hsc physics sample exams

8/9/2019 HSC Physics Sample Exams

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2001H I G H E R S C H O O L C E R T I F I C A T E

E X A M I N A T I O N

General Instructions

Reading time 5 minutes

Working time 3 hours

Write using black or blue pen

Draw diagrams using pencil

Board-approved calculators may

be used

A data sheet, formulae sheets and

Periodic Table are provided at

the back of this paper

Write your Centre Number and

Student Number at the top of

pages 13, 15, 17 and 21

Total marks 100

Pages 223

75 marks

This section has two parts, Part A and Part B

Part A 15 marks Attempt Questions 115

Allow about 30 minutes for this part

Part B 60 marks

Attempt Questions 1626

Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part

Pages 2531

25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 2731

Allow about 45 minutes for this section

Section II

Section I

Physics

433


68/345

2

Section I75 marks

Part A 15 marks



Use the multiple-choice answer sheet.

Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval

completely.

Sample: 2 + 4 = (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 9

A B C D

If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the

new answer.

A B C D

If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer, then

indicate the correct answer by writing the word correctand drawing an arrow as follows.

correct

A B C D


69/345

1 A person has a mass of 70.0 kg. What is the weight of the person at the Earths surface?

(A) 70.0 kg

(B) 70.0 N

(C) 686 kg

(D) 686 N

2 At a particular moment, a positively charged particle is moving with velocity v in a

magnetic field as shown.

At this moment, what is the direction of the force on the positively charged particle?

(A) To the right

(B) To the left

(C) Into the page

(D) Out of the page

Magnetic field

out of page

v

3


70/345

3 The resistance of mercury at various temperatures is shown in the graph.

Between which two temperatures does mercury always act as a superconductor?

(A) 0 K and 4.2 K

(B) 4.2 K and 4.5 K

(C) 4.5 K and 8.0 K

(D) 0 K and 8.0 K

4 Two types of generator are shown.

What type of current is produced by each generator when connected to an external

resistance?

(A) Both produce d.c.

(B) Both produce a.c.

(C) Generator 1 produces d.c. and Generator 2 produces a.c.

(D) Generator 1 produces a.c. and Generator 2 produces d.c.

Generator 1 Generator 2

N N

S S

Resistance

Resistance

Temperature (K)

2

0.08

0.00

0.16

4 6 80

Resistance()

4


71/345

5 The graph shows the forces experienced by an astronaut during a rocket launch into a

stable orbit.

In which time interval was the acceleration of the rocket the greatest?

(A) ST

(B) TU

(C) U V

(D) VW

6 The signal from a microwave transmitter can be thought of as a beam of photons.

The photons from a particular transmitter have a wavelength of 3.5 102 m.

What is the approximate energy of each photon?

(A) 7.73 1044 J

(B) 5.68 1024 J

(C) 2.32 1035 J

(D) 1.89 1032 J

S T U V W

Forcesonastronaut

Time

5


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7 An astronaut is standing on Mars. The astronaut throws an object of mass 0.30 kg

vertically upward at an initial speed of 9.0 m s1. It reaches a maximum height of

11 metres.

What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the object?

(A) 1.4 m s2

(B) 3.7 m s2

(C) 9.0 m s2

(D) 9.8 m s2

8 A light rod has a coil of insulated copper wire fixed at one end and is pivoted at the other

end. The result is a pendulum which is free to swing back and forth. A magnet is placed

underneath this pendulum. The arrangement is shown in the diagram.

The pendulum is pulled back and then allowed to swing. Which of the following would

cause the pendulum to come to rest most quickly?

(A) Replacing the magnet with a stronger one

(B) Shortening the pendulum

(C) Replacing the rod with a heavier one

(D) Connecting the ends of the coil by a piece of copper wire

Coil

Pivot

Magnet

Rod

6


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9 Which is the most suitable means of reliable and continuous communication between an

orbiting satellite and Earth?

(A) Light from a green laser

(B) Microwaves

(C) Radio waves

(D) Sound waves

10 An electric motor is connected to a power supply of constant voltage. The motor is

allowed to run at different speeds by adjusting a brake.

Which graph best shows how the current through the motor varies with speed?

11 A transformer has a primary coil with 60 turns and a secondary coil with 2300 turns.

If the primary voltage to the transformer is 110 V, what is the secondary voltage?

(A) 2.4 104 V

(B) 2.4 102 V

(C) 1.3 103 V

(D) 4.2 103 V

Speed0

Current

(B)

Current

Speed0

(A)

Current

Speed0

(C)

Current

Speed0

(D)

7


74/345

12 Which of the following statements best describes the reason why some materials become

superconducting at very low temperatures?

(A) The ions in the superconductor form a regular crystal lattice. There are long

channels through the lattice along which the electrons can pass without colliding

with the lattice.

(B) Vibrations of the crystal lattice are so small that they do not interfere with the

motion of the electrons.

