JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE

JC2 Common Test 2 2015

Name

Class

PHYSICS

15S

9646/3

Higher 2
3 July 2015

Longer Structured Questions

1.5 hours
Candidates answer on the Question Paper.
No Additional Materials are required.

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

For
Examiners Use

Do not open this booklet until you are told to do so.

Write your name and class in the spaces provided at the top of this
page.

Write in dark blue or black pen on both sides of the paper

You may use a soft pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
Do not use paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid.
Section A
Answer all questions.

3
4
5

Section B
Answer any two questions.
You are advised to spend about one hour on section B.

Total

At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together.
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each
question or part question.

(This question paper consists of 19 printed pages)

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2
Data
speed of light in free space,
permeability of free space,

c = 3.00 108 m s1
o = 4 107 H m1

permittivity of free space,

elementary charge,
the Planck constant,
unified atomic mass constant,
rest mass of electron,
rest mass of proton,
molar gas constant,

o = 8.85 1012 F m1 = (1/(36)) 109 F m1

e
h
u
me
mp
R

= 1.60 1019 C
= 6.63 1034 J s
= 1.66 1027 kg

the Avogadro constant,

the Boltzmann constant,
gravitational constant,
acceleration of free fall,

NA
k
G
g

= 6.02 1023 mol1

= 1.38 1023 J K1
= 6.67 1011 N m2 kg2

= 9.11 1031 kg
= 1.67 1027 kg
= 8.31 J K1 mol1

= 9.81 m s2

Formulae
uniformly accelerated motion,

s = ut +

1
2

at2

v2 = u2 + 2as
W = p V
p = gh

work done on/by a gas,

hydrostatic pressure,
gravitational potential,

Gm
r

x = xo sin t
v = vo cos t

displacement of particle in s.h.m.,

velocity of particle in s.h.m.,

v = ( xo2 x 2 )
mean kinetic energy of a molecule of an ideal
gas
resistors in series,
resistors in parallel,

E =

3
2

kT

R = R1 + R2 + . . .
1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + . . .
Q

electric potential,

V =

alternating current / voltage,

transmission coefficient,

x = xo sin t
T exp(2kd)

4o r

where k =
radioactive decay
decay constant

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82 m(U E )
h2

x = xo exp(-t)
0.693
=
t1/2

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3
Section A
Answer all questions in this section.
1

(a)

In an experiment to observe atomic spectra of gases, some mercury vapour is

placed in a discharged tube as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1
When the tube is connected to a high voltage supply, electrons are generated by
the electrodes through thermionic emission. The mercury atoms become excited
and emit electromagnetic radiation.
Explain
(i)

how the mercury atoms are excited in the discharge tube,

[2]

(ii)

why the excited mercury atoms emit electromagnetic radiation of discrete

frequencies.

[3]

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(b)

Two spectral lines of wavelengths 436 nm and 546 nm are observed in the atomic
spectrum of mercury. These two lines are the result of electronic transitions from
energy level A to two lower energy levels B and C as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2
(i)

State the region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which the two spectral
lines lies.

region is the

(ii)

Draw an arrow on Fig 1.2. to represent the transition which gives rise to the
spectral line of wavelength 436 nm.
[1]

(iii)

Calculate the value of the energy level A.

value =

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range [1]

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[2]

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(c)

Fig. 1.3 shows a beam of electrons, moving with speed 6.0 x 105 m s1 in the
x-direction, passing through a single slit of width 1.0 nm.
y

px

Fig.
Fig.1.3
5.1
(i)

Calculate the momentum px of one of these electrons in the x-direction.

momentum px =

Ns

[1]

(ii)

Hence, show that the de Broglie wavelength of the electron is 1.2 x 10-9 m.
[1]

(iii)

With reference to wave theory, state why the electron diffraction would be
prominent in this situation.

[1]

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(a)

In a fission process, a neutron collides with a uranium-235 nucleus and causes a

nuclear reaction summarised by the following equation.
P
90
1
n + 235
92 U Q Xe+ 38 Sr +3 0 n +energy

1
0

(i)

(ii)

Determine the numerical values of P and Q.

P=

[1]

Q=

[1]

State the feature of this equation that indicates that a chain reaction may be
possible.

[1]

(iii)

By reference to binding energy per nucleon, explain why energy is released

in this fission reaction.

