Answers–National 5 Physics: Practice Workbook

SECTION 1: TOPIC QUESTION PRACTICE Exercise 1C Vector diagrams

Exercise 1A Average speed 1 Vector quantities have magnitude and

direction. Scalar quantities have
1 15 m magnitude only.

2 1500 m 2 Vectors – force, velocity, displacement,

acceleration
3 200 s
Scalars – speed, distance, mass, time, energy
4 −1
1·5 ms
3 60 m north
5 10·9 ms−1
4 100 m west
6 −1
476 ms
5 500 m at 053/53° E of N
7 −1
241 ms
6 471·7 m at 148/58° S of E
8 a Francois: 2·42 ms−1; Kilian: 2·39 ms−1;
Tim: 2·32 ms−1
7 a 1650 m b 1172 m at 320/40° W of N
b 8·7 kmh−1

9 a 08:23 b 07:45 c 3·9 ms−1 d 2·8 ms−1 at 320/40° W of N

c 08:53 d 09:08 8 a 15 km b 11·2 km at 063/27° N of E

10 Measure the distance from the cyclist to the

c 7·5 kmh−1 d 5·6 kmh−1 at 063/27° N of E
traffic lights using a measuring tape or trundle
wheel; measure the time taken for the cyclist
to cover this distance using a stopwatch; 9 17 ms−1 at 332/28° W of N
calculate average speed using distance/time.

Exercise 1B Instantaneous speed 10 128 kmh−1 at 219/39° W of S

1 1 ms−1 Exercise 2A Drawing and interpreting velocity–

time graphs
2 0·95 ms−1
1 a AB – accelerating; BC – constant speed
3 a 3·16 ms−1
b AB – accelerating; BC – constant speed;
b Take repeated measurements or use an CD – decelerating
electronic timing method.
c AB – decelerating; BC – constant speed;
4 Car is within the speed limit (19·5 ms−1). CD – accelerating; DE – decelerating
5 Measure the length of the card using a d AB – accelerating; BC – accelerating;
ruler; record the time taken for the card to CD – decelerating; DE – stationary;
pass through the light beam using the EF – accelerating; FG – constant speed
electronic timer; calculate the instantaneous
speed using length of card/time to pass
through light beam.

1
 2 a c Energy is lost in the bounce – maximum
velocity decreases due to energy being
velocity (ms–1)
15
lost to friction/air resistance.
10
4 a Constant deceleration as the ball rises.
5
b Constant acceleration downwards as the
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 ball falls back down from the maximum
time (s) height after 0.5 s.
b 30
c – 10 ms−2
velocity (ms–1)

20 d – 10 ms−2

10 e 1·25 m

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 f 0m
time (s)
c 30 Exercise 3A Acceleration calculations
velocity (ms–1)

20 1 The speed/velocity increases by

2 ms−1 every second.
10
2 a 5 ms−1 b 10 ms−1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 c 25 ms−1 d 37·5 ms−1

time (s)
d 3 9·8 ms−2
velocity (ms–1)

15
12 4 11 ms−2

5 5 2 ms−2

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 6 2·2 ms−2
time (s)
e 30 7 0·8 ms−2
velocity (ms–1)

23
8 9·9 ms−1

12 9 14·8 s
8
10 a 1·3 ms−2 b 0·67 ms−2
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 38
time (s) 11 5·6 s
Exercise 2B Displacement from velocity–
12 Measure the length of the card using a ruler;
time graphs
record the time for the card to pass through X;
1 a 400 m b 150 m c 750 m record the time for the card to pass through Y;
use a stopwatch to time how long it takes the
d 850 m e 235 m f 375 m trolley to move between X and Y; calculate the
instantaneous speed at X by using length of
2 a 0·6 s b 31·9 m the card/time to pass through X; calculate the
3 a 0·8 m instantaneous speed at Y by using length of
the card/time to pass through Y; calculate the
b 0–A: accelerating towards the ground; acceleration using (instantaneous speed at
A–B: in contact with the ground; Y – instantaneous speed at X)/time on stopwatch.
B–C: decelerating to maximum height;
C–D: accelerating towards the ground; Exercise 3B Acceleration from velocity–time graphs
D–E: in contact with the ground; 1 a 5 ms−2 b 0·25 ms−2 c 3 ms−2
E–F: decelerating to maximum height;
F–G: accelerating towards the ground d 1 ms−2 e 2·5 ms−2 f 3·6 ms−2
2
 2 a 1·86 ms−2 b 0·75 ms−2 7 a 3·8 ms−2 b 8·0 ms−2

3 2 ms−2 ; 1·8 ms−2 c 1·2 ms−2 d 1·4 ms−2

4 a 2·5 ms−2 b −3·3 ms−2 8 a 10 080 N b 8·6 ms−2

5 1·25 ms−2 ; 7·5 ms−2 ; 1·25 ms−2 9 a 730 000 N b 90 000 N

Exercise 4A Newton’s First Law 10 a 24 N b 92 N

1 An object will remain at rest or continue Exercise 4C Weight, mass and Newton’s Second Law
moving at a constant speed in a straight line
1 Mass is the amount of matter in an object.
unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
Weight is the downward force that acts on
2 A, D, E an object due to gravity.