(C) Electrons in a superconductor have very low energy. Their energy is so low that

they cannot transfer energy to the crystal lattice in a collision.

(D) Electrons pair up. These electron pairs pass through the crystal lattice of the

superconductor without losing energy in collisions with the lattice.

13 A rocket car moves on a straight horizontal track. Half of the initial mass of the rocketcar is propellant. During the run, propellant is consumed at a constant rate and ejected at

a constant nozzle velocity.

Which of the following best describes the force propelling the rocket car, and the

magnitude of the acceleration of the rocket car while the propellant is being ejected?

Acceleration

constant

constant

increasing

increasing

Force

constant

increasing

constant

increasing

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

8


75/345

14 Two straight metal rods, P and Q, have the same length. They are each pivoted at one end

and rotated with the same angular velocity so that they sweep out horizontal circular

paths as shown in diagramsXand Y. A constant currentI is flowing along each rod, as

shown.

In diagram X, a constant magnetic field is applied at right angles to the plane of thecircular path. In diagram Y, a uniform magnetic field of the same magnitude is applied

in the plane of the circular path.

Which of the following statements about the forces acting on rod P and rod Q is correct?

(A) The magnitude of the force on P is exactly the same as the magnitude of the force

on Q at all times.

(B) The magnitude of the force on P is constant and the magnitude of the force

on Q is zero.

(C) The magnitude of the force on P is constant and the magnitude of the force

on Q varies with time.

(D) The magnitude of the force on P varies with time and the magnitude of the force

on Q is constant.

I

P

IQ

DiagramX Diagram Y

9


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15 A student releases a ball from eye level. The ball bounces several times.

Which velocity vs time graph best represents the balls motion?

Velocity

Time

Velocit

yTime

Velocity

Time

Velocity

Time

(B)

(C)

(D)

(A)

10


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Section I (continued)

Part B 60 marksAttempt Questions 1626


Answer the questions in the spaces provided.

Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.

Marks

Question 16 (4 marks)

Muons are very short-lived particles that are created when energetic protons collide

with each other. A beam of muons can be produced by very-high-energy particle

accelerators.

The high-speed muons produced for an experiment by the Fermilab accelerator are

measured to have a lifetime of 5.0 microseconds. When these muons are brought to

rest, their lifetime is measured to be 2.2 microseconds.

(a) Name the effect demonstrated by these observations of the lifetimes of the

muons.

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

(b) Calculate the velocity of the muons as they leave the accelerator.

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3

1

2001 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Physics

13 434

Centre Number

Student Number


78/345


A rocket was launched vertically to probe the upper atmosphere. The vertical velocity

of the rocket as a function of time is shown in the graph.

(a) Using either words or calculations, compare the acceleration of the rocket at

t = 20 s with its acceleration at t = 100 s.

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

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(b) Account for the shape of the graph over the range of time shown.

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4

2

Velocity(kms

1)

Time after lift-off (s)

0 40 80 120 160 200 240

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

14

Marks

Board of Studies NSW 2001


79/345

Section I Part B (continued)

Marks


A 30 kg object,A, was fired from a cannon in projectile motion. When the projectile

was at its maximum height of 25 m, its speed was 20 m s1.

An identical object, B, was attached to a mechanical arm and moved at a constant

speed of 20 m s1 in a vertical half-circle. The length of the arm was 25 m.

Ignore air resistance.

(a) Calculate the force acting on objectA at its maximum height.

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

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(b) Calculate the time it would take objectA to reach the ground from its position

of maximum height.

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(c) Describe and compare the vertical forces acting on objects A and B at their

maximum heights.

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3

2

1

25 m

20 m s1

25 m

20 m s1

PivotGround Ground

A B


Physics

15 435

Centre Number

Student Number


80/345


How does Einsteins Theory of Special Relativity explain the result of the

MichelsonMorley experiment?

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The electrical supply network uses a.c. and a variety of transformers between the

generating stations and the final consumer.

Explain why transformers are used at various points in the network.

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4

4

16

Marks



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Marks


A fan that ventilates an underground mine is run by a very large d.c. electric motor.

This motor is connected in series with a variable resistor to protect the windings in the

coil.

When the motor is starting up, the variable resistor is adjusted to have a largeresistance. The resistance is then lowered slowly as the motor increases to its

operating speed.

Explain why no resistance is required when the motor is running at high speed, but a

substantial resistance is needed when the motor is starting up.

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3


Physics

17 436

Centre Number

Student Number


82/345


Two parallel wires are separated by a distance of 0.75 m. WireX is 3.0 m long and

carries a current of 2.0 A. Wire Ycan be considered to be infinitely long and carries a

current of 5.0 A. Both currents flow in the same direction along the wires.

(a) What is the direction of the force that exists between the two wires?

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

(b) On the axes, sketch a graph that shows how the force between the two wires

would vary if the length of WireXwas increased.

