4

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided. For

Examiner’s
Use

1 The volume of fuel in the tank of a car is monitored using a meter as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.

FUEL
½ ¾
¼
0 1

Fig. 1.1

The meter has an analogue scale. The meter reading for different volumes of fuel in the tank
is shown in Fig. 1.2.

60

50
volume
/ litre
40

30

20

10

0
0 ¼ ½ ¾ 1
empty full
meter reading

Fig. 1.2

The meter is calibrated in terms of the fraction of the tank that remains filled with fuel.

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(a) The car uses 1.0 litre of fuel when travelling 14 km. The car starts a journey with a full For
tank of fuel. Examiner’s
Use

(i) Calculate the volume of fuel remaining in the tank after a journey of 210 km.

volume = ...................................... litres [2]

(ii) Use your answer to (i) and Fig. 1.2 to determine the change in the meter reading
during the 210 km journey.

from full to ............................................... [1]

(b) There is a systematic error in the meter.

(i) State the feature of Fig. 1.2 that indicates that there is a systematic error.

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

............................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) Suggest why, for this meter, it is an advantage to have this systematic error.

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

............................................................................................................................ [1]

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 6

2 A sky-diver jumps from a high-altitude balloon. For

Examiner’s
(a) Explain briefly why the acceleration of the sky-diver Use

(i) decreases with time,

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

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

............................................................................................................................ [2]

(ii) is 9.8 m s–2 at the start of the jump.

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

............................................................................................................................ [1]

(b) The variation with time t of the vertical speed v of the sky-diver is shown in Fig. 2.1.

40

v / m s–1

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
t/s

Fig. 2.1

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Use Fig. 2.1 to determine the magnitude of the acceleration of the sky-diver at time For
t = 6.0 s. Examiner’s
Use

acceleration = ..................................... m s–2 [3]

(c) The sky-diver and his equipment have a total mass of 90 kg.

(i) Calculate, for the sky-diver and his equipment,

1. the total weight,

weight = ........................................... N [1]

2. the accelerating force at time t = 6.0 s.

force = ........................................... N [1]

(ii) Use your answers in (i) to determine the total resistive force acting on the sky-diver
at time t = 6.0 s.

force = ........................................... N [1]

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3 A stationary nucleus of mass 220u undergoes radioactive decay to produce a nucleus D of For
mass 216u and an α-particle of mass 4u, as illustrated in Fig. 3.1. Examiner’s
Use

nucleus

before decay 220u

nucleus D α-particle

after decay 216u 4u

initial kinetic energy
1.0 × 10–12 J

Fig. 3.1

The initial kinetic energy of the α-particle is 1.0 × 10–12 J.

(a) (i) State the law of conservation of linear momentum.

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

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

............................................................................................................................ [2]

(ii) Explain why the initial velocities of the nucleus D and the α-particle must be in
opposite directions.

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

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

............................................................................................................................ [2]

(b) (i) Show that the initial speed of the α-particle is 1.7 × 107 m s–1.

[2]

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(ii) Calculate the initial speed of nucleus D. For

Examiner’s
Use

speed = ...................................... m s–1 [2]

(c) The range in air of the emitted α-particle is 4.5 cm.

Calculate the average deceleration of the α-particle as it is stopped by the air.

deceleration = ...................................... m s–2 [2]

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4 A uniform wire has length L and area of cross-section A. For

The wire is fixed at one end so that it hangs vertically with a load attached to its free end, as Examiner’s
shown in Fig. 4.1. Use

wire

load W

Fig. 4.1

When the load of magnitude W is attached to the wire, it extends by an amount e. The elastic
limit of the wire is not exceeded.

The material of the wire has resistivity ρ.

(a) (i) Explain what is meant by extends elastically.

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

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

............................................................................................................................ [2]

(ii) Write down expressions, in terms of L, A, W, ρ and e for

1. the resistance R of the unstretched wire,

R = ............................................... [1]

2. the Young modulus E of the wire.

E = ............................................... [1]

(b) A steel wire has resistance 0.44 Ω. Steel has resistivity 9.2 × 10–8 Ω m.

A load of 34 N hung from the end of the wire causes an extension of 7.7 × 10–4 m.

Using your answers in (a)(ii), calculate the Young modulus E of steel.

E = .......................................... Pa [3]
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5 (a) State what is meant by a progressive wave. For

Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

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

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The variation with distance x along a progressive wave of a quantity y, at a particular
time, is shown in Fig. 5.1.

0
0 x

Fig. 5.1

(i) State what the quantity y could represent.

