iGCSE Notes Numbered

Physics
for the
Cambridge iGCSE Syllabus
B. Murphy
Contents
Topic Page Number
Topic 1 General Physics 2
Past Paper Questions 26
Topic 2 Thermal Physics 70
Topic 3 Waves 108
Topic 4 Electricity & Magnetism 146
Topic 5 Atomic Physics 214
Appendix
Syllabus 234
1
Topic 1:
General Physics
Length
Length is a distance measurement and its SI unit is

the metre !!".
Length is usually measured with a rule, a tape or a

trundle wheel.
Small lengths are measured with a micrometer or

callipers where a greater precision is available.
In certain circumstances, averag! lengths can be

found be measuring a number of distances together
then dividing by the number of objects eg a ream of
paper.
Time
Time is usually measured with a stopclock. Human

timing is not precise because of reaction times.
The SI unit for time is seconds !s".
For repeated events, an averag! time can be found

by measuring a number of repeats then dividing by
the number of cycles eg. a pendulum.
1
2
3
2
Speed
Speed tells us how fast something is moving.
It is measured in m/s.
Average speed is calculated using:

Average Speed (m s) =
Distance moved (m)
time taken (s)
Examples
A sprinter runs 100! in 10s. Calculate his average speed.
A bird ies 60! in 5s. Calculate its average speed.
Pupils measured their times taken to travel di#erent
distances doing various exercises. Their results are recorded
in the table. Complete the table.
Exercise Distance !!" Time !s" Speed !m/s"
Running 70 12
Walking 10 35
Hopping 50 110
Acceleration
Acceleration tells us how quickly something is changing

its speed.
It is measured in m/s
2
.
Acceleration is calculated using:

Average Acceleration (m s
2
) =
Change in speed ( m s )
time taken (s)
Example:
A motorbike goes from 10m/s to 35 m/s in 8s. Calculate

his acceleration
4
5
6
3
Distance/time graphs
A Distance/time graph is a way of representing

motion.
time
distance
stationary
Constant speed !fast"
Constant speed !slow"
Acceleration
Calculations with distance/
time graphs
Speed is given by the gradient of the distance/time

graph.
Distance/time graph questions
Describe the motion of the following bodies:

t
d
!a"
t
d
!b"
t
d
!c"
7
8
9
4
Distance/Time Graph
questions
Calculate the speeds of the car and the bike

below:
Car
Bike
0
125
250
375
500
0 5 10 15 20 25
D
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

(
m
)
Time (s)
Speed/time graphs
A Speed/time graph is an alternative way

of representing motion.
time
speed
Constant speed
Rapid acceleration
Gradual acceleration
Non$Uniform
Acceleration
Stationary
Calculations with speed/time
graphs
Acceleration is given by the gradient of the speed/

time graph.
Distance is given by the Area under the speed/time

graph.
10
11
12
5
Speed/time graph questions
Describe the motion of the following
bodies:
t
v
!a"
t
v
!b"
t
v
!c"
Speed/time calculation.
!a" Find the acceleration of the bike in the rst 10s.
!b" Find the distance moved by the bike in the rst 20s.
0
3.75
7.50
11.25
15.00
0 5 10 15 20
Motion of a bike
S
p
e
e
d

(
m
/
s
)
time (s)
The Ticker$Timer
The ticker$timer runs at 50Hz. It puts 50 dots on

the tape every second.
If the tape moves quickly, the dots are widely

spaced.
If the tape moves slowly, the dots are close

Ticker Timer
Ticker Tape
13
14
15
6
Ticker Tape
Slow moving ticker-tape
Fast moving ticker-tape
Charts
By cutting the tape into 5 space strips and arranging them

side$by$side we can get a chart representing the motion.
Each strip will represent 0.1s of motion.

Typical Shapes of Charts
16
17
18
7
Calculations
Since each strip represents 0.1s of motion, and we

can measure the length of the strips in cm, we can
use speed=distance/time to calculate the speeds.
Scalars and Vectors
A SCALAR quantity has a size !Magnitude", but no direction.
Examples of scalar Quantities are temperature, time, energy and power.
A VECTOR quantity has both a magnitude and a direction. Vectors

are often represented with an arrowed line. The direction of the arrow
is the direction of the vector and the length of the line represents the
size of the vector.
Examples of vectors are force, momentum and velocity.

F
Big
Stone
Sand
Bucket
Small
Stone
1
Small
Stone
Paper
Tray
Sand
Bucket
2
Vacuum
Paper Coin
3
19
20
21
8
Gravity
Experiment 1
Both Stones Land at the same time.
Gravity makes them fall at the same rate.
Experiment 2
Stone landed rst.
Air Resistance slowed down the paper tray.
Experiment 3
Both coin & paper land at the same time.

Weight and Mass
Weight is a force. It tells us how heavy something

is. It is measured in newtons !N". It changes
depending upon the size of gravity. !Trip to the
moon"
Mass tells us how much substance there is in an

object. It is measured in kilograms !kg". It never
changes.
On Earth we multiply mass by 10 to get weight.

Density
Density tells us how compact the mass is in a material.
It is given by:
or
Stick to one set of units.
Water has a density of 1000 kg/!
3
or 1 g/c!
3
.
Materials with a smaller density than water will oat,
materials with a higher density than water will sink.
Density ( kg m
3
) =
mass(kg)
volume(m
3
)
Density ( g cm
3
) =
mass(g)
volume(cm
3
)
22
23
24
9
Density Calculation
Complete the following table:
Object
Density !kg/
m
3
"
Mass !kg" Volume !m
3
"
A 4000 2
B 8000 4
C 2000 1000
D 2000 4
a" Which object has the greatest mass?
b" Which has the smallest volume?
c" Which objects could be made of the same substance?
d" Which object would oat on water?
Irregular objects
The volume of a liquid can be determined using a

measuring cylinder.
The volume of irregular objects has to be found by

displacement.
Hookes Law
Hookes Law states that the extension in a spring is

proportional to the load applied.
The constant of proportionality is called the Spring
Constant.
load ! extension
or
F = kx
25
26
27
10
Extension/Force Graphs
A graph can be plotted to show how Force varies

with extension for a spring.
The graph shows proportionality up to a point

called the proportionality limit.
With increased extension, the spring will reach a

point at which it will not return to its original shape.
This is called the elastic limit. The spring shows
plastic behaviour beyond here.
Load/Extension Graphs
A graph can be plotted to show how extension varies

with load for a spring.
The graph shows proportionality up to a point

called the proportionality limit.
With increased load, the spring will reach a point at

which it will not return to its original shape. This is
called the elastic limit. The spring shows plastic
behaviour beyond here.
Extension/Force Graphs
extension
Load
0
Proportionality
Limit
Linear Region
28
29
30
11
Newtons 1
st
Law
If the forces around an object balance !resultant

0N", then it will either:
Remain at rest
or
Move at a constant speed in a straight line.
!This is the same as saying constant velocity".

Examples of 1
st
Law
Remains at rest
Moves at a
constant speed
in a straight
line
Normal
Air Air
Gravity
Normal
Gravity
Oil Tube Experiment
Gravity
Fluid
Resistance
Falls at a
constant
speed in a
straight line.
31
32
33
12
Unbalanced Forces
If the forces around an object do not balance, then

they will cause the object to accelerate !or
decelerate".
The rate of the acceleration depends upon the

mass of the object.
The quantities are linked by the following

equation:
F(N) = m(kg) ! a(m s
2
)
Questions
1. What will be the Force needed to produce an

acceleration of 2m/s
2
on a mass of 4kg?
2. What will be the Force needed to produce an

acceleration of 5m/s
2
on a mass of 42kg?
3. What will be the acceleration produced when a

Force of 50N acts upon a mass of 10kg?
Newtons Laws Calculation
A front wheel drive car is travelling at constant velocity. Q is the force of the air on the moving car.
P is the total upward force on both front wheels.
!a" Explain why P= 4 000N, Q= 400N
!b" Calculate the mass of the car.
!c" The 400 N driving force to the left is suddenly doubled.
!i" Calculate the resultant forward driving force.
!ii" Calculate the acceleration of the car.
!iii" Sketch a graph showing how the velocity of the car changes with time !start the graph just
before the driving force is doubled."
400 N
P
6000 N
Q
10 000 N
34
35
36
13
Circular Motion
When an object is moving in a circle, it must be experiencing a

force TOWARDS THE CENTRE of the circle.
We call this the CENTRIPETAL Force.
This should not be confused with CENTRIFUGAL Force.
The centripetal force is directed at right angles to the objects

velocity.
objects path
direction of force
Questions
For each of the following examples, draw a sketch to

show the situation, name the force providing the
circular motion, and indicate its direction:
A" The Earth orbiting the Sun.
B" A car rounding a bend.
C" A hammer$thrower winding into his throw.

Moments
A moment is a turning force.
It is given by:
Moment(Nm) = Force(N) ! distance(m)
37
38
39
14
Example
Calculate the moment produced:

0.1m
100N
The Principle of Moments
If a lever is balanced !in equilibrium" then the total

clockwise moments equal the total anti$clockwise
moments. It will not move.
Because of Newtons 1st Law, the forces must also

balance.
Anti$clockwise
moments
Clockwise
moments
Results
Left-Hand Side Right-Hand Side
Weight Distance W x d Weight Distance W x d
2 8 4 ?
3 4 ? 6
5 2 2 ?
6 3 ? 2
40
41
42
15
Moments Questions
1. Explain why a mechanic would choose a long$arm

spanner to undo a tight nut.
2. In the following diagram, what is the weight of X ?

X 4N
20 cm 25 cm
Uses of Levers
Spanner
Nutcracker
Scissors
Centre of Mass
Centre of mass is the point on an object that is the

average position of the mass of the object.
The centre of gravity is a point on all objects through

which forces appear to act.
The two points are the same.
The centres of mass of regular objects are obvious. They

always lie on a line of symmetry.
They are the point under which we place a pivot to balance

the object.
43
44
45
16
Regular Objects
Stability
Stability tells us how secure something is on the ground.
If something is stable, then it will not topple easily.
There are two factors to consider when changing the

stability of an object:
The area of the objects base.
The position of the centre of mass of the object.
A stable object will have a BIG base, and a LOW centre of

gravity.
Simple Addition
If two vectors are parallel, then they can be simply

added or subtracted to give a resultant.
3N 5N
2N
RESULTANT
46
47
48
17
2D$Addition
If the vectors are not parallel we have to draw a scale

diagram and add the vectors to give a resultant.
3m/s
2m/s
RESULTANT
3m/s
2m/s
Examples
1. A plane ies North at 40m/s. The wind

blows to the East at 15 m/s. Calculate the
overall velocity.
2i". A falling ball has a weight of 10N and

and air resistance of 2N. What the e#ective
downward force on it?
ii" A wind blows to the left with a force of

2N. Using a vector diagram, calculate the
resultant force on the ball.
Energy
Forms
Elastic
Potential
Energy
Heat
Kinetic
Electricity
Sound
Gravitational
Potential
Energy
Chemical
Potential
Energy
Light
49
50
51
18
Energy Transfers
When any physical process takes place, there is a transfer

of energy from one form to another.
This can be shown in an energy ow diagram:

T.V Electricity
Light
Sound
Heat
Examples of Energy Transfers
A burning match
A lightbulb
A petrol lawnmower
A car
Headphones
A microphone
A waterfall
Kinetic Energy
All objects that are moving have kinetic energy.
It depends on the mass of the object and its speed.
It is measured in joules.
KE =
1
2
mv
2
52
53
54
19
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational energy is stored in objects that

are at a height.
It depends upon the mass of the object, and

how high the object is.
It measured in joules.
GPE = mgh
The Principle of the
Conservation of Energy
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it simply

moves from one form to another.
When energy moves from one form to another, the

total AMOUNT of energy remains the same.
A certain amount of heat energy is always lost to the

surroundings in any process.
E&ciency
E&ciency tells us how e#ective a process or energy transfer is.
The more useful energy that is produced, for the least input energy, the
more e&cient the process is.
E&ciency has no unit, and can be expressed as a decimal or percentage.
It can be the ratio of power output to input, or energy output to input

for a process
Efficiency =
output
input
(!100)
55
56
57
20
Work Done
Work is a type of energy change and is measured

in Joules.
For work to be done, a force must be acting upon

an object as it moves through a distance.
The Work Done is given by:

Work Done (J)=Force(N) ! Distance(m)
Power
Power is the rate at which energy is transferred.
It is also the rate at which Work is done.
The unit for Power is Watts !W".
Power is calculated from either:

or
Power(W)=
Energy Change(J)
Time Taken(s)
Power(W)=
Work Done(J)
Time Taken(s)
Calculating Personal Power
Measure your weight in newtons.
Measure the height of the steps in metres.
Measure the time taken to climb the steps in seconds.
Calculate the Work Done in joules.
Calculate the Power of your legs in Watts.

height
time
weight
58
59
60
21
Pressure
Pressure tells us how concentrated a force is.
It is calculated from:
or
Stick to one set of units
Pressure( N m
2
)=
Force(N)
Area(m
2
)
Pressure( N cm
2
)=
Force(N)
Area(cm
2
)
Examples
1. Calculate the Volume of the block.
2. Calculate the blocks density.
3. Calculate the blocks weight.
4. Calculate the area in contact with the ground.
1c!
1c!
2c!
20g
Examples
Why do camels have large at feet?
Why is it easier to walk in snow shoes in the snow?

61
62
63
22
Pressure in Liquids
Pressure in a liquid is due to
the weight of the liquid
above a point.
Pressure increases with
depth.
Pressure will also increase
with density of liquid
!more weight".
We can calculate pressure
from:
P = !gd
Direction
The pressure in a liquid acts

in ALL directions equally at a
point.
This is why bubbles are

spherical.
Questions
1a". Draw a diagram of the cross section of a dam.
b" Explain why it has this shape.
2. Calculate the pressure on a scuba diver at a depth

of 20!. !The density of water is 1000kg/!
3
"
3. Describe a demonstration to show that Pressure

increases with depth in a liquid.
64
65
66
23
Non$Renewable Energy
Resources
Non$Renewable resources are resources that are

used up and cannot be easily replaced. Examples are
fossil fuels and Nuclear fuels.
Renewable Energy Resources
Renewable Energy Resources are energy resources

that keep running and do not run$out easily.
The Energy
Crisis
Transport
Electricity
Fossil Fuels
Pollution
Depletion
Energy usage
Energy
Density
Pollution
Safety
Nuclear Fission
Renewable
Alternatives
Advantages
Unreliable
Not Controllable
Energy Density
Nuclear Fusion
Safety
Pollution
Problems
67
68
69
24
General Physics
Quantity and
symbol
Definition/Word equation
Symbol
equation
Units
Scalar Quantities Scalar quantities only have a magnitude.
Vector Quantities
Vector quantities have a magnitude, a direction
and a point of application.

Average Speed, s
Speed is the rate of change of distance. It is a
scalar quantity.
Speed = Total distance
Total time
For constant acceleration situations, the
average speed is also equal to the average of
the initial and final speeds.
s = initial speed + final speed
2
s = d
t
s = u + v
2
m/s
cm/s
km/h
Velocity
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement.
It is speed in a given direction. A vector
quantity.

m/s
cm/s
km/h
Acceleration, a
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
Acceleration = Final velocity initial velocity
Time
a = v u
t
m/s
2
Mass, m
Mass is a property of a body that resists change
in motion.

Weight, W, F
Weight is the force on a mass due to the
gravitational field of the Planet. It changes
from planet to planet. Weights can be
compared using a balance.
Weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity
Weight = mass x gravitational field strength
W = m x g
Newtons,
N
Density, !
Density is the mass per unit volume.
Density = mass
volume
! = m
V
Kg/m
3
g/cm
3

Force, F
A force is a push or a pull; it can change the
shape, direction, and/or speed of an object.
Force = mass x acceleration
F = m a
Newtons,
N
Load, (Hookes
law)
Load = spring constant x extension
Load " extension
F = k l
F " l
Newtons,
N
Moment
A moment is the turning affect of a force.
Moment = force x perpendicular distance from
the pivot
Moment = F d Nm
Equilibrium
When there is no resultant force AND no
resulting turning affect, a system is in
equilibrium.

Work done, W, E
Work done = Force x distance in the direction
of the force = change in energy
W = F d = #E Joules, J
Kinetic energy,
KE
Kinetic energy is the energy of a body due to
its motion.
Kinetic energy = $ x mass x velocity
2
KE = $ m v
2
Joules, J
25
Gravitational
energy, GPE
Gravitational potential energy is the energy of
a body due to its position in the gravitational
field.
Gravitational energy =mass x acceleration due
to gravity x height gained/lost
GPE = m g h Joules, J
Efficiency
Efficiency = useful output x 100%
total input
%
Power, P
Power is the rate at which energy is converted.
Power = work done
time taken
Power = energy change
time taken
P = E
t
Watts, W
Pressure, p, P
Pressure = force
area
P = F
A
N/m
2

Pascals,
Pa
millibar
Fluid Pressure, p,
P
Pressure = density of fluid x acceleration due
to gravity x height of fluid above
P = ! g h
N/m
2

Pascals,
Pa
Millibar

26
iGCSE Physics
Past Paper Questions
Paper 1 Compilation
General Physics
27
2
0625/1/M/J/02
1 The diagram shows the level of liquid in a measuring cylinder.
What is the volume of the liquid?
A 24 cm
3
B 28 cm
3
C 29 cm
3
D 32 cm
3
2 A cylindrical can is rolled along the ruler shown in the diagram.
The can rolls over twice.
What is the circumference (distance all round) of the can?
A 13 cm B 14 cm C 26 cm D 28 cm
0 cm 5 10 15 20 25 30 cm
mark on
can
can rolled
starting position final position
30
20
cm
3
liquid
1.
2.
28
3
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
3 The graph shows how the speed of a car changes with time.
Which of the following gives the distance travelled in time interval OR?
A the area OPQR
B the length PQ
C the length (QR PO)
D the ratio QR/PO
4 A snail crosses a garden path 30 cm wide at a speed of 0.2 cm/s.
How long does the snail take?
A 0.0067 s B 6.0 s C 15 s D 150 s
5 What are correct units used for mass and for weight?
30 cm
movement
of snail
snail
speed
P
Q
R O time
mass weight
A kg kg
B kg N
C N kg
D N N
3.
4.
5.
29
4
0625/1/M/J/02
6 Two objects X and Y are placed on a beam as shown. The beam balances on a pivot at its
centre.
What does this show about X and Y?
A They have the same mass and the same density.
B They have the same mass and the same weight.
C They have the same volume and the same density.
D They have the same volume and the same weight.
7 A shop-keeper places two identical blocks of cheese on a set of scales and notices that their
combined mass is 240 g. Each block measures 2.0 cm x 5.0 cm x 10.0 cm.
What is the density of the cheese?
A 0.42 g / cm
3
B 0.83 g / cm
3
C 1.2 g / cm
3
D 2.4 g / cm
3
8 The table shows the length of a wire as the load on it is increased.
Which subtraction should be made to find the extension caused by the 20 N load?
A 54.1 cm 0 cm
B 54.1 cm 50.0 cm
C 54.1 cm 52.1 cm
D 56.3 cm 54.1 cm
g
X
Y
pivot
load / N 0 10 20 30
length / cm 50.0 52.1 54.1 56.3
6.
7.
8.
30
5
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
9 A child tries to push over a large empty oil drum.
Where should the drum be pushed to topple it over with least force?
10 Which device is designed to convert chemical energy into kinetic energy (energy of motion)?
A an a.c. generator
B a battery-powered torch
C a car engine
D a wind-up mechanical clock
11 A ball is released from rest and rolls down a track from the position shown.
What is the furthest position the ball could reach?
ball
starts
here
A
B
C
D
A B C D
9.
10.
11.
31
6
0625/1/M/J/02
12 Two sharp nails and two blunt nails are held on a piece of wood. Each nail is hit with the same
hammer with the same amount of force.
When it is hit, which nail causes the greatest pressure on the wood?
13 The diagram shows a manometer connected to a container of carbon dioxide.
Which statement correctly describes the pressure exerted by the carbon dioxide?
A It is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
B It is equal to 5 cm of mercury.
C It is equal to 5 cm of mercury above atmospheric pressure.
D It is equal to 5 cm of mercury below atmospheric pressure.
carbon dioxide
container
mercury
manometer
5 cm
A B
hammer
sharp nails
C D
hammer
blunt nails
12.
13.
32
2
0625/01/M/J/03
1 A glass tank contains some water.
The length QR and the width RS of the tank are known.
What other distance needs to be measured in order to be able to calculate the volume of the
water?
A ST B SV C TU D TV
2 A stopwatch is used to time a race. The diagrams show the watch at the start and at the end of the
race.
How long did the race take?
A 45.7 s B 46.0 s C 46.5 s D 47.0 s
45
30
15
seconds
start
50
55
60
5
10
20
25 35
40
45
30
15
seconds
end
50
55
60
5
10
20
25 35
40
water
Q
R
S
T
V
U
14.
15.
33
3
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
3 The diagram shows a speed-time graph for a body moving with constant acceleration.
What is represented by the shaded area under the graph?
A acceleration
B distance
C speed
D time
4 A tunnel has a length of 50 km. A car takes 20 min to travel between the two ends of the tunnel.
What is the average speed of the car?
A 2.5 km/ h
B 16.6 km/ h
C 150 km/ h
D 1000 km/ h
5 Which statement is correct?
A Mass is a force, measured in kilograms.
B Mass is a force, measured in newtons.
C Weight is a force, measured in kilograms.
D Weight is a force, measured in newtons.
speed
time
0
0
16.
17.
18.
34
4
0625/01/M/J/03
6 Three children, X, Y and Z, are using a see-saw to compare their weights.
Which line in the table shows the correct order of the childrens weights?
7 What apparatus is needed to determine the density of a regularly-shaped block?
A a balance and a ruler
B a balance and a forcemeter (spring balance)
C a measuring cylinder and a ruler
D a measuring cylinder and a beaker
8 A spring is suspended from a stand. Loads are added and the extensions are measured.
Which graph shows the result of plotting extension against load?
0
0
e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
load
A
0
0
e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
load
B
0
0
e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
load
C
0
0
e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
load
D
spring
stand
loads
rule
X Y Y Z X Z
heaviest