(c) In your Physics course you have performed a first-hand investigation to

demonstrate the motor effect. Explain how your results demonstrated that effect.

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4

Length of WireX

Force

2

1

WireX

Wire Y

2.0 A

5.0 A

0.75 m

3.0 m

18

Marks


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Discuss the effects of the development of electrical generators on society and the

environment.

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6

19

Marks


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Marks


Sir William Bragg and his son Sir Lawrence Bragg shared the Nobel prize for physics

in 1915 for their work on X-ray diffraction and crystal structure analysis.

(a) Describe ONE way in which an understanding of crystal structure has impacted

on science.

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

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

(b) Outline the methods of X-ray diffraction used by the Braggs to determine the

structure of crystals.

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4

2


Physics

21 437

Centre Number

Student Number


85/345


A student carried out an experiment on the photoelectric effect. The frequency of the

incident radiation and the energy of the photoelectrons were both determined from

measurements taken during the experiment.

The results obtained are shown in the table:

(a) Graph these results on the grid, including the line of best fit.

Question 25 continues on page 23

4

Energy of photoelectrons

( 1019 J)

1.22

1.70

3.70

3.053.38

3.91

Frequency of incident radiation

( 1014 Hz)

6.9

8.2

9.1

9.910.6

11.8

22

Marks


86/345

Question 25 (continued)

(b) How could the reliability of the experiment be improved?

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In the context of semiconductors, explain the concept of electrons and holes.

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8

2

23

Marks


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Section II

25 marksAttempt ONE question from Questions 2731


Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available.


Pages

Question 27 Geophysics ..................................................................... 26

Question 28 Medical Physics ............................................................. 27

Question 29 Astrophysics ............................................................. 2829

Question 30 From Quanta to Quarks .................................................. 30

Question 31 The Age of Silicon ......................................................... 31


Physics

25 438


88/345

Question 27 Geophysics (25 marks)

(a) (i) Name the instrument used in local gravity surveys.

(ii) Describe how that instrument is used in resource exploration.

(b) The diagram shows a map of the part of an ocean that includes two chains of

features, a chain of islands and a chain of seamounts.

(i) Name the geophysical phenomenon that accounts for the shape of the

chain of islands.

(ii) Account for the formation and alignment of the chain of islands and the

chain of seamounts.

(c) Describe how you carried out a first-hand investigation to determine the

relationship between the nature of a surface and the radiation reflected from it.

(d) When the theory of plate tectonics was first proposed, some parts of the

scientific community were reluctant to accept it.

Discuss the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence leading to its acceptance.

(e) Discuss how information gathered from seismic observations has led to greater

understanding of the structure of the Earth.

8

6

4

3

1

Ocean

Chainofislands

Age

(Ma)

Chain

ofse

amounts

Continent

5447

4328

2212

7 5 4 20

56

63

N

2

1

26

Marks


89/345

Question 28 Medical Physics (25 marks)

(a) (i) Identify the purpose of a coherent bundle of optical fibres in an

endoscope.

(ii) An optical fibre consists of a central core surrounded by cladding.

Describe the role of the core and cladding.

(b) The table shows information relating to the transmission of sound through some

types of body tissue.

(i) Identify ONE property of ultrasound.

(ii) Justify why, in an ultrasound scan, a boundary between muscle and bone

would show up more clearly than would a boundary between muscle

and fat.

(c) You have conducted a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the Doppler effect.

Describe your investigation and conclusions.

(d) CAT scans provide more information than X-rays, so they should be used

whenever possible. Discuss this statement.

(e) Explain why MRI can be used to detect cancerous tissues. 8

6

4

3

1

Velocity of sound

(m s1)

1630

1460

3050

Density

(kg m3)

1040

945

2560

Acoustic impedance

( 106 kg m2 s1)

1.70

1.38

7.80

Tissue

Muscle

Fat

Bone

2

1

27

Marks


90/345

Question 29 Astrophysics (25 marks)

(a) (i) Define the term binary stars.

(ii) Describe the characteristics of its spectrum that identify a spectroscopicbinary.

(b) The table shows information about three stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

(i) Identify which of the stars has the greatest surface temperature.

(ii) If Deneb and Betelgeuse were viewed from the same distance, which

would appear brighter? Justify your answer.


3

1

Apparent

magnitude

+0.41

+0.47

+1.24

Distance from

Sun (parsecs)

184

20

429

Spectral

class

M2

B5

A2

Name

Betelgeuse

Achernar

Deneb

2

1

28

Marks


91/345


(c) A student carried out an experiment to examine the spectra of various light

sources through spectroscopes as shown in the diagram. The student observed

three different spectra.

Account for the differences in the three observed spectra.

(d) A new generation of Earth-based optical telescopes is advancing optical

astronomy. Describe the advances in design that have been incorporated in large

telescopes over recent years.

