1. A powered spaceship is moving directly away from a planet as shown below.

p la n e t S p a c e s h ip

At point P the motors of the spaceship are switched off but the spaceship
remains under the influence of the planet. Which one of the following graphs
best represents the variation with time t of the velocity v of the spaceship after
it passes point P?
A . v B. v

0 0
0 t 0 t

C. v D . v

0 0
0 t 0 t

(1)

2. The weight of a mass is measured on Earth using a spring balance and a lever
balance, as shown below.

s p rin g b a la n c e le v e r b a la n c e

1
 What change, if any, would occur in the measurements if they were repeated on
the Moon’s surface?

Spring balance Lever balance

A. same same

B. same decrease

C. decrease same

D. decrease decrease
(1)

3. The displacement d of a particle in a wave varies with distance x along a wave

and with time t as shown below.
d d

0 0
0 l l 3l 2l x 0 2 3 4 t
2 2

Which expression gives the speed of the wave?

l
A. 4

l
B. 2

l
C. 

2l
D. 
(1)

2
4. Gravitational field strength at a point may be defined as

A. the force on a small mass placed at the point.

B. the force per unit mass on a small mass placed at the point.

C. the work done to move unit mass from infinity to the point.

D. the work done per unit mass to move a small mass from infinity to the
point.
(1)

5. A small electrically charged sphere is suspended vertically from a thread. An

oppositely charged rod is brought close to the sphere such that the sphere is in
equilibrium when displaced from the vertical by an angle of 45°.

+ –

Which one of the following best represents the free body diagram for the
sphere?
A . B.

C. D .

(1)

3
6. The acceleration of free fall of a small sphere of mass 5.0 × 10–3 kg when close
to the surface of Jupiter is 25 ms–2. The gravitational field strength at the
surface of Jupiter is

A. 2.0 × 10–4 N kg–1.

B. 1.3 × 10–1 N kg–1.

C. 25 N kg–1.

D. 5.0 × 103 N kg–1.

(1)

4
7. Which one of the following graphs best shows the variation of the total energy
E of a satellite orbiting the Earth with distance r from the centre of the Earth?
(The radius of the Earth is R.)

A . E B . E

0 0
0 r 0 r

r = R r = R

C . D .
E E

0 0
0 r 0 r

r = R r = R
(1)

5
8. For an object to be in translational equilibrium

A. it must be at rest.

B. it must be moving with a constant acceleration.

C. no external force must be acting on it.

D. the net force acting on it must be zero.

(1)

9. A bird of weight W lands at the midpoint of a horizontal wire stretched between

two poles. The magnitude of the force exerted by each pole on the wire is F.

F F

The bird will be in equilibrium if

A. 2F > W.

B. 2F = W.

C. 2F < W.

D. F = W.
(1)

6
10. The rings of Saturn are made of rocky particles that orbit the planet. The period
T of each particle depends on its distance r from the centre of Saturn. The
period T is proportional to rn. Which one of the following is n equal to?

A. 1.0

B. 1.5

C. 2.0

D. 3.0
(1)

11. Which one of the following statements correctly defines the gravitational
potential at a point P in a gravitational field?

A. The work done per unit mass in moving a small mass from point P to
infinity.

B. The work done per unit mass in moving a small mass from infinity to point
P.

C. The work done in moving a small mass from infinity to point P.

D. The work done in moving a small mass from point P to infinity.

(1)

7
12. The Earth is distance RM from the Moon and distance RS from the Sun. The
ratio

gravitational field strength at the Earth due to the Moon

gravitational field strength at the Earth due to the Sun

is proportional to which of the following?

RM 2
2
RS
A.

RM
RS
B.
2
RS
2
RM
C.

RS
RM
D.
(1)

13. The gravitational potential at point X due to the Earth is –7 kJ kg–1. At point Y,
the gravitational potential is –3 kJ kg–1.

The change in gravitational potential energy of a mass of 4 kg when it is moved

from point X to point Y is

A. 4 kJ.

B. 10 kJ.

C. 16 kJ.

D. 40 kJ.
(1)

8
14. A weight is suspended from a spring. The variation with weight of the length of
the spring is shown below.

16
le n g th / c m

14

12

10
0 2 4 6 8
w e ig h t / N

What is the value of the spring constant (force constant) of the spring?

A. 0.4 N cm–1

B. 0.5 N cm–1

C. 2.0 N cm–1

D. 2.5 N cm–1
(1)

15. Which one of the following objects is in equilibrium?

A. A stone trapped in the tread of a rotating tyre

B An air molecule as a sound wave passes through the air

C. A steel ball falling at constant speed through oil

D. An electron moving through a metal under the action of a potential

difference
(1)

9
16. A mass is suspended from the roof of a lift (elevator) by means of a spring
balance, as illustrated below.

lift (e le v a to r)

m ass

The lift (elevator) is moving upwards and the readings of the spring balance are
noted as follows.
Accelerating: Ra
Constant speed: Rc
Slowing down: Rs

Which one of the following is a correct relationship between the readings?

A. Ra > Rc

B. Ra = Rs

C. Rc = Rs

D. Rc < Rs
(1)

10
17. Newton’s law of gravitation for the force F between two point objects of masses
M and m, separated by a distance d may be written as

Fd2  Mm.

The expression may also be used for the force of attraction between the Sun
and the Earth, although they are not point masses. This is because

A. the gravitational constant G is not involved in the expression.

B. the force between the Sun and the Earth is very large.

C. the separation of the Sun and the Earth is much greater than their radii.

D. the mass of the Earth is much less than the mass of the Sun.
(1)

18. An isolated point object has mass M. A second small point object of mass m is
placed a distance x from the larger mass.

Which one of the following is a correct expression for the gravitational potential
energy of the mass m?

GM

A. x

GMm

B. x

GM

C. x2

GMm

D. x2
(1)

11
19. A friction force f is acting on a block of weight w sliding down an incline at a
constant speed. The force N is the normal reaction of the incline on the block.
Which of the following free-body diagrams best represents the forces acting on
the block?

A . N f B . N f

w
w

C . f D . N
N

w
w
(1)

12
20. A friction force f is acting on a block of weight w sliding down an incline at a
constant speed. The force N is the normal reaction of the incline on the block.
Which of the following free-body diagrams best represents the forces acting on
the block?

A . N f B . N f

w
w

C . f D . N
N

w
w
(1)

21. A rocket of mass m stands on the surface of planet Mars. Mars has mass M and
radius R. The gravitational potential energy of the rocket due to Mars is

 GM
.
A. R

 GM
.
B. R

 GMm
.
C. R

 GMm
.
D. R
(1)

13
22. If the resultant external force acting on a particle is zero, the particle

A. must have constant speed.

B. must be at rest.

C. must have constant velocity.

D. must have zero momentum.

(1)

23. A ball of weight W is dropped on to the pan of a top pan weighing balance and
rebounds off the pan.

pan

0 0 .0 0

At the instant that the ball has zero velocity when in contact with the pan, the
scale will read

A. zero.

B. a value less than W but greater than zero.

C. W.

D. a value greater than W.

(1)

14
24. A point object of mass m is brought from infinity to the point P, a distance r from
the centre of an isolated sphere of mass M.

r P
m

The work done by the gravitational force in bringing the point object from infinity
to point P is

M
G .
A. r

Mm
G .
B. r

M
G .
C. r

Mm
G .
D. r
(1)

15
25. The kinetic energy EK of a satellite in orbit varies with its distance r from the
centre of a planet of radius R.

