M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Mechanics Theory
2013 OL Q5(a)
Give an example of (i) a vector quantity, (ii) a scalar quantity.
2013 OL Q6
Define (a) momentum, (b) force.
(12)
State the principle of conservation of momentum.
Explain how the principle of conservation of momentum applies in the case of a
jet engine moving an aircraft.
(12)
A truck of mass 5000 kg is moving with a velocity 10 m s−1 when it collides with a
stationary car with a mass of 1000 kg. The truck and the car then move off
together.
When the truck hits the back of the car the driver’s airbag inflates. The airbag
deflates when it is hit by the driver’s head. Explain why the airbag reduces the
risk of injury to the driver.
(6)
2013 OL Q12(a)
Define pressure. (6)
Describe an experiment to show that the atmosphere exerts pressure. (9)
2013 HL Q5 (b)
(b) State the law of conservation of momentum.
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M. Duffy
2013 HL Q6
(i) State Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
(6)
(ii) Explain what is meant by angular velocity. Derive an equation for the angular
velocity of an object in terms of its linear velocity when the object moves in a
circle.
(9)
The International Space Station (ISS), shown in the photograph, functions as a
research laboratory and a location for testing of equipment required for
trips to the moon and to Mars.
The ISS orbits the earth at an altitude of 4.13 × 105 m every 92 minutes 50
seconds.
(iv) Name the type of acceleration that the ISS experiences as it travels in a
circular orbit around the earth. What force provides this acceleration?
(6)
−2
(vi) If the value of the acceleration due to gravity on the ISS is 8.63 m s , why
do occupants of the ISS experience apparent weightlessness?
(3)
2013 HL Q11
(c) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the suspended mass when the
seismometer is at rest.
(e) What type of motion does the frame have when it moves relative to the
mass?
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M. Duffy
2013 HL Q12(a)
State the law of conservation of energy.
(4)
2012 OL Q5(b) (c)
(b) Give one factor on which the potential energy of a body depends.
(c) Which one of the following instruments is used to measure atmospheric
pressure?
hydrometer
barometer thermometer
joulemeter
2012 OL Q6
What is meant by the term ‘acceleration due to gravity’?
The module of the spacecraft has a mass of 600 kg, when it is
launched vertically from the surface of the moon with its
engine exerting an upward force of 2000 N.
(6)
module

(v) Would the engine of the module be able to lift it off the
earth’s surface?
Justify your answer in terms of the forces acting on the
module.
(9)
(vi) Why is the acceleration due to gravity on the moon less
than the acceleration due to gravity on earth?
(5)
(vii) Suggest a reason why the module of the spacecraft when launched from
the moon
does not need a streamlined shape like those that are launched from earth.
(3)
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M. Duffy
2012 OL Q12(a)
(a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.
(6)
A cannon of mass 1500 kg containing a cannonball of mass 80
kg was at rest on a horizontal surface as shown. The cannonball
was fired from the cannon with an initial horizontal velocity of
60 m s–1 and the cannon recoiled.
Why did the cannon recoil?
(4)
Why will the cannon come to a stop in a shorter distance that the cannonball?
(6)
2012 HL Q5(b)
(b) A pendulum moves with simple harmonic motion. Give another example of a
body that moves with simple harmonic motion.
2012 HL Q11
(b) Why is it not possible to extract all of the energy in the wind striking a
wind turbine blade?
(h) Name one other renewable source of energy.
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M. Duffy
2012 HL Q12(a)
(a) An Olympic hammer thrower swings a mass of 7.26 kg at the end of a light
inextensible wire in a circular motion. In the final complete swing, the hammer
moves at a constant speed and takes 0.8 s to complete a circle of radius 2.0 m.
(ii) Even though the hammer moves at a constant speed, it accelerates. Explain.
(4)
Pat O’Callaghan of Kanturk, who won two Olympic gold medals for the hammer
throw.
2011 OL Q5
(a) What is friction?
(b) What is the relationship between G, the gravitational constant and
g, the accleration due to gravity?
(c) A crowbar is an example of a lever. Give another example of a
lever.
(j) Give a disadvantage of a named renewable source of energy.
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M. Duffy
2011 OL Q6
State Newton’s first law of motion.
(6)
A car of mass 1400kg was travelling with a constant speed of 15 m s-1 when it
struck a tree and came to a complete stop in 0.4s.
(v) What happened to the kinetic energy of the moving car?
(9)
(vi) A back seat passenger could injure other occupants during a collision.
Explain with reference to Newton’s Laws of motion, how this could occur.
How is this risk of injury minimised?
(11)
2011 OL Q12(a)
(a) State Boyle’s law.
(6)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that the atmosphere exerts a pressure.
(12)
2011 HL Q5(b)
(b) Why does the value of g, the acceleration due to gravity, vary at different
locations on the surface on the earth?
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M. Duffy
2011 HL Q6
(a) Define the moment of a force.
A toy, such as that shown, has a heavy hemispherical base and
its centre of gravity is located at C.
When the toy is knocked over, it always returns to the
upright position. Explain why this happens.
(12)
(b) State the conditions necessary for the equilibrium of a body under a set of
co-planar forces.
(9)
(c) A simple merry-go-round consists of a flat disc that
is rotated horizontally. A child of mass 32 kg stands at
the edge of the merry-go-round, 2.2 metres from its
centre. The force of friction acting on the child is 50 N.
If there was no force of friction between the child and
the merry-go-round, in what direction would the child
move as the merry-go-round starts to rotate?
(5)
2011 HL Q12(a)
(a) State Hooke’s law.
(6)
A body of mass 250 g vibrates on a horizontal surface and its motion is
described by the equation a = – 16 s, where s is the displacement of the body
from its equilibrium position. The amplitude of each vibration is 5 cm.
Why does the body vibrate with simple harmonic motion?
(6)
2010 OL Q5
(a) State Boyle’s law.
(7)
(c) State Archimedes’ Principle.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2010 OL Q6
Define (a) momentum, (b) kinetic energy.
State the principle of conservation of momentum.
Explain how this principle applies in launching a spacecraft.
(12)
(12)
2010 HL Q5 (a)
(a) What are the two conditions for the equilibrium of a set of co-planar
forces?
(7)
2010 HL 6
State Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
(6)
A spacecraft carrying astronauts is on a straight line flight from the earth to
the moon and after a while its engines are turned off.
(i) Explain why the spacecraft continues on its journey to the moon, even though
the engines are turned off.
(6)
(ii) Describe the variation in the weight of the astronauts as they travel to the
moon.
(6)
(v) Why is there no atmosphere on the moon?
(5)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q12(a)
(a) (i) A student holds a motion sensor attached to a data-logger and its
calculator.
List the instructions you should give the student so that the calculator will
display the graph shown in Figure 1.
(14)
2009 OL Q5
(a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.
(7)
(c) Which of the following is the unit of energy?
kilogram
watt
joule
(7)
ampere
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M. Duffy
2009 OL Q6
Define (i) velocity, (ii) friction.
(6)
The diagram shows the forces acting on a train which was travelling horizontally.
As the train approached the next station the driver applied the brakes
uniformly to bring the train to a stop in a distance of 500 m.
(vi) What happened to the kinetic energy lost by the train?
(6)
(vii) Name the force A and the force B acting on the train, as shown in the
diagram.
(4)
(viii) Describe the motion of the train when the force A is equal to the force T.
(4)
2009 OL Q12(a)
(a) Define pressure.
(6)
Describe an experiment to show that the pressure in a liquid increases with
depth.
(12)
2009 HL Q5
(a) State Boyle’s law.
(7)
(b) The moon orbits the earth. What is the relationship between the period of
the moon and the radius of its orbit?
(7)
2009 HL Q6
State Newton’s laws of motion.
Show that F = ma is a special case of Newton’s second law.
2009 Q12(a)
(a) State Hooke’s law.
(12)
(10)
(6)
When a sphere of mass 500 g is attached to a spring of length 300 mm,
the length of the spring increases to 330 mm.
The sphere is then pulled down until the spring’s length has increased to 350mm
and is then released.
Describe the motion of the sphere when it is released.
(4)
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M. Duffy
2008 OL Q5
(a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.
(c) Which of the following is the unit of energy?
Kelvin
watt
newton
joule
2008 OL Q6
The weight of an object is due to the gravitational force acting on it.
Newton investigated the factors which affect this force.
Define force and give the unit of force.
State Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
(7)
(7)
(18)
A powerful rocket is required to leave the surface of the earth.
A less powerful rocket is required to leave the surface of the moon.
Explain why.
(6)
2008 OL Q12
(a) Define (i) velocity, (ii) acceleration.
(9)
2008 HL Q5
(a) State the law of flotation.
(7)
2008 HL Q6
State Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
(6)
The international space station (ISS) moves in a circular
orbit around the equator at a height of 400 km.
What type of force is required to keep the ISS in orbit?
What is the direction of this force?
(6)
An astronaut in the ISS appears weightless.
Explain why.
(3)
Derive the relationship between the period of the ISS, the radius of its orbit
and the mass of the earth.
(12)
After an orbit, the ISS will be above a different point on the earth’s surface.
Explain why.
(6)
2008 HL Q11
(b) Define the newton, the unit of force.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2008 HL Q12
(a) State the principle of conservation of energy.
(4)
2007 OL Q5
(a) State Newton’s second law of motion.
(7)
(b) Which of the following is not a renewable source of energy?
Wind
nuclear
solar
hydroelectric
(7)
2007 OL Q6
Define (i) work, (ii) power, and give the unit of measurement for each one.
What is the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy?
Give two disadvantages of using a lift.
(18)
(6)
(5)
2007 OL Q12
(a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.
A rocket is launched by expelling gas from its engines. Use the principle of
conservation of momentum to explain why a rocket rises.
(16)
(b) (i) Define pressure.
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that the atmosphere exerts pressure.
(14)
(ii) State Boyle’s law.
A balloon rises through the atmosphere while the temperature remains
constant.
The volume of the balloon is 2 m3 at ground level where the pressure is
1000 hPa.