(e) Explain how the data presented in HertzsprungRussell diagrams may be used

to understand the evolution of stars.

End of Question 29

8

6

Incandescentlamp

Spectroscope

X

Full rangeof colours

Sodium vapourlamp

Spectroscope

Y

Two yellow lines on a dark

background

Incandescent

lamp

Spectroscope

Z

Sodium

vapour

Range of colours with two

black lines

4

29

Marks


92/345

Question 30 From Quanta to Quarks (25 marks)

(a) (i) Define nucleon.

(ii) Contrast ONE property of nucleons.

(b) The table shows the quantum numbers of the four lowest states of the hydrogen

atom, together with the energies of those states.

(i) What is the energy of the photon emitted when an electron in the n = 4

level makes a transition to the n = 3 level?

(ii) Use the data to draw the energy level diagram for hydrogen, and indicate

on this diagram where the energy levels lie for quantum numbers greater

than 4.

(c) Describe how you carried out a first-hand investigation to determine the

penetrating power of alpha, beta and gamma radiation on a range of materials.

(d) The Manhattan Project is the codename given to the development of atomic

(nuclear fission) bombs during World War II.

Discuss the significance of this project for society.

(e) Analyse how Chadwicks and Fermis work resulted in a greater understanding

of the atom.

8

6

4

3

1

Energy (joule)

0

1.63 1018

1.94 1018

2.04 1018

Quantum number, n

1 (Ground state)

2

3

4

2

1

30

Marks


93/345

Question 31 The Age of Silicon (25 marks)

(a) (i) State the name of the transducer that is commonly used in a light meter

of a camera.

(ii) Describe the relationship between the amount of light incident on the

transducer referred to in part (i), and its resistance.

(b) An ideal differential-input operational amplifier is connected into the following

circuit.

(i) Explain the function of the 500 k resistor in this circuit.

(ii) Determine the output voltage, Vout.

(c) A student constructed the following circuit in which four different logic gates

were used. The circuit had two inputs,A andB, and one output, S.

For each of the possible input states ofA andB, construct a truth table showing

the output of Gate 1 at P, Gate 2 at Q, Gate 3 atR and Gate 4 at S.

(d) Discuss the possibility that there may be a limit on the growth of computer

power.

(e) Discuss the impact that developments in electronics have had on society.

End of paper

8

6

A

B

PGate 1

Gate 3

Gate 2 Gate 4Q

R S

Key

Gate

1

2

3

4

Function

NAND

NOT

NOR

OR

4

3

1

500 k

25 k

+

Vout

Vin=+0.4 V Op. amp.

2

1

31

Marks


94/345

33

DATA SHEET

Charge on the electron, qe 1.602 1019 C

Mass of electron,me 9.109 1031 kg

Mass of neutron,mn 1.675 1027 kg

Mass of proton,mp 1.673 1027 kg

Speed of sound in air 340 m s1

Earths gravitational acceleration,g 9.8 m s2

Speed of light, c 3.00 108 m s1

Magnetic force constant, 2.0 107 N A2

Universal gravitational constant,G 6.67 1011 N m2 kg2

Mass of Earth 6.0 1024 kg

Plancks constant, h 6.626 1034 J s

Rydbergs constant, RH 1.097 107 m1

Atomic mass unit,u 1.661 1027 kg

931.5 MeV/c2

1 eV 1.602 1019 J

Density of water, 1.00 103 kg m3

Specific heat capacity of water 4.18 103 J kg1 K1

k

0

2


Physics


95/345


96/345

35

FORMULAE SHEET

F qvB

E V

d

E h f

Z v

I

I

Z Z

Z Z

Rn n

h

mv

V

V

AV

V V

r

H

f i

=

=

=

=

=

[ ]

+[ ]

=

=

=

=+

sin

o

out

in

o

o

Amplifier gain

2 1

2

2 1

2

2 2

1 1 1

EGm m

r

v u at

v u

v u a y

x u t

y u t a t

s

t

u v

l l v

c

tt

v

c

p

x x

y y y

x

y y

v

v

=

= +

=

= +

=

= +

= +

=

=

1 2

2 2

2 2

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

1

1

o

o


97/345 36

1179F

19.00

Fluorine

17Cl

35.45

Chlorine

35Br

79.90

Bromine

53I126.9

Iodine

85At

[210.0]

Astatine

1157N

14.01

Nitrogen

15P30.97

Phosphorus

33As

74.92

Arsenic

51Sb121.8

Antimony

83Bi

209.0

Bismuth

113

5B10.81

Boron

13Al

26.98

Aluminium

31Ga69.72

Gallium

49In114.8

Indium

81Tl

204.4

Thallium

107Bh

[264.1]

Bohrium

108Hs

[265.1]

Hassium

1

09Mt

[2

68]

Meitnerium

110Uun

Ununnilium

111Uuu

Unununium

112UubUnunbium

114Uuq

Ununquadium

1

16

U

uhUnunhexium

118Uuo

Ununoctium

87Fr

[223.0]

