UCE physics 2016 paper 1

Section A 0774796962
Answer all questions in this section

1. The energy stored in battery in a solar system is

A. Solar energy
B. Chemical energy
C. Electrical energy
D. Nuclear energy
Answer is B
Solar energy is converted into chemical energy stored in the battery
2. Loss of accommodation of one’s eye is mostly due to
A. Short eyeball
B. Long eyeball
C. Weak ciliary muscle
D. Reduction in the liquid in the eye
Answer is C
Accommodation is the ability of the eye to focus objects at different distances to the
retina by altering the focal length of the lens. This is brought about by the ciliary
muscles, by varying the lens thickness and curvature.
3. Materials which stay permanently deformed even when the force is remove are said to be
A. Elastic
B. Ductile
C. Brittle
D. Plastic
Answer D
4. an electric appliance is connected to earth in order to
A. increase the current entering the appliance
B. protect the appliance in case of too much current entering it
C. protect the person using the appliance from getting electric shock
D. increase the voltage across the appliance for faster operation
Answer is C
Earthing sends excess electrons to the earth. This protects a person from electric shock.
5. The temperature of steam above water boiling at normal atmospheric pressure is the
A. Upper fixed point
B. Lower fixed point
C. Fundamental interval
 D. Absolute temperature
Answer is A
6. When time-base on an CRO is on and no signal is connected on both the Y and X plates the
screen has a
A. Bright sport in the center
B. Bright horizontal line
C. Bright vertical line
D. Bright sine wave
Answer is B
7. Which one of the following is correct about pressure?
A. Pressure in fluids does not depend of the density of fluid
B. Pressure increase with the depth in a fluid
C. Pressure increase with cross section area of the fluid
D. Pressure in fluid reduce as depth increases.
Answer is B
8. A fly wheel connected to an internal combustion engine is made heavy in order to

A. store rotational kinetic energy

B. store kinetic energy

C. produce a spark

D. helps valves to open at regular intervals

Answer is A

9. A bullet of mass 150g is fired with a speed of 400ms-1. The rifle recoils with a speed of 10ms-
1
. Find the mass of the rifle

A. 60.0kg B. 6.0kg C. 3.0kg D. 0.6kg

Momentum of the bullet = recoil momentum of rifle

150
𝑥 400 = 10𝑀
1000

M = 6.0kg

10. Which one of the following equations does not represent the expression for power P, in
terms of voltage, V, current I and resistance R

A. P=VI B. P=I2R C. P=V2/R D. P=R2/I

Answer is D

11. A parachute released from an aeroplane will fall with constant velocity when

A. its weight is equal to the up thrust

B. its weight is equal to the air resistance

C. air resistance is equal to the up thrust

D. the upthrust plus the air resistance are equal to its weight

Answer is D
12. In metals heat is transmitted by

A. conduction and radiation

B. convection and radiation

C. conduction only

D. convection only

Answer C

13. Calculate the pressure exerted on the road by a car of mass 740 kg if the area of contact
between the road and each of the four tyres is 50cm2
A. 37Nm-2 B. 37x104Nm-2 C. 3.7x105Nm-2 D. 1.48x106Nm-2
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 740 𝑥 10
P= = = 3.7x105Nm-2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 4 𝑥 50 𝑥 10−4
14. A high voltage d.c may be obtained from a low voltage d.c by the use of
A. a dynamo B. an induction coil C. a generator D. a transformer
Answer A
15. A stone is thrown horizontally form a high tower, which of the following explains its motion
(i) vertical acceleration is constant
(ii) vertical acceleration is increasing

(iii) horizontal velocity is constant

A. (i) only B. (iii) only C. (i) and (ii) D. (i) and (iii)

Answer is A

16. The figure shows the decay curve of three radioactive substances P, Q and R of half-lives, tP,
tQ and tR respectively. Which one of the following is correct about the half-lives of P, Q and R

A. tP < tQ < tR
B. tP > tQ > tR
C. tP > tQ < tR
D. tP < tQ > tR
answer is A

17. In a transformer, the core is laminated and made out of soft iron to
(i) Concentrate the magnetic flux
(ii) Reduce on the induced current
(iii) Make better design
A. (i) and (ii) only
B. (i) and (iii) only
C. (ii) and (iii)
 D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is A
18. The figure below shows a test tube containing water and ice at the bottom

