2010-AL

PHY
PAPER 2

HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY

HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION 2010

PHYSICS A·LEVEL PAPER 2

1.30 pm - 4.30 pm (3 hours)

Q.P. Code 8262 I

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECTION A

1. Read carefully the instructions on the Answer Sheet. After the announcement of the start of the examination,
you should fIrst stick a barcode label and insert the information required in the spaces provided. No extra time
will be given for sticking the barcode label after the 'Time is up' announcement.

2. When told to open this book, you should check that all the questions are there. Look for the words 'END
OF SECTION A' after the last multiple-choice question.

3. All questions carry equal marks.

4. You are advised to use an HB pencil to mark all your answers on the Answer Sheet, so that wrong marks can
be completely erased. You must mark the answers clearly; otherwise you will lose marks if the answers
cannot be captured.

5. You should mark only ONE answer for each question. If you mark more than one answer, you will receive
NO MARKS for that question.

6. No marks will be deducted for wrong answers.

•
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECTION B

7. Look for the words 'END OF PAPER' after the last essay question.

I
8. Answer any THREE questions from this section. Write your answers in the answer book provided.

©w ~ .f~ }'fjj {;If!d¥i JJ1iHI Not to be taken away before the

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority end of the examination session
All Rights Reserved 2010

20lO-AL-PRY 2-1
Section A

There are 45 questions in this section. Each question is followed by four suggested answers.
Where necessary, take the acceleration due to gravity to be 10 m S-2 and take the speed of light in air to be
3xI08 ms- l .

I. ,. A~4z if ~~;~~;~st~ on ~g~~~. The .c~ntreof gravity of the

block IS a~' G.) Wh'en-i horlZontlfl force P IS a lIed to It at:X as· , the block Just overturns when P
equals 17 t-r.' If P is applied to the block at X in the 0ppOSI e Irection, what is its minimum value needed
to overturn the block?

1<12 clI)1
X
P~

~ ~
30N
\J\. 7N
B. 9N
C. 13 N
D. 17N

2.
® ball

sudden push

I ~L() ()JX smooth ground

" --~
A \
A small ball is initially held above a trolley XY as shown. The trolley is then given a s~aden push while
the ball is released. from rest. The ball leaves a mark on the trolley every time when it"Iiitsthe trolley.
All collisions are ~11filaSti~ Which diagram correctly shows the marks on the trolley? (The
friction between the ball and the trolley is assumed negligible.)

,/
IA.
"- ../ '
y
• • • • • • X

B. Y I •••
• • •• X

c. Y
•••• • • • X

D. Y
• • • •••• X

201O-AL-PHY 2-2 2
3.
metal frame

Y
a:0­ 'h"'l' point'" a pivot

A balancing toy consisting of a metal frame and two heavy balancing weights rests on a platform as shown.
balancing weight

The toy can swing back to its equilibrium position when it is tilted slightly. Which of the following can
explain this?

(1) The toy's centre of gravity is below the pivot at its equilibrium position.
(2) Restoring moment is produced by the balancing weights.
(3) The net force acting on the toy is always zero.

A. (2) only
B.. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

4. ... ... --- .....

" ,,
,, ,,
, ,, ,

, ,,
p

A small ball is projected from P on the ground. It rebounds at Q on a slope and travels back to P along
the same path. Which statements about the ball must be correct?

(1) It hits the slope at Q normally. j

(2) It undergoes perfectly elastic collision at Q. I
(3) The time taken for the ball to go from P to Q is equal to that for it to return from Q to P.

A: (1) and (2) only

B/ (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

5.

A sphere P moving with a certain speed collides obliquely with another identical sphere Q which is
stationary initially. After collision, spheres P and Q move at right angles to each other as shown. Which
of the following statements is/are correct? (Neglect friction.)

(1) The x-component of their total linear momentum is conserved. v

(2) The y-component oftheir total linear momentum is conserved. ,j

(3) Their total kinetic energy is conserved. J

A. (1) only
B. (3) only
(1) and (2) only
~\ (1), (2) and (3)

201O-AL-PHY 2-3 3 I Go on to the next page >

 6.