Francium

88Ra

[22

6.0]

Radium

89103

Actinides

104Rf

[261.1]

Rutherfordium

105Db

[262.1]

Dubnium

106Sg

[263.1]

Seaborgium

57La138.9

Lanthanum

89Ac

[227.0]

Actinium

1H1.008

Hydrogen

Symbolofelement

Nameofelement

PERIODIC

TABL

E

OFTHE

ELEMENTS

K

EY

2He

4.003

Helium

3Li

6.941

Lithium

4Be

9.012

Beryllium

AtomicNumber

AtomicWeight

79Au

197.0

Gold

6C12.01

Carbon

8O

16.00

Oxygen

10Ne

20.18

Neon

11Na

22.99

Sodium

12

M

g

24

.31

Mag

nesium

14Si

28.09

Silicon

16S

32.07

S

ulfur

18Ar

39.95

Argon

19K39.10

Potassium

20Ca

40

.08

Ca

lcium

21Sc44.96

Scandium

22Ti

47.87

Titanium

23V50.94

Vanadium

24Cr

52.00

Chromium

25Mn

54.94

Manganese

26Fe55.85

Iron

27Co

58.93

C

obalt

28Ni

58.69

Nickel

29Cu63.55

Copper

30Zn65.39

Zinc

32Ge

72.61

Germanium

34Se

78.96

Selenium

36Kr

83.80

Krypton

37Rb85.47

Rubidium

38Sr

87

.62

Strontium

39Y88.91

Yttrium

40Zr

91.22

Zirconium

41Nb92.91

Niobium

42Mo

95.94

Molybdenum

43Tc

[98.91]

Technetium

44Ru101.1

Ruthenium

45Rh

102.9

Rh

odium

46Pd106.4

Palladium

47Ag107.9

Silver

48Cd112.4

Cadmium

50Sn118.7

Tin

52Te

127.6

Tellurium

54Xe

131.3

Xenon

55Cs

132.9

Caesium

56Ba

13

7.3

Barium

5771

Lanthanides

72Hf

178.5

Hafnium

73Ta180.9

Tantalum

74W183.8

Tungsten

75Re186.2

Rhenium

76Os

190.2

Osmium

77Ir

192.2

Iridium

78Pt

195.1

Platinum

79Au197.0

Gold

80Hg200.6

Mercury

82Pb207.2

Lead

84Po

[210.0]

Polonium

86Rn

[222.0]

Radon

58Ce140.1

Cerium

59Pr140.9

Praseodymium

60Nd144.2

Neodymium

61Pm

[146.9]

Promethium

62Sm150.4

Samarium

63Eu

152.0

Europium

64Gd157.3

Gadolinium

65Tb158.9

Terbium

66Dy162.5

Dysprosium

67Ho164.9

Holmium

68Er167.3

Erbium

69Tm168.9

Thulium

70Yb

173.0

Ytterbium

71Lu175.0

Lutetium

90Th232.0

Thorium

91Pa231.0

Protactinium

92U238.0

Uranium

93Np

[237.0]

Neptunium

94Pu

[239.1]

Plutonium

95

A

m

[241.1]

Americium

96Cm

[244.1]

Curium

97Bk

[249.1]

Berkelium

98Cf

[252.1]

Californium

99Es

[252.1]

Einsteinium

100Fm

[257.1]

Fermium

101Md

[258.1]

Mendelevium

102No

[259.1]

No

belium

103Lr

[262.1]

Lawrencium

Actinides

Lanthanides

Wheretheatom

icweightisnotknown,therelativeatomicmassofthemostcommonradioactiveisotopeisshowninbrackets.

TheatomicweightsofNpandTcaregivenfortheisotopes237Npand99Tc.


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General Instructions

Reading time 5 minutes

Working time 3 hours

Write using black or blue pen

Draw diagrams using pencil

Board-approved calculators may

be used

A data sheet, formulae sheets and

Periodic Table are provided at

the back of this paper

Write your Centre Number and

Student Number at the top of

pages 13, 17, 21 and 23

Total marks 100

Pages 225

75 marks

This section has two parts, Part A and Part B

Part A 15 marks Attempt Questions 115


Part B 60 marks



Pages 2737

25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 2832


Section II

Section I

Physics

433

2002H I G H E R S C H O O L C E R T I F I C A T E

E X A M I N A T I O N


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2

Section I75 marks

Part A 15 marks



Use the multiple-choice answer sheet.

Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval

completely.

Sample: 2 + 4 = (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 9

A B C D

If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the

new answer.

A B C D

If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer, then

indicate the correct answer by writing the word correctand drawing an arrow as follows.

correct

A B C D


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1 The diagram shows the trajectory of a golf ball.

Which set of arrows shows the direction of the acceleration of the ball at points P and Q

respectively?