What will happen to the balloon as it continues to rise?
(8)
2007 HL Q5
(a) State Archimedes’ principle.
(7)
(b) Why is a filament light bulb not an efficient source of light?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2007 HL Q6
State Hooke’s law.
(6)
A stretched spring obeys Hooke’s law. When a small sphere of mass 300 g is
attached to a spring of length 200 mm, its length increases to 285 mm.
The sphere is pulled down until the length of the spring is 310 mm.
The sphere is then released and oscillates about a fixed point.
Derive the relationship between the acceleration of the sphere and its
displacement from the fixed point.
Why does the sphere oscillate with simple harmonic motion?
2007 Q12(a)
(a) What is friction?
(18)
(6)
2006 OL Q5
(b) Which one of the following instruments can be used to measured the density
of a liquid?
Barometer
hydrometer
thermometer
(7)
(c) What is friction?
(7)
2006 OL Q6
Define the term force and give the unit in which force is measured.
(9)
Force is a vector quantity. Explain what this means.
(6)
Newton’s law of universal gravitation is used to calculate the force between two
bodies such as the moon and the earth.
Give two factors which affect the size of the gravitational force between two
bodies.
(9)
Explain the term acceleration due to gravity, g.
(9)
An astronaut carries out an experiment to measure the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the moon.
Why is the astronaut’s weight greater on earth than on the moon?
(5)
The earth is surrounded by a layer of air, called its atmosphere. Explain why the
moon does not have an atmosphere.
(3)
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M. Duffy
2006 OL Q12(a)
Define the moment of a force.
The diagram shows a crane in equilibrium.
Give one condition that is necessary for the crane to be in equilibrium.
A crane is an example of a lever. Give another example of a lever.
(6)
(6)
(4)
2006 HL Q5
(a) State Newton’s third law of motion.
(7)
(b) Why is it easier to turn a nut using a longer spanner than a shorter one? (7)
2006 HL Q6
Define (i) velocity, (ii) angular velocity.
(12)
Derive the relationship between the velocity of a particle travelling in uniform
circular motion and its angular velocity.
(12)
A student swings a ball in a circle of radius 70 cm in the vertical plane as shown.
The angular velocity of the ball is 10 rad s–1.
Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the ball when it is at position A. (6)
2006 HL Q12(a)
(a) Define pressure.
Is pressure a vector quantity or a scalar quantity? Justify your answer.
State Boyle’s law.
(6)
(6)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2005 OL Q5
(a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.
(c) Which one of the following is the unit of power?
Joule
kelvin
kilogram
watt
(7)
(7)
2005 OL Q6
Define pressure and give the unit of pressure.
(12)
Name an instrument used to measure pressure.
(5)
The earth is covered with a layer of air called the atmosphere. What holds this
layer of air close to the earth?
(6)
Describe an experiment to show that the atmosphere exerts pressure.
(12)
The type of weather we get depends on the atmospheric pressure. Describe the
kind of weather we get when the atmospheric pressure is high.
(6)
The African elephant is the largest land animal.
An elephant weighs 40 000 N and is standing on all four feet each of area 0.2m2.
Why would the pressure on the ground be greater if the elephant stood up on
just two feet?
(6)
2005 OL Q11
(a) Define energy.
(b) What energy conversion takes place when a fuel is burnt?
(c) Name one method of producing electricity.
(d) Give one factor on which the potential energy of a body depends.
(e) What type of energy is associated with wind, waves and moving water?
(f) Give one disadvantage of non-renewable energy sources.
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2005 HL Q5
(b) State Boyle’s law.
(7)
2005 HL Q6
Define (i) angular velocity, (ii) centripetal force.
State Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation
(18)
A satellite is in a circular orbit around the planet Saturn. Derive the
relationship between the period of the satellite, the mass of Saturn and the
radius of the orbit.
(15)
It is noticed that the frequency of the received radio signal changes as the
satellite orbits Saturn.
Explain why.
(5)
2005 HL Q12(a)
(a) State the principle of conservation of energy.
(6)
A basketball of mass 600 g which was resting on a hoop falls to the
ground 3.05 m below.
On bouncing from the ground the ball loses 6 joules of energy. What
happens to the energy lost by the ball?
(4)
2004 OL Q6
Define (i) velocity, (ii) acceleration.
Describe an experiment to measure the velocity of a moving object.
The cheetah is one of the fastest land animals.
Name two forces acting on the cheetah while it is running.
2004 OL Q12(a)
(a) Define momentum. Give the unit of momentum.
State the principle of conservation of momentum.
(12)
(12)
(6)
(9)
(9)
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M. Duffy
2004 HL Q6
Define (i) force, (ii) momentum.
State Newton’s second law of motion.
Hence, establish the relationship: force = mass × acceleration.
(12)
(15)
2004 HL Q12(a)
(a) State Newton’s universal law of gravitation.
Centripetal force is required to keep the earth moving around the sun.
(i) What provides this centripetal force?
(ii) In what direction does this centripetal force act?
(iii) Give an expression for centripetal force.
(10)
2003 OL Q5
(b) State Boyle’s law.
(c) Name a renewable source of energy.
(7)
(7)
(6)
2003 OL Q6
Copy and complete the following statement of Newton’s law of universal
gravitation.
“Any two point masses attract each other with a …….… which is proportional to
the product
of their …….... and inversely proportional to the ……..………...…………. between them.”
(12)
What is meant by the term acceleration due to gravity?
(6)
An astronaut of mass 120 kg is on the surface of the moon, where the
acceleration due to gravity is 1.6 m s–2. The astronaut throws a stone straight up
from the surface of the moon with an initial speed of 25 m s–1. Describe how the
speed of the stone changes as it reaches its highest point.
(6)
Why is the acceleration due to gravity on the moon less than the acceleration
due to gravity on the earth?
(5)
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M. Duffy
2003 OL Q12(a)
(a) Define the moment of a force.
(6)
Explain why the handle on a door is on the opposite side to the hinges of the
door.
(7)
2003 HL Q5
(a) State Hooke’s law.
(7)
(b) What is the relationship between the acceleration due to gravity g and the
distance from the centre of the earth?
(7)
2003 HL Q6
Give the difference between vector quantities and scalar quantities and give one
example of each.
(8)
Describe an experiment to find the resultant of two vectors.
(18)
2003 HL Q12(a)
(a)
State Newton’s second law of motion. (6)
A skydiver falls from an aircraft that is flying horizontally. He reaches a
constant speed of 50 m s–1 after falling through a height of 1500 m.
Use a diagram to show the forces acting on the skydiver and explain why he
reaches a constant speed.
(12)
2002 OL Q5
(a) What is friction?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2002 OL Q6
Define (i) velocity, (ii) acceleration.
(12)
Copy and complete the following statement of Newton’s first law of motion.
“An object stays at rest or moves with constant velocity (i.e. it does not
accelerate) unless………………..”
(6)
The diagram shows the forces acting on an aircraft travelling horizontally at a
constant speed through the air.
L is the upward force acting on the aircraft.
W is the weight of the aircraft.
T is the force due to the engines.
R is the force due to air resistance.
What happens to the aircraft when the force L is greater than the weight of
the aircraft?
(6)
What happens to the aircraft when the force T is greater than the force R? (6)
Using Newton’s first law of motion, explain what would happen to the passengers
if they were not wearing seatbelts while the aircraft was landing.
(5)
2002 OL Q12(a)
(a) What is meant by pressure? Give the unit of pressure.
Name an instrument used to measure pressure.
(9)
(6)
When air is removed from the metal container shown in the diagram, it
collapses. Explain why.
(9)
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M. Duffy
2002 HL Q6
State Newton’s second law of motion.
The equation F = – ks, where k is a constant, is an expression for a law that
governs the motion of a body.
Name this law and give a statement of it.
Give the name for this type of motion and describe the motion.
(6)
(9)
(9)
A mass at the end of a spring is an example of a system that obeys this law.
Give two other examples of systems that obey this law.
(6)
2002 HL Q12(a)
(a) State the principle of conservation of momentum.
(6)
A spacecraft of mass 50 000 kg is approaching a space station at a constant
–1
–1
speed of 2 m s . The spacecraft must slow to a speed of 0.5 m s for it to lock
onto the space station.
In what direction should the gas be expelled?
(4)
Explain how the principle of conservation of momentum is applied to changing
the direction in which a spacecraft is travelling.
(6)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Light Theory
2013 OL Q5 (e) (f)
(e) How does light travel through an optical fibre?
(f) Give a common use for a convex lens.
2013 OL Q12(b)
The diagram shows a beam of white light undergoing refraction and dispersion
as it passes through a prism.
(i) What is meant by dispersion?
(ii) What is observed on the screen between X and Y?
(iii) What information does dispersion give about the nature of white light?
(iv) Give another method for the dispersion of light.
(v) Give an everyday example of the dispersion of light.
(6)
(6)
(4)
(6)
(6)
2013 HL Q11(a)
(a) Seismic waves can be longitudinal or transverse. What is the main difference
between them?
(7)
2013 HL Q12(b)
A narrow beam of light undergoes dispersion when it passes through either a
prism or a diffraction grating.
What is meant by dispersion?
(6)
Give two differences between what is observed when a narrow beam of light
undergoes dispersion as it passes through a prism, and what is observed when a
narrow beam of light undergoes dispersion as it passes through a diffraction
grating.
(6)
Give another example of light undergoing dispersion.
(4)
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M. Duffy
2012 OL Q7
Under certain conditions, light can undergo diffraction and interference.
(i) Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
(ii) Describe an experiment to demonstrate the wave nature of light. (12)
The photograph shows Polaroid sunglasses which reduce glare caused by
sunlight.
(iii) Explain the term ‘polarisation’.
(6)
(iv) Describe an experiment to demonstrate the polarisation of light. (12)
(v) What type of wave motion does light have as indicated by the experiment in
part (iv)?
(9)
(vi) Why are Polaroid sunglasses more effective than non-Polaroid sunglasses at
reducing glare?