If the test tube is heated near the mouth, by which process does heat reach the ice?
A. Radiation
B. Convection
C. Conduction
D. Evaporation
Answer is C: heat travel through water by conduction in this design
19. Which of the following properties of cathode rays shows that they carry charge?
(i) They move in straight line
(ii) They are deflected in a magnetic field
(iii) They produce heat X-ray tubes
A. (i) only B. (ii) only C. (iii) only D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is B
20. When water waves travel from a deep region to shallow region the
(i) Wavelength increase
(ii) Speed reduces
(iii) Frequency increases
A. (ii) only B. (i) and (ii) only C. (ii) and (iii) only D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is A
Answer is A
Frequency remain constant, wavelength decrease
21. An ammeter of resistance 3.0Ω can measure a maximum current of 5.0A. Find the resistance
of the resistor needed to connect it to an ammeter which can read to 20.0A
A. 0.75Ω B. 1.0Ω C. 15Ω D. 60Ω
Answer is A
P.d = IR = 3 x 5 = 15V
𝑉 15
R= = = 0.75𝛺
𝐼 20
22. A body of weight 6N falls vertically to the ground through wind blowing Eastwards with a
force of 8N. Find the resultant force on the body.
A. 2.0N B. 8.0N C. 10.0N D. 14N

From Pythagoras R2 = 62 + 82; R = 10N

23. Figure below shows variation of efficiency and load for a block and tackle system

Which of the following is correct about the graph?

(i) Increase in the load increases efficiency
(ii) The velocity ratio limits the mechanical advantage and efficiency is less than 100%
(iii) At high loads efficiency decreases
A. (i) and (ii) only B. (i) and (iii) only C. (ii) and (iii) only D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is A
24. A pressure of a gas is 2 x 105 Pa at 180C. If the temperature increases to 450C at constant
volume, find the new pressure.
2 𝑥 105 𝑥 291 2 𝑥 105 𝑥 45 2 𝑥 105 𝑥 318 2 𝑥 105 𝑥 17
A. Pa B. Pa C. Pa D. Pa
318 17 291 45
Answer is C
𝑃𝑉
= 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑇
𝑃𝑉 2 𝑥 105 𝑉
=
(273+45) (273+18)
2 𝑥 105 𝑥 318
𝑃= Pa
291

25. Which of the following quantities share the same unit?

(i) Resistance
(ii) Potential difference
(iii) Current
(iv) Electromotive force
A. (i) and (ii) only B. (ii) and (iv) only C. (ii) and (iv) D. (ii) and (iii) only
Answer is B
26. A sound wave of wavelength 0.7m travel 840m in 2.5s. Find the frequency of the wave
A. 235.2Hz B. 336.0Hz C. 480.0Hz D. 588.0Hz
Answer is C
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
Velocity = λf =
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
840
f= 480Hz
0.7 𝑥 2.5
27. Which of the following changes show conservation of linear momentum?
(i) Gun recoiling after a bullet is fired
(ii) Body jerking forward when a car suddenly stops
(iii) Air from an inflated balloon moving in opposite direction to that of the balloon.
A. (i) and (ii) only B. (i) and (iii) only C. (ii) and (iii) only D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is B
28. Figure shows velocity-time graph for a car of mass 1500kg starting from rest.

Find the power developed by the engine to attain a velocity of 10ms-1

A. 750kW B. 3,000kV C. 30,000kW D. 750,000kW
Answer is A
Power = force x velocity
V = at
100
a= = 5𝑚𝑠 −2
20
Power = maV = 1500 x 5 x 100 = 750,000W = 750kW
29. The working of an echo sounder is bases on the fact that
(i) Sound waves travel through liquid
(ii) Sound waves can be reflected
(iii) Density of a liquid affects the speed of sound.
A. (i) and (ii) only B. (ii) and (iii) only C. (i) and (iii) only D. (i), (ii), (iii)
Answer is D
30. A metallic solid of mass 45kg rests on a copper rod of cross-sectional area 0.5cm2 standing
vertically as shown below

