UACE PHYSICS PAPER 2004 GUIDE

Instructions to the candidates:

Answer five questions taking at least one from each of the sections A, B, C and D, but not more than
one question should be chosen from either section A or B

Any additional question (s) will not be marked.

Mathematical tables and squared paper will be provided

Non programmable calculators may be used.

Assume where necessary

Acceleration due to gravity, g 9.81ms-2

Electron charge, e 1.6 x10-19C

Electron mass 9.11 x 10-31kg

Plank’s constant, h 6.6 x 10-34Js

Speed of light in the vacuum, c 3.0 x 108ms-1

Specific heat capacity of water 4.200Jkg-1K-1

Avogadro’s number, NA 6.02 x 1023mol-1

1
The constant, 9.0 x 109F-1m
4𝜋𝜀0

Permittivity of free space, μ0 4.0π x 10-7Hm-1

Permittivity of free space, ε0 8.85 x 10-12Fm-1

One electron volt 1.6 x 10-19J

Resistivity of Nichrome wire at 250C 1.2 x 10-6Ωm

SECTION A

1. (a) What is meant by the following terms as applied to a telescope?

(i) magnifying power (01mark)

This is the ratio of the angle α’ subtended at the eye by the image when using an a
telescope to the angle, α, subtended at unaided eye by the object.
𝛼′
M= where α’ and α are in radians
𝛼

(ii) eye-ring (01mark)

It is the image of objective in the eye piece. It is the best position for the eye to see the
image clearly.

(b) (i) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the final image by an astronomical
telescope in normal adjustment. (03marks)

(ii) With the aid of the diagram in (b) (i), derive an expression for the magnifying power of an
astronomical telescope in normal adjustment. (04marks)

To obtain the magnification, m, we assume the eye is very close to the eye piece.

For an aided eye (using the instrument)

For small angle, tanα’ ≈ α’ for small angle in radians
ℎ
α’ = ………………………………………… (i)
𝑓𝑒
Where, h, is the height of image I, fe is the focal length of eye piece
For unaided eye
ℎ
α = ………………………………………….. (ii)
𝑓0
f0 is the focal length of objective lens
Combining equations (i) and (ii)
𝛼′ ℎ ℎ 𝒇𝒐
Magnifying power, m = = ÷ =
𝛼 𝑓𝑒 𝑓𝑜 𝒇𝒆
 (iii) Give the disadvantage of the telescope in (b)(i) when used to view distant objects on
earth. Describe how the telescope can be modified to overcome this disadvantage.
(04marks)

- It forms inverted image. This can be overcome by using an erect lens or

converting it into a terrestrial telescope as shown in the figure below.

(c) Find the separation of the eye-piece and objective of an astronomical telescope of
magnifying power 20 and in normal adjustment, if its eyepiece has a focal length of 5cm.
(04marks)

Focal length of objective,

𝑓0
M=
𝑓𝑒

 f0= 20 x 5 = 100cm

Separation = f0 + fe = 100 + 5 = 105cm

(d) State three advantages of a reflecting telescope over a refracting telescope. (03marks)

Advantages of reflecting telescopes

(i) There is no chromatic aberration since no refraction occurs at the objective
(ii) There is no spherical aberration since a paraboloidal mirror is used.
(iii) It is cheaper to construct since only one surface requires grinding.
(iv)When curved mirrors of large diameter are used, a greater resolving power is obtained.

2. (a) Define the terms principal focus and power of a lens. (02marks)

Principal focus “F” of a lens is a point on the principal axis where paraxial rays
incident on the lens and parallel to the principal axis converge or appear to diverge from
after refraction by the lens.
Power lens is the reciprocal of the focal length in meters
(b) Derive the relation between the focal length, f, objective distance, u, and image distance, v,
for a thin lens. (07marks)

Consider in each case a ray incident on the same lens at a small height h above the principal
axis as shown:
 From Fig (i), the ray parallel and close to principal axis is converged to the focal point F and
suffer a small deviation d
ℎ
where d ≈ tan d = ---------------------------------- (i)
𝑓

From Fig (ii), the ray from a point object O suffers the same small deviation D to give rise to
a point image I.
ℎ ℎ
From geometry, d = α + β where α ≈ tanα = and β ≈ tan β =
𝑢 𝑣
ℎ ℎ
d= + ----------------------------- (ii)
𝑢 𝑣

Equating equations (i) and (ii) gives

ℎ ℎ ℎ
= +
𝑓 𝑢 𝑣

1 1 1
Thus = +
𝑓 𝑢 𝑣

(c) A thin converging lens, P, of focal length 10cm and a thin diverging lens, Q, of focal length
15cm are placed coaxially 50cm apart. If an object, O, is placed 12cm from P on the side
remote from Q.

