destroyed [1]

(b) W = 540 × 1.8 [1]

W = 972 J [1]

(c) (i) p.e. at start = k.e. at end [1]

9.81 × 3.7 = ½ v2 [1]
v = 8.5 ms-1 [1]

(ii) Slower [1]

Idea of energy ‘loss’ eg friction between hands & bar [1] [8]

6 (a) (i) Correct symbol for thermistor [1]

Ammeter in series [1]
Voltmeter across thermistor [1]

(ii) Variable resistor or variable power pack [1]

(b) (i) Vat 0.3 mA = 9 – 9.4 V [1]

Subs R = 9.2/0.3 × 10-3 [1]
R = 30.7 kΩ ( 30 – 31.3 kΩ) [1]

(ii) R increases [1]

As current increases, temperature increases [1]
Idea of impeding electron flow from increased vibration of [1] [10]
atoms

7 Graph: R decreasing with decreasing T above transition temp [1]

Abrupt, vertical change to R = 0 at transition temp [1]
Transition temp – temp below which material becomes superconducting [1]
No electrical resistance [1]
No resistance means no energy/heat/power loss in wires [1]
Less fuel needed [1]
Other uses: eg Superconducting magnets, Scanners for MRI, magnetic
levitation, monorail trains, particle accelerators … Any 2 [1]

Max 7 points, 1 each

Quality of Written Communication

2 marks

The candidate expresses ideas clearly and fluently, through well-linked

sentences and paragraphs. Arguments are generally relevant and well
structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

102
1 mark

The candidate expresses ideas clearly, if not always fluently. Arguments

may sometimes stray from the point. There are some errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling, but not such as to suggest a weakness in these
areas.

0 marks

The candidate expresses ideas satisfactorily, but without precision.

Arguments may be of doubtful relevance or obscurely presented. Errors
in grammar, punctuation and spelling are sufficiently intrusive to disrupt
the understanding of the passage. [2] [9]

103
104
 ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS)
General Certificate of Education
2009

Physics

Assessment Unit AS 2

Waves, Photons and Medical Physics

SPECIMEN PAPER

MARK
SCHEME

105
1 (a) (i) 6 (mm) [1]

(ii) 0.6 (ms) [1]

(iii) f = 1666.6 Hz ecf from (a)(ii) [1]

v = λf [1]
v = 6.2 × 10-2 × 1666.6 [1]
v = 103 (m s-1) [1]

(b) Transverse: any em wave, water wave [1]

Longitudinal wave: sound, p-type earthquake waves [1] [8]

2 1 MRI = magnetic resonance imaging

CT = computed tomography [1]

2 MRI nuclei are excited when they absorb radio waves [1]
relaxing nuclei emit em radiation and this is used to form the
image. [1]

CT X-rays are repeatedly passed through the body at different

angles and detected [1]
image is built up over time [1]

3 MRI very strong magnetic field; heating effects, ferromagnetic

projectiles [1]
CT large dose of ionising radiation [1]

Quality of Written Communication

2 marks

The candidate expresses ideas clearly and fluently, through well-linked

sentences and paragraphs. Arguments are generally relevant and well
structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

1 mark

The candidate expresses ideas clearly, if not always fluently. Arguments may
sometimes stray from the point. There are some errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling, but not such as to suggest a weakness in these areas.

0 marks

The candidate expresses ideas satisfactorily, but without precision.

Arguments may be of doubtful relevance or obscurely presented.
Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling, are sufficiently intrusive to
disrupt the understanding of the passage. [2] [9]

106
3 (a) (i) Ray through pole; not deviated [1]
Ray parallel to PA; from F1 [1]
Ray to F2; parallel to PA [1]

(ii) Correct image [1]

1 1 1
(b) (i) = − [1]
f 0.25 1.6

1
= 3.375 [1]
f

f = 0.30 (m) [1]

(ii) 3.38 ecf from (b)(i) [1]

D or dioptres or m-1 [1] [9]

4 (a) Region of hearing [1]

(b) I1 = 1 – 100 (Wm-2) [1]

f1 = 10 – 30 (Hz) [1]
f2 = 1500 – 3000 (Hz) [1]
f3 = 18000 – 22000 (Hz) [1]

(c) IL = 10 log (5 × 10-9/10-12) [1]

IL = 37 [1]
dB [1] [8]