lightest
A X Y Z
B X Z Y
C Y X Z
D Y Z X
19.
20.
21.
35
5
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
9 A student uses a stand and clamp to hold a flask of liquid.
Which diagram shows the most stable arrangement?
10 What is the source of the energy converted by a hydro-electric power station?
A hot rocks
B falling water
C oil
D waves
11 A labourer on a building site lifts heavy concrete blocks onto a lorry. Lighter blocks are now lifted
the same distance in the same time.
What happens to the work done in lifting each block and the power exerted by the labourer?
A B C D
work done in power exerted by
lifting each block labourer
A decreases decreases
B decreases remains the same
C increases increases
D remains the same increases
22.
23.
24.
36
6
0625/01/M/J/03
12 The diagram shows an instrument used to measure gas pressure.
What is the instrument called?
A ammeter
B barometer
C manometer
D thermometer
13 The diagrams show two divers swimming in the sea and two divers swimming in fresh water. Sea
water is more dense than fresh water.
On which diver is there the greatest pressure?
14 When water evaporates, some molecules escape.
Which molecules escape?
A the molecules at the bottom of the liquid with less energy than others
B the molecules at the bottom of the liquid with more energy than others
C the molecules at the surface with less energy than others
D the molecules at the surface with more energy than others
fresh water C
D
2 m
0 m
4 m
6 m
sea water A
B
2 m
0 m
4 m
6 m
liquid
25.
26.
27.
37
2
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
1 The di agram shows a measuring cylinder.
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Which unit would be most suit abl e for its scal e?
A mm
2
B mm
3
C cm
2
D cm
3
2 A pi ece of cotton is measured between two points on a rul er.
1 cm 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
cotton
When the l ength of cotton is wound closely around a pen, it goes round six times.
pen
six turns of cotton
What is the dist ance once round the pen?
A 2.2 cm B 2.6 cm C 13.2 cm D 15.6 cm
28.
29.
38
3
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04 [Turn over
3 The diagram shows the speed-time graph for an object moving at constant speed.
2
0
0 3 4
time/ s
speed
m/ s
1
1 2
What is the distance travelled by the object in the first 3s?
A 1.5m B 2.0m C 3.0m D 6.0m
4 A small steel ball is dropped from a low balcony.
Ignoring air resistance, which statement describes its motion?
A It falls with constant acceleration.
B It falls with constant speed.
C It falls with decreasing acceleration.
D It falls with decreasing speed.
5 Which statement about the mass of a falling object is correct?
A It decreases as the object falls.
B It is equal to the weight of the object.
C It is measured in newtons.
D It stays the same as the object falls.
30.
31.
32.
39
4
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
6 The weights of four objects, 1 to 4, are compared using a balance.
1
2
3
2 4
2
Which object is the lightest?
A object 1 B object 2 C object 3 D object 4
7 Which of the following is a unit of density?
A cm
3
/ g
B g/ cm
2
C g/ cm
3
D kg/ m
2
8 A piece of card has its centre of mass at M.
Which diagram shows how it hangs when suspended by a thread?
A B C D
M M
M
M
9 An experiment is carried out to measure the extension of a rubber band for different loads.
The results are shown below.
load/ N 0 1 2 3
length/ cm 15.2 16.2 18.6
extension/ cm 0 1.0 2.1 3.4
Which figure is missing from the table?
A 16.5 B 17.3 C 17.4 D 18.3
33.
34.
35.
36.
40
5
10 The di agram shows a man diving into wat er.
Which form of energy is increasing as he f alls?
A chemical
B gravit ational
C kinetic
D strain
11 A boy and a girl run up a hill in the same time.
boy weighs 600N girl weighs 500N
The boy weighs more than the girl.
Which st at ement is true about the power produced?
A The boy produces more power.
B The girl produces more power.
C They both produce the same power.
D It is impossibl e to t ell who produces more power.
36.
37.
38.
41
6
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
12 The di agram shows a simpl e mercury baromet er. The baromet er reading is h cm of mercury.
mercury
S
h
What is the pressure at S?
A approximat ely zero
B atmospheric pressure
C atmospheric pressure + h cm of mercury
D h cm of mercury
13 Two boys X and Y each have the same tot al weight and are st anding on soft ground.
X Y
Which boy is more likely to sink into the soft ground and why?
boy more
likely to sink
pressure on soft
ground
A X l arger than Y
B X small er than Y
C Y l arger than X
D Y small er than X
39.
40.
41.
42
2

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
1 A decorator wishes to calculate the area of a bathroom tile so that he can estimate the amount of
adhesive that he needs to buy.

What must he use?
A a measuring cylinder only
B a ruler only
C a measuring cylinder and a clock only
D a measuring cylinder and a ruler only

2 The three balls shown are dropped from a bench.

aluminium lead wood

Which balls have the same acceleration?
A aluminium and lead only
B aluminium and wood only
C lead and wood only
D aluminium, lead and wood

3 A car accelerates from traffic lights. The graph shows how the cars speed changes with time.

time / s
20
10
0
0
speed
m / s

How far does the car travel before it reaches a steady speed?
A 10 m B 20 m C 100 m D 200 m

42.
43.
44.
43
3

A The mass of a bottle of water at the North Pole is different from its mass at the Equator.
B The mass of a bottle of water is measured in newtons.
C The weight of a bottle of water and its mass are the same thing.
D The weight of a bottle of water is one of the forces acting on it.

5 Two blocks X and Y are placed on a beam as shown. The beam balances on a pivot at its centre.

X
Y
pivot

What does this show about X and Y?
A They have the same mass and the same density.
B They have the same mass and the same weight.
C They have the same volume and the same density.
D They have the same volume and the same weight.

6 The masses of a measuring cylinder before and after pouring some liquid into it are shown in the
diagram.

200
100
cm
3
mass = 80 g
200
100
cm
3
mass = 180 g
liquid

What is the density of the liquid?
A
120
100
g / cm
3
B
140
100
g / cm
3
C
120
180
g / cm
3
D
140
180
g / cm
3

45.
46.
47.
44
4

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
7 A girl and a boy are pulling in opposite directions on a rope. The forces acting on the rope are
shown in the diagram.

200 N
rope
150 N
girl
boy

Which single force has the same effect as the two forces shown?
A 50 N acting towards the girl
B 350 N acting towards the girl
C 50 N acting towards the boy
D 350 N acting towards the boy

8 Objects with different masses are hung on a 10 cm spring. The diagram shows how much the
spring stretches.

100 g
M
10 cm
20 cm
30 cm

The extension of the spring is directly proportional to the mass hung on it.

What is the mass of object M?
A 110 g B 150 g C 200 g D 300 g

48.
49.
50.
45
5

9 What is designed to change electrical energy into kinetic energy?
A capacitor
B generator
C motor
D transformer

10 A power station uses nuclear fission to obtain energy.

In this process, nuclear energy is first changed into
A chemical energy.
B electrical energy.
C gravitational energy.
D internal energy.

11 A ball is released from rest and rolls down a track from the position shown.

What is the furthest position the ball could reach?

A
B
C
D
ball
starts
here

51.
52.
53.
46
6

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
12 A water manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply to a house. It gives a
reading of h cm of water.

gas
supply
h cm

Why is it better to use water rather than mercury in this manometer?
A h would be too large if mercury were used.
B h would be too small if mercury were used.
C The tube would need to be narrower if mercury were used.
D The tube would need to be wider if mercury were used.

13 A farmer has two carts. The carts have the same weight, but one has four narrow wheels and the
other has four wide wheels.

narrow wheel wide wheel

In rainy weather, which cart sinks l ess into soft ground, and why?

cart wheels why
A narrow greater pressure on the ground
B narrow less pressure on the ground
C wide greater pressure on the ground
D wide less pressure on the ground

54.
55.
56.
47
2

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
1 A measuring cylinder contains some water. When a stone is put in the water, the level rises.

150
100
50
cm
3
150
100
50
cm
3
200 200
stone

What is the volume of the stone?
A 50 cm
3
B 70 cm
3
C 75 cm
3
D 125 cm
3

2 The graph represents the movement of a body accelerating from rest.

1 2 3 4 5
10
8
6
4
2
0
time / s
speed
m / s

After 5 seconds how far has the body moved?
A 2 m B 10 m C 25 m D 50 m

3 A child is standing on the platform of a station, watching the trains.

A train travelling at 30 m / s takes 3 s to pass the child.

What is the length of the train?
A 10 m B 30 m C 90 m D 135 m
57.
58.
59.
48
3

4 Below are four statements about the effects of forces on objects.

Three of the statements are correct.

Which statement is incorrect?
A A force can change the length of an object.
B A force can change the mass of an object.
C A force can change the shape of an object.
D A force can change the speed of an object.

5 A simple balance has two pans suspended from the ends of arms of equal length. When it is
balanced, the pointer is at 0.

0
pointer
pan X pan Y
arm
pivot

Four masses (in total) are placed on the pans, with one or more on pan X and the rest on pan Y.

Which combination of masses can be used to balance the pans?
A 1 g, 1 g, 5 g, 10 g
B 1 g, 2 g, 2 g, 5 g
C 2 g, 5 g, 5 g, 10 g
D 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 10 g

6 A person measures the length, width, height and mass of a rectangular metal block.

Which of these measurements are needed in order to calculate the density of the metal?
A mass only
B height and mass only
C length, width and height only
D length, width, height and mass

60.
61.
62.
49
4

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
7 Two forces act on an object.

In which situation is it impossible for the object to be in equilibrium?
A The two forces act in the same direction.
B The two forces act through the same point.
C The two forces are of the same type.
D The two forces are the same size.

8 The diagram shows four models of buses placed on different ramps.

centre
of mass
centre
of mass
centre
of mass
centre
of mass

How many of these models will fall over?
A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4

9 Which form of energy do we receive directly from the Sun?
A chemical
B light
C nuclear
D sound

10 A labourer on a building site lifts a heavy concrete block onto a lorry. He then lifts a light block the
same distance in the same time.

Which of the following is true?

work done in lifting the
blocks
power exerted by labourer
A less for the light block less for the light block
B less for the light block the same for both blocks
C more for the light block more for the light block
D the same for both blocks more for the light block

63.
64.
65.
66.
50
5

11 The di agram shows a thick sheet of gl ass.

Which edge must it st and on to cause the great est pressure?

A
D
C
B

12 A manomet er is being used to measure the pressure of the gas inside a t ank. A, B, C and D
show the manomet er at diff erent times.

At which time is the gas pressure inside the t ank great est?

gas
A B C D

13 Browni an motion is seen by looking at smoke particl es through a microscope.

How do the smoke particl es move in Browni an motion?
A all in the same direction
B at random
C in circl es
D vibrating about fixed points

67.
68.
51
iGCSE Physics
Paper 3 Compilation
General Physics
52
2
0625/3/M/J/02
1 A group of students attempts to find out how much power each student can generate. The
students work in pairs in order to find the time taken for each student to run up a flight of
stairs.
The stairs used are shown in Fig. 1.1.
Fig. 1.1
(a) Make a list of all the readings that would be needed. Where possible, indicate how the
accuracy of the readings could be improved.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
(b) Using words, not symbols, write down all equations that would be needed to work out
the power of a student.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) (i) When the student has reached the finishing point and is standing at the top of the
stairs, what form of energy has increased to its maximum?
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Suggest why the total power of the student is greater than the power calculated by
this method.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[3]
starting point
finishing point
For
Examiners
Use
1.
53
3
0625/3/M/J/02 [Turn over
2 A small rubber ball falls vertically, hits the ground and rebounds vertically upwards.
Fig. 2.1 is the speed-time graph for the ball.
Fig. 2.1
(a) Using information from the graph, describe the following parts of the motion of the ball.
(i) part AB
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) part DE
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) Explain what is happening to the ball along the part of the graph from B through C to D.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Whilst the ball is in contact with the ground, what is the
(i) overall change in speed,
change in speed = ........................................
(ii) overall change in velocity?
change in velocity = ......................................
[2]
10
8
6
4
2
0
0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
time/ s
speed
m/ s
B
D
C E
A
For
Examiners
Use
2.
54
4
0625/3/M/J/02
(d) Use your answer to (c) to explain the difference between speed and velocity.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(e) Use the graph to calculate the distance travelled by the ball between D and E.
distance travelled = ..................................[2]
(f) Use the graph to calculate the deceleration of the ball between D and E.
deceleration = ..................................[2]
For
Examiners
Use
55
2
0625/3/M/J/03
1 Fig. 1.1 shows apparatus that may be used to compare the strengths of two springs of the
same size, but made from different materials.
Fig. 1.1
(a) (i) Explain how the masses produce a force to stretch the spring.
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain why this force, like all forces, is a vector quantity.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Fig. 1.2 shows the graphs obtained when the two springs are stretched.
Fig. 1.2
0
0
5
10
15
20
force/N
10 20 30 40
extension/mm
spring 1
spring 2
spring 1
spring 2
spring
masses
scale
For
Examiners
Use
3.
56
3
(i) State which spring is more difficult to extend. Quote values from the graphs to
support your answer.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) On the graph of spring 2, mark a point P at the limit of proportionality. Explain your
choice of point P.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) Use the graphs to find the difference in the extensions of the two springs when a
force of 15 N is applied to each one.
difference in extensions = ..................................
[6]
2 The speed of a cyclist reduces uniformly from 2.5 m/s to 1.0 m/s in 12 s.
(a) Calculate the deceleration of the cyclist.
deceleration = ..................................[3]
(b) Calculate the distance travelled by the cyclist in this time.
distance = ..................................[2]
For
Examiners
Use
4.
57
4
0625/3/M/J/03
3 Fig. 3.1 shows the arm of a crane when it is lifting a heavy box.
Fig. 3.1
(a) By the use of a scale diagram (not calculation) of the forces acting at P, find the weight
of the box. [5]
40
30
950N
1220N
P
box
For
Examiners
Use
5.
58
5
(b) Another box of weight 1500 N is raised vertically by 3.0 m.
(i) Calculate the work done on the box.
work done = ..................................
(ii) The crane takes 2.5 s to raise this box 3.0 m. Calculate the power output of the
crane.
power = ..................................
[4]
4 Fig. 4.1 shows a sealed glass syringe that contains air and many very tiny suspended dust
particles.
Fig. 4.1
(a) Explain why the dust particles are suspended in the air and do not settle to the bottom.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The air in the syringe is at a pressure of 2.010
5
Pa. The piston is slowly moved into the
syringe, keeping the temperature constant, until the volume of the air is reduced from
80 cm
3
to 25 cm
3
. Calculate the final pressure of the air.
pressure = ..................................[3]
syringe
seal
dust particles
piston
For
Examiners
Use
59
2
0625/03 M/J/04
1 Fig. 1.1 shows a cycle track.
Fig. 1.1
A cyclist starts at A and follows the path ABCDEB.
The speed-time graph is shown in Fig. 1.2.
Fig. 1.2
(a) Use information from Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2 to describe the motion of the cyclist
(i) along AB,
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) along BCDEB.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
0
1
0
2
3
4
5
6
30 40 50 10 20 60 70 80 90 100
time / s
speed
m / s
A
B C D E B
A B
E C
D
v = 6 m/s
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
6.
60
3
0625/03 M/J/04 [Turn over
(b) The velocity v of the cyclist at C is shown in Fig. 1.1.
State one similarity and one difference between the velocity at C and the velocity at E.
similarity ...........................................................................................................................
difference ......................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Calculate
(i) the distance along the cycle track from A to B,
distance =
(ii) the circumference of the circular part of the track.
circumference =
[4]
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
61
4
0625/03 M/J/04
2 Fig. 2.1 shows a rock that is falling from the top of a cliff into the river below.
Fig. 2.1
(a) The mass of the rock is 75 kg. The acceleration of free fall is 10 m/s
2
.
Calculate the weight of the rock.
weight = [1]
(b) The rock falls from rest through a distance of 15 m before it hits the water.
Calculate its kinetic energy just before hitting the water. Show your working.
kinetic energy = [3]
(c) The rock hits the water. Suggest what happens to the kinetic energy of the rock during
the impact.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
cliff
falling
rock
river
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
7.
62
5
3 A large spring is repeatedly stretched by an athlete to increase the strength of his arms.
Fig. 3.1 is a table showing the force required to stretch the spring.
Fig. 3.1
(a) (i) State Hookes law.
...................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Use the results in Fig. 3.1 to show that the spring obeys Hookes law.
[1]
(b) Another athlete using a different spring exerts an average force of 400 N to enable her
to extend the spring by 0.210 m.
(i) Calculate the work done by this athlete in extending the spring once.
work done =
(ii) She is able to extend the spring by this amount and to release it 24 times in 60 s.
Calculate the power used by this athlete while doing this exercise.
power =
[4]
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
extension of spring/ m 0.096 0.192 0.288 0.384
force exerted to produce extension/ N 250 500 750 1000
8.
63
2
0625/03/M/J/05
1 A solid plastic sphere falls towards the Earth.
Fig. 1.1 is the speed-time graph of the fall up to the point where the sphere hits the Earths
surface.
Fig. 1.1
(a) Describe in detail the motion of the sphere shown by the graph.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
0
20
P
Q
R S T
40
60
80
100
120
140
speed
m / s
10 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
time / s
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
9.
64
3
(b) On Fig. 1.2, draw arrows to show the directions of the forces acting on the sphere when
it is at the position shown by point S on the graph. Label your arrows with the names of
the forces. [2]
Fig. 1.2
(c) Explain why the sphere is moving with constant speed at S.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(d) Use the graph to calculate the approximate distance that the sphere falls
(i) between R and T,
distance = . [2]
(ii) between P and Q.
distance = . [2]
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
65
4
0625/03/M/J/05
2 Fig. 2.1 shows a simple pendulum that swings backwards and forwards between P and Q.
Fig. 2.1
(a) The time taken for the pendulum to swing from P to Q is approximately 0.5 s.
Describe how you would determine this time as accurately as possible.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) (i) State the two vertical forces acting on the pendulum bob when it is at position R.
1. ...............................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) The pendulum bob moves along the arc of a circle. State the direction of the
resultant of the two forces in (i).
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) The mass of the bob is 0.2 kg. During the swing it moves so that P is 0.05 m higher
than R.
Calculate the increase in potential energy of the pendulum bob between R and P.
potential energy = . [2]
support
string
pendulum bob
P
R
Q
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
10.
66
5
3 A mass of 3.0 kg accelerates at 2.0 m/s
2
in a straight line.
(a) State why the velocity and the acceleration are both described as vector quantities.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Calculate the force required to accelerate the mass.
force = . [2]
(c) The mass hits a wall.
The average force exerted on the wall during the impact is 120 N.
The area of the mass in contact with the wall at impact is 0.050 m
2
.
Calculate the average pressure that the mass exerts on the wall during the impact.
pressure = . [2]
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
11.
67
2
0625/03/M/J/06
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
1 A bus travels from one bus stop to the next. The journey has three distinct parts. Stated in
order they are
uniform acceleration from rest for 8.0 s,
uniform speed for 12 s,
non-uniform deceleration for 5.0 s.
Fig. 1.1 shows only the deceleration of the bus.
5
0
10
15
5 0 10 15 20 25
speed
m/s
time/s
Fig. 1.1
(a) On Fig. 1.1, complete the graph to show the first two parts of the journey. [3]
(b) Calculate the acceleration of the bus 4.0 s after leaving the first bus stop.
acceleration = ........................[2]
(c) Use the graph to estimate the distance the bus travels between 20 s and 25 s.
estimated distance = ........................[2]
(d) On leaving the second bus stop, the uniform acceleration of the bus is 1.2 m / s
2
. The
mass of the bus and passengers is 4000 kg.
Calculate the accelerating force that acts on the bus.
force = ........................[2]
(e) The acceleration of the bus from the second bus stop is less than that from the first bus
stop.
Suggest two reasons for this.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
12.
68
3
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
2 A student sets up the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.1 in order to find the resultant of the two
tensions T
1
and T
2
acting at P. When the tensions T
1
, T
2
and T
3
are balanced, the angles
between T
1
and the vertical and T
2
and the vertical are as marked on Fig. 2.1.
vertical
board
pulley
pulley
69
44
P
T
1
= 6.0 N T
2
= 8.0 N
T
3
Fig. 2.1
In the space below, draw a scale diagram of the forces T
1
and T
2
. Use the diagram to find the
resultant of the two forces.
State
(a) the scale used, scale = ........................................
(b) the value of the resultant, value = ........................................
(c) the direction of the resultant. direction = ........................................
[6]
13.
69
4
0625/03/M/J/06
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
3 An electric pump is used to raise water from a well, as shown in Fig. 3.1.
pump
ground
well
Fig. 3.1
(a) The pump does work in raising the water. State an equation that could be used to
calculate the work done in raising the water.
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The water is raised through a vertical distance of 8.0 m. The weight of water raised in
5.0 s is 100 N.
(i) Calculate the work done in raising the water in this time.
work done = .......................[1]
(ii) Calculate the power the pump uses to raise the water.
power = ........................[1]
(iii) The energy transferred by the pump to the water is greater than your answer to (i).
Suggest what the additional energy is used for.
..............................................................................................................................[1]
14.
70
Topic 2:
Thermal Physics
Solids
The particles in solids are tightly held together by strong
forces.
They vibrate around mean positions.
The higher the temperature, the more vibrational kinetic
energy the particles have.
Solids have a rigid shape.
Liquids
In liquids the forces are strong, but the vibrating
particles are not fixed in position.
The particles can move but they are held close to their
neighbours.
Liquids do not keep their shape.
1
2
3
71
Gases
In gases the forces are very weak and they are virtually
free to move around their container.
The particles occasionally collide.
Gases expand to fill their container.
The collisions between the particles and the container
walls provides pressure.
Changing State
When a material changes from one state to another,
bonds are either broken or created.
When bonds are broken, heat must be supplied. When
bonds are created, heat is released.
When materials change state there is no change in the
temperature.
Phase Changes
The phase change from solid to liquid is called fusion.
The phase change from liquid to gas is called
vaporisation.
The energy required to effect the phase change is called
the Latent Heat.
The Latent Heat required per kg is called the Specific
Latent Heat.
4
5
6
72
Phases Changes !Graphical"
Temperature
Time
fusion
vaporisation
liquid
water
Latent Heat Calculations
The Specific Latent Heat of a material is given the symbol l.
From the definition, we have the following relationship:
H - J
m - kg
l - J/kg
H = ml
Heat Capacity
Whilst a material is being heated within a certain state
of matter, its temperature will rise.
The temperature rise depends upon the mass of the
material, the type of material and the amount of heat
supplied.
The property of a material that represents how much
heat is needed to raise its temperature is called its
Specific Heat Capacity and is given the symbol c.
7
8
9
73
Calculations
To calculate heat required we use:
H - J
m - kg
C - J/kg/
C
!T - C
H = mc!T
Constant Volume
If we increase the temperature of a gas in a