(5)
2012 OL Q12(b)
State the laws of reflection of light.
How would you estimate the focal length of a concave mirror?
(6)
(9)
The diagram shows an object O in front of a concave mirror, whose focus is at
F. Copy and complete the diagram to show the formation of the image of the
object O.
(9)
Give one use for a concave mirror.
(4)
Page | 22
M. Duffy
2012 HL Q5(e)
(e) List three conditions necessary for an observer to see a rainbow.
2012 HL Q7
The diagram shows a simplified version of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Name the sections labelled A and B in the diagram.
Describe how to detect each of these radiations.
(15)
Distinguish between interference and diffraction.
Can a diffraction grating which diffracts light also diffract X-rays? Justify
your answer.
(21)
Light travels as a transverse wave.
Name another type of wave motion and give two differences between these two
types of wave motion.
(11)
2011 OL Q5
(d) Which one of the following terms is associated with a wave motion?
Half-life
interference
induction
doping
(f) Give two uses of a concave mirror.
Page | 23
M. Duffy
2011 OL Q7
Light rays can undergo reflection and refraction. Both of these can occur when
light is travelling from a denser medium, such as glass, to a less dense medium,
such as air.
(i)
Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
(ii)
Give a practical application of the reflection of light.
(3)
(iii)
State the laws of reflection of light.
(9)
(iv)
Explain, with the aid of a diagram, how total internal reflection can
occur.
(v)
(9)
What is meant by the ‘critical angle’ in total internal reflection?
(6)
The photo shows an optical fibre which is used for
the transmission of data using light waves.
(vi)
Draw a diagram to show how light
waves travel along an optical fibre.
(9)
(vii)
Give two advantages of using optical
fibres instead of copper wires when
transmitting data.
(viii)
(5)
Optical fibres are also used in medicine. Give an example of their
use in medicine.
(3)
2011 HL Q5
(c) Why is a convex mirror used, instead of a plane mirror, as a door mirror on a
car?
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M. Duffy
2011 HL Q12(b)
(b) State the laws of refraction of light.
(6)
A lamp is located centrally at the bottom of a large swimming pool, 1.8 m deep.
Draw a ray diagram to show where the lamp appears to be, as seen by an
observer standing at the edge of the pool.
(7)
At night, when the lamp is switched on, a disc of light is seen at the surface of
the swimming pool.
Explain why the area of water surrounding the disc of light appears dark.
(3)
2010 OL Q5
(d) Which one of the following scientists is associated with the refraction of
light?
(7)
Rutherford
Snell
Joule
Einstein
2010 OL Q12(b)
What is meant by dispersion of light?
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the dispersion of light.
Give an example of the dispersion of light occurring in nature.
(6)
(12)
(4)
The diagram shows stage lighting similar to that found in most theatres.
Only red, green and blue lights are needed to create
most lighting effects. Explain why.
(6)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q5
(b) What is the critical angle of a sample of glass whose refractive index is
1.46?
(7)
(c) Name the parts labelled A and B of the spectrometer shown in the diagram.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q7
The Doppler effect applies to all types of waves and is named
after Christian Johann Doppler, an Austrian scientist who
explained this phenomenon in 1842.
What is the Doppler effect?
Explain, with the aid of labelled diagrams, how this phenomenon occurs.
Describe a laboratory experiment to demonstrate the Doppler effect.
(18)
(9)
In the early part of the twentieth century, Hubble and other astronomers made
the first measurements on the spectra from distant stars. They observed that
these spectra were shifted and they used the Doppler effect to explain these
shifts.
What causes the red shift in the spectrum of a distant star?
(6)
The yellow line emitted by a helium discharge tube in the laboratory has a
wavelength of 587 nm as shown in the diagram. The same yellow line in the
helium spectrum of a star has a measured wavelength of 590 nm.
What can you deduce about the motion of the star?
Give another application of the Doppler effect.
(3)
(5)
2009 Ol Q5
(e) Draw a diagram to show the path of a ray of light travelling through an
optical fibre.
(7)
Page | 27
M. Duffy
2009 OL Q7
In an experiment a beam of monochromatic light passes through a diffraction
grating and strikes a screen.
(i) Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
(ii) Describe what is observed on the screen.
(6)
(iii) Explain, with the aid of a diagram, how this phenomenon occurs.
(14)
(iv) What does this experiment tell us about the nature of light?
(6)
(v) Name the property of light that can be determined in this experiment.
(6)
(vi) What measurements must be taken to determine the property you named?
(12)
2009 OL Q11
(a) What causes the twinkling of stars?
(7)
(b) Give another name for the twinkling of stars.
(7)
(c) What is meant by the refraction of light?
(7)
(d) Name two properties of air that are affected by atmospheric turbulence. (7)
(e) Why is the air turbulent in towns?
(7)
(f) How can you tell the difference between a planet and a star in the night sky?
(7)
(g) Why do stars close to the horizon twinkle more?
(7)
(h) A star emits light, what is the source of this energy?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q5
(e) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of an image in a convex mirror. (7)
2009 HL Q7
When light shines on a compact disc it acts as a diffraction grating causing
diffraction and dispersion of the light. Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
Derive the diffraction grating formula.
(12)
An interference pattern is formed on a screen when green light from a laser
passes normally through a diffraction grating. The grating has 80 lines per mm
and the distance from the grating to the screen is 90 cm. The distance between
the third order images is 23.8 cm.
The laser is replaced with a source of white light and a series of spectra are
formed on the screen.
Explain
(iii) how the diffraction grating produces a spectrum;
(iv) why a spectrum is not formed at the central (zero order) image.
(11)
2009 HL Q12(c)
(c) Information is transmitted over long distances using optical fibres in which a
ray of light is guided along a fibre. Each fibre consists of a core of high quality
glass with a refractive index of 1.55 and is coated with glass of a lower
refractive index.
Explain, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how a ray of light is guided along a
fibre.
(9)
Why is each fibre coated with glass of lower refractive index?
(6)
2008 OL Q12(b)
(b) Sunlight is made up of different colours and invisible radiations.
(i) How would you show the presence of the different colours in light?
(ii) Name two radiations in sunlight that the eye cannot detect.
(iii) Describe how to detect one of these radiations.
(iv) Give a use for this radiation.
(9)
(6)
(9)
(4)
2008 HL Q5
(d) Why does diffraction not occur when light passes through a window?
(e) Why is a fluorescent tube an efficient source of light?
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2008 HL Q9
What is meant by refraction of light?
State Snell’s law of refraction.
A swimmer cannot see properly when she opens her eyes underwater.
When underwater:
(i) why does the cornea not act as a lens?
(ii) what is the maximum power of the eye?
(iii) why do objects appear blurred?
(iv) explain how wearing goggles allows objects to be seen clearly.
(17)
2008 HL Q11
(d) Name three different electromagnetic radiations.
(12)
(7)
2007 OL Q5
(e) The diagram shows parallel rays of light approaching a concave mirror. Copy
the diagram and show the paths of the rays after they strike the mirror.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2007 OL Q8
(a) Dispersion occurs when a beam of white light passes through a prism forming
a spectrum on a screen, as shown in the diagram.
(i) What is meant by the terms dispersion and spectrum?
(10)
(ii) What happens to the white light when it enters the prism at Z?
(6)
(iii) Name the invisible radiation formed on the screen at (i) region X, (ii) region
Y.
(9)
(iv) Describe how to detect one of these invisible radiations.
(12)
(v) Give a use for one of these invisible radiations.
(6)
(b) The colour on a TV screen is made by mixing the primary colours.
(i) Name the primary colours.
(ii) How is a secondary colour (e.g. yellow) produced on a TV screen?
(9)
(4)
2007 OL Q5
(d) How is infra-red radiation detected?
(7)
(e) The refractive index of a liquid is 1.35, what is the critical angle of the
liquid?
(7)
2007 HL Q7
What is the Doppler effect?
Explain, with the aid of labelled diagrams, how this phenomenon occurs.
(18)
The emission line spectrum of a star was analysed using the Doppler effect.
Describe how an emission line spectrum is produced.
(12)
The red line emitted by a hydrogen discharge tube in the laboratory has a
wavelength of 656 nm. The same red line in the hydrogen spectrum of a moving
star has a wavelength of 720 nm.
Is the star approaching the earth? Justify your answer.
(8)
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M. Duffy
2006 OL Q5
(e) Copy and complete in your answerbook the following diagram to show how a
concave mirror forms an image of an object O, which is placed outside the focus
F of the mirror.
(7)
(f) Give one use of a spectrometer.
(7)
2006 OL Q12(b)
The diagram shows the relative positions of electromagnetic radiations in terms
of their wavelength.
(i) Name the radiations marked A and B.
(ii) Give one property which is common to all electromagnetic radiations.
(iii) Which one of the radiations has the shortest wavelength?
(iv) Describe how IR radiation is detected.
(v) Give one use for microwaves.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(4)
2006 HL Q7
What is meant by the refraction of light?
(6)
A converging lens is used as a magnifying glass.
Draw a ray diagram to show how an erect image is formed by a magnifying glass.
(12)
A diverging lens cannot be used as a magnifying glass.
Explain why.
(5)
2005 Ol Q5
(f) Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Name two other
radiations that are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2005 Ol Q7
Reflection and refraction can both occur to rays of light.
What is meant by the reflection of light?
State the laws of reflection of light.
(15)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate one of the laws of reflection of light.
(12)
The diagram shows a ray of light travelling from glass to air.
At B the ray of light undergoes refraction.
Explain what is meant by refraction.
(6)
What special name is given to the angle of incidence i, when the effect shown in
the diagram occurs?
(6)
Draw a diagram to show what happens to the ray of light when the angle of
incidence i is increased to 45o
(6)
Give one application of the effect shown in the diagram you have drawn.
(5)
2005 HL Q7
A student used a laser, as shown, to demonstrate that light is a wave motion
(i) Name the two phenomena that occur when the
light passes through the pair of narrow slits.
(ii) A pattern is formed on the screen. Explain how the pattern is formed.