Which one of the following graphs best shows the variation of EK with r?

A . B .
E K E K

0 0
0 rR r 0 rR r

C. D .
E K E K

0 0
0 rR r 0 rR r
(1)

26. Planet X has radius R and mass M. Planet Y has radius 2R and mass 8M.

Which one of the following is the correct value of the ratio

gravitational field strength at surfaceof planet X

?
gravitational field strength at surfaceof planet Y

A. 4

B. 2

1
C. 2

1
D. 4
(1)

16
27. In Newton’s universal law of gravitation the masses are assumed to be

A. extended masses.

B. masses of planets.

C. point masses.

D. spherical masses.
(1)

28. The acceleration of free fall of an object of mass m at the surface of Mars is a.
The gravitational field strength at the surface of Mars is

A. a.

B. ma.

a
.
C. m

m
.
D. a
(1)

17
29. The gravitational potential at the surface of Earth is V. The radius of Mercury is
about one third the radius of Earth. Earth and Mercury are spheres of the same
density and the volume of a sphere is

4 3
r .
3

The gravitational potential at the surface of Mercury is

1
V.
A. 9

1
V.
B. 3

C. 3 V.

D. 9 V.
(1)

30. A satellite is in orbit about Earth. The satellite moves to an orbit closer to Earth.
Which of the following correctly gives the change in the potential energy and the
kinetic energy of the satellite?

change in potential energy change in kinetic energy

A. Decreases Increases

B. Decreases Decreases

C. Increases Increases

D. Increases Decreases
(1)

18
31. A ball of weight W slides along a frictionless surface as shown below.

At time T, the ball has moved from point P to the edge E of the surface. The ball
then falls freely to point Q. Which graph best shows the variation with time t of
the resultant upward vertical force F acting on the ball between point P and
point Q?

A . F B. F
+W +W

0 0
0 T t 0 T t

-W -W

C. F D . F
+W +W

0 0
0 T t 0 T t

-W -W
(1)

19
32. The engine of a rocket ejects gas at high speed, as shown below.

ro c k e t

h ig h s p e e d d ire c tio n o f
gas m o tio n o f ro c k e t

The rocket accelerates forwards because

A. the momentum of the gas is equal but opposite in direction to the

momentum of the rocket.

B. the gas pushes on the air at the back of the rocket.

C. the change in momentum of the gas gives rise to a force on the rocket.

D. the ejected gas creates a region of high pressure behind the rocket.
(1)

33. Which one of the following is the condition necessary for an object to be in
translational equilibrium?

A. The lines of action of all the forces acting on the object must pass through
a single point.

B. Every force must be balanced by another force that is equal in magnitude

but opposite in direction.

C. The resultant of all the forces acting on the object in any direction must be
zero.

D. The total upward force on the object must be equal to the total downward
force.
(1)

20
34. A frictionless trolley of mass m moves down a slope with a constant
acceleration a. A second similar frictionless trolley has mass 2m. The
acceleration of the second trolley as it moves down the slope is

1
a.
A. 2

B. a.

C. 2a.

D. 4a.
(1)

35. A block rests on a rough surface. Two forces P and Q act on the block, parallel
to the surface. A friction force F between the block and the surface keeps the
block in equilibrium. Which vector diagram best represents the three forces?

A . B.
Q
P
P
F
F

C. D .
Q
P
P
F

Q
(1)

21
36. Which one of the following correctly relates the radius R of the circular orbit of
planets about the Sun to the period T of the orbit?

A. T  R2

B. T  R3

C. T2  R3

D. T3  R2
(1)

37. A body starting from rest moves along a straight-line under the action of a
constant force. After travelling a distance d the speed of the body is v.

in itia l p o s itio n
v

d
The speed of the body when it has travelled a distance 2 from its initial position
is

v
.
A. 4

v
.
B. 2

v
.
C. 2

v
.
D. 2 2
(1)

22
38. A body of weight 2W hangs vertically from a string attached to a body of weight
W. Weight W is released and both bodies fall vertically.

2W

Air resistance may be neglected. What is the tension in the string during the
fall?

A. Zero

B. W

C. 2W

D. 3W
(1)

39. The heat capacity of a solid body is defined as

A. the thermal energy required to increase the body’s temperature by one

degree.

B. the maximum thermal energy that must be supplied to melt the solid.

C. the total kinetic energy of the solid’s molecules.

D. the average kinetic energy of the solid’s molecules.

(1)

23
40. The diagram below shows two planets X and Y of masses 2M and M
respectively. The centres of the two planets are separated by a distance 2d.
Point P is midway between planets X and Y. The mass of each planet may be
assumed to be concentrated at its centre.
p la n e t X p la n e t Y

2d

The magnitude of the gravitational field strength at point P due to the two
planets is

A. zero.

GM .
B. d2

2GM .
C. d2

3GM .
D. d2
(1)

24
41. A uniform metal bar XY of weight W is hung from a horizontal support at point P
by two wires of negligible mass.
P

T T

X Y

Each wire makes an angle  with the vertical.

Which of the following is equal to the tension T in one of the wires?

W
A. cos θ

W
B. 2 cos θ

W
C. sin θ

W
D. 2 sin θ
(1)

25
42. A picture is supported vertically by a wire that is looped over a horizontal light
peg P. There is no friction between the wire and the peg.
P
peg

w ire

X Y

p ic tu re

The mass of the picture is uniformly distributed and PX = PY.

Which of the following best represents the free body diagram of the forces
acting on the peg?

A . B .

C. D .

(1)

26
43. The magnitude of the gravitational field strength at the surface of a planet of
radius R is 8.0 N kg–1. Which of the following is a correct expression for the
gravitational potential at the surface of the planet?

8.0

A. R

8. 0

B. R2

R

C. 8.0

D. – 8.0R
(1)

44. A satellite is in an orbit around the Earth. It is moved to a new orbit that is closer
to the surface of the Earth. Which of the following correctly describes the
changes in the gravitational potential energy and in the orbital speed of the
satellite?

potential energy speed

A. increases increases

B. increases decreases

C. decreases increases

D. decreases decreases
(1)

D. – 8.0R
(1)

27
45. Two satellites X and Y are in orbit around the Earth. The orbital radius of
satellite X is twice that of satellite Y.

Which of the following correctly gives the ratio

orbital period of X
?
orbital period of Y

A. 2 2

3
B. 4

1
C. 2 2

1
3
D. 4
(1)

28
46. Three forces F, T and W act at a point P as shown below.

P F

Which of the following gives the condition for point P to be in equilibrium?

A. W = F tan

B. W = F cos

C. F = W tan

D. F = W cos
(1)

29
47. Two isolated spheres of masses M and m are held a distance d apart, as shown
below.
d

M m
x

Mass M is greater than mass m.

The gravitational field strength g is measured on a line between the two

masses. Which graph best shows the variation with distance x from the larger
sphere of the magnitude of the field strength g? The Earth’s gravitational field is
to be ignored.

A . B . g
g

0 0
0 d x 0 d x

C. g D . g

0 0
0 d x 0 d x
(1)

30
48. The escape speed from a planet is defined as the speed at which an object
must leave the planet’s surface to

A. escape completely from the gravitational field of the planet.

B. enter a geostationary orbit about the planet.

C. escape from the atmosphere of the planet.

D. overcome the gravitational force of the planet.

(1)

49. A planet is in a circular orbit of radius r about a star. The period of the planet in
its orbit is T. A second planet orbits the same star in a circular orbit of radius rS.