5 (a) Labelled sketch indicates: water trough [1]

Resonance tube in trough [1]
Rule in correct position [1]
Tuning fork(s) in correct position [1]

(b) (i) Correct sketch [1]

(ii) Correct labelling of (all) nodes [1]

Correct labelling of (all) antinodes [1]

(iii) Position of minimum (zero) displacement [1]

107
 (c) λ = 4L [1]
λ = 2.64 (m) [1]

(d) Grad = 357/4.2 [1]

Grad = 85 [1]
Gradient = v/4 [1]
v = (85 × 4) = 340 (m s-1) [1] [14]

6 (a) (i) Constant phase relationship [1]

(ii) Similar (or same) amplitude. [1]

(b) A regions ticked [1]

Path difference = 0 at midline position [1]
Crest meets trough due to 180° phase difference. [1]

(c) 550 x 10-9 = (0.2 × 10-3 y)/4 Subs [2]

y = 0.011 (m) [1]
y = 11 (mm) [1] [9]

7 (a) Photons [1]

have insufficient energy [1]
photon energy ∝ frequency [1]

(b) (i) E = hf [1]

6.9 x 10-19 = 6.63 × 10-34 × f [1]
f = 1.0 × 1015 (Hz) [1]

(ii) λ = 3.0 × 108/1.0 × 1015 = 3.0 × 10-7 (m) [1]

(iii) Transferred energy = 11.4 × 10-19 (J) [1] [8]

8 (a) Circular wavefronts on LH diagram [1]

Wavefronts correctly bent at edges on RH diagram [1]
No wavelength variation [1] each diagram [2]

(b) Molecular spacing in A is shorter or closer or smaller etc [1]

Micrograph ring pattern is more spread out or fewer rings [1]
which means a greater amount of diffraction has occurred [1]

(c) 0.54 x 10-9 = 6.63 x 10-34/momentum (subs) [1]

v = momentum/electron mass [1]
v = 1.3 × 106 (ms-1) [1] [10]

108
 ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS)
General Certificate of Education
2009

Physics

Assessment Unit AS 3
Practical Techniques (Internal Assessment)

SPECIMEN PAPER

MARK
SCHEME

109
 Section A

1 (a) (i) Diameter estimate in range 60 mm – 70 mm [1]

(ii) Top of can not same diameter as body

or

Mention of parallax [1]

(b) Measurement of length L of string for more than one turn [1]

Use of L = 2πrn [1]

Diameter in range 66 mm to 70 mm [1] [5]

2 (a) Time t for at least 10 oscillations [1]

One or more repeats of t [1]
T in range 0.70 s to 0.75 s [1]

(b) Lmin in range 120 mm to 130 mm [1]

Oscillations become too rapid to count or decay too rapidly [1] [5]

3 (a) (i) v in range 580 mm to 620 mm [1]

(ii) ± 5 mm or more [1]

Difficulty of telling exact focus point/finding sharp image [1]

(b) Correct subs [1]

f in range 148 mm to 152 mm [1] [5]

4 (a) Sets up circuit without help [1]

(b) (i) & (ii) Three sets of values of V and R at [1] each [3]

(c) Rav in range 4.5 Ω to 4.9 Ω [1] [5]

110
 Section B

5 (a) (i) Horizontal: 1/R [1]

Vertical: 1/V [1]

(ii) Gradient = r/E [1]

Intercept = 1/E [1]

(b) (i) Headings (1/R)/Ω-1 [1]

(1/V)/V-1 [1]

(ii)
R/Ω V/V x-axis y-axis

0.15 0.35 6.67 2.86

0.25 0.51 4.00 1.96
0.50 0.77 2.00 1.30
1.00 1.03 1.00 0.97
1.50 1.17 0.67 0.85
2.00 1.25 0.50 0.80

(not to 2 d.p., -1)

Table 5.1
Each column [1]
[1]

(iii) Axis labels (units not needed, as rewarded in (b)(i)) [1]

Scales (at least half available axis, no awkward factors) [1]
Six points plotted (-1 each error) [1]
Best straight line [1]

111
(c) (i) Gradient: student’s value from correct read-offs [1]
Unit: Ω V-1 or A-1 [1]

(ii) Intercept: student’s value from correct read-off [1]

Unit: V-1 [1]

(iii) E in range 1.55 V to 1.60 V [1]

r in range 0.50 Ω to 0.55 Ω [1]

