Physical Science Gr.

11:
PHYSICS
Developed by the
Cape Town Science Centre
In collaboration with the
Western Cape Education Department
 VECTORS IN 2
DIMENSIONS
Developed by the
Cape Town Science Centre
In collaboration with
Western Cape Education Department
 Recap from Grade 10
What is a vector?
A vector has both MAGNITUDE and DIRECTION unlike a
scaler which only has magnitude

Vectors can be represented as arrows

The LENGTH of the arrow would represent the

MAGNITUDE and the ARROWHEAD would represent the
DIRECTION.

Magnitude

Tail Head
 Vectors and the Cartesian Plane
We are able to represent multiple vectors in 2D
on a Cartesian plane.
The magnitude of the vector will remain the remain the same no
matter the position the vector is placed.

The start of a vector on the Cartesian plane does not have an

effect on the physical quantity as long as the MAGNITUDE AND
DIRECTION REMAINS THE SAME.

No matter where you

put your arrow, the
magnitude would
always be the same
 Resultant Vectors
What is the resultant vector?

The RESULTANT VECTOR has the same magnitude as the SUM

OF ALL THE VECTORS.

Vectors that which fall on the same line/plane

are called co-linear vectors

You must use the tail-to-head method when adding vectors.

The resultant vector’s arrow starts at the tail of the first vector
and ends at the arrow of the last vector

𝐹1 𝐹2 𝐹3

𝑅
What happens if there is a vector acting in the
opposite direction?

The arrow of the vector which is action in the opposite

direction should be drawn on top of the last vector starting
at the head of your last vector

𝐹1 𝐹2 𝐹3
𝐹4
It is easier to draw it like this:

𝐹1 𝐹2 𝐹3

𝑅 𝐹4

REMEMBER: The resultant vector’s tail

starts at the tail of your first vector and the
head points at the head of your last vector
 Magnitude of the resultant of
vectors at right angles
We can apply the same method of tail-to-tail
and head-to-head for vectors which are
perpendicular to each other.

𝐹2

𝐹1

Take the second vector

and draw it from the head
of the first vector

Use Pythagoras to
𝑅 determine the
Resultant
𝐹1

𝐹2
 Determining the resultant with
multiple vectors
If you have multiple vectors acting in both the x and
the y direction, then determine the resultant in both
x and y direction before determining the resultant

In the y-direction In the x-direction

𝐹2 𝐹3 𝐹1 𝐹2

𝐹𝑅𝑥
𝐹1 𝐹𝑅𝑦

Determining Resultant

𝑅
𝐹𝑅𝑦

𝐹𝑅𝑥
 Closed Vector Diagrams
A closed vector diagram occur when the magnitude
of the RESULTANT FORCE IS ZERO

The head of the final vector would meet with the tail fo the first
vector.
𝑹=0
 Addition and Subtraction of
Vectors
When adding vectors:

1. Choose a direction which is POSITIVE (e.g. to the left or right)

2. If your vector quantity is pointing oppositely to your positive

direction, then its magnitude would be a NEGATIVE

For Example:

10N 3N

Determine the Resultant Force

𝑅 = 𝐹Ԧ 1 + 𝐹Ԧ 2 +

= 10 + (-3)

= 7N
 Components of Vectors
Vectors that act at an angle can be resolved
into their COMPONENTS.

It is really good to break down a vector into its components which are
at RIGHT ANGLES to each other (vertical and horizontal)

The components of vectors for right-angled triangles

which therefore means we can use trigonometry to
determine the magnitude of the components

x-component

𝑅𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 =
𝑅
𝑹𝒙 = 𝑹 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽

y-component

𝑅𝑦
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 =
𝑅
𝑹𝒚 = 𝑹 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
Adding Vectors using components
Splitting your vectors into components can be
an easier way to find the resultant IF DONE
PROPERLY

Each vector can be

broken down into its
components on its x-
axis and y-axis.

These components can

be added up to 2
vectors which can then
be used to calculate
the resultant
𝑅𝑦 𝑅

𝑅𝑥
 Exam Questions
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (Nov 2018) - Q2
Two forces, of magnitudes 50 N and 80 N, act at a point on a
Cartesian plane in the directions shown in the sketch below.

2.1 Give the correct term for the following description:

A single vector having the same effect as two or more vectors together
(1)
2.2 Calculate the:

2.2.1 Magnitude of the vertical component of the 50 N (2)

2.2.2 MAGNITUDE of the resultant (net) force (5)

2.2.3 DIRECTION of the resultant (net) force (2)

[10]
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (Nov 2017) - Q2
Block A, which is at REST on a horizontal rough surface, is used as an anchor
to hold block B, with a mass of 56 kg, in the air at a certain height above the
ground. The two blocks are connected with rope R, which makes an angle of
35° with the vertical. Block B is suspended from the ceiling with cable C. Refer
to the diagram below.
Block A experiences a frictional force of magnitude 200 N. The system is
STATIONARY.

