Engineering Physics Sample End of Session Test Solutions

Before you begin, please read the following information.

The end of session test consists of eleven (11) questions.

Each question is worth 5 marks for a total mark of 55 for the test. The exam has a weighting of 50% in
contributing to your final mark for this unit.

All questions are compulsory.

Please note:

1. Each Question should be answered on a separate blank A4 page headed with the question
number and your name.
2. After you have read each question carefully, list any data given with correct symbols, units, and
directions of vectors.

3. Choose the correct formula to work with and show your calculations in a logical order.
4. Make sure your final answers include the correct symbols, units, and directions of vectors.
5. Set out your answers clearly and logically. Show sufficient working to show how you obtained
your answers.
6. Marks will be awarded for clear and logical working out.
7. State your answers to no more that 3 or 4 significant figures.
 Question 1 (5 marks)
MODULE 1 Vector Addition
Three horizontal ropes pull on a large engine block, producing the vector forces A, B and
C as shown below. Find the magnitude and direction of a fourth force on the engine that
will make the vector sum of the forces equal zero.

Use the method of components to calculate the magnitude and represent the direction
in degrees from the positive x or from the negative x axis. Marks will be taken off if
you use other methods.

Force (N) x-component (N) y-component (N)

−80cos60 = −40
100 +100cos30 = + 86.6 +100sin30 = + 50

−40cos53 = − 24.1 −40sin53 = − 31.9

80 +80sin60 = + 69.3
40

Rx = (+ 86.6) +(−40) + (− 24.1) + (Dx) Rx = (+ 50) +(+ 69.3) + (− 31.9) + (Dy)

D Dx Dy
Resultant = R = 0 N
= Dx + 22.5 = Dy + 87.4

Therefore

Dx = − 22.5 N
Dx + 22.5 = 0

Dy = − 87.4 N
Dy + 87.4 = 0

− 22.5
N
θ √
D= (D¿¿ x 2+ D 2x )=√ 22.5 2+ 87.42=90.2 N ¿

− 87.4
N D
θ=tan−1 ( 87.4
22.5 )
=75.6 °
direction is 75.6゜ CCW from negative x-axis.

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 2 of 15
© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 3 of 15
Question 2 (5 marks)
MODULE 2: Linear Motion
Could be horizontal linear motion
A concrete truck passes through a radar point with a constant velocity of 2.0 ms-1. After passing
the check point the truck accelerates with a constant acceleration of 0.3 ms-2.

a. How far from the radar point is the concrete truck after 15.0 seconds. (1 mark)
b. What would be the velocity of the truck after 15.0 seconds? (1 mark)
c. How far from the radar point is the concrete truck when its velocity is 18.0 ms-1? (2
marks)
d. How long will it take for the truck to travel 28 m?

or it could be vertical linear motion

A balloon with a basket attached rising vertically with a constant velocity of 5 ms-1. It releases a
sandbag when the balloon is 40 m above the ground.

5 ms-1

a. Calculate the height of the sandbag from the ground at t = 0.25 s. (2 marks)
b. How long does it take the sandbag to hit the ground once it leaves the balloon? (2 marks)

c. What will be sandbag velocity after 2 s after it was released? (1 marks)

v  v0 
gt
v 2  v 2  2g( y  y
0 0
)
gt
y  y0  v0 t  2

(a) For the sandbag:

v0 = +5 ms-1
y0 = +40 m
a = −9.8 ms-2
t = 0.25 s
y=?
2
gt
y= y o+ v o t+
2
(−9.8 )( 0.25 )2
y=40+5 ( 0.25 ) + =40.94 m
2
© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 4 of 15
 (b) Displacement is measured from ground level so final y = 0 m

v0 = +5 ms-1
y0 = +40 m
a = −9.8 ms-2
y=0
t=?
2
gt
y= y o+ v o t+
2
2
(−9.8)t
0=40+5 t +
2

4.9 t2 – 5 t – 40 = 0
−b ± √ b −4 ac −(−5)± √ (−5) −4 (4.9)(−40) 5 ± √25+784 5 ± √ 809
2 2
t= = = =
2a 2( 4.9) 9.8 9.8

Therefore t = 3.41 s or −2.39 s so answer t = 3.41 s

(c)
v0 = +5 ms-1
y0 = +40 m
a = −9.8 ms-2
v=?
t=2s
v=v o+ g t
−1
v=5+ (−9.8 )( 2 ) =−14.6 m s

