Q5a The mass is in uniform (constant speed) circular motion.

2013 VCAA Physics Exam Solutions .: the net force is centripetal, i.e. towards the centre of the circular
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path, .: direction D.
Area of study − Motion in one and two dimensions
Q5b At the lowest point S the two external forces on the mass are
Q1a a = g sin 10° ≈ 1.7 m s -2 the upward tension force T of the rod and the downward force of
1 2 mv 2 2.0 × 7.0 2
Alternative method: s = 3.5 , u = 0 , t = 2.0 , s = ut + at gravity mg, and T − mg = , T − 2.0 × 10 =
2 r 1.0
a ≈ 1.8 m s-2 .: T ≈ 1.2 × 10 2 N
1 2 3.5 1 1
Q1b s = 3.5 , u = 0 , t = 2.0 , s = ut + at , .: a = Q6a Ebottom = E spring = k (∆x ) = × 10 × 2.0 2 = 20 J
2
2 18 2 2
Let F f be the force of friction on the block.
3.5 Q6b The total energy of the system is constant 20 J.
Fnet = ma , mg sin θ − F f = ma , 0.50 × 10 sin 10° − F f = 0.50 ×
18 Emidpo int = Ekinetic + E spring + E gravity = Etotal
.: F f ≈ 0.77 N 1 1
× 1.0 × v 2 + × 10 × 1.0 2 + 1.0 × 10 × 1.0 = 20 , .: v ≈ 3.2 m s-1
2 2
Q2a Fm1 = m1 g = 2.0 × 10 = 20 N
Q6c The mistake made by the student was to take the spring
Q2b Net force on the system = Fm1 = 20 N potential energy as zero at position Q.
Fnet 1
Fnet = (m1 + m2 )a , a = = 2.5 m s-2 It should be × 10 × 0.52 = 1.25 J at position Q and
m1 + m2 2
1 2
Consider m2 only: Fnet = ma , T = 6.0 × 2.5 = 15 N × 10 × 1.5 = 11.25 J at position P.
2
The total energy is 11.25 J at both positions.
Q3a Total momentum after = total momentum before
= 2.0 × 6.0 + 4.0 × 0 = 12 kg m s-1 Q7a Period = 24 hours = 86400 s
p 12
Q3b vafter = = = 2.0 m s-1 1

m 2.0 + 4.0 r 3 GM  GMT 2 3

Q7b 2 = , T = 86400 s, r =   ≈ 4.2 × 10 7 m
1 1
Eafter = mv 2 = (2.0 + 4.0) × 2.0 2 = 12 J T 4π 2  4π
2

2 2
1 Q7c The astronaut is not weightless because the force of gravity is
Ebefore = × 2.0 × 6.0 2 + 0 = 36 J
2 on her.
Eafter ≠ Ebefore , .: inelastic The force of gravity, i.e. her weight is given by 65g newtons and g
is the gravitational field strength of the earth at the orbit.
She is on board the orbiting satellite, .: she is in free fall and
Q3c Impulse on m1 = ∆p of m1 = 2.0×+ 2.0 − 2.0×+ 6.0= − 8.0 Ns, experiences apparent weightlessness.
i.e. 8.0 Ns to the left.
Q8a Vertical component: s = −15 , u = 20 sin 30° = 10 , a = −10 ,
Q4a 1
s = ut + at 2 , 5t 2 − 10t − 15 = 0 , 5(t − 3)(t + 1) = 0 , t = 3.0 s
2

Q8b Vertical component: u = 10 , a = −10 , t = 3.0 ,

v = u + at = −20
Horizontal component: v = 20 cos 30° ≈ 17.32
.: magnitude of velocity ≈ 20 2 + 17.32 2 ≈ 26 m s-1
 20 
direction ≈ tan −1   ≈ 49° to the horizontal
 17.32 
Q4b