(i) find the position, nature and magnification of the final image. (07marks)

Action of P
1 1 1
From = +
𝑓 𝑢 𝑣

1 1 1
= − ; u = 60cm
𝑢 10 12

Action of Q
u = 50 -60 = -10cm
1 1 1
= − − (− )), v = 30cm
𝑣 15 10

The image is real 30cm from Q

Magnification, M = M1 x M2
 𝑣1 𝑣2 60 30
= 𝑥 = 𝑥 = 30
𝑢1 𝑢2 12 10

(ii) Sketch a ray diagram to show the formation of the final image. (02marks)

(d) Explain why lenses of narrow aperture are preferred to lenses of wide aperture in optical
instruments (02marks)

Lenses with narrow aperture minimize spherical aberration because they only allow paraxial
rays to be focus to one spot

3. (a) (i) What is meant by polarized light

Polarized light is one which is transmitted by vibrations in only one particular plane
(ii) Describe how plane polarized light can be produced (02marks)
- Selective absorption: a sheet of Polaroid is placed with its plane perpendicular to the
direction of light rays. Only light vibrations of a particular orientation to the axes of
the crystal are transmitted.
- Reflection: unpolarized light is made incident on the surface of glass or water at a
certain angle such that reflected light is perpendicular to refracted light. The reflected
light is totally polarized.
- Double reflection: when unpolarized light is incident on a crystal of calcite, it is split
into two rays called ordinary and extraordinary. The two rays are plane polarized
perpendicular to each other.
(iii) Sketch the time variation of electric and magnetic vectors in plane polarized light.

(b) Two coherent sources a distance, S, apart produce light of wavelength λ which overlap at
a point on a screen at distance D from the sources to form interference pattern.
(i) What is meant by coherent sources? (02marks)

Two sources are said to be coherent when they have the same frequency and
nearly the same amplitude, their vibrations are always in phase with each other.

𝜆𝐷
(ii) Show that fringe width, ω, is given by ω = (04marks)
𝑆
 Let P be the position of the mth bright fringes, the

S2P – S1P = mλ ……………………………………..…… (i)

The path difference between the waves arriving at P from S1 and S2 is

S2N = S2P – S1P ………………………………………….(ii)

Since S1S2 is very small, and PM>>S1S2 is nearly perpendicular to S2P such that

S2N ≈ Ssinθ
𝑋𝑚
For small values of θ, sinθ ≈ tan θ =
𝐷
𝑆𝑋𝑚
Hence S2N ≈ ………………………………………………………………….. (iii)
𝐷

From eqn. (i), (ii) and (iii)

𝑆𝑋𝑚
mλ =
𝐷

(𝑚−1)𝜆𝐷
From (m -1)th bright fringe , Xm-1 =
𝑆

𝜆𝐷
∴ Fringe width Xm – Xm-1 =
𝑆

(iii) If λ = 5.46 x 10-7m, S = 5 x 10-5m and D = 0.3m, find the angular position of the
first dark fringe on the screen.(04marks)
2𝑚−1 𝜆𝐷
For dark fringe, Xm =( )
2 𝑆
0.5 𝑥 5.46 𝑥 10−7 𝑥 0.3
1st dark fringe X1 =
5 𝑥 10−5
𝑋𝑚 0.5 𝑥 5.46 𝑥 10−7
But angular position θ = = = 5.46 x 10-3 rad or 0.3120.
𝐷 5 𝑥 10−5

(c) (i) What is meant by diffraction of light? (02marks)

Diffraction is the spreading of light beyond its geometrical shadows leading to
interference.
(ii) Light of wavelength 6 x 10-7m is incident on diffraction grating with 500 lines per cm.
find the diffraction angle for the first order image. 03marks)

10 𝑥 10−3
λ = 6 x 10-7m; d = = 2 𝑥 10−5 m
500
dsinθ = mλ
 𝑚𝜆
since θ is very small, θ =
𝑑
st 𝜆 6 𝑥 10−7
for 1 order image θ = = = 3 x 10-2rad = 1.720
𝑑 2 𝑥 105

4. (a)(i) Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves (02marks)

Transverse waves are those which propagate by vibrations perpendicular to the direction of
travel of the wave. While in longitudinal waves the vibrations occur in the same direction as
the direction of travel of the wave.

(ii) Define wavelength of a wave. (01mark)

Wavelength of a wave is the distance between two successive particles in phase. Or the
distance between two successive crests or trough.

(b) Describe with the aid of a diagram, an experiment to show the fundamental frequency
varies with the tension in a given wire.