:0 ground
~~//////J
--
Th~ fi~ure. shows a. small object suspende? by a~tensible string)i'o~ the c~iling.. The object ~s
swmgmg III ~lane and every/tIme whe~ it~~t pomt, a tilly ple~ of mass IS
detached (om its bottOl!l>at that in stante Which of the 0 oWlllg diagrams correctly shows the landing
poSItiOns on"1he-'gtoliild ofthe fIrst four pieces of mass, namely 1, 2, 3,4 ? 0 indicates the position
directly under the lowest point of the swing. (Neglect air resistance and friction.)

f)
2,4
-
1,2,3,4

t0
1,3
ground

ground
B. • •
t
0
2 4 3 ground
c. • • • •
t
0
2 4 3 ground
D. • • • •
t
0
7.
~2Nm-1
~QQQOQQOOQD 0.5 kg
~-'-~
A hori.zontaLlighLspring)of ~~ is fixed at one end and a block of mass 0.5 kg is
attached to its other end. The block is set~ on a ~ooth horizontaisUi1'ilCe~de
0.1 m. What is the maximum speed of the block? (Neglect air r e s i s t a n c e . ) ­

A. 0.14 m S-I
(i) 0.20 m S-I
C. 0.28 m S-I
D. 0.40 m S-I

/s.1
L/ "
~~~~------,

: ,,~--- '
O·-<..""P"'O
~..
smooth horizontal
surface
l.
"
"
--------- ... ~

Two identical small spheres P and Q are connect Qi£ht inextensible thr~ to a fixed point 0 as
shown. The threads OP an~"of the same len . P and Q perform uniform horizontal circular
~ about 0 with the ~me periocj) Tb Tz eno~ the tensions in the threads to,p, q:>g-respec~y.
Find TI : r;:--­ '------- -----------­
A. 3:2
® 2: 1
c. 3:1
D. 4: 1

201O-AL-PHY 2-4 4
 9. A~ is suspended by it vertical light sp;ln~xed at its upper end. The force constant of the spring
is k. The mass is made to oscillate verticaHywith amplitude A. Its period of oscillation is T. Which of
the following changes can increase the period to 2T?

r;:)
\.]
increasing the amplitude to 2A .,/

B. increasing the mass to 4m

C. reducing the force constant to k and increasing the mass to 2m

4

D. increasing the force constant to 2k and reducing the mass to m

2

10. A light spring is hung from the ceiling and a mass is attached to its lower end. The extension of the
spring is Xl at static equilibrium. The mass is then supported by a hand such that the spring is just
unstretched. The hand is withdrawn suddenly and the mass falls to the lowest position at which the
extension ofthe spring is X2. Find Xl : X2 •

A. 2: 3
B. I :3
C I :2
C?) I :I

II.

~ a

A comet X moves around the Sun S in an elliptical orbit. Its s~d_at the closest P9i.nt-b\s_d~
the farthest point a. The distance of point a from the Sun is 2r wJti)tdliafof pOllit b is r. If the kinetic
. energy and potential energy of the com.£t at point a ar~d@lespectively, deduce the relationship
b'etween K and U. (Take gravitational potential energy to be zero at infInity.) ~-------
---~--
"19 U-K
B. U -2K
C. U -3K
D. U -4K

•• 12. One of Jupiter's moons is called ..GanYmede. The radius of Ganymed~' s orbit around Illp.it~.L~out
3 times that of the Moon around the Earth. The mass of Jupiter is 318 times that of the Earth. If the
period of the Moon around the Earth is 27.3 days, estimate the period of Ganymede revolving around
Jupiter.

A. 2.7 days
@7 8.0 days
C. 91 days
D. 273 days

2010·AL·PHY 2-5 5 I Go on to the next page>

13. y/cm 1."

¥ I I I I Y.. I I I I ,," I I I I ".t I !III x/cm

The figure shows a snapshot of part of a continuous wave ot(frecIu~0r~Z travelling to the right along
the x-axis. Particles P and Q are at x = 4 cm and x = 8 cm r~y. After how long will particle P
first have the same displacement and velocity that particle Q has at the instant shown?

~
0.08 s /
0.12 s
C. 0.14 s
D. 0.16 s

14.

81 y

82

Figure (a) Figure (b)

~
"~ ~
In a ripple tank, 1 and lare two~erentsour vibrating..with the same fre~y. Figure (a) shows
the pattern of wate aves produced by 8 1 and 82 at tim~. The solid lines represent the..crests of the
wate~s. Figure (b) shows th iS15laCeme -time r p of a ~in the pattern. Which of
the following displacement-time graphs is possible for a partlC e at R a t mid-way between PQ as
shown?

A. B. y
y

°v \ ')t
0, \ / ')

""
(c..\"'---.//
Y D. y

0, I \ ')t oI I
') t

201O·AL·PHY 2-{' 6
15.

sound
waves air

water \j r{

,.., ­ ---.--------­
Sound waves of frequency 000 f!;>travel from ~ air to water as shown. If the incident plane wavefront
