UACE PHYSICS PAPER 2000 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) Define the principal focus of a converging lens. (1mark)
The principal focus of a converging lens is the point on the principal axis at which paraxial rays
converge after refraction by the lens.

(b) A converging lens of focal length, f, is placed between a finite object and a screen. The
position of the screen is adjusted until a clear magnified image is obtained on the screen.
Keeping the screen fixed in this position, a distance L from the object, the lens is displaced
through a distance, d, to obtain a clear diminished image on the screen.

(i) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the image in the two cases. (02marks)

(ii)Show that L2 – d2 = 4df (05marks)

Lens A forms an image of O at I

By the principle of reversibility of light, an object at I forms an image at O. When the
object and the screen are fixed, another clear image can be formed by the lens when
moved from A to B.

From the diagram

OB = IA and OA =IB
OA + BI = L-d
OA + OA + L-d (since OA + IB)
2OA = L-d
𝐿−𝑑
AO = = u ……………………(i)
2

Also, AI = AB + BI
AI = AB + OA (since OA = BI
𝐿−𝑑 𝐿+𝑑
AI = d + = =v
2 2
1 1 1
Using the formula = +
𝑓 𝑢 𝑣
1 1 1
= 𝐿−𝑑 + 𝐿+𝑑
𝑓
2 2
1 4𝐿
=
𝑓 𝐿2 −𝑑 2

(iii) Find the product of the magnifications produced in the two cases. (02marks)
 (𝐿+𝑑)⁄
𝐿+𝑑
M1 = (𝐿−𝑑) 2 =
⁄2 𝐿−𝑑

(𝐿−𝑑)⁄
𝐿−𝑑
M2 = (𝐿+ 𝑑) 2 =
⁄2 𝐿+𝑑

𝐿+𝑑 𝐿−𝑑
M1M2 = 𝑥 =1
𝐿−𝑑 𝐿+𝑑

(c) (i) Draw a ray diagram to show how two converging lenses, one of long focal length, f1, and the
other of shorter focal length, f2, can be arranged to make an astronomical telescope in normal
adjustment. (02marks)

(ii) Derive the expression for the magnifying power of the telescope in this setting. (03marks)

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

(d) The objective of a compound microscope has focal length of 2.0cm while the eyepiece has a
focal length of 5.0cm. An object is placed at a distance of 2.5cm in front of the objective. The
distance of the eyepiece from the objective is adjusted so that the final image is 25cm in front
of the eyepiece. Find the distance between the objective and the eyepiece. (05marks)
1 1 1
From = +
𝑓 𝑢 𝑣

Action of eyepiece
1 1 1
= − , u = 4.2cm
5 𝑢 25
 Action of objective
1 1 1
= + , v = 10.0cm
2 2.5 𝑣

Separation = u + v= 10.0 + 4.2 = 14.2cm

2. (a) (i) What is meant by refraction of light? (01mark)

Refraction is the bending of light rays at the interface between two media of different optical
densities.
Or
It is the change n velocity of light at the interface between two media of different optical
densities

(ii) State laws of refraction (02marks)

- Incident ray, refracted ray at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane
- the ration of the sine of incident angle to the sine of angle of refraction is constant for
a given pair of the medium
-

(b) Describe how the refractive index of a material of a glass prism of known refractive angle can
be determined using a spectrometer (06marks)

Before the spectrometer is put in to use, 3 adjustments must be made onto it

and these include,
(i) The collimator is adjusted to produce parallel rays of
light.
(ii) The turntable is leveled.
(iii) The telescope is adjusted to receive light from the
collimator on its cross wire
- A prism of know refractive angle A is placed on the table
with refractive angle facing away from the collimator
- The table is turned in the direction of the base of the
prism until light is seen.
- Keeping the light in view. The prism, table and telescope
are turned until light moves in opposite direction.
Position T1 is noted.
- The table is fixed and prism is removed,
- The telescope is turned in opposite direction until the
parallel light is incident at the cross wire. Position T and
 angle of minimum deviation Dmin are noted.
- The refractive index of glass is obtained from
(𝐴+ 𝐷𝑚𝑖𝑛 )
𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
n= 𝐴
sin
2