3 a 212 N b 12 N 2 a 147 N b 637 N c 11025 N

c 32 N d 300 N d 4·9 N e 1·96 N f 3·92 × 10−5 N

4 14 N 3 a Earth: 872 N; Jupiter: 2047 N;

Neptune: 979 N; Saturn: 801 N;
5 3 920 000 N Mercury: 329 N
6 The helicopter stays at a constant height b The mass of the astronaut is the same on
(vertical position unchanged). Earth as it is on Mars.
7 520 N 4 a 76·5 kg b 32·6 kg c 468·8 kg
8 Section BC 5 9·74 Nkg−1
9 The maximum velocity an object will reach, 6 14 040 N
which occurs when the forces acting on the
object are balanced OR Engine force forwards 7 0·11 ms−2
is balanced by frictional force backwards.
8 a 29 400 N b 600 N c 0·2 ms−2
10 The passenger continues moving forwards at a
constant speed (the speed the car was moving 9 2·5 ms−2
at before the collision) until they are acted
10 a 784 N b 5·8 ms−2
upon by an unbalanced force. The unbalanced
force could be provided by the passenger 11 a 0·08 ms−2 b 5880 N c 5928 N
hitting an airbag, steering wheel, etc.
12 a 3·2 ms−2
Exercise 4B Newton’s Second Law
b Acceleration of the rocket increases. This
1 An object will accelerate or decelerate is because the mass of the fuel decreases,
when acted upon by an unbalanced force. decreasing the weight and therefore
The size of the acceleration or deceleration increasing the unbalanced force. Also,
depends upon the mass of the object. the force of weight decreases as the
2 rocket moves away from the Moon, again
a 10 N right b 21 N right c 12 N right
increasing the unbalanced force and
d 12 N right e 19 N down f 16 N up therefore the acceleration.

3 1500 N c The rocket would not take off on Earth. The

weight of the rocket on Earth is 245 000 N,
4 2N which is greater than the upwards thrust.
5 3·6 ms−2 Exercise 4D Newton’s Third Law
6 33·8 kg 1 For every action force there is an equal and
opposite reaction force.
3
 2 a The force of the bat on the ball and the 6 0·16 kg
force of the ball on the bat.
7 67·2 kg
b The force of the person on the chair and
the force of the chair on the person. 8 2·4 Nkg−1

c The force of the hammer on the nail and 9 a 3·2 × 104 J b 3·2 × 104 J
the force of the nail on the hammer.
10 a 568 N b 9·7 × 103 J c 9·7 × 103 J
d The force of the air pushing away from
the balloon and the force of the balloon Exercise 5C Kinetic energy
pushing away from the air.
1 The energy an object has as the result of
3 The force of the rope pulling on the hand. its motion.
4 The statement is false. There is also the 2 35 200 J
reaction force of the ground acting on
the feet. 3 4·5 × 107 J
5 The exhaust gases push away from the 4 76 kg
rocket. The rocket pushes away from the
exhaust gases with an equal and opposite 5 0·3 kg
force, allowing the rocket to take off.
6 10 ms−1
Exercise 5A Work done
7 9·7 ms−1
1 1 × 104 J
8 Motorbike: 40 500 J; car: 74 219 J: therefore
2 9660 J
the car has more kinetic energy.
3 2·4 × 105 J
9 108 800 J
4 300 N
10 a 78 ms−1 b 2·7 × 108 J
5 2500 N
Exercise 5D Conservation of energy
6 13·7 km
1 Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only
7 5·7 × 10−2 transformed from one form into another. In
other words, the total amount of energy
8 3·9 × 104 J before a process is equal to the total
9 4·8 × 104 J amount of energy after a process.

10 a 490 N b 3·9 × 103 J 2 a 1568 J b 1568 J c 19·8 ms−1

11 a 1·44 × 105 J b 8·9°C 3 15·3 ms−1

c Heat energy is lost to the surroundings. 4 2·1 ms−1

Exercise 5B Gravitational potential energy 5 0·8 m

1 The energy an object has due to its mass 6 28·9 m

and its position in a gravitational field.
7 a 2·7 × 104 J b 2·7 × 104 J c 9·8 × 103 N
2 2450 J 8 7·35 m
3 1·9 × 107 J 9 a 1·6 × 103 J b 1·6 × 103 J c 2·5 m
4 56·4 m 10 24 ms−1
5 78·2 m
4
Exercise 6A Projectile motion 10 The weight force acting on the satellite
causes the satellite to have a constant vertical
1 A projectile has a constant horizontal acceleration towards the Earth/planet. The
velocity and a constant vertical acceleration. satellite is also travelling at a constant speed
horizontally so as it falls towards the Earth/
2 a 45 m b 29·4 ms−1 planet, the Earth/planet also curves away
from the satellite. Therefore the satellite falls
3 a 147 m b 41·2 ms−1 ‘around’ the object rather than falling to
4 the surface.
a 100 m b 420 m c 149·5 m
Exercise 7A Space exploration
5 a 600 m b 4·8 m c 2860 m
1 a An object that orbits a star.
6 a 2000 m b 0m
b An object that resembles a small planet
c 245 ms−1 d 3 × 103 m
but has not cleared its orbit of
7 12·5 m other objects.

8 a 13·7 ms−1 b c An object that orbits a planet.

velocity (ms–1)

5 d The star around which the Earth orbits.

e A small rocky object that orbits a star.

f A collection of planets, moons and other

0 1.4 smaller objects that orbit a star.
time (s)
g A large ball of gas that generates heat
c 7m d and light.
velocity (ms–1)

13.7 h A planet outside of our solar system.

i A collection of stars.

j All existing matter and space.