2 A spaceship is travelling at a very high speed. What effects would be noted by a

stationary observer?

(A) Time runs slower on the spaceship and it contracts in length.

(B) Time runs faster on the spaceship and it contracts in length.

(C) Time runs slower on the spaceship and it increases in length.

(D) Time runs faster on the spaceship and it increases in length.

3 The table shows the value of the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Earth and

on the surface of Mercury.

A person has a weight of 550 N on the surface of Earth.

What would be the persons weight on the surface of Mercury?

(A) 56.1 N

(B) 213 N

(C) 550 N

(D) 1420 N

Acceleration due to gravity(ms2)

Earth

Mercury

9.8

3.8

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

At P At Q

P Q

3


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114/345

6 What is the role of a transformer at an electrical power station?

(A) To reduce heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the voltage

(B) To reduce heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the current

(C) To increase heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the voltage

(D) To increase heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the current

7 A student performed an experiment to measure the force on a long current-carrying

conductor placed perpendicular to an external magnetic field.

The graph shows how the force on a 1.0 m length of the conductor varied as the current

through the conductor was changed.

What was the magnitude of the external magnetic field in this experiment?

(A) 0.23 T

(B) 1.1 T

(C) 2.1 T

(D) 4.3 T

Current (A)3.0

0.7

Force (N)

5


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8 A single-turn coil of wire is placed in a uniform magnetic fieldB, so that the plane of the

coil is parallel to the field, as shown in the diagrams. The coil can move freely.

An electric currentIflows around the coil in the direction shown.

In which direction does the coil begin to move as a consequence of the interactionbetween the external magnetic field and the current?

IB B

BB

(A)

I

(B)

I

(C)

I

(D)

6


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9 In a student experiment, a bar magnet is dropped through a long plastic tube of length l

and diameter d. The time taken for it to hit the floor is recorded.

The experiment is repeated using a copper tube of the same length and diameter.

Which of the following statements is correct?

(A) The magnet will take the same time to hit the floor in both cases.

(B) The magnet will come to rest in the middle of the copper tube.

(C) The magnet will take longer to fall through the copper tube.

(D) The magnet will take longer to fall through the plastic tube.

Plastic Copper

d dl

N

S

N

S

7


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10 The coil of an AC generator rotates at a constant rate in a magnetic field as shown.

Which of the following diagrams represents the curve of induced emf against position?

PositionInduced

emf

(A)

P

R T

Q

S

PositionInduced

emf

(B)

P

R

T

Q S

PositionInduced

emf

(C)

P R

TQ S

PositionInduced

emf

(D)

P R T

Q S

P

B B B B B

Q R S T

8


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11 Which of the following describes an n-type semiconductor?

(A) A semiconductor doped to produce extra free electrons

(B) A semiconductor doped to remove free electrons

(C) A semiconductor doped to produce extra holes

(D) An undoped semiconductor

12 Which of the following graphs shows the behaviour of a superconducting material?

Resistance

()

(A)

Temperature (K)

Resistance

()

(B)

Temperature (K)

Resistance()

(C)

Temperature (K)

Resistance()

(D)

Temperature (K)

0

0

0

0

9


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13 The diagram shows the side view of a simple cathode ray tube.

What is the function of the components labelledR?

(A) To produce cathode rays

(B) To stop cathode rays striking the screen

(C) To deflect the cathode rays vertically

(D) To deflect the cathode rays horizontally

14 During the early 1950s most transistors were manufactured using germanium.

Why was germanium used instead of silicon?

(A) Silicon is more brittle than germanium.(B) Germanium could be more easily produced in a purified form.

(C) Germanium is a more abundant raw material.

(D) Silicon does not retain its semiconductor properties at high temperatures.

+ R

R

Fluorescent

screen

10


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15 A student carried out an experiment during which light of different frequencies was

shone onto a metal surface to produce photoelectrons.

The student measured the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons as the

frequency of light was altered.

The relationship between the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons and the

frequency of the light incident on the metal surface is given by:

Ek(max) = hf

where

Ek(max) = maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons

f = frequency of light used

h = Plancks constant

= a constant dependent on the metal used.

How could the student best analyse the data to determine a value for Plancks constant?

(A) Plot Ek(max) againstfand find the gradient of the line of best fit.

(B) Plot Ek(max) against and find the gradient of the line of best fit.

(C) Plot Ek(max) againstfand find the intercept of the line of best fit.

(D) Plot Ek(max) against and find the intercept of the line of best fit.

11


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BLANK PAGE


12


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Section I (continued)

Part B 60 marksAttempt Questions 1627


Answer the questions in the spaces provided.



Please turn over


Physics

13 434

Centre Number

Student Number


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(a) Outline TWO changes that could be made to the experimental procedure that

would improve its accuracy.

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

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

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

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

(b) Compare Kims and Alis methods of calculating g and identify the better

approach.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(c) Calculate the value of g from the line of best fit on Alis graph.

