Centre Number

71

Candidate Number

ADVANCED
General Certificate of Education
2006

Physics
Assessment Unit A2 1

A2Y11
assessing
Module 4: Energy, Oscillations and Fields
[A2Y11]

THURSDAY 1 JUNE, MORNING

TIME
1 hour 30 minutes.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces
provided at the top of this page.
Answer all seven questions.
Write your answers in the spaces provided in this question paper.
For Examiner’s
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES use only
Question
Marks
The total mark for this paper is 90. Number
Quality of written communication will be assessed in questions 2(a)(ii), (c) 1
and 4(b).
2
Figures in brackets printed down the right-hand side of pages indicate the
marks awarded to each question. 3
Your attention is drawn to the Data and Formulae Sheet which is 4
inside this question paper.
5
You may use an electronic calculator.
Question 7 contributes to the synoptic assessment requirement of the 6
Specification. 7
You are advised to spend about 55 minutes in answering
questions 1–6, and about 35 minutes in answering question 7. Total
Marks
A2Y1S6 2663
If you need the values of physical constants to answer any questions in this Examiner Only
Marks Remark
paper, they may be found on the Data and Formulae Sheet.

Answer all seven questions

1 (a) (i) State the principle of conservation of energy.

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [1]

(ii) Give a practical example of a case in which kinetic energy is

transformed into thermal energy (heat).

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [1]

(b) A ball of mass 0.26 kg is held at rest above a vertical coiled spring of
spring constant k. (The spring constant is the constant of proportionality
in Hooke’s law.) Initially the bottom of the ball is 0.55 m above the top
of the uncompressed spring, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

0.55 m

0.15 m

Fig 1.1 Fig 1.2

A2Y1S6 2663 2 [Turn over

 The ball is then dropped so that it falls on to the spring, compressing Examiner Only
Marks Remark
it by 0.15 m. Fig. 1.2 shows the spring at the instant of maximum
compression, when the ball is again at rest. In the calculations below,
air resistance can be neglected.

(i) Calculate the loss of gravitational potential energy of the ball

between the situations shown in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2.

Loss of gravitational potential energy = ___________ J [2]

(ii) State what has happened to this energy.

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [1]

(iii) Hence calculate the spring constant k.

k = ___________ N m–1 [2]

A2Y1S6 2663 3 [Turn over

2 In parts (a)(ii) and (c) of this question you should answer in Examiner Only
Marks Remark
continuous prose. You will be assessed on the quality of your written
communication.

(a) The Formulae Sheet gives the following expression for the product pV
of the pressure and volume of a gas:
1
pV = Nm < c 2 >
3

(i) State what the product Nm in this equation represents.

__________________________________________________ [1]

(ii) The quantity <c2> is called the mean-square speed of the

molecules.

Explain, in words, how you would calculate the mean-square

speed from a set of values c1, c2, c3 ... of the speeds c of the
molecules.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [3]

A2Y1S6 2663 4 [Turn over

 (b) The Formulae Sheet gives the following expression for the average Examiner Only
Marks Remark
kinetic energy <Ek> of a molecule:
1 3
m < c 2 > = kT
2 2
Fig. 2.1 is a graph of the average kinetic energy <Ek> of a molecule
against celsius temperature θ.
▼

<EEk>/J
/J
k

▼
0 θ /°C
Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

Obtain numerical values for the gradient and energy intercept of this
graph.

Gradient = ______________ J °C–1

Energy intercept = ______________ J [4]

A2Y1S6 2663 5 [Turn over

 (c) One assumption of the kinetic theory is that the collisions of the Examiner Only
Marks Remark
molecules of the gas with the walls of the container are perfectly
elastic.

Describe and explain what would happen to the gas if the collisions
were inelastic.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ [3]

Quality of written communication [1]

A2Y1S6 2663 6 [Turn over

 BLANK PAGE

(Questions continue overleaf)

A2Y1S6 2663 7 [Turn over

3 A person is swinging a ball on the end of a string so that it moves with Examiner Only
Marks Remark
uniform angular velocity in a horizontal circle (Fig. 3.1).

Fig. 3.1

(a) Fig. 3.2 shows a plan view of the ball moving in its circular path.