Answer: 14.6 ms-1 downwards

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 5 of 15
Question 3 (5 marks) MODULE 3: Newton’s Laws of Motion.
Two crates are linked, one with a mass of 4.00 kg and other with a mass of 6.00 kg, sit on a
frictionless surface. A worker pulls horizontally on the 6.00 kg crate with a force that gives the crate
an acceleration of 2.5 ms-2.

a. What is the acceleration of the 4.00 kg crate? (1 mark)

b. Draw a free-body diagram for the 4.00 kg crate and use it together with Newton’s second
law to find the tension T in the rope that connects the two crates. (2 marks)
c. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the force the worker applies. (2 marks)

F  ma

(a) The 4 kg crate has the same acceleration as the 6 kg crate.

a2 = 2.5 ms-2
(b) FBD for 4 kg crate

Net force on 4 kg = T = ma
= 4 x 2.5 = 10 N
(c) FBD for 6 kg crate
Net force on 6 kg crate = F ー T = ma
F ー 10 = 6 x 2.5
F = 10 + 15 = 25 N

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 6 of 15
Question 4 (5 marks) MODULE 4: Work and Energy

A 10.0 kg microwave oven is pushed 8.0 m up the sloping surface of a loading ramp inclined at an
angle of 36.90 above the horizontal, by constant force F with magnitude 110 N and acting parallel to
the ramp. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the oven and the ramp is 0.26. The Free Body
Diagram is provided for you,
a. What is the work done on the oven by the force F? (1 mark)
b. What is the work done on the oven by the friction force? (1 mark)
c. What is the increase in potential energy for the oven? (1 mark)
d. Use your answers in the first three parts to calculate the increase in the oven’s kinetic
energy. (2 marks)

F  ma
W  F  x (J )
Ffr   N
W  mg (N )
Ek1  Ep1  Wother  Ek 2  Ep 2

m = 10 kg L=8m α= 36.90 F = 110 N μk = 0.26

Fkfr = μk N = μk mgcosα = 0.26 x 10 x 9.8 x cos36.9 = 20.4 N

(a) Work done by 110 N applied force = F x L = 110 x 8 = + 880 J

Positive because it increases the energy of the oven

(b) Work done by friction = Fkfr x L = 20.4 x 8 = —163 J

Negative because it takes energy away from the oven.

(c) Increase in gravitational potential energy for the oven

h / L = sin36.9 so h = L sin36.9 = 8 sin36.9 = 4.80 m

Increase in gravitational potential energy = mgh = 10 x 9.8 x 4.8 = 470 J

(d) Work done by F on oven = work done against friction

+ work done to increase gravitational potential energy of oven
+ work done to increase kinetic energy of oven
880 J = 163 + 470 + work done to increase kinetic energy of oven
Work done to increase kinetic energy of oven = increase in kinetic energy of oven
= 880 — 163 — 470
= 247 J
Alternatively: using the work energy theorem in its usual form..
Ek1  Ep1  Wother  Ek2  Ep2
0 + 0 + 880 — 163 = Ek2 470
Ek2 880 — 163 — 470 = 247 J

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 7 of 15
Question 5 (5 marks) MODULE 5: Rotational Motion
An experimental wheel is placed on a test stand and it is free to turn on its axle. If a constant net
torque of 5.0 Nm is applied to the tyre for 2.0 seconds, the angular speed of the tyre increases from
0 to 100 rev/min. The external torque is then removed, and the wheel is brought to rest by friction in
125 seconds.

a. Calculate the moment of inertia of the wheel about the rotation axis. (2 marks)
b. Calculate the angular acceleration that was used to stop the wheel. (1 mark)
c. The total number of revolution made by the wheel in the 125 s time interval. (2 marks)

τ= 5 N.m t=2s ω0 = 0 ω= ? f = 100 rev/min = 100/60 rev/s = 1.67 Hz

ω= 2πf = 2πx 1.67= 10.5 rad s-1
(a)  Iso to get I we need the angular acceleration
ω−ω 0 10.5−0 −2
α= = =5.25 rad s
t 2
τ =Iα
5=I x 5.25
5 2
I= =0.95 kg m
5.25

(b) For the slowing down

ω0 = 10.5 rad s-1 ω= 0 t = 125 s α= ?

ω−ω 0 0−10.5 −2
α= = =−0.084 rad s
t 125

(c) ω0 = 10.5 rad s-1 ω= 0 t = 125 s α= ─ 0.084 rad s-2 θ= ?