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

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

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

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

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

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

End of Question 16

3

3

2

15

Marks


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Describe TWO difficulties associated with effective or reliable communications

between satellites and Earth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4

16

Marks



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Marks


The graph shows the percentage transmission of electromagnetic radiation of various

wavelengths through the Earths atmosphere.

The Voyager II spacecraft transmits electromagnetic radiation to Earth at a frequency

of 2295 MHz.

Use the graph to justify the use of this transmission frequency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

100

80

60

40

20

01010 109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 101 102

%t

ransmission

throughatmosphere

Wavelength (m)

3


Physics

17 435

Centre Number

Student Number


127/345


In one of Einsteins famous thought experiments, a passenger travels on a train that

passes through a station at 60% of the speed of light. According to the passenger, the

length of the train carriage is 22 m from front to rear.

(a) A light in the train carriage is switched on. Compare the velocity of the light

beam as seen by the passenger on the train and a rail worker standing on the

station platform.

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

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

(b) Calculate the length of the carriage as observed by the rail worker on the station

platform.

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

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

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

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

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

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

3

1

18

Marks


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A student is investigating inertial and non-inertial frames of reference. The student

carries out a series of activities on a boat floating on a large, calm lake. The boat

remained level during these activities.

Each activity and the students observed results are recorded in the table.

Justify the students conclusion that: The boat can be regarded as an inertial frame of

reference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Observation

Ball fell vertically with increasing

velocity

Ball rolled across the floor with a

constant velocity

Ball rolled across the floor with aconstant velocity

Activity

Dropped a ball from a set height

Rolled a ball from one side of the

boat to the other

Rolled a ball from the back of theboat towards the front of the boat

3

19

Marks


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In his science fiction novel From the Earth to the Moon, Jules Verne describes how to

launch a capsule from a cannon to land on the moon. To reach the moon, the capsule

must leave the cannon with a speed of 1.06 104

m s1

. The cannon has a length of215 m, over which the capsule can be assumed to accelerate constantly.

(a) Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration required to achieve this speed using

this cannon.

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

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

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

(b) Referring to your answer in part (a), explain why Jules Vernes method is

unsuitable for sending a living person to the moon.

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

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

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

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

2

2

20

Marks



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(a) State Lenzs law.

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

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

(b) When the metal rod is moved upwards through the magnetic field as shown in

the diagram, an emf is induced between the two ends.

(i) Which end of the rod is negative?

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

(ii) Explain how the emf is produced in the rod.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(c) Explain how the principle of induction can be used to heat a conductor.

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

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

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

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

2

3

1

NS NS

EndX

End Y

Direction of motion

1

22

Marks



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Marks


In terms of band structures and relative electrical resistance, describe the differences

between a conductor, an insulator and a semiconductor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8


Physics

23 437

Centre Number

Student Number


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A pair of parallel metal plates, placed in a vacuum, are separated by a distance

of 5.00 103 m and have a potential difference of 1000 V applied to them.

(a) Calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength between the plates.

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

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

(b) Calculate the magnitude of the electrostatic force acting on an electron between

the plates.

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

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

(c) A beam of electrons is fired with a velocity of 3.00 106 m s1 between the

plates as shown. A magnetic field is applied between the plates, sufficient to

cancel the force on the electron beam due to the electric field.

Calculate the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field required between

the plates to stop the deflection of the electron beam.

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

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

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

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

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

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

+

Beam of electrons 1000 V

4

1

1

24

Marks


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Some materials become superconductors when cooled to extremely low temperatures.

Identify THREE properties of superconductors.

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

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

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

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

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

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


There are two areas in which energy savings can be made by the use of superconductors.

These are:

electricity generation and transmission;

transportation.

Discuss how energy savings can be achieved in each of these two areas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4

3

25

Marks


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BLANK PAGE


26


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Section II

25 marksAttempt ONE question from Questions 2832


Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available.


Pages

Question 28 Geophysics ........................................................................... 2829

Question 29 Medical Physics ................................................................... 3031

Question 30 Astrophysics ......................................................................... 3233

Question 31 From Quanta to Quarks ....................................................... 3435

Question 32 The Age of Silicon ............................................................... 3637


Physics

27 438


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(c) The graph shows the travel time for P waves and Swaves at different surface

distances from an earthquake epicentre.

(i) Contrast the properties of P waves and Swaves.

(ii) Account for the absence of Swaves at distances greater than 11 000 km

from the earthquake epicentre.

(iii) Identify how this graph supports the existence of a solid inner core

of Earth.

(d) Assess the application and advantages of TWO geophysical methods in mineral

exploration.

End of Question 28

7

2

2

2

Surface distance from epicentre (km)

10

5

15

20

25

05000 10 000 15 000 20 000

S

P

P''

P'

P''

Traveltime(minutes)

29

Marks


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Question 29 Medical Physics (25 marks)

(a) (i) Briefly describe how an endoscope works.