(c)

A ray of light is incident on face Ad of a glass bloc as shown in the figure above. The refractive
index of the material of the glass block is 1.52. If the ray emerges normally through face BC
after total internal reflection, calculate the angle, i. (05marks)

From the diagram r = 300

From Snell’s law, nsini = constant

1sini = 1.52sin 30

i = 49.50

(d) Explain how a mirage is formed. (03marks)

Mirage is what is observed as a pool of water on a tarmac road at some distance a head
on a hot day. It is formed by total internal reflection because on hot day, the hot air
near the earth surface has lower refractive index than cool air above it.
 (e) An object at a depth of 3.0m below the surface of water is observed directly from above the
surface. Calculate the apparent displacement of the object if the refractive index is 1.33.
(03marks)
𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ
Refractive index =
𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ

3.0
1.33 =
𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ

Apparent depth = 2.25

Displacement = 3 – 2.25 = 0.75cm

3. (a) State the principle of superposition of waves (1mark)

The total displacement of any particle by waves is the sum of their individual’s
displacements.
(b) Two loud speakers producing sound of the same frequency are placed 50m apart facing
each other. An observer walks from one speaker to the other along the line of the
speaker.
(i) What does the observer hear? (2marks)
The observer hears alternate loud and soft sound. The loud and soft sounds
come at equal distance along the observer’s path.
(ii) Explain the observation in (b)(i) (4marks)
The two waves superpose to form interference pattern. Loud sound is heard
when the path difference of the waves is an integral even multiple of a half
wavelength
The soft or no sound is formed when the path difference in an integral odd
multiple of half a wavelength.

(c) Describe with the aid of a diagram how you can determine the velocity of sound in air
by a method which uses interference of sound. (6marks)
 The loud speaker, L is connected to an oscillator of constant frequency, f.
A microphone, M is connected to the Y-plates of a cathode ray tube.
The microphone is moved away from B towards L until the amplitude of the wave on
C.R.O is maximum.
The position P of the microphone is noted and distance BP is measured.
The microphone is move farther away from B to Q where another maximum amplitude
of wave front is obtained. Distance BQ is measured and recorded.
𝜆
The distance between two successive maxima d= BQ – BP = where λ is the wavelength
2
Velocity of sound = fλ = 2df.
(d) A progressive wave and stationary wave each has a frequency of 240Hz and speed of
80ms-1. Calculate
(i) Phase difference between two vibrating points in progressive waves, which are 6cm
apart. (04marks)
f = 240Hz, v = 80ms-1
2𝜋𝑥
Phase angle φ =
𝜆
2𝜋𝑥1 − 𝑥2
Phase difference φ =
𝜆
2𝜋∆𝑥
∆φ =
𝜆
∆x = 6cm = 6 x 10-2m
2𝜋𝑥 6 𝑥 10−2
 ∆φ =
𝜆

But v = fλ
𝑣 80 1
λ= = = 𝑚
𝜆 240 3

2𝜋𝑥 6 𝑥 10−2
 ∆φ = 1⁄ = 1.13 rad
3
(ii) Distance between nodes in stationary wave. (03marks)
𝜆
Distance between nodes =
2
𝑣 80 1
But λ = = = = 𝑚
𝜆 240 3
1 1
Hence distance between nodes = ÷2= 𝑚 𝑜𝑟 0.17𝑚
3 6
4. (a) What is meant by coherent source of light? (03marks)

Coherent sources are sources with the same frequency and nearly the same amplitude
and constant phase difference between them

(e) (i) outline the principles of Young’s double slit interference and derive the expression
for fringe separation. (07marks)
The principles of Young’s double slit interference

A wave from source, S, is incident on the double slits where division of wave front
occurs.
This makes S1 and S2 coherent sources,
Waves S1 and S2 superpose and where a crest meets a crest or a trough meets a
trough, maximum intensity is obtained.
In between the maxima are points of minimum intensity.