Which of the following is a correct expression for the period of the second
planet in its orbit about the star?
3
 rS  2
  T
A. r

3
 rS  2
  T
B. r

2
 rS  3
  T
C. r

3
 rS  2
 T
D. r
(1)

31
50. The centres of two isolated spherical stars each of mass M and radius R are
separated by a distance d as shown in the diagram below.
M M

R X R

The distance d is very large compared to R. Point X is mid-way between the

stars. The gravitational potential at point X due to the two stars is

4GM
 .
A. d

2GM
 .
B. R

GM
 .
C. d

D. zero.
(1)

51. Two satellites, X and Y, move in circular orbits about the Earth. The orbital
period of satellite X is eight times that of satellite Y.

orbital radius of satellite X

is
The ratio orbital radius of satellite Y

A. 2.

B. 4.

C. 8.

D. 16.
(1)

32
52. A small steel ball falls from rest through a distance of 3 m. When calculating the
time of fall, air resistance can be ignored because

A. air is less dense than steel.

B. air resistance increases with the speed of the ball.

C. the air is not moving.

D. air resistance is much less than the weight of the ball.

(1)

53. What is the condition for an object to be in translational equilibrium?

A. The forces acting upwards are equal to the forces acting downwards.

B. The object must be at rest.

C. The object must be moving at constant speed.

D. There is no resultant force on the object in any direction.

(1)

33
54. A stone of mass m is attached to a string. The stone is made to rotate in a
vertical circle of radius r, as shown.
v

At the point where the stone is vertically above the centre of the circle, the stone
has speed v.

Which of the following expressions gives the tension in the string?

mv 2
mg 
A. r

mv 2
B. r

mv 2
 mg
C. r

mv 2
 mg
D. r
(1)

34
55. The mass of Mars is approximately 0.1 times the mass of Earth and its diameter
is approximately 0.5 times that of Earth.

What is the approximate gravitational field strength on the surface of Mars?

A. 2N kg–1

B. 4N kg–1

C. 25N kg–1

D. 50N kg–1
(1)

56. The gravitational potential at a point P above the surface of a planet is defined
as the work done per unit mass in moving a small test mass

A. from point P to the surface of the planet.

B. from the surface of the planet to point P.

C. from point P to infinity.

D. from infinity to point P.

(1)

57. A satellite is placed in a circular orbit about the Earth.

Which of the following correctly shows the change in the kinetic energy and in
the gravitational potential energy of the satellite with increase in the orbital
radius?

kinetic energy gravitational

potential energy
A. increase decrease
B. increase increase
C. decrease decrease
D. decrease increase
(1)

35
36
58. The graph below shows the variation with load of the length of a spring.
le n g th
L

X
0
0 W lo a d

For a load W the length of the spring is L.

Which of the following areas on the graph represents the energy stored in the
spring when it is stretched to a length L?

A. X

B. Y–X

C. Z

D. X+Y
(1)

37
59. The graph below shows the variation with load of the length of a spring.
le n g th
L

X
0
0 W lo a d

For a load W the length of the spring is L.

The spring constant of the spring is given by

A. the gradient of the graph.

1
B. gradientof the graph .

W
C. L .

L
D. W .
(1)

38
60. A fireman is holding a hosepipe so that water leaves the pipe horizontally. The
hosepipe has a constant cross-sectional area. The magnitude of the force that
the fireman exerts to hold the hosepipe stationary is F.

The volume of water delivered by the hose per second doubles, the force that
the fireman must now exert is

A. 2F .

B. 2F.

C. 4F.

D. 8F.
(1)

61. An object of mass M is suspended from a spring. The extension of the spring is
e. The same object is suspended from an identical spring on the Moon where
the acceleration of free fall is less than that on Earth. Which of the following is
correct?

Mass of the object on Extension of spring on

Moon Moon
A. M e
B. less than M less than e
C. M less than e
D. less than M e
(1)

39
62. Planets A and B orbit the same star. The orbital radius of planet B is four times
that of planet A.

Which of the following is the magnitude of the ratio

orbital period for planet B

orbital period for planet A ?

A. 4

B. 8

C. 16

D. 64
(1)

63. The escape speed of an object of mass m from a planet of mass M and radius r
depends on the gravitational constant and

A. M and r.

B. m and r.

C. M only.

D. M, m, and r.
(1)

40
64. A general expression for Newton’s second law of motion is

p
F .
t

What condition is applied so that the law may be expressed in the form F = ma?

A. The mass m is constant.

B. The acceleration a is constant.

C. The force F is constant.

D. The direction of the force F is constant.

(1)

65. Mandy stands on a weighing scale inside a lift (elevator) that accelerates
vertically upwards as shown in the diagram below. The forces on Mandy are her
weight W and the reaction force from the scale R.

The reading of the scale is

A. R + W.

B. W.

C. R.

D. R – W.
(1)

41
66. In Newton’s universal law of gravitation the masses are assumed to be

A. extended masses.

B. masses of planets.

C. point masses.

D. spherical masses.
(1)

67. A satellite is in orbit about Earth. The satellite moves to an orbit closer to Earth.
Which of the following correctly gives the change in the potential energy and the
kinetic energy of the satellite?

change in potential energy change in kinetic energy

A. decreases increases

B. decreases decreases

C. increases increases

D. increases decreases
(1)

68. A spacecraft orbits Earth. An astronaut inside the spacecraft feels “weightless”
because

A. the gravitational field in the spacecraft is negligible.

B. the Earth exerts equal forces on the spacecraft and the astronaut.

C. the spacecraft and the astronaut have the same acceleration towards the
Earth.

D. the spacecraft and the astronaut exert equal and opposite forces on each
other.
(1)

42
43
69. Which of the following diagrams best represents the gravitational equipotential
surfaces due to two equal spherical masses?

(1)

70. This question is about gravitation.

A space probe is launched from the equator in the direction of the north pole of
the Earth. During the launch, the energy E given to the space probe of mass m
is

3GMm
E = 4Re

where G is the Gravitational constant and M and Re are, respectively, the mass
and radius of the Earth. Work done in overcoming frictional forces is not to be
considered.

44
(a) (i) Explain what is meant by escape speed.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

(ii) Deduce that the space probe will not be able to travel into deep
space.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(3)

The space probe is launched into a circular polar orbit of radius R.

(b) Derive expressions, in terms of G, M, Re, m and R, for

(i) the change in gravitational potential energy of the space probe as a

result of travelling from the Earth’s surface to its orbit.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(1)

(ii) the kinetic energy of the space probe when in its orbit.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................

45
 .............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

46
(c) Using your answers in (b) and the total energy supplied to the space probe
as given in (a), determine the height of the orbit above the Earth’s surface.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(4)

A space probe in a low orbit round the Earth will experience friction due to the
Earth’s atmosphere.

(d) (i) Describe how friction with the air reduces the energy of the space
probe.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

(ii) Suggest why the rate of loss of energy of the space probe depends
on the density of the air and also the speed of the space probe.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................

47
.............
(2)

48
 (iii) State what will happen to the height of the space probe above the
Earth’s surface and to its speed as air resistance gradually reduces
the total energy of the space probe.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)
(Total 18 marks)

71. Fields and potential

Electric fields and potential

(a) Define electric potential.