~..
makes an angle of 13° with the-mierface, find the angle of refraction and the wavelength of sound in water.
(Given: speed of sound in air and that in water are 340 m and 1500 m respectively)

angle of refraction wavelength in water

A", 2.9° 7.7 cm
13~) 2.9 0 l.5m/
'C: 83° 7.7 cm
D. 83° 1.5 m v

16. ~~ ,
unpolarized lig~ - - ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ (ft-:' 30°
~-
-.,
'.
..............
Polaroid: •• ~ ~

A horizontal beam of unpolarized light is incident normally upon a Polaroid, whose axis of polarization
makes an angle of 30° with the vertical as shown. The transmitted beam has an intensity l. What would
be the intensity ofthe transmitted beam if the Polaroid is rotated clockwisely through 15° ?

A. I
I
B.

I
2
I
D.
4

17. The figure shows an object placed in front of a convex lens of focal length 20 A sharp image is
captured on a screen placed at a certain position.
lens

object

Which statements are correct?

(I) If the object and the image are equal in size, their separation is 80 cm. J
(2) If the central part of the lens is covered with a small coin, an image of tI)e same size could still be
captured. ,/
(3) If the object is moved slightly farther away from the lens, a smaller sharp image can be captured on a
screen when its position is suitably adjusted.

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C.
( ...>;~"\
(2) and (3) only
\0.1 (l),(2)and(3)
\ J
"J

2010-AL-PHY 2-7 7 I Go on to the next page>

18. A ~iC~~d (el;:C~;~re a each made up of two converging lenses. In which of the following
wa)?S'1tre-th~f~s~imiiar when both are i!1~ormal adjustment?

<}A. The separation of the two lenses is equal to the sum of their focal lengths in each case.
, B. The objective has a longer focal length than the eyepiece in each case.
yC. The intermediate image is magnified and inverted in each case.
IjD. The final image is inverted and virtual in each case.

19. i;~nd~ are emitted from a ~at.rest on the groUnch When an observer is moving towards the
sour~erWhfch of the fol!~_~lIatititIeS would incr~ase ?
(I) The wavelength of the sound waves.
(2) The speed of the sound waves relative to the ground.X
(3) The frequency of the sound waves detected by the observer.

A. (I) only

~
(3) only
(1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only

20.

"\ ~~ is given to a conduct?r of. ~on.-uniforn:ly curved s~r~en the charge

dlstnbutlOn on me conductor reache~lectrostatIc eqUlhbnu~hlch statement 1/<fNCORREl>r ?

A. The electric field within the conductor is zero. /

B. The charge density is higher at sharp points on the conductor's surface.

~
The electric potential is higher at sharp points on the conductor's surface"x
The electric field at the conductor's surface is perpendicular to the surface. J'

21.
-30V

-20 V

-lOY

OV
In the above figure, the four dotted lines represent equipotential surfaces in a uniform electric field. The
curve is part of the trajectory of a charged particle movmg
to the electric force due to the field, which of~ followin must

(l) The particle carries positive charge. J

-~.
e field. If the particle is only subject
correct?
F
r
(2) The particle experiences the same force at X and at Y.
(3) The particle has smaller kinetic energy at X than at Y. X

G.! (1) only

B. (3) only
C. (I) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only

201O-AL-PHY 2-8 8
 22. In the arrangement shown, points X and ~. at distances d/.ancL.~rroma- d point charge +Q
respectively. A small charge +q placed alYould have e;f'eCtrical potential energy and experience
electric force F. ~ .,----- X"'"
- --- --.~---.--~~-

tt
+Q X Y
• • ,.•
0(
d ~ E d

If a small charge +2q is placed at Y~what would be its electrical potential energy and the electric
force it experienced? (Take electrical potential energy to be zero at infinity.)

electrical potential energy electric force

A. 2U !F
2
B. 2U F
I
/C:) U -F J
"'--.-~ J 2
D. U F

23.

600 600

a b

In the above network, the resistance of each resistor is 60 O. Find the equivalent resistance of the
network across a and b.

A. 120
B. 150
C. 200
€J 240

fo \J
24.
.---------1. - - -11--------,
..•• p'----l

S
Q

~the