A sonometer below is used.

The length L between the bridges is fixed.

A suitable mass, m, is attached to the free end of the wire.
The wire is plucked in the middle and a tuning fork of known frequency, f, is sounded
The mass m corresponding to the frequency, f, are recorded in the table including values of f2.
The procedure is repeated for different values of f.
A graph of f2 against m is plotted.
A straight line graph is obtained through the origin, implying that f2 ∝ m
𝑇
But m =
𝑔
𝑇
∴ f = √ thus increase in tension, T, increases the frequency, f, of the wire.
𝑔

(c) A sound wave propagating in the x-direction is given by the equation

y = 2 x 10-7sin(sin 8000t-25x) meters. Find
(i) Amplitude (01mark)
= 2 x 10-7m
(ii) The speed of the wave (05marks)
𝑥
Compare with y = asin2π(ft - )
𝜆
 2𝜋𝑥 2𝜋
25x = or λ =
𝜆 25
Also 2πft = 8000t
8000
f =
2𝜋
8000 2𝜋
v = fλf= = = 320ms-1
2𝜋 25
(d) Explain why the amplitude of a wave goes on decreasing as the distance from the
source increases

As the wave progresses, energy is continuously absorbed by the medium

SECTION B

5. (a) with the aid of a diagram, describe briefly an experiment to illustrate Lenz’s law of
electromagnetic induction (05marks)

- The galvanometer is first connected in series with a battery and the direction for a
given direction of current is determined.
- The battery is disconnected and is replaced by a coil of known winds.
- A strong permanent magnet is brought towards the coil with N-pole facing the coil,
the galvanometer deflects in a direction for which the side of the coil facing the
magnet is N-pole.
- When the magnet is move away from the coil, the galvanometer deflects in opposite
direction, implying that the pole near the coil is a S-pole.
- In the first case, the pole due to the induced current was repelling the approaching
magnet, while in the second case, the pole was attracting the receding magnet.
- The induced current therefore is in such as to oppose the change causing it, which is
Lenz’s law.

(b) Explain the main precautions taken in the construction of an a.c. transformer. (04marks)

The main precaution

- Low resistance copper wire are used to reduce I2R losses.
- Laminated core reduce Eddy currents
- Use of soft iron core reduce hysteresis
- Winding secondary coil on top of primary to reduce magnetic flux leakage.
(c) Explain the effect of the following on the voltage across the secondary coil of a.c
transformer.
(i) A fall in the supply frequency of the current in the primary (04marks)
Transformer works on the principal of mutual induction i.e. induced e.m.f in the secondary.
 𝑑 (𝑁𝜙) 𝑑 (𝑁𝐴𝐵)
ES = =
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
But B + KI0sin2πft
𝑑 (sin 2𝜋𝑓𝑡)
∴ ES = 𝑁𝐴𝐼0
𝑑𝑡
= NAKI0.2πftcos 2πft
E0 = NAKI0.2πft
Hence when the supply frequency falls, the output voltage also falls.

(i) A reduction in the primary turns. (02marks)

𝑁𝑝 𝑁𝑝
=
𝑁𝑓 𝑉𝑆
𝑁𝑆 𝑉𝑃
𝑉𝑆 =
𝑁𝑃
Hence a reduction in primary turns causes an increase in secondary voltage.

(d) A transformer whose secondary coil has 60 turns and primary 1200 turns, has its
secondary connected to a 3Ω resistor. If its primary is connected to a 240V a.c supply,
calculate the current flowing in the primary assuming that the transformer is 80%
efficient. (05marks)

𝑁𝑆 𝑉𝑃 60 𝑥 240
𝑉𝑆 = = = 12V
𝑁𝑃 1200
𝑉𝑆 12
𝐼𝑆 = = = 4.0𝐴
𝑅 3
𝑉𝑆 𝐼𝑆 = 0.8𝑉𝑃 𝐼𝑃
12 𝑥 4 = 0.8 𝑥 240 𝑥 𝐼𝑃
𝐼𝑃 = 0.25𝐴

6. (a) When can an alternating current be referred to as being sinusoidal?(01mark)

An alternating current is referred to as sinusoidal when its variation with time can be
represented by a sine wave.
(b) Define
(i) the root mean square value of an alternating current (01mark)

Root mean square value of an a.c is the value of steady current which dissipates heat at the
same rate in a given resistor as a.c.