v2 50 2
a= = = 1.25
r 2000
a  1.25 
tan θ = , θ = tan −1   ≈ 7.1°
g  10 

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2013 VCAA Physics Exam Solutions © Copyright 2013 itute.com
Area of study − Electronics and photonics Q15b VR = 18 2 ≈ 25 V peak
Q9 When Rvar iable = 0 , Vmax = 15 V; when Rvar iable = 10 k Ω , 2
VRMS 182
5.0 Q15c Pav = = = 0.27 W
Vmin = × 15 = 5.0 V R 1200
5.0 + 10
The output ranges from 5.0 to 15 V. Q15d As the switch is closed, current in the primary coil increases
to a constant value in a short interval and the magnetic field in the
Q10 core increases. This causes a change in the magnetic flux through
the secondary coil and a short pulse of current is induced in the
secondary coil and the resistor according to Faraday’s law of
electromagnetic induction. When the current in the primary coil
becomes constant, the magnetic field in the core becomes constant,
the magnetic flux through the secondary coil becomes constant and
1
Total resistance = 50 + + 50 = 125 Ω .: no induced current in the resistor.
1
50 + 501
Q16a The current flows from W to X and the magnetic field is to
V 2.5 the right, .: the force on WX is downwards and the force on YZ is
Q11a R = = = 500Ω upwards. The two forces cause the rectangular coil to rotate
I 5.0 × 10 −3
anticlockwise as viewed by Mary.
1.0
Q11b Rtherm =
5.0 × 10 −3
= 200Ω ( ) ( )
Q16b F = nBIL = 20 × 500 × 10 −3 × 0.50 × 5.0 × 10 −2 = 0.25 N
Temperature = 20° C from graph
Q16c No, the operation would not improve. The rectangular coil
will oscillate with decreasing (due to friction) amplitude and
10 eventually come to a stop with the loop in a vertical position.
Q11c RLDR = = 2000Ω
5.0 × 10 −3
Light intensity = 15 lux from graph Q17a ∆t = 1.5 − 1.0 = 0.5 s, ∆φ = 0.6 − 0.2 = 0.4 Wb
0.4 ξ 0.8
Q11d The buzzer will turn off when the voltage across the resistor ξ av = = 0.8 V, .: I av = av = = 8A
0.5 R 0.1
is 2.4 V or lower.
A possible change: Decrease the light intensity to increase RLDR , Q17b ξ = 0 when the rate of change of flux is zero, i.e. when
.: higher voltage across the LDR and lower voltage across the t = 0.5 , 1.0, 1.5 s
resistor.
Another possible change: Increase the temperature to increase Q17c
Rtherm , .: higher voltage across the thermistor and lower voltage B
across the resistor.
v
Q12a I = 10 mA, VLED = 2.0 V from graph I induced
( )
VR = 10 × 10−3 × 450 = 4.5 V, .: Vbattery = 2.0 + 4.5 = 6.5 V N

Q12b Electric potential energy of the charges is transferred to the

LED and emitted in the form of light, and to the resistor and When the ring moves downwards towards the N pole of the
emitted as heat. magnet, the upward flux through the ring increases and a current is
induced in the ring. The induced current flows in the clockwise
8 direction as predicted by Lenz’s law, viewing from above.
Q13a gain = gradient = = 400
20 × 10 −3
Q17d. The magnetic flux through the ring is always upwards. It is
Q13b It is described as inverting because it gives an output which the least at A and B, and the most at C.
is the inversion of the input.
Position of ring Time (s)
at point A 0, 2.0
Area of study − Electric power
at point C 0.5, 1.5, 2.5
Q14 at point B 1.0

Q18a Vdrop = IR , 24 = 6.0 R , R = 4.0Ω

Q18b Pout = Vout I , 1200 = Vout × 6.0 , Vout = 200 V
Q18c Ploss = Vdrop I = 24 × 6.0 = 144 W ≈ 140 W
Ploss Ploss 144
Vsec ondary N sec ondary .: = = = 0.12 = 12%
V 6000 Pin Pout 1200
Q15a VR = Vsec ondary , = , R =
V primary N primary 3.0 1000
Q18d Vdrop = IR , 10 = I × 2.0 , I = 5.0 A
.: VR = 18 V RMS
Pout = Vout I , 1200 = Vout × 5.0 , Vout = 240 V
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2013 VCAA Physics Exam Solutions © Copyright 2013 itute.com
Area of study − Interactions of light and matter
Q23a p =
( ) (
E 80 × 103 × 1.6 × 10 −19
=
)
≈ 4.3 × 10 −23 kg m s-1
3.0 × 108
( ) (
Q19a E = hf = 6.63 × 10 −34 × 6.7 × 1014 ≈ 4.4 × 10 −19 J) c

Q23b Student A is correct.