2.1 Define the term resultant vector. (2)

2.2 What is the magnitude of the resultant force acting on block B? (1)

2.3 Draw a labelled free-body diagram indicating all the forces acting on
block B. (3)

2.4 Determine the horizontal component of the force in rope R. (1)

2.5 Calculate the vertical component of the force in cable C. (4)

2.6 Calculate the angle θ between the cable and the ceiling. (2)

[13]
NEWTON’S LAWS
Developed by the
Cape Town Science Centre
In collaboration with
Western Cape Education Department
 Newton’s laws – Definitions from
Exam guidelines
REMEMBER: Exam markers are very strict
when it comes to the definitions so you will
have to know them off by heart!!!

Define normal force, N, as the force or the component

of a force which a surface exerts on an object with
which it is in contact, and which is perpendicular to the
surface.

Define frictional force, f, as the force that opposes the

motion of an object and which acts parallel to the
surface.

Define static frictional force, fs, as the force that

opposes the tendency of motion of a stationary object
relative to a surface.

Define kinetic frictional force, fk, as the force that

opposes the motion of a moving object relative to a
surface.
 Definitions of Laws
Newton (I): A body will remain in its state of rest or
motion at constant velocity unless a non-zero
resultant/net force acts on it.

Newton (II): When a net force acts on an object, the

object will accelerate in the direction of the force and
the acceleration is directly proportional to the force and
inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

Newton (III): When object A exerts a force on object

B, object B SIMULTANEOUSLY exerts an oppositely
directed force of equal magnitude on object A.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: Each

body in the universe attracts every other body with a
force that is directly proportional to the product of their
masses and inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between their centres.
Newton’s laws – Force Diagrams
Steps when drawing a free body
diagram
Identify the forces that are acting on the object
1 which are indirect contact with the object apart
from gravity.

2 Draw a small block/dot which represents the

object of interest.

Draw a vector (arrow) which represents each

3 force. The direction of the arrow is the
direction of the force.

f Fapp

W
Newton’s laws – Solving problems
Solving for acceleration (𝒂) – Option 1

Draw force diagrams for EACH

1
component of your image.

Choose a direction as positive (any force

2 in the opposite direction will be
NEGATIVE)

These problems usually involve tension

3 so therefore make T the subject of the
formula.

4 Do for all parts/blocks of your system

5 Solve for 𝒂
Newton’s laws – Solving problems
Solving for acceleration (𝒂) – Option 2

Look at the ENTIRE SYSTEM in this

1 case. Don’t consider tension between the
blocks as that doesn’t affect the system
as a whole.

2 Choose a direction to be positive

Identify the correct forces acting on the

3
SYSYEM

𝐹𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚
4 Use the formula: 𝑎 =
𝑚𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚

5 Solve for 𝒂.
Newton’s laws – Force along an
incline
Some important points to remember

N
F

𝜃 W⊥
f 𝜃 W

W//

f = 𝝁.N
W⊥ = mgcos𝜽
f =𝝁 . W⊥
W// = mgsin𝜽
f = 𝝁. mgcos 𝜽
Newton’s laws – Force acting on
an angle
Remember to divide your force into its
components

F
𝜽
Draw your
force
components
F
Fy
𝜽
Fx

Fx = Fcos𝜽 f=𝝁.N

f = 𝝁 . [W - Fy]

Fy = Fsin𝜽 fs = 𝝁 . [W - Fsin 𝜽]
 Newton’s laws – Law of
Gravitation
𝑚1 𝑚2
r

𝒎𝟏 𝒎𝟐
Fg = G 𝟐
𝒓

Where:

F = gravitational force
F∝m
G = universal gravitational
constant
6,67 x 10-11 N.m2.kg-2
1
F∝ 2 r = distance between the centres
𝑟 which is squared

m = mass of the objects

 Newton’s laws – Law of
Gravitation for planets and other
celestial bodies

M 𝑴
R g= G 𝟐
𝑹

M and R of other planets besides Earth will be given

in an exam.

The M and R of Earth is given in your table of values.