container at a constant volume, the particles
will move with more energy, and so there will
be more collisions, and so greater pressure:
Pressure increases with Temperature
Constant Pressure
If we increase the temperature of a gas in a container at

a constant pressure, the particles will move with more
energy, but they need more space to keep the collisions
constant and so there will be a greater volume:
Volume increases with Temperature
10
11
12
74
Constant Temperature
If we keep the temperature of a gas constant, we

keep the kinetic energy of the particles constant.
Decreasing the volume of the gas container will

increase the number of collisions of the particles with
the container.
The pressure of the gas will increase.
Pressure and Volume changes are described by the

following relationship:
P
1
V
1
= P
2
V
2
Brownian Motion
When pollen grains are placed on the surface of a

liquid and a strong light source is used to illuminate
the pollen, the pollen is seen to move randomly.
This movement is called Brownian Motion and

cause by the invisible water particles hitting the
pollen grains.
Expansion
When particles are heated they gain energy.
They become more spaced#out, and the material gets bigger.
We say that the material expands.
Generally, objects expand as they get hotter and contract as they get cooler.
Liquids expand more than solids on heating, and gases expand more than liquids.
Solids expand with the greatest force. Gases expand with the least force.
13
14
15
75
Questions on Expansion
Why do walls have expansion joints?
Why are pylon electrical cables tighter in winter?
Why do railway lines leave regular gaps between

them?
Temperature Scales
The most common temperature scale that is used is the

Celsius scale. This has its zero at the freezing point of water,
and the boiling point of water is 100C.
In Physics, the Kelvin scale !or Absolute Temperature scale" is

often used.
This is often more sensible as the zero is dened as the point

at which the particles have no kinetic energy !Absolute Zero".
To convert between Celsius and Kelvin, we add 273C.

A rise of 1K is the same as a rise of 1C.
Internal Energy
The Kelvin Temperature is proportional to

the average kinetic energy of the particles.
16
17
18
76
Evaporation
Evaporation is a process by which a liquid

cools due to the fact that particles are lost
from its surface.
The higher energy particles will be more

likely to leave the liquid, so lowering the
average KE of the particles remaining in the
liquid. The temperature will thus be
lowered.
Increasing the exposed surface area of the

liquid, or increasing the movement of air will
increase the rate of evaporation.
Changing State
When a material changes from one state to another,
bonds are either broken or created. This involves an
associated Internal Energy change.
When bonds are broken, heat must be supplied.
When bonds are created, Heat is released.
Since the energy changes are entirely Internal, there
is no change in kinetic energy of the particles, and
hence no change in the temperature of the material.
Thermometry
To make a thermometer, we need a property that
changes with temperature in a linear fashion.
We then need to calibrate the thermometer by
choosing two xed points.
The xed points for calibration are the boiling point
of water !100C" and the freezing point of water
!0C".
The scale is then divided into 100 equal parts for
interpolation.
19
20
21
77
Liquid in Glass Thermometers
Liquid in glass thermometers have liquid in

a glass bulb. As the liquid is heated it
expands and its level rises up the scale.
The choice of liquid, the thinness of the

bore or the size of the bulb will a$ect the
sensitivity of the thermometer.
The choice of liquid will a$ect the range of

the thermometer.
Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a junction of two di$erent metals.
Electrons will move across the junction creating a measurable voltage.
The higher the temperature, the more energy the electrons will have, more
electrons will move and we get a greater voltage.
The voltage is then calibrated.
High temperatures can be quickly recorded.

Heat Transfer
Heat ows from hot areas to cold areas.
In solids, heat moves by conduction.
In liquids and gases !uids", heat moves by

convection.
In a vacuum heat has to move by radiation.

22
23
24
78
Conduction
Heat moves from particle to particle as they collide.
Poor conductors are called insulators.
Solids are the best conductors !especially metals".
Gases are the best insulators.

Heat
Heat
Questions on Conduction.
1. Why does a robin u$ up its feathers in Winter?
2. Why is a string vest warmer than a cotton vest?
3. Design an experiment to compare conductors.
Cool uid in
a beaker.
Convection
Warm uid
expands and
rises. !low
density"
Denser Cool
uid sinks
Convection
currents
circulate the
heat.
Heat
Heat source
is applied.
25
26
27
79
Questions on Convection
Why should you stay close to the ground in a smoke#

lled room?
Why is the heating element at the bottom of a kettle?

Radiation
Infra#red
light energy
emitted..
Cooler
object
Hot object
!warmer than
surroundings".
Radiation
Black objects are better radiators and absorbers than

white or shiny objects.
Rough objects are better radiators and absorbers than

shiny or smooth objects.
28
29
30
80
Questions on Radiation
Why are houses often painted white in hot
countries?
Why do marathon runners wear an aluminium
blanket at the end of a race?
The Vacuum Flask
stopper
silver
surface
vacuum
31
32
81
1
Thermal Physics
Quantity and
symbol
Definition
Symbol
equation
units
Temperature, T, !
The temperature of a gas is related to the
motion of its particles. The faster, and
therefore the more energetic the particles
the hotter the gas.

o
C, K
Brownian Motion
The random, jerky motion of particles
(pollen in water, smoke in air) in a
suspension is evidence for the kinetic model
of matter. The massive particles are moved
by light, fast moving molecules.

Evaporation
The more energetic molecules escape from
the surface of a liquid. This leaves the
liquid left behind with a lower average KE,
and hence a cooler liquid.

Boyles Law
For a fixed mass of gas, the pressure is
inversely proportional to the volume, (at
constant temperature)
P " 1
V
PV = k
Charles Law
For a fixed mass of gas, the volume is
directly proportional to the temperature, (at
constant pressure)
V " T
V = k T
Pressure Law
For a fixed mass of gas, the pressure is
directly proportional to the temperature, (at
constant volume)
P " T
P = k T
Gas Law
For a fixed mass of gas, the
Pressure x Volume = a constant
Temperature
PV = k
T
P
1
V
1
= P
2
V
2

T
1
T
2

Temperature
must be the
absolute
temperature
in Kelvin,
K.
The other
quantities
must be
consistent.
Thermal Capacity, c
The amount of heat energy required to
change the temperature of a body by 1
o
C
c = E
#T
J/
o
C
Specific Heat
Capacity, c
The amount of heat energy required to
change the temperature of a unit mass of a
substance by 1
o
C
c = Q
m#T
J/kg
o
C
Jkg
o
C
Latent Heat, L
The amount of energy required to change
the state of a body without a change in
temperature
J
Specific Latent Heat
of Fusion, L
the state of unit mass of substance, from
solid to liquid without a change in
temperature
L = Q
m
J/kg
J/g
Specific Latent Heat
of Vaporisation, L
the state of unit mass of a substance from
liquid to gas without a change in
temperature

L = Q
m
J/kg
J/g
Conduction
The movement of heat energy by the
passing on of vibrations from particle to
particle.

82
2
Convection
The movement of heat energy by the mass
movement of fluids, due to expansion and
density changes due to heating.

Radiation
The movement of heat energy by the form
of an electromagnetic wave. (Infrared)

83
iGCSE Physics
Paper 1 Compilation
Thermal Physics
84
7
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
14 The diagram represents molecules in a liquid.
A and C are molecules with a high amount of energy.
B and D are molecules with a low amount of energy.
Which molecule is most likely to be leaving the liquid by evaporation?
15 The size of a balloon increases when the pressure inside it increases.
The balloon gets bigger when it is left in the heat from the Sun.
Why does this happen?
A The air molecules inside the balloon all move outwards when it is heated.
B The air molecules inside the balloon are bigger when it is heated.
C The air molecules inside the balloon move more quickly when it is heated.
D The number of air molecules inside the balloon increases when it is heated.
16 What must expand in order to show the temperature rise in a mercury-in-glass thermometer?
A the glass bulb
B the glass stem
C the mercury
D the vacuum
cool balloon hot balloon
A
C D
B
1.
2.
3.
85
8
0625/1/M/J/02
17 The table shows the melting points and boiling points of four substances.
Which substance is a liquid at a room temperature of 20
o
C?
18 A bar made of half wood and half copper has a piece of paper wrapped tightly round it.
The bar is heated strongly at the centre for a short time, and the paper goes brown on one side
only.
Which side goes brown, and what does this show about wood and copper?
wood paper copper
heat
substance melting point /
o
C boiling point /
o
C
A 101 35
B 39 357
C 30 2100
D 327 1750
brown side wood copper
A copper conductor insulator
B copper insulator conductor
C wood conductor insulator
D wood insulator conductor
4.
5.
86
9
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
19 The diagrams show part of a water-heating system which is working by convection.
Which diagram shows the most likely flow of water in the system?
20 A drop of water from a tap falls onto the surface of some water of constant depth.
Water waves spread out on the surface of the water.
Which statement is true?
A The waves are longitudinal and travel at the same speed in all directions.
B The waves are longitudinal and travel more quickly in one direction than in others.
C The waves are transverse and travel at the same speed in all directions.
D The waves are transverse and travel more quickly in one direction than in others.
view from above
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
A
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
B
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
C
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
D
9
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
19 The diagram shows a heater used to heat a tank of cold water.
What is the main process by which heat moves through the water?
A conduction
B convection
C evaporation
D radiation
20 What causes refraction when light travels from air into glass?
A The amplitude of the light waves changes.
B The colour of the light changes.
C The frequency of the light waves changes.
D The speed of the light changes.
21 A woman tunes her radio to a station broadcasting on 200 m.
What does the 200m tell her about the radio wave?
A its amplitude
B its frequency
C its speed
D its wavelength
water
lagging
tank
heater
6.
7.
87
7
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
15 Two metal boxes containing air are standing in a room. Box X is on top of a heater. Box Y is on a
bench. The boxes are left for a long time.
Which line in the table best describes the average speed of the molecules in the containers?
16 The top of the mercury thread in a mercury-in-glass thermometer reaches point X at 0 C and
point Z at 100 C.
Where might it be at a temperature below the ice-point?
A point W
B point X
C point Y
D point Z
X
W
Z
Y
X
Y
heater bench
box X box Y
A fast zero
B fast slow
C slow fast
D zero fast
8.
9.
88
8
0625/01/M/J/03
17 The same quantity of heat energy is applied to four different blocks. The temperature rise
produced is shown on each block.
Which block has the highest thermal capacity?
18 A person holds a glass beaker in one hand and fills it quickly with hot water. It takes several
seconds before his hand starts to feel the heat.
Why is there this delay?
A Glass is a poor conductor of heat.
B Glass is a good conductor of heat.
C Water is a poor conductor of heat.
D Water is a good conductor of heat.
A B
C D
temperature
rise is
3 C
temperature
rise is
9 C
temperature
rise is
18 C
temperature
rise is
6 C
10.
11.
89
7
14 A student places his thumb firmly on the outlet of a bicycle pump, to stop the air coming out.
handle
trapped air
direction of
motion
What happens to the pressure and to the volume of the trapped air as the pump handle is pushed
in?
pressure volume
B decreases remains the same
C increases decreases
D increases remains the same
15 A balloon is inflated in a cold room. When the room becomes much warmer, the balloon becomes
larger.
How does the behaviour of the air molecules in the balloon explain this?
A The molecules become larger.
B The molecules evaporate.
C The molecules move more quickly.
D The molecules repel each other.
9

19 The diagram shows a block of ice placed in a warm room.

At which point is the temperature the lowest?

table
clamp
ice
!
"
#
$

20 The drawing shows a wave.

Which labelled distance is the wavelength?

A
B
C
D

21 Radio waves are received at a house at the bottom of a hill.

hill

The waves reach the house because the hill has caused them to be
A diffracted.
B radiated.
C reflected.
D refracted.

A
C
D
B
90
8
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
16 A substance is heated at a steady rate. It changes from a solid to a liquid, and then to a gas.
The graph shows how its temperature changes with time.
temperature
time
P
Q
R
S
Which parts of the graph show a change of state taking place?
A P and R
B P and S
C Q and R
D Q and S
17 An engineer wants to fix a steel washer on to a steel rod. The rod is just too big to fit into the hole
of the washer.
steel rod
steel
washer
How can the engineer fit the washer onto the rod?
A cool the washer and put it over the rod
B cool the washer and rod to the same temperature and push them together
C heat the rod and then place it in the hole
D heat the washer and place it over the rod
5

11 The diagram shows a thick sheet of glass.

Which edge must it stand on to cause the greatest pressure?

A
D
C
B

12 A manometer is being used to measure the pressure of the gas inside a tank. A, B, C and D
show the manometer at different times.

At which time is the gas pressure inside the tank greatest?

gas
A B C D

13 Brownian motion is seen by looking at smoke particles through a microscope.

How do the smoke particles move in Brownian motion?
A all in the same direction
B at random
C in circles
D vibrating about fixed points

12.
13.
14.
91
9
18 An experiment is set up to find out which metal is the best conductor of heat. Balls are stuck with
wax to rods made from different metals, as shown in diagram X.
The rods are heated at one end. Some of the balls fall off, leaving some as shown in diagram Y.
Which labelled metal is the best conductor of heat?
before heating after heating
h e a t h e a t
diagram X diagram Y
A B C D
19 Thermometer X is held above an ice cube and thermometer Y is held the same distance below
the ice cube. After several minutes, the reading on one thermometer changes. The ice cube does
not melt.
ice cube
thermometer X
thermometer Y
Which thermometer reading changes and why?
thermometer reason
A X cool air rises from the ice cube
B X warm air rises from the ice cube
C Y cool air falls from the ice cube
D Y warm air falls from the ice cube
15.
16.
92
7

14 Viewed through a microscope, very small particles can be seen moving with Brownian motion.

Which line in the table is correct?

type of motion
of particles
particles are
suspended in
A vibration a liquid or a gas
B vibration a solid, a liquid or a gas
C random a liquid or a gas
D random a solid, a liquid or a gas

15 A measured mass of gas is placed in a cylinder at atmospheric pressure and is then slowly
compressed.

piston pushed in
piston
gas

The temperature of the gas does not change.

What happens to the pressure of the gas?
A It drops to zero.
B It decreases, but not to zero.
C It stays the same.
D It increases.

16 The graph shows the change in temperature of a material as it is heated.

Which part on the graph shows when the material is boiling?

temperature
time
A
B
C
D

17.
18.
19.
93
8

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
17 An experiment is set up as shown.

pressure gauge
flask
water
air
heat

What does the pressure gauge show as the air in the flask becomes hotter?
A a steady pressure
B a decrease in pressure
C an increase in pressure
D an increase and then a decrease in pressure

18 An iron bar is held with one end in a fire. The other end soon becomes too hot to hold.

fire
hand
iron bar

How has the heat travelled along the iron bar?
A by conduction
B by convection
C by expansion
D by radiation

20.
21.
94
6

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
14 Driving a car raises the temperature of the tyres.

This causes the pressure of the air in the tyres to increase.

Why is this?
A Air molecules break up to form separate atoms.
B Air molecules expand with the rise in temperature.
C The force between the air molecules increases.
D The speed of the air molecules increases.

15 To mark a temperature scale on a thermometer, fixed points are needed.

Which is a fixed point?
A the bottom end of the thermometer tube
B the top end of the thermometer tube
C the temperature of pure melting ice
D the temperature of pure warm water

16 Four blocks, made of different materials, are each given the same quantity of internal (heat)
energy.

Which block has the greatest thermal capacity?

A
temperature
rise = 2
o
C
B
temperature
rise = 4
o
C
C
temperature
rise = 6
o
C
D
temperature
rise = 8
o
C

22.
23.
24.
95
7

17 A long thin bar of copper is heated evenly along its length.

copper bar
heat

What happens to the bar?
A It becomes lighter.
B It becomes longer.
C It becomes shorter.
D It bends at the ends.

18 A beaker contains water at room temperature.

X
Y
water

How could a convection current be set up in the water?
A cool the water at X
B cool the water at Y
C stir the water at X
D stir the water at Y

8

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
19 Two plastic cups are placed one inside the other. Hot water is poured into the inner cup and a lid
is put on top as shown.

lid
small spacer
small air gap
hot water
bench

Which statement is correct?
A Heat loss by radiation is prevented by the small air gap.
B No heat passes through the sides of either cup.
C The bench is heated by convection from the bottom of the outer cup.
D The lid is used to reduce heat loss by convection.