c 3.0 × 108 Since the extent of diffraction is proportional to the wavelength,
Q19b λ = = ≈ 4.5 × 10 −7 m
f 6.7 × 1014 same fringe spacing means the wavelengths of X-rays and
h
Q20a Longest wavelength corresponds to lowest energy which is electrons are the same. Since p = .: X-rays and electrons have
λ
3.19 − 2.11 = 1.08 eV. the same momentum.
λ=
hc
=
( ) (
4.14 × 10 −15 × 3.0 × 108 )
≈ 1.15 × 10 −6 m
E 1.08
Detailed study 1 − Einstein’s special relativity
Q20b E =
hc
=
(4.14 × 10 )× (3.0 × 10 ) ≈ 2.11 eV
−15 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
λ 588.63 × 10 −9 D A A D C A D C A B C
The spectral line at 588.63 nm comes from the transition of the
sodium atom from the first excited state to the ground state. Q2 (340 + v ) × 0.0857 = 30 , v = 10
(340 − v ) × 0.0909 = 30 , v = 10 A
( )
Q21a E K ,max = 1.6 × 10 −19 × 1.85 = 3.0 × 10 −19 J
Q3 Ek + Erest = mc 2 , E k + mo c 2 = mc 2 , Ek = (m − mo )c 2
( ) (
Q21b E K ,max = hf − W , 1.85 = 4.14 × 10 −15 × 1.00 × 1015 − W ) (
.: Ek = 5.1 × 10 −27 − 1.7 × 10 −27 × 3.0 × 108 ) ( )
2
≈ 3.1 × 10 −10 J A
.: W = 2.29 eV
Lo v2
Q21c Q5 L = = 1− × Lo
γ c2
1 v2 1 v 3 3
Given L = Lo , .: 1− = , = , v= c C
2 c2 2 c 2 2

Q6 Etotal = mc 2 = moγc 2 = 2.17 × 10 −10

(
mo × 10.0 × 3.0 × 108 )
2
= 2.17 × 10 −10 , mo ≈ 2.41 × 10 −28 kg A

Q21d Emission of electrons occurs when E K ,max = hf − W > 0 , i.e. ( [

Q10 t = γto = 1 + 5 × 10 −11 × 1 ]) B
hf > W . No electrons will be emitted if the frequency of light is
Q11 The measured vertical distance is not affected by the
W horizontal motion of the satellite. C
reduced to a value f < regardless of the size or sign of the
h
voltage.
Detailed study 2 − Materials and their use in structures
Q22a Light from the same source passes through the two slits, .:
light from S1 and light from S2 are in phase at the slits. At the exact 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
centre of the pattern the distances from S1 and S2 are the same, .: a D C B D A C C D A B B
bright band is formed due to constructive interference of the lights
arriving at the centre position in phase. Q1 Young’s modulus for steel P
40 × 10 6
= gradient = = 4.0 × 1010 Pa D
Q22b Lower frequency corresponds to longer wavelength. 1.0 × 10 −3
Lλ
Since ∆x =
d
, .: the separation between two adjacent bright (or ( ) (
Q2 F = σA = 50 × 10 6 × 4.0 × 10 −2 = 2.0 × 10 6 N )
dark) bands ∆x increases as λ increases. D F 2.0 × 10 6
Mass = = = 2.0 × 105 kg C
g 10
Q22c For the second bright band, path difference = 2λ .
.: 2λ = 1.4 × 103 × 10 −9 , λ = 7.0 × 10 −7 m Q3 Strain energy of steel S
1 1
For the first dark band, ( ) (
= σε = × 20 × 10 6 × 1.5 × 10 −3 = 1.5 × 10 4 J m-3 ) B
λ 7.0 × 10−7 2 2
path difference = = = 3.5 × 10 −7 m
2 2 F mg 1000 × 10
Q5 σ = = = = 2.5 × 105 Pa
Q22d The statement is incorrect. Interference is a typical property A A 4.0 × 10 −2
of waves. Young’s double-slit experiment demonstrates that light 30 × 10 6
Young’s modulus for steel P = gradient = = 2.0 × 1010 Pa
interferes, showing the wave behaviour of light. .: It supports the 1.5 × 10 −3
wave model of light. σ 2.5 × 105
.: ε = = = 1.25 × 10 −5
mod 2.0 × 1010
( )
.: ∆l = εl = 20 × 1.25 × 10 −5 = 2.5 × 10 −4 m = 0.25 mm A
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2013 VCAA Physics Exam Solutions © Copyright 2013 itute.com
Q6 τ = Fd ⊥ = 20 × 10 × 3.0 = 600 N m C hc hc 1 1 Ek
Q8 = + Ek , = − ,
λbefore λafter λafter λbefore hc
Q7 In equilibrium:
1 1 74 × 103
net anticlockwise torque about P = net clockwise torque about P = − ,
4.0T = 100 × 1.5 + 200 × 3.0 , T ≈ 190 N C λafter 6.9 × 10 −12
(
4.14 × 10 −15 3.0 × 108 )( )
.: λafter ≈ 12 × 10−12 m D
Q8 Let Fbeam be the force on the beam by the support.
In equilibrium: mV p 1.6 × 10 −18
net anticlockwise torque about K = net clockwise torque about K Q11 r = , B= = = 0.25 T A
Fbeam × 2.0 = 40000 × 3.0 + 10000 × 6.0 , Fbeam = 90000 N
eB (
er 1.6 × 10 −19 × 40 )
.: force on the support = 90000 N D
Detailed study 5 − Photonics
Q11 Cables cannot be in compression. B
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
B D D C D B C D A B D
Detailed study 3 − Further electronics
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Q2 λ = =
(
hc 4.14 × 10 −15 3.0 × 108 )( )
E 2.1
C C B D B D C A B C B −9
≈ 590 ×10 m = 590 nm D
Q1 Period = 10 ms = 1 × 10 −2 s,
1 1 ncladding 1.38  1.38 
frequency = = = 100 Hz C Q5 sin θ c = = , θ c = sin −1   ≈ 72° D
period 1 × 10 −2 ncore 1.45  1.45 
Q3 V = 12 − 0.7 × 2 = 10.6 V B
Q6 A smaller cladding index (type X) will result in a smaller
Q4 63% of 20 V = 12.6 V, this corresponds to t ≈ 2.1 s critical angle at the core-cladding interface, and .: a greater
acceptance angle. B
( )
RC = τ , 10 × 103 × C ≈ 2.1 , C ≈ 210 × 10 −6 F = 210 µ F D