0 1.4
time (s) 2 Global communication, GPS, weather
e 9·59 m forecasting, etc.

9
3 6·7 × 10−3 s
a 1·2 m b
velocity (ms–1)

2 4 a 3·8 × 10−2 m b 0·1 s

5 a The time taken to complete one orbit.

b The period increases.

0 0.6
6 a A satellite that stays above the same point
time (s)
on the Earth’s surface.
c 5·88 ms−1 d
b 24 hours
velocity (ms–1)

5.88
c 36 000 km

7 a Attaining high velocity by using an ion

drive that delivers a small unbalanced
0 0.6 force over an extended period of time OR
time (s) Using a ‘catapult’ from a fast-moving
asteroid, moon or planet.
e 1·76 m

5
 b Using solar cells with an area that varies 10
with the distance from the Sun.

8 Fuel load on take-off, potential exposure to

Exercise 9A Current, charge and time
radiation, pressure differential, re-entry
through an atmosphere. 1 The electric charge transferred per
unit time.
Exercise 8A Light years

1 2 200 C
The distance travelled by light in one year.
3 7200 C
2 a 9·46 × 1015 m b 3·78 × 1016 m

c 2·55 × 1017 m d 2·65 × 1015 m 4 1·8 A

3 a 3·17 × 10−6 ly b 2008·3 ly 5 0·86 A

c 1·59 × 10−5 ly d 40·5 ly 6 143 s

4 1·44 × 1011 m 7 7500 s

5 1·5 × 1021 m 8 a 4800 C b 3 × 1022

6 4·07 × 1016 m Exercise 9B Alternating and direct current

7 9·46 × 1017 km 1 Direct current: charge flows in one direction

only; alternating current: charge flow
8 8 × 1013 s changes direction and has a frequency.
9 a 15 000 s b 0·05% 2 a mains supply b batteries
10 a 25 000 s 3 a Y b X
b 7·5 × 109 s Exercise 10A Potential difference
c 2·8 × 1011 s 1 The energy given to the charge carriers in
a circuit.
Exercise 8B The Universe and spectra

1 All matter in the Universe was contained in 2 Positive and negative

a tiny, very dense space and began to
3 a The charges experience a force
expand rapidly outwards.
of repulsion.
2 13·8 (or 14) billion years
b The charges experience a force
3 It allows astronomers to detect more of attraction.
information from space, e.g. using infra-red
to see through interstellar dust. 4 a Positive b Negative

4 a continuous spectra b line spectra 5 + + +

beta
5 gamma
a yes b yes c no
− − − alpha
6 Elements B and C

7 Helium and hydrogen Exercise 11A Ohm’s Law

8 Hydrogen and sodium 1 202·5 V

9 Helium and nitrogen 2 2·45 × 10−3 A

6
3 17·2 Ω Exercise 12A Series circuits

4 a 1 10 V

2 a 9·4 V b 1A

3 R1 = 5 V; R2 = 5 V; R3 = 5 V
A
R 4 a I1 = 4 A; I2 = 4 A; V = 3 V

b I1 = 2·2 mA; I2 = 2·2 mA; I3 = 2·2 mA; V = 1·3 V

V

b Use the variable power supply to alter the c I1 = 0·5 A; I2 = 0·5 A; I3 = 0·5 A; V = 1·4 V
voltage and take several pairs of readings
from the ammeter and voltmeter. Plot a Exercise 12B Parallel circuits
graph of voltage against current and
1 a I = 0·1 A b I = 1·5 A
calculate the gradient of the line of
best fit. 2 I1 = 0·37 A; I2 = 0·37 A
5 V
a = constant (the resistance R) 3 a 32 V b 12·8 V
I
12 4 a I1 = 0·5 A; I2 = 0·23 A; I3 = 0·27 A; I4 = 0·27 A;
10 I5 = 0·5 A; V1 = 1·6 V; V2 = 1·6 V
8 b I1 = 0·1 A; I2 = 0·1 A; I3 = 0·1 A; I4 = 0·1 A;
Voltage (V)

6 I5 = 0·2 A; V1 = 12 V; V2 = 12 V; V3 = 12 V
4
c I1 = 0·6 A; I2 = 0·6 A; I3 = 0·6 A; I4 = 1·2 A;
2 V1 = 12 V; V2 = 12 V

0 50 100 150 200 250 5 Components can be switched on and off

Current (mA) independently. If one component breaks
there is still a path for current to pass
b R = 50 Ω
through other components.
6 Resistance increases with temperature.
Exercise 12C Circuit symbols
7 a 10 Ω = 10 V; 10 Ω = 10 V
1 a Cell – supplies electrical energy.
b 3 Ω = 4 V; 6 Ω = 8 V
b Battery – made of more than one cell,
c 10 Ω = 0·5 V; 100 Ω = 5·5 V supplies electrical energy.
d 2 Ω = 2 V; 10 Ω = 10 V c Lamp – transforms electrical energy to
light and heat energy.
e 4 kΩ = 4 V; 6 kΩ = 6 V
d Switch – can open or close a circuit.
f 10 kΩ = 17·1 V; 4 kΩ = 6·9 V

8 a 20 Ω e Resistor – limits the amount of current.