(ii) reactance (01mark)

Reactance is non resistive opposition to the flow of a.c through an inductor or capacitor.
(c) Describe the structure and action of a meter that makes use of a thermocouple in
measuring the root mean square value of an alternating current. Why this meter does has
high sensitivity. (05marks)

Solution
P and Q are dissimilar wires
Current to be measured is passed through the wire AB and heats the junction R of the
thermocouple. The thermoelectric effect generated at R causes a direct current to flow
through the micrometer calibrated to measure the r.m.s value of current.

The meter has high sensitivity because of its low inductance and capacitance

(d) (i) Show that current leads voltage by 900 when a sinusoidal voltage is applied across a
capacitor. (05marks)

Solution
Let p.d across the capacitor at time t be V
V = V0sin2πft
Charge on the capacitor is Q = CV, where C is the capacitance of the capacitor.
The instantaneous current flowing through the capacitor,
𝑑𝑄
I=
𝑑𝑡
𝑑(𝐶𝑉0 sin 2𝜋𝑓𝑡)
=
𝑑𝑡
=2πfCV0cos 2πft
𝜋
From trigonometry, cos 2πft = sin (2πft + )
2
𝜋
 I = 2πfCV0sin(2πft + )
2
𝜋
Hence current leads voltage by = 900.
2

(ii) Sketch a phase diagram to illustrate the orientation of the current vector with respect
to voltage vector in (d)(i) above. (01mark)

(e)
 An inductor, L, a capacitor, C and switch, K, are connected as shown above. Explain, briefly
what happens when the switch K is closed (06marks)

When switch K is closed, the charged capacitor begins to discharge and current flows. A
magnetic field now begins to build up around L, and by Lenz’s law, an e.m.f is induced in L so
as to oppose the current, C therefore discharges slowly. When it is completely discharged,
the electrical energy originally stored in the electric field between the capacitor plates has
been transferred to magnetic field around L.

At this instant, the magnetic field begins to collapse and a p.d is induced in L which tries to
maintain the field. Current therefore flows in the same direction as before and C gets
charged in the reverse sense creating a magnetic field of opposite polarity.

Discharge again occurs in opposite direction to attain the initial charge on either plates and
the whole process is repeated over and over again.

7. (a) What is meant by magnetic meridian? (01mark)

Magnetic meridian is the vertical plane through the earth containing the earth’s magnetic
axis. Or it is a vertical plane in which a freely suspended magnet sets.

(b)(i) Describe the effect of eddy currents in a dynamo and state how they can be reduced?
(03mark)
Eddy currents cause heating up of the dynamo armature core. This reduces
efficiency since some of the energy input is converted into heat. This problem is
reduced by laminating the core to prevent circulation of these currents.

(ii) Explain why eddy currents are useful in a moving coil galvanometer. (03marks)

In a moving coil galvanometer, eddy currents damp the oscillation of the coil. This makes
the pointer to settle at point quickly. It is desirable for quick and accurate reading.

(ii) What is the difference between a motor and dynamo? (02marks)

A motor converts electrical into mechanical energy while a motor converts mechanical
into electrical energy.

(c) Describe how a search coil and calibrated ballistic galvanometer can be used to measure
magnetic flux density at a given point near a wire carrying current. (06marks)
 A search coil of know geometry connected in series with a ballistic galvanometer BG is
placed close and with its plane parallel to the wire under test.

Switch K is closed and deflection θ1 on BG is taken.

K is then opened and deflection θ2 on BG is taken again.

𝜃1 + 𝜃2
The average θ = is determined
2

Now Q = kθ
𝐵𝐴𝑁
Also, Q =
𝑅
𝑘𝑅
∴B=
𝐴𝑁

Where A = Area of the coil

N = Number of turns

R- total resistance of the circuit

k = calibration constant

(d) An aircraft is flying horizontally at 800kmh-1 at a point where the earth’s magnetic flux
density is 2.31 x 10-5T and angle of dip is 600. If the distance between the wing tips is
50m, calculate the potential difference induced between its wing tips. (05marks)

BV = 2.31 x 10-5 sin 600 = 2 x 10-5 T

1000
e.m.f induced = BLu = BVLu = 2 x 10-5 x 50 x 800 x = 0.22V
3600

u = velocity in m/s

SECTION C

8. (a) (i) define electrical resistivity and state its units (02marks)
Electrical resistivity of a material is the resistance between opposite faces of 1m cube of the
material. It is measured in Ohms (Ω)
 (ii) Describe with the aid of circuit diagram, an experiment to determine the electrical
resistivity of a given wire using a meter bridge. (07marks)