Q5 When the capacitor is fully charged, V = 20 V.

Discharged by 63% of 20 V = 12.6 V, i.e. to 7.4 V in t ≈ 2.1 s. B

( )
Q6 τ = RC = 100 × 100 × 10 −6 = 0.01 s = 10 ms
V peak = 10 2 − 0.7 ≈ 13.4 V D Detailed study 6 − Sound
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Q8 Resistor R1 : V = 9 − 5 = 4 V, I = 100 mA = 0.010 A
D B A C C D D B C C C
V 4
.: R1 = = = 40Ω A λ
I 0.10 Q2 = 0.67 , λ = 1.34 m B
2
Q9 Since τ = RC , increase R1 or C or both will decrease the
v 335
magnitude of the ripple voltage. B Q3 Fundamental frequency = = = 250 Hz
λ 1.34
Q11 The Zener diode fails to regulate the voltage at 5 V. B Second harmonic f = 2 × 250 = 500 Hz A

I 2m 202
Q5 = 2 = 100 C
Detailed study 4 − Synchrotron and its applications I 20 m 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
I front
A B B B D D B D C D A Q6 I back = 0.5% × I front , .: = 200
I back

Q1 F =
eV
=
(
1.6 × 10 −19 × 90 × 103 ) (
= 7.2 × 10−14 N
) A  I front 
d 0.20 ∆L = 10 × log10   = 10 × log10 200 ≈ 23 dB D
 I back 
( ) (
Q2 Ek = eV = 90 keV or 1.6 × 10−19 × 90 × 103 = 1.44 × 10 −14 J )
−17 Q10 The 50 Hz sound at 80dB is on the 60 phon loudness curve.
or 1.44 × 10 kJ B On the same curve the 10000 Hz sound is at 70 dB. C

Q6 d =
nλ
=
1 × 0.25 × 10−9 ( )
≈ 7.7 × 10 −10 m D λ
2 sin θ 2 sin 9.3° Q11 = 0.96 , λ = 1.92 m, v = fλ = 500 × 1.92 = 960 m s-1 C
2

Q7 nλ < 2d sin 90° , n <

2d
=
(
2 × 0.3 × 10−9 )
= 1.5 , .: n = 1 B Please inform physicsline@itute.com re conceptual,
λ 0.4 × 10−9
mathematical and/or typing errors
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