[2]

(b)

A sample contains N nuclei of strontium-90 at time t. At time (t + t), the sample

contains (N - N) nuclei of strontium-90.
Give expressions, in terms of N, N, t and t,
(i)

the activity of the sample,

[1]

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(ii)

the probability of decay of a strontium nucleus in time t,

[1]

(iii)

The decay constant , for strontium-90.

[1]

(c)

Strontium-90 undergoes radioactive decay by emission of a particle and has a

half-life of 28 years.
(i)

Explain what is meant by radioactive decay.

[1]

(ii)

Show that the decay constant of strontium-90 is 7.85 x 10-10 s-1.

(iii)

In a laboratory source of strontium-90, the number of radioactive atoms

present in the year 2015 is 2.36 1013.

[1]

Calculate the number of radioactive atoms left in the source in the year
2115.

number of radioactive atoms left =

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[2]
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Section B
Answer two questions in this section.
3

(a)

(i)

Define one coulomb and one volt.

One coulomb:

[1]
One volt:

[2]
(ii)

Using the definition of volt or otherwise, show that one volt is also equivalent
to one watt per ampere.

[2]
(b)

Referring to Fig. 3.1, the 15 V source is of negligible internal resistance.

Switch K
A

C
6.0

15.0 V

2.4

6.0
I

6.0

6.0

9.0

D
Fig. 3.1

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(i)

With switch K open, show that the effective resistance between point C and
point D is 3.0 .

resistance=
(ii)

[2]

With switch K closed and given that the potential at point A is 3 V,

1.

2.

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determine the potential at point C, and

potential =

[2]

I=

[3]

calculate the current I.

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10

(c)

In the circuit shown in Fig. 3.2, cell A has an e.m.f. of 2.0 V and negligible internal
resistance. Wire XY is 1.0 m long with a resistance of 5.0 .

Fig. 3.2
(i) Calculate the current flowing from X to Y when the galvanometer registers null
deflection.

current =
(ii)

[1]

Cell B has an e.m.f. of 1.5 V and internal resistance r.

1.

Calculate the length XP required to produce zero current in the

galvanometer.

length =
2.

[2]

A resistor R of 10 is now placed parallel to cell B. The length of wire

XP required to produce zero current in the galvanometer is 0.75 m.
Calculate the value of r.

r=
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[3]

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11

3. State and explain one advantage of using Fig. 3.2 to measure the e.m.f.
of B compared to using a laboratory voltmeter.

[2]

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12

4
(a)

A tuning fork is shown in Fig. 4.1 and 4.2 below. It is made of a handle and two
tines. It can be made to vibrate by knocking one of the tines sideways against a
hard object.
At time t = 0, the tuning fork is knocked against a hard object such that it vibrates
about its equilibrium position with a frequency of 128 Hz.
A

A
tines
frequency = 128 Hz

handle

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.2

Tine As vibrations subsequently causes the neighboring air molecules to vibrate

such that a longitudinal wave of the same frequency is formed. Fig. 4.3 below
shows the positions of the air molecules around the tuning fork at a particular
instant.

Fig. 4.3

(i)

By considering the movement of air molecules, state and explain the

pressure experienced by the air molecule at Y.

[2]

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13

(ii)

Given that the distance between X and Z is 5.2 m, calculate the speed of the
longitudinal wave between X and Z.

speed of wave =
(iii)

[2]

rad

[1]

Determine the phase difference between X and Y.

phase difference =
(b)

m s-1

The longitudinal waves created by tine A above can be assumed to have a power
of 0.72 W and is equally generated in all directions. A microphone whose circular
cross-section has radius 4.0 cm is placed 5.0 m away from the tine as shown in
Fig. 4.4 (not to scale).

4.0 cm

5.0 m

Fig. 4.4

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14

(i)

Determine the power received by the microphone.

power received =
(ii)

[3]

Which of the following is a measure of the loudness of the sound? Circle it.
Power / Intensity / Amplitude

(c)

[3]

The microphone is replaced by a bigger one whose radius is twice of that of

the previous one. At what distance away from the tine must the bigger
microphone be placed so that it still picks up the same power?

distance from the tine =

(iii)

[1]

Explain how interference contributes to the alternating bright and dark fringe
pattern observed on the screen in Youngs double slit experiment.