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(2)

An isolated metal sphere of radius 50.0 cm has a positive charge. The electric
potential at the surface of the sphere is 6.0 V.

49
5 0 .0 c m
m e ta l s p h e re

50
(b) (i) On the diagram above, draw a line to represent an equipotential
surface outside the sphere.
(1)

(ii) On the axes below, draw a sketch graph to show how the potential V
outside the sphere varies with distance r from the surface of the
sphere.

V /V

0
0 .0 0 .5 1 .0 1 .5 r / m
(4)

(iii) Explain how the graph drawn in (b) (ii) can be used to determine the
magnitude of the electric field strength at the surface of the sphere.

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(2)

51
(c) On the diagram below draw lines to represent the electric field outside the
sphere.

5 0 .0 c m
m e ta l s p h e re

(2)

Gravitational fields and potential

(d) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength as a function of

distance away from a point mass M.

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(3)

(e) The radius of the Earth is 6400 km and the gravitational field strength at its
surface is 9.8 N kg–1. Calculate a value for the mass of the Earth.

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52
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(2)

53
(f) On the diagram below draw lines to represent the gravitational field
outside the Earth.

(2)

(g) A satellite that orbits the Earth is in the gravitational field of the Earth.
Discuss why an astronaut inside the satellite feels weightless.

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(3)

(h) The gravitational potential outside the Earth and the electric potential
outside the sphere both vary with distance. Compare these variations.

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(2)
(Total 23 marks)

55
72. Electric motor

(a) In an experiment to measure the efficiency of a small dc electric motor, the

motor is clamped to the edge of a bench. The motor is used to raise a
small weight that is attached to a pulley wheel by cotton thread. The pulley
wheel is rotated by the motor. The thread wraps around the pulley wheel,
so raising the weight.

axel

m o to r p u lle y w h e e l

c o tto n th re a d

w e ig h t
S id e v ie w E n d -o n -v ie w

The time taken for the motor to raise the weight through a certain height is
measured. It is assumed that the weight accelerates uniformly whilst being
raised. The weight of the cotton thread is negligible.

(i) Draw a labelled free-body force diagram of the forces acting on the
accelerating weight.

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(3)

56
 (ii) The weight has a mass of 15 g and it takes 2.2 s to raise it from rest
through a height of 0.84 m. Calculate the tension in the thread as the
weight is being raised. (Acceleration of free fall g = 10 m s−2.)

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(4)

(b) In a second experiment, the current is adjusted so that the weight of mass
15 g is raised at constant speed. The motor is connected to a 6.0 V supply
and it now takes the motor 3.4 s to raise the weight through 0.84 m.

(i) Suggest how it might be determined that the weight is being raised at
constant speed.

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(2)

(ii) Determine the power delivered to the weight by the motor.

(Acceleration of free fall g = 10 m s−2.)

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(2)

58
(iii) The current in the motor is 45 mA. Estimate the efficiency of the
motor.

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(2)
(Total 13 marks)

59
73. Kepler’s third law.

(a) Kepler’s third law states that the period T of the orbit of a planet about the
Sun is related to the average orbital radius R of the planet by the
relationship

T2 = KR3

where K is a constant.

(i) Suggest why the law specifies the average orbital radius.

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(1)

(ii) State the name of the force that causes the acceleration of the
planets orbiting the Sun.

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(1)

(iii) State an expression for the magnitude F of the force in (ii) in terms of
the mass MS, of the Sun, the mass m of the planet, the radius R of
the orbit and the universal gravitational constant G.

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(1)

(iv) Hence deduce, explaining your working, that the constant K is given
by the expression

4 2
K .
GM S

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60
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(4)

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(b) Ganymede is one of the moons of Jupiter and the following data are
available.

Average orbital radius of Ganymede = 1.1  109 m

Orbital period of Ganymede = 6.2  105 s
Universal gravitational constant G = 6.7  10−11 N m2 kg−2

(i) Deduce that the gravitational field strength of Jupiter at the surface of
Ganymede is approximately 0.1 N kg−1.

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(2)

(ii) Estimate the mass of Jupiter.

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(3)
(Total 12 marks)

62
74. Gravitation

The diagram below illustrates the planet Saturn.

S a tu rn

A rin g

2 .7 2 1 0 8m

Saturn has several rings, each of which consists of many small particles that
orbit the planet. Saturn may be considered to be a sphere with its mass M
concentrated at its centre.

(a) Deduce that, for a particle in one ring moving in a circular orbit of radius R,
the linear speed v of the particle in its orbit is given by the expression

GM = Rv2.

Explain your reasoning.

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(2)

(b) One ring, the A ring, has an outer diameter of 2.72  108 m. The mass of
Saturn is 5.69  1026 kg. A particle orbits on the outer edge of this ring.
Determine the time for the particle to complete one orbit of Saturn.

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63
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(3)

64
(c) Another particle of mass m is orbiting at a distance r from the centre of
Saturn.

(i) State a formula, in terms of G, M, m and r for the gravitational

potential energy EP of the particle.

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(1)

(ii) The gravitational potential energy of this particle decreases. Suggest

and explain the change, if any, in the linear speed of the particle.

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(2)

(d) Explain the concept of escape speed.

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(2)

(e) A planet has radius R and the acceleration of free fall at its surface is g.
The planet may be considered to be a sphere with its mass concentrated
at its centre.

Deduce that the escape speed ves is given by the expression

ves   2 gR.

Explain your working and state one assumption that is made in the
derivation.

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(4)

66
 (f) Calculate the escape speed for a spherical planet of radius 1.7  103 km
having an acceleration of free fall at its surface of 1.6 m s –2.

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(2)

(g) The mean kinetic energy EK, in joule, of helium-4 atoms at thermodynamic
temperature T is given by the expression

EK = 2.1  10–23 T.

Determine the surface temperature of the planet such that helium-4 atoms
on the surface of the planet have the escape speed calculated in (f).

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(2)

(h) Suggest one reason why, at temperatures below that calculated in (g),
helium will escape from the planet.

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(1)
(Total 19 marks)

75. Motion of a satellite

67
(a) Define gravitational potential.

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(2)

(b) A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit around the Earth at height R from
the Earth’s surface. The mass of the Earth may be considered to be a
point mass concentrated at the Earth’s centre. The Earth has mass M and
radius R.

o rb it

s a te llite m a s s m
E a rth m a s s M

R R

(i) Deduce that the kinetic energy EK of the satellite when in orbit of
height R is

GMm
EK  .
4R

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68
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(3)

69
 (ii) The kinetic energy of the satellite in this orbit is 1.5  1010 J.
Calculate the total energy of the satellite.

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(3)

(iii) Explain how your answer to (b)(ii) indicates that the satellite will not
escape the Earth’s gravitational field and state the minimum amount
of energy that must be provided to this satellite so that it does
escape.

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(3)
(Total 11 marks)

76. This question is about the gravitational field associated with a neutron star.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

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70
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(2)

71
(b) Neutron stars are very dense stars of small radius. They are formed as
part of the evolutionary process of stars that are much more massive than
the Sun.

A particular neutron star has radius R of 1.6  104 m. The gravitational field
strength at its surface is g0. The escape speed ve from the surface of the
star is 3.6  107 m s–1.

(i) The gravitational potential V at the surface of the star is equal to –

g0R. Deduce, explaining your reasoning, that the escape speed from
the surface of the star is given by the expression

ve  2 g 0 R .

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(3)

(ii) Calculate gravitational field strength at the surface of the neutron

star.