Fringe separation

A and B are coherent sources.

Suppose waves from A and B superpose at P to form bright fringe

Path difference, BN = BP – AP = dsinθ

For D>>d, θ is small that sinθ = dtanθ

𝑑𝑦𝑚
 BN = dtanθ =
𝐷
For the mth bright fringe, BN = mλ, where λ is the wavelength
𝑑𝑦𝑚
 = mλ
𝐷
𝑚𝜆𝐷
𝑦𝑚 =
𝑑

𝑑𝑦𝑚+1
For (m + 1)th bright fringe, = (m + 1)λ
𝐷

(𝑚+1)𝜆𝐷
𝑦𝑚+1 =
𝑑

(𝑚+1)𝜆𝐷 𝑚𝜆𝐷 𝜆𝐷
Fringe separation, y = y(m+1) - ym = − =
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
 (ii) What would be the effect of replacing monochromatic light by white light in Young’s
double slit experiment. (03marks)

When monochromatic light is replaced with white light colored fringes are observed
with the central fringe appearing white.
The distinct fringes are followed by blurred fringes which are followed with uniform
illumination
The blue fringes are nearest to the central fringe while the red fringe is farthest.

(c) An air wedge is formed by placing two glass slides of length 5.0cm in contact at one
end and a wire at the other end as shown in the figure below

Viewing from vertically above, 10 dark fringes are observe to occupy a distance of
2.5mm when the slides are illuminated with light of wavelength 500mm.
(i) Explain briefly how the fringes are formed. (03marks)
- Some of the light falling on the wedge is reflected upwards from the bottom
of the top slide and some of that transmitted is reflected upwards from the
top of the bottom slide.
- The light reflected from the top surface of bottom slide undergoes a phase
𝜆
change of π equivalent to additional path difference of
2
- The reflected waves trains superpose and dark fringes are observed when
the path difference = nλ while a bright fringe is observed when the path
2𝑛+1
difference = ( )𝜆
2

(ii) Determine the diameter of the wire. (04marks)

For the first 10 dark fringes, L = 5.0cm = 5.0 x 10-2m;

Solution
2.5 𝑥 10−3
Fringe separation = = 2.5 x 10-4m
10

λ = 500nm = 5 x 10-7m
𝜆 5 𝑥 10−7
tan θ = = = 1 x10-3
2𝑦 2 𝑥 2.5 𝑥 10−4

θ =1 x 10-3 rad = 0.060

A beat is the periodic rise and drop in intensity of sound heard when two notes of
nearly equal frequency are sounded together.
SECTION B
5. (a) Write down an expression for the magnetic flux density at
(i) A perpendicular distance, d, from a long straight wire carrying a current I, in vacuum.
(01mark)

𝜇0 𝐼
B=
2𝜋𝑑

(ii) The center of a circular coil of N turn of radius, R, and carrying a current, I(01mark)

𝜇0 𝑁𝐼
B=
2𝑅

(iii) The center of an air-cored solenoid of a turns per meter each carrying a current I.
(01mark)

B = 𝜇0 𝑛𝐼

(b) Sketch the magnetic field pattern around a vertical current carrying straight wire in the
earth’s field and used it to explain a neutral point in a magnetic field. (04marks).

At the neutral point, X, the earth’s magnetic field is equal and opposite of the magnetic field
due to the current carrying wire.

(c) What is meant by terms:

(i) magnetic meridian (01mark)

Magnetic meridian is a vertical plane in which a freely suspended or pivoted magnet

rests.

Or

It is the vertical plan containing the earth’s magnetic poles.