(iii) What is the effect on the pattern when
(a) the wavelength of the light is increased.
(b) the distance between the slits is increased.
(6)
(12)
(8)
(12)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that sound is also a wave motion.
Sound travels as longitudinal waves while light travels as transverse waves.
Explain the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.
(9)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that light waves are transverse waves.
(9)
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M. Duffy
2004 OL Q5
(d) Name two primary colours of light.
(7)
(e) Which one of the following is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum?
Sound waves
microwaves
ultraviolet radiation
(7)
2004 OL Q11
(a) Draw a diagram to show how a ray of light is transmitted through an optical
fibre.
(7)
(b) How is the escape of light from the sides of an optical fibre prevented? (7)
(c) Name a material that is used in the manufacture of optical fibres.
(7)
(d) What is the bending of light as it moves from one medium to another called?
(7)
(e) What is meant by the refractive index of a material?
(7)
(f) Define the critical angle.
(7)
(g) When will total internal reflection occur?
(7)
(h) Give one use for optical fibres.
(7)
2004 OL Q12(b)
(b) A concave mirror can produce a real or a virtual image, depending on the
position of the object.
Give one difference between a real image and a virtual image.
(6)
Use a ray diagram to show the formation of a real image by a concave mirror. (6)
Give two uses for a concave mirror.
(6)
2004 HL Q5
(f) What is meant by polarisation of waves?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2004 HL Q12(b)
(b) Give two reasons why the telecommunications industry uses optical fibres
instead of copper conductors to transmit signals.
(6)
Explain how a signal is transmitted along an optical fibre. An optical fibre has an
outer less dense layer of glass. What is the role of this layer of glass?
(13)
2003 OL Q5
(f) Give one difference between light waves and sound waves.
(7)
(g) Describe the image that is formed in a concave mirror when an object is
placed inside the focus, as shown in the diagram.
(7)
2003 OL Q7
State the laws of refraction of light.
(12)
Explain, with the aid of a labelled diagram, (i) total internal reflection,
(ii) critical angle.
(12)
o
The diagram shows a 45 prism made of glass. The critical angle for the glass is
42o.
The diagram shows a ray of light entering the prism from air.
Copy the diagram and show the path of the ray through the prism and back into
the air.
Explain why the ray follows the path that you have shown.
(15)
Give two uses of total internal reflection.
(8)
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M. Duffy
2003 OL Q12(b)
(b) Name two primary colours.
(6)
What are complementary colours?
(6)
White light is made up of light of different colours. Describe an experiment to
demonstrate this.
(9)
The diagram shows a simple form of the electromagnetic spectrum, with
wavelength increasing from left to right.
Copy this diagram and indicate on it the positions of the following:
microwaves; infrared; ultraviolet; X-rays.
(7)
2002 OL Q5
(c) In the following table, match the scientist in the first column with the law in
the second column.
(7)
2002 OL Q7
The dispersion of white light can be produced by refraction or diffraction.
Explain the underlined terms.
(18)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the dispersion of white light.
(12)
The following table gives examples of electromagnetic waves and their typical
wavelengths.
Name one property that all of these waves have in common.
(6)
Describe how infrared radiation can be detected.
(6)
Give two uses of microwaves.
(8)
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M. Duffy
2002 HL Q7
“Constructive interference and destructive interference take place when waves
from two coherent sources meet.”
Explain the underlined terms in the above statement.
(12)
What is the condition necessary for destructive interference to take place
when waves from two coherent sources meet?
(6)
Describe an experiment that demonstrates the wave nature of light.
(12)
2002 HL Q12(b)
(b) State the laws of refraction of light.
Draw a labelled diagram showing the optical structure of the eye.
How does the eye bring objects at different distances into focus?
(6)
(9)
(6)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Sound Theory
2013 OL Q5 (d)
What is meant by the threshold of hearing?
2013 OL Q6
(a) What is meant by the frequency of a wave?
Give the relationship between the frequency and the wavelength of a wave. (12)
The diagram shows a student walking in front of two loudspeakers along the
path between A and B. A signal generator set at 500 Hz is connected to the
loudspeakers.
(i) What will the student notice as he moves from A to B?
(ii) Name this phenomenon.
(iii) Explain with the aid of a diagram how this phenomenon occurs.
(iv) Why should this phenomenon be taken into account in the placing of
speakers in theatres or auditoriums?
(6)
(4)
(9)
(6)
(b) The note produced by a guitar string depends on the fundamental frequency
of the string. The quality of the note depends on the number of overtones
produced. The loudness of a note is increased by resonance in the body of a
guitar.
(i) Explain the underlined terms.
(ii) How can the note produced by a guitar string be changed?
(iii) What is resonance?
(9)
(4)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2013 HL Q7
What is meant by the term resonance? How would resonance be demonstrated
in the laboratory?
(15)
A set of wind chimes, as shown in the diagram, is made from different lengths
of hollow metal tubing that are open at both ends. When the wind blows, the
wind chimes are struck by a clapper and emit sounds.
The sound from one of the tubes was analysed. The following frequencies were
identified in the sound: 550 Hz, 1100 Hz and 1651 Hz.
What name is given to this set of frequencies?
(5)
2012 OL Q5(d)
(d) The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed, soon after
construction, due to resonance. What is resonance?
2012 OL Q12(c)
The pitch of the sound emitted by the siren of a moving fire engine appears to
change as it passes a stationary observer.
(i) Name this phenomenon.
(ii) Explain, with the aid of a diagram, how this phenomenon occurs.
(iii) Will the crew in the fire engine notice this phenomenon?
Give a reason for your answer.
(iv) Give an application of this phenomenon.
(6)
(12)
(4)
(6)
2011 OL Q12(b)
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M. Duffy
(b) Loudness, pitch and quality are characteristics of a musical note. Name the
physical property of a sound wave on which each characteristic depends.
(12)
A bat detector allows us to hear the sounds emitted by bats. The detector is
needed as humans cannot hear the sounds emitted by bats as they are outside
our frequency limits of audibility.
(i) What is meant by the frequency limits of audibility? (6)
(ii) What name is given to a sound whose frequency is greater than our upper
frequency limit of audibility?
(4)
2011 HL Q5(d)
(d) What causes the Doppler effect?
2011 HL Q8
(a) Destructive interference can occur when waves from coherent sources meet.
Explain the underlined term.
Give two other conditions necessary for total destructive interference to occur.
(14)
The diagram shows a standing wave in a pipe closed at one end.
The length of the pipe is 90 cm.
(i) Name the points on the wave labelled P and Q.
(6)
The clarinet is a wind instrument based on a pipe that is closed at one end.
What type of harmonics is produced by a clarinet?
(3)
2010 OL Q5
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M. Duffy
(f) Give one difference between a light wave and a sound wave.
(7)
2010 OL Q7
(i) What is the name given to the distance (a) X, (b) Y?
(ii) What is meant by the frequency of a wave?
(iii) Explain the term natural frequency?
(6)
(6)
(6)
(v) State the wave property on which (c) the loudness, (d) the pitch, of a musical
note depends.
(9)
Resonance can occur between objects of the same natural frequency.
An opera singer singing a high pitched note can shatter a glass.
Explain why.
(6)
Describe a laboratory experiment to demonstrate resonance.
(14)
2010 HL Q11
(a) Give two properties of radio waves.
(c) What happens to the radio frequency energy absorbed by the body?
(d) Why are radio frequency waves not very penetrating?
(7)
(7)
(7)
(e) A mobile phone converts the received radio frequency waves to sound waves.
What are the audible frequency limits for sound waves?
(7)
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M. Duffy
(f) Give two safety precautions you should take when using a mobile phone.
(h) Name an electromagnetic wave which may induce cancer. Justify your
answer.
(7)
(7)
2010 Q12(c)
(c) Explain the term resonance and describe a laboratory experiment to
demonstrate it.
(15)
Give two characteristics of a musical note and name the physical property on
which each characteristic depends.
(9)
Explain why a musical tune does not sound the same when played on different
instruments.
(4)
2009 OL Q5
(f) Name the property on which the pitch of a musical note depends.
(7)
2008 OL Q5
(d) What physical quantity is measured in decibels?
(7)
2008 Ol Q8
The diagram shows a signal generator connected to two loudspeakers emitting
the same note.
A person walks slowly along the line AB.
(i) What will the person notice?
(ii) Why does this effect occur?
(iii) What does this tell us about sound?
(21)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that sound requires a medium to travel.
(14)
The pitch of a note emitted by the siren of a fast moving ambulance appears to
change as it passes a stationary observer.
(i) Name this phenomenon.
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M. Duffy
(ii) Explain how this phenomenon occurs.
(iii) Give an application of this phenomenon.
(21)
2008 HL Q5
(c) What is the relationship between the frequency of a vibrating stretched
string and its length?
(7)
2008 Hl Q12(b)
(b) The pitch of a musical note depends on its frequency.
On what does (i) the quality, (ii) the loudness, of a musical note depend?
(6)
What is the Doppler effect?
Give an application of the Doppler effect.
(6)
(4)
2007 OL Q5
(f) Give one application of the Doppler effect.
(7)
2007 OL Q7
Resonance occurs when a vibrating object causes vibrations in nearby objects
which have the same natural frequency.
Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate resonance.
(12)
The diagram shows the waveform of a musical note.
What is the name given to (i) the distance A, (ii) height B?
Explain what is meant by the frequency of a wave.
State the wave property on which (i) the loudness, (ii) the pitch, of a note
depends.
2007 HL Q12(b)
(b) Define sound intensity.
The human ear is more sensitive to certain frequencies of sound.
How is this taken into account when measuring sound intensity levels?
(9)
(6)
(8)
(6)
(4)
2006 OL Q8
Describe, using diagrams, the difference between transverse waves and
longitudinal waves.
(12)
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M. Duffy
The speed of sound depends on the medium through which the sound is
travelling.
Explain how sound travels through a medium.
(9)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that sound requires a medium to travel.
(15)
Why is the speed of sound greater in water than in air?