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(2)

72
 (c) The period T of rotation of the neutron star is 0.02 s. Use your answer to
(b)(ii) to deduce that matter is not lost from the surface of the star as a
result of its high speed of rotation.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

77. This question is about momentum and energy.

(a) Define impulse of a force and state the relation between impulse and
momentum.

definition:

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relation:

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(2)

73
(b) By applying Newton’s laws of motion to the collision of two particles,
deduce that momentum is conserved in the collision.

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(5)

(c) In an experiment to measure the speed of a bullet, the bullet is fired into a
piece of plasticine suspended from a rigid support by a light thread.

24cm
b u lle t
speed V

p la s tic in e

The speed of the bullet on impact with the plasticine is V. As a result of the
impact, the bullet embeds itself in the plasticine and the plasticine is
displaced vertically through a height of 24 cm. The mass of the bullet is
5.2×10–3 kg and the mass of the plasticine is 0.38 kg.

74
75
 (i) Ignoring the mass of the bullet, calculate the speed of the plasticine
immediately after the impact.

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(2)

(ii) Deduce that the speed V with which the bullet strikes the plasticine is
about 160 m s–1.

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(2)
(Total 11 marks)

78. This question is about gravitation.

(a) State Newton’s universal law of gravitation.

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(3)

76
77
(b) The average distance of Earth from the Sun is 1.5  1011 m. The
gravitational field strength due to the Sun at the Earth is 6.0×10–3N kg–1.

Estimate the mass of the Sun.

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(3)

(c) Deduce that the orbital period T of a planet about the Sun is given by the
expression

T2 = KR3

where R is the radius of the orbit and K is a constant.

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(5)
(Total 11 marks)

79
79. This question is about gravitation.

A spherical planet has radius R and mass M. A satellite of mass m orbits the
planet with constant linear speed v at a height h above the planet’s surface, as
shown below (not to scale).

p la n e t m a s s M
v

s a te llite m a s s m
R

(a) Outline why

(i) although the satellite is moving at constant speed, it is not in

equilibrium.

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(2)

(ii) an object in the satellite appears to be weightless.

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(3)

80
(b) For the satellite in its orbit,

(i) state an expression, in terms of M, m, R and h, for its potential

energy.

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(1)

(ii) derive an expression, using the same terms as in (b)(i), for its kinetic
energy.

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(3)

(c) The total energy of the satellite is reduced. Use your expressions in (b) to
outline what change, if any, occurs in the radius of the orbit and the speed
of the satellite.

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(4)

81
(d) The force of friction between the satellite and the atmospheric air
increases as the speed of the satellite increases. By reference to your
answer in (c), suggest why small satellites will “burn up” as they re-enter
the Earth’s atmosphere.

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(4)
(Total 17 marks)

82
80. Gravitational potential

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field.

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(3)

83
(b) The graph below shows the variation with distance R from the centre of a
planet of the gravitational potential V. The radius R0 of the planet = 5.0 
106 m. Values of V are not shown for R  R0.

Use the graph to determine the magnitude of the gravitational field

strength at the surface of the planet.

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84
 (c) A satellite of mass 3.2  103 kg is launched from the surface of the planet.
Use the graph to determine the minimum launch speed that the satellite
must have in order to reach a height of 2.0  107 m above the surface of
the planet. (You may assume that it reaches its maximum speed
immediately after launch.)

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(4)
(Total 10 marks)

81. This question is about the kinematics of an elevator (lift).

(a) Explain the difference between the gravitational mass and the inertial
mass of an object.

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(3)

85
 An elevator (lift) starts from rest on the ground floor and comes to rest at a
higher floor. Its motion is controlled by an electric motor. A simplified graph of
the variation of the elevator’s velocity with time is shown below.

v e lo c ity / m s –1

0 .8 0
0 .7 0
0 .6 0
0 .5 0
0 .4 0
0 .3 0
0 .2 0
0 .1 0
0 .0 0
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5 .0 6 .0 7 .0 8 .0 9 .0 1 0 .0 1 1 .0 1 2 .0
tim e / s

The elevator is supported by a cable. The diagram below is a free-body force

diagram for when the elevator is moving upwards during the first 0.50 s.

te n s io n

w e ig h t

(b) In the space below, draw free-body force diagrams for the elevator during
the following time intervals.

(i) 0.50 to 11.50 s (ii) 11.50 to 12.00 s

(3)

86
 A person is standing on weighing scales in the elevator. Before the elevator
rises, the reading on the scales is W.

(c) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show how the reading on the scales
varies during the whole 12.00 s upward journey of the elevator. (Note that
this is a sketch graph – you do not need to add any values.)

re a d in g o n s c a le s

0 .0 0
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5 .0 6 .0 7 .0 8 .0 9 .0 1 0 .0 1 1 .0 1 2 .0
tim e / s
(3)

(d) The elevator now returns to the ground floor where it comes to rest.
Describe and explain the energy changes that take place during the whole
up and down journey.

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(4)
(Total 13 marks)

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82. This question is about gravitation.

(a) (i) Define gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field.

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(2)

(ii) Explain why values of gravitational potential have negative values.

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(2)

The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be two isolated point masses.
The masses of the Earth and the Moon are 5.98  1024kg and 7.35  1022 kg
respectively and their separation is 3.84  108 m, as shown below. The diagram
is not to scale.
E a rth M oon
24
m a s s  5 .9 8 10 kg m a s s  7 .3 5 1 0 22k g

3 .8 4 1 0 8m

(b) (i) Deduce that, at point P, 3.46  108m from Earth, the gravitational field
strength is approximately zero.

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(3)

89
 (ii) The gravitational potential at P is −1.28  106 J kg–1. Calculate the
minimum speed of a space probe at P so that it can escape from the
attraction of the Earth and the Moon.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

83. This question is about gravitation.

A binary star consists of two stars that each follow circular orbits about a fixed
point P as shown below.

s ta r m a s s P s ta r m a s s
M 1 M 2
R 1 R 2

The stars have the same orbital period T. Each star may be considered to act
as a point mass with its mass concentrated at its centre. The stars, of masses
M1 and M2, orbit at distances R1 and R2 respectively from point P.

(a) State the name of the force that provides the centripetal force for the
90
 motion of the stars.

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(1)

(b) By considering the force acting on one of the stars, deduce that the orbital
period T is given by the expression

4 2
R1  R1  R2  .
2
T 2

GM 2

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(3)

(c) The star of mass M1 is closer to the point P than the star of mass M2.
Using the answer in (b), state and explain which star has the larger mass.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

91
84. This question is about a spacecraft.

A spacecraft above Earth’s atmosphere is moving away from the Earth. The
diagram below shows two positions of the spacecraft. Position A and position B
are well above Earth’s atmosphere.

E a rth A B

At position A, the rocket engine is switched off and the spacecraft begins
coasting freely. At position A, the speed of the spacecraft is 5.37  103 m s–1
and at position B, 5.10  103 m s–1. The time to travel from position A to position
B is 6.00  102 s.

(a) (i) Explain why the speed is changing between positions A and B.

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(1)

(ii) Calculate the average acceleration of the spacecraft between

positions A and B.

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(2)

(iii) Estimate the average gravitational field strength between positions A

and B. Explain your working.