b 16 Ω f Voltmeter – used to measure

potential difference.
c 15 V
g Ammeter – used to measure
d V = 12·5 V; VS = 37·5 V electric current.
e V = 18 V; VS = 28·8 V h LED – transforms electrical energy to light.
f V = 7·15 V; VS = 10·35 V i Motor – transforms electrical energy to
kinetic energy, sound and heat.
7
 j Microphone – transforms sound energy Exercise 12F Transistor switching circuits
to electrical energy.
1 Voltage across the thermistor decreases.
k Loudspeaker – transforms electrical MOSFET/transistor switches off. Relay switches
energy to sound energy. off, causing the heating element to switch off.
l Photovoltaic cell – transforms light energy 2 LDR resistance decreases, so voltage across
to electrical energy. LDR decreases. Voltage across R increases.
MOSFET/transistor switches on.
m Fuse – breaks the circuit if electrical
current exceeds a certain value. 3 a 0·23 V b 2·25 V
n Diode – only allows current flow in c Resistance of the LDR increases, so voltage
one direction. across LDR increases. Transistor switches
on. LED switches on.
o Capacitor – stores electric charge.

p Thermistor – resistance varies Exercise 13A Power, energy and time

with temperature. 1 The electrical energy transformed
q LDR – resistance varies with each second.
light intensity.
2 a 3A b 13 A
r Relay – controls the opening and closing
3 1800 W
of circuits using electromagnetism.
4 220 000 J
2 a b
5 2·25 s

6 2200 W

7 1·9 × 106 J
c To act as an electronic switch.
8 a 7·6 × 105 J
Exercise 12D Resistors in series and parallel circuits
b 4·6 × 104 J
1 The total resistance increases.
9 a 2·3 × 106 J
2 a 225 Ω b 4650 Ω
b 1804 s
3 1880 Ω
c 4·3 × 105 J
4 The total resistance decreases.
10 4·3 × 106 J
5 a 10 Ω b 20 Ω c 66·7 Ω
Exercise 13B Power, current and voltage
d 40 Ω e 0·5 kΩ f 272·7 Ω
1 1150 W
6 a 600 Ω b 83·3 Ω c 2·25 × 104 Ω
2 0·5 A
Exercise 12E Complex circuits
3 233 V
1 V1 = 4 V; V2 = 2 V; V3 = 6 V
4 256 V
2 a 3·8 A
5 80 W
b 5 Ω: 3·8 A; 10 Ω: 2·1 A; 8 Ω: 1·7 A; 4 Ω: 1·7 A
6 13 A fuse (9·6 A)
c 5 Ω: 19 V; 10 Ω: 21 V; 8 Ω: 13·6 V; 4 Ω: 6·8 V
7 X: 3 W; Y: 1·5 W; 3·4 W
3 6A
8 a 33·6 W b 8·1 × 104 J
8
Exercise 13C Power, current and resistance 6 3·5 kg

1 272 W 7 4·3 kg

2 2·4 × 106 Ω 8 1·9 °C

3 0·57 W 9 99 °C

4 10 A 10 161 s

5 3·6 × 10−4 W 11 83 °C

6 a 0·06 A b 0·72 W 12 31 ms−1

7 a 150 Ω b 0·17 A Exercise 15A Specific latent heat

c 100 Ω = 2·8 W; 50 Ω = 1·4 W 1 a The quantity of heat energy required to

change the state of a unit mass from solid
8 a 4Ω to liquid.
b 4·5 A b The quantity of heat energy required to
change the state of a unit mass from
c 12 Ω = 1·5 A; 6 Ω = 3 A liquid to gas.
d 12 Ω = 27 W; 6 Ω = 54 W 2 22·6 × 105 J
Exercise 13D Power, voltage and resistance 3 268 kJ
1 441 Ω 4 3·1 kg
2 102 W 5 0·5 kg
3 44·5 V 6 6·4 × 104 J kg−1
4 2·4 Ω 7 6·3 × 106 J kg−1
5 88 W 8 a Solid substance increasing
6 335 V in temperature.

7 a 2200 W b 9·9 × 106 J b Solid changing state to liquid.

8 a 41 Ω b 5·7 A c Liquid substance increasing

in temperature.
c 3·12 × 106 J
d Liquid changing state to gas.
Exercise 14A Specific heat capacity
e Gas substance increasing in temperature.
1 The energy required to change the
temperature of a unit mass of a substance
9 6·05 × 106 J
by 1°C.
10 a 6·6 × 105 J
2 167 200 J
b 452 kJ
3 811 800 J
c 742 s
4 986 J kg−1 °C−1 d Some heat energy is lost to
5 −1 −1 the surroundings.
800 J kg °C

9
 thermometer
Exercise 16A Pressure 13

1 Force per unit area.

pressure
2 53·3 Pa gauge

3 3·5 × 106 N

4 0·1 m2
air
5 a 2240 Pa b 1206 Pa water

6 44·4 kPa

7 36·8 kPa Heat water and take readings of pressure at

various temperatures. Plot a graph of
8 294 kPa pressure against temperature in Kelvin.