20 Which is the best description of the speed of a water wave?
A the distance between one wave crest and the next
B the distance between the crest of a wave and a trough
C the distance that a particle of water moves up and down in one second
D the distance that a wavefront moves along the surface in one second

25.
26.
27.
96
iGCSE Physics
Paper 3 Compilation
Thermal Physics
97
5
3 Fig. 3.1 is an attempt to show the molecules in water and the water vapour molecules over
the water surface.
Fig. 3.1
(a) Explain, in terms of the energies of the molecules, why only a few water molecules have
escaped from the water surface.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) State two ways of increasing the number of water molecules escaping from the surface.
1 .......................................................................................................................................
2 .................................................................................................................................. [2]
(c) Energy is required to evaporate water.
Explain, in molecular terms, why this energy is needed.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
water vapour
molecules
water molecules
For
Examiners
Use
1.
98
6
0625/3/M/J/02
4 (a) Fig. 4.1 shows a cylinder containing air at a pressure of 1.0 ! 10
5
Pa. The length of the
air column in the cylinder is 80 mm.
Fig. 4.1
The piston is pushed in until the pressure in the cylinder rises to 3.8 ! 10
5
Pa.
Calculate the new length of the air column in the cylinder, assuming that the
temperature of the air has not changed.
new length = .................................. [3]
(b) Fig. 4.2 shows the same cylinder containing air.
Fig. 4.2
The volume of the air in the cylinder changes as the temperature of the air changes.
(i) The apparatus is to be used as a thermometer. Describe how two fixed points, 0 C
and 100 C, and a temperature scale could be marked on the apparatus.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Describe how this apparatus could be used to indicate the temperature of a large
beaker of water.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[5]
air
80mm
air
cylinder
piston
For
Examiners
Use
2.
99
5
work done = ..................................
crane.
power = ..................................
[4]
particles.
Fig. 4.1
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
5
80 cm
3
to 25 cm
3
pressure = ..................................[3]
syringe
seal
dust particles
piston
For
Examiners
Use
5
work done = ..................................
crane.
power = ..................................
[4]
particles.
Fig. 4.1
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
5
80 cm
3
to 25 cm
3
pressure = ..................................[3]
syringe
seal
dust particles
piston
For
Examiners
Use
3.
100
6
0625/3/M/J/03
5 Fig. 5.1 shows a thermocouple set up to measure the temperature at a point on a solar
panel.
Fig. 5.1
(a) X is a copper wire.
(i) Suggest a material for Y.
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) Name the component Z.
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Explain how a thermocouple is used to measure temperature.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(c) Experiment shows that the temperature of the surface depends upon the type of
surface used.
Describe the nature of the surface that will cause the temperature to rise most.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]
cold junction
Y
Z
X
hot junction
Sun's rays
surface
of solar
panel
For
Examiners
Use
4.
101
6
0625/03 M/J/04
4 (a) Two identical open boxes originally contain the same volume of water.
One is kept at 15 C and the other at 85 C for the same length of time.
Fig. 4.1 shows the final water levels.
Fig. 4.1
With reference to the energies of the water molecules, explain why the levels are
different.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) In an experiment to find the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water, it took 34 500 J
of energy to evaporate 15 g of water that was originally at 100 C.
A second experiment showed that 600 J of energy was lost to the atmosphere from the
apparatus during the time it took to evaporate 15 g of water.
Calculate the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water that would be obtained from
this experiment.
specific latent heat = [3]

85 C
15 C
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
5.
102
7
5 (a) Fig. 5.1 shows two identical metal plates. The front surface of one is dull black and the
front surface of the other is shiny silver.
The plates are fitted with heaters that keep the surfaces of the plates at the same
temperature.
Fig. 5.1
(i) State the additional apparatus needed to test which surface is the best emitter of
heat radiation.
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) State one precaution that is needed to ensure a fair comparison.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) State the result that you expect.
...................................................................................................................................
(iv) Write down another name for heat radiation.
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
(b) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of an everyday situation in which a
convection current occurs.
Mark the path of the current with a line and show its direction with arrows. [3]
dull black shiny silver
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
6.
103
6
0625/03/M/J/05
4 Fig. 4.1 shows apparatus that a student uses to make an estimate of the specific heat
capacity of iron.
Fig. 4.1
(a) The power of the heater is known. State the four readings the student must take to find
the specific heat capacity of iron.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
3. ......................................................................................................................................
4. ................................................................................................................................. [3]
(b) Write down an equation, in words or in symbols, that could be used to work out the
specific heat capacity of iron from the readings in (a).
[2]
iron block
electrical heater
thermometer
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
7.
104
7
(c) (i) Explain why the value obtained with this apparatus is higher than the actual value.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) State one addition to the apparatus that would help to improve the accuracy of the
value obtained.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
105
8
0625/03/M/J/05
5 (a) Fig. 5.1 shows the paths of a few air molecules and a single dust particle. The actual air
molecules are too small to show on the diagram.
Fig. 5.1
Explain why the dust particle undergoes small random movements.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
(b) Fig. 5.2 shows the paths of a few molecules leaving the surface of a liquid. The liquid is
below its boiling point.
Fig. 5.2
(i) State which liquid molecules are most likely to leave the surface.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) Explain your answer to (i).
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
air and vapour
liquid
dust particle
paths of
air molecules
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
8.
106
5
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
4 (a) State two differences between evaporation of water and boiling of water.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
2. ..................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The specific latent heat of vaporisation of water is 2260 kJ / kg.
Explain why this energy is needed to boil water and why the temperature of the water
does not change during the boiling.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(c) A laboratory determination of the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water uses a
120 W heater to keep water boiling at its boiling point. Water is turned into steam at the
rate of 0.050 g / s.
Calculate the value of the specific latent heat of vaporisation obtained from this
experiment. Show your working.
specific latent heat of vaporisation = ........................[3]
9.
107
6
0625/03/M/J/06
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
5 (a) Fig. 5.1 shows a tank used for evaporating salt solution to produce crystals.
salt solution
evaporating tank
steam out
steam in
Fig. 5.1
Suggest two ways of increasing the rate of evaporation of the water from the solution.
Changes may be made to the apparatus, but the rate of steam supply must stay constant.
You may assume the temperature of the salt solution remains constant.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) A manufacturer of liquid-in-glass thermometers changes the design in order to meet
new requirements.
Describe the changes that could be made to
(i) give the thermometer a greater range,
..............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) make the thermometer more sensitive.
..............................................................................................................................[1]
(c) A toilet flush is operated by the compression of air. The air inside the flush has a
pressure of 1.0 ! 10
5
Pa and a volume of 150 cm
3
. When the flush is operated the
volume is reduced to 50 cm
3
. The temperature of the air remains constant during this
process.
Calculate the new pressure of the air inside the flush.
pressure = .......................[2]
10.
108
Topic 3:
Waves
Transverse Waves
Wavelength
Wavelength
amplitude
amplitude
Frequency=Number of Waves per second (Hz)
Types of Waves
Waves carry energy without matter being

transferred.
There are two types of wave motion:
Transverse.
Longitudinal.
1
2
3
109
Transverse Waves
In a transverse wave, the wave

motion is at right angles to the
direction of the wave.
The Energy ows in a direction at

right angles to the wave motion.
Examples of transverse waves are

Light, Pond!ripples, Seismic S!
waves.
Longitudinal Waves
! In a longitudinal wave, the wave motion
is along the direction of the wave. It
consists of a series of compressions and
rarefractions.
! The Energy ows in the same direction
as the wave motion.
! Examples of longitudinal waves are
Sound and Seismic P!waves.
Reection
If waves hit a boundary, they will reect.
The angle of incidence will be equal to the angle of

reection.
Incident
wavefronts
Reected
wavefronts
Reecting
Surface
Normal
4
5
6
110
Refraction
If a wave changes speed, its direction will change.
If it slows!down it will bend towards the normal.
If the wave speeds!up it will bend away from the normal.

Boundary
Normal
Incident
wavefronts
Refracted
Wavefronts
Di"raction
If a wave encounters a gap that is of a similar size as the

wavelength of the wave, we will get di"raction.
The wave appears to spread!out from the gap.

Period of a Wave
The period of a wave is the time taken for the

wave to complete one cycle.
There is a simple relationship between Period

#T$ and Frequency #f$:
Period =
1
frequency
7
8
9
111
The Wave Equation
The wave!speed #v$, the frequency #f$ and the

wavelength #!$ are linked with the wave equation:
v(m s) = f (Hz)!(m)
Wave Equation Questions
1. The speed of sound in air is 340m/s. A musical note has
a wavelength of 0.6m. Calculate the frequency of the note.
2. In a concert hall, an echo is heard 0.5s after the note was
played. How long is the hall?
3 The speed of light in air is 300 000 000 m/s. The
frequency of the Radio Uno radio station is 567
kHz. Calculate the wavelength of the radio waves.
4 What would be the Period of one these waves?
Reection in a Plane Mirror
In a plane mirror, angle of incidence=angle of reection.
The mirror produces a virtual upright image behind the mirror, the same size as
the object and at the same distance as the object.
The image is laterality inverted.

Eye
Image Object
10
11
12
112
Refraction in a Rectangular
Block
Air Air Glass
i
i
r
r
Refractive Index
When light moves through a medium, it is

slowed down.
A high refractive index #n$ means that the

lights speed #v
m
$ is slow in the medium. We
dene refractive index in terms of the speed of
light #c$
n =
c
v
m
Refraction
When light moves from air to a medium it bends

towards the normal. The angles depend upon the
refractive index of the material concerned.
i
r
air medium
n =
sini
sinr
13
14
15
113
Spectrum of Visible Light
The colours of visible light can be arranged

according to their wavelength.
We normally say that there are seven distinct

colours, although the spectrum is continuous.
In order of increasing wavelength, the colours

are:
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo &

Violet.
Each colour of light refracts by a di"erent

amount; violet light the most, red light the least.
prism
White light
screen
Dispersion
Refraction
Refraction in a Semi!Circular
Block
Critical
Angle
Total
Internal
Reection
C
i r i
r
16
17
18
114
Total Internal Reection
If the angle of Incidence is greater than the Critical

angle then the light undergoes TOTAL
INTERNAL REFLECTION.
All of the energy stays inside the block.

Optical Fibres
Optical Fibre
Refracting Periscope
19
20
21
115
Keyhole Surgery
A camera and remote!controlled
surgical instruments are inserted
into a small incision in the
patient.
There is less risk of infection and
a quicker recovery time than
invasive surgery.
Fibre Optic Transmission
Signals are sent as pulses of light.
Cheaper signal production, less signal boosting, more
secure transmission, higher bandwidth #more information
possible$.
Converging Lens
A convex #converging$ lens is wider in the middle than at the

edges.
Convex lenses have a principal focus on either side.
The distance between the lens and the focus is called the focal
length
focus focus
focal
length
focal
length
22
23
24
116
Parallel light is converged to the focus.
Light entering through the focus emerges

parallel.
Light passing through the centre of the lens is

una"ected.
Ray Diagrams
When drawing a ray diagram, we construct

at least two rays from point on an object,
and try to use the rules of converging lenses.
The image is formed where the rays cross.
The Image can be magnied or reduced,

further or closer, real or virtual, inverted or
upright.
Problems
Construct ray diagrams for the following:
A$ An object of height 2c! placed 10c! from a

convex lens of focal length 3c!.
B$ An object of height 2c! placed 5c! from a

C$ An object of height 2c! placed 2.5c! from a

25
26
27
117
Radio
Waves
Infra!red
Waves
Visible
Ultra!
violet
Rays
X!Rays
Gamma
Rays
Micro
Waves
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Long Wavelength
Low Frequency
Short Wavelength
High Frequency
Sound
Sounds are produced when objects VIBRATE.
Sound is a LONGITUDINAL wave.
Reected sound waves produce echoes.
Sound travels at about 340 m/s in air. It travels faster in liquids and faster still in
solids.
Unlike light, sound needs a medium.
Sound waves can be displayed electronically using an Oscilloscope.
The greater the amplitude, the louder the sound.
The greater the frequency, the higher the pitch.
Our ears are sensitive to sound in the range 20 Hz ! 20 kHz.
Ultrasound is of a higher frequency than our ears can detect. #pre!natal scans, sonar$
Sound Waves
Low Frequency #Low pitch$ and Large
Amplitude #Loud$
Low Frequency #Low pitch$ and Small
Amplitude #Quiet$
High Frequency #High pitch$ and Large
Amplitude #Loud$
High Frequency #High pitch$ and Small
Amplitude #Quiet$
28
29
30
118
1
Wave Physics
Quantity and
symbol
Word equation / definition
Symbol
equation
units
Waves
Waves transfer energy from one place to
another without the mass movement of the
medium itself.

Transverse Waves
The oscillations are perpendicular to the
direction of wave travel. Examples include;
water waves, light, and any part of the
electromagnetic spectrum.

Longitudinal Waves
The oscillations are parallel to the direction
of wave travel. Example is Sound.

Amplitude
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum
displacement of the particles from their
equilibrium position.

cm
m
Wave Speed, v
Speed is the rate of change of distance of the
wave. It can be calculated using the
speed/distance/time equation or,
Speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f !
cm/s
m/s
Wavelength, !
The distance between two adjacent crests, or
two adjacent troughs. Or the distance
between to adjacent points on a wave that are
in the same phase of motion.
Wavelength = speed
frequency
! = v
f
m
Frequency, f
The number of waves passing a point in 1
second, or the number of oscillations of a
particle or the source in 1 second
Frequency = speed
wavelength
f = v
!
Hertz, Hz
Time Period, T The time for one complete wave to pass a
point or the time for one complete oscillation
of a particle
Time Period =_____1________
frequency
T = _1_
f
seconds
Refection The angle of incidence is equal to the angle
of reflection.
i = r
Refraction Refraction is the change of direction that
occurs when waves enter, at an angle other
than 90
o
, a medium in which it travels at a
different speed.

Refractive Index, n Refractive index is
the ratio of the sine of angle of incidence to
the sine of the angle of refraction (Snells
Law)
or the ratio of the speed of light in air or a
vacuum to the speed of light in the medium.
or the ratio of the real depth to the apparent
depth
n = sin i
sin r
n = c
v
n = R
A
No units,
its a
ration
119
2
Critical Angle, C The Critical Angle occurs inside the more
dense medium and is the angle of incidence,
at which the angle of refraction is 90
o
, i.e.
along the boundary between the mediums
n = ___1___
sin C

Total Internal
Reflection
Total internal reflection occurs at angles
greater than the critical angle inside a more
dense medium.

Diffraction Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as
they pass through a gap. The narrower the
gap the more diffraction there is.

Dispersion Dispersion is the splitting of light into the
colours of the spectrum, due to the different
speeds at which these colours travel in the
prism.

Speed of Light And all other waves in the electromagnet
spectrum
3.0 x10
8
m/s
Monochromatic Monochromatic means of one frequency.
Therefore if monochromatic light is passed
through a triangular prism dispersion will not
occur.

Speed of Sound 330 m/s

120
iGCSE Physics
Paper 1 Compilation
Waves
121
9
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
view from above
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
A
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
B
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
C
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
D
9
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
view from above
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
A
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
B
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
C
hot
water
tank
boiler
heat
D
12
0625/1/M/J/02
25 A girl stands in front of a rock face.
The girl claps her hands once. The speed of sound in air is 330 m/ s.
How long is it before she hears the echo?
A s
B
s
C
s
D
s
26 Which diagram best shows the pattern of field lines around a bar magnet?
N S
A B
N S
N S
C D
N S
330
______
2 x 660
330
___
660
660
___
330
2 x 660
______
330
660 m
rock face
1.
2.
122
10
0625/1/M/J/02
21 A student measures how far a cork moves up and down on a wave in a tank of water.
Which quantity can he obtain from his measurement?
A amplitude
B frequency
C speed
D wavelength
22 Alpha-particles, beta-particles, gamma-rays and infra-red radiation may all be emitted from a
solid.
Which of these are included in the electromagnetic spectrum?
A alpha-particles and beta-particles
B alpha-particles and gamma-rays
C beta-particles and infra-red radiation
D gamma-rays and infra-red radiation
ruler
cork
direction
of wave
3.
4.
123
11
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
23 The image of a clock face as seen in a plane mirror is shown.
What is the actual time on the clock?
A 1.25 B 1.35 C 10.25 D 10.35
24 Four sound waves W, X, Y and Z are displayed by an oscilloscope screen. The oscilloscope
settings are the same in each case.
Which two sounds have the same pitch?
A W and X
B W and Y
C X and Y
D X and Z
W X
Y Z
1 2
6
9 3
5.
6.
124
10
0625/01/M/J/03
22 Which statement is correct about the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
A Ultra-violet waves have the greatest speed.
B Visible light waves have the greatest speed.
C Infra-red waves have the greatest speed.
D All electromagnetic waves have the same speed.
23 Which diagram correctly shows rays passing through a camera lens?
camera
film
image
lens
object
A
camera
film
image
lens
object
C
camera
film
image
lens
object
B
camera
film
image
lens
object
D
7.
125
11
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
24 A sound wave passes through the air, in the direction shown.
direction of travel of sound wave

How does a particle of air move as the sound wave passes?
A moves to the right and stays there
B moves left and right
C moves up and stays there
D moves up and down
25 A boy is stranded on an island 500 m from the shore.
He shouts for help, but all he can hear in reply is the echo of his shout from some cliffs.
Sound travels at 340m/ s through the air.
What is the time interval between the boy shouting and hearing the echo?
A s B s C s D s
2 340
500
340
500
2 500
340
500
340
island
cliffs
500 m
8.
9.
126
10
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
20 Water waves change direction when they move from shallow water to deep water.
shallow
water
deep
water
original
wave
direction
new wave
direction
What is the name of this effect?
A diffraction
B dispersion
C reflection
D refraction
21 A vertical stick is dipped up and down in water at P. In two seconds, three wave crests are
produced on the surface of the water.
P
X
Y
wave
crests
A Distance X is the amplitude of the waves.
B Distance Y is the wavelength of the waves.
C Each circle represents a wavefront.
D The frequency of the waves is 3Hz.
10.
11.
127
11
22 A plane mirror is on a wall.
Which is a correct description of the image formed by the mirror?
A the right way up and smaller than the object
B the right way up and the same size as the object
C upside down and smaller than the object
D upside down and the same size as the object
23 The diagram shows a ray of light entering a block of glass.
1
2
3
4
normal
air
glass
ray of
light
Which numbered angles are the angles of incidence and of refraction?
angle
of incidence
angle
of refraction
A 1 3
B 1 4
C 2 3
D 2 4
12.
13.
128
12
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
24 Three rays of light f all on a converging l ens as shown.
lens
Which di agram shows the path of the rays aft er passing through the l ens?
A B
C D
25 Which type of wave cannot travel through a vacuum?
A infra-red radi ation
B microwaves
C sound waves
D X-rays
14.
15.
129
13
26 An engineer standing at P hears the sound of an explosion at X.
Z
Y
X
W
V
P
DANGER -
BLASTING
After the explosion, she hears two bangs. One bang is heard a fraction of a second after the
other.
The second bang is an echo from
A XY.
B PV.
C ZY.
D WX.
27 How can a permanent magnet be demagnetised?
A cool the magnet for a long time
B hit the magnet repeatedly with a hammer
C leave the magnet in a coil which carries direct current
D pass a small current through the magnet
28 An electromagnet is used to separate magnetic metals from non-magnetic metals.
Why is steel unsuitable as the core of the electromagnet?
A It is a good conductor of electricity.
B It forms a permanent magnet.
C It has a high density.
D It has a high thermal capacity.
9

19 The di agram shows a block of ice pl aced in a warm room.

At which point is the t emperature the l owest?

table
clamp
ice
!
"
#
$


Which l abell ed dist ance is the wavel ength?

A
B
C
D


hill

A diffract ed.
B radi at ed.
C refl ect ed.
D refract ed.

16.
17.
130
10

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
22 Which diagram correctly shows a ray of light passing through a rectangular glass block?

A B
C
D

23 The ray diagram shows how an image is formed by a converging lens.

24 cm 10 cm 8 cm

What is the focal length of this lens?
A 8 cm B 10 cm C 18 cm D 24 cm

9

19 The diagram shows a block of ice placed in a warm room.

At which point is the temperature the l owest?

table
clamp
ice
!
"
#
$


Which labelled distance is the wavelength?

A
B
C
D


hill

A diffracted.
B radiated.
C reflected.
D refracted.

18.
19.
20.
131
11

24 A fire al arm is not loud enough. An engineer adjusts it so that it produces a not e of the same pitch
which is louder.

What eff ect does this have on the amplitude and on the frequency of the sound?

amplitude frequency
A l arger l arger
B l arger same
C same l arger
D same same

25 To estimat e the width of a vall ey, a climber st arts a stopwatch as he shouts. He hears an echo
from the opposit e side of the vall ey aft er 1.0 s.

valley
sound
climber

The sound travels at 340 m / s.

What is the width of the vall ey?
A 85 m B 170 m C 340 m D 680 m

26 Which mat eri al is used for the core of an el ectromagnet?
A aluminium
B copper
C iron
D st eel

8

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
19 Two pl astic cups are pl aced one inside the other. Hot wat er is poured into the inner cup and a lid
is put on top as shown.

lid
small spacer
small air gap
hot water
bench

Which st at ement is correct?
A Heat loss by radi ation is prevent ed by the small air gap.
B No heat passes through the sides of either cup.
C The bench is heat ed by convection from the bottom of the out er cup.
D The lid is used to reduce heat loss by convection.