(5)
2006 HL Q5
(d) A sound wave is diffracted as it passes through a doorway but a light wave is
not. Explain why.
(7)
(e) What is the Doppler effect?
(7)
2006 HL Q11
(a) How does resonance occur in an acoustic guitar?
(7)
(b) What is the relationship between frequency and tension for a stretched
string?
(7)
2005 OL Q12(b)
(b) What is meant by (i) diffraction, (ii) interference, of a wave?
(12)
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M. Duffy
In an experiment, a signal generator was connected to two loudspeakers, as
shown in the diagram. Both speakers are emitting a note of the same frequency
and same amplitude.
A person walks along the line XY. Describe what the person hears.
What does this experiment demonstrate about the nature of sound?
What is meant by the amplitude of a wave?
(12)
(4)
2005 HL Q12(c)
(c) The frequency of a stretched string depends on its length.
Give two other factors that affect the frequency of a stretched string.
(6)
The diagram shows a guitar string stretched between supports 0.65 m apart.
Draw a diagram of the string when it vibrates at its second harmonic.
(7)
2005 OL Q5
(c) Give one application of the Doppler effect.
(7)
2004 OL Q8
Sound from a vibrating object can cause diffraction and interference.
Page | 45
M. Duffy
Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the interference of sound.
(11)
The diagram shows a stationary wave (standing wave) on a vibrating stretched
string.
What is the name given to the points on the string marked (i) X, (ii) Y?
How many wavelengths are contained in the distance marked L?
State two factors on which the natural frequency of a stretched string
depends.
(15)
(9)
2003 HL Q5
(d) Which wave phenomenon can be used to distinguish between transverse
waves and longitudinal waves?
(7)
(e) Sound intensity level can be measured in dB or dB(A). What is the
difference between the two scales?
(7)
2003 HL Q7
Describe an experiment to show that sound is a wave motion.
(12)
What is the Doppler effect? Explain, with the aid of labelled diagrams, how this
phenomenon occurs.
(14)
Bats use high frequency waves to detect obstacles. A bat emits a wave of
frequency 68 kHz and wavelength 5.0 mm towards the wall of a cave. It detects
the reflected wave 20 ms later.
Give two other applications of the Doppler effect.
(6)
2002 OL Q5
(e) What physical quantity is measured in decibels?
(7)
(h) Give an example of the Doppler effect.
(7)
2002 HL Q5
(d) What is the Doppler effect?
(e) Define sound intensity.
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Heat Theory
2013 OL Q8
When heat is transferred to or from an object the temperature of the object
changes.
(i) What is heat?
(6)
(ii) Name the three ways in which heat can be transferred.
(9)
(iii) Describe an experiment to show how heat is transferred in a liquid.
(9)
The water in an electric kettle is heated by the element and its handle is made
from an insulating material.
(iv) How does the method of heat transfer in a liquid affect the positioning of
the heating element in a kettle?
(6)
(v) Why is the handle of a kettle made of an insulating material?
(4)
(vi) Name an insulator suitable for use in the handle of a kettle.
(4)
2013 HL Q5 (c), (d)
(c) Explain why heat does not travel through solids by means of convection.
(d) Storage heaters are frequently used to heat buildings. State the principle
that underlies the operation of an electrical storage heater.
2013 HL Q12(d)
What is meant by the term thermometric property?
(6)
Why do the thermistor and the thermocouple thermometer give different
temperature readings for the water in the tank? (7)
2012 OL Q5(e)
(e) A building has a low U-value. What is the advantage of this?
2012 OL Q9
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M. Duffy
The temperature of an object is a measure of its hotness or coldness.
(i) What is the SI unit of temperature?
(ii) The Celsius scale is the practical temperature scale.
How is the degree Celsius (°C) related to the SI unit of temperature?
(6)
(6)
When heat is transferred to a substance, it causes a rise in temperature or
change in state of the substance, or both.
(iii) What is heat?
(iv) Name the three methods of heat transfer.
(v) What is meant by the change in state of a substance?
(vi) Define specific latent heat.
a
(6)
(6)
(3)
(6)
2012 HL Q5
(f) How is energy transferred from the sun to the earth?
(g) A person smokes a cigarette at the entrance to a building. Explain how a
significant amount of the smoke from the cigarette can enter the building.
2012 HL Q12(c)
(c) The graph shows the variation in temperature
when it was supplied with energy
θ of 150 g of crushed ice
∆E at a constant rate.
(i) Explain the shape of the graph.
(ii) Describe how energy could have been supplied at a constant rate.
(12)
(6)
2011 OL Q5(e)
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M. Duffy
(e) Name the three ways by which heat can travel from one place to another.
2011 OL Q8
(a) (i) What is meant by a thermometric property?
(6)
(ii) Name two different thermometric properties.
(6)
(iii) Name two different thermometers.
(4)
(iv) Describe how to calibrate a thermometer.
(12)
(v) Why is there a need for a standard thermometer?
(6)
(b) An electric kettle is filled with 500 g of water and is initially at a
temperature of 15 oC.The kettle has a power rating of 2 kW.
(iv) Name a suitable material for the handle of the kettle. Justify your answer.
(4)
2011 HL Q7
(b) Name two processes by which a hot drink cools. How is the energy lost by
each of these processes reduced for a hot drink supplied in a disposable cup?
(14)
(c) A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature of the steam.
How would you demonstrate the principle of operation of a thermocouple?
Describe how to establish a calibration curve for a thermocouple.
(18)
2010 OL Q5
(e) If the temperature of an object is 28 oC, what is its temperature in Kelvin?
(7)
2010 OL Q8
(a) What is heat?
(6)
Explain how heat is transferred in a solid.
(9)
Describe an experiment to compare the rates of heat transfer through
different solids.
(12)
Explain the term U-value.
(6)
How can the U-value of the walls of a house be reduced?
(4)
(b) The diagram shows a solar heating system.
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M. Duffy
(i) How is the sun’s energy transferred to the solar collector?
(3)
(ii) Why is a solar collector painted black?
(3)
(iii) How is the heat transferred from the solar collector to the hot water tank?
(3)
(iv) The heating coil in the hot water tank is near the bottom. Explain why. (4)
(v) Give an advantage and a disadvantage of a solar heating system.
(6)
2010 HL Q5
(d) Explain why snow is slow to melt as the air temperature rises above 0 °C. (7)
2009 OL Q12(b)
(b) What is meant by the temperature of a body?
Name two scales that are used to measure temperature.
What is the boiling point of water on each of these scales?
The diagram shows a laboratory thermometer, what is its thermometric
property?
(6)
(9)
(3)
Name one other type of thermometer and state its thermometric of property.
(6)
Why is there a need for a standard thermometer?
(4)
2009 HL Q5
(c) Why is it necessary to have a standard thermometer?
(7)
2009 Q11
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M. Duffy
(b) Why is the bottom of a flat-plate collector blackened?
(7)
(d) The liquid in a vacuum-tube solar collector has a large specific latent heat
of vaporisation. Explain why.
(7)
(e) Name the three ways that heat could be lost from a vacuum-tube solar
collector.
(7)
(f) How is the sun’s energy trapped in a vacuum-tube solar collector?
(7)
(g) Describe, in terms of heat transfer, the operation of a heat pump.
(7)
(h) Give an advantage of a geothermal heating system over a solar heating
system.
(7)
2008 OL Q7
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M. Duffy
The temperature of an object is measured using a thermometer,
which is based on the variation of its thermometric property.
(i) What is meant by temperature?
(ii) What is the unit of temperature?
(iii) Give an example of a thermometric property.
(18)
The rise in temperature of an object depends on the amount of heat
transferred to it and on its specific heat capacity.
(iv) What is heat?
(v) Name three ways in which heat can be transferred.
(vi) Define specific heat capacity.
(21)
2008 OL Q11
(a) State two uses of energy in the home.
(b) Give two ways to reduce energy needs in the home.
(c) List the main sources of renewable energy.
(d) What are the main parts of a solar heating system?
(e) Why does a solar panel need to face south?
(f) What is the function of the backup heater?
(g) Why are parts of the solar panel painted black?
(h) What is the name given to the tendency of water to circulate as it is
heated?
2007 OL Q5
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
(c) The temperature of a body is 34 °C. What is its temperature in kelvin?
(7)
(d) Name two methods by which heat can be transferred.
(7)
2007 HL Q5
(c) Why does the temperature of an athlete reduce when she perspires?
(7)
2006 OL Q5
(d) Give one example of a thermometric property.
(7)
2006 OL Q7
Heat can be transferred in a room by convection.
What is convection? Name two other ways of transferring heat.
Describe an experiment to demonstrate convection in a liquid.
(12)
(12)
In an electric storage heater, bricks with a high specific heat capacity are
heated overnight by passing an electric current through a heating coil in the
bricks. The bricks are surrounded by insulation.
Why is insulation used to surround the bricks?
Name a material that could be used as insulation.
Explain how the storage heater heats the air in a room.
(12)
(8)
2006 HL Q12(c)
(c) Define (i) power, (ii) specific heat capacity.
(9)
400 g of water at a temperature of 15 oC is placed in an electric kettle. The
power rating of the kettle is 3.0 kW.
In reality, the time taken to heat the water will be greater. Explain why.
(4)
(Note: Calculated time works out to be 48 sec)
2005 Ol Q5
(d) Name two methods by which heat can be transferred.
(7)
2005 OL Q12(a)
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M. Duffy
(a) To calibrate a thermometer, a thermometric property and two fixed points
are needed.
What does a thermometer measure?
(6)
What are the two fixed points on the Celsius scale?
(6)
Explain the term thermometric property.
(6)
Name the thermometric property used in a mercury thermometer.
(6)
Give an example of another thermometric property.
(4)
2005 HL Q5
(c) What is the thermometric property of a thermocouple?
(7)
2004 OL Q5
(b) Explain the term thermometric property.
(7)
2004 OL Q7
Heat can be transferred by conduction. What is meant by conduction?
Name two other ways of transferring heat.