1 2 1 2
θ=ω0 t+ α t =10.5 x 125+ (−0.084 ) (125 ) =656.25 rad
2 2
1 revolution = 360｡= 2πrad
Number of revolutions in 656.25 rad = 656.25 / 2π= 104 revs

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 8 of 15
Question 6 (5 marks) MODULE 6: Equilibrium
A worker wants to turn over a uniform 1250 N rectangular crate bt pulling at 53.00 on one of its
vertical sides. The floor is rough enough to prevent the crate from slipping.
a. What pull is needed to just start the crate to tip? (1 mark)
b. How hard does the floor push upward on the crate? (2 marks)
c. Find the friction force on the crate. (1 mark)
d. What is the minimum coefficient of static friction needed to prevent the crate from
slipping on the floor? (1 mark)
FR
fs   N

(a) W = 1250 N
Just as the block is about to tip, it is still in equilibrium:
Fsfr = static friction = μs N
ΣFx = 0 = Fsfr ─ Psin53
ΣFy = 0 = N ─ W ─ Pcos53
ΣτA = sum of torques about A
=0
= (Pcos53)(0) + (N)(0) + (Fsfr)(0) + (W x 1.10 CW) + (Psin53 x 1.50 CCW)
= ─1.1W + 1.5sin53 P
Therefore 1.5sin53 P = 1.1W = 1.1 x 1250 = 1375
P = 1375 / (1.5sin53) = 1148 N

(b) ΣFy =0
= N ─ W─ Pcos53
= N ─ 1250 ─ 1148cos53
= N ─ 1941
Therefore N = 1941 N

(c) ΣFx = 0
= Fsfr ─ Psin53
= Fsfr ─ 1148sin53
= Fsfr ─ 917
Therefore Fsfr = 917 N

(d) Fsfr = 917 = μs N = 1941μs

μs = 917 / 1941 = 0.47

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 9 of 15
Question 7 (5 marks) MODULE 7: Periodic Motion: SHM

Inside a NASA test vehicle, a 3.50 kg ball is pulled along by a horizontal ideal spring fixed to a
frictionless table. The force constant of the spring is 225 Nm-1. The vehicle has a steady
acceleration of 5.00 ms-2, and the ball is not oscillating. Suddenly, when the vehicle’s speed has
reached 45.0 ms-1, its engines turn off, thus eliminating its acceleration but not its velocity.
The acceleration of 5.00 ms-2 before engine shut-off determines the maximum displacement the
spring is initially stretched. The initial speed of the ball relative to the vehicle is zero.
Find:

a. The amplitude of the ball; (2 marks);

b. The frequency of the resulting oscillations of the ball; (1 mark).
c. What will be the ball’s maximum speed relative to the vehicle? (2 marks)

m = 3.5 kg k = 225 Nm-1 a = 5 ms-2 v = 45 ms-1

(a) The force acting on the spring and the mass before engine cut off (ie when the force
causes an acceleration a = 5 ms-2) is
F = ma = 3.5 x 5 = 17.5 N
This force stretches the spring by x metres given by
F = kx
F 17.5
and so x= = =0.078 m
k 225
When the energy cuts off, the force causing this extension is cut off and there is now only
the restoring force on the spring trying to return it back to its equilibrium position.
Therefore this is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
A = 0.078 m

√ √
(b) f = 1 k =¿ 1 225 =1.28 Hz ¿
2π m 2 π 3.5

(c) maximum elastic potential energy = maximum kinetic energy

2 2
k A mv max
=
2 2
2 2
225 x 0.078 3.5 v max
=
2 2
2
3.5 v max
0.6845=
2
v max=
3.5√
2 x 0.6845
=0.63 m s−1

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 10 of
Question 8 (5 marks) MODULE 8: Periodic Motion: Wave Motion

A water wave travelling in a straight line on a lake is described by the equation:

y(x,t) = (3.75 cm) cos(0.450 radcm-1 x + 5.40rads-1 t)

where y is the displacement perpendicular to the undisturbed surface of the lake.

a. How much time does it take for one complete wave pattern to go past a fisherman in a boat
at anchor, and what horizontal distance does the wave crest travel in that time? (2 marks)
b. What are the wave number in radm-1 and the number of waves per second that pass the
fisherman? (2 marks)
c. What is the maximum speed of his cork floater as the wave causes it to pop up and down?
(1 mark)

First will show how information can be extracted from the wave function.
This is not the solution. The solution is on the next page.
y(x,t) = (3.75 cm) cos(0.450 radcm-1 x + 5.40rads-1 t)
the general form of the wave function is
y(x,t) = Acos(kx + ωt)
which can also be written as
2 πx 2 πt
y ( x , t )= A cos ( + )
λ T
From this wave function we can get the following information:
A = 3.75 cm
k = wave number is 0.45 cm-1
2π
k = =0.45
λ
So that
2π 2π
λ= = =14.0 cm=wavelength of the wave
k 0.45
ω = 5.40 rad s-1 = angular frequency or angular speed
2π
ω= =5.40
T
So that
2π 2π
T= = =1.16 s= period of the wave
ω 5.40
© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 11 of
 1 1
f= = =0.86 Hz=frequency of the wave
T 1.16