(d) (i) So as not to take current from circuit [1]

(ii) Too few points at high 1/V, 1/R or at low V, R [1] [20]

112
 ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit A2 1

Momentum, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion,

Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics

SPECIMEN PAPER

MARK
SCHEME

113
1 (a) Total momentum constant or total momentum before = total momentum [1]
after
No forces act/isolated system [1]

(b) (i) p = mv
36 × 103 = 1200 × v [1]
Velocity before = 30 m s-1 [1]

(ii) Velocity after = 20 m s-1 [1]

(iii) Momentum before = Momentum After [1]

36000 + (-250)(20) = 24000 + 250 v [1]
v = 28 m s-1 [1]
Same direction as car was moving/opposite direction to way initially
moving [1]

(iv) Inelastic [1]

Kinetic energy before > ke after [1]
Total ke before = 590000J or Total ke after = 338000 J [1] [12]

2 (a) Pressure increases [1]

(when T increases) speed of molecules increases [1]
More collisions per second with walls Any 3 out [1]
Greater change in momentum of these 4 [1]
Greater F, (therefore increased pressure)

(b) (i) pV=nRT [1]

T conversion to 288 K [1]
1.04 × 105 (1.36 × 10-3) = n(8.3)(288) Subs [1]
n = 0.059 [1]
N = NA (0.059)
N = 3.55 × 1022 [1]

P1 P2
(ii) = [1]
T1 T2

1.04 ×10 5 P
= 2 [1]
288 298

P2 = 1.08 × 105 (Pa) [1]

3 [1]
(iii) ke increase = k × 10
2
increase in ke each molecule = 2.07 × 10-22 (J) [1]
all molecules = 3.55 × 1022 × (2.07 × 10-22) = 7.35 (J) [1] [15]
or ecf from (a)

114
3 (a) Acceleration is directly proportional to displacement from fixed point [1]
Always directed towards that point [1]

(b) (i) ω = 2πf [1]

either
2π
=
0.16 ×10 −3

= 39000 rad s-1 [1]

(ii) a = - ω2x [1]

a = - ω2(0.6 × 10-3) [1]
a = 913000 m s-2 [1]

(c) period correct [1]

π/2 rad ahead [1]
smooth curve [1] [10]

1
4 (a) (i) States v = rω & v constant or r α [1]
ω

Angular velocity decreases as r increases [1]

(ii) ω = 91.7 rad s-1 [1]
3.84
r= [1]
91.7

r = 4.2 (cm) [1]

mv 2
(b) States equation F = or F∝ v2 [1]
r
Higher v of DVD - larger centripetal force needed (or lower v of CD...) [1]
Friction provides centripetal force [1]
Dust particles more likely to stick on CD [1] [9]

115
5 (a) Observations:

most α particles passed straight through:

A few deflected through small angles
Some scattered back through very large angles – toward the source

Conclusions:

Nucleus is positively charged

Most of atom is empty space
Nucleus concentrated at centre

2 observations, 2 conclusions – 1 each [4]

(b) (i) Correct subs of any A and r [1]

r0 = 1.3 × 10-15 m [1]

(ii) y-axis: r or log (ln) [1]

x-axis: A1/3 or log (ln) [1]

(iii) If r – A1/3 then gradient = r0

If log, then gradient = 1/3 [1]

(iv) If r – A1/3 then intercept = 0

If log, then intercept = log r0 [1] [10]

6 (a) Range is only a few cm in air (or equivalent) [1]

(b) electron removed from air particles [1]

creates ions [1]
Double positive charge [1]

(c) Rate of decay/Number of decays per second [1]

0.693 [1]
(d) λ =
432

λ = 1.6 × 10-3 yr-1 [1]

use of A = Aoe-λt [1]

A = 33.4 kBq (or ecf from (i)) [1] [9]

116
7 (a) Fission – splitting of heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei
Fusion – 2 lighter nuclei fusing to form heavier nucleus
Both processes release energy
Nuclei to left of peak undergo fusion to increase stability/reach higher BE
per nucleon
Nuclei to right undergo fission to increase stability/reach higher BE per
nucleon
Higher binding energy per nucleon= greater stability
Increase in binding energy per nucleon is greater for light nuclei
undergoing fusion
Heavier nuclei have more nucleons so total binding energy much larger.
Overall reduction in binding energy larger in fission of a heavy nucleus
than in fusion of 2 light nuclei

Any 6 (1 each) [6]

Quality of Written Communication

2 marks

The candidate expresses ideas clearly and fluently, through well-linked

sentences and paragraphs. Arguments are generally relevant and well
structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

1 mark

The candidate expresses ideas clearly, if not always fluently. Arguments

may sometimes stray from the point. There are some errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling, but not such as to suggest a weakness in these
areas.