(12)
Describe an experiment to show how different solids conduct heat at different
rates.
(12)
The U-value of a house is a measure of the rate of heat loss to the
surroundings.
Give two ways in which the U-value of a house can be reduced.
(8)
The diagram shows a solar panel (solar heater) which can be used in the heating
of a house.
What energy conversion takes place in a solar panel?
(i) Why are the pipes in the solar panel usually made from copper?
(ii) Why are the pipes in the solar panel usually painted black?
(iii) Why does warm water rise to the top of the solar panel?
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
2004 HL Q5
(c) Explain the term thermometric property.
2004 HL Q7
(7)
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M. Duffy
Define (i) specific heat capacity, (ii) specific latent heat.
(12)
Allowing a liquid to evaporate in a closed pipe inside the freezer cools the air in
the freezer. The vapour is then pumped through the pipe to the outside of the
freezer, where it condenses again.
Explain how this process cools the air in the freezer.
The freezer causes the room temperature to rise. Explain why.
(12)
(5)
2004 HL Q11
(h) Storage heaters have a large heat capacity. Explain why.
(7)
2003 OL Q5
(d) The temperature of a body is 300 K. What is its temperature in degrees
Celsius?
(7)
(e) Name two methods by which heat can be transferred.
(7)
2003 HL Q12(b)
(b) What is the difference between heat and temperature?
(6)
The emf of a thermocouple can be used as a thermometric property.
Explain the underlined terms.
(10)
Name a thermometric property other than emf. Explain why it is necessary to
have a standard thermometer.
(12)
2002 OL Q5
(d) What is the effect of increasing the U-value of a structure?
(7)
(g) What is meant by a thermometric property?
(7)
2002 OL Q12(b)
(b) Define specific heat capacity.
Why is the heating element of an electric kettle near the bottom?
(9)
(4)
2002 HL Q5
(b) Give the equation that defines temperature on the Celsius scale.
(7)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Electricity Theory
2013 OL Q5 (g) (h)
(g)What colour is the wire that is connected to the fuse in a standard three-pin
plug?
(h) Give a common use for a capacitor.
2013 OL Q7(a)
An electric current is the flow of charge in a conductor when there is a
potential difference between its ends.
(i) Name the unit of current.
(ii) Give an example of a conductor.
(iii) Name a source of potential difference.
(iv) What are the charge carriers in semiconductors?
(v) What type of conductor does the I-V graph in the diagram represent?
(6)
(3)
(6)
(8)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2013 OL Q11
(a) What are the key components of the national grid?
(b) Why are high voltages used to transmit power over the national grid?
(c) Why is the power supplied to domestic customers at lower voltages?
(d) Name two renewable and two non-renewable energy sources used to
generate electricity.
(e) The national grid uses alternating current (a.c.) rather than direct current
(d.c.). What is the difference between them?
(f) Name the device used to convert high voltages to lower voltages.
(g) Give the principle of operation of the device named in part (f).
(h) Name the unit of electrical energy that is used in the delivery of electricity
to homes and businesses.
(8 × 7)
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M. Duffy
2013 OL Q12(c)
State Coulomb’s law of force between electric charges. (6)
The diagram shows a positively-charged electroscope.
(i) Give a use for an electroscope. (6)
(ii) How can an electroscope be given a positive charge? (6)
(iii) What is observed if you touch the cap of the
electroscope with your finger? (4)
(iv) Explain why this happens. (6)
2013 HL Q5
(f) Define the volt.
(g) A positively-charged rod is brought near to a neutral, conducting sphere that
is on top of an insulating stand, as shown in the diagram. How would a student
charge the sphere negatively by induction?
2013 HL Q8
(a)The diagram shows a circuit used in a charger for a mobile phone.
Name the parts labelled F, G and H.
Describe the function of G in this circuit.
Sketch graphs to show how voltage varies with time for
(i) the input voltage
(ii) the output voltage, Vxy
(9)
(6)
(12)
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M. Duffy
(b) Electricity generating companies transmit electricity over large distances at
high voltage.
Explain why high voltage is used.
(6)
2013 HL Q12(c)
Define the unit of charge, the coulomb. State Coulomb’s law.
(9)
2012 OL Q5
(f) Why is a lightning conductor made of copper?
(i) The photo shows an LDR. Draw the electrical circuit symbol for an LDR.
2012 OL Q8
A plug is used to connect an electrical appliance in the
home to the 230 volt mains supply. Modern plugs contain a
small fuse which comes with a rating of 1A, 2A, 3A, 5A or
13A.
The electrical energy supplied to the home is measured in
kW h (kilowatt-hour).
(i) What is the colour of the wire that should be
connected to the fuse in a plug?
(ii) Why is there a fuse in a plug?
(6)
(iii) Explain how a fuse works.
(9)
(vi) Name a device found in modern domestic circuits that
has the same function as a fuse.
(6)
(6)
Page | 59
M. Duffy
2012 OL Q12(d)
A capacitor is connected to a switch, a battery and a bulb as shown in the
diagram.
When the switch is changed from position A to position B, the bulb lights
briefly.
(i) What happens to the capacitor when the switch is in position A?
(ii) Why does the bulb light when the switch is in position B?
(iii) Why does the bulb light only briefly?
(v) Give a use for a capacitor.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(4)
2012 HL Q9
Define resistance.
(i) Two resistors of resistance R1 and R2 are connected in series. Derive an
expression for the effective resistance of the two resistors in terms of R1 and
R 2.
(18)
(iii) A fuse is a resistor used as a safety device in a circuit. How does a fuse
operate?
(11)
A Wheatstone bridge circuit is used to measure the resistance of an unknown
resistor R.
The bridge ABCD is balanced when X = 2.2 kΩ, Y = 1.0 kΩ and Z = 440 Ω.
(iv) What test would you use to determine that the bridge is balanced? (6)
(vi) When the unknown resistor R is covered by a piece of black paper, the
bridge goes out of balance. What type of resistor is it? Give a use for this type
of resistor.
(6)
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M. Duffy
2012 HL Q11(g)
(g) Small scale wind turbines are sometimes used to charge batteries.
The a.c. output voltage has to be converted to a d.c. voltage. How is this
achieved?
2011 OL Q5
(g) What is the colour of the earth cable in a standard 3-pin plug?
(h) How does a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) improve safety in a domestic
circuit?
(i) Give a use for an electroscope.
2011 OL Q12(c)
(c)
What is an electric current and give its unit of measurement?
(9)
State the three effects of an electric current.
(4)
How would you demonstrate one of the effects?
(9)
2011 HL Q5(f)
(f) A residual current device (RCD) as shown is rated 30 mA. Explain the
significance of this rating.
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M. Duffy
2011 HL Q9
(a) State Coulomb’s law.
(6)
(b) Draw a labelled diagram of an electroscope.
Why should the frame of an electroscope be earthed?
Describe how to charge an electroscope by induction.
(15)
(c) How does a full-body metal-foil suit protect an operator
when working on high voltage power lines?
Describe an experiment to investigate the principle by
which the operator is protected.
(17)
2011 HL Q11
(f) A light sensor attached to a datalogger indicates that the light emitted
from a CFL used in the home is not continuous, but flickers at a frequency that
is not detected by the eye. What is the cause of the flickering in the light?
(g) Draw a circuit diagram of a diode in forward bias.
(h) How can LEDs be used to produce white light?
2011 Hl Q12(c)
(c) List the factors that affect the heat produced in a current-carrying
conductor.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2010 OL Q5
(h) Give a common use of a capacitor.
(7)
(i) In semiconductors, what is meant by doping?
(7)
2010 OL Q9
(a) State Coulomb’s law of force between electric charges.
An electric field exists around a charged object.
(i) How would you detect the presence of an electric field?
(ii) What is the unit of electric charge?
(9)
(9)
(4)
Static electricity generated during a storm can cause lightning
which can damage buildings. To prevent damage tall buildings
have lightning conductors.
(iii) How does the lightning conductor prevent damage to the building? (6)
(iv) Suggest a suitable material for a lightning conductor.
(4)
(b) State Ohm’s law.
(6)
2010 OL Q12(c)
The diagram shows a plug which contains a fuse, an MCB and an RCD,
all of which are used in domestic circuits.
(i) Explain how a fuse works.
(6)
(ii) How does the fuse improve safety?
(4)
(iii) What is an MCB?
(3)
(iv) What is the function of an RCD?
(6)
(v) Why should an appliance be earthed?
(6)
(vi) Give one other precaution that should be taken to improve safety
when using electricity in the home.
(3)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q5
(e) What is the positive charge stored on a 5 μF capacitor when it is connected
to a 120 V d.c. supply?
(7)
(f) Which one of the following devices is adjusted when tuning a radio:
transformer, diode, capacitor, rheostat?
(7)
(h) The peak voltage of an a.c. supply is 300 V. Calculate its rms voltage.
(7)
2010 HL Q8
A hair dryer with a plastic casing uses a coiled wire as a heat source.
When an electric current flows through the coiled wire, the air around it heats
up and a motorised fan blows the hot air out.
What is an electric current?
Heating is one effect of an electric current.
Give two other effects of an electric current.
(12)
The diagram shows a basic electrical circuit for a hair dryer.
(i) Describe what happens:
(a) when switch A is closed and the rheostat is adjusted
(b) when switch A and switch B are closed.
(9)
(iv) Explain why the current through the coil would
decrease if the fan developed a fault and stopped
working.
(8)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q12(d)
(d) Define electric field strength and give its unit of measurement.
Under what circumstances will point discharge occur?
(9)
(4)
2009 Q5
(g) Name the instrument shown in the diagram.
(7)
2009 OL Q8
Plugs are used to connect electrical appliances in the home to the 230 volt ESB
supply. Modern plugs contain a small fuse which comes with a rating of 1A, 2A,
3A, 5A or 13A.
The electrical energy supplied by ESB to the home is measured in kWh
(kilowatt-hour).
(i) What is the colour of the wire that should be connected to the fuse in a
plug?
(ii) What is the function of a fuse?