Speed of the wave = v=fλ =0.86 x 14=12.04 c m s−1

Note that this is the speed of the wave which is the speed at which the crests and the troughs move
horizontally. It is NOT the speed of the particles in the wave. These particles bob up and down in
simple harmonic motion and their velocity is given by
v   Asin(t  )

This has been done to show what you can get from the wave function.
The solutions to the questions follow:
(a) How much time does it take for one complete wave pattern to go past a fisherman in a boat at
anchor,
The time for one complete wave pattern to pass by is the period (T seconds)

ω = 5.40 rad s-1

2π 2π
T= = =1.16 s
ω 5.40

and what horizontal distance does the wave crest travel in that time?
The horizontal distance travelled by the wave in 1.16 s (one period) is the wavelength

k = 0.45 cm-1
2π 2π
λ= = =14.0 cm
k 0.45

(b) What are the wave number in rad m-1

k = 0.45 cm-1 = 45 rad m-1

and the number of waves per second that pass the fisherman?
The number of waves passing a given point in the wave in one second is the frequency f.

1 1
f= = =0.86 Hz
T 1.16

(c) What is the maximum speed of his cork floater as the wave causes it to pop up and down?

The cork floater bobs up and down in simple harmonic motion and its velocity is determined
by the following equation obtained from simple harmonic motion theory
v   A sin(t  )
The maximum value of this velocity will occur when sin(t  ) has its maximum value and
the maximum magnitude value for a sine is 1. The magnitude of the maximum velocity is
vmax   A sin(t  ) =  A x 1 = 5.40 x 3.75 = 20.3 cms-1

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 12 of
Question 9 (5 marks) Module 9: Photons, Electrons, Atoms: Heat and
Temperature
(one question, either from Photons section or Heat section)
question from Photons section:
A photon of green light has a wavelength of 520 nm. Find:
i. the photon’s frequency;
ii. the magnitude and direction of momentum ‘p’
iii. the magnitude of energy ‘E’. Express the energy in both joules and electron volts.

h  6.626 1034
19
Js qe  1.6 10
C
8 1
c  310 ms


h p
E
pc
(a) λ = 520 nm = 520 x 10-9 m
c = 3 x 108 ms-1
f=?
c=fλ
Therefore
8
c 3 x 10 14
f= = −9
=5.77 x 10 Hz
λ 520 x 10

(b) momentum of photon

−34
h 6.626 x 10 −27 −1
p= = −9
=1.27 x 10 kgms
λ 520 x 10
The direction is the direction of movement of the light.

(c) E = h f = 6.626 x 10-34 x 5.77 x 1014 = 3.82 x 10-19 J

−19
3.82 x 10
In eV E= −19
=2.39 eV
1.6 x 10
Instead of E = h f , you could have used
hc
E=
λ
or E = pc

While it was not part of the question included in the sample final paper, the question will
now be extended to a consideration of the photoelectric effect.
If green light of wavelength 520 nm is directed on to a metal surface with a work function
of 1.5 eV, calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons generated and also
calculate the maximum velocity of the photoelectrons.
Note: λ = 520 nm = 520 x 10-9 m f = 5.77 x 1014 Hz
E = 2.39 eV = 3.82 x 10-19 J
m = mass of an electron = 9.11 x 10-31 kg
hf = K + Ф
2.39 eV = K + 1.5 eV
K = 2.39 ─ 1.5 = 0.89 eV = 0.89 x 1.6 x 10-19 J = 1.424 x 10-19 J
1 2
and K= mv
2
© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 13 of
 −19 1 −31 2
1.424 x 10 = 9.11 x 10 v
2

v=
√ 2 x 1.424 x 10−19
9.11 x 10
−31
=5.59 x 105 m s−1

question from the heat section.

Aluminium rivets used in aeroplane construction are made slightly larger than the rivet holes and
cooled by ‘dry ice’ (solid CO2) before being driven. If the diameter of a hole is 4.5 mm at -78.00 C
find:

a. How much larger the diameter should be if the rivet is heated to 23.00 C?

b. What should be the final diameter of rivet at 23.00 C?

Assume that the expansion coefficient remains constant at α = 2.4 x 10-5 (C0)-1.