Exercise 16B Gas laws 14 28·2 litres

1 a 373 K b 473 K c 143 K 15 9·6 × 104 Pa

d 251 K e 0K 16 407 K/134 °C

2 a –173 °C b –263 °C c –246 °C Exercise 17A Waves and energy

d 0 °C e 97 °C 1 Energy

3 18·75 cm3 2 a Longitudinal

4 2·02 × 105 Pa b The particles vibrate in the same

direction as the energy transfer.
5 9·94 × 104 Pa
c Sound waves
6 35·9 litres
3 a Transverse
7 1·8 × 105 Pa
b The particles vibrate at 90 degrees to the
8 2·6 × 106 Pa direction of energy transfer.

c Electromagnetic radiation, water waves

9 306 K / 33 °C
4 The number of waves per second.
10 47 cm3
5 The distance between one point on a wave
to the same point on the next wave.
11 a 363 K / 90 °C
6 Half the vertical height of a wave.
b As the temperature increases, the
particles move around faster and collide 7 The time taken for one wave to pass a point,
with the container walls more frequently measured in seconds.
with greater force. So, to keep the
pressure constant, the volume increases. 8 The distance travelled by a wave in a unit
of time.
12 a V = 7 ⋅1 × 10 −4
T
(NB: The V calculation must be done and
T
verified for each pair of results.)
b 0·239 cm3

10
Exercise 17B Wave properties Exercise 17D Speed, frequency, and wavelength
with waves
1 5m
1 1·5 ms−1
2 10 m
2 0·77 m
3 6m
3 2550 Hz
4 1m
4 6 × 1016 Hz
5 a 8m b 0·4 m
5 3m
6 0·45 Hz
6 0·08 m
7 52·8
7 2·5 × 109 Hz
8 6·67 s
8 a 3·1 m b 1·2 s
9 0·02 s
9 0·22 m
10 4 Hz
10 1·2 × 10−3 m
11 a 8 Hz b 0·125 s
Exercise 17E Diffraction
12 a 2 Hz
1 The bending of waves as they move
b 0·5 s around obstacles.

c 3m 2 Longer wavelengths (radio) diffract more

than shorter wavelengths (TV).
d Amplitude increases
3 a b
Exercise 17C Speed, distance, time with waves

1 4 ms−1

2 100 m
c d
3 14·7 s

4 10 s

5 a 2040 m b 6·8 × 10−6 s

Exercise 18A The electromagnetic spectrum
6 1·6 × 10 s−4
1 All radiations are transverse and travel at the
7 0·42 m speed of light.

8 0·06 m 2 a Radio waves b Gamma rays

increasing frequency
9 0·24 s 3 a, b
Radio Microwaves Visible Ultraviolet X-rays Gamma
Infrared
spectrum rays
10 323 m
increasing wavelength

11
 4

Signal Sources Detectors Applications

Radio waves Stars, appliances Aerial Communications, radio
and TV
Microwaves Electronic circuits Aerial Satellites, mobile
telephones
Infrared The Sun, warm Black-bulb Remote control, thermal
objects thermometer, charged imaging
coupled device (CCD)
Visible light Artificial lights, LEDs The retina, LDR Laser eye surgery, optical
fibres
Ultraviolet The Sun, mercury Fluorescent objects, Treating skin conditions,
vapour lamps photographic film detecting forgery
X-rays Fast-moving electrons Photographic film, Detecting broken bones,
colliding with a metal CCD airport body scanning
target, objects in space
Gamma rays Radioactive decay, GM tube, Killing cancerous cells,
exploding stars photographic film sterilising medical
equipment

5 Red light has the longest wavelength 4 a i Q ii T

(700 nm). Blue light has the shortest b
wavelength (400 nm).

Exercise 19A Refraction R

S
Q X
1 The change in speed of a wave as it passes T
P
from one medium to another. This change
in speed is sometimes accompanied by a
change in direction.

Exercise 20A Ionising radiation

2
1 A helium nucleus OR 2 protons, 2 neutrons.

2 A fast-moving electron.

3 A high-energy electromagnetic wave.

3 a normal
4 The gain (or loss) of an electron from an
uncharged atom.
1
1 = angle of incidence 5 The atom becomes a negatively charged or
2 2 = angle of reflection positively charged ion.

6 Alpha: a few cm; beta: 7−10 cm; gamma:

unlimited.
b Speed decreases, wavelength decreases,
frequency is unchanged.

12
 7 Alpha: sheet of paper; beta: a few mm of Exercise 20D Equivalent dose
aluminium; gamma: several cm of lead
or concrete. 1 5 × 10−4 Sv

8 Alpha particles. 2 1 × 10−4 Sv

9 Alpha particles and gamma rays. 3 2·5 × 10−5 Sv

10 a B 4 1

b Alpha particles and beta particles. 5 20

Exercise 20B Activity 6 1·45 × 10−6 Gy

1 The number of nuclear disintegrations 7 6·5 × 10−3 Gy

per minute.
8 a Fast neutrons: 1·2 × 10−3 Sv; beta particles:
2 Activity decreases. 6 × 10−5 Sv

3 100 Bq b 1·26 × 10−3 Sv

4 1·7 Bq 9 3·5 × 10−5 Sv

5 a 0·5 Bq 10 1·22 × 10−3 Sv

b Cosmic rays, internal radiation, radon gas, Exercise 20E Equivalent dose rate
medical procedures, soil, building
materials, foods, etc. 1 a 2·2 mSv b 1 mSv c 20 mSv

6 60 × 106 2 18 μSv h−1

7 2100 Bq 3 a 1880 μSv b 235 μSv h−1

8 8·7 × 105 4 4 × 10−10 Sv OR 0.4 nSv

9 1·08 × 1011 5 3·7 s

10 5708 years 6 26 mSv y−1

Exercise 20C Absorbed dose 7 300 Sv

1 0·5 Gy 8 The equivalent dose rate limit is not

exceeded (8·8 mSv y−1).
2 2·5 × 10−3 Gy
Exercise 20F Half-life
3 700 J
1 The time taken for the activity of a
4 1·8 × 10 J
−6 radioactive source to decrease by half.