Calculate the stress on the rod

A. 9.0x 102Nm-2 B. 9.0x 105Nm-2 C. 9.0x 106Nm-2 D. 9.0x 108Nm-2
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 45 𝑥 10
Stress = = = 9.0x 106Nm-2
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 0.5 𝑥 10−4
31. A ball of 3kgmoves at 10ms-1 towards a volley ballplayer. If the player hits the ball and the
ball moves back with a velocity of 5ms-1, find the change in momentum
5𝑥3 10 𝑥 3
A. B. C. 3(10 -5) D. 3(10+5)
10 5
Change in momentum = m(v2 – v1)
= 3(-5-10)
= -3(5 + 10)
32. A person putting of narrow heeled shoes exerts greater pressure on a surface than when
putting on flat-heeled shoe, because pressure is
(i) Directly proportional to weight
(ii) Inversely proportional to area
(iii) Directly proportional to depth
A. (i) only B. (iii) only C. (ii) and (iii) only D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is A
33. A transformer has 1000 turns in the primary coil and 500 in the secondary coil. If an a.c
voltage of 120V is applied to primary. Calculate the voltage in the secondary coil
1000 𝑥 120 5000 𝑥 100𝑉 500 𝑥 120 1000𝑉
A. B. C. D.
500 1200 1000 500 𝑥 120
Answer is C
𝑁𝑠 𝑉𝑠
=
𝑁𝑝 𝑉𝑝
500 𝑉𝑠
=
1000 120
500 𝑥 120
𝑉𝑠 =
1000

34. An oil of volume 6.28 x 10-5cm3 forms a circular patch of diameter 0.4cm on the surface of
water. Calculate the thickness of a molecule of the oil. (Take π = 3.14)
A. 2.5 x 10-6cm B. 1.250 x 10-4cm C. 1.570 x 10-4cm D. 5000x10-4cm
Answer is D
𝑉 𝑉 6.28 𝑥 10−5
Thickness = = = 0.4 2
𝐴 𝜋𝑟 2 3.14 𝑥 ( )
2
35. Roof of structures and many bridges are designed with triangular sections to
(i) Minimize the material used
(ii) Withstand compression forces
(iii) Minimize tensile force under compression
A. (ii) only B. (ii) and (iii) only C. (i) and (ii) only D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is A
36. An image formed by concave mirror coincides with its object placed 28cm away. Find the
focal length of the mirror
A. 7cm B. 14cm C. 28cm D. 56cm
Answer is B
An image coincides with the object at C
37. A rubber bullet of mass 100g is fired from a gun of mass 5kg at a speed of 200ms-1. Find the
recoil velocity of the rifle.
5 𝑥 200 5 𝑥 1000 100 𝑥 200 200 𝑥 1000
A. B. C. D.
100 𝑥 1000 100 𝑥 200 5 𝑥 1000 5 𝑥 100
Answer is C

Momentum of the bullet = momentum of the gun

100
𝑥 200 = 5𝑉
1000
100𝑥 200
𝑉=
5 𝑥 1000

38. An electric iron 1kW, fridge of 100W, a television set and computer each of 50W are to be
switched on at once. Find the size of the circuit breaker needed in the meter box at 240V.
240𝑉 1200 240 251
A. 𝐴 B. 𝐴 C. 𝐴 D. 𝐴
1200 240 251 240

Answer is B

Total power = 1000 + 100 + 2 x 50 = 1200W

P = IV
1200
I=
240
 39. Which of the following statement(s) is /are correct about a liquid in capillary tube if the
adhesive force is greater than cohesive force?
(i) Wets glass
(ii) Form concave meniscus
(iii) Is depressed in the capillary tube
A. (ii) and (ii)only B. (i) and (iii)only C. (i) and (ii) D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer is B
40. Figure below shows a graph of output voltage against time of an a.c generator

Find the frequency of rotation

A. 0.1Hz B. 0.5Hz C. 2.0Hz D. 10.0Hz

Answer is A

T = 10s
1 1
f= = = 0.1𝐻𝑧
𝑇 10

Section B (40 marks)

Answer all questions in this section. All working must be shown clearly in space provided.
41. (a)(i) Define a joule (01mark)
A joule is the work done when the point of application of force of 1N moves through 1m in
the direction of force.
(ii) State Newton’s second law of motion. (01mark)
The rate of change of momentum of a body is directly proportional to the applied force and
takes place in the direction in which the force acts.