Do = 4.5 x 10-3 m α = 2.4 x 10-5 (C0)-1 To = ー 78 ﾟ C To = +23 ﾟ C

(a) ΔD = D ー Do = ?
−3 −5
Δ D=Do α Δ T =4.5 x 10 x 2.4 x 10 x [ ( +23 )− (−78 ) ]
−3 −5 −5
Δ D=4.5 x 10 x 2.4 x 10 x 101=1.09 x 10 m

(b) D = Do + ΔD = 4.5 x 10-3 + 1.09 x 10-5 = 4.51 x 10-3 m

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 14 of
Question 10 (5 marks) MODULE 10: Electric Circuits: Kirchhoff’s Rules

In the circuit shown below batteries and all meters have no significant resistances.

a. If the switch S is open:

(i) Calculate the current through the 100 Ω resistor. (1 mark)
(ii) What is the reading of the voltmeter? (1 mark)

b. If the switch S is closed:

(i) Calculate the current through the 100 Ω resistor. (1 mark)
(ii) Calculate the current through the 75 Ω resistor. (1 mark)
(iii) What is the reading of the ammeter? (1 mark)

V  IR

Switch S is open for (a) and (b). When the switch is open, the circuit becomes a single loop circuit with a
voltmeter attached. Assume that the voltmeter draws minimal current from the circuit (it has a very high internal
resistance:

I
I
I

I
I
(a) Current through 100Ω resistor.
Consider the loop shown clockwise starting at a. Assume also that the electric current in the loop also
moves clockwise from the positive terminal of the 25 V source.
ΣV = 0 = (+15) + (━ 75I ) + (+25) + (━ 100I) = 40 ━ 175I
Therefore I = 40/175 = 0.229 A
© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 15 of
 (b) Reading on voltmeter = Vab = (+15) + (━ 75I ) = (+15) + (━ 75x0.229) = ━ 2.18

or following a path through the 100 Ω and the 25 V source

Vab = (+100I) + (━ 25 ) = (+100x0.229) + (━ 25 ) = ━ 2.1 rounding off error

For (c), (d) and (e) the switch S is closed and the circuit becomes:

The ammeter has very little resistance (effectively 0 Ω compared to the 100 Ω and the 75 Ω).

(c) current through the 100 Ω resistor

Consider the loop shown starting at c
ΣV = 0 = (0) + (+25) + (━ 100I) = 25━ 100I (0) is zero voltage across the ammeter because its R=0 Ω
Therefore I = 25/100 = 0.25 A

(d) the current through the 75 Ω resistor

c I2

I2

Consider the loop shown starting at c and moving counterclockwise

ΣV = 0 = (0) + (+75xI2) + (━ 15) = 75I2 ━ 15 (0) is zero voltage across the ammeter because its R=0 Ω
Therefore 75I2 = 15 and I2 = 15/75 = 0.2 A

(e) the reading on the ammeter

Consider the currents flowing in the circuit as calculated above. Let current in ammeter be I3
I2
Apply KCL to junction (node) at d
ΣI = 0
I3
= I2 + I3 + I
= (+0.2) + I3 + (━ 0.25)
I3 = 0.2 + I3 ━ 0.25
= I3 ━ 0.5
d Therefore I3 = + 0.5A
So its direction is into the junction,
not out of the junction as shown.

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 16 of
Question 11 (5 marks) Module 11: Fluid Mechanics

You are designing a diving bell to withstand the pressure of seawater at a depth of 25.0 m.

a. What is the gauge pressure at this depth? (You can ignore changes in the density of the water
with depth) (2 marks)
b. At this depth, what is the net force due to the water outside and the air inside the bell on a
circular glass window 30.0 cm in diameter if the pressure inside the diving bell equals the
pressure at the surface of the water? (You can ignore the small variation of pressure over
the surface of the window.) (3 marks)

ρsw=1.03x103 kgm-3

(a) Gauge pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluid which is in addition to any atmospheric pressure
that acts on the fluid.
3 5
p= ρ g h=1.03 x 10 x 9.8 x 25=2.52 x 10 Pa
(b) The pressure acting on the circular window from the outside is the atmospheric pressure acting down
( po ) on the water at the surface + the pressure exerted by the water at a depth of 25 m (the gauge
pressure.
poutside = po + p
The pressure inside the diving bell against the window is equal to the atmospheric pressure at the
surface of the water.
pinside = po

Net pressure on the circular window = poutside ー pinside = po + p ー po = p = gauge pressure

F
p= so F = pA
A
diameter of window = 0.30 m and radius = 0.15 m
F= pA=p x ( π R 2 )=2.52 x 105 x π x 0.15 2=1.78 x 104 N

© UWS and UWSCOLLEGE 700151 Engineering Physics – SAMPLE Final Exam Page 17 of