Fig. 3.2

(i) On Fig. 3.2, mark the path the ball would follow if the string were
to break when the ball is at the position shown. [1]

(ii) The force acting on the ball as it moves in its circular path with
uniform angular velocity is said to be centripetal (towards the
centre of the circle). Explain why it must be in this direction.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [1]

A2Y1S6 2663 8 [Turn over

 (b) The ball has mass 0.15 kg and moves in a circle of radius 0.60 m. It Examiner Only
Marks Remark
makes 2.0 revolutions each second.

(i) Assume that the ball rotates with the string in the horizontal plane.
Calculate the tension T in the string.

Tension = ________ N [2]

(ii) In fact, the weight W of the ball makes it impossible for the string
to be horizontal. The real situation is sketched in Fig. 3.3.

Fig. 3.3

Assume that the horizontal component of the tension has the value
calculated in (b)(i). Determine the angle θ.

θ = ________ ° [3]

A2Y1S6 2663 9 [Turn over

4 In part (b) of this question you should answer in the form of Examiner Only
Marks Remark
short notes. You will be assessed on the quality of your written
communication.

(a) A body moves with simple harmonic motion in a straight line. During
this motion, the force on the body is proportional to the displacement
from the equilibrium position and is in the opposite direction to the
displacement.
10
a/m s–2

–6
–6 –4
–4 –2
–2 0 2 4 6
x/mm

–5

–10

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1 is a graph of the acceleration a of the body as a function of its

displacement x from the equilibrium position.

(i) Explain how Fig. 4.1 shows that the force on the body is
proportional to the displacement of the body from the equilibrium
position, and that the force is in the opposite direction to the
displacement.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [3]

A2Y1S6 2663 10 [Turn over

 (ii) Use Fig. 4.1 to find the amplitude and period of the motion. Examiner Only
Marks Remark

Amplitude = ___________ mm

Period = ___________ s [4]

(b) Write revision notes, suitable for this examination, on the subject of
Damping and Resonance. The Specification gives the guidance:
“Descriptive treatment of frequency response, resonance and effect of
damping.”

Bullet point notes, illustrated by sketches and/or graphs, will be

sufficient.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ [5]

Quality of written communication [1]

A2Y1S6 2663 11 [Turn over

5 A student, asked to explain what is meant by a field of force, gave the Examiner Only
Marks Remark
answer

“A field of force is an area where a unit charge experiences a force”.

(a) Identify two errors, omissions or irrelevant details in the student’s

explanation.

1. _______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ [2]

(b) It seems that the student may have been confusing the explanation of a
field of force with the definition of electric field strength.

Define electric field strength and state how the direction of the electric
field is obtained.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ [2]

A2Y1S6 2663 12 [Turn over

 Examiner Only
Marks Remark

BLANK PAGE
QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON PAGE 14
A2Y1S6 2663 (Questions continue
13 overleaf) [Turn over[Turn over
/4/06 GG 1–12/3/06 GG
26/4/06
1–10/4/06 ES 2–26

A2Y1S6 2663
A2Y1S6 2663
1313 [Turn
[Turn over[Turn
[Turn over
over
6 (a) (i) State, in words, the law of gravitational force between two point Examiner Only
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masses.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [3]

(ii) The laws of force for gravitational and electric fields have similar
mathematical forms. However, they differ in some important ways.
State one of these differences.

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [1]

(b) Gravitational force has an important role in explaining the orbits of

planets and satellites. What is this role?

______________________________________________________ [1]

(c) (i) Kepler’s third law of planetary motion states that, for the simplified
case of circular orbits, the square of the period of rotation of the
planet in its orbit about the Sun is proportional to the cube of the
radius of the orbit. Show that this result is consistent with the law
of gravitational force.

[4]

A2Y1S6 2663 14 [Turn over

 (ii) The radius of the Earth’s orbit about the Sun is 1.50 × 1011 m. Examiner Only
Marks Remark
Calculate the mass of the Sun.

Mass of Sun = ________ kg [3]

A2Y1S6 2663 15 [Turn over

7 Data analysis question Examiner Only
Marks Remark

This question contributes to the synoptic assessment requirements of

the Specification. In your answer, you will be expected to use the ideas
and skills of physics in the particular situations described.

You are advised to spend about 35 minutes in answering this question.