IN
battery h"~~d negligible internal ""ista.""
en switch S is closed?
Which statement i,

A. The potential difference between P and Q remains unchanged.

B. The electric potential at P increases.
C. The electric potential at Q increases.
(D) The current flowing through resistor Rz increases.1<
'---'

201O-AL-PHY 2-9 9 I Go on to the next page>

{j IIA
1.2 J y
X
1.0 y
0.8 V
/
0.6 / 1..--1-- X
0.4 V V +
0.2 J./
It'"

o 2 4 6 · V/V

Two bulbs X and Yare marked as ~ and '~y, 6 W' respectively and their 1- V characteristics are
shown in the above graph. When X and Yare connected in serieslQ_,! d~supply, one of the bulbs
operates at its nOrIllll.l..ntting while th~er is lit dimly. Which bulb is dimly lit and what is the power
consumed by it ?

bulb dimly lit power consumed

A. X 1.0W
!;
,C~
~-~"
X
Y
l.5W
1.0 W
D. Y 1.5 W

26.
x x x x x x x x x x x
X
x x x x x

x Xp QX x

x x x x x

x x x x x

x f? x x

x x r x x x x x x x x

In the figure, PQ and RS are two parallel metal rails with separation L. A metal rod XY resting on the
rails moves with velocity v perpendicular to its length across a l!l!iform magnetic field of flux density B
pointing into the paper as shown. If the rod makes an angle O-wltlcthe--raiIs, what is thepotential
difference across Q and S? (Assume that the rod is always in contact with the rails.)

BLv
A.
cosO
B. BLv cos 0
BLv
C.
r"',/) sinO
IQ) BLv sin 0

201O-AL-PHY 2-10 10
 Two capacitors C 1 and Cz, each of capacitance 2 J..lF, are connected to a cell of e.m.f. 6 V and negligible
internal resistance as shown. How would the charges stored in C 1 and C2 change after the switch S is
closed and a steady state is reached?

capacitor C1 capacitor Cz
A. decreased by 4 J..lC increased by 4 J..lC
~'J decreased by 4 J..lC decreased by 4 J..lC
C. / decreased by 8 J..lC increased by 8 J..lC
D. decreased by 8 J..lC decreased by 8 J..lC

~" ',,­
28. Charged particles are deflected by a magnetic field when they travel at right angles to the ~: This
deflection can be increaseaby-inereasing -­

(1) the mass of the particles.

(2) the charge of the particles . .;
(3) the flux density of the magnetic field. j

A. (I) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
,D.) (2) and (3) only
\ __ /

29. x

30

Two cells X and Y of the same e.m.f. are connected in parallel to a load of resistance 3 O. Xhas internal
resistance 2 0 while Y has internal resistance 3 n. Which cell

(I) delivers greater power to the load,

(2) dissipates greater power in itself?

(1) (2)

A. X X
~i Xj Y.I
Y X
D. Y Y

20 1O-AL-PHY 2-11 11 I Go on to the next page >

30.

Q
x X I X X
R X X X X
X X X X

, 0'
J
In the figure, PQRS is a small rectangular metal frame suspended from a fixed point a by a thin rigid rod.
The frame is released from the position shown and it swings about a in a plane normal to a uniform
magnetic field pointing into the paper within the dotted rectangle. Neglect air resistance and friction.
1
Which of the following is/are correct?

(1) A current is induced in the frame in the direction PQRSP when it is entering the field. /
(2) The current induced in the frame is at a maximum when it passes 00'. 'f
(3) The direction of the magnetic force experienced by the frame is opposite to its motion when it
passes 00'.
r- I
L~'/ (1) only
B. (1) and (2) only /
C. (2) and (3) only i
D. (1), (2) and (3) {
"
31. c
a
R
b

A parallel-plate capacitor C and a resistor R are connected in series to a cell of constant e.m.f. and
negligible internal resistance as shown. When the plate-s.ep~~capac~d, which of
the following is/are correct?

(1) A current will flow through R from a to b momentarily.;

(2) The energy stored in the capacitor will increase. "
(3) Chemical energy is converted to electrical energy by the cell.

1'1\:
\ ..7 (I) onlYj 1
B. (1) and (2) only
C. (2) and (3) only 1
D. (1), (2) and (3)

201O-AL-PHY 2-12 12
 32.

.Jl­ ov
A rectangular pulse is fed to the input terminals PQ of each of the circuits X and Y shown below.

circuit X circuit Y

P~
L
S P S

1 R R

1 Q T Q T

The possible resulting pulses across the output terminals ST are indicated as (l), (2) and (3).

(1) (2) (3)

_SL.