20 Which is the best description of the speed of a wat er wave?
A the dist ance between one wave crest and the next
B the dist ance between the crest of a wave and a trough
C the dist ance that a particl e of wat er moves up and down in one second
D the dist ance that a wavefront moves along the surf ace in one second

21.
22.
23.
132
9

21 Water waves travel more slowly in shallow water than in deep water.

Which diagram shows what will happen to plane waves in deep water when they enter shallow
water?

A
deep shallow
B
deep shallow
D
deep shallow
C
deep shallow

22 A ray of light passes through a window.

Which path does it take?

A
B
C
D
glass air air

24.
25.
133
10

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
23 The diagram shows the image of a clock in a plane mirror.

What time is shown?
A 02:25 B 02:35 C 09:25 D 09:35

24 The diagram shows a man standing at X who shouts to a man standing at Y.

N
E
S
W
X
Y

The mans voice will be heard sooner and more clearly if the wind is blowing towards the
A north.
B south.
C east.
D west.

25 Sounds are made by vibrating objects. A certain object vibrates but a person nearby cannot hear
any sound.

Which statement might explain why nothing is heard?
A The amplitude of the sound waves is too large.
B The frequency of the vibration is too high.
C The sound waves are transverse.
D The speed of the sound waves is too high.

26.
27.
28.
134
9
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
A conduction
B convection
C evaporation
D radiation
A its amplitude
B its frequency
C its speed
D its wavelength
water
lagging
tank
heater
29.
9
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
A conduction
B convection
C evaporation
D radiation
A its amplitude
B its frequency
C its speed
D its wavelength
water
lagging
tank
heater
5.
30.
135
iGCSE Physics
Paper 3 Compilation
Waves
136
7
5 Fig. 5.1 shows an arrangement where a plane mirror is used in a shop to watch a display
counter. The arrangement is drawn to a scale of 1 cm : 1 m.
Fig. 5.1
(a) (i) State the law of reflection.
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) On Fig. 5.1, draw rays to show how much of the display cannot be seen from P.
Indicate this by shading in the part that cannot be seen.
[3]
(b) By construction on Fig. 5.1 and by using the scale, calculate how far the mirror must be
moved so that all of the display counter can be seen from P.
distance moved = .................................... [2]
(c) State the characteristics of an image seen in a plane mirror.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
display counter
wall
plane mirror
P
For
Examiners
Use
1.
137
8
0625/3/M/J/02
6 Observations of a distant thunderstorm are made.
(a) During a lightning flash, the average wavelength of the light emitted is 5 ! 10
7
m. This
light travels at 3 ! 10
8
m/s.
Calculate the average frequency of this light.
frequency = ...................................... [2]
(b) The interval between the lightning flash being seen and the thunder being heard is
3.6 s. The speed of sound in air is 340 m/s.
(i) Calculate the distance between the thunderstorm and the observer.
distance = ............................................
(ii) Explain why the speed of light is not taken into account in this calculation.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[3]
(c) A single ray of white light from the lightning is incident on a prism as shown in Fig. 6.1.
Fig. 6.1
Complete the path of the ray to show how a spectrum is formed on the screen. Label the
colours. [2]
ray of
light
prism
screen
For
Examiners
Use
2.
138
7
6 Fig. 6.1 shows wavefronts of light crossing the edge of a glass block from air into glass.
Fig. 6.1
(a) On Fig. 6.1
(i) draw in an incident ray, a normal and a refracted ray that meet at the same point on
the edge of the glass block,
(ii) label the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction,
(iii) measure the two angles and record their values.
angle of incidence = ..................................
angle of refraction = ..................................
[4]
(b) Calculate the refractive index of the glass.
refractive index = ..................................[3]
edge of glass
glass
air
direction in which
wavefronts
are moving
For
Examiners
Use
3.
139
8
0625/3/M/J/03
7 In a thunderstorm, both light and sound waves are generated at the same time.
(a) How fast does the light travel towards an observer?
speed = .................................. [1]
(b) Explain why the sound waves always reach the observer after the light waves.
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) The speed of sound waves in air may be determined by experiment using a source that
generates light waves and sound waves at the same time.
(i) Draw a labelled diagram of the arrangement of suitable apparatus for the
experiment.
(ii) State the readings you would take.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain how you would calculate the speed of sound in air from your readings.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
For
Examiners
Use
4.
140
8
0625/03 M/J/04
6 Fig. 6.1 shows a ray PQ of blue light incident on the side of a rectangular glass block.
Fig. 6.1
(a) (i) By drawing on Fig. 6.1, continue the ray PQ through and beyond the block.
(ii) Mark the angle of incidence at CD with the letter i and the angle of refraction at CD
with the letter r.
[3]
(b) The speed of light in air is 3.0 x 10
8
m/s and the speed of light in glass is 2.0 x 10
8
m/s.
(i) Write down a formula that gives the refractive index of glass in terms of the
speeds of light in air and glass.
refractive index =
(ii) Use this formula to calculate the refractive index of glass.
refractive index =
[2]
(c) The frequency of the blue light in ray PQ is 6.0 x 10
14
Hz.
Calculate the wavelength of this light in air.
wavelength = ..[2]
A B
D C
Q
P
glass
air
Fig. 6.1
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
5.
141
9
7 Fig. 7.1 shows the cone of a loudspeaker that is producing sound waves in air.
At any given moment, a series of compressions and rarefactions exist along the line XY.
Fig. 7.1
(a) On Fig. 7.1, use the letter C to mark three compressions and the letter R to mark three
rarefactions along XY. [1]
(b) Explain what is meant by
(i) a compression,
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) a rarefaction.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) A sound wave is a longitudinal wave. With reference to the sound wave travelling along
XY in Fig. 7.1, explain what is meant by a longitudinal wave.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) There is a large vertical wall 50 m in front of the loudspeaker. The wall reflects the
sound waves.
The speed of sound in air is 340 m/s.
Calculate the time taken for the sound waves to travel from X to the wall and to return
to X.
time = [2]
air
cone
wires
X Y
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
6.
142
9
6 Fig. 6.1 shows a ray of light OPQ passing through a semi-circular glass block.
Fig. 6.1
(a) Explain why there is no change in the direction of the ray at P.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) State the changes, if any, that occur to the speed, wavelength and frequency of the light
as it enters the glass block.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) At Q some of the light in ray OPQ is reflected and some is refracted.
On Fig. 6.1, draw in the approximate positions of the reflected ray and the refracted ray.
Label these rays. [2]
(d) The refractive index for light passing from glass to air is 0.67.
Calculate the angle of refraction of the ray that is refracted at Q into air.
angle = . [3]
30
Q
P
O
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
7.
143
10
0625/03/M/J/05
7 Fig. 7.1 shows the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Fig. 7.1
(a) Name one type of radiation that has
(i) a higher frequency than ultra-violet,
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) a longer wavelength than visible light.
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Some -rays emitted from a radioactive source have a speed in air of 3.0 x 10
8
m/s and
a wavelength of 1.0 x 10
12
m.
Calculate the frequency of the -rays.
frequency = . [2]
(c) State the approximate speed of infra-red waves in air.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
- rays and X - rays
ultra-
violet
infra-
red
radio
waves
v
i
s
i
b
l
e
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
8.
144
7
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
6 Fig. 6.1 shows white light incident at P on a glass prism. Only the refracted red ray PQ is
shown in the prism.
P
Q
w
hite light
red ray
screen
Fig. 6.1
(a) On Fig. 6.1, draw rays to complete the path of the red ray and the whole path of the
violet ray up to the point where they hit the screen. Label the violet ray. [3]
(b) The angle of incidence of the white light is increased to 40. The refractive index of the
glass for the red light is 1.52.
Calculate the angle of refraction at P for the red light.
angle of refraction = ........................[3]
(c) State the approximate speed of
(i) the white light incident at P, speed = ........................ [1]
(ii) the red light after it leaves the prism at Q. speed = ........................ [1]
9.
145
8
0625/03/M/J/06
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
7 Fig. 7.1 shows how the air pressure at one instant varies with distance along the path of a
continuous sound wave.
air pressure
normal
air pressure
P X Y
distance in direction
of travel of the wave
Fig. 7.1
(a) What type of waves are sound waves?
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) On Fig. 7.1, mark on the axis PY
(i) one point C where there is a compression in the wave, [1]
(ii) one point R where there is a rarefaction in the wave. [1]
(c) Describe the motion of a group of air particles situated on the path of the wave shown in
Fig. 7.1.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) The sound wave shown has speed of 340 m / s and a frequency of 200 Hz.
Calculate the distance represented by PX on Fig. 7.1.
distance = ........................[2]
10.
146
Topic 4:
Electricity & Magnetism
Charge
Charge is a property that objects can have.
Charge can be positive !+" or negative !#".
Charge is measured in coulombs !C".
Conductors allow charge to move !metals & graphite".
Insulators prevent charge from moving !Most non#metals".
Electrons are usually responsible for movement of charge

!current".
Charging by Friction
When two insulators are rubbed together,

ELECTRONS are transferred from one to the other
and the objects become charged.
This is called charging by friction because friction is

the force that moves the electrons.
Only electrons move. Positive charge does not

move.
1
2
3
147
Polythene Rods
Polythene rods gain a negative charge when rubbed

with a cloth.
Electrons are moved from the cloth to the rod.
The cloth becomes positively charged.

Perspex Rods
Perspex rods gain a positive charge when rubbed

with a cloth.
Electrons are moved from the rod to the cloth.
The cloth becomes negatively charged.

The Gold#Leaf Electroscope
The Gold#Leaf electroscope is an instrument that detects and

measures electrostatic charge.
It consists of a metal !conductor" cap and rod with a thin piece of gold
foil !conductor" connected.
The rod is held in place by plastic !insulator".
The earthed outer case is made from metal !conductor".

Metal Cap
Gold Leaf
Metal Rod
Metal Case
Insulator
4
5
6
148
The Law of Electrostatics
If charged objects are placed beside each other, they

experience a force.
The force depends upon the charges on the objects.
An electric eld surrounds the charges. This is a region of

inuence on other charges.
attract
repel
attract
repel
The Law of Electrostatics
This can be summarised as:

Opposite Charges Attract.
Like Charges Repel.
Summary of Quantities
Quantity Symbol Unit
Units
Symbol
Current I Ampere A
Potential
Di$erence
!Voltage"
V Volt V
Resistance R Ohm %
7
8
9
149
Current/Voltage Graphs
The characteristics of a component can be shown by

graphing the current through it for varying voltages.
This graph is called the characteristic of the

component.
Negative p.d.s are plotted as well as positive ones.

Ohmic Resistors
Ohmic resistors have a proportional relationship between

current and pd. This is because the resistance remains
constant for all voltages.
current
p.d.
Filament Lamp
A lament lamp or standard resistor does not behave

itself as well as an ohmic resistor. The resistance increases
with voltage as the wire gets hotter.
p.d.
current
10
11
12
150
The Diode
The diodes behaviour depends upon its direction in the

circuit. It allows current to ow in the positive direction
but blocks it in the negative direction. It can be thought
of as an electric valve.
p.d.
current
0.7 V
Ohms Law
Ohms Law states that the current in, and voltage

across a conductor are proportional provided that
the temperature and other physical quantities
remain the same.
This is easily seen in an ohmic resistor.

Potential Di$erence in Series
Circuits
In a series circuit the PD from the cell !V

t
" is
divided among the individual components:
V
t
V
1
V
2
V
t
= V
1
+V
2
+ ...
13
14
15
151
Current in Series Circuits
In a series circuit the Current is the same at all

points in the circuit. This is because of the
conservation of charge.
I
t
I
t
I
1
I
2
I
3
I
t
= I
1
= I
2
= ...
Resistance in Series Circuits
The Combined Resistance !R

t
" is equal to the sum
of the individual resistances:
R
t
R
1
R
2
R
t
= R
1
+ R
2
+ ...
Potential Di$erence in Parallel
In a Parallel circuit the PD across each strand is

the same as the PD supplied to the strand since
the voltage is between the same two points in each
case.
V
t
V
1
V
2
V
t
= V
1
= V
2
= ...
16
17
18
152
Current in Parallel Circuits
In a Parallel circuit the current supplying the

strands splits. Because of the conservation of
charge:
I
t
I1
I2
I
t
= I
1
+ I
2
+ ...
Resistance in Parallel
In a parallel combination, the combined resistance

is found using the following equation:
R2
R1
Rt
1
R
t
=
1
R
1
+
1
R
2
+ ...
Resistance
Electric Current is opposed by components in a

circuit. This opposition is called Resistance.
Resistance can be dened by the equation:

R(!) =
V(V)
I(A)
19
20
21
153
Current
Current is the rate at which charge !coulombs" passes a point in

a circuit.
Current is measured with an ammeter in a circuit which is

placed in series at the point where the current needs to be
measured.
I(A) =
Q(C)
t(s)
Potential Di$erence
Electrical Energy is given to the charges in a cell !battery". This energy is

given up in the components.
Both cells and components in a circuit have a voltage across them.
Potential Di$erence is measured in a circuit with an voltmeter. It should be

placed in parallel across the two points where the PD is to be found.
V(V) =
!Energy(J)
Q(C)
The Potential Divider
The total PD across the resistors is shared by the

resistors.
The share of the voltage that each resistor gets

depends upon its resistance.
If R
1
is large compared to R
2
then it will have a much
bigger share of the voltage across it.
V
t
V
1
=IR
1
V
2
=IR
2
I
22
23
24
154
Simpler Design
The Potential Divider can be made adjustable by

using a variable resistor and taking a voltage from
the rheostat.
V
t
I
V
1
Task
Using the 12V setting on the power pack, a

variable resistor, a voltmeter a bulb and leads,
construct a circuit that supplies the bulb with
exactly 4.56 V.
V
Energy in D.C. Circuits
It has been shown that
Voltage is the Work
Done per Coulomb
But we also know that:
So:
V =
WD
Q
I =
Q
t
Q = It
Energy = VQ
Energy = VIt
25
26
27
155
Power in D.C. Circuits
Since
and
so
Power =
!Energy
t
Energy = VIt
Power =
VIt
t
Power = VI
Combining Ohms Law
Equation
Since P=VI, we can use V=IR to get alternative
expressions for Power:
P = VI
P = I
2
R
P =
V
2
R
Conductors
Increasing the temperature of a conductor will

increase its resistance since this will lead to more
electron collisions.
28
29
30
156
Semiconductors
Silicon is a semiconductor. Its electrons are held

tightly so it is a poor conductor of electricity.
Increasing the energy to the electrons can free
them, and the silicon becomes a better conductor.
This energy can be provided from light !an LDR"

or heat !a Thermistor".
The Transistor
A transistor is an electronic component.
It is often used as a switch.
The base#emitter current !small" controls the

collector#emitter current !large".
It can be compared to opening a gate.

base
emitter
collector
Transistor
+6V
0V
As the temperature drops, the resistance of the
thermistor ................... The voltage across b#e will....................
and the transistor is switched#on and the bulb lights.
Possible Use:
31
32
33
157
Transistor
+6V
0V
As the temperature rises, the resistance of the
thermistor ................... The voltage across b#e will....................
and the transistor is switched#on and the bulb lights.
Possible Use:
Transistor
+6V
0V
As the light level drops, the resistance of the LDR ...................
The voltage across b#e will.................... and the transistor is
switched#on and the bulb lights.
Possible Use:
Transistor
+6V
0V
As the light level rises, the resistance of the LDR ...................
The voltage across b#e will.................... and the transistor is
switched#on and the bulb lights.
Possible Use:
34
35
36
158
The Diode
The Diode is an electronic valve.
It allows current to ow one way but not the other.

The Capacitor
A capacitor charges#up when a current ows, and

discharges when the current is removed.
Because this takes time to happen, they are often

used in electronics to control timed events.
Rectication Circuit
The Diode removes any current owing in the reverse

direction.
The Capacitor charges up and discharges to smooth the

output.
A.C.
Input
D.C.
Output
37
38
39
159
A.C Voltage
Half#Wave
Rectied
Half#Wave
Rectied and
Smoothed
Digital vs Analogue Signals
Analogue signals are continuously varying.
Digital signals are pulses !on, o$". They contain

data as binary digits.
Computers process ONLY digital signals.

Electronic Systems
There are three stages to an electronic system:
INPUT Transducers # Create digital information.
PROCESS # Manipulate or compare information.
OUTPUT Transducers # Use the result of the

process.
40
41
42
160
NOT Gate
A B
A B
0 1
1 0
OR Gate
B
A
C
A B C
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1
AND Gate
A
C
B
A B C
0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1
43
44
45
161
Tasks
Build an alarm clock for a deaf person that will light up at dawn.
Build a eco#friendly device that would tell you if your pool was too
cold for swimming. The device should light up when you press a
button.
Build a device that will sound an alarm at Isha. It must activate a

buzzer when it is dark and the device is switched on.
Build a re alarm that activates a buzzer and a warning light when it

gets too hot. The alarm should have a test button for the battery.
Production of a Cathode Ray
The heating element boils the excess electrons o$ the

cathode.
Most of the electrons hit the Anode, but some pass

through the gap in a high speed Cathode Ray.
H
Heating
Element
Cathode
Anode
Vacuum
The Electron Gun
A television produces a picture by focusing a

cathode ray onto a screen that glows when the beam
hits it.
Computer monitors and Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes

!CROs" also use this idea.
X#Ray generators also use cathode rays.

46
47
48
162
Uses of Cathode Rays
Magnets
There are two types of magnetic pole, North and

South.
Fields run from North to South and can be shown

with iron lings.
Magnets attract magnetic materials.
Ferrous materials !containing iron" are often

magnetic, especially steel.
Magnetic materials can have magnetism induced.

This is called magnetising.
Pure iron loses its magnetism easily.

Magnetising and
Demagnetising
Methods of magnetising include:
Stroking
Field induction !DC Coil"
Methods of demagnetising include
Heating
Hammering
AC coil
49
50
51
163
Permanent Magnets vs
Electromagnets
Permanent magnets keep their magnetism and need

no power source. Their strength not easy to control.
Electromagnets need current to keep their

magnetism. Their strength is easy to control.
Field Around a Current Carrying
Wire
If a current is
passed through
a wire, a circular
magnetic field is
generated
around the wire.
Field Around a Current Carrying
Wire
If the current is
reversed, the
direction of the
magnetic field is
reversed.
52
53
54
164
Right#Hand Grip Rule
The Right#Hand Grip

allows us to predict the
direction of the circular
eld lines around a wire.
The thumb of the right

hand points in the
direction of
CONVENTIONAL
current.
The ngers show the

direction of the circular
eld.
Field Around a Loop
If the wire is bent into a
loop, the magnetic field
will run through the
middle of the loop.
Magnetic Field in a Coil.
In a Solenoid,
the Magnetic
field from each
loop adds to
give a strong
magnetic field
through the
middle of the
coil.
55
56
57
165
Field Around a Coil
The magnetic field around a
solenoid is similar to that of
a bar magnet.
The Relay
A relay is a device that uses electromagnetism to allow a

small current to switch#on a large current.
When the small current ows, the solenoid becomes

magnetised and a switch is activated.
small
current
large
current
starter
motor
spring
iron
The Reed Relay
Another variation on the relay involves two strips of metal

!reeds" placed side by side. One is iron, and one is non#
magnetic.
When the current ows, the magnetic reed makes contact

with the non#metal.
large
current
non-magnetic
reed
magnetic reed
small
current
58
59
60
166
The Motor E$ect
If a current is placed in a magnetic eld, the wire is forced

out.
N S
The Motor E$ect
If a current is placed in a magnetic eld, the wire is forced

out.
N S
Left Hand Rule
To predict the direction of the movement we use

Flemings Left#hand rule.
First nger # Field
seCond nger # Current
thuMb # Movement
61
62
63
167
The DC Motor
If we pass a current through a loop of wire, and

place it in a magnetic eld, we get forces due to
the motor e$ect.
commutator
N S
Design Improvements
Increasing the supply voltage !current" increases the

strength of the motor.
Increasing the strength of the magnetic eld

increases the strength of the motor.
Adding more loops increases the strength of the

motor.
Induction
Electromagnetic Induction can be seen as the opposite to

the Motor E$ect.
Motor Effect
Electrical
Energy
Kinetic
Energy
Induction
Kinetic
Energy
Electrical
Energy
G
A current is induced
when the magnet is
moved through the
coil, but no current is
induced when the
magnet is stationary.
64
65
66
168
Induced Current
If the wire is pushed downwards, it will cut eld lines

and a current will be induced into the page as shown.
The faster the relative movement, the stronger the

current.
If the movement is reversed, the current is reversed.