5 2 × 10−3 Gy 2 Using a GM-tube, counter and stopwatch,

measure the count rate for a fixed time
6 1·8 × 10−2 Gy period. Take several counts at equal
intervals and plot a graph of count rate
7 1·02 × 10−3 kg against time to calculate the half-life. The
average background count rate should also
8 2·9 × 10−4 kg be measured and then deducted from the
count rate in the presence of
9 Worker A: 2 × 10−3 Gy; worker B: 1·8 × 10−3 Gy
radioactive sources.
10 They are different types of radiation so
3 a 80 Bq b 40 Bq c 10 Bq
therefore affect the body differently.
13
 4 80 Bq Exercise 20G Applications of nuclear radiation

5 1·25 kBq 1 Electricity generation, cancer treatment,

radioactive tracers, medical instrument
6 2 years sterilisation, etc.
7 7·5 hours 2 Two nuclei of smaller mass combine to
produce a nucleus of larger mass, releasing
8 15 minutes energy in the process.
9 60 counts per minute 3 The use of a magnetic field to contain the
super-hot plasma so it does not come into
10 352 MBq
contact with the container walls in a
11 a 1 1 fusion reactor.
b 1 c
2 4 256
4 A nucleus of large mass splits into two
12 a 8 minutes
nuclei of smaller mass, releasing energy in
b 24 minutes the process. Single neutrons are also
produced which go on to produce further
c 40 minutes fission and cause a chain reaction.

13 September 25th at 9 am 5 Neutrons released by one decaying isotope

go on to cause others to decay. They in turn
14 3·5 days release more neutrons, causing even more
isotopes to decay.
15 4 hours

14
SECTION 2: MIXED EXAM QUESTION PRACTICE – WORKED ANSWERS
Objective Test

Question Answer Mark Top Tips

Vector quantities have magnitude (size) and direction

1. D 1
whereas scalars have magnitude only.
An acceleration of 6 m s−2 means that the object gains
2. D 1
6 m s−1 of speed every second.
If more than one force is acting on an object then you
3. A 1 must calculate the difference between these forces.
This is called the resultant or unbalanced force.
Remember Newton’s 3rd Law – when A exerts a force
4. A 1
on B, B exerts an equal and opposite force on A.
Conservation of energy needs to be applied here. The
5. C 1
work done is equal to the kinetic energy produced.
The horizontal speed of a projectile is constant
6. B 1
throughout its time of flight.
7. D 1
Charge = current × time. The symbol Q represents
8. A 1
charge.
9. A 1 Remember: opposites attract.

There are two transistor symbols to learn; the NPN

10. B 1
transistor and the n-channel enhancement MOSFET.
In a parallel circuit, every time a resistor is added the
11. D 1
total resistance reduces.
There are three power equations that can be used
in circuits involving voltage, current and resistance.
12. C 1
Select the correct one from the quantities given in the
question.
Think about the quantities involved in the specific
13. C 1
heat capacity equation – mass and temperature.
14. C 1
You need to calculate the downward force acting on
15. C 1 the elephant (weight). This force is distributed across
all four feet.
Check the equation sheet for National 5 Physics.
16. C 1 The gas laws that involve a division are directly
proportional. A multiplication is inverse proportion.
 Question Answer Mark Top Tips

Make sure you know your prefixes for every exam. ‘m’
17. E 1
is the prefix ‘milli’ which is × 10−3.
18. C 1 Longitudinal waves vibrate along the wave.

Try and come up with a mnemonic to help you

19. E 1 remember the correct order of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
When light moves from a more dense material to a
20. D 1 less dense material, the light bends away from the
normal line.
Angles on ray diagrams are always measured from the
21. A 1
normal line to the ray of light.
Alpha and beta radiation are both made of particles
22. C 1
but gamma radiation is a wave of energy.
When you are asked to give units for a quantity, look
at the relevant equation. Absorbed dose is equal to
23. D 1
energy divided by mass. What are the units for energy
and mass?
24. A 1