A length Lx of the wire under test is connected in the left hand gap of the Meter
Bridge and standard of resistance Rs in the right hand gap as shown above. Switch K
is closed and the jockey tapped at different points along the uniform wire AB until a
point is found where the galvanometer shows no deflection. Distance L1 and L2 are
measured and recorded.
The procedure is repeated for different length of Lx and the results tabulated
𝐿1
including the values of Rx = 𝑅𝑠
𝐿2
A graph of Rx against Rx against Lx is plotted and slope S is determined.
The average diameter, D, of the wire is measure from different points of the wire.
𝜋𝐷2
Resistivity, ρ =𝑆 ( )
4
(iii) The resistivity of mild steel is 15 x 10-8Ωm at 200C and its temperature coefficient is
50 x 10-4K-1. Calculate the resistivity at 600C. (05marks)
ρθ = ρ0(1 + αθ)
15 x 10-8 = ρ0(1 + 20 x 50 x 10-4)
15 10−8
ρ0 = = 1.364 x 10-7
(1+20 𝑥 50 𝑥 10−4 )
15 10−8
ρ60 = (1 + 60 𝑥 50 𝑥 10−4 ) = 1.77 x 10-7
(1+20 𝑥 50 𝑥 10−4 )

(b)

Resistors of 2Ω and 4Ω are connected in series with power supplies of 12V and 8V as shown
in the figure above. Calculate

(i) The reading of voltmeter (04marks)

Net e.m.f = 12-8 =4V
Total resistance = 2 + 4 = 6Ω
 𝐸 4 2
I= = = 𝐴
𝑅 6 3
Reading of the voltmeter =12-IR (R = 2)
2
= 12 - 𝑥2
3
= 10.7V
(ii) The power dissipated in the 4Ω resistor (02marks)
2 2
P = I2R = ( ) 𝑥 4 = 1.78W
3
9. (a) Define the following
(i) Capacitance of capacitor (01mark)
Capacitance of a capacitor is the ratio of the magnitude of charge on one of the
plates of the capacitor, to the potential difference between the plates.

(ii) Dielectric constant (01mark)

Dielectric constant of a material is the ratio of the capacitance of a capacitor when
the space between its plates is filled with the material, to the capacitance of the
same capacitor when the space between its plates is a vacuum.

(b) Explain the effect of dielectric on the capacitance of a capacitor. (04marks)

When a dielectric is placed between the plates of an insulated charged capacitor, it gets
polarized with the sides near each plate bearing opposite charge to that on the plate.

These are bound charges which are not neutralized thus develop an electric field that
oppose the applied electric field.

They lower electric field and voltage between the plates which increases capacitance of
the capacitor.

(c) Derive an expression for energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance, c, charged to a

voltage, V. (05marks)

Suppose the p.d between the plates at some instant is V. When a small charge of δq is
transferred from the negative plate to the positive plat, the p.d increases by δV.
Work done to transfer the charge; δw = (V + δV)δq
≈ Vδq
𝑞
But V =
𝐶
𝑞
∴ 𝛿𝑞
𝐶
𝑞𝑞 1 𝑄2 1
Total work done=∫0 𝛿𝑞 = = 𝐶𝑉 2
𝐶 2 𝐶 2
Or
From q = CV, V is proportional to q, this gives the graph of V against q below
 1
Shaded area = (𝑉 + 𝑉 + 𝛿𝑉) 𝑥 𝑑𝑉
2
= work done to increase charge on the capacitor by δq
∴ to charge a capacitor from q = 0 to q = Q
Work done, w = average voltage x charge
1
= (0 + 𝑉)𝑥 𝑄
2
1
= 𝑄𝑉
2
But Q = CV
1
∴w = 𝐶𝑉 2
2

(d)

In the figure above, C1, C2, and C3 are capacitors of capacitances 3μF, 2μF and 2μF
respectively, connected to a battery of e.m.f 100V.

(i) Calculate the energy stored in the system of capacitors if the space between the
plates of C1 is filled with an insulator of dielectric constant 3, and the capacitors
are fully charged. (06marks)
Net capacitance of C2 and C3 in parallel is C4 = C2 + C3 = 2 + 2 = 4μF
After inserting dielectric, C1 become C5 = 3C1 = 3 x 3 = 9μF
9𝑥4
Net capacitance C of C4 and C5 = =2.77μF
9+4
1 1
Energy stored = 𝐶𝑉 2 = 𝑥 2.77 𝑥 10−6 𝑥 1002 = 0.01385J
2 2
(ii) Account for the change in energy stored by an isolated parallel plate capacitor
when the plate separation is doubled. (03marks)
1 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑑
E = 𝑐𝑉 2 = =
2 2𝐶 2𝜀0 𝐴
 When the separation is doubled, the energy stored is doubled.
 To increase the separation, work is done n pulling the plates apart. This work done
(energy) is stored as electrical energy between plates of the capacitor.

END