Where:

g = acceleration due to gravity

G = universal gravitational constant

6,67 x 10-11 N.m2.kg-2
R = radius of your celestial body

M = mass of your celestial body

 Exam Questions
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (Sept 2022) – Q.2
Two blocks with masses 3kg and 8kg respectively are connected
by means of a light, inextensible string as shown in the diagram
below. The string moves over a frictionless pulley and the 3 kg
block is places along an inclined plane that is 30 ° to the
horizontal.

A force of 55N, applied at an angle of 15°, is applied on the 8 kg

block which causes the system of blocks to move to the right. The
3kg block experiences a constant frictional force of 5N. The
coefficient of kinetic friction between the 8kg block and the
surface is 0,16.

2.1 State Newton’s Second law of motion in words. (2)

2.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram of all the forces that (5)
are acting on the 8kg block.
Continued….

2.3 Calculate the:

2.3.1 Kinetic frictional force that the 8kg block

experiences. (4)

2.3.2 Acceleration of the 2 blocks. (5)

[16]
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (Nov 2020) – Q.2
A 20 kg block, resting on a rough horizontal surface, is connected
to blocks P and Q by a light inextensible string moving over a
frictionless pulley. Blocks P and Q are glued together and have a
combined mass of m.

A force of 35 N is now applied to the 20 kg block at an angle of

40° with the horizontal, as shown below.

The 20 kg block experiences a frictional force of magnitude 5 N

as it moves to the RIGHT at a CONSTANT SPEED.

2.1 Define the term normal force. (2)

2.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram of the 20 kg block. (5)

2.3 Calculate the combined mass m of the two blocks. (5)

Continued….

2.4 At a certain stage of the motion, block Q breaks off and

falls down. How will EACH of the following be affected
when this happens?

2.4.1 The tension in the string

Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS
THE SAME. (1)

2.4.2 The velocity of the 20 kg block

Explain the answer. (3)

[16]
ELECTROSTATICS
Developed by the
Cape Town Science Centre

In collaboration with
Western Cape Education Department
 Coulomb’s Law

Forces between different charges

In grade 10 you learnt about positive and negative charges and
now in grade 11 we are going to learn how they interact with each
other.
Charges would either attract or repel each other and the force that
governs this attraction/repulsion is the Electrostatic force.

REMEMBER:
- Like charges REPEL
- Opposite charges ATTRACT
 Coulomb’s Law

Equation
The formula for the electrostatic force between 2 charges
can be written as:

𝑘𝑄1𝑄2
𝐹𝐸 =
𝑟2

Where:

𝒌 = Coulombs constant (9 x 109 N.m2.C-2)

Q1 &Q2 = the charges of objects (IN COULOMBS (C))

𝒓 = distance between 2 objects.

Using this formula will give us the magnitude of the force,

but to get the direction we must see if the charges are like
(repelling) or unlike (attracting).

It won’t make sense if you get a negative answer for your

magnitude, so double check your calculation!
Calculating Electrostatic Force
Scenarios
3 charges in a straight line:
r1 r2

Q1 Q2 Q3

Steps:

1 Determine what is required.

2 Make a list of what is GIVEN (remember your

conversions).

Add the two electrostatic forces acting on the object using

3
your methods for adding vectors and force diagrams
(choose a direction to be positive).

4 Calculate the electrostatic forces

5 Determine the resultant force using vector addition

 Calculating Electrostatic Force
Scenarios
3 charged spheres which are placed to
form a right-angled triangle
Q1

r1
r2 Q3
Q2

Steps:

1 Determine what is required.

Make a list of what is GIVEN (remember your

2
conversions).

Add the two electrostatic forces acting on the object using

3 your methods for adding vectors and force diagrams
(choose a direction to be positive).

4 Determine the electrostatic force in the y-direction and x-

direction

5 Determine the resultant force using PYTHAGORUS

 Electric Fields
The direction of the electric field at a point
represents the direction of the force a positive
charge would experience (and the opposite
direction for a negative charge).

To calculate the electric field due to a particle, with charge Q, at a

certain distance from the particle we use this formula:

𝑘𝑄
𝐸= 2 Units: N/C
𝑟
If we want to determine the magnitude of the force a particle, with
charge q, will experience in an electric field we would use the
following formula:

𝐹 = 𝐸𝑞
 Drawing Electric Fields
Electric fields always go AWAY FROM a
positive charge and TOWARDS a negative
charge.

The more arrows you draw, the stronger the electric field would be
and therefore the higher the charge.

When drawing the field lines, remember that the lines represent
the force a particle charged with +1C would experience!

We can represent two charges acting on each other like this:

 Determining Electric Field at a
point
The steps for soling the electric field at a
point is very similar to the steps for
determining the electrostatic force.

r1 r2
X
Q1 A Q3

Steps:

1 Determine what is required.

2 Make a list of what is GIVEN (remember your

conversions).