[2]

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15

(d)

A double slit with slit separation d = 0.800 mm is situated a distance 3.2 m from
the screen as shown in Fig. 4.5. The double slit is illuminated with coherent light of
wavelength .

S2
light

P
d = 0.800 mm
mm

S1

O
D = 3.2 m

Fig. 4.5
The light intensity pattern along XY is shown in Fig. 4.6. The relative positions of
the peaks are as indicated with respect to O, the central maximum.
intensity

-6.0

-3.0

0.0

3.0

6.0

distance /
mm

Fig. 4.6
(i)

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From Fig. 4.6, show that the wavelength of the light is 7.50 107 m . [2]

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16

(ii)

With reference to Fig. 4.6, state the phase difference between the two
waves at detector P, when P is at a distance of
1.

6.0 mm from O, and

phase difference =
2.

1.5 mm from O, and

phase difference =

(iii)

rad [1]

Using data from (d)(ii)1 or 2, verify that the distance between detector P
and O, y has the relationship of
y = (path difference) x

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rad [1]

D
d

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[2]

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17

5.

(a)

A washing machine has a maximum spin speed of 600 revolutions per minute.
Express this angular velocity in radians per second.

angular velocity =

(b)

rad s-1

[2]

A mass of 0.500 kg is attached to a string of length 0.400 m which will break if the
tension in it exceeds 15.0 N. The mass is whirled in a horizontal circle with the
string inclined at 60 to the vertical as shown in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1
(i)

Determine the radius of the horizontal circle.

radius =

(ii)

[1]

m s-1

[3]

Calculate the speed of the mass in the horizontal circle.

speed =
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18

(iii)

The speed of the mass is slowly increased. At the same time, the angle of
inclination of the string from the vertical increases to 70.9. Calculate the
greatest number of revolutions that the mass makes per unit time just before
the string breaks.

number of revolutions per unit time =

(c)

Hz

[3]

Explain what is meant by a gravitational field.

[2]

(d)

Satellites are artificial bodies placed in orbit around the earth in order to collect
information or for communication purposes. It is generally possible to have a
satellite orbit the earth from east to west (retrograde orbit) as well as west to east
(prograde orbit).
(i)

A satellite is launched in the west to east (prograde orbit) direction from a

space station on the equator to the geostationary orbit. Explain why it is
normally preferred to launch satellites in this direction.

[2]

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19

(ii)

Taking the Earth to be a uniform sphere with a radius R of 6400 km and

mass M of 6.0 x 1024 kg, determine r, the radius of orbit of the geostationary
satellite.

r=

M [3]

(iii)

The mass of one such geostationary satellite is m. Derive an expression in

terms of G, M, m and r for the kinetic energy Ek of this satellite when it is in
geostationary orbit.
[2]

(iv)

Hence, or otherwise, show that the total energy of the satellite in (d)(iii) is
given by Et =

(v)

GMm
.
2r

[1]

Determine the total energy of the satellite in (d)(iii), given that the mass m of
the satellite is 1000 kg.

total energy =

[1]

End of Paper
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20
JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
2015 JC2 CT2 Paper 3
9646 H2 Physics
Suggested Solutions with Markers Comments
Qn
Suggested solution
1(a)(i) Fast-moving electrons in the discharge tube collide with the vapour atoms

Remarks
[1]
[1]

and transfer their (kinetic energy) to the electrons in atom.

(a)(ii) Upon de-excitation, the electrons in the atoms move from higher to lower
energy levels by emitting photons (EM radiation).

[1]

Since the energy levels are of discrete values, the photon energies (which is [1]
equal to the difference in energies of any 2 energy levels) must also be
discrete.
Since photon energy is discrete and given by hf, the frequencies of the EM [1]
radiation would be discrete.
(b)(i) Visible (light)
(b)(ii)

(b)(iii)

[1]
[1] arrow
in correct
direction

Using transition for 546 nm,

-34

energy of 546 nm photon =

hc (6.63 x 10 )(3.00 x 10 )
=
= 3.64 x 10-19 J

546 x 10-9

Value of energy level of A = (3.64 x 10-19) + (- 7.94 x 10-19)

= - 4.30 x 10-19 J
(c)(i) px = mv = (9.11 10-31)(6.0 105) = 5.5 10-25 kg m s-1
(c)(ii)

[1] ans

h 6.63 1034

p 5.5 1025

[1]
working

(c)(iii) The slit width and wavelength of the electron have the same order of 10-9 m.