(ii) angle of dip? (01marks)

The angle dip is the angle between the horizontal and magnetic axis of freely suspended
magnet.
(d) A circular coil of 10 turn and diameter 12cm carries current I. The coil is placed with its
plane in the magnetic meridian. A small magnetic needle placed at the center of the coil
makes 30 oscillation per minute about a vertical axis.

When the current is cut off, it makes 15 oscillations per minute. If the horizontal
component of the earth’s magnetic flux density is 2.0 x 10-5T, calculate the magnitude of
I.

(Assume that the square of frequency of oscillation is proportional to the magnetic flux
density) (07marks)

Solution

BH = horizontal component of earth’s magnetic field

BC =magnetic flux density due to current in the coil

BR = resultant magnetic flux density.

𝐵𝑅 302
= =4
𝐵𝐻 152

𝐵𝑅 = √𝐵𝐶2 + 𝐵𝐻2

But 𝐵𝑅 = 4𝐵𝐻

𝐵𝑅2 = 16𝐵𝐻2

16𝐵𝐻2 = 𝐵𝐶2 + 𝐵𝐻2

𝐵𝐶2 = 𝐵𝐻 √15 = 2 x 10-5√15

𝜇0 𝑁𝐼
But 𝐵𝐶 =
2𝑅

4𝜋4 𝑥 10−7 𝑥10 𝑥 𝐼

2 x 10-5√15 = = 0.74A
12 𝑥 10−2

(e) Explain what is meant by eddy currents and give four of their applications. (04marks)
When the magnetic flux cutting across a metal changes, an e.m.f is induced in the metal.
This causes eddy currents to circulate within the metal. These currents flow in a
direction as to oppose the magnetic flux threading the metal
 Applications
- Damping in the moving coil galvanometer
- Detection of cracks in metal
- In electromagnetic brake system
- Used in sorting metallic objects from solid wastes.

6. (a) State laws of electromagnetic induction. (02 marks)

Faradays law states that the magnitude of the induced e.m.f is directly proportional to the
rate of change of the magnetic flux linked with the circuit.
Lenz’s law states that the e.m.f induced in a circuit is in such a direction so as to oppose the
change causing it

(b) (i) With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe the structure and mode of action of a.c.
transformer (05mark)

How it works
- The coil is rotated in a magnetic field, the magnetic field linked with it changes and
hence e.m.f is led away by means of slip rings which press slightly against the carbon
brushes.
- Applying Fleming’s right hand rule, the induced current enters the coil AB and leave the
coil via CD.
- Starting with the coil in the vertical position, the magnetic flux linking it is maximum and
hence no induced e.m.f.
- The induced e.m.f increases with the position of the coil in the magnetic field until it
becomes maximum with the coil in horizontal position and then decrease to zero as the
coil rotates to the vertical position
- The force acting on the sides of the coil change as the coil passes over the position and
hence he current flowing in the coil reverses. Hence an alternating e.m.f or current flows
through the load.

(ii) What are the main energy losses in a practical a.c. generator and how are they
minimized? (02marks)

- Eddy current loss are minimized by laminating the armature

- I2R losses are minimized by use of low resistance winding wires
- loss due to friction minimized by lubricating the rubbing parts
(c) An a.c. transformer operates on a 240V mains. The voltage across the secondary which
has 900 turns is 20V.

(i) Find the number of turns in the primary. (02marks)

VP = 240V, VS = 20V, NS = 960 turns
𝑉𝑠 𝑁𝑆
=
𝑉𝑃 𝑁𝑃
𝑉 960 𝑥 240
𝑁𝑃 = 𝑁𝑆 𝑃 = = 11520 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠
𝑉 𝑆 20

(ii) If the efficiency of the transformer is 80%, calculate the current in the primary coil
when a resistor of 40Ω is connected across the secondary. (04marks)

𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
Efficiency = 𝑥 100%
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝑉𝑆2⁄
= 𝑉2 𝑅 x 100%
𝑃⁄
𝐼𝑃
202⁄
80 =2402 40
⁄𝐼
𝑃
IP = 0.052A