3 Assume Point X is a POSTIVE CHARGE!

4 Determine the electric field direction using vectors

Determine the resultant electric field using

5
PYTHAGORUS OR VECTOR ADDITION
 The new charge after charged
objects touch
When oppositely charged objects touch each
other, they will share electrons so that they
BOTH have the same charge.

Q1 Q2 Spheres Q1 Q2
touch and
+ - balance out

The new charge on the spheres can be determined using

this formula:

𝑄1 + 𝑄2
𝑄𝑛𝑒𝑤 =
2
REMEMBER:
We MUST take the type of charge into consideration.
We DON’T have to convert into coulombs.
 Number of electrons gained or
lost
Objects which are POSITIVELY CHARGED will
GAIN ELECTRONS and objects that are
NEGATIVELY CHARGED would LOSE
ELECTRONS
The charge of an object can be determined by using this formula:

𝑄 = 𝑛𝑞
Where:
𝒏 = the number of electrons
𝒒𝒆 = charge of an electron (-1,6 x 10-19)

If the charge of an object is known then we can determine

the number of electrons gained or lost by rearranging the
equation:

𝑄
𝑛=
𝑞𝑒
 Exam Questions
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (June 2022) Q.7
Two small, identical spheres, P and T, are placed a distance of
0,1 m apart, as shown in the diagram below. P carries a charge of
+3 x 10-6C and T carries a charge of -3 x 10-6 C.

7.1.1 State Coulomb's law in words. (2)

7.1.2 Draw the resultant electric field pattern due to the

charges on P and T. (3)
Continued…..

A third charged sphere S of unknown charge QS is placed a

distance of 0,15 m from sphere T such that the three charged
spheres are at the vertices of a right-angled triangle.
The net electrostatic force on sphere T due to the other two
charged spheres has a magnitude of 10 N, as shown in the
diagram below.

7.1.3 Is charge QS POSITIVE or NEGATIVE? (1)

7.1.4 Calculate the number of electrons added to or removed

from sphere S to give it a charge of QS. (6)

[12]
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (June 2021) Q.7
Two charged spheres, R and S, are both stationary on a smooth,
insulated surface inclined at an angle of 25° to the horizontal.
Sphere S, of mass 0,01 kg and carrying a charge of –6 x 10-9 C,
is connected to a 0,03 m long, light inextensible string attached to
point P at the top of the incline.

Sphere R, carrying a charge of +5 x 10-9 C, is held such that the

distance between the centres of the spheres is r, as shown in the
diagram below.

Ignore the effects of friction.

Sphere R exerts an electrostatic force of magnitude 1,2 x 10-3 N

on sphere S.

7.1 State Coulomb's law in words. (2)

7.2 Calculate the distance r between the spheres. (3)

Continued…..

7.3 Draw a labelled free-body diagram for sphere S. (4)

7.4 Calculate the:

7.4.1 Tension in the string (4)

7.4.2 Net electric field at point P (5)

[18]
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
Developed by the
Cape Town Science Centre

In collaboration with
Western Cape Education Department
 Introduction

In electric circuits you will cover 3 fundamental

quantities which are very important to understand

1 Electric current (I): the flow of electrical

charge per unit time beyond a certain
point.

2 Voltage/Potential difference (V): the

amount of energy needed to move a
charge between 2 points of a circuit

3 Resistance (R): a measure of how the

opposition to the flow of current in a
circuit.
 Ohm’s Law and Electric Circuits

Ohm’s laws states that the current which flows

through a metal conductor is proportional to the
voltage across the conductor and inversely
proportional to the resistance, provided that
the temperature stays constant,

This relationship can be represented in the following

equation:

𝑽
𝑹=
𝑰
Where:
𝑰 = current (amps)
𝑽 = potential difference (volts)
𝑹 = resistance (𝛺)
 Ohm’s Law

Ohmic and non-ohmic conductors

Ohmic conductors will maintain a constant resistance
when the voltage or current is changed. An example of an
ohmic conductor are normal circuit resistors or nichrome
wires (heater wires)

Non-ohmic conductors will experience a change in their

resistance as the temperature changes. Examples of non-
ohmic conductors are lightbulbs, diodes and transistors.
Resisters in series and parallel

Resisters in series:
In a series circuit there is one path which
the current flows:

SOME TIPS TO REMEMBER:

❖ The current which flows in each resistors is the SAME

❖ VOLTAGE DIVIDERS – share the voltage proportionally

❖ Rs = R1 + R2…..Rn

❖ Vext =VR1 + VR2…..VRn

❖ Always use voltage with its corresponding resistor

 Resisters in series and parallel

Resisters in parallel:
In a parallel circuit there is more than one path
which the current flows:

SOME TIPS TO REMEMBER:

❖ The voltage in each resistors are the SAME

❖ The current DIVIDES INVERSELY (the least resistance will

have more current flow through it)

1 1 1 1
❖ = + ….
𝑅 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅𝑛
//

❖ IT = I1 + I2…..In
 A quick summary

Draw this table to help you remember when

doing your problems related to series and
parallel circuits:

Series Parallel

Voltage Divides Same

Current Same Divides

 Measuring Voltage and Current

Here are some important things you would need

to remember about voltmeters and ammeters
Ammeters

A
MUST be placed in SERIES

Has a resistance of 𝟎𝜴

Voltmeters

V
MUST be placed in PARALLEL

Has a resistance of ∞𝜴
 Opened and closed circuits
When a circuit is OPEN then there is no current flowing
through the circuit and when a circuit is CLOSED there a
current flowing through the circuit.
OPEN SWITCH

➢ Infinite Resistance
➢ No current flow
➢ Voltmeter reading = Emf (𝜺)

CLOSED SWITCH

➢ Zero Resistance

➢ Maximum current flow

➢ Voltmeter reading = 𝑽𝑬𝒙𝒕

 Introduction into Internal
Resistance
Internal resistance causes a decrease in the measured
potential difference across the battery terminals when a
current is flowing.

This is due to energy being lost as the electrons move from

one part of the battery to another.

You can imagine the electrons colliding with the other

molecules of the atom as it passes from one end of the
terminal to the other.

+ -
e-

Battery/cell

This would then mean that the potential difference (V)

flowing across the circuit would be less than the emf of
the battery (𝜺)
 Internal resistance
We can represent internal resistance (r) inside a
battery in the following way

The volts ‘lost’ due to internal resistance can

be represented as:

𝑽𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕/𝒊𝒏𝒕 = 𝑰𝒓

The voltage that is used by the circuit can be

represented as:

𝑽𝒆𝒙𝒕 = 𝑰𝑹
 Determining the EMF (𝜺)

The emf of a cell (ε) is the sum of the internal and

external potential difference (V) in any given
circuit

𝜺 = 𝑽𝒆𝒙𝒕 + 𝑽𝒊𝒏𝒕

𝜺 = 𝑰𝑹 + 𝑰𝒓

𝜺 = 𝑰(𝑹 + 𝒓)

Decreasing external resistance increases

current, and vice versa.

Increasing current will increase 𝑽𝒊𝒏𝒕 .

 Exam Questions
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (June 2022) Q.8
In the circuit below a battery of UNKNOWN emf and an internal
resistance of 0,5 Ω is connected to two resistors of 4 Ω and 8 Ω
each, and a resistor R of unknown resistance.

Ignore the resistance of the connecting wires.

8.1 The three external resistors are ohmic conductors.

Explain the meaning of the term ohmic conductor. (2)

8.2 When switch S is OPEN, voltmeter V1 reads 3,2 V.

Calculate the:

8.2.1 Current through the battery (3)

Continued…..

8.2.2 Emf of the battery (4)

8.3 When switch S is CLOSED, voltmeter V2 reads 8,8 V.

8.3.1 Calculate the resistance of resistor R. (5)

8.3.2 The battery becomes heated when voltmeter V2 is

replaced by a connecting wire. Explain this
observation. (3)

[17]
WORKED: Exam Question Paper 1 (Nov 2020) Q.8
A battery with an internal resistance of 0,5 Ω and an unknown emf
(ε) is connected to three resistors, a high resistance voltmeter and
an ammeter of negligible resistance, as shown in the circuit
diagram below.

The resistance of the connecting wires must be ignored.

8.1 Define the term emf of a battery. (2)

The reading on the voltmeter DECREASES by 1,5 V when switch

S is CLOSED.

8.2 Give a reason why the voltmeter reading decreases. (2)

Continued…..

8.3 Calculate the following when switch S is closed:

8.3.1 Reading on the ammeter (3)

8.3.2 Total external resistance of the circuit (4)

8.3.3 Emf of the battery (3)

8.4 A learner makes the following statement:

The current through resistor R3 is larger than the current through

resistor R2.

Is this statement CORRECT? Choose from YES or NO.

Explain the answer. (3)

8.5 The 4 Ω resistor is now removed from the circuit.

How will this affect the emf of the battery?

Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE

SAME. (1)

[18]