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93
 (b) The diagram below shows the variation with distance from Earth of the
kinetic energy Ek of the spacecraft. The radius of Earth is R.

e n e rg y E k

R
0
0 d is ta n c e

On the diagram above, draw the variation with distance from the surface of
Earth of the gravitational potential energy Ep of the spacecraft.
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

85. This question is about gravitational potential.

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field.

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(3)

94
(b) A planet has mass M and radius R0. The magnitude g0 of the gravitational
field strength at the surface of a planet is

M
g0  G 2
R0

where G is the gravitational constant.

Use this expression to deduce that the gravitational potential V0 at the

surface of the planet is given by

V0 = –g0R0.

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............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)

95
(c) The graph below shows the variation with distance R from the centre of
the planet of the gravitational potential V. The radius R0 of the planet = 5.0
 106 m. Values of V are not shown for R  R0.

R / 10 7m
0 .5 1 .0 1 .5 2 .0 2 .5 3 .0 3 .5 4 .0 4 .5 5 .0 5 .5 6 .0 6 .5 7 .0 7 .5 8 .0
0 .0

– 0 .5

– 1 .0

– 1 .5

– 2 .0
V / 1 0 7 Jk g–1

– 2 .5

– 3 .0

– 3 .5

– 4 .0

– 4 .5

– 5 .0

Use the graph to determine the magnitude of the gravitational field

strength at the surface of the planet.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(3)

96
(d) A satellite of mass 3.2  103 kg is launched from the surface of the planet.
Use the graph to estimate the minimum launch speed that the satellite
must have in order to reach a height of 2.0  107 m above the surface of
the planet. (You may assume that it reaches its maximum speed
immediately after launch.)

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(4)
(Total 12 marks)

97
86. This question is about vectors.

A student sets up the apparatus shown below to investigate forces.

s p rin g
b a la n c e B

s p rin g
b a la n c e B

1 0 N w e ig h t

The weight of 10.0 N is suspended from spring balance A by means of a light

string. Spring balance B is also attached to the string. The spring balance B is
pulled horizontally as shown.

(a) Using the grid on the diagram, draw a scale diagram to determine the
readings on each of the spring balances.

Reading on spring balance

A: ...................................................................................

Reading on spring balance

B: ...................................................................................
(4)

98
 (b) Suggest why it is not possible for the whole length of the string joining
spring balances A and B to be horizontal with the weight still suspended.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

87. This question is about the energy of orbiting satellites.

(a) Define the term gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)

(b) A satellite is in orbit about Earth at a distance R from the centre of Earth.
The Earth may be regarded as a point mass situated at its centre.

Deduce that the kinetic energy of the satellite is numerically equal to half
the potential energy of the satellite.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(3)

99
100
(c) The distance between the centre of the Moon and the centre of Earth is
about 4.0  108 m. The Moon may also be regarded as a point mass
situated at its centre. The orbital period of the Moon about the Earth is 2.4
 106 s.

(i) Calculate the orbital speed of the Moon.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

(ii) Use your answer in (b) and (c)(i) to calculate a value for the
gravitational potential due to Earth at a distance of 4.0  108 m from
its centre.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

101
88. This question is about motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field.

A charged particle is projected from point X with speed v at right angles to a

uniform magnetic field. The magnetic field is directed out of the plane of the
page. The particle moves along a circle of radius R and centre C as shown in
the diagram below.

re g io n o f m a g n e tic fie ld Y
o u t o f p la n e o f p a g e

R C X
c h a rg e d p a rtic le

(a) On the diagram above, draw arrows to represent the magnetic force on
the particle at position X and at position Y.
(1)

(b) State and explain whether

(i) the charge is positive or negative;

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

(ii) work is done by the magnetic force.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

102
103
 (c) A second identical charged particle is projected at position X with a speed
v
2 in a direction opposite to that of the first particle. On the diagram above,
draw the path followed by this particle.
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

89. This question is about circular motion.

A stone is attached to an inextensible string. The stone is made to rotate at

constant speed v in a horizontal circle. Diagram 1 below shows the stone in two
positions A and B.
D ia g r a m 1 D ia g r a m 2

B A

A v

Diagram 2 above shows the velocity vector of the stone at point A.

(a) On diagram 2, draw vectors to show the change in velocity v of the

stone from point A to point B.
(3)

104
 (b) Use your completed diagram 2 to explain why a force, directed towards
the centre of the circle, is necessary to cause circular motion.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

90. This question is about orbital motion.

(a) State Kepler’s third law (the law of periods).

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(1)

(b) A satellite of mass m is in orbit of radius r about Earth. The mass of Earth
is ME and the orbital period of the satellite is T.

State, for the satellite,

(i) the name of the force that provides the centripetal force.

..............................................................................................................
.............
(1)

(ii) the orbital speed in terms of T and r.

..............................................................................................................
.............
(1)

105
(c) Kepler’s third law may be applied to the satellite orbiting the Earth. Use
your answers to (b) to deduce that in Kepler’s third law there is a constant
K given by

4π 2
K = GM E .

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(3)

(d) State an expression for the gravitational field strength g at the surface of
the Earth in terms of ME and the radius of Earth RE.

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(1)

(e) For the Earth, the gravitational field strength, g is 10Nkg–1 and the radius
RE is 6.4×106m. Using your answers to (c) and (d), deduce that the orbital
period of a satellite that is at a height RE above the surface of Earth is
1.4×104s.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

106
.......................................................................................................................
..............
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

107
91. This question is about gravitational fields.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)

(b) The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is 25 N kg –1 and

the radius of Jupiter is 7.1  107 m.

(i) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength at the surface
of a planet in terms of its mass M, its radius R and the gravitational
constant G.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

(ii) Use your expression in (b)(i) above to estimate the mass of Jupiter.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

108
109
92. This question is about gravitational fields.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)

(b) The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is 25 N kg –1 and

the radius of Jupiter is 7.1  107 m.

(i) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength at the surface
of a planet in terms of its mass M, its radius R and the gravitational
constant G.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

(ii) Use your expression in (b)(i) above to estimate the mass of Jupiter.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

110
(Total 6 marks)

111
93. This question is about the kinematics of an elevator (lift).

(a) Explain the difference between the gravitational mass and the inertial
mass of an object.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

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..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(3)

An elevator (lift) starts from rest on the ground floor and comes to rest at a
higher floor. Its motion is controlled by an electric motor. A simplified graph of
the variation of the elevator’s velocity with time is shown below.

v e lo c ity / m s –1

0 .8 0
0 .7 0
0 .6 0
0 .5 0
0 .4 0
0 .3 0
0 .2 0
0 .1 0
0 .0 0
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5 .0 6 .0 7 .0 8 .0 9 .0 1 0 .0 1 1 .0 1 2 .0
tim e / s

(b) The mass of the elevator is 250 kg. Use this information to calculate

(i) the acceleration of the elevator during the first 0.50 s.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
112
 .............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

113
(ii) the total distance travelled by the elevator.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

(iii) the minimum work required to raise the elevator to the higher floor.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

(iv) the minimum average power required to raise the elevator to the
higher floor.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

(v) the efficiency of the electric motor that lifts the elevator, given that the
input power to the motor is 5.0 kW.

..............................................................................................................
.............

..............................................................................................................
.............