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

............................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) Distinguish between the quantity y for

1. a transverse wave,

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

............................................................................................................................. [1]

2. a longitudinal wave.

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

............................................................................................................................ [1]

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(c) The wave nature of light may be demonstrated using the phenomena of diffraction and For
interference. Examiner’s
Use

Outline how diffraction and how interference may be demonstrated using light.
In each case, draw a fully labelled diagram of the apparatus that is used and describe
what is observed.

diffraction

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

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

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

interference

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

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

..........................................................................................................................................
[6]

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6 A cell has electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r. It is connected in series For
with a variable resistor R, as shown in Fig. 6.1. Examiner’s
Use

E r

Fig. 6.1

(a) Define electromotive force (e.m.f.).

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

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

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The variable resistor R has resistance X. Show that

power dissipated in resistor R X

= .
power produced in cell X + r

[3]

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(c) The variation with resistance X of the power PR dissipated in R is shown in Fig. 6.2. For
Examiner’s
Use
2.0

PR / W

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
X/Ω

Fig. 6.2

(i) Use Fig. 6.2 to state, for maximum power dissipation in resistor R, the magnitude of
this power and the resistance of R.

maximum power = ................................................. W

resistance = ................................................. Ω
[2]

(ii) The cell has e.m.f. 1.5 V.

Use your answers in (i) to calculate the internal resistance of the cell.

internal resistance = ........................................... Ω [3]

(d) In Fig. 6.2, it can be seen that, for larger values of X, the power dissipation decreases.
Use the relationship in (b) to suggest one advantage, despite the lower power output, of
using the cell in a circuit where the resistance X is larger than the internal resistance of
the cell.

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

.................................................................................................................................... [1]
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 16

7 An α-particle A approaches and passes by a stationary gold nucleus N. The path is illustrated For
in Fig. 7.1. Examiner’s
Use

α-particle B

α-particle A

Fig. 7.1

(a) On Fig. 7.1, mark the angle of deviation D of this α-particle as a result of passing the
nucleus N. [1]

(b) A second α-particle B has the same initial direction and energy as α-particle A.
On Fig. 7.1, complete the path of α-particle B as it approaches and passes by the
nucleus N. [2]

(c) State what can be inferred about atoms from the observation that very few α-particles
experience large deviations.

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

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

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(d) The nucleus N could be one of several different isotopes of gold.

Suggest, with an explanation, whether different isotopes of gold would give rise to
different deviations of a particular α-particle.

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

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

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2009 9702/21/O/N/09

 4

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided. For

Examiner’s
Use

1 A simple pendulum may be used to determine a value for the acceleration of free fall g.
Measurements are made of the length L of the pendulum and the period T of oscillation.

The values obtained, with their uncertainties, are as shown.

T = (1.93 ± 0.03) s
L = (92 ± 1) cm

(a) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of

(i) the period T,

uncertainty = ............................................ % [1]

(ii) the length L.

uncertainty = ............................................ % [1]

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(b) The relationship between T, L and g is given by For

Examiner’s
42L Use
g= .
T2

Using your answers in (a), calculate the percentage uncertainty in the value of g.

uncertainty = ............................................ % [1]

(c) The values of L and T are used to calculate a value of g as 9.751 m s–2.

(i) By reference to the measurements of L and T, suggest why it would not be correct
to quote the value of g as 9.751 m s–2.

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

............................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) Use your answer in (b) to determine the absolute uncertainty in g.

Hence state the value of g, with its uncertainty, to an appropriate number of

significant figures.

g = .......................... ± ........................ m s–2 [2]

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 8

3 A small ball is thrown horizontally with a speed of 4.0 m s–1. It falls through a vertical height of For
1.96 m before bouncing off a horizontal plate, as illustrated in Fig. 3.1. Examiner’s
Use

4.0 m s–1

1.96 m

plate 0.98 m

Fig. 3.1

Air resistance is negligible.

(a) For the ball, as it hits the horizontal plate,

(i) state the magnitude of the horizontal component of its velocity,

horizontal velocity = ....................................... m s–1 [1]

(ii) show that the vertical component of the velocity is 6.2 m s–1.

[1]

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(b) The components of the velocity in (a) are both vectors. For
Examiner’s
Complete Fig. 3.2 to draw a vector diagram, to scale, to determine the velocity of the Use

ball as it hits the horizontal plate.

Fig. 3.2

velocity = .............................................m s–1]

at ............................. ° to the vertical

[3]

(c) After bouncing on the plate, the ball rises to a vertical height of 0.98 m.

