NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

NOVEMBER 2009

PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PAPER I

Time: 3 hours 200 marks

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

1. This paper consists of:

• a question paper of 16 pages;
• a yellow Answer Sheet of 2 pages (i – ii); and
• a green booklet of data and formulae of 4 pages (i – iv).

Please make sure that your question paper is complete.

2. Remove the data, formulae and answer sheet from the middle of this question paper.
Write your examination number on the yellow Answer Sheet.

3. Use the data and formulae whenever necessary.

4. Start each question on a new page.

5. Read the questions carefully.

6. In Question 1 answer EITHER 1.3 OR 1.4.

In Question 6 answer EITHER 6.2 OR 6.3.

7. It is in your own interest to write legibly and to set your work out neatly.

8. Show your working in all calculations.

9. Units need not be included in the working of calculations, but appropriate units should be
shown in the answer.

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QUESTION 1 ROCKET SCIENCE

John designed and constructed a model rocket. He placed it on top

of a high platform to allow his friends to get the best possible view.

He recorded the launch on a video tape. Using the video tape, John
was able to plot the following velocity-time graph of his rocket's
motion.

v (m·s-1)

12

t
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 t(s)

1.1 For the first 3 seconds:

1.1.1 describe the motion of the rocket. (4)

1.1.2 draw and label a free-body diagram of the forces acting on the rocket. (4)

1.2 After 3 seconds, all of the rocket fuel is burnt up and the rocket is now in free-fall.

1.2.1 What is the gradient of the graph between t = 3 s and t = 7 s? (1)

1.2.2 Determine the time at t. (6)

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ANSWER QUESTION 1.3 OR 1.4

1.3 1.3.1 • Draw a displacement-time graph for the motion of the rocket using the
axes provided on the Answer Sheet.
• Some points have already been plotted for you on the Answer Sheet.
• Provide values for the displacements labelled X, Y and Z on the axes.
Show your method. (9)

1.3.2 From your graph in 1.3.1 determine the height of the platform. (1)

ONLY ANSWER QUESTION 1.4 IF YOU DID NOT ANSWER QUESTION 1.3

1.4 At t = 3 s, when the rocket has burnt up all its fuel, a steady wind blowing at 9 m·s–1
from the left moves it off course from the vertical.

1.4.1 Determine, by scale diagram or by calculation, the velocity of the rocket

relative to the ground at t = 3 s. (6)

1.4.2 How far will the rocket be displaced from the platform when it reaches the
ground? (4)

Read the following information before answering Questions 1.5 to 1.9 on the next page.

While designing and constructing his rocket, John had to learn about the local
safety codes and various certification processes for amateur rocketry. The safety
codes give details of preflight inspections, operating clearances, user
qualifications, etc.

Rocket motors are classified with a code, ranging from A to O, that shows the
total impulse on the rocket (measured in N·s).

Class Impulse (N·s)

A 2,5
C 9,0
H 160
O 40 000

Below is the label from one of John's rocket motors.

TYPE AND PRIMARY USE

C 6–4 206 SINGLE STAGE

The code C 6–4 gives the following information:

• C – the total impulse of the motor is 9 N·s
• 6 – the average thrust (measured in N)
• 4 – the time delay between burnout and recovery (measured in s)

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1.5 Define impulse. (3)

1.6 Below is a table summarising some SI base units.

Physical Quantity Symbol Unit Symbol

amount of matter n mole mol
current strength I ampere A
length Δx or d or s metre m
mass m kilogram kg
temperature T kelvin K
time t second s

The total impulse of a rocket motor is measured in newton seconds. Express this
unit in terms of SI base units. Show your working. (3)

1.7 For a particular rocket motor coded as a C 6-4 motor, use the information on the
previous page to calculate the length of time that this motor exerts a force on the
rocket. (4)

Launching a 'High Power Rocket' requires the operator to be certified, i.e. he/
she needs to pass tests to qualify for a license. A 'High Power Rocket' is one
with an H-class motor or higher and a minimum mass of 1 500 g.