(iii) Explain how a fuse works.
(iv) Name another device with the same function as a fuse.
(v) A coffee maker has a power rating of 800 W.
What is the most suitable fuse to use in the plug of the coffee maker?
(vi) Why would it be dangerous to use a fuse with too high a rating?
(6)
(6)
(9)
(4)
(9)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2009 OL Q12(c)
(c) A p-n junction (diode) is formed by doping adjacent layers of a
semiconductor. A depletion layer is formed at their junction.
Explain the underlined terms.
How is a depletion layer formed?
(9)
(6)
The diagram shows two diodes connected to two bulbs A and B, a 6 V supply and
a switch.
What is observed when the switch is closed?
Explain why this happens.
(6)
(7)
2009 HL Q5
(f) Define electric field strength.
(g) When will an RCD (residual current device) disconnect a circuit?
(7)
(7)
2009 HL Q9
Define (i) potential difference, (ii) capacitance.
(12)
A capacitor stores energy.
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that a capacitor stores energy.
(14)
2009 Q12(b)
(b) A semiconductor diode is formed when small quantities of phosphorus and
boron are added to adjacent layers of a crystal of silicon to increase its
conduction.
Explain how the presence of phosphorus and boron makes the silicon a better
conductor.
(6)
What happens at the boundary of the two adjacent layers?
(9)
Describe what happens at the boundary when the semiconductor diode is
(i) forward biased, (ii) reverse biased.
(9)
Give a use of a semiconductor diode.
(4)
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M. Duffy
2008 OL Q5
(f) Give one effect of static electricity?
(g) Give two uses for the instrument shown.
(7)
(7)
(h) What is the colour of the live wire in an electric cable?
(7)
2008 OL Q9
An electric current flows in a conductor when there is a potential difference
between its ends.
(i) What is an electric current?
(6)
(ii) Give two effects of an electric current.
(6)
(iii) Name a source of potential difference.
(4)
Describe an experiment to investigate if a substance is a conductor or an
insulator.
(10)
The two headlights of a truck are connected in parallel to a 24 V supply.
(i) Draw a circuit diagram to show how the headlights
are connected to the supply.
(ii) What is the advantage of connecting them in parallel?
(iii) Why should a fuse be included in such a circuit?
(6)
(6)
(6)
2008 HL Q5
(g) What are the charge carriers when an electric current
(i) passes through a semiconductor; (ii) passes through an electrolyte?
(h) Give two ways of deflecting a beam of electrons.
2008 HL Q7
Define resistivity and give its unit of measurement.
(9)
An electric toaster heats bread by convection and radiation.
What is the difference between convection and radiation as a means of heat
transfer?
(8)
The toaster has exposed metal parts. How is the risk of electrocution
minimised?
(9)
When the toaster is on, the coil emits red light.
Explain, in terms of movement of electrons, why light is emitted when a metal is
heated.
(12)
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M. Duffy
2008 HL Q12(d)
(d) Define capacitance.
(6)
Describe how an electroscope can be charged by induction.
(10)
How would you demonstrate that the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
depends on the distance between its plates?
(12)
2007 OL Q5
(g) Name two safety devices that are used in domestic electric circuits.
(7)
(h) Name the electrical component represented in the diagram.
(7)
2007 OL Q9
(a) State Coulomb’s law of force between charges.
The diagram shows a positively charged gold leaf electroscope.
(i) Describe how an electroscope is given a positive
charge.
(ii) What is observed when the cap of an electroscope is
earthed? Why does this happen?
(iii) How is the cap of the electroscope earthed?
(9)
(9)
(9)
(6)
Page | 68
M. Duffy
(b) A capacitor is connected to a switch, a battery and a bulb as shown in the
diagram.
When the switch is moved from position A to position B, the bulb lights briefly.
(i) What happens to the capacitor when the switch is in position A?
(6)
(ii) Why does the bulb light when the switch is in position B?
(6)
(iv) Give a use for a capacitor.
(5)
2007 OL Q12(c)
(c) State Ohm’s law.
Name an instrument used to measure potential difference.
(6)
(4)
2007 HL Q5
(f) Calculate the energy stored in a 5 μF capacitor when a potential difference
of 20 V is applied to it.
(7)
2007 HL Q8
Define electric field strength and give its unit of measurement.
(9)
Describe how an electric field pattern may be demonstrated in the laboratory.
(12)
All the charge resides on the surface of a Van de Graff generator’s dome.
Explain why.
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that total charge resides on the
outside of a conductor.
Give an application of this effect.
(20)
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M. Duffy
2007 HL Q9
Define (i) resistance, (ii) resistivity.
(12)
A metre bridge was used to measure the resistance of a sample of nichrome
wire.
Sketch a graph to show the relationship between the temperature and the
resistance of the nichrome wire as its temperature is increased.
(6)
What happens to the resistance of the wire:
(i) as its temperature falls below 0oC?
(ii) as its length is increased?
(iii) if its diameter is increased? (11)
Name another device, apart from a metre bridge, that can be used to measure
resistance.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using this device instead of a metre
bridge.
(9)
2007 HL Q11
(f) Why is silicon a semiconductor?
(7)
2006 OL Q5
(g) Name the electrical component represented in the diagram.
(7)
(h) State Ohm’s law.
(i) Give one use of a capacitor.
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2006 OL Q11
(a) Give one use for electricity in the home.
(7)
(b) What is the function of the ESB meter?
(7)
(c) What will happen when a current of 20 A flows through a fuse marked 13 A?
(7)
(d) Give one safety precaution that should be taken when wiring a plug.
(7)
(e) What is the colour of the earth wire in an electric cable?
(7)
(f) Name a common material used to conduct electricity in electric cables.
(7)
(g) Why is the coating on electric cables made from plastic?
(7)
(h) Why are some appliances not earthed?
(7)
2006 OL Q12(d)
(d) A semiconductor material can be doped to form a p-n junction
(semiconductor diode).
Explain the underlined terms.
(12)
Name a material used as a semiconductor.
(6)
The circuit diagram shows 2 semiconductor diodes and 2 bulbs, labelled A and B,
connected to a 6 V d.c. supply.
What is observed when the switch is closed? Explain why?
(10)
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M. Duffy
2006 HL Q5
(f) An RCD is rated 30 mA. Explain the significance of this current.
(7)
(g) Why is Coulomb’s law an example of the inverse square law?
(7)
(h) Sketch a graph to show the variation of current with potential difference
for a semiconductor diode in forward bias.
(7)
2006 Hl Q9
What is an electric current? Define the ampere, the SI unit of current.
(12)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the principle on which the definition of
the ampere is based.
(15)
Sketch a graph to show the relationship between current and time for
(i) alternating current;
(ii) direct current.
(9)
The peak voltage of the mains electricity is 325 V.
Explain why the resistance of the bulb is different when it is not connected to
the mains.
(5)
2006 HL Q12(b)
(b) List the factors that affect the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor. (6)
Give a use for a capacitor.
(7)
2005 OL Q5
(g) Name the electrical component represented in the diagram.
(h) List two safety devices that are used in domestic electric circuits.
(7)
(7)
Page | 72
M. Duffy
2005 OL Q8
State Ohm’s Law.
(9)
The graphs show how current (I ) varies with potential difference (V) for (a) a
metal,(b) a filament bulb.
Which conductor obeys Ohm’s law? Explain your answer.
The circuit diagram shows a 100 Ω resistor and a thermistor connected in
series with a 6 V battery. At a certain temperature the resistance of the
thermistor is 500 Ω.
As the thermistor is heated, what happens to
(iv) the resistance of the circuit?
(v) the potential difference across the 100 Ω resistor?
Give a use for a thermistor.
(12)
(12)
(5)
Page | 73
M. Duffy
2005 OL Q12(c)
The diagram shows a gold leaf electroscope.
Name the parts labelled A and B.
(6)
Give one use of an electroscope.
(6)
Explain why the gold leaf diverges when a positively charged rod is brought
close to the metal cap.
(9)
The positively charged rod is held close to the electroscope and the metal cap is
then earthed. Explain why the gold leaf collapses.
(7)
2005 HL Q5
(g) A pear-shaped conductor is placed on an insulated stand is shown. Copy the
diagram and show how the charge is distributed over the conductor when it is
positively charged.
(7)
(h) Explain why high voltages are used in the transmission of electrical energy.
(7)
Page | 74
M. Duffy
2005 HL Q9
Define (i) potential difference, (ii) resistance.
(12)
Two resistors, of resistance R1 and R2 respectively, are connected in parallel.
Derive an expression for the effective resistance of the two resistors in terms
of R1 and R2 .
(12)
In the circuit diagram, the resistance of the thermistor at room temperature is
500 Ω.
As the temperature of the room increases, explain why
(iii) the resistance of the thermistor decreases;
(iv) the potential at A increases.
(14)
2005 HL Q10
Define electric field strength.
State Coulomb’s law of force between electric charges.
Why is Coulomb’s law an example of an inverse square law?
Give two differences between the gravitational force and the electrostatic
force between two electrons.
Describe an experiment to show an electric field pattern.
(12)
(6)
(6)
(12)
2004 OL Q5
(f) Name the electrical component represented in the diagram.
(7)
(g) Name two safety devices that are used in domestic electric circuits.
(7)
2004 OL Q9
What is an electric current?
An electric current can cause a heating effect. Name two other effects of an
electric current.
(18)
Describe an experiment to show the heating effect of an electric current.
State two factors on which the heating effect of an electric current depends.
(18)
An electric heater has a power rating of 2 kW when connected to the ESB mains
supply of 230 V. What is the kilowatt-hour?
(6)
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M. Duffy
2004 HL Q5
(g) Identify two hazards caused by static electricity.
(7)
2004 HL Q8
Define (i) potential difference, (ii) capacitance.
(12)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that a capacitor can store energy. (12)
The circuit diagram shows a 50 μF capacitor connected in series with a 47 kΩ
resistor, a 6 V battery and a switch. When the switch is closed the capacitor
starts to charge and the current flowing at a particular instant in the circuit is
80 μA.