(b) An athlete of 80kg moving at 5ms-1, slides through a distance of 10m before stopping in 4s.
Find the work done by friction on the athlete. (02marks)
𝑚(𝑣−𝑢) (0−5)
F= = 80 𝑥 = 100N
𝑡 4

42. (a) State the laws of reflection of light. (01mark)

- the incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal at the point of incidence all lie in the
same
- The angle of incidence is equal to the angle reflection

(b) By use of two rays from the object, O, show how an observer, E, is able to see the image
of O in the figure below
 (c) With the aid of a diagram, describe what is diffuse reflection? (02mark)
Diffuse reflection occurs when parallel rays are reflected in different direction

43. (a) Define surface tension. (01mark)

Surface tension is the tangential force acting normally per unit length.
(b) A small piece of filter paper s placed on a water surface and a needle gently placed on it.
(i) State what is observed. (01mark)
The filter paper absorbs water and sinks leaving the needle floating on water
(ii) Explain what happens if water is heated gently. (02mark)
The needle sinks because surface tension reduces
44. (a) Two insulators X and Yare rubbed against each other. If X gains electrons what charge
does it have (01mark)
It will be negatively charged. (because it acquired excess electrons which carry negative
charge)
(b) Explain briefly what happens when a negatively charged rod is positioned near the cap of
an uncharged gold leaf electroscope. (03mark)
A charged body near the cap induces positive charge on it and negative charge on the gold
leaf and plate. Like charges on the gold leaf and plate repel causing divergence.
45. (a) What is force? (01mark)
A force is what changes a body’s state of rest or uniform motion in straight line.
(b) A vertical spring of length 30cm is stretched to 36cm when an object of mass 100g is
placed on a pan attached to it.
The spring is stretched to 40cm when a mass of 200g is placed on the pan. Find the mass of
the pan (03marks)
F = ke = mg
Let the mass of the pan be M
100
(M + ) x 10 = k x (36 – 30)
1000
10M + 1 = 6k………….(i)
200
(M + ) x 10 = k x (40 – 30)
1000
10M + 2 = 10k …………..(ii)
Subtract (i) from (ii)
4k = 1
k =0.25
Substituting k in (i)
 10M + 1 = 6 x 0.25 = 1.5
10M = 0.5
M = 0.05kg

46. (a) State the principle of moments. (03marks)

When a body is in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments at any point is equal to the
sum of anticlockwise moments at the same point
(b) A hand cart of length 1.5m, has the center of gravity at length 0.5m from the wheel when
loaded with 50kg as shown below

If the mass of the hand cart is 10kg, find the effort needed to lift the hand cart. (03marks)
Taking moments about the pivot.
Clockwise moment = anti-clockwise moments
(50 x 10 + 10 x 10) x 0.5 = E x 1.5
E = 200N
47. Figure below shows the essential parts of an X-ray tube in operation

(a) Name the pats labelled M and N (01mark)

M- fast moving electron
N- X-ray
(b) What is the use of the
(i) High voltage (01mark)
To accelerate electrons to the anode
(ii) Low voltage (01mark)
 Heat the cathode
(c) State two uses of X-rays (01mark)
- Identify fractures
- Study crystal structure
- Destroy cancer cells
- Detect foreign body
48. (a) Sketch the wave profile of a vibrating string when
(i) Fundamental note (01mark)

(ii) Second overtone

(b) A tuning fork of frequency 310Hz produces resonance when the length of a resonance
tube above water surface is 130mm and again when it is 646mm. calculate the speed of
sound air (02marks)
1
λ = 𝐿1 + 𝑐 ………………….. (i)
4
3
λ = 𝐿2 + 𝑐 ………………… (ii)
4

Equation (ii) – (i)

1
λ = 𝐿2 − 𝐿1 = 0.646 – 0.130 = 0.516
2

λ = 1.032𝑚
v = fλ = 310 x 1.032 = 320ms-1

49. The figure below shows a trolley carrying a magnet and moving at high speed towards the
coil. The trolley enters and passes through the coil

Explain what happens to the trolley and galvanometer as the trolley enters and leaves the
coil (03marks)
- the trolley reduces speed as it enters the coil due to repulsion from the north pole
induced on the coil and increase in speed as it leaves the coil due to repulsion from
the south pole induced in the coil
 - The galvanometer deflects showing that current has been induced in the coil in the
direction so as to oppose the change that cause it. And deflects in opposite direction
when the trolley leaves the coil.

(b) A 12V battery is connected to a 3Ωresistor. Calculate the current flowing in the circuit.
(01mark)
𝑉 12
I= = = 4𝐴
𝑅 3
50. (a) Define specific heat capacity of a substance. (01mark)
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1kg mass of
a substance by 1K
(b) The figure below shows a cooling curve of a rod of mass 40g heated to a temperature of
600C and allowed to cool.

Given that the rod loses heat at an average rate of 2.0Js-1. Calculate the specific capacity of
the rod (02marks)
Q = rate x time = mcθ
2 x (2 x 60) = 40 x c x (60 -45)
C = 0.4Jg-1K-1