1.8 Use the information about motor classification and the text above to evaluate
whether there is a necessity for an operator to be licensed. Calculations of
appropriate distances or speeds must be used to support your answer. (9)

1.9 1.9.1 Define the term Mach number. (2)

1.9.2 An M-class motor provides the rocket with a maximum speed of 105 m·s–1.
The speed of sound in air is 330 m·s–1. Calculate the Mach number of the
rocket. (3)

1.9.3 Would this rocket (in 1.9.2) be classified as subsonic or supersonic? (1)

1.9.4 High Power Rockets are sometimes referred to as 'Mach-speed projectiles'.

Comment on this description. (2)

1.9.5 In your opinion, can rocketeering be regarded as a hobby when finger-

printing, background checks and licensing of individuals becomes
necessary? (4)

56 marks

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QUESTION 2 A SKIING HOLIDAY

Each winter it snows on some of the mountains of the Eastern Cape. Ski resorts in the area
also make artificial snow so that South Africans can enjoy as many winter sports as
possible without having to go overseas.

2.1 Maria is a beginner and is learning to ski on the gentle slopes. Maria uses a 'T-bar'
lift to get to the top of the slope.

At the 'T-bar' lift station, there is a sign such as the

one depicted on the right that is designed to instruct
first-time users on how to use the lift.

Maria's friend, Thabo, prepared the following sketch

of the situation and added figures that he felt were
appropriate.

450N
Tow-rope pulling
on Maria The tension of 450 N in the tow-rope allowed
25o
Maria to be pulled up the slope at a constant
speed of 1 m·s–1.
Ski slope

30o

2.1.1 Show that the component of the tension in the tow-rope parallel to the slope
is 407,84 N. (2)

2.1.2 What is the magnitude of the force that opposes Maria's motion up the
slope? (1)

2.1.3 How much work is done by the opposing force when Maria is pulled a
distance of 20 m up the slope? (4)

2.1.4 How much power is required to pull Maria to the top of the ski slope? (4)

2.1.5 The 'T-bar' lift is driven by an electric motor.

(a) Why would the power output of the electric motor need to be larger
than your answer to 2.1.4? (2)
(b) Suggest three ways to increase the power output of the electric
motor. (3)

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2.2 The children enjoy racing down the slopes on a sled.

Travis wondered if a sled accelerated uniformly down
the slope. He set his cellphone to beep every second
while he came down the slope on the sled. He made a
mark in the snow every time the cellphone beeped. Then
he walked back up the slope with a long measuring tape.
He measured five consecutive lengths that he had
marked on the slope.

2.2.1 Comment on the method used in Travis' experiment. Will it provide him
with accurate results? Explain briefly. (3)

Below are five consecutive lengths that he measured.

2m

2,75 m

3,5 m

4,25 m

5m

2.2.2 How will Travis know that the sled accelerates uniformly? (3)
2.2.3 Travis recorded his data on the graph below. He has made several errors.
Identify three of his mistakes. (3)

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2.3 Thabo and his friend Maria travel in a chair lift to

the top of the highest slope. The chairlift moves at
3 m·s–1.

2.3.1 What is Thabo's velocity relative to Maria? (1)

Thabo and Maria see two of their friends on the slopes below. At this point in time,
Shazia is skiing down the slope at 12 m·s–1 and Travis is ahead of her going
downhill on his sled at 5 m·s–1.

2.3.2 What is Travis' velocity relative to Shazia? (2)

2.3.3 What is Travis' velocity relative to Maria? (2)

30 marks

QUESTION 3 A TRIP TO THE FIRE STATION

Daniel's Grade 4 class visited the fire station. They rode on a

fire engine which had a flashing red light on the roof and a
hooter that emits a sound with a frequency of 250 Hz.

After the ride, the fire engine went out on a call. It raced
away from the children at 20 m·s–1 with its hooter blaring and
its red light flashing. Daniel noticed that the sound of the
hooter seemed to change when the fire engine moved away
from him.