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[1] for
correct
photon
energy
[1] ans
with
negative
sign

[1]

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21
JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
2015 JC2 CT2 Paper 3
9646 H2 Physics
Suggested Solutions with Markers Comments
Qn
Suggested solution
2(a)(i) Equating nucleon number,
1 + 235 = P + 90 + 3(1)
P = 143

Remarks

[1] ans

Equating atomic number,

0 + 92 = Q + 38 + 3(0)
[1] ans
Q = 54
(a)(ii) More neutrons are produced than the number required to cause the reaction.
[1]
(a)(iii) The binding energy per nucleon of the products is greater than the binding [1]
energy per nucleon of the reactants.
Since the number of nucleons of the reactants and products are approximately [1]
equal, the total binding energy of the products is greater than that of the
reactants. The difference between these total binding energies is released.
(b)(i) N
[1]
(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

t
N
N
N
N( t)

[1]
[1]

(c)(i) Process by which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting an [1]
alpha or beta particle, and usually accompanied by the emission of a gamma
ray photon.
(c)(ii)
[1]
0.693

(28 365 24 60 60)

(c)(iii)

Qn
3 (a)(i)

N = N0 e-t
= (2.36 1013) e(- 0.693/28)(100)
= 1.99 1012
Suggested solution
One coulomb is the quantity of electric charge that passes through a cross
section of a circuit when a steady current of one ampere flows for one second.

[1] sub
[1] ans
Remarks
[1]

One volt is the potential difference between two points in a circuit in which [2]
energy converted from electrical to non- electrical form per unit charge passing
from one point to the other is one joule per coulomb.
(ii)

1 volt=

1 joule
1 joule/1 s
1 watt
=
=
1 coulomb 1 coulomb/1 s 1 ampere

or
Using P =IV, V =
1 volt =
JJC 2015

P
I

1 watt
1 ampere
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[1] for
showing
1J/1s to 1
W
[1] for
showing
1C/1s to 1
A

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22

Qn
(b) (i)

JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
2015 JC2 CT2 Paper 3
9646 H2 Physics
Suggested Solutions with Markers Comments
Suggested solution
Resistance across 6.0 & 9.0 resistors: 6.0 // 9.0 => R = 3.6
6.0 // (3.6+2.4)

1
1 1

Hence, Reff = 6 6
(ii)1.

3.0

V 15
1
R 15

Vac = (1)(6) = Va Vc
Hence, Vc = 9 V
2.

Vd = 9 (1)(3) = 12 V
By principle of potential divider,

3.6
3.6
)(Vcd ) ( )(3.0) 1.8
6.0
Ved = 3.6 2.4
(

V 1.8

0.30
R 6.0
A

(c) (i)

Remarks
[1] for
correct
method
[1] for
correct
answer
[1] for
correct
method
[1] for
correct
answer
[2] for
any
correct
method
[1] for
correct
answer

[1]

(ii)1.

[1] for
any
correct
method

[1] for
correct
answer
[1]

2.

[1]
[1] for
correct
answer

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23
JURONG JUNIOR COLLEGE
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
2015 JC2 CT2 Paper 3
9646 H2 Physics
Suggested Solutions with Markers Comments
Suggested solution
Remarks
Advantage: The measurement of e.m.f is more accurate/ reduces systematic [1]
[1]
error
Reason: There is a potential drop across the internal resistance of the battery
when the voltmeter is used.

Qn
3.

Qn
Suggested solution
4(a)i) Particle Y experiences lowest/minimum pressure

(a)ii)

(a)(iii)

Remarks
[1]

Since its neighboring particles move away from it simultaneously.

[1]

2 full cycles are found between X and Z

This means that the wavelength = 5.2 / 2 = 2.6 m
Since v = f = 128 x 2.6 = 333 m s-1

[1]Wavelength
[1]-speed

Between a rarefaction and compression, half a wave is found.