0 marks

The candidate expresses ideas satisfactorily, but without precision.

Arguments may be of doubtful relevance or obscurely presented. Errors in
grammar, punctuation and spelling are sufficiently intrusive to disrupt the
understanding of the passage. [2]

(b) Need very high temperature [1]

Need to confine nuclei for a long time [1] [10]

117
8 (a) More accurate at high velocities [1]
If velocity is low, difference in pressures won’t be large enough [1]
Difference needs to be larger than error in instrument [1]
or similar argument

(b) (i) Correct values calculated for log v [1]

Correct values calculated for log q [1]
Inconsistent significant figures in either or both columns -1

(ii) log q on y-axis, log v on x-axis and labelled [1]

Suitable scale [1]
Points correctly plotted [2]
Best fit line [1]

(iii) Large triangle [1]

Δy
Correct values from graph in [1]
Δx
Candidates values of n approx 2 [1]

(iv) Subs into equation with value of n [1]

ρ = approx 0.90 [1] [15]

118
 ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit A2 2

Fields and their Applications

SPECIMEN PAPER

MARK
SCHEME

119
1 (a) (i) Region where force is exerted [1]
on test charge/mass [1]

(ii) 1 Field lines show direction of motion of test charge/mass [1]

Crossing lines indicate non-unique field direction [1]

2 Strength of field from closeness of lines [1]

(b) both obey inverse square law [1]

force in electric field can be attractive or repulsive

(or force in gravitational field is always attractive) [1] [7]

2 (a) (i) The attractive force between two point masses [1]
is proportional to the product of the masses [1]
and inversely proportional to the square of their distance apart. [1]

(ii) m3 kg-1 s-2 [1]

(b) (i) radial lines [1]

inwards arrows [1]

(ii) mg = GmME/Re2 [1]

g = GME/Re2 [1]

(iii) ME = 4/3 πRE3ρ density eq [1]

ρ = 3g/4πGRE combines g and density eq [1]
= (3 × 9.81)/(4π × 6.67 × 10 × 6.38 × 106)
-11
subs or ans [1] [11]
(= 5.5 × 103 (kg m-3))

3 1 Q1Q2
(a) (i) F= [1]
4πε o r2

(ii) Repulsive marked [1]

Explanation – both positive charges – like charges repel [1]

(b) (i) radial with arrows outwards [1]

except between [1]
more lines from 2Q than Q [1]

(ii) On line of charges, between Q and 2Q, nearer to Q [1]

120
 (c) (i) Forces due to A and B must be in same straight line [1]
If not their resultant could not be zero [1]

(ii) P to the left of A [1]

Positive charge repelled by A [1]
B further away but charge greater [1] [12]

4 (a) (i) 1 farad is the capacitance of a capacitor with charge of 1 coulomb

and potential difference of 1 volt between the plates
(or 1 farad = 1 coulomb per volt) [1]

(ii) 1 C an impossibly large charge [1]

(b) (i) Slows down the rate of discharge [1]

(ii)

decreasing curve [1]

Q intercept on Q-axis, no intercept on t-axis [1]
Q0 label [1]
Q0

t [3]

(iii) Exponential (decay) curve [1]

(iv) Time taken for the charge on the capacitor

to fall to 1/e (or 0.37) of its initial value. [1]

(v) τ = 47 x 10-12 × 22 × 106 =1.03 × 10-3 s [1]

14% approximately 2 time constants [1]
t = 2.1 ms [1] [11]

5 (a) (i) concentric circles [1]

Arrows anticlockwise [1]

(ii) upwards [1]

(b) B = F/IL [1]

B = 40 × 10-3/5.0 × 0.10 [1]
B = 0.08 (T) [1] [6]

121
6 (a) alternating pd across primary causing varying magnetic flux [1]
Core links flux to secondary [1]
Time varying flux in secondary induces alternating emf [1]