Work functions of metals

(a) Nearly ninety years ago Robert Millikan carried out classic
experiments which provided quantitative proof of Einstein’s
photoelectric emission equation (which is quoted in your Data and
Formulae Sheet). A clean metal surface in an evacuated tube was
illuminated with monochromatic light. If the light was of a suitable
wavelength, photoelectrons were emitted. When these electrons reached
the collecting electrode and passed round the circuit, a measurable
photocurrent I was produced. A stopping potential was applied to the
collecting electrode so that the photoelectrons were just prevented from
reaching the collector. Typical current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were
as shown in Fig. 7.1. These characteristics were obtained when the
metal was illuminated, separately, with light of wavelength 546 nm and
365 nm.

3
I/ µ A

2 λ = 365 nm

1 λ = 546 nm

–2.0 –1.5 –1.0 – 0.5 0 0.5 1.0

V/V

Fig. 7.1

A2Y1S6 2663 16 [Turn over

 (i) Fig. 7.2 shows part of a circuit which could be used to find the Examiner Only
Marks Remark
stopping potential and measure it.

radiation
collector

clean metal
insert battery surface

symbol here
label meter
appropriately

Fig. 7.2

Insert appropriate symbols to complete the circuit. This circuit

should include a potential divider. Make sure that the battery
symbol shows the correct polarity for obtaining the stopping
potential part of the I-V characteristic. [4]

(ii) The two characteristics in Fig. 7.1 show steady values of

photocurrent I, that differ in value.
Suggest a reason why there might be this difference.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [1]

A2Y1S6 2663 17 [Turn over

 (iii) In another experiment the stopping potentials were measured to a Examiner Only
Marks Remark
greater degree of precision than in this experiment. Table 7.1 gives
the values of the stopping potentials Vs required when the metal
was illuminated by light of different wavelengths λ.

Table 7.1

λ/nm Vs/V hf/J

365 1.430
436 0.875
496 0.530
546 0.300

(1) To how many significant figures is the 0.300 V value of the

stopping potential quoted?

_______________________________________________ [1]

(2) Show that a formula for converting wavelengths λ in nm to

photon energies hf in J is

1.99 × 10 –16
hf (in J ) = Equation 7.1
λ (in nm )

[2]

(3) Use Equation 7.1 to convert the values of λ in Table 7.1 to

corresponding values of hf. Insert these values in the third
column of the Table. [2]

(iv) (1) You are to plot a graph of Vs against hf on the graph grid of
Fig. 7.3. Label the horizontal axis, select a suitable scale,
plot the values from Table 7.1 and draw the best straight line
through the points. [5]

A2Y1S6 2663 18 [Turn over

 Examiner Only
Marks Remark

1.5

Vs /V

1.0

0.5

Fig. 7.3

(2) Find the gradient of your graph. Give an appropriate unit.

Gradient = ___________________

Unit: ___________________ [4]

(3) Read off the intercept on the hf-axis.

Intercept on hf-axis = ___________ J [1]

A2Y1S6 2663 19 [Turn over

 (v) The Einstein photoelectric equation is Examiner Only
Marks Remark

1 2
hf = hf0 + mvmax Equation 7.2
2

1 2 2
The term+ mvmax represents the maximum kinetic energy of the
2
photoelectron. This quantity is measured using the stopping
potential, and is given by

1 2
mvmax = eVs Equation 7.3
2

(1) Making reference to Equation 7.2, explain how the work

function of the metal can be obtained from your graph.

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Calculate its value in electron volts (eV).

Work function = ___________ eV [2]

(2) Making reference to Equations 7.2 and 7.3, state how the
elementary charge e is related to the gradient of your graph.

_______________________________________________ [1]

A2Y1S6 2663 20 [Turn over

 (b) Another way of measuring the work function of a metal is to study Examiner Only
Marks Remark
the thermionic emission from it. As the temperature of the metal is
increased, more and more electrons are emitted from it. This emission
is called the thermionic emission current, and the current per unit area
of the metal is the thermionic emission current density. The equation
giving the thermionic emission current density J at a kelvin
temperature T is

J = A0T 2e– φ/kT Equation 7.4

where A0 is a constant, φ is the work function and k is the Boltzmann

constant. To obtain the work function, the current density J is measured
at a number of temperatures T.

(i) A simplified picture of thermionic emission is to suppose that the

free electrons in the metal behave like the molecules of an ideal
gas.

Use this picture and the idea of the work function of a metal to
suggest why, as the temperature of the metal is raised, more and
more electrons are emitted from it.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ [3]

A2Y1S6 2663 21 [Turn over

 (ii) (1) The emission current density J is the current per unit surface Examiner Only
Marks Remark
area of the emitter. State its unit.