25. D 1

Extended answer questions

Question Expected answer Max Top Tips

mark
26. (a) Vector quantities have 2 When describing differences
magnitude/size and direction. (1) make sure that you
clearly describe what is
Scalar quantities have different about both items
magnitude/size only. (1) mentioned. An answer of
‘vector quantities have
direction’ would get 0 marks.
The answer would have to
be ‘scalar quantities have
magnitude only, vector
quantities have magnitude
and direction’.
Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
(b) (i) a2 = 7002 + 8002 (1) 4 Questions on vector
diagrams will usually say
a = 1063 m (1)
‘by scale diagram, or
700
tan θ = (1) otherwise’ . At National
800 5 level, all vector diagrams
θ = 41·2° are right-angled triangles
Direction: 41·2° W of N/48·8° N so there is no need to
of W/319. (1) construct a scale diagram.
Use Pythagoras to find the
Or by scale drawing: resultant velocity
1 mark for correct diagram to scale, (a2 = b2 + c2) and then use
length and angle. trigonometry to find the
angle (SOH CAH TOA).
1 mark for correct drawing of
resultant (arrow required). Vectors have both
magnitude and direction
1 mark for displacement within
so it is important to make a
tolerance
final statement giving the
v = 1063 ± 3 m. size of the velocity and the
1 mark for bearing within tolerance angle of direction. It is not
good enough to give the
319 ± 3 (or 41 ± 3° W of N). angle alone, a direction,
e.g. N or W, must be given
for the angle.
(b) (ii) s 3 ‘s’ is the symbol for
v= (1)
t displacement. When
1063 calculating velocity,
v= (1) displacement must be used,
720
as both quantities are vectors.
v = 1·5 m s−1 (1)
(c) d 4 Speed and distance are
t= (1)
v scalars so can be used
together.
1500
t= (1)
1·9
t = 789·5 s (1)

Sarah arrives first

as 720 s < 789·5 s. (1)
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
27. (a) v −u 3 Remember that ‘v’ is the final
a= (1)
t velocity and ‘u’ is the initial
17 − 0 velocity. Think: u comes
a= (1) before v in the alphabet so u
20
comes first.
a = 0·85 m s−2 (1)
(b) Distance = area under graph (1) 3 The most common mistake
⎛1 ⎞ here is to use d = vt. This
= ⎜⎜⎜ × 20 × 17⎟⎟⎟ (1) can’t be used as there is a
⎝2 ⎠
changing speed.
= 170 m (1)

(c) (i) Tight clothing/crouched position, 1 What does the cyclist do to

etc. travel faster?

(c) (ii) Between feet and pedals/between 1 Friction can be a useful force
chain and gears, etc. too!
28. (a) (i) W = mg (1) 3
585 = 65 × g (1)
g = 9 N kg−1 (1)

(ii) Saturn 1
(gravitational field strength values
can be found in the data sheet)
(b) v = u + at (1) 3
v = 0 + 1∙6 × 1∙2 (1)
v = 1∙92 ms−1 (1)
29. Demonstrates no understanding, 3 Open-ended question.
0 marks.
Try and write down
Demonstrates limited everything you know about
understanding, 1 mark. the physics described in the
Demonstrates reasonable question and, if possible,
understanding, 2 marks. include a physics law or
equation.
Demonstrates good understanding,
3 marks.
Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
1 mark: The student has
demonstrated a limited
understanding of the physics
involved. The student has made
some statement (s) which is/are
relevant to the situation, showing
that at least a little of the physics
within the problem is understood.
2 marks: The student has
demonstrated a reasonable
understanding of the physics
involved. The student makes some
statement (s) which is/are relevant
to the situation, showing that the
problem is understood.
3 marks: The maximum available
mark would be awarded to a
student who has demonstrated a
good understanding of the physics
involved. The student shows a good
comprehension of the physics of the
situation and has provided a logically
correct answer to the question
posed. This type of response
might include a statement of the
principles involved, a relationship
or an equation, and the application
of these to respond to the problem.
This does not mean the answer has
to be what might be termed an
‘excellent’ answer or a ‘complete’ one.
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
30. (a) 2 × 1030 × 3 (1) 2 Read passage carefully.

= 6 × 1030 kg (1)

(c) 2GM 3 The National 5 exam

v= will include unfamiliar
R
equations. The question will
explain clearly the quantities
2×6·7×10−11 ×2·04×1031
v= (1) given in the equation so
30×103
read the question carefully.
2·7336×1021
v=
30×103

v = 9·122×1016 (1)

v = 3·02 × 108 m s-1 (1)

31. (a) (i) 1 1 1 1 3 You cannot simply add the
= + + (1)
Rt R2 R3 R3 resistor values together.
This can only be done with
1 1 1 1 resistors in series.
= + + (1)
Rt 10 10 20 When adding fractions
be sure to find the lowest
1 5 common denominator.
=
Rt 20

20
Rt =
5
Rt = 4 Ω (1)

(a) (ii) IS = 0·5 A 3 The total current from the

battery is 0·5 A. Use this with
V = IS Rt (1) total resistance calculated in
V = 0·5 × 4 (1) (a) part (i) to find VS.
V=2V (1)
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
(b) V = IR 5 Remember the voltage is the
2 = 20 I (1) same across all components
I = 0·1 A (1) in a parallel circuit.

Q = It (1) To calculate the current in R3

Q = 0·1 × 300 (1) you need to use the voltage
Q = 30 C (1) across R3 and the resistance
of R3.

Time must be in seconds.

32. (a) 1 6 Conservation of energy

Ek lost = mv2 (1)
2 states that energy cannot
1 be created or destroyed,
Ek lost = ×150 × (1400)2 (1)
2 only transformed from one
Ek lost = 147 000 000 J (1) form into another. Here, the
kinetic energy is transferred
Eh= cm ΔT (1) to heat energy.