(d) Two long parallel wires X and Y are separated by 8cm in a vacuum. The wires carry
currents of 10A and 5A respectively in the same direction. At What points between the
wires is the magnetic flux density is zero? (03marks)

Solution

Let b be the distance from wire X at which the resultant magnetic flux density is zero.
𝜇0 𝐼
Magnetic flux due to a wire carrying current I is B =
2𝜋𝑟
10𝜇0 10𝜇0
B1 = and B2 =
2𝜋𝑏 2𝜋(0.08−𝑏)
But the resultant magnetic flux density is zero when B1 = B2
10𝜇0 10𝜇0
Then, =
2𝜋𝑏 2𝜋(0.08−𝑏)
B = 0.053
Hence the resultant magnetic field is zero at points that are perpendicular distance of
0.053m from a wire carrying 10A.
7. (a) Define the terms amplitude and root mean square (r.m.s) value an alternating current.
(02marks)
Amplitude of an a.c is the maximum value of alternating current.
Root mean square value of a.c is the value of a steady current that dissipates heat at the
same rate as alternating current in a given resistor.

(b) A sinusoidal current I = 4sin (100πt) amperes flows through a resistor of resistance 2.0Ω.
Find the mean power dissipated in the resistor. Hence deduce the r.m.s value of the
current. (04marks)

Solution
Power dissipated = I2R = (4sin (100πt))2 x 2 = 32sin2(100πt)
But sin2(100πt) = ½
1
Then power = 32 x = 16W
2
2 2
Also, Power = 𝐼𝑟.𝑚.𝑠 𝑥 𝑅 = 2𝐼𝑟.𝑚.𝑠 = 16
2
𝐼𝑟.𝑚.𝑠 = 8

(c) Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how a hot wire ammeter works. (05marks)

- The current flows through a fine resistance-wire XY, which it heats.

- The wire warms up to such a temperature that it loses heat-mainly by convection-at
a rate equal to the average rate at which heat is developed in the wire.
- The rise in temperature of the wire makes it expand and sag; the sag is taken up by a
second fine wire PQ, which is held taut by a spring.
- The wire PQ passes round a pulley attached to the pointer of the instrument, which
rotates as the wire XY sags.
- The deflection of the pointer is roughly proportional to the average rate at which
heat is developed in the wire XY; it is therefore roughly proportional to the average
value of the square of the alternating current, and the scale is a square-law one.

(d) An inductor of inductance, L is connected across a source of alternating voltage,

V = V0sinωt.
(i) Find the current which flows (03marks)
V = V0sinωt.
𝑑𝐼
The back e.m.f E in the inductor wire due to charging current I is E = -L
𝑑𝑡
 Assuming the inductor has zero resistance, then for current to flow, the applied p.d, D must
be equal and opposite to the back e.m.f, hence
V = -E
𝑑𝐼
= -L
𝑑𝑡
𝑉 𝑉0
dI =− 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿
𝑉0
I=− ∫ sin 𝜔𝑡 . 𝑑𝑡
𝐿
𝑉0
I=- cos 𝜔𝑡
𝜔𝐿

(ii) Sketch using the same axes, the variation with time of the voltage across the inductor and
the current through it, and explain the phase difference between them (06marks)
Solution

𝑉0
V = V0sinωt and I = - cos 𝜔𝑡
𝜔𝐿
At A; Current lags behind voltage by a quarter a cycle or 900
At B; the current is zero but its rate of increase is at maximum, therefore for the inductor of
constant inductance, the rate of change of flux is also at a maximum. Hence the back e.m.f is
a maximum

SECTION C
8. (a) Distinguish between e.m.f and terminal p.d of a battery. (02marks)

Electromotive force of a battery is the energy supplied by the battery to transfer1C of charge
across a complete circuit in which the battery is connected while terminal p.d is the p.d
across external resistor in a circuit.