(Take the speed of sound in air as 330 m·s–1)

3.1 Name the effect that Daniel is observing. (1)

3.2 Calculate the apparent frequency of the sound from the hooter when the fire engine
is moving away from Daniel at a speed of 20 m·s–1. (5)

3.3 Draw a diagram to show the advancing wavefronts that are produced by the hooter
when the fire engine moves away from Daniel. In your diagram, indicate Daniel's
position and the direction of the fire engine's velocity. (2)

3.4 There is a noticeable change in the hooter's frequency, but not a noticeable change
in the colour of the flashing red light as the fire engine changes speed and direction.
Explain these observations. (3)

11 marks

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QUESTION 4 MODERN THEORIES OF THE RED SHIFT

Modern astronomers have observed that the wavelength of light travelling from distant galaxies
towards Earth is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum. Astronomers have found different
ways to explain this 'cosmic red shift'. Two such explanations are shown below:

Explanation 1 Explanation 2
A galaxy's Galaxies hardly
movement away move through
from the observer space, so they
stretches the light emit light with
waves, making nearly the same
them redder (top). wavelength in all
directions (top).

The wavelength of
light then stays the
same during its The wavelength
journey through gets longer during
space (middle). the journey,
because space is
expanding. Thus
The observer
the light gradually
detects the light,
reddens (middle
measures its
and bottom).
Doppler red shift
and computes the
galaxy's velocity
(bottom).
galaxy earth

galaxy earth

[Lineweaver, CH & Davis, TM 2005, 'Misconceptions about the Big Bang', Popular Mechanics, May 2005, p. 35.]

4.1 What have 'cosmic red shifts' led astronomers to conclude? (2)

4.2 Carefully examine the sequence of diagrams in Explanation 1 and then do the same
for Explanation 2.

4.2.1 Which explanation shows that the galaxy has a zero velocity relative to
space? (1)

4.2.2 Which explanation shows that space itself is changing? (1)

4.3 Which sequence of these diagrams above best explains 'cosmic red shifts'? Explain
your answer. (3)

7 marks

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QUESTION 5 UNDERSTANDING LIGHT

In 1801, Thomas Young conducted his single-slit

famous double-slit experiment. He diffraction
passed light through a double-slit grating
diffraction grating and observed the
interference fringes that were projected light source

screen
onto a screen.

The apparatus shown in the diagram

alongside can also be used to determine
double-slit
the wavelength of various sources of diffraction grating
light.

5.1 Define diffraction. (2)

5.2 The diagram shows a dotted line (·········). Does this indicate a region of
constructive interference or destructive interference? (1)

An experiment is conducted to determine the relationship between the frequency of

different coloured light sources and their wavelengths using the apparatus above. The
results are as follows:

Colour f: Frequency (Hz) λ: Wavelength (nm)

Red 4,54 × 1014
660
Orange 4,92 × 1014 610
Yellow 5,17 × 1014 580
Green 5,56 × 1014 540
Blue 6,38 × 1014 470
Indigo 6,82 × 1014 440
Violet 7,32 × 1014 410

5.3 The table shows that wavelength is measured in nm (nanometres). Convert 660 nm
to m. (1)

5.4 On the graph paper provided on the Answer Sheet, plot a line of best fit to show the
relationship between the wavelength of the light and the inverse of its
⎛ ⎞
frequency ⎜ 1 ⎟ .
⎝f⎠
⎛ ⎞
The scale for the inverse of frequency ⎜ 1 ⎟ has been marked for you. (5)
⎝f⎠
5.5 Describe, in words, the relationship between the frequency of a light source and its
wavelength. (1)

5.6 Determine the gradient of your graph. Clearly indicate your method on your graph. (3)

5.7 To which physical constant does the gradient of your graph correspond? (1)

5.8 Use the information gained from the graph to write a mathematical relationship
between the frequency of a light source and its wavelength. (2)

16 marks
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QUESTION 6 INVESTIGATING ELECTROMAGNETISM

6.1 Asiya and Amy conduct an investigation to help them understand electromagnets.
They know that magnetic fields are produced by current-carrying conductors. They
started their investigation by studying the following arrangements of coiled
conductors.

iron plastic
core core
A B

plastic wooden
core core
C D

6.1.1 The girls try to predict which arrangement would produce the greatest
magnetic field. Make your own prediction and list the arrangements, by
writing the appropriate letter, in order from the strongest magnetic field to
the weakest magnetic field. (4)

6.1.2 Formulate a hypothesis for an investigation on the effect of the core material
on the performance of the electromagnet. (3)

Asiya and Amy are now ready to start experimenting in a more formal manner.
They connect each of the electromagnets, A, B, C and D (as illustrated above) to
compare the relative strengths of the magnetic fields.