Which of the following is a correct match of the circuits and the output pulses?

circuit X circuit Y
(1) (2)
®
c.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(1)
D. (3) (2)

33.

100 Q

.. In the circuit shown, the frequency of the a.c. supply is gradually increased from 100 Hz to 1000 Hz while
its r.m.s. output voltage remains unchanged. As the frequency is increased, the r.m.s. current flowing in
I the circuit will
l A. increase at first and then decrease.
B. decrease at first and then increase.
C. increase continuously.
(l?) decrease continuously.
\----./

201O-AL-PHY 2-13 13 I Go on to the next page>

 34.

The inductor in the LR circuit shown has nOfeSIst~~~. When the switch S is closed, the cell of e.m.f. c
and with negligibh;-iirternal resistance drivesacurrent I in a clockwisedirectloil;--which is taken to be
positive. Which equation is correct?

dI
A. c+L-+IR=O
dt
dI
B. c+ L--IR = 0
dt
dI
(C<' c-L-+IR = 0
\ dt
dI
D. c-L--IR = 0
dt

35.

Monochromatic light is incident on a photo-emissive cell connected to a variable d.c. supply as shown.
The galvanometer shows no deflection. Which of the following can be a possible reason?

(1) The temperature of the photo-emissive cell is too low.

(2) The wavelength of the incident light is too long.
(3) The d.c. voltage applied has been reduced to zero.
\j

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
Q~ (2) and (3) only

C36.\ In phot ectric emission experiments, when a m9!l~~A,...is incident OIl metals
\
X and Y, the maximum kme . of the photoelectrons emitted are 1.0 eV .tid 0.5 eV respectively.

If the incident ~ht is replaced ;- that of wavelength ~,

2
the maximum kinetic energy of the

photoelectrons emitted from metal X becomes 3.0 eY. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the
photoelectrons emitted from metal Y?

,' ,,
"A . 1.0eV
B. 1.5 eV
C. 2.0 eV
D. 2.5 eV

201O-AL-PHY 2-14 14
37. The diagram shows the energy levels available to the outer electron in an
atom of a certain element drawn approximately to scale. At, A2, A3 and A4 energy
denote the respective wavelengths of the emitted photons corresponding to
the electron transitions indicated. Which line spectrum shown on a linear
scale of wavelength is correct?
I
increasing wavelength
.. 4 A3 Az AI
A.
ground state

II I
B.

I II
c.

II I
I II
38. v

~o4---~~~------------~ x

In the above figure, a molecule ~is ~d at the origin while afO.I!t~~ mol~~ule-Q~rn9.~~Ylong,-the x-axis.
The intermolecular potential energy V between the two mo ules v a n ' . .tween
them as shown. If Q is released from resTiiTlnfinity and approaches which of the following de tiCifo'il's
is/are correct?

(1) Q has the greatest acceleration at x X2.

(2) Q has kinetic energy equal to Vo at x = X2.!
(3) Q can reach a position with x < x!. ".

A. (2) only
13) (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (1) and (3) only

201O-AL-PHY 2-15 15 I Go on to 1he next page>

 I ~_'_, f,
\J -4,14~'1'
I ' ,

~_=__
=== '
r _:uu,Luu_u ....'==" tiel))
mmc Ie ,
\ 1\.'
==-=
-15 b:::- uu I
A uniform steel wire, 2.0 m long and 1.0 mm in diameter, with its ends attached to two rigid supports is
held just taut horizontally. When a block is hung from the mid-point of the wire, it produces a sag of
2.0 cm at that point. Find the tension in the wire. Neglect the weight of the wire itself
Given: Young modulus of steel = 2.0 x 1011 Pa

(A) 15.7 N
B. 31.4 N
C. 62.8 N
D. 126 N

40. An a-particle (iHe) of initial kinetic energy 7.7 MeV approaches a gold nucleus e~~Au) from far away.
The a-particle is deflected as shown. Estimate the kinetic energy of the a-particle at point P where it is
6.5 x 10=14 m from the gold nucleus which is assumed to be stationary throughout.
Given: charge of an electron 1.60 x 10= 19 C
permittivity of free space = 8.85 x 10=12 F m=1

a-particle.. ';, _ \
\

• gold nucleus

A. 3.5 MeV
B. 4.2 MeV
ff'i'
& 7.3 MeV
D. 11.2 MeV

41.

liquid flow

The figure shows a horizontal Pitot tube in which a non-viscous, incompressible liquid is flowing. If the ••
speed of liquid flow at N is 1.2 m S-I, find the difference in height of the liquid levels in the vertical tubes
at Mand atN.
•
Given: the density of the liquid = 1000 kg m-3