(b)(i) define electrical resistivity (01mark)

Electrical resistivity is the resistance across opposite faces of a 1m3 cube

(i) Explain any two factors on which the resistance of a conductor depends. (05marks)
- Temperature: an increase in temperature increases resistance of a conductor
because increase in temperature increases the amplitude of vibration of the atoms
in the conductor. This increases the rate of collision between drifting electrons and
the atom which reduced the drift speed of electrons. Hence increases resistance.
 - Cross section area: A big cross section area increases the number of electrons that
pass through in a unit time leading to higher current and low resistance
- Length: increase in length of a conductor leads to a longer path for electrons. This
increases the number of collision, lower the drift velocity and thus increases
resistance.

(c) Two wires A and B have length which are in ratio 4:5, diameter which are in ratio 2:1,
and resistances in ratio of 3:2. If the wires are arranged in parallel and a current of 1.0A
flows through the combination, find the
(i) Ratio of resistance of wire A to that of wire B (04marks)
𝐼𝐴 4 𝑑𝐴 2
= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 =
𝐼𝐵 5 𝑑𝐵 1
𝐴𝐴 𝑟𝐴 𝑅𝐴 3
 = ( ); =
𝐴𝐵 𝑟𝐵 𝑅𝐵 2
𝜌𝐴 .𝐿𝐴 𝜌𝐵 .𝐿𝐵
𝑅𝐴 = and 𝑅𝐵 =
𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐵
𝑅𝐴 𝜌𝐴 𝐿𝐴 𝐴𝐴
= . .
𝑅𝐵 𝜌𝐵 𝐿𝐵 𝐴𝐵
3 𝜌𝐴 4 2 2
= . .( )
2 𝜌𝐵 5 1
𝜌𝐴
= 0.47
𝜌𝐵

(ii) Current through wire A (03marks)

Total resistance across the parallel combination

1 1 1 5
= + =
𝑅′ 3𝑅 2𝑅 6𝑅
6𝑅
R’ =
5
𝐼 𝑥 6𝑅
V=IxR=
5
𝑉 6𝑅 1
I= = . = 0.4A
𝑅𝐴 5 3𝑅

(d) Explain why a wire becomes hot when current flows through it. (05marks)
The p.d applied across the wire increases the kinetic energy of the electrons; these
electrons collide with the ions and lose their kinetic energy partially converted to heat.

9. (a)(i) State Ohm’s law (01marks)

States that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the P.d. across
it provided that there is no change in physical conditions such as temperature of the
conductor.

(ii) State the factors which affect the resistance of a conductor. (02marks)
- Length of a conductor
- Cross-section area of the conductor
- temperature
(iii) A conductor of length L and cross section area A has free electrons per unit volume
each of charge e. find the drift velocity, v, of these electrons if a current, I, flows
through the conductor. (04marks)

In 1s electrons move through a distance v from Q, where v is the drift velocity.

Therefore charge crossing through cross-section area per second = (ne)vA
Current, I =nevA
𝐼
v=
𝑛𝑒𝐴
Alternatively
Volume of conductor = AL
Number of free electrons = nAL
Total charge drifting through the conductor = neAL
𝑛𝑒𝐴𝐿
In a given time, t; I =
𝑡
𝐿
= neAv (since v = )
𝑡
𝐼
v=
𝑛𝑒𝐴

(b) Outline the principle of a slide wire potentiometer. (04marks)

A potentiometer consists of a uniform wire AB about 1m, and a driver cell, X that maintains
a steady current I in the wire AB.

- The driver cell maintains a steady current through a uniform resistance wire AB.
- The p.d per unit length of the wire is therefore constant.
- At balance, when G shows no deflection, the p.d across length AJ = test p.d
i.e. V = kL

(c)

In the figure above the slide wire AB is 1m long and has resistance 4Ω. When switch S is:
 (i) Open the balance length Ac is 88.8cm. find the value of the e.m.f of the cell
(03mark)
4
p.d across AB = 2 x = 1.6V
5
1.6
p.d per cm = Vcm-1
100
1.6
e.m.f of the cell = 𝑥 88.8 = 1.42V
100

(ii) Closed, the balance length is found to be 82.5cm.