(ii) Explain how a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan is produced.

(b) Technetium 99m is an artificial isotope which is frequently used to obtain a scan

of the human body.

(i) Using the graph, determine the half life of technetium 99m.

(ii) A patient is given an injection containing 6.0 1018 kg of

technetium 99m. The scan is taken four hours after the injection.

How much technetium 99m remains undecayed when the scan is taken?

(Give your answer in kilograms.)

(iii) Propose reasons why scans are best taken between two and five hours

after injection of this radioisotope.


3

2

100

75

50

25

04 6 8 10 1 2 14 1 6 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 3 2 34 3620

Time (hours)

%o

ftechnetium9

9m

remaininginsample

1

4

2

30

Marks


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(c) The diagrams shown are an MRI of the human upper arm, an X-ray of a human

hand and a CAT scan of the human pelvis (hip bone) as seen in cross-section

from above.

MRI of human X-ray of human CAT scan of human pelvis (hipbone)

upper arm hand

Procedure time: Procedure time: Procedure time:

3060 minutes 5 minutes 40 minutes

(i) Identify TWO advantages of MRI scans over CAT scans.

(ii) A patient is brought into a hospital out-patients ward complaining of a

severe headache. He explains that he hit his head while playing football.The doctor thinks that the patient may be suffering from a fractured

skull.

Explain why the doctor would order an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis

of a fractured skull.

(iii) The patient, now diagnosed with a fractured skull, complains of other

symptoms that may indicate that he is suffering from brain damage.

Suggest ONE additional scan which may be required to confirm thisdiagnosis. Justify your choice.

(d) Assess the impact of medical applications based on ultrasound and the magnetic

field of particles within the body on modern society.

End of Question 29

7

2

2

2

31

Marks


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Question 30 Astrophysics (25 marks)

(a) (i) The star Algol is an eclipsing binary as viewed from Earth.

Describe the observations made by astronomers to identify a star as aneclipsing binary.

(ii) Binary stars are important in determining stellar masses.

Explain how the total mass of a binary star system can be calculated.

(b) The table gives information about various nearby stars.

(i) Which star from the table is the most blue in colour?

(ii) Calculate how much brighter Ross 154 is than Proxima Centauri when

viewed from Earth.

(iii) Sketch a labelled diagram indicating the information required to use the

trigonometric parallax method to determine the distance to Barnards

Star.


3

2

1

ColourIndex

1.90

1.74

1.51

1.75

Apparentvisual magnitude

11.01

9.54

7.49

10.37

Distance(parsecs)

1.29

1.82

2.55

2.97

Star

Proxima Centauri

Barnards Star

Lalande 21185

Ross 154

4

2

32

Marks


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Question 31 From Quanta to Quarks (25 marks)

(a) (i) Describe Davisson and Germers experiment that confirmed the

de Broglie hypothesis of wave-particle duality.

(ii) Explain the stability of the electron orbits in the Bohr atom, using

de Broglies hypothesis.

(b) The diagram shows the kinetic energy distribution of the electrons emitted in the

-decay of 21083Bi into21084Po. The energy released during -decay depends on the

mass defect in the transmutation, as it does in nuclear fission.

(i) Identify the scientist who suggested that the existence of the neutrino

relates to the need to account for the energy distribution of electrons

emitted in -decay.

(ii) Use the data to calculate the mass defect in the -decay of210

83Bi.(Assume that the neutrino is a massless particle.)

(iii) Account for the energy distribution of electrons emitted in this -decay.


3

2

1

0.1

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

00 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3

Relativenumberofelectrons

Kinetic energy of electrons, Ek(MeV)

Nucleusor particle Mass(amu)

210Bi

210Po

e

209.938 57

209.936 78

0.000 55

End-point Ek(max)

4

2

34

Marks


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(c) The diagram represents the four spectral lines in the visible region of the

hydrogen spectrum known as the Balmer Series.

(i) Explain how the Balmer Series provides strong experimental evidence in

support of Bohrs model of the hydrogen atom.

(ii) Calculate the wavelength of the next line in the Balmer Series.

(d) Discuss how neutron scattering and ONE other process have been used to

increase our understanding of the structure of matter.

End of Question 31

7

3

3

410 434 486 656

H H H H

Wavelength (nm)

NOT TO

SCALE

35

Marks


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(c) The table gives the output voltage of an amplifier as a function of the input

voltage.

(i) Describe the properties of an ideal amplifier.

(ii) Calculate the gain of this amplifier.

(iii) Propose why this amplifier is not suitable for input signals that vary

from250 microvolt to +250 microvolt.

(d) Early computers used thermionic devices. Later computers used transistors and

today computers use integrated circuits. Discuss the impact and limitations of

these developments.

End of paper

7

hsc physics sample exams

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