6.1.3 Suggest a method that can be used to compare the relative strengths of the
magnetic fields. (2)

Using their method suggested in 6.1.3, they claim that they will be able to
determine which material is the best to use for the core of the electromagnet.

6.1.4 What is the independent variable for their experiment? (1)

6.1.5 What is the dependent variable for their experiment? (1)

6.1.6 Would this experiment enable the girls to determine which material is the
best to use for the core of the electromagnet? Justify your answer. (5)

6.1.7 Suggest two improvements that can be made to the girls' arrangement of
coiled conductors. (2)

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ANSWER QUESTION 6.2 OR 6.3

6.2 The girls also know that a changing magnetic field can induce an emf in a coil of
wire. They experiment with the apparatus below:

axis of
rotation
soft iron
core N S bar magnet

The bar magnet is rotated anti-clockwise, by turning a handle. When the bar magnet
rotates, the bulb that is connected to the coil glows. The magnet takes 0,5 s to
complete 1 revolution.

6.2.1 Explain why an emf is induced in the coil when the magnet rotates. (4)

6.2.2 Sketch a graph to show how the induced emf varies with time. Provide a
suitable scale along the time axis. Let the position of the magnet as shown
above correspond with t = 0 s. (3)

6.2.3 State two changes that can be made to this apparatus that will increase the
brightness of the bulb. (2)

ONLY ANSWER 6.3 IF YOU DID NOT ANSWER QUESTION 6.2

6.3 Below is a schematic diagram showing how the AC mains supply to our homes is
converted to a DC supply. This describes the process by which devices such as
cellphone chargers work.

220 V
AC X Y Z Regulated
Mains Transformer Rectifier Smoothing Regulator 5 V DC
supply

6.3.1 (a) What kind of transformer is used here? (Step-up or step-down?) (1)
(b) Draw a sketch graph of voltage versus time at point X. (2)

6.3.2 (a) What happens to the electrical supply voltage during the 'Rectifier'
stage? (2)
(b) Name the type of components used in the 'Rectifier' stage. (1)

6.3.3 (a) Name the component used in the 'Smoothing' stage. (1)
(b) Draw a sketch graph of voltage versus time at point Z. (2)

27 marks

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QUESTION 7 THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

The diagram below represents the electromagnetic spectrum.

Radio Gamma
Microwaves Infrared Visible light Ultraviolet X-Rays
Waves Rays

Red Violet

7.1 Name the type of electromagnetic radiation that:

7.1.1 has the longest wavelength. (1)

7.1.2 is used in the treatment of some cancers. (1)
7.1.3 is used to send a signal from the remote control to the TV. (1)

7.2 Valuable items, such as bank notes, can be security

marked using fluorescent ink. The ink can only be
seen in ultraviolet radiation and is used to
differentiate between genuine and counterfeit bank
notes.

Explain what happens to make the ink visible when viewed in ultraviolet radiation. (3)

7.3 List two harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on human skin. (2)

7.4 Below are images taken using X-ray radiation.

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These images reveal bones, flesh and metal pins and plates used to reconstruct broken
bones.
Use the images to rank the penetrating ability of X-rays through the three
substances (bones, flesh and metal) from highest penetrating ability to lowest
penetrating ability. (3)

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7.5 7.5.1 A green car is observed in white light.

(a) Which primary colour/s of light is/are reflected?
(b) Which primary colour/s of light is/are absorbed? (3)

7.5.2 A green car is observed in red light.

(a) How does it appear?
(b) Explain your answer. (3)

7.6 Multiple Choice

Using capital letters, write the letter of the correct response in your Answer Book.