N S
Generating AC
If a coil spins in a magnetic eld, an AC Voltage is

induced.
N S
Uses of Induction
Microphone
Bicycle Dynamo
Power Station Generator

67
68
69
169
Transformer Overview
The transformer consists of a ring of laminated

magnetic material !Iron" with two circuits attached.
An AC current in the Primary Circuit induces a

changing magnetic eld in the iron.
This eld in turn induces an AC current in the

Secondary Circuit.
V
P
V
S
N
S
N
P
Primary
Circuit !AC"
Secondary
Circuit !AC"
Transformer Equation
If the number of coils increase, we have a step#up

transformer and the voltage increases in the same
ratio.
If the number of coils decrease, we have a step#

down transformer and the voltage decreases in the
same ratio.
This gives the following relationship:

V
S
V
P
=
N
S
N
P
70
71
72
170
Energy Considerations
Since Power in a circuit is given by P=VI, we can

calculate the electrical power in the primary and
secondary circuits:
If we assume the transformer to be 100&

e'cient, we have:
P
S
= V
S
I
S
P
P
= V
P
I
P
V
P
I
P
= V
S
I
S
73
171
1
Electricity and Magnetism
Quantity and
symbol
Symbol
equation
units
Charge, q, Q
Charge = current x time
The charge on one electron is 1.6 x 10
-19

Q = I t
Coulombs,
C, As
Electric Field
An electric field is a region in which an
electric charge experiences a force. The
direction of the field is the direction in which
a positive test charge would move.

Electro-motive
force, E, E.M.F.,
e.m.f.
The electro-motive force, or E.M.F., is
defined as the amount of energy supplied by
a source in driving charge around a complete
circuit.
V
Potential Difference,
p.d.,V
The potential difference is the energy
difference per coulomb of charge that the
current is carrying before and after a
component.
1 V = 1 J/C
V
mV
Current, I
Current is the rate of flow of charge.
Conventional current is from positive to
negative. This is the opposite direction to the
flow of electrons.
I = Q
t
A
mA
Resistance, R
Resistance is a property of a material that
opposes the flow of current.
Resistance = potential difference
current
R = V
I
Ohms
!
Resistance, R
Resistance is directly proportional to the
length of a piece of wire, for constant
temperature and cross-section area.
R " L
Ohms
!
Resistance, R
Resistance is indirectly proportional to the
cross-section area of a piece of wire, for
constant temperature and length. Material
and temperature also affect the resistance.
R " 1
A
Ohms
!
Series Circuits
The current in a series circuit is the same at
every point. The sum of the p.d.s across the
components in a series circuit is equal to the
total p.d. across the supply.

Parallel Circuits
The current from the source is the sum of the
currents in the separate branches of a parallel
circuit. The p.d.s across each parallel branch
in a parallel circuit is the same.

Resistors, in series
Total resistance = the sum of the resistors in
series
R
T
= R
1
+ R
2

Ohms
!
Resistors, in parallel
The combined resistance of 2 resistors in
parallel is less than that of either resistor by
itself.
1 1 1
R
T
= R
1
+ R
2

Ohms
!
Electrical Energy, E Electrical energy = potential difference x
current x time
E = V I t Joules, J
Electrical Power, P Electrical power = potential difference x P = I V Watts, W
172
2
current
Or Electrical power = potential difference
2

resistance
Or Electrical power = current
2
x resistance

P = V
2
R
P = I
2
R
Electromagnetic
Induction
A changing magnetic field can induce a
e.m.f. in a closed circuit. The direction of the
induced e.m.f. opposes the change causing it.

Transformer, (for
100% efficiency)
Ratio of the potential difference in the
primary coil to the secondary coil is equal to
the ratio of the number of turns on the
primary to the secondary, and equal to the
ratio of the current in the secondary to the
current in the primary
n
p
/n
s
= V
p
/V
s
=I
s
/I
p
No units,
its a ratio
The Motor Effect A current carrying wire in a magnetic field
experiences a force. The direction of that
force can be worked out using Flemings
Left Hand Rule.

Thermionic
Emission
A heated piece of metal will release
electrons.

173
iGCSE Physics
Paper 1 Compilation
174
12
0625/1/M/J/02
25 A girl stands in front of a rock face.
The girl claps her hands once. The speed of sound in air is 330 m/ s.
How long is it before she hears the echo?
A s
B
s
C
s
D
s
26 Which diagram best shows the pattern of field lines around a bar magnet?
N S
A B
N S
N S
C D
N S
330
______
2 x 660
330
___
660
660
___
330
2 x 660
______
330
660 m
rock face
15
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
34 When electricity is transmitted over long distances, energy is wasted. How can the wasted
energy be kept as small as possible?
A Keep the current in the transmission lines as large as possible.
B Keep the power supplied to the transmission lines as large as possible.
C Keep the resistance of the transmission lines as large as possible.
D Keep the voltage supplied to the transmission lines as large as possible.
35 The diagram shows a transformer.
What is the voltmeter reading?
A 1.2 V B 12 V C 120 V D 1200 V
12 V
a.c.
V
300 turns
30 turns
a.c. voltmeter
1.
2.
3.
175
13
0625/1/M/J/02
[Turn over
27 Which materials are suitable to make a permanent magnet and the core of an electromagnet?
28 Which two electrical quantities are measured in volts?
A current and e.m.f.
B current and resistance
C e.m.f. and potential difference
D potential difference and resistance
29 Which of the following pieces of copper wire has the greatest electrical resistance?
30 A 20 resistor and a 10 resistor are connected in parallel.
What is their combined resistance?
A less than 10
B 10
C 20
D more than 20
20
10
length / m diameter / mm
A 5.0 0.05
B 5.0 0.10
C 50 0.05
D 50 0.10
permanent magnet core of an electromagnet
A iron iron
B iron steel
C steel iron
D steel steel
4.
5.
6.
7.
176
14
0625/1/M/J/02
31 The diagram shows an incomplete circuit.
Which component should be connected in the space to make the lamp light?
32 Why are the electric lamps in a house lighting circuit normally connected in parallel?
A The current in every circuit must be the same.
B The lamps are always switched on and off at the same time.
C The voltage across each lamp must be the mains voltage.
D When one of the lamps blows, all the others go out.
33 In the circuit shown, one of the fuses blows and all the lamps go out.
Which fuse blows?
A
B C
D
+
A B C D
A
space
8.
9.
10.
177
16
0625/1/M/J/02
36 The diagram shows part of a circuit used to switch street lamps on and off automatically.
What is the effect on the light-dependent resistor (LDR) when it gets dark?
37 An alternating potential difference (p.d.) is applied to the Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope.
The time-base is turned off.
Which of the following patterns would appear on the screen?
38 What is a beta-particle?
A a helium nucleus
B a high-energy electron
C four protons
D two neutrons
A B C D
+
LDR
resistance of LDR p.d. across LDR
B decreases increases
D increases increases
11.
12.
178
12
0625/01/M/J/03
26 A student wishes to use a magnetising coil to make a permanent magnet from a piece of metal.
Which metal should she use?
A aluminium
B copper
C iron
D steel
27 A metal rod XY is placed near a magnet. End X is attracted when it is placed near to the north pole
of the magnet, and also when it is placed near to the south pole.
How does end Y behave when it is placed, in turn, near to the two poles of the magnet?
X Y
N
S
attraction
X Y
N
S
attraction
metal
Y near north pole Y near south pole
A attraction attraction
B attraction repulsion
C repulsion attraction
D repulsion repulsion
13.
14.
179
13
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
28 When the potential difference (p.d.) across a piece of resistance wire is changed, the current
through the wire also changes.
The temperature of the wire is kept the same.
Which graph shows how the p.d. and current are related?
29 Two faulty ammeters and two perfect ammeters are connected in series in the circuit shown.
The readings on the ammeters are
A
1
2.9 A
A
2
3.1 A
A
3
3.1 A
A
4
3.3 A
Which two ammeters are faulty?
A A
1
and A
2
B A
1
and A
4
C A
2
and A
3
D A
3
and A
4
30 Which electrical component would not normally be found in a battery-operated torch (flashlight)?
A B C D
A
1
A
2
A
3
A
4
0
0
p.d.
A
0
0
p.d.
B
0
0
p.d.
C
0
0
p.d.
D
current current current current
15.
16.
17.
180
14
0625/01/M/J/03
31 A student connects two lamps in the circuit shown.
Which switches must he close to light both lamps?
A 1 and 2
B 1, 2 and 3
C 1 and 3
D 2 and 3
32 A student makes four circuits.
In which circuit are both lamps protected by the fuse?
A B
C D
2
1
3
18.
19.
181
15
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
33 Four lamps are labelled 60 W 240 V.
In which circuit are the lamps connected so that they all work at normal brightness?
34 The diagram shows a solenoid connected to a sensitive voltmeter.
Which of the following would give a zero reading on the voltmeter?
A holding the magnet stationary inside the solenoid
B moving the magnet away from the solenoid
C moving the magnet towards the solenoid
D moving the solenoid towards the magnet
V
solenoid
magnet
S
N
A
240 V
B
240 V
C
240 V
D
240 V
20.
21.
182
16
0625/01/M/J/03
35 The diagram shows a transformer with an alternating voltage of 100 V applied to the primary coil.
What is the voltage produced across the secondary coil?
A 50 V B 100 V C 200 V D 8000 V
36 The diagram below shows the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope tube.
The tube is placed between a pair of charged plates.
Which diagram shows the new position of the spot?
+
+
+
+
+
A
+
+
+
+
+
B
+
+
+
+
+
C
+
+
+
+
+
D
spot of light
primary coil
secondary coil
100 V (40 turns) (80 turns)
21.
22.
183
17
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
37 An electrical component X is placed in water, as shown.
When the temperature of the water is increased, the reading on the ammeter increases.
What is component X?
A a capacitor
B a light-dependent resistor
C a reed relay
D a thermistor
38 Which type of radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper?
A -particles
B -particles
C -rays
D X-rays
39 The half-life of a radioactive substance is 5 hours. A sample is tested and found to contain 0.48 g
of the substance.
How much of the substance was present in the sample 20 hours before the sample was tested?
A 0.03 g
B 0.12 g
C 1.92 g
D 7.68 g
X
A
thermometer
water
13
26 An engineer standing at P hears the sound of an explosion at X.
Z
Y
X
W
V
P
DANGER -
BLASTING
After the explosion, she hears two bangs. One bang is heard a fraction of a second after the
other.
The second bang is an echo from
A XY.
B PV.
C ZY.
D WX.
27 How can a permanent magnet be demagnetised?
A cool the magnet for a long time
B hit the magnet repeatedly with a hammer
C leave the magnet in a coil which carries direct current
D pass a small current through the magnet
28 An electromagnet is used to separate magnetic metals from non-magnetic metals.
Why is steel unsuitable as the core of the electromagnet?
A It is a good conductor of electricity.
B It forms a permanent magnet.
C It has a high density.
D It has a high thermal capacity.
23.
24.
25.
184
14
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
29 Which circuit shows how a voltmeter is connected to measure the potential difference across the
cell?
A B C D
V
V
V
V
30 A polythene rod repels an inflated balloon hanging from a nylon thread.
What charges must the rod and the balloon carry?
A The rod and the balloon carry opposite charges.
B The rod and the balloon carry like charges.
C The rod is charged but the balloon is not.
D The balloon is charged but the rod is not.
31 An electrical component is to be placed in the circuit at Z, to allow the brightness of the lamp to
be varied from bright to dim.
Z
What should be connected at Z?
A B C D
V
11

24 A fire alarm is not loud enough. An engineer adjusts it so that it produces a note of the same pitch
which is louder.

What effect does this have on the amplitude and on the frequency of the sound?

amplitude frequency
A larger larger
B larger same
C same larger
D same same

25 To estimate the width of a valley, a climber starts a stopwatch as he shouts. He hears an echo
from the opposite side of the valley after 1.0 s.

valley
sound
climber

The sound travels at 340 m / s.

What is the width of the valley?
A 85 m B 170 m C 340 m D 680 m

26 Which material is used for the core of an electromagnet?
A aluminium
B copper
C iron
D steel

26.
27.
28.
29.
185
15
32 The circuit shown cont ains four l amps and three switches.
lamp 1
lamp 2
lamp 3
lamp 4
switch 1
switch 3
switch 2
Which switches must be closed to light only l amps 1 and 3?
A switch 1 only
B switch 1 and switch 2 only
C switch 1 and switch 3 only
D switch 2 and switch 3 only
33 The di agram shows a torch cont aining two 2 V cells, a switch and a l amp.
plastic
case
brass
connecting
strip
switch
lamp
What is the circuit di agram for the torch?
C B A D
30.
31.
186
16
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
A A fuse is included in a circuit to prevent the current becoming too high.
B A fuse should be connected to the neutral wire in a plug.
C An electric circuit will only work if it includes a fuse.
D An earth wire is needed to prevent the fuse blowing.
35 A straight wire carrying a current produces a magnetic field.
Which diagram shows the correct shape of the field?
current current
current current
A B
C D
32.
33.
187
17
36 A student carri es out an experiment to see the eff ect of a magnetic fi eld on a wire carrying a
current.
The wire moves upwards as shown.
direction
of current
N S
wire moves
upwards
What should the student do to make the wire move downwards?
A change the direction of the current
B move the pol es of the magnet closer together
C send a small er current through the wire
D use a stronger magnet
37 A beam of cathode rays passes through an el ectric fi eld between two parall el pl at es.
+ + + + + +
_ _ _ _ _ _
cathode rays
In which direction is the beam defl ect ed?
A into the page
B out of the page
C towards the bottom of the page
D towards the top of the page
34.
35.
188
12

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
27 A brass rod is positioned in an east-west direction and a plotting compass is placed at each end.

N
plotting
compass
brass rod

Which diagram shows the positions of the needles of the plotting compasses?

A
B
C
D

28 How many of the following materials conduct electricity?

aluminium
silver
iron
plastic
A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4

36.
37.
189
13

29 In which circuit does the voltmeter read the potential difference across the lamp?

C
V
D
V
A B
V
V

30 In the circuit below, X and Y are identical 6 V lamps.

switch
X
Y
6 V

What happens when the switch is closed?
A X lights more brightly than Y.
B Y lights more brightly than X.
C X and Y light with equal brightness.
D Neither X nor Y light.

38.
39.
190
14

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
31 The diagram shows a circuit with three ammeters, X, Y and Z.

A
A
A
X
Y
Z

Which set of readings is possible?

X Y Z
A 2 A 3 A 5 A
B 3 A 2 A 5 A
C 3 A 3 A 3 A
D 5 A 2 A 3 A

32 A lamp is to be connected in a circuit so that the p.d. across it can be varied from 0 to 6 V.

Which circuit would be most suitable?

6 V
A
6 V
B
6 V
C
6 V
D

40.
41.
191
15

33 A student makes the circuit shown.

5 A fuse

The fuse has blown and stopped the current.

What could have caused this?
A The current rating of the fuse was too high.
B The current was too l arge.
C The l amp was loose.
D The volt age was too small.

34 Which graph shows the output volt age from a simpl e a.c. generator?

0 A
time
voltage
0 B
time
voltage
0 C
time
voltage
0 D
time
voltage

42.
43.
192
16

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
35 A transformer has 50 turns on its primary coil and 100 turns on its secondary coil. An a.c. volt age
of 25.0 V is connect ed across the primary coil.

25.0 V
primary coil
50 turns
secondary coil
100 turns

What is the volt age across the secondary coil?
A 12.5 V B 50.0 V C 175 V D 200 V

36 Two circuits are set up as shown. The iron rods are pl aced close together, and are free to move.

X
S
iron rod iron rod

What happens to the si ze of the gap at X when switch S is closed?
A It decreases.
B It decreases then increases.
C It increases.
D It does not change.

37 The di agram shows a simpl e cathode-ray tube.

Which part emits the el ectrons?

+
A B C
D

44.
45.
46.
193
11

26 A student investigates which end of a magnetic compass needle is attracted to a bar magnet.

What does the investigation show?
A Both ends of the compass needle are attracted by the north pole of the magnet.
B Both ends of the compass needle are attracted by the south pole of the magnet.
C One end of the compass needle is attracted by the north pole and the other end by the south
pole.
D The compass needle is not attracted by either end of the magnet.

27 From which materials are the coil and the core of an electromagnet made?

coil core
A copper copper
B copper iron
C iron copper
D iron iron

28 What are the symbols used for the units of current and resistance?

unit of current unit of resistance
A A W
B A
C V W
D V

29 When a plastic comb is placed next to a small piece of aluminium foil hanging from a nylon
thread, the foil is repelled by the comb.

Why is this?
A The comb is charged and the foil is uncharged.
B The comb is uncharged and the foil is charged.
C The comb and the foil have charge of opposite signs.
D The comb and the foil have charge of the same sign.

47.
48.
49.
50.
194
12

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
30 Which symbol represents an el ectrical component used to store energy?

B A C D

31 Four l amps and four switches are connect ed to a power supply as shown in the circuit di agram.

When all the switches are closed, all the l amps are lit.

When one of the switches is then opened, only one l amp goes out.

Which switch is opened?

A B
C D

32 Four resistors and an ammet er are connect ed to a batt ery as shown.

The ammet er reads 2 A.

Which of the four l abell ed points in the circuit is the only one where the current is l ess than 2 A?

B
A
C
D
A

51.
52.
53.
195
13

33 Why is a fuse used in an electrical circuit in a house?
A to increase the circuit resistance
B to keep the power used to a minimum value
C to prevent a short-circuit from occurring
D to stop the cables from carrying too much current

34 An electric power tool is being used outdoors in a shower of rain.

What is the greatest hazard to the user?
A The cable gets hot and causes burns.
B The circuit-breaker cuts off the current.
C The current passes through water and causes a shock.
D The tool rusts.

35 A current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect.

N S
variable power supply

How can the turning effect be increased?
A increase the number of turns on the coil
B reduce the size of the current
C reverse the direction of the magnetic field
D use thinner wire for the coil

54.
55.
56.
196
14

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
36 A transformer is to be used to produce a 6 V output from a 24 V input.