the cross-sectional area of the Pitot tube at M = 40 cm 2
the cross-sectional area of the Pitot tube at N = 20 cm2

~
C.
1.8cm
3.6 cm
5.4 cm
D. 7.2 cm

201O·AL·PHY 2-16 16
 42. A cancer research project employs a certain radioactive source having a half-life of 5.3 years. The source
has been prepared for some time. Now the research treatment requires 10 minutes of irradiation on rats
with cancer using the source. If two years later the same source is to be used for this kind of treatment,
estimate the irradiation time required in order to have the same radiation dosage.

A. 13 minutes
B. 15 minutes
o
D.
18 minutes
It cannot be estimated as the time when the source was freshly prepared is not known.

43. It is known that the background count rate is 20 min-I. A GM tube is placed 8 cm from a small y-source,
the count rate registered is 240 min-I. If the GM tube is placed 20 em from the source, what would be the
approximate count rate in min-I?

A. 35
~ 55
C. 88
D. 108

44. pressure plPa

~y
o
L -_ _ _ _ _- . temperature T/K

A fixed mass of an ideal gas changes its state from X to Y shown in the above p-T diagram. Which
conclusion can be drawn ?

A. The gas has to do work on the surroundings and absorb heat from the surroundings.
B. The gas has to do work on the surroundings and liberate heat to the surroundings.
V Work has to be done on the gas while it absorbs heat from the surroundings.
D. No work has to be done by the gas while it absorbs heat from the surroundings.

45. Slotted masses are attached to the lower end of a spring clamped vertically to a stand. The system is set
to perform simple harmonic motion. The period T is measured for different slotted masses m. A graph
of T2 against m is then plotted.

slotted

-
••
mass

The straight-line graph does not pass through the origin as shown.
m/kg

The possible reason is that

A. air resistance is present.

@ the number of oscillations is JOiscounted, say, time for 19 oscillations is taken as that for
20 oscillations. .J
C. the mass ofthe spring is not negligible.
D. the change in the centre of gravity of different slotted masses is not taken into account.

END OF SECTION A

201O-AL-PHY 2-17 17 I Go on to the next page>

Section B

Answer any THREE questions from this section. Where necessary, take the acceleration due to gravity to be
10 m S-2 and take the speed of light in air to be 3 x 108 m S-1.

L (a) Figure 1.1 shows a light spring of force constant k firmly fixed at its upper end. When a mass m is
attached to its lower end, the extension of the spring is e at static equilibrium.

Figure 1.1

;r~ ~ ~~ --0-----1-<3- ------

m y
equilibrium position

The mass is displaced downwards from the equilibrium position and then released. Subsequently the
mass-spring system oscillates freely such that the magnitude of the displacement y of the mass from the
equilibrium position is always smaller than e. (Neglect air resistance.)

(i) Show that the motion is simple harmonic and give its period in terms of m and k. Describe the
phase relationship between the displacement, velocity and acceleration of the mass.

(ii) Take the gravitational potential energy to be zero at the equilibrium position. Show that the sum
of elastic and gravitational potential energy of the system is given by U =~ky2 + ~ke2. Sketch
2 2
on the same graph the variations of the potential energy U, the kinetic energy K and the total
mechanical energy E of the system with displacement y. Label the minimum value of U on your
graph.

(iii) Describe and explain the effect(s), ifany, on the period in each of the following cases:

(1) The system is set up on a planet where the acceleration due to gravity is only half of that
on the Earth's surface.
(II) The spring is cut shorter.
(10 marks)

(b) The mass-spring system is being forced into sinusoidal oscillation at

steady state by a driving force Fo cOSOJt as shown in Figure 1.2.

(i) Sketch the variation of the amplitude of oscillation A of the Figure 1.2
system with the driving frequency OJ for light damping. On the
same graph, sketch and label the curves respectively for
(I) heavier damping; and (II) a spring of larger force constant is