7.6.1 Which of the following statements is true about yellow paint?

A Yellow paint absorbs blue light

B Yellow paint reflects red light
C Yellow paint reflects green light
D All of the above (2)

7.6.2 What colour do we see when we mix yellow and magenta paint?

A Red
B Cyan
C Green
D Blue (2)

21 marks

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QUESTION 8 THE PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT

The apparatus shown below was used to investigate the Photoelectric Effect. The
apparatus allows for the investigation of several variables. The frequency and intensity of
the incident radiation can be changed; the type of metal used at the metal surface can be
altered; and the emf supplied across the electrodes can be adjusted.

incident
radiation

metal surface collector

vacuum glass tube

S
μA

8.1 Early investigators of this effect found that a zinc plate, when negatively charged,
would lose its charge when exposed to ultraviolet light, while a positively charged
zinc plate showed no such effect. What could the investigators conclude from these
observations? (2)

8.2 A source of bright red light and a source of faint blue light are shone in turn on to
the metal surface for the same length of time. In both cases, electrons are ejected
from the metal surface.

8.2.1 Name the variables that are being adjusted. (2)

8.2.2 The wavelength of blue light is 440 nm. Calculate the energy of a photon
from this source. Express the answer in eV. (6)

8.2.3 The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons ejected by the faint blue light
is greater than the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons ejected by the
bright red light. Explain why this happens. (6)

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8.3 The table below shows the work functions of selected metals.

Metal Wf: Work function (eV)

Caesium 2,14
Sodium 2,75
Copper 4,94
Platinum 5,65

Each of these metals is used in turn at the metal surface. The same light source (of
the same frequency and intensity) is shone on each metal plate for the same length
of time.

8.3.1 Predict which metal will produce the largest reading on the ammeter. (1)

8.3.2 Give a reason for your answer in 8.3.1. (2)

8.3.3 Calculate the threshold frequency of sodium. (5)

24 marks

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QUESTION 9 CELLULAR PHONES

Read the passage below then answer the question that follows.

Are cellular phones a risk to health?

Controversies in Science
The use of cellular phones is a good example of a scientific
controversy. Recent research studies have produced tentative
evidence that cellphones may have long-term health effects.
However, this is by no means certain and the radiation
produced by cellphones falls well below safety guidelines.
Would you give up your phone?
How many text messages (sms) do you send a day? Many of us now rely on cellphones for
communicating and planning ahead. Parents are a lot happier about young people going off on
their own if they know they can phone for help if needed. Would you really wish to give up your
phone, even if you knew there was a possibility it might make you unwell?
Who's listening
Cellphone companies in some countries are required to keep records of your calls for up to two
years. Police regularly use these records to trace criminals' whereabouts. So do you think they
should be able to listen in too?
Some comments from members of society
'Children should be especially careful about cellphone use. Their skulls are still growing so it is
easier for radio waves from a cellphone to enter their heads; also, children's cells absorb more
radiation than adults.'
'It is cellphone masts that worry me. Cellphone masts give out more microwaves than cellphones.
Seven clusters of cancer and other serious illnesses have been discovered around cellphone
masts.'
'We must be careful. Even a tiny increase in the risk of brain cancer could cause many more
deaths across the world. As brain tumours can take many years to develop we need to monitor the
effects over many years.'
'A number of children in my son's class have cellphones and now he wants one. I don't know what
to do. I realise the benefits of having a cellphone, but what if the arguments about the links to
cancer are true?'
'One Swedish study found no link between using a cellphone and a greater chance of having a
tumour. It did show that tumour-suffering cellphone users were twice as likely to have the tumour
near their phone ear.'
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9.1 Considering evidence for and against the use of cellphones, construct a reasoned
argument in which you provide an answer to the question:
'Are cellular phones a risk to our health?'
Structure your answer using the framework below:
(a) I think that … (2)
(b) The evidence to support this idea is … (2)
(c) Arguments against me are … (2)
(d) I would counter these arguments by … (2)

8 marks

Total: 200 marks

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