114
..............................................................................................................
.............
(2)

115
 (c) On the graph axes below, sketch a realistic variation of velocity for the
elevator. Explain your reasoning. (The simplified version is shown as a
dotted line)

v e lo c ity / m s –1

0 .8 0
0 .7 0
0 .6 0
0 .5 0
0 .4 0
0 .3 0
0 .2 0
0 .1 0
0 .0 0
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5 .0 6 .0 7 .0 8 .0 9 .0 1 0 .0 1 1 .0 1 2 .0
tim e / s
(2)

The elevator is supported by a cable. The diagram below is a free-body force

diagram for when the elevator is moving upwards during the first 0.50 s.

te n s io n

w e ig h t

(d) In the space below, draw free-body force diagrams for the elevator during
the following time intervals.

(i) 0.5 to 11.50 s (ii) 11.50 to 12.00 s

(3)

116
 A person is standing on weighing scales in the elevator. Before the elevator
rises, the reading on the scales is W.

(e) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show how the reading on the scales
varies during the whole 12.00 s upward journey of the elevator. (Note that
this is a sketch graph – you do not need to add any values.)

re a d in g o n s c a le s

0 .0 0
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5 .0 6 .0 7 .0 8 .0 9 .0 1 0 .0 1 1 .0 1 2 .0
tim e / s
(3)

(f) The elevator now returns to the ground floor where it comes to rest.
Describe and explain the energy changes that take place during the whole
up and down journey.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

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..............

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(4)
(Total 25 marks)

117
118
94. This question is about the possibility of generating electrical power using a
satellite orbiting the Earth.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(2)

(b) Use the definition of gravitational field strength to deduce that

GM = g0R2

where M is the mass of the Earth, R its radius and g0 is the gravitational
field strength at the surface of the Earth. (You may assume that the Earth
is a uniform sphere with its mass concentrated at its centre.)

.......................................................................................................................
..............

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..............

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..............

.......................................................................................................................
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(2)

119
A space shuttle orbits the Earth and a small satellite is launched from the
shuttle. The satellite carries a conducting cable connecting the satellite to the
shuttle. When the satellite is a distance L from the shuttle, the cable is held
straight by motors on the satellite.

Diagram 1

E a r th ’s m a g n e tic f ie ld

s a te llite

c o n d u c tin g c a b le

L
s h u ttle
d ire c tio n o f o rb it
sp eed v

EARTH

As the shuttle orbits the Earth with speed v, the conducting cable is moving at
right angles to the Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic field vector B makes an
angle θ to a line perpendicular to the conducting cable as shown in diagram 2.
The velocity vector of the shuttle is directed out of the plane of the paper.

Diagram 2

c o n d u c tin g c a b le

(c) On diagram 2, draw an arrow to show the direction of the magnetic force
on an electron in the conducting cable. Label the arrow F.
(1)

120
(d) State an expression for the force F on the electron in terms of B, v, e and
θ, where B is the magnitude of the magnetic field strength and e is the
electron charge.

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(1)

(e) Hence deduce an expression for the emf E induced in the conducting wire.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

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..............

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..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(3)

(f) The shuttle is in an orbit that is 300 km above the surface of the Earth.
Using the expression

GM = g0R2

and given that R = 6.4 × 106 m and g0 = 10 N kg–1, deduce that the orbital
speed v of the satellite is 7.8 × 103 m s–1.

.......................................................................................................................
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121
.......................................................................................................................
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(3)

122
 (g) The magnitude of the magnetic field strength is 6.3 × 10–6 T and the angle
θ = 20°. Estimate the length L of the cable required in order to generate an
emf of 1 kV.

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............

.......................................................................................................................
..............
(2)
(Total 14 marks)

95. This question is about gravitational field strength near the surface of a planet.

(a) (i) Define gravitational field strength.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

(ii) State why gravitational field strength at a point is numerically equal to

the acceleration of free fall at that point.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

123
(b) A certain planet is a uniform sphere of mass M and radius R of 5.1  106
m.

(i) State an expression, in terms of M and R, for the gravitational field

strength at the surface of the planet. State the name of any other
symbol you may use.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

(ii) A mountain on the surface of the planet has a height of 2000 m.

Suggest why the value of the gravitational field strength at the base
of the mountain and at the top of the mountain are almost equal.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

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(2)

124
(c) A small sphere is projected horizontally near the surface of the planet in
(b). Photographs of the sphere are taken at time intervals of 0.20 s. The
images of the sphere are placed on a grid and the result is shown below.

p o in t o f
re le a s e

1 .0 0 c m r e p re s e n ts 1 .0 0 m

The first photograph is taken at time t = 0. Each 1.00 cm on the grid

represents a distance of 1.00 m in both the horizontal and the vertical
directions.

Use the diagram to

(i) explain why air resistance on the planet is negligible;

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

(ii) calculate a value for the acceleration of free fall at the surface of the
planet.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

125
..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(3)

126
 (d) Use your answer to (c)(ii) and data from (b) to calculate the mass of the
planet.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

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............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)
(Total 13 marks)

96. This question is about Newton’s laws of motion, the dynamics of a model
helicopter and the engine that powers it.

(a) Explain how Newton’s third law leads to the concept of conservation of
momentum in the collision between two objects in an isolated system.

.......................................................................................................................
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(4)

127
128
(b) The diagram illustrates a model helicopter that is hovering in a stationary
position.

0 .7 0 m 0 .7 0 m

ro ta tin g
b la d e s

d o w n w a rd m o tio n o f a ir

The rotating blades of the helicopter force a column of air to move

downwards. Explain how this may enable the helicopter to remain
stationary.

.......................................................................................................................
............

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............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(3)

(c) The length of each blade of the helicopter in (b) is 0.70 m. Deduce that the
area that the blades sweep out as they rotate is 1.5 m 2. (Area of a circle =
r2)

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(1)

129
(d) For the hovering helicopter in (b), it is assumed that all the air beneath the
blades is pushed vertically downwards with the same speed of 4.0 m s –1.
No other air is disturbed.

The density of the air is 1.2 kg m–3.

Calculate, for the air moved downwards by the rotating blades,

(i) the mass per second;

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(2)

(ii) the rate of change of momentum.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

(e) State the magnitude of the force that the air beneath the blades exerts on
the blades.

.......................................................................................................................
............
(1)

(f) Calculate the mass of the helicopter and its load.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

130
.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
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(2)

131
(g) In order to move forward, the helicopter blades are made to incline at an
angle  to the horizontal as shown schematically below.

While moving forward, the helicopter does not move vertically up or down.
In the space provided below draw a free body force diagram that shows
the forces acting on the helicopter blades at the moment that the
helicopter starts to move forward. On your diagram, label the angle .
(4)

(h) Use your diagram in (g) opposite to explain why a forward force F now
acts on the helicopter and deduce that the initial acceleration a of the
helicopter is given by

a = g tan 

where g is the acceleration of free fall.

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(5)

132
 (i) Suggest why, even though the forward force F does not change, the
acceleration of the helicopter will decrease to zero as it moves forward.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
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(2)
(Total 25 marks)

97. This question is about gravitational potential.

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)

(b) A meteorite moves towards the Moon from a long distance away.

(i) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show the variation with
distance from the centre of the Moon of the gravitational potential of
the meteorite as it approaches the Moon. The radius of the Moon is r.

133
g ra v ita tio n a l +ve
p o te n tia l

0
r
d is ta n c e fro m c e n tre o f M o o n

–ve
(2)

134
 (ii) The radius r of the Moon is 1.7  106 m and its mass is 7.3  1022 kg.

Estimate the impact speed with which the meteorite hits the surface
of the Moon.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(3)

(iii) Suggest one factor that will make the impact speed greater than your
estimate.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

(c) A similar meteorite moves towards the Earth from a long distance away.