used.

(ii) Both the free oscillation in (a) and the forced oscillation here are
sinusoidal in time. Discuss the factor(s) that the amplitude and
frequency ofoscillation depend on in each case.
(6 marks)

201O-AL-PHY 2-18 18
2. (a) With the aid of diagrams, describe respectively the situations in which the reflection of a transverse
pulse on a slinky spring undergoes (i) a phase change of n; and (ii) no phase change. (2 marks)

(b) Figure 2.1 (a) shows a soap film contained in a vertical circular hoop. In a dark room, when the film
is illuminated from the left with monochromatic light of wavelength )w in air, interference pattern can
be seen from the same side. The refractive index of soap solution is n and near normal incidence is
assumed.

soap film
monochromatic contained in a
light - -........ vertical monochromatic ~ _: so~p film of
circular hoop light - : . _~¥thlckness t
I

Figure 2.1 (a) Figure2.1(b)

(i) Figure 2.1 (b) shows the cross-section of a small part of the soap film of thickness t. Derive, with
explanation(s), the conditions for the monochromatic light to have destructive interference at that
position when observed from the left.

(ii) Because of draining of soap solution towards the bottom, the soap film will become very thin near
the top and the thickness increases gradually downwards as shown in Figure 2.2(a). The pattern
observed at a certain moment is shown in Figure 2.2(b).

dark area

dark bands

Figure 2.2(a) Figure 2.2(b)

Explain why there is always a dark area at the top of the film and the separation between adjacent
dark bands decreases towards the bottom. Describe the change(s) to the pattern at a later time
before the soap film breaks.
(7 marks)

(c) (1) Account for the presence of dark lines in the solar spectrum. Hence explain how we are able to
deduce the composition of the Sun's atmosphere.

(ii) Describe and explain a situation in which a spectrum observed by a stationary observer on the
Earth from a source shows red shift. Hence, or otherwise, describe a method to measure the
angular speed of rotation of the Sun. (Assume that the diameter of the Sun is known.)
(7 marks)

201O-AL-PHY 2-19 19 I Go on to 1he next page)

I
~~-------------------------------------------------------------- ..--------....................................................--..---­

3. (a) In Figure 3.1, a lamp P of rating '6 V, 50 rnA' is connected in series with a 6 V cell and a capacitor C.
When switch K is closed, the lamp P glows at first. Then it becomes dimmer and goes off within
about 10 s.

Figure 3.1 K ~~c

P

(i) By considering the voltage across the capacitor, explain qualitatively the observation described.
Estimate the order of magnitude of the capacitance of C.

(ii) If the lamp P is replaced by another one of '6 V, 100 rnA', how would the observation
described be affected? Explain.

(iii) The lamp is now replaced by a resistor R of 120 n and several voltage readings VR across it at
different time t during charging are recorded. Describe how you could use the data to obtain the
capacitance of C using a graphical method and state the advantage of replacing the lamp by a
resistor in the measurement of capacitance.
(7 marks)

(b) Figure 3.2 shows a circuit consisting of a d.c. motor M, the lamp P, an ammeter A (centre-zero) and a
6 V cell. A heavy wheel is fitted to the shaft of the motor.

6V X
I 0

Figure 3.2 ~

••
(i) Sketch graphs to show the respective variation of the ammeter reading I and the angular speed
of the motor ill with time right after switch S is switched to X. Explain the shape ofthe graphs.

(ii) When the motor is running steadily, S is quickly switched from X to Y. The heavy wheel fitted
to the motor continues to rotate for some time before coming to rest Describe and explain the
observations of the lamp P and the ammeter A.

(iii) State and explain the difference, if any, in the rotation of the heavy wheel compared to (ii) if
this time S is quickly switched fromXto the open position shown in Figure 3.2.
(9 marks)

2010-AL-PHY 2-20 20
4. (a) Radioactive decay can be simulated by throwing a certain number of dice, say 400.