Ip Vs
(b) = [1]
Is Vp

Ip 240
=
1200 10.8 × 10 3 [1]

Ip = 26.7 (A) [1]

(c) resistance heating/I2R

magnetic fux leakage/magnetic hysteresis/eddy current heating of core [1] [7]

7 (a) (i) Spot moves up or down [1]

by 1.2 cm [1]

(ii) vertical line [1]

Length 1.6 cm [1]

(b) (i) sinusoidal wave [1]

each wave takes up 4 cm (f = 104 Hz T = 100 μs) [1]
12 V peak = amplitude of 2.4 cm [1]

(ii) time base adjusted [1]

to 10 μs/cm [1] [9]

8 (a) (i) electron, neutrino etc [1]

(ii) hadrons experience strong force, leptons do not

leptons fundamental, hadrons not, [1]

(b) (i) baryon 3 quarks, mesons quark, antiquark pair [2]

(ii) electrons: leptons - fundamental (no internal structure)

protons: baryons –uud quark combination
neutrons: baryons – ddu quark combination [3]

122
 (c) sketch showing all:
Tubes, increasing length on common axis
Particle source at short tube end
Alternate electrodes connected to a.c supply [1]

Description:
alternating pd applied to electrode and phase change particles attracted [1]
Travel at constant speed in tube [1]
As speed increases electrodes increase in length [1] [11]

9 (a) (1) Incorrect [1]

– satellite only stationary relative to Earth’s surface if it is moving
with same period [1]
(2) Correct [1]
(3) Correct [1]
(4) Incorrect [1]
– g not constant [1]

Quality of Written Communication

2 marks

The candidate expresses ideas clearly and fluently, through well-linked

sentences and paragraphs. Arguments are generally relevant and well
structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

1 mark

The candidate expresses ideas clearly, if not always fluently. Arguments may
sometimes stray from the point. There are some errors in grammar, punctuation
and spelling, but not such as to suggest a weakness in these areas.

0 marks

The candidate expresses ideas satisfactorily, but without precision. Arguments

may be of doubtful relevance or obscurely presented. Errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling are sufficiently intrusive to disrupt the understanding
of the passage. [2]

123
(b) (i) Power generated = 18% of Area × Power per unit area
= 18% of 40 ×1.5 [1]
Power generated = 10.8 kW [1]

(ii) (1) E = hc/λ [1]

= 6.64 × 10-34 × 3 × 108/550 × 10-9 [1]
= 3.62 × 10-19 J [1]

(2) No. of photons = power/energy of photon

= 1.5 × 103/3.62 × 10-19 [2]

(iii) A rainbow [1] [16]

124
 ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2010

Physics

Assessment Unit A2 3
Practical Techniques (Internal Assessment)
SPECIMEN PAPER

MARK
SCHEME

125
 Section A

1 Results

c reading (guide value 55 mm – 60 mm) [1]

evidence of repetition and averaging [1]

Table 1.1 Sets of x, y values 5 at 1 each [5]

Analysis

(a) Graph: Axes labelled [1]

Scales [2]
Five points [1]
Best straight line [1]

(b) Read-offs, large triangle [1]

Candidate’s value of gradient (any unit, 0) [1]

(c) Subs in Equation 1.1 [1]

t in range 0.8 to 1.5 mm [1]

Uncertainties

Use of extreme lines to find range of values of m: two values of m [2]

Estimate of uncertainty in c [1]
Calculation of absolute uncertainty in t [1] [20]

2 Procedure

Was circuit diagram provided? No [3]

(Yes, 0)

with correct diagram in Fig. 2.1

Was assistance given in connecting circuit? No [2]

(Yes, 0)

126
Results

Five values of I 1 each [5]

Analysis

(a) Graph: Axes labelled [1]

Scales [1]
Five points [2]
Best straight line [1]

(b) Large triangle [1]

Candidate’s value of gradient [1]
Unit: A [1]

(c) Subs in gradient = VS/πρD [1]

S in range 7.5 × 10-2 to 8.0 × 10-2 mm2 [1] [20]

127
 Section B

3 (a) (i) V = 100 ml by measuring cylinder [1]

T by stopwatch [1]
Repeat [1]

(ii) eg D by travelling microscope or vernier calipers [1]

two directions at right angles [1]
r = D/2 [1]
uncertainty consistent with method [1]

(iii) Run liquid thread up and down tube, check length [1]
if length constant, bore uniform [1]

Quality of Written Communication

2 marks

The candidate expresses ideas clearly and fluently, through well-linked

sentences and paragraphs. Arguments are generally relevant and well
structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

1 mark

The candidate expresses ideas clearly, if not always fluently. Arguments may
sometimes stray from the point. There are some errors in grammar, punctuation
and spelling, but not such as to suggest a weakness in these areas.