147 000 000 = 1050 × 150 × ΔT (1) ΔT is the symbol for change
in temperature.
ΔT = 933.3 °C (1)
(b) Less (1) 2 Some kinetic energy could
Not all kinetic energy is converted be converted to other forms
to heat energy. (1) such as sound and light.
33. (a) E = Pt (1) 3
E = 2200 × 95 (1)
E = 209000 J (1)

(b) (i) Eh = ml (1) 3 Assume all electrical energy

209000 = 0∙098 × l (1) is converted to heat energy.
l = 2∙13 ×106 J kg−1 (1)
(ii) Not all electrical energy is converted 1
to heat energy in the water,
some heat energy is lost to the
surroundings
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
34. (a) T1 = 17 + 273 = 290 K 4 When performing gas laws
T2 = 69 + 273 = 342 K (1) calculations, temperature
must always be converted
P1 P2
= (1) to Kelvin. None of the gas
T1 T2
laws relationships involving
121 P2 temperature will work when
= (1) using degrees Celsius.
290 342
P2 = 142·7 kPa (1) 0 °C = 273 K
0 K = −273 °C

(b) More molecules/atoms/particles 2 The kinetic model describes

hit container walls per second. (1) pressure in a container
as being caused by the
Collisions with walls harder/larger collision of particles with the
force. (1) container walls. An increase
in temperature causes those
particles to move around
faster.
(c) Thermometer inside flask of air. (1) 2 Problem-solving question.

Temperature of air measured rather Check the apparatus

than temperature of water. (1) diagram. What
improvements could be
made?
35. (a) (i) 0·2 m 1 The amplitude is half the
vertical height of a wave.
(a) (ii) 0·4 m 1 The wavelength is the
distance from one point on
a wave to the same point on
the next wave.
(b) (i) 45 4 Frequency is the number of
f= = 0·75 Hz (1)
60 waves per second.
v=fλ (1)
v = 0·75 × 0·4 (1)
v = 0·3 m s-1 (1)
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
(b) (ii) 1 3 The period is the time taken
T= (1)
f for one wave to pass (in
1 seconds).
T= (1)
0·75
T = 1.33 s (1)

36. Demonstrates no understanding, 3 Open-ended question.

0 marks.
Try and write down
Demonstrates limited everything you know about
understanding, 1 mark. the physics described in the
Demonstrates reasonable question and, if possible,
understanding, 2 marks. include a physics law or
equation.
Demonstrates good understanding,
3 marks.

1 mark: The student has

demonstrated a limited
understanding of the physics
involved. The student has made some
statement (s) which is/are relevant
to the situation, showing that at
least a little of the physics within the
problem is understood.

2 marks: The student has

demonstrated a reasonable
understanding of the physics
involved. The student makes some
statement (s) which is/are relevant
to the situation, showing that the
problem is understood.
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
3 marks: The maximum available
mark would be awarded to a
student who has demonstrated a
good understanding of the physics
involved. The student shows a good
comprehension of the physics of
the situation and has provided
a logically correct answer to the
question posed. This type of response
might include a statement of the
principles involved, a relationship or
an equation, and the application of
these to respond to the problem. This
does not mean the answer has to be
what might be termed an ‘excellent’
answer or a ‘complete’ one.
37. (a) (i) 3 × 108 m s−1 1 Remember that all signals
in the electromagnetic
spectrum travel at
3 × 108 m s−1. No units =
no marks.
(a) (ii) d = vt (1) 3 Don’t forget the prefix ‘k’ is
36000 × 103 = 3 × 108 t (1) kilo = × 103.
t = 0·12 s (1)
(b) It moves with constant speed in the 2 A satellite is always falling
horizontal direction. (1) towards the Earth but never
hits the ground due to the
While accelerating due to the curvature of the Earth.
force of gravity in the vertical
direction. (1)
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
38. (a) N 3 Time must be converted to
A= (1)
t seconds.
N
850 × 106 = (1)
90
N = 7·65 × 1010 (1) No units are required for ‘N’.
(b) X: 5 When performing a series
of calculations as in this
850 → 425 → 212·5 → 106·25 →
question, it is good practice
53·125 → 26·56 (1)
to label each individual
calculation, e.g. X, Y. This
Y:
way, the marker can clearly
1800 → 900 → 450 → 225 → 112·5 see which radioactive source
→ 56·25 → 28·125 (1) is first to reach 30 MBq.
X ≈ 90 days (1)
Y ≈ 36 days (1) X will half its activity every
18 days.
Source Y reaches 30 MBq first. (1)
Y will half its activity every
six days.
(c) (i) D= E (1) 3
m
E = 6∙5 × 10−5 × 0∙35 (1)
E = 2∙3 × 10−5 J (1)
(ii) H = DwR (1) 3
H = 6∙5 × 10−5 × 20 (1)
H = 1∙3 × 10−3 Sv (1)
 Question Expected answer Max Top Tips
mark
39. (a) nλ = d sin θ 3 The National 5 exam
will include unfamiliar
1 × 700 × 10-9 = 1·6 × 10-6 sin θ (1) equations. The question will
explain clearly the quantities
700×10−9
sin θ = given in the equation so
1·6×10−6 read the question carefully.
sin θ = 0·4375 (1)
θ = 25·9° (1)
(b) (i) nλ = d sin θ 3 Remember the prefix ‘n’ is
nano = × 10-9.
1 × 450 × 10−9 = 1.6 × 10−6 sin θ (1)
450×10−9
sin θ =
1·6×10−6
sin θ = 0.45 (1)
θ = 26.7° (1)

(b) (ii) Angle from zero order maximum 2 From your answers in (a) and
is greater for blue light than for (b) part (i), which has the
red light. (1) greater angle? How will this
affect the spacing between
Maxima for blue light are further the maxima?
apart than those for red light. (1)