Hence, phase difference = rad

[1] correct

(b)(i)

[1]- correct
working

Intensity of wave at position of microphone = P / 4x2

= 0.72/[4(5.0)2]
= 2.29 x 10-3 W m-2
Power picked up by microphone = I x A = (2.29 x 10-3) x [(0.04)2]
= 1.15 x10-5 W.

[1]
intensity
[1] power
[1]intensity
[1]working
[1]distance

(b)(ii)

Surface area of bigger microphone = 22 = 4 times of original microphone.

In order to pick up the same power, microphone must be shifted to a new location
where the intensity of the wave is 1/4 times of the original value.
Hence,
I/4 = P/(4d2) where d is distance to new position of bigger microphone
Thus, d = 4 x = 4 x 5.0 = 10.0 m

(b)(iii)
(c)

[1]
Intensity
When the waves arrive in phase, there is constructive interference of the light [1]- phase
from both slits, a bright fringe is observed on the screen.
When the waves arrive in anti-phase, there is destructive interference of the light [1]- CI and
DI
from both slits, a dark fringe is observed on the screen.

(d)(i)

D
d

3.2
0.800 10 3
7.50 107 m

3.0 10 3

(d)(ii)1.

By observation, it is 4 radians as it is the second order maximum. For

constructive interference, phase difference is of the order 2n radians. (Accept
zero)

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[1] for
getting data
from graph
of fringe
separation
[1] for
application
of formula
[1]

24
Qn

Suggested solution
By observation, it is radians as it is the first order minimum. For destructive
interference, phase difference is of the order (2n+1) radians.
(d)(iii) Since phase difference at P when OP = 6 mm is 4 radians
2.

( path diff )

2 4

path diff 2
Corresponds to 6 mm which is (2 x

D
d

Remarks
[1]
[1] for using
phase
difference to
show path
difference
[1] for final
evidence

OR
For L = 1.5 mm,
phase difference at P when OP = 1.5 mm is radians

( path diff )

path diff

2
1

Corresponds to 1.5 mm which is (1/2 x

Therefore (path diff) x
5(a)

(b)(i)

D
=L
d

D
d

(shown).

Angular velocity = (600 x 2)/(60)

= 62.8 rad s-1

[1] - subst
[1] - Ans

Radius = 0.400sin60 = 0.346 m

[1] - Subst
[1] - Ans

(ii)

[1]
expression

Tcos60 = mg
=> Tcos60 = (0.500)(9.81) = 4.905 --------------------------------(1)
Horizontal component of tension provides the centripetal force.
Tsin60 = mv2/r
= (0.500)v2/(0.400sin60)
= 1.4434 v2 ----------------------------------------------------(2)
Taking (2)/(1):
tan60 = 1.4434v2/4.905
v = 2.43 m s-1

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[1]
expression

[1] ans

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25
Qn
Suggested solution
(iii) Horizontal component of tension provides the centripetal force.
Tsin70.9 = mr2
When tension, T = 15.0 N,
(15.0)sin70.9 = (0.500)(0.400sin70.9)2
= 8.66 rad s-1

Remarks

[1] Subt
[1] ans
for

Recall that = 2f
Hence, greatest number of revolutions per unit time, f = 8.66/2 = 1.38 Hz

(c)

(d)(i)

(ii)

[1] final
ans

Gravitational field is a region of space where an object of mass m will experience

a (gravitational) force when placed in that region.

[2] or 0

Direction is in the same direction as the Earths rotation.

Hence, the satellite would gain some rotational velocity/ kinetic energy so
that less fuel would be required.

[1]
[1]

Since gravitational force provides the centripetal force,

[1] expression

GMm
mr 2
r2
(centre of satellites orbit is the centre of Earth)
GM
2
3
r
GM (24 x60 x60)2 (6.67 x1011 )(6.0 x1024 )
r3 2

(2 )2

[1] subst
[1] - ans

r = 4.23 x 107 m

(iii)

Since gravitational force provides the centripetal force,

[1]
statement

GMm mv 2

r2
r
1 2 GMm
mv
2r
=> Ek = 2

[1] - Ans

(iv)

Et Ek E p

(v)

JJC 2015

[1]
working

GMm GMm
GMm

2r
r
2r

GMm
6.67 1011 6.0 1024 1000
Et

2r
2 4.2 107
Et 4.764 109 J

9646/JC2 Common Test 2 P3/2015

[1] - ans

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