0 marks

The candidate expresses ideas satisfactorily, but without precision. Arguments

may be of doubtful relevance or obscurely presented. Errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling are sufficiently intrusive to disrupt the understanding
of the passage. [2]

(b) (i) Graph of lg T against lg r or ln T against ln r [1]

m = gradient [1]
lg T = lg (constant) + m lg r or equivalent ln [1]

(ii) Take intercept [1]

intercept = lg (ALV) or ln (ALV) [1]

(c) 1 Eg care in inserting tube in rubber bung [1]

2 Eg care not to poke projecting tube into eye [1]
eg slippery floor because of spilt water

(d) any graph showing T decreasing with increasing r [1]

correct curve [1] [20]

128
Useful Formulae for AS 1 and AS 2

The data and formulae sheet will provide the following information:

Values of constants

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

elementary charge e = 1.60 × 10 -19 C

the Planck constant h = 6.63 × 10 -34 J s

mass of electron m e = 9.11 × 10 -31 kg

mass of proton m p = 1.67 × 10 -27 kg

acceleration of free fall on the Earth’s g = 9.81 m s -2

surface

electron volt 1 eV = 1.60 × 10 -19 J

The following equations may be useful in answering some of the questions in the examination:

Mechanics

Conservation of energy 1
2 mv 2 − 21 mu 2 = Fs for a constant force

Hooke’s Law F = kx (spring constant k)

Sound

I
Sound intensity level/dB = 10 lg 10
I0

Waves

ay
Two-source interference λ=
d

Light

1 1 1
Lens formula + =
u v f
v
Magnification m=
u

129
Electricity

Terminal potential difference V = ε − Ir (E.m.f ε; Internal Resistance r)

R1Vin
Potential divider Vout =
R1 + R 2

Particles and photons

h
de Broglie equation λ=
p

130
Useful Formulae for A2 1 and A2 2

The data and formulae sheet will provide the following information:

Values of constants

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

permeability of a vacuum μ 0 = 4 π × 10 -7 H m -1

permittivity of a vacuum ε 0 = 8.85 × 10-12 F m -1

⎛ 1 ⎞
⎜⎜ = 8.99 × 10 9 F -1 m ⎟⎟
⎝ 4 πε 0 ⎠
elementary charge e = 1.60 × 10 -19 C

the Planck constant h = 6.63 × 10 -34 J s

(unified) atomic mass unit 1 u = 1.66 × 10 -27 kg

mass of electron m e = 9.11 × 10 -31 kg

mass of proton m p = 1.67 × 10 -27 kg

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

the Avogadro constant N A = 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 on the Earth’s g = 9.81 m s −2

surface

electron volt 1 e V = 1.60 × 10 -19 J

The following equations may be useful in answering some of the questions in the examination.

Mechanics

Conservation of energy 1
2 mv 2 − 21 mu 2 = Fs for a constant force

Hooke’s Law F = kx (spring constant k)

Simple harmonic motion

Displacement x = A cos ωt

131
Sound
I
Sound intensity level/dB = 10 lg 10
I0

Waves
ay
Two-source interference λ=
d
Thermal physics

Average kinetic energy of a molecule 1

2 m < c 2 >= 23 kT

Kinetic theory pV = 13 Nm < c 2 >

Thermal energy Q = mcΔθ

Capacitors
1 1 1 1
Capacitors in series = + +
C C1 C 2 C3

Capacitors in parallel C = C1 + C 2 + C3

Time constant τ = RC
Light
1 1 1
Lens formula + =
u v f
v
Magnification m=
u

Electricity

Terminal potential difference V = ε − Ir (E.m.f ε; Internal Resistance r)

R1Vin
Potential divider Vout =
R1 + R 2

Particles and photons

Radioactive decay A = λN
A = A0 e - λt

0.693
Half-life t1 =
2 λ
h
de Broglie equation λ=
p

The nucleus
1
Nuclear radius r = r0 A 3

132