(i) Describe how the simulation experiment is done. The number of undecayed nuclei in radioactive
decay can be expressed as N No e-kt • In your description, state clearly which measurements are
representing N, t and dNldt respectively and explain how the 'half-life' of dice throwing can be
obtained graphically.

(ii) Would the data of this simulation experiment deviate more from the exponential law of decay if
the initial number of dice is smaller, say 40 instead of 400? Explain.

(iii) Describe in words TWO properties or assumptions common to radioactive decay and dice
throwing that lead to exponential law of decay.
(8 marks)

(b) (i) Some energy production processes are chain reactions. Once triggered, the process continues on
its own. Explain how the chain reaction in nuclear fission is triggered and controlled.

(ii) The schematic diagram below shows a type of nuclear power plant employing pressurized water
reactor in which the reactor core is circulated by high-pressure water.

heat
exchanger
,..-_ _ ~ To the grid
Figure 4.1 ~ through a step-up
reactor transformer
pressurized core
water
circulating

(1) State TWO major functions of high-pressure water in this type of reactor.
(II) Describe the energy change in the fission of uranium. Explain how the energy released in
fission can be extracted from the reactor core for driving the turbine.
(III) State TWO safety measures for protecting people working in a nuclear power plant.
(8 marks)

END OF PAPER

201O-AL·PHY 2-21 21
 Useful Formulae in Advanced Level Phxsics

2
AI.
U
a==-==()) r
2
centripetal acceleration CI3. B = floI magnetic field due to a long straight wire
r 21[r

A2. a == _())2X simple harmonic motion C14. B == floNI magnetic field inside a long solenoid
I
A3. F== Gmlm2 F == floIIIl force per unit length between long parallel
Newton's law of gravitation C15.
r2 21[r straight current-carrying conductors

A4. U==_GMm gravitational potential energy C16. T== BANIsint/J torque on a rectangular current-carrying
r coil in a uniform magnetic field

AS. r3 / T2 == constant Kepler's third law C17. E = BAN()) sin ())t simple generator e.m.f.

velocity of transverse wave motion in a CIS.

v.,
-"='--
Ns ratio of secondary voltage to primary
BI. u==Jf stretched string Vp Np voltage in a transformer

B2. u==~ velocity of longitudinal wave motion in

a solid
C19. 8=--=-L­
drp
dt
dI
dt
induced e.m.f.

B3. n==tanB p refractive index and polarizing angle C20. E =!..U 2 energy stored in an inductor
2
B4. d== ;W fringe width in double-slit interference C21. XL == ())L reactance of an inductor
a
1
B5. d sin B == nA diffraction grating equation C22. Xc = OJC reactance of a capacitor

u-u
B6. f' == /(_ _ 0 ) Doppler frequency C23. P IV cos B power in an a.c. circuit
u-u s
12
B7. 10IoglO(-) definition of the decibel DI. p V = nRT == NkT equation of state for an ideal gas
II
I I I 1 2
B8. -+-=­ equation for a single lens D2. pV=-Nmc kinetic theory equation
U v f 3
Cl. E=-.Jl electric field strength due to a point D3. E == 3RT =~kT molecular kinetic energy
2 charge k 2N A 2
41[80r

V=~
:/~
C2. macroscopic definition of Young
electric potential due to a point charge D4. E= modulus
41[80r
V electric field between parallel plates 1
C3. E==­ (numerically)
05. E -Fx energy stored in stretching
d 2
dU relationship between force and potential
C4. c capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor D6. F= energy
V dr
decay of charge with time when a D7. P+ 1 pu 2 + pgh
CS. Q Qoe- IIRC 2 Bernoulli's equation
capacitor discharges
constant
Q (l -II RC) rise of charge with time when charging DS. !:J.U Q+W
C6. Q o e a capacitor
first law of thermodynamics

13.6
C7. E 1 CV 2 energy stored in a capacitor D9. 2 eV energy level equation for hydrogen atom
2 n
CS. I nAuQ general current flow equation DlO. N N oe­ kJ law of radioactive decay

In2
C9. R resistance and resistivity DI I. t1 half-life and decay constant
A 1 k
force on a moving charge in a magnetic 1
CIO. F BQusinB
field D12. mu 2 hv rp Einstein's photoelectric equation
2 m

force on a current-carrying conductor in

CII. F BIlsin B a magnetic field DI3. E me 2 mass-energy relationship

C12. V == BI Hall voltage

nQt

20 1O-AL-PHY 2-22 22