24 V 6 V
coil Y coil X

What are suitable numbers of turns for coil X and for coil Y?

number of turns
on coil X
number of turns
on coil Y
A 240 60
B 240 240
C 240 960
D 960 60

37 A cathode-ray tube has an anode and an earthed cathode.

Which line in the table shows the charge and the temperature of the anode?

anode charge anode temperature
A negative cool
B negative hot
C positive cool
D positive hot

57.
58.
197
iGCSE Physics
Paper 3 Compilation
198
9
7 (a) Two non-conducting spheres, made of different materials, are initially uncharged. They
are rubbed together. This causes one of the spheres to become positively charged and
one negatively charged.
Describe, in terms of electron movement, why the spheres become charged.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Once charged, the two spheres are separated, as shown in Fig. 7.1.
Fig. 7.1
On Fig. 7.1, draw the electric field between the two spheres. Indicate by arrows the
direction of the electric field lines. [2]
(c) A conducting wire attached to a negatively charged metal object is connected to earth.
This allows 2.0 10
10
electrons, each carrying a charge of 1.6 10
19
C, to flow to
earth in 1.0 10
3
s.
Calculate
(i) the total charge that flows,
charge .....................................
(ii) the average current in the wire.
current .....................................
[3]
+ +
+ +
+ +
+

For
Examiners
Use
1.
199
10
0625/3/M/J/02
8 Fig. 8.1 shows a transformer and a rectifier used in a battery charging circuit for a 12 V
battery.
Fig. 8.1
(a) The transformer produces an output of 15 V across the secondary coil.
Calculate a suitable turns ratio for the transformer.
turns ratio = ................................ [2]
(b) Fig. 8.2 shows the 15 V output across the secondary coil.
Fig. 8.2
On the same axes, sketch the graph of the potential difference across the terminals T
1
and T
2
before the battery is connected. [2]
(c) Explain how the circuit converts an a.c. supply into a d.c. output.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(d) On Fig. 8.1, draw in a battery connected so that it may be charged. [1]
time
potential
difference
240V a.c.
primary secondary
T
1
T
2
For
Examiners
Use
2.
200
11
(e) When fully charged, the 12V battery can supply a current of 2.0 A for 30 hours (1.08 !
10
5
s).
Calculate
(i) the battery power when supplying a current of 2.0 A,
power = ......................................
(ii) the total energy that the battery will supply during the 30 hours.
energy = ......................................
[4]
9 Fig. 9.1 shows three resistors connected across a low voltage d.c. supply, and a c.r.o.
Fig. 9.1
(a) Explain how you would use a 1 V d.c. supply to calibrate the c.r.o.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) On Fig. 9.1, draw in the connections between the c.r.o. and the circuit so that the
potential difference between points C and D may be measured. [2]
(c) The potential differences between A and F, B and C, C and D, and D and E are
measured.
State the relationship between them.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
Y input
A F
B C D E
d.c.
supply
For
Examiners
Use
3.
201
9
8 Fig. 8.1 shows a battery with a resistor connected across its terminals. The e.m.f. of the
battery is 6.0 V.
Fig. 8.1
The battery causes 90 C of charge to flow through the circuit in 45 s.
(a) Calculate
(i) the current in the circuit,
current = ..................................
(ii) the resistance of the circuit,
resistance = ..................................
(iii) the electrical energy transformed in the circuit in 45 s.
energy = ..................................
[6]
(b) Explain what is meant by the term e.m.f. of the battery.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
6.0V
For
Examiners
Use
4.
202
10
0625/3/M/J/03
9 A transformer has an output of 24 V when supplying a current of 2.0 A. The current in the
primary coil is 0.40 A and the transformer is 100% efficient.
(a) Calculate
(i) the power output of the transformer,
power = ..................................
(ii) the voltage applied across the primary coil.
voltage = ..................................
[4]
(b) Explain
(i) what is meant by the statement that the transformer is 100% efficient,
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) how the transformer changes an input voltage into a different output voltage.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[4]
For
Examiners
Use
5.
203
11
10 Fig. 10.1 and Fig. 10.2 show two views of a vertical wire carrying a current up through a
horizontal card. Points P and Q are marked on the card.
Fig. 10.1 Fig. 10.2
(a) On Fig. 10.2,
(i) draw a complete magnetic field line (line of force) through P and indicate its
direction with an arrow,
(ii) draw an arrow through Q to indicate the direction in which a compass placed at Q
would point.
[3]
(b) State the effect on the direction in which compass Q points of
(i) increasing the current in the wire,
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) reversing the direction of the current in the wire.
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) Fig. 10.3 shows the view from above of another vertical wire carrying a current up
through a horizontal card. A cm grid is marked on the card. Point W is 1 cm vertically
above the top surface of the card.
Fig. 10.3
State the magnetic field strength at S, T and W in terms of the magnetic field strength
at R. Use one of the alternatives, weaker, same strength or stronger for each answer.
at S ........................................................................
at T ........................................................................
at W........................................................................ [3]
R S
T
W
vertical
wire carrying
current
P
Q
vertical
wire
view from above the card
For
Examiners
Use
6.
204
10
0625/03 M/J/04
8 Fig. 8.1 shows a 240 V a.c. mains circuit to which a number of appliances are connected and
switched on.
Fig. 8.1
(a) Calculate the power supplied to the circuit.
power = ..[1]
(b) The appliances are connected in parallel.
(i) Explain what connected in parallel means.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) State two advantages of connecting the appliances in parallel rather than in series.
advantage 1...............................................................................................................
advantage 2...............................................................................................................
[3]
(c) Calculate
(i) the current in the refrigerator,
current = ..
(ii) the energy used by the fan in 3 hours,
energy = ..
(iii) the resistance of the filament of one lamp.
resistance = ..
[7]
1.2 kW 200 W
60 W 60 W
refrigerator
fan
240 V a.c.
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
7.
205
11
9 Electromagnetic induction can be demonstrated using a solenoid, a magnet, a sensitive
ammeter and connecting wire.
(a) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus set up to demonstrate
electromagnetic induction. [2]
(b) State one way of using the apparatus to produce an induced current.
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) Explain why your method produces an induced current.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) Without changing the apparatus, state what must be done to produce
(i) an induced current in the opposite direction to the original current,
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(ii) a larger induced current.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
8.
206
12
0625/03 M/J/04
10 (a) Fig. 10.1 shows the faces of two ammeters. One has an analogue display and the other
a digital display.
Fig. 10.1
State what is meant by the terms analogue and digital.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) (i) Name the components from which logic gates are made.
...............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) In the space below, draw the symbol for an AND gate.
Label the inputs and the output. [1]
(iii) Describe the action of an AND gate with two inputs. [2]
2 3
4
5
1
0
A
A
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
9.
207
11
8 A student has a power supply, a resistor, a voltmeter, an ammeter and a variable resistor.
(a) The student obtains five sets of readings from which he determines an average value
for the resistance of the resistor.
In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of a circuit that he could use.
[3]
(b) Describe how the circuit should be used to obtain the five sets of readings.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Fig. 8.1 shows another circuit.
Fig. 8.1
When the circuit is switched on, the ammeter reads 0.50 A.
(i) Calculate the value of the unknown resistor.
resistance = . [2]
(ii) Calculate the charge passing through the 3.0 resistor in 120 s.
charge = . [1]
(iii) Calculate the power dissipated in the 3.0 resistor.
power = . [2]
6.0 V
resistor
3.0
resistor of
unknown value
A
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
10.
208
12
0625/03/M/J/05
9 (a) Fig. 9.1 shows an a.c. supply connected to a resistor and a diode.
Fig. 9.1
(i) State the effect of fitting the diode in the circuit.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) On Fig. 9.2, sketch graphs to show the variation of the a.c. supply voltage and the
output voltage with time.
Fig. 9.2
[2]
(b) (i) In the space below, draw the symbol for a NOT gate.
[1]
(ii) State the action of a NOT gate.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
a.c. supply
voltage
time
time
0
0
output
voltage
a.c. supply output
resistor
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
11.
209
14
0625/03/M/J/05
11 Fig. 11.1 shows a flexible wire hanging between two magnetic poles. The flexible wire is
connected to a 12 Vd.c. supply that is switched off.
Fig. 11.1
(a) Explain why the wire moves when the supply is switched on.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) State the direction of the deflection of the wire.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) When the wire first moves, energy is changed from one form to another. State these two
forms of energy.
from ........................................................... to ............................................................ [1]
wire fixed here
wire fixed here
12 V d.c.
+
N S
flexible wire hanging

between magnetic poles
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
12.
210
15
0625/03/M/J/05
(d) Fig. 11.2 shows the flexible wire made into a rigid rectangular coil and mounted on an
axle.
Fig. 11.2
(i) Add to the diagram an arrangement that will allow current to be fed into the coil
whilst allowing the coil to turn continuously. Label the parts you have added. [1]
(ii) Briefly explain how your arrangement works.
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
axle
magnetic pole
magnetic pole
axle
N N
S
S
coil
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
211
9
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
8 Fig. 8.1 shows an electrical circuit.
12.0 V d.c.
4.0
R
A C B
sliding
contact
one metre resistance wire
Fig. 8.1
The resistance of the lamp is 4.0 ! when it is at its normal brightness.
(a) The lamp is rated at 6.0 V, 9.0 W.
Calculate the current in the lamp when it is at its normal brightness.
current = ........................[2]
(b) The sliding contact C is moved to A. The lamp lights at its normal brightness.
Calculate
(i) the total circuit resistance,
resistance = ........................[1]
(ii) the potential difference across the 4.0 ! resistor R.
potential difference = ........................[1]
(c) The sliding contact C is moved from A to B.
(i) Describe any change that occurs in the brightness of the lamp.
..............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Explain your answer to (i).
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[2]
(d) The 1 m wire between A and B, as shown in Fig. 8.1, has a resistance of 2.0 !.
Calculate the resistance between A and B when
(i) the 1 m length is replaced by a 2 m length of the same wire,
resistance = ........................[1]
(ii) the 1 m length is replaced by a 1 m length of a wire of the same material but of only
half the cross-sectional area.
resistance = ........................[1]
13.
212
10
0625/03/M/J/06
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
9 A transformer is needed to step down a 240 V a.c. supply to a 12 V a.c. output.
(a) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of a suitable transformer. [3]
(b) Explain
(i) why the transformer only works on a.c.,
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) how the input voltage is changed to an output voltage.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................[2]
(c) The output current is 1.5 A.
Calculate
(i) the power output,
power = ........................[1]
(ii) the energy output in 30 s.
energy = ........................[1]
14.
213
11
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
10 (a) Fig. 10.1 shows a positively charged plastic rod, a metal plate resting on an insulator,
and a lead connected to earth.
metal plate
insulator
positively charged
plastic rod
lead connected
to earth
Fig. 10.1
Describe how the metal plate may be charged by induction.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) An electrostatic generator sets up a current of 20 mA in a circuit.
Calculate
(i) the charge flowing through the circuit in 15 s,
charge = ............................
(ii) the potential difference across a 10 k! resistor in the circuit.
potential difference = ............................
[3]
15.
214
Topic 5:
Atomic Physics
Background Radiation
Whenever radioactivity from a sample is measured,

background radioactivity interferes with the
readings.
Background radioactivity is from rocks, soil and

outer space.
In one particular region, it remains reasonably

constant.
Background radioactivity is measured before an

experiment and then subtracted from all readings
with the sample in place.
!!Particle Emission
The nucleus is unstable and needs to eject mass.
An !!particle is emitted containing 4 AMU.
Overall p/n ratio not seriously a"ected.

!!particle
1
2
3
215
" !Particle Emission
Nucleus unstable. A neutron needs to change into a

proton.
An electron is produced in the process.
Electron emitted and becomes "!particle.

"!particle
#!Radiation
Nucleus excited and too much energy.
# !ray emitted.
#!ray
Properties of Radioactivity
Nature
E"ect of of magnetic and electric elds.
Penetration
Ionisation
Dangerous
Speed
4
5
6
216
Detecting Radioactivity
Radioactivity is detected using a GM tube. This

detects the ionisation in a low pressure tube. It is
often connected to a counter.
Photographic lm also detects radioactivity.

Summary of Radioactivity
structure charge mass penetration range detection
!
"
$
Sub!Atomic Particles
There are three subatomic particles.

Particle Charge Mass
Proton +1 1 AMU
Neutron Neutral 1 AMU
Electron -1 Negligible
7
8
9
217
Rutherford Scattering
Large + !!particles are red at gold atoms.
Most of the particles pass straight through the gold.
Some particles are deected.
Some particles actually bounce back towards the

source.
Rutherfords Nuclear Model
Rutherford explained these results using

the nuclear model of the atom. This says:
Most of the atom is empty space.
There is a positively charged nucleus.
Electrons orbit the nucleus in circular

paths.
Gold
Nucleus
Paths of !-particles
Nuclear Notation
Proton number #or Atomic Number$ #Z$ is the number of

protons in the Nucleus.
Nucleon Number #or Mass Number$ #A$ is the total

number of particles in the nucleus #protons + neutrons$
X
A
Z
10
11
12
218
Isotopes
Isotopes are two nuclei with the same number of

electrons, the same numbers of protons, but
di"erent numbers of neutrons.
They are chemically identical, but physically

di"erent #density, radioactivity$.
Half!Life
Over time, the number of particles in a radioactive

sample decreases, and so does the activity of the
sample.
This produces an exponential decay curve.
The time taken for the number of radioactive

nuclei to half is called the half!life.
It is also the time taken for the activity of THE

SAMPLE to half.
Decay Curve
0
250000
500000
750000
1000000
0 25 50 75 100
N
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

P
a
r
t
i
c
l
e
s
Time
A similar shaped curve is produced for the activity of the sample
against time with the same half-life.
13
14
15
219
Nuclear Reactions
A nuclear reaction is a random process.
It is impossible to predict exactly WHEN one will

happen, but since there are so many nuclei in a
sample, we can make good statistical estimates.
We can accurately predict the PROBABILITY of a

reaction taking place in a certain time.
Nuclear Equations
Nuclear reactions are shown with an equation.
The two key rules are:
The conservation of Proton Numbers #Charge$.
The conservation of Nucleon Numbers #Mass$.
A "!particle has a Nucleon number of 0 and a

Proton number of !1.
Examples of Nuclear
Equations
7
14
N +
2
4
! "
8
17
O+
1
1
H
92
238
U !
90
234
Th +
2
4
"
0
1
n !
1
1
p +
"1
0
#
53
131
I !
54
131
Xe +
"1
0
#
16
17
18
220
Nuclear and Atomic Physics
Quantity and
symbol
Symbol
equation
charge
Proton, p
Positive particle found in the nucleus of an
atom.
1
1
p +1
Electron, e
Negative particle found in orbits around the
nucleus of an atom.
0
-1
e -1
Neutron, n Neutral particle found in the nucleus
1
0
n 0
Nucleon Any particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Nuclide notation
A
Z
X
Where X is the symbol for the nuclide

Proton Number, Z The number of protons in the nucleus
Nucleon Number, A The number of nucleons in the nucleus
Alpha Particle, !
A helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons
and 2 neutrons, given out when a nucleus
decays
4
2
! +2
Beta Particle, "
A high speed electron, given off when a
neutron in the nucleus decays in to a proton
and beta particle. The proton remains in the
nucleus.
0
-1
" -1
Gamma Ray, #
Electromagnetic radiation, sometimes given
off when a nucleus decays.
0
0
# 0
Background
Radiation
There is a small amount of radiation around
us all the time because of radioactive
materials in the environment. It is mainly
from sources such as soil, rock, air, building
materials, food and drink, and even space.

Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is a random, spontaneous
event that cannot be change by chemical or
physical methods.

Alpha Decay
A
Z
X $
A-4
Z-2
Y +
4
2
!

Beta Decay
A
Z
X $
A
Z+1
Y +
0
-1
"

Gamma Decay
A
Z
X $
A
Z
X +
0
0
#

Half Life
The half life of a radioactive source is the
time taken for half the available particle to
decay. It is constant for a source.

Isotopes
The atoms of one element are not all exactly
alike. Some may have more neutrons than
others. These different versions of the
element are called isotopes. They have
identical chemical properties, although the
atoms have different masses. Isotopes have
the same proton number, but different
neutron numbers

221
iGCSE Physics
Paper 1 Compilation
Atomic & Nuclear Physics
222
17
0625/1/M/J/02
39 The diagram shows a radioactivity experiment.
When a piece of paper is used as the absorber, the count rate drops to the background count
rate.
What radiation is the source emitting?
A alpha only
B beta only
C gamma only
D alpha, beta and gamma
40
22
10
Ne represents an atom of neon.
How many neutrons does it have?
A 10 B 12 C 22 D 32
absorber counter
radiation detector source
16
0625/1/M/J/02
36 The diagram shows part of a circuit used to switch street lamps on and off automatically.
What is the effect on the light-dependent resistor (LDR) when it gets dark?
37 An alternating potential difference (p.d.) is applied to the Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope.
The time-base is turned off.
Which of the following patterns would appear on the screen?
38 What is a beta-particle?
A a helium nucleus
B a high-energy electron
C four protons
D two neutrons
A B C D
+
LDR
resistance of LDR p.d. across LDR
B decreases increases
D increases increases
1.
2.
3.
4.
223
17
0625/1/M/J/02
39 The diagram shows a radioactivity experiment.
When a piece of paper is used as the absorber, the count rate drops to the background count
rate.
What radiation is the source emitting?
A alpha only
B beta only
C gamma only
D alpha, beta and gamma
40
22
10
Ne represents an atom of neon.
How many neutrons does it have?
A 10 B 12 C 22 D 32
absorber counter
radiation detector source
5.
6.
7.
224
18
0625/01/M/J/03
40 An atom of lithium contains three protons and three electrons.
The nucleon number (mass number) of the atom is 7.
How many neutrons are there in the atom?
A 3 B 4 C 7 D 10
17
0625/01/M/J/03
[Turn over
37 An electrical component X is placed in water, as shown.
When the temperature of the water is increased, the reading on the ammeter increases.
What is component X?
A a capacitor
B a light-dependent resistor
C a reed relay
D a thermistor
38 Which type of radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper?
A !-particles
B "-particles
C #-rays
D X-rays
39 The half-life of a radioactive substance is 5 hours. A sample is tested and found to contain 0.48 g
of the substance.
How much of the substance was present in the sample 20 hours before the sample was tested?
A 0.03 g
B 0.12 g
C 1.92 g
D 7.68 g
X
A
thermometer
water
8.
9.
10.
225
18
UCLES 2004 0625/01/M/J/04
38 Which line correctly describes -particl es?
el ectric charge
penetrat es 1 cm
of aluminium?
A negative yes
B negative no
C positive yes
D positive no
39 A small amount of a radioactive isotope cont ains 72 billion unst abl e nucl ei. The half-lif e of the
isotope is 4 hours.
How many unst abl e nucl ei would remain aft er 12 hours?
A 6 billion
B 9 billion
C 18 billion
D 24 billion
40 How many nucl eons are in a nucl eus of K
39
19
?
A 19 B 20 C 39 D 58
11.
12.
13.
226
17

UCLES 2005 0625/01/M/J/05
38 Which type of radi ation has the great est ionising eff ect?
A -particl es
B -particl es
C -rays
D all have the same ionising eff ect

39 A powder cont ains 400 mg of a radioactive mat eri al that emits -particl es.

The half-lif e of the mat eri al is 5 days.

What mass of that mat eri al remains aft er 10 days?
A 0 mg B 40 mg C 100 mg D 200 mg

40 In the symbol below, A is the nucl eon number and Z is the proton number.

X
A
Z

What is represent ed by the symbol?
A an el ectron
B a neutron
C a nuclide
D an X-ray

16

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department
of the University of Cambridge.

UCLES 2006 0625/01/M/J/06
40 The nucleus of a neutral atom of lithium is represented by Li.
7
3

How many protons, electrons and neutrons does the atom contain?

protons electrons neutrons
A 7 7 3
B 3 7 3
C 3 4 4
D 3 3 4

14.
15.
16.
17.
227
15

38 The diagram shows five atoms in a radioactive substance. The atoms each give out an -particle.

atom
1
atom
5
atom
4
atom
3
atom
2
1st particle
2nd particle

Atom 1 is the first to give out a particle. Atom 3 is the second to give out a particle.

Which atom will give out the next particle?
A atom 2
B atom 4
C atom 5
D impossible to tell

39 A Geiger counter detects radiation from radioactive sources.

A radioactive source is inside a thick aluminium container as shown.

radioactive source
2 m
Geiger counter
thick aluminium container

Which type of radiation from this source is being detected?
A -particles
B -particles
C -rays
D radio waves
18.
19.
20.
228
iGCSE Physics
Paper 3 Compilation
Atomic & Nuclear Physics
229
12
0625/3/M/J/02
10 Some liquid from an atomic power station is known to be radioactive. A sample of this liquid
is tested in a laboratory.
(a) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the test apparatus used to verify that
-particles are emitted from the liquid. [2]
(b) Explain how the apparatus may be used to estimate the quantity of -radiation being
emitted from the sample.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) State any two safety precautions that the technician might take whilst making the test.
precaution 1 .....................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
precaution 2 .....................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
For
Examiners
Use
230
12
0625/3/M/J/03
11 (a) A radioactive isotope emits only -particles.
(i) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you would use to
prove that no -particles or -radiation are emitted from the isotope.
(ii) Describe the test you would carry out.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain how your results would show that only -particles are emitted.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
[6]
(b) Fig. 11.1 shows a stream of -particles about to enter the space between the poles of a
very strong magnet.
Fig. 11.1
Describe the path of the -particles in the space between the magnetic poles.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
N
S
-particles
For
Examiners
Use
231
13
0625/03 M/J/04
11 (a) !-particles can be scattered by thin gold foils.
Fig. 11.1 shows part of the paths of three !-particles.
Complete the paths of the three !-particles. [3]
Fig. 11.1
(b) What does the scattering of !-particles show about atomic structure?
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) State the nucleon number (mass number) of an !-particle.
nucleon number = [1]
!-particle 1
!-particle 2
!-particle 3
gold nuclei
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2004
232
13
10 (a) Fig. 10.1 is the decay curve for a radioactive isotope that emits only !-particles.
Fig. 10.1
Use the graph to find the value of the half-life of the isotope.
Indicate, on the graph, how you arrived at your value.
half-life . [2]
(b) A student determines the percentage of !-particles absorbed by a thick aluminium
sheet. He uses a source that is emitting only !-particles and that has a long half-life.
(i) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus required, set up to
make the determination.
[2]
(ii) List the readings that the student needs to take.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [3]
0 10
100
0
200
300
400
20
time / min
count rate
counts / min
30 40
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2005
233
12
0625/03/M/J/06
For
Examiners
Use
UCLES 2006
11 Fig. 11.1 shows a beam of radiation that contains !-particles, "-particles and #-rays. The
beam enters a very strong magnetic field shown in symbol form by N and S poles.
beam of
radiation
N
S
Fig. 11.1
Complete the table below.
radiation
direction of deflection,
if any
charge carried by
radiation, if any
!-particles
"-particles
#-rays
[6]
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable
effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will
be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department
of the University of Cambridge.
234
PHYSICS 0625 IGCSE 2007
5
CURRICULUM CONTENT

Students can follow either the Core curriculum only or they may follow the Extended curriculum, which
includes both the Core and the Supplement. Students aiming for grades A* to C must follow the
Extended curriculum. Students are expected to have adequate mathematical skills to cope with the
curriculum.
Reference should also be made to the summary list of symbols, units and definitions of quantities.
Throughout the course, attention should be paid to showing the relevance of concepts to the students'
everyday life and to the natural and man-made world. In order to encourage such an approach and to
allow flexibility in teaching programmes to meet the more generalised Aims, the specified content of the
syllabus has been limited. In this wider sense, as well as in the literal sense, the following material
should be regarded as an examination syllabus rather than a teaching syllabus.