Unit: _________________________ [1]

(2) State the unit, if any, of the quantity e–φφ//kT

kT in Equation 7.4.

Unit: _________________________

Hence obtain the unit, if any, of the constant A0.

Unit: _________________________ [2]

(iii) It is possible to use a graphical method to find the value of φ from

a set of values of J and T.

(1) Equation 7.4 can be rewritten in the form

J – φ /kT
2 = A0 e Equation 7.5
T

Take natural logarithms (logarithms to the base e) of both sides

of Equation 7.5.

Equation in logarithmic form:

[1]

A2Y1S6 2663
2663 22 [Turn over
 (2) Compare your equation in (b)(iii)(1) with the standard linear Examiner Only
Marks Remark
form

y = mx + c

and hence state the axes you would use to obtain a linear graph
from which φ could be determined.

y-axis (vertical): __________________

x-axis (horizontal): __________________ [2]

(3) On Fig. 7.4, sketch the graph you would expect to obtain. [1]

Fig. 7.4

(4) State how you would use the graph to determine the value of φ.

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

_______________________________________________ [2]

THIS IS THE END OF THE QUESTION PAPER

A2Y1S6 2663 23 [Turn over

S – 4/06 – 4000 – 302507(177)
 GCE Physics (Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced)
Data and Formulae Sheet
Values of constants
speed of light in a vacuum
permeability of a vacuum
permittivity of a vacuum
elementary charge
the Planck constant
unified atomic mass unit
mass of electron
mass of proton
molar gas constant
the Avogadro constant
the Boltzmann constant
gravitational constant
acceleration of free fall on
the Earth’s surface
electron volt
A2Y1S6 2663.02
c = 3.00 × 108 m s –1
µ 0 = 4π × 10–7 H m–1
ε 0 = 8.85 × 10–12 F m–1
1
( )
–––– = 8.99 × 109 F –1 m
4π ε 0
e = 1.60 × 10–19 C
h = 6.63 × 10–34 J s
1 u = 1.66 × 10–27 kg
me = 9.11 × 10–31 kg
mp = 1.67 × 10–27 kg
R = 8.31 J K–1 mol–1
NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol–1
k = 1.38 × 10–23 J K–1
G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2
g = 9.81 m s–2
1 eV = 1.60 × 10–19 J
A2Y11INS
 USEFUL FORMULAE
The following equations may be useful in answering some of the questions in the examination:
Mechanics Thermal physics
1
Momentum-impulse mv – mu = Ft Average kinetic –2 m<c2> = 3–2 kT
relation for a constant force energy of a molecule
Power P = Fv Kinetic theory pV = 1–3 Nm <c2>
1
Conservation of –2 mv 2– 1–2 mu 2 = Fs Capacitors
energy for a constant force 1 1 1 1
Capacitors in series = + +
C C1 C 2 C 3
Simple harmonic motion
Capacitors in parallel C = C1 + C2 + C3
Displacement x = x0 cos ω t or
x = x0 sin ω t Time constant τ = RC

Velocity v = ±ω x 0 2 − x 2 Electromagnetism

Simple pendulum T = 2π l / g Magnetic flux density

due to current in
Loaded helical spring T = 2π m / k (i)i long straight µ0NI
B=
(i)i solenoid l
Medical physics
(ii) long straight µ0I
Sound intensity = 10 lg10(I/I0) B=
level/dB (i)i conductor 2πa
Sound intensity = 10 lg10(I2/I1) Alternating currents
difference/dB
A.c. generator E = E0 sin ω t
Resolving power sin θ = λ/ D = BANω sin ω t

Waves Particles and photons

Two-slit interference λ = ay/d Radioactive decay A = λN
Diffraction grating d sin θ = nλ A = A0e–λt

Light Half life t1–2 = 0.693/λ

1
Lens formula 1/u + 1/v = 1/f Photoelectric effect –2 mv2max = hf – hf0

Stress and Strain de Broglie equation λ = h /p

Hooke’s law F = kx Particle Physics

1–
Strain energy E = <F > x Nuclear radius r = r0 A3
(= 1–2 Fx = 1–2 kx 2
if Hooke’s law is
obeyed)

Electricity
Potential divider Vout = R1Vin/(R1 + R2)

A2Y1S6 2663.02