Suggest how the total energy of the meteorite varies with distance when
the meteorite is

(i) outside the Earth’s atmosphere;

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

135
(ii) inside the Earth’s atmosphere.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

136
98. This question is about gravitational field strength and gravitational potential.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(2)

(b) State an expression for the magnitude of the gravitational field strength gh
at a point height h above a planet in terms of the mass of the planet M, its
radius R and the gravitational constant G.

.......................................................................................................................
............

.......................................................................................................................
............
(1)

(c) The radius of Mars is 3.4  106 m and the magnitude of the gravitational
field strength at a height of 1.2  106 m above its surface is 1.8 N kg–1.
Use your answer to (b) to deduce that the magnitude of the gravitational
potential at height of 1.2  106 m above the surface of Mars is 8.3  106 J
kg–1.

.......................................................................................................................
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.......................................................................................................................

137
 ............

.......................................................................................................................
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(3)

138
(d) A lump of rock is moving with speed v, towards Mars. Its closest distance
of approach to Mars is at distance 1.8  106 m above the surface of Mars.
Deduce that the lump of rock will go into circular orbit about Mars if the
speed v is less than 3.0  103 m s–1.

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............

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(2)
(Total 8 marks)

139
99. Interference of waves

Travelling waves

(a) The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement xA of
wave A as it passes through a point P.

W ave A
3 .0

2 .0

1 .0

xA/ m m 0 .0
0 .0 2 .0 4 .0 6 .0 8 .0 1 0 .0 t / m s
– 1 .0

– 2 .0

– 3 .0

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement xB of
wave B as it passes through point P.

W ave B

2 .0

1 .0

xB/ m m 0 .0
0 .0 2 .0 4 .0 6 .0 8 .0 1 0 .0 t / m s
– 1 .0

– 2 .0

(i) Calculate the frequency of the waves.

..............................................................................................................
...........

..............................................................................................................
...........
(1)

140
 (ii) The waves pass simultaneously through point P. Use the graphs to
determine the resultant displacement at point P of the two waves at
time t = 1.0 ms and at time t = 8.0 ms.

At t = 1.0 ms:
........................................................................................
.......

........................................................................................
.......

At t = 8.0 ms:
........................................................................................
.......

........................................................................................
.......
(3)

(b) Monochromatic light passes through a double-slit arrangement. The

diagram below shows the variation with distance of the intensity of the
fringes of the interference pattern as observed on a screen.

in te n s ity
b rig h t frin g e

d a rk frin g e
0 d is ta n c e

The intensity of the monochromatic light passing through one of the slits of
the double-slit arrangement is reduced. State, and explain, the effect of
this change on the appearance of the bright fringes and of the dark
fringes.

bright fringes:
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dark fringes:
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(2)

142
Standing (stationary) waves

(c) A tube is filled with water and a tuning fork is sounded above the tube, as
shown in diagram 1.
D ia g r a m 1 D ia g r a m 2 D ia g r a m 3

tu n in g fo rk ,
freq u e n c y 3 1 0 H z

w a te r
56 cm

Water is allowed to run out of the tube and, at the position shown in
diagram 2, a loud sound is heard for the first time. Water continues to run
out of the tube and a loud sound is next heard at the position shown in
diagram 3.

(i) A loud sound indicates that a standing (stationary) wave has been
produced in the tube. Outline how the standing wave is formed.

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(2)

(ii) On diagram 3, draw lines to represent the standing wave produced

in the tube. Also, identify, with the letter N, the positions of the nodes
of the standing wave.
(2)

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144
(iii) The change in height of the water surface between the positions
shown in diagram 2 and diagram 3 is 56 cm. The frequency of the
tuning fork is 310 Hz. Calculate the speed of sound in the tube.

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(3)

145
Doppler effect

(d) (i) State what is meant by the Doppler effect.

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(2)

(ii) A source of sound has frequency f and is moving with constant speed
v directly towards a stationary observer. The speed of sound in still
air is c. Derive an expression for the frequency fo of the sound heard
by the observer. Explain your working.

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(3)

(iii) A moving police car produces sound from its engine and from its
siren. The car passes a stationary person. The person notices a
Doppler shift as the car passes. When the police car, travelling at the
same speed, next passes the person, its siren is not sounding. The
Doppler shift is not as noticeable. Suggest one reason for this
observation.

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146
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(2)
(Total 20 marks)

147
100. This question is about a satellite orbiting the Earth.

A satellite S is in orbit round the Earth, a distance R = 4.2 × 107 m from the
centre of the Earth.

E a rth

R = 4 .2 × 1 0 7 m

(a) On the diagram above, for the satellite in the position shown, draw
arrow(s) to represent the force(s) acting on the satellite.
(1)

(b) Deduce that the velocity v of the satellite is given by the expression

GM
2
v = R

where M is the mass of the Earth.

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(1)

(c) Hence deduce that the period of orbit T of the satellite is given by the
following expression.

148
 4 2 R 3
T2 
GM
(3)

(d) Use the following information to determine that the orbital period of the
satellite is about 24 hours.

GM
2
RE
Acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the Earth g = = 10 ms−2,
where M is the mass of the Earth and RE is the radius of the Earth = 6.4 ×
106 m.

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(2)

(e) The satellite is moved into an orbit that is closer to the Earth. State what
happens to its

(i) potential energy.

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(1)

(ii) kinetic energy.

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(1)
(Total 9 marks)

101. This question is about gravitation and orbital motion.

(a) Define gravitational field strength at a point in a gravitational field.

149
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(2)

150
 The diagram below shows three points above a planet. The arrow represents
the gravitational field strength at point A.
C

B
p la n e t A

(b) Draw arrows to represent the gravitational field strength at point B and
point C.
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

102. This question is about equilibrium.

Explain whether each of the following is in equilibrium.

(a) A satellite in orbit at constant speed round the Earth.

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(2)

151
 (b) A small weight suspended on a string and blown to one side by a wind so
that the string makes a constant angle with the vertical, as shown below.

W in d

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(2)
(Total 4 marks)

103. This question is about escape speed and Kepler’s third law.

Jupiter and Earth are two planets that orbit the Sun.

The Earth has mass Me and diameter De. The escape speed from Earth is 11.2
km s–1.

Data for Jupiter are given below.

Mass: 1.90 × 1027 kg (318 Me)

Mean diameter: 1.38 × 105 km (10.8 De)

(a) (i) State what is meant by escape speed.

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(1)

152
 (ii) Escape speed v is given by the expression

 2GM 
 
v=  R .

Determine the escape speed from Jupiter.

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(2)

(b) (i) State Kepler’s third law.

(1)

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(ii) In 1610, the moon Ganymede was discovered orbiting Jupiter. Its
orbit was found to have a radius of 15.0 R and period 7.15 days,
where R is the radius of Jupiter. Another moon of Jupiter, Lysithea,
was discovered in 1938 and its orbit was found to have a radius of
164 R and a period of 260 days. Show that these data are consistent
with Kepler’s third law.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

153
154
104. This question is about gravitational fields.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

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(2)

The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is 25 N kg –1 and the

radius of Jupiter is 7.1 × 107 m.

(b) (i) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength at the surface
of a planet in terms of its mass M, its radius R and the gravitational
constant G.

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(2)

(ii) Use your expression in (b)(i) above to estimate the mass of Jupiter.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

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156