TOPIC CORE SUPPLEMENT
All students should be able to: In addition to what is required for the
Core, students following the Extended
curriculum should be able to:
1. General Physics
1.1 Length and time -use and describe the use of rules and
measuring cylinders to determine a length
or a volume
-use and describe the use of clocks and
devices for measuring an interval of time
-use and describe the use of a mechanical
method for the measurement of a small
distance
-measure and describe how to measure a
short interval of time (including the period
of a pendulum)
1.2 Speed, velocity and
acceleration
-define speed and calculate speed from
time total
distance total

-plot and interpret a speed/time graph or a
distance/time graph
-recognise from the shape of a speed/time
graph when a body is (a) at rest, (b)
moving with constant speed, (c) moving
with changing speed
-calculate the area under a speed/time
graph to determine the distance travelled
for motion with constant acceleration
-demonstrate some understanding that
acceleration is related to changing speed
-state that the acceleration of free fall for
a body near to the Earth is constant
-distinguish between speed and velocity
-recognise linear motion for which the
acceleration is constant and calculate the
acceleration
-recognise motion for which the
acceleration is not constant

-describe qualitatively the motion of bodies
falling in a uniform gravitational field with
and without air resistance (including
reference to terminal velocity)
1.3 Mass and weight

-show familiarity with the idea of the mass
of a body
-state that weight is a force
-demonstrate understanding that weights
(and hence masses) may be compared
using a balance
-demonstrate an understanding that mass
is a property which 'resists' change in
motion
-describe, and use the concept of, weight
as the effect of a gravitational field on a
mass
1.4 Density -describe an experiment to determine the
density of a liquid and of a regularly
shaped solid and make the necessary
calculation

-describe the determination of the density
of an irregularly shaped solid by the
method of displacement and make the
necessary calculation
235
6
1.5 Forces
(a) Effects of forces

-state that a force may produce a change
in size and shape of a body
-plot extension/load graphs and describe
the associated experimental procedure
-describe the ways in which a force may
change the motion of a body
-find the resultant of two or more forces
acting along the same line

-interpret extension/load graphs
-state Hookes Law and recall and use the
expression F = k x
-recognise the significance of the term 'limit
of proportionality' for an extension/load
graph
-recall and use the relation between force,
mass and acceleration (including the
direction)
-describe, qualitatively, motion in a curved
path due to a perpendicular force
(F = mv
2
/ r is not required)
(b) Turning effect -describe the moment of a force as a
measure of its turning effect and give
everyday examples
-describe, qualitatively, the balancing of a
beam about a pivot

-perform and describe an experiment
(involving vertical forces) to verify that
there is no net moment on a body in
equilibrium
-apply the idea of opposing moments to
simple systems in equilibrium
(c) Conditions for
equilibrium
-state that, when there is no resultant force
and no resultant turning effect, a system is
in equilibrium

(d) Centre of mass -perform and describe an experiment to
determine the position of the centre of
mass of a plane lamina
-describe qualitatively the effect of the
position of the centre of mass on the
stability of simple objects

(e) Scalars and vectors -demonstrate an understanding of the
difference between scalars and vectors
and give common examples
-add vectors by graphical representation to
determine a resultant
-determine graphically a resultant of two
vectors
1.6 Energy, work and power
(a) Energy
-demonstrate an understanding that an
object may have energy due to its motion
or its position, and that energy may be
transferred and stored
-give examples of energy in different
forms, including kinetic, gravitational,
chemical, strain, nuclear, internal,
electrical, light and sound
-give examples of the conversion of energy
from one form to another and of its transfer
from on place to another
-apply the principle of energy conservation
to simple examples

-recall and use the expressions
k.e.= mv
2
and p.e. = mgh

236
7

(b) Energy resources -describe how electricity or other useful
forms of energy may be obtained from
(i) chemical energy stored in fuel
(ii) water, including the energy stored in
waves, in tides, and in water behind
hydroelectric dams
(iii) geothermal resources
(iv) nuclear fission
(v) heat and light from the Sun
-show an understanding that energy is
released by nuclear fusion in the Sun
-show a qualitative understanding of
efficiency
(c) Work -relate, without calculation, work done to
the magnitude of a force and the distance
moved
-describe energy changes in terms of work
done
-recall and use W = Fd = E
(d) Power -relate, without calculation, power to work
done and time taken, using appropriate
examples
-recall and use the equation P = E/t in
simple systems
1.7 Pressure -relate, without calculation, pressure to
force and area, using appropriate
examples
-describe the simple mercury barometer
and its use in measuring atmospheric
pressure
-relate, without calculation, the pressure
beneath a liquid surface to depth and to
density, using appropriate examples
-use and describe the use of a manometer
-recall and use the equation p = F/A
-recall and use the equation p = hg
2. Thermal Physics
2.1 Simple kinetic molecular
model of matter
(a) States of matter

-state the distinguishing properties of
solids, liquids and gases

(b) Molecular model -describe qualitatively the molecular
structure of solids, liquids and gases
-interpret the temperature of a gas in terms
of the motion of its molecules
-describe qualitatively the pressure of a
gas in terms of the motion of its molecules
-describe qualitatively the effect of a
change of temperature on the pressure of a
gas at constant volume
-show an understanding of the random
motion of particles in a suspension as
evidence for the kinetic molecular model of
matter
-describe this motion (sometimes known as
Brownian motion) in terms of random
molecular bombardment
-relate the properties of solids, liquids and
gases to the forces and distances between
molecules and to the motion of the
molecules

-show an appreciation that massive
particles may be moved by light, fast-
moving molecules
(c) Evaporation -describe evaporation in terms of the
escape of more-energetic molecules from
the surface of a liquid
-relate evaporation and the consequent
cooling
-demonstrate an understanding of how
temperature, surface area and draught
over a surface influence evaporation
(d) Pressure changes -relate the change in volume of a gas to
change in pressure applied to the gas at
constant temperature

-recall and use the equation pV = constant
at constant temperature
237
8
2.2 Thermal properties
(a) Thermal expansion
of solids, liquids and
gases

-describe qualitatively the thermal
expansion of solids, liquids and gases
-identify and explain some of the everyday
applications and consequences of thermal
expansion
-describe qualitatively the effect of a
change of temperature on the volume of a
gas at constant pressure

-show an appreciation of the relative order
of magnitude of the expansion of solids,
liquids and gases
(b) Measurement of
temperature
-appreciate how a physical property which
varies with temperature may be used for
the measurement of temperature and state
examples of such properties
-recognise the need for and identify fixed
points
-describe the structure and action of liquid-
in-glass thermometers

-demonstrate understanding of sensitivity,
range and linearity

-describe the structure of a thermocouple
and show understanding of its use for
measuring high temperatures and those
which vary rapidly
(c) Thermal capacity -relate a rise in temperature of a body to an
increase in internal energy
-show an understanding of the term
thermal capacity
-describe an experiment to measure the
specific heat capacity of a substance
(d) Melting and boiling -describe melting and boiling in terms of
energy input without a change in
temperature
-state the meaning of melting point and
boiling point
-describe condensation and solidification
-distinguish between boiling and
evaporation

-use the terms latent heat of vaporisation
and latent heat of fusion and give a
molecular interpretation of latent heat
-describe an experiment to measure
specific latent heats for steam and for ice
2.3 Transfer of thermal
energy
(a) Conduction

-describe experiments to demonstrate the
properties of good and bad conductors of
heat

-give a simple molecular account of heat
transfer in solids
(b) Convection -relate convection in fluids to density
changes and describe experiments to
illustrate convection

(c) Radiation -identify infra-red radiation as part of the
electromagnetic spectrum
-describe experiments to show the
properties of good and bad emitters and
good and bad absorbers of infra-red
radiation
(d) Consequences of
energy transfer
-identify and explain some of the everyday
applications and consequences of
conduction, convection and radiation

3. Properties of waves,
including light and
sound

3.1 General wave properties -describe what is meant by wave motion as
illustrated by vibration in ropes, springs and
by experiments using water waves
-use the term wavefront
-give the meaning of speed, frequency,
wavelength and amplitude

-recall and use the equation v = f
238
9
-distinguish between transverse and
longitudinal waves and give suitable
examples
-describe the use of water waves to show
(i) reflection at a plane surface
(ii) refraction due to a change of speed
(iii) diffraction produced by wide and
narrow gaps

-interpret reflection, refraction and
diffraction using wave theory
3.2 Light
(a) Reflection of light -describe the formation, and give the
characteristics, of an optical image by a
plane mirror
-use the law angle of incidence = angle of
reflection

-perform simple constructions,
measurements and calculations
(b) Refraction of light -describe an experimental demonstration of
the refraction of light
-use the terminology for the angle of
incidence i and angle of refraction r and
describe the passage of light through
parallel-sided transparent material
-give the meaning of critical angle
-describe internal and total internal
reflection

-recall and use the definition of refractive
index n in terms of speed
-recall and use the equation sin i /sin r = n
-describe the action of optical fibres

(c) Thin converging
lens
-describe the action of a thin converging
lens on a beam of light
-use the term principal focus and focal
length
-draw ray diagrams to illustrate the
formation of a real image by a single lens

-draw ray diagrams to illustrate the
formation of a virtual image by a single lens
-use and describe the use of a single lens
as a magnifying glass
(d) Dispersion of light -give a qualitative account of the dispersion
of light as illustrated by the action on light
of a glass prism

(e) Electromagnetic
spectrum
-describe the main features of the
electromagnetic spectrum and state that all
e.m. waves travel with the same high
speed i n vacuo
-state the approximate value of the speed
of electro-magnetic waves
-use the term monochromatic
3.3 Sound -describe the production of sound by
vibrating sources
-describe the longitudinal nature of sound
waves
-state the approximate range of audible
frequencies
-show an understanding that a medium is
required in order to transmit sound waves
-describe an experiment to determine the
speed of sound in air
-relate the loudness and pitch of sound
waves to amplitude and frequency
-describe how the reflection of sound may
produce an echo

-describe compression and rarefaction

-state the order of magnitude of the speed
of sound in air, liquids and solids
4. Electricity and magnetism
4.1 Simple phenomena of
magnetism
-state the properties of magnets
-give an account of induced magnetism
-distinguish between ferrous and non-
ferrous materials
-describe methods of magnetisation and of
demagnetisation

239
10

-describe an experiment to identify the
pattern of field lines round a bar magnet
-distinguish between the magnetic
properties of iron and steel
-distinguish between the design and use of
permanent magnets and electromagnets

4.2 Electrical quantities
(a) Electric charge -describe simple experiments to show the
production and detection of electrostatic
charges
-state that there are positive and negative
charges
-state that unlike charges attract and that
like charges repel
-describe an electric field as a region in
which an electric charge experiences a
force
-distinguish between electrical conductors
and insulators and give typical examples

-state that charge is measured in coulombs

-state the direction of lines of force and
describe simple field patterns
-give an account of charging by induction
-recall and use the simple electron model
to distinguish between conductors and
insulators
(b) Current -state that current is related to the flow of
charge
-use and describe the use of an ammeter
-show understanding that a current is a
rate of flow of charge and recall and use
the equation l = Q/t
-distinguish between the direction of flow of
electrons and conventional current
(c) Electro-motive force -state that the e.m.f. of a source of
electrical energy is measured in volts
-show understanding that e.m.f. is defined
in terms of energy supplied by a source in
driving charge round a complete circuit
(d) Potential difference -state that the potential difference across a
circuit component is measured in volts
-use and describe the use of a voltmeter

(e) Resistance -state that resistance = p.d./ current and
understand qualitatively how changes in
p.d. or resistance affect current
-recall and use the equation R = V/I
-describe an experiment to determine
resistance using a voltmeter and an
ammeter
-relate (without calculation) the resistance
of a wire to its length and to its diameter

-recall and use quantitatively the
proportionality between resistance and the
length and the inverse proportionality
between resistance and cross-sectional
area of a wire
(f) Electrical energy

-recall and use the equations P = I V and
E = I V t
4.3 Electric circuits
(a) Circuit diagrams

(b) Series and parallel
circuits

-draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing sources, switches, resistors
(fixed and variable), lamps, ammeters
voltmeters, magnetising coils,
transformers, bells, fuses and relays
-understand that the current at every point
in a series circuit is the same

-give the combined resistance of two or
more resistors in series
-state that, for a parallel circuit, the current
from the source is larger than the current in
each branch
-state that the combined resistance of two
resistors in parallel is less than that of
either resistor by itself

-draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes and transistors

-recall and use the fact that the sum of the
p.d.s across the components in a series
circuit is equal to the total p.d. across the
supply
-recall and use the fact that the current
from the source is the sum of the currents
in the separate branches of a parallel
circuit
-calculate the effective resistance of two
resistors in parallel
240
11

(c) Action and use of
circuit components

(d) Digital electronics
-state the advantages of connecting lamps
in parallel in a lighting circuit
-describe the action of a variable potential
divider (potentiometer)
-describe the action of thermistors and light
dependent resistors and show
understanding of their use as input
transducers
-describe the action of a capacitor as an
energy store and show understanding of its
use in time delay circuits
-describe the action of a relay and show
understanding of its use in switching
circuits

-describe the action of a diode and show
understanding of its use as a rectifier
-describe the action of a transistor as an
electrically operated switch and show
understanding of its use in switching
circuits
-recognise and show understanding of
circuits operating as light sensitive
switches and temperature operated
alarms (using a relay or a transistor)

-explain and use the terms digital and
analogue
- state that logic gates are circuits
containing transistors and other
components
-describe the action of NOT, AND, OR,
NAND and NOR gates
-design and understand simple digital
circuits combining several logic gates
-state and use the symbols for logic gates
(the American ANSI#Y 32.14 symbols will
be used)
4.4 Dangers of electricity -state the hazards of
(i) damaged insulation
(ii) overheating of cables
(iii) damp conditions
-show an understanding of the use of fuses
and/or circuit-breakers

4.5 Electromagnetic effects
(a) Electromagnetic
induction
-describe an experiment which shows that
a changing magnetic field can induce an
e.m.f. in a circuit
-state the factors affecting the magnitude of
an induced e.m.f.
-show understanding that the direction of
an induced e.m.f. opposes the change
causing it
(b) a.c. generator -describe a rotating-coil generator and the
use of slip rings
-sketch a graph of voltage output against
time for a simple a.c. generator

(c) Transformer
-describe the construction of a basic iron-
cored transformer as used for voltage
transformations
-recall and use the equation
(V
p
/ V
s
) = (N
p
/ N
s
)
-describe the use of the transformer in
high-voltage transmission of electricity
-give the advantages of high voltage
transmission
-describe the principle of operation of a
transformer
-recall and use the equation V
p
l
p
= V
s
I
s

(for 100% efficiency)

-discuss energy losses in cables
241
12
(d) The magnetic effect
of a current
- describe the pattern of the magnetic field
due to currents in straight wires and in
solenoids

-describe applications of the magnetic
effect of current, including the action of a
relay
-state the qualitative variation of the
strength of the magnetic field over salient
parts of the pattern
-describe the effect on the magnetic field of
changing the magnitude and direction of
the current
(e) Force on a current-
carrying conductor
-describe an experiment to show that a
force acts on a current-carrying conductor
in a magnetic field, including the effect of
reversing:
(i) the current
(ii) the direction of the field
-describe an experiment to show the
corresponding force on beams of charged
particles
-state and use the relative directions of
force, field and current
(f) d.c. motor -state that a current-carrying coil in a
magnetic field experiences a turning effect
and that the effect is increased by
increasing the number of turns on the coil
-relate this turning effect to the action of
an electric motor
-describe the effect of increasing the
current
4.6 Cathode ray oscilloscopes
(a) Cathode rays -describe the production and detection of
cathode rays
-describe their deflection in electric fields
-state that the particles emitted in
thermionic emission are electrons

(b) Simple treatment of
cathode-ray
oscilloscope
-describe in outline the basic structure and
action of a cathode-ray oscilloscope
(detailed circuits are not required)
-use and describe the use of a cathode-ray
oscilloscope to display waveforms
5. Atomic Physics

5.1 Radioactivity
(a) Detection of
radioactivity

-show awareness of the existence of
background radiation
-describe the detection of -particles, -
particles and -rays

(b) Characteristics of the
three kinds of
emission
-state that radioactive emissions occur
randomly over space and time
-state, for radioactive emissions:
(i) their nature
(ii) their relative ionising effects
(iii) their relative penetrating abilities

-describe their deflection in electric fields
and magnetic fields
-interpret their relative ionising effects
(c) Radioactive decay -state the meaning of radioactive decay,
using equations (involving words or
symbols) to represent changes in the
composition of the nucleus when particles
are emitted

(d) Half-life -use the term half-life in simple calculations
which might involve information in tables or
decay curves

(e) Safety precautions -describe how radioactive materials are
handled, used and stored in a safe way

242
13

5.2 The nuclear atom
(a) Atomic model -describe the structure of an atom in terms
of a nucleus and electrons
-describe how the scattering of -particles
by thin metal foils provides evidence for the
nuclear atom
(b) Nucleus -describe the composition of the nucleus
in terms of protons and neutrons
-use the term proton number Z
-use the term nucleon number A
-use the term nuclide and use the nuclide
notation X
A
Z

(c) Isotopes -use the term isotope
-give and explain examples of practical
applications of isotopes
243

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Physics

Length is a distance measurement and its SI unit is

Length is usually measured with a rule, a tape or a

Small lengths are measured with a micrometer or

In certain circumstances, averag! lengths can be

Time is usually measured with a stopclock. Human

The SI unit for time is seconds !s".

For repeated events, an averag! time can be found

Speed tells us how fast something is moving.

Average speed is calculated using:

Acceleration tells us how quickly something is changing

Acceleration is calculated using:

A motorbike goes from 10m/s to 35 m/s in 8s. Calculate

A Distance/time graph is a way of representing

Speed is given by the gradient of the distance/time

Describe the motion of the following bodies:

Calculate the speeds of the car and the bike

A Speed/time graph is an alternative way

Acceleration is given by the gradient of the speed/

Distance is given by the Area under the speed/time

!a" Find the acceleration of the bike in the rst 10s.

The ticker$timer runs at 50Hz. It puts 50 dots on

If the tape moves quickly, the dots are widely

If the tape moves slowly, the dots are close

By cutting the tape into 5 space strips and arranging them

Each strip will represent 0.1s of motion.

Since each strip represents 0.1s of motion, and we

A SCALAR quantity has a size !Magnitude", but no direction.

Examples of scalar Quantities are temperature, time, energy and power.

A VECTOR quantity has both a magnitude and a direction. Vectors

Examples of vectors are force, momentum and velocity.

Both Stones Land at the same time.

Gravity makes them fall at the same rate.

Stone landed rst.

Air Resistance slowed down the paper tray.

Both coin & paper land at the same time.

Weight is a force. It tells us how heavy something

Mass tells us how much substance there is in an

On Earth we multiply mass by 10 to get weight.

Density tells us how compact the mass is in a material.

The volume of a liquid can be determined using a

The volume of irregular objects has to be found by

Hookes Law states that the extension in a spring is

A graph can be plotted to show how Force varies

The graph shows proportionality up to a point

With increased extension, the spring will reach a

A graph can be plotted to show how extension varies

The graph shows proportionality up to a point

With increased load, the spring will reach a point at

If the forces around an object balance !resultant

Move at a constant speed in a straight line.

!This is the same as saying constant velocity".

If the forces around an object do not balance, then

The rate of the acceleration depends upon the

The quantities are linked by the following

1. What will be the Force needed to produce an

2. What will be the Force needed to produce an

3. What will be the acceleration produced when a

When an object is moving in a circle, it must be experiencing a

We call this the CENTRIPETAL Force.

This should not be confused with CENTRIFUGAL Force.

The centripetal force is directed at right angles to the objects

For each of the following examples, draw a sketch to