Calculate the internal resistance of a cell. (04marks)

𝐸 𝑅+𝑟 𝐿0
= =
𝑉 𝑅 𝐿
8+𝑟 88.8
=
8 82.5
r = 0.61Ω

(e) State two advantages of using a potentiometer for measuring voltage (02marks)
- It does not draw current from the p.d it measuring
- Can be used to compare small resistance
10. (a) What is a dielectric material
A dielectric is a material which does not possess conductible or free charges. It can
withstand a high electric field before it conducts.

(b) A capacitor filled with a dielectric is charge and then discharged through a milliammeter.
The dielectric is then withdrawn half way and the capacitor charged to the same
voltage, and discharged through the milliammeter again, show that the relative
permittivity, Er of the dielectric is given by
𝐼
𝐸𝑟 = where I and I’ are the readings of the milliammeter respectively. (06marks)
2𝐼 ′ −𝐼
Solution
𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 𝐴
- Initially, C = , where A is area of the plates and d is the separation of the plates
𝑑
- When the dielectric is withdrawn half way, the resultant capacitance is due to two
capacitors connected in parallel, each with plate area that is half the original.
- Eventually, C = C1 + C2
𝐴 𝐴
𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 𝜀0
2 2
= +
𝑑 𝑑

𝜀0 𝐴
= (𝜀𝑟 + 1)
2𝑑

Initial charge on the plates is Q = CV

Final on the plates is Q1 = C1V

𝐼 𝑄 𝐶𝑉 𝐶
= = =
𝐼1 𝑄1 𝐶1 𝑉 𝐶1

𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 𝐴 𝜀0 𝐴
= ÷ (𝜀𝑟 + 1)
𝑑 2𝑑
 2𝜀𝑟
=
𝜀𝑟 +1

(c) Describe with the aid of a diagram how you would determine the capacitance of a
capacitor. (05marks)

- The setup is shown above

- The is closed and the reading of current I and voltage V are noted at known
frequency, f of the reed switch.
𝐼
- The capacitance of a capacitor, C =
𝑓𝑉
Alternatively

- The circuit is connected as shown with a capacitor of known capacitance C1.

- Switch K1 is closed and K2 is opened. The capacitor of capacitance C1 is charged by
the battery of e.m.f V.
- K1 is opened and K2 is closed to discharge the capacitor through the ballistic
galvanometer, B.G. the first deflectionof the B.G θ1 is noted
- The capacitor is then is then replaced with the capacitor of unknown capacitance
C2.the experiement is repeated and deflection θ2 is noted
𝑐2 𝜃2 𝜃2
- Hence = ; 𝑐2 = 𝑐1
𝐶1 𝜃1 𝜃1

(d)
A battery of e.m.f 15V is connected across a system of capacitors as shown above, find
the
(i) Charge on the 4μF capacitor (04marks)
Effective capacitance, C of 3μF and4μF that are parallel = 3 + 4 = 7μF
7𝑥2 14
Effective capacitance, C1 of 7μF and 2μF in series = = μF
7+2 9
14
Q =CV = 𝑥 10−6 𝑥 1.5 = 2.33 x 10-6C
9
The charge on 2μF capacitor = 2.33 x 10-6C
2.33 𝑥 10−6
P.d across 2μF capacitor = = 1.165V
2 𝑥 10−6
p.d on either 3μF or 4μF = 1.5 – 1.165 = 0.335V
Charge on 4μF capacitor = CV = 4 x 10-6 x 0.335 = 1.34 x 10-6C
(ii) Energy stored in the 3μF capacitor. (04marks)
1 1
E = 𝐶𝑉 2 = 𝑥 3 𝑥 10−6 𝑥 0.3352 = 1.68 x 10-7J
2 2

END