(i) Calculate the vertical component of the velocity of the ball as it leaves the plate.

vertical velocity = ....................................... m s–1 [2]

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 10

(ii) The ball of mass 34 g is in contact with the plate for a time of 0.12 s. For
Examiner’s
Use your answer in (c)(i) and the data in (a)(ii) to calculate, for the ball as it bounces Use

on the plate,

1. the change in momentum,

change = ................................... kg m s–1 [3]

2. the magnitude of the average force exerted by the plate on the ball due to this
momentum change.

force = ............................................. N [2]

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4 (a) Explain what is meant by strain energy (elastic potential energy). For
Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

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

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) A spring that obeys Hooke’s law has a spring constant k.

Show that the energy E stored in the spring when it has been extended elastically by an
amount x is given by

E = 12 kx 2.

[3]

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 12

(c) A light spring of unextended length 14.2 cm is suspended vertically from a fixed point, For
as illustrated in Fig. 4.1. Examiner’s
Use

fixed point fixed point fixed point

14.2 cm
16.3 cm
17.8 cm

3.8 N
F 3.8 N

Fig. 4.1 Fig. 4.2 Fig. 4.3

A mass of weight 3.8 N is hung from the end of the spring, as shown in Fig. 4.2.
The length of the spring is now 16.3 cm.

An additional force F then extends the spring so that its length becomes 17.8 cm, as
shown in Fig. 4.3.

The spring obeys Hooke’s law and the elastic limit of the spring is not exceeded.

(i) Show that the spring constant of the spring is 1.8 N cm–1.

[1]

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(ii) For the extension of the spring from a length of 16.3 cm to a length of 17.8 cm, For
Examiner’s
1. calculate the change in the gravitational potential energy of the mass on the Use

spring,

change in energy = ............................................. J [2]

2. show that the change in elastic potential energy of the spring is 0.077 J,

[1]

3. determine the work done by the force F.

work done = ............................................. J [1]

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 14

5 A uniform string is held between a fixed point P and a variable-frequency oscillator, as shown For
in Fig. 5.1. Examiner’s
Use

1
8L

X
P
Y
oscillator
1
8L

Fig. 5.1

The distance between point P and the oscillator is L.

The frequency of the oscillator is adjusted so that the stationary wave shown in Fig. 5.1 is
formed.

Points X and Y are two points on the string.

Point X is a distance 18L from the end of the string attached to the oscillator. It vibrates with
frequency f and amplitude A.

Point Y is a distance 18L from the end P of the string.

(a) For the vibrations of point Y, state

(i) the frequency (in terms of f ),

frequency = ................................................ [1]

(ii) the amplitude (in terms of A).

amplitude = ................................................ [1]

(b) State the phase difference between the vibrations of point X and point Y.

phase difference = ................................................ [1]

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(c) (i) State, in terms of f and L, the speed of the wave on the string. For
Examiner’s
speed = ................................................ [1] Use

(ii) The wave on the string is a stationary wave.

Explain, by reference to the formation of a stationary wave, what is meant by the

speed stated in (i).

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

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

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

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

............................................................................................................................ [3]

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6 (a) Two resistors, each of resistance R, are connected first in series and then in parallel. For
Examiner’s
Show that the ratio Use

combined resistance of resistors connected in series

combined resistance of resistors connected in parallel

is equal to 4.

[1]

(b) The variation with potential difference V of the current I in a lamp is shown in Fig. 6.1.

0.15

I/A

0.10

0.05

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0
V/V

Fig. 6.1
© UCLES 2009 9702/22/O/N/09
 17

Calculate the resistance of the lamp for a potential difference across the lamp of 1.5 V. For
Examiner’s
Use

resistance = ............................................  [2]

(c) Two lamps, each having the I-V characteristic shown in Fig. 6.1, are connected first
in series and then in parallel with a battery of e.m.f. 3.0 V and negligible internal
resistance.

Complete the table of Fig. 6.2 for the lamps connected to the battery.

p.d. across resistance of combined resistance

each lamp / V each lamp /  of lamps / 
lamps connected in
series ……………………… ……………………… ………………………

lamps connected in
parallel ……………………… ……………………… ………………………

Fig. 6.2
[4]

(d) (i) Use data from the completed Fig. 6.2 to calculate the ratio

combined resistance of lamps connected in series .

combined resistance of lamps connected in parallel

ratio = ................................................ [1]

(ii) The ratios in (a) and (d)(i) are not equal.

By reference to Fig. 6.1, state and explain qualitatively the change in the resistance
of a lamp as the potential difference is changed.

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

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

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

............................................................................................................................ [3]
© UCLES 2009 9702/22/O/N/09 [Turn over