Describe what happens in the circuit when the 6 V d.c. supply is replaced with a
6 V a.c. supply.
(5)
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M. Duffy
2004 HL Q11
(a) Name and give the colour of the wire that should be connected to the fuse in
a standard three-pin plug.
(7)
(b) Explain why replacing a fuse with a piece of aluminium foil is dangerous. (7)
(c) A table lamp has a power rating of 100 W. What is the most suitable fuse
for the lamp?
(7)
(d) Some electrical appliances are supplied with two-pin plugs. Why is an earth
wire not required in these devices?
(7)
(e) Sketch a voltage-time graph of the 230 V supply.
(7)
(f) Explain how a Residual Current Device (RCD) operates.
(7)
(g) Give one advantage of a Residual Current Device (RCD) over a Miniature
Circuit Breaker (MCB).
(7)
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M. Duffy
2004 Q12(d)
(d) A p-n junction is formed by taking a single crystal of silicon and doping
separate but adjacent layers of it. A depletion layer is formed at the junction.
(i) What is doping?
(ii) Explain how a depletion layer is formed at the junction.
(15)
The graph shows the variation of current I with potential difference V for a p-n
junction in forward bias. Explain, using the graph, how the current varies with
the potential difference.
Why does the p-n junction become a good conductor as the potential difference
exceeds 0.6 V?
(13)
2003 OL Q8
What is an electric current?
(6)
Give the standard colour of the insulation on the wires connected to each of the
terminals L, N and E on the plug in the diagram. What is the purpose of the wire
connected to the terminal E on the plug?
(15)
Explain why a fuse is used in a plug.
(6)
Bonding is a safety precaution used in domestic electric circuits. How does
bonding improve safety in the home?
(9)
Name a device that is often used nowadays in domestic electric circuits instead
of fuses.
(5)
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M. Duffy
2003 OL Q11
(a) What is a semiconductor?
(b) Name a material used in the manufacture of semiconductors.
(c) Name the two types of charge carriers in semiconductors.
(d) What is meant by doping?
(e) Give one difference between a p-type semiconductor and an n-type
semiconductor.
(f) What is a p-n junction?
(g) What is a diode?
(h) Give an example of a device that contains a rectifier.
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
2003 OL Q12(c)
(c) What is the unit of electric charge?
(6)
Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how you would charge a conductor
by induction.
(12)
The build-up of electric charge can lead to explosions. Give two examples where
this could happen.
(6)
How can the build-up of electric charge on an object be reduced?
(4)
2003 HL Q5
(g) What is the purpose of a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) in an electric
circuit?
(7)
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2003 HL Q8
Define the unit of current, i.e. the ampere.
(9)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the principle on which the definition of
the ampere is based.
(15)
Various materials conduct electricity. Draw a graph to show the relationship
between current and voltage for each of the following conductors:
(i) a metal at constant temperature
(ii) an ionic solution with inactive electrodes
(iii) a gas.
(18)
How would the graph for the metal differ if its temperature were increasing?
(7)
How would the graph for the ionic solution differ if its concentration were
reduced?
(7)
2003 HL Q12(c)
(c) State Coulomb’s law of force between electric charges.
Define electric field strength and give its unit.
How would you demonstrate an electric field pattern?
The diagram shows a negative charge – Q at a point X. Copy the diagram and
show on it the direction of the electric field strength at Y.
(6)
(9)
(9)
(4)
2002 OL Q5
(i) What is the purpose of a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) in an electrical
circuit?
(7)
(j) A pear-shaped conductor is placed on an insulated stand as shown. The
conductor is given a positive charge. Copy the diagram and show how the charge
is distributed over the conductor.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2002 OL Q8
Explain (i) potential difference, (ii) electric current.
Give one difference between conduction in metals and conduction in
semiconductors.
(12)
(6)
Semiconductors can be made p-type or n-type. How is a semiconductor made ptype?
(6)
Draw a diagram showing a p-n junction connected in forward bias to a d.c. supply.
(6)
Give two uses of semiconductors.
(5)
2002 OL Q12(c)
Define capacitance.
(6)
Diagram A shows a capacitor connected to a bulb and a 12 V a.c. supply.
Diagram B shows the same capacitor connected to the bulb, but connected to a
12 V d.c. supply.
What happens in each case when the switch is closed? Explain your answer. (10)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that a capacitor can store energy. (12)
2002 HL Q5
(h) What is the purpose of a residual current device (RCD) in an electrical
circuit?
(7)
2002 HL Q8
Define (i) power, (ii) resistivity.
(12)
Describe an experiment that demonstrates the heating effect of an electric
current.
(12)
Suggest a method of reducing the energy “lost” in the cables.
(5)
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M. Duffy
2002 HL Q11
(a) Why is a lightning conductor made of copper?
(7)
(b) What is meant by electric field strength?
(7)
(c) Why do the ions near the lightning conductor accelerate?
(7)
(d) How does the presence of ions in the air cause the air to be more
conducting?
(7)
(e) How do the charged clouds become neutralised?
(7)
(f) What are the two ways in which a lightning conductor prevents a building
from being damaged by lightning?
(7)
(g) Why are raised umbrellas and golf clubs not recommended during
thunderstorms?
(7)
(h) Explain why pointed surfaces should be avoided when using high voltage
electrical equipment. (7)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Electromagnetism Theory
2013 OL Q8(b)
A magnetic field exists about a current-carrying conductor.
(i) What is a magnetic field?
(6)
(ii) Describe an experiment to show that a long straight wire carrying a current
has a magnetic field. Sketch the magnetic field.
(15)
(iii) Give an application of the magnetic field due to a current.
(6)
2013 HL Q11(h)
(h) In some modern seismometers a magnet is attached to the mass and a coil of
wire is attached to the frame. During an earthquake, there is relative motion
between the magnet and the coil.
Explain why an emf is generated in the coil.
(7)
2012 OL Q5
(g) Why does a magnet that is free to rotate point north?
(h) A transformer is used to change the voltage of an electrical supply.
What is the principle of operation of a transformer?
2012 HL Q5
(h) Sketch the magnetic field due to a current in a solenoid.
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2012 HL Q11
(c) What is electromagnetic induction?
(d) How is the output voltage of a wind turbine changed to 230 V a.c.?
2011 OL Q9
(a) State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.
(9)
A coil of wire is connected to a sensitive
meter, as shown in the diagram.
(i) What is observed on the meter when the
magnet is moved towards the coil?
(ii) What is observed on the meter when the magnet is stationary in the coil? (3)
(iii) Explain these observations.
(9)
(iv) How would changing the speed of the magnet affect the observations? (5)
(b) Transformers are used to step up or step down a.c. voltages.
(i) What is meant by a.c.?
(ii) Draw a labelled diagram showing the structure of a transformer.
(6)
(9)
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M. Duffy
2010 OL Q5
(g) Sketch the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
(7)
2010 OL Q11
(a) Who discovered that an electric current can deflect a compass needle? (7)
(b) What did Arago discover?
(7)
(c) What happens when currents flow in the same direction in two parallel
wires?
(7)
(d) How could two parallel wires be made to repel each other?
(7)
(e) Draw a sketch of the apparatus Michael Faraday used to generate
electricity.
(7)
(f) What name is given to the generation of electricity discovered by Michael
Faraday?
(7)
(g) What energy conversions take place in Faraday’s experiment?
(7)
(h) How does Faraday’s experiment show that a changing magnetic field is
required to generate electricity?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q5
(g) State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.
(7)
2009 OL Q9
A magnetic field exists in the vicinity of a magnet. What is a magnetic field? (6)
Describe an experiment to show the shape of the magnetic field around a Ushaped magnet.
(12)
The diagram shows a compass placed near a wire connected to a battery and a
switch.
(i) Why happens to the compass when the switch is closed?
(ii) What does this tell you about an electric current?
(iii) What happens to the compass when the switch is opened?
(6)
(6)
(6)
The wire is then placed between the poles of a U-shaped magnet,as shown in the
diagram.
(iv) Describe what happens to the wire when a current flows through it.
(v) What would happen if the current flowed in the opposite direction?
(vi) Name two devices that are based on this effect.
2008 OL Q12(d)
(d) What is electromagnetic induction?
A magnet and a coil can be used to produce electricity.
How would you demonstrate this?
The electricity produced is a.c. What is meant by a.c.?
(6)
(6)
(8)
(6)
(16)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2008 HL Q8
What is electromagnetic induction?
State the laws of electromagnetic induction.
(18)
A bar magnet is attached to a string and allowed to swing as
shown in the diagram. A copper sheet is then placed underneath
the magnet.
Explain why the amplitude of the swings decreases rapidly.
(12)
What is the main energy conversion that takes place as the magnet slows down?
(6)
2007 OL Q5
(i) Draw a sketch of the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
(7)
2007 Q12(d)
(d) What is electromagnetic induction?
The diagram shows a transformer.
(10)
(i) Name the parts labelled A and B.
(iii) Name a device that uses a transformer.
(12)
2007 HL Q5
(g) Why does a magnet that is free to rotate point towards the North?
(7)
(h) State the principle on which the definition of the ampere is based.
(7)
2007 HL Q12(c)
(c) State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.
(6)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate Faraday’s law.
(12)
A resistor is connected in series with an ammeter and an ac power supply. A
current flows in the circuit. The resistor is then replaced with a coil. The
resistance of the circuit does not change.
What is the effect on the current flowing in the circuit? Justify your answer.
(10)
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M. Duffy
2006 OL Q10
What is a magnetic field?
Describe an experiment to show the magnetic field due to a current in a
solenoid.
(18)
A solenoid carrying a current and containing an iron core is known as an
electromagnet.
Give one use of an electromagnet. State one advantage of an electromagnet over
an ordinary magnet.
(9)
The diagram shows an experiment to demonstrate that a current-carrying
conductor experiences a force in a magnetic field. A strip of aluminium foil is
placed at right angles to a U-shaped magnet. The foil is connected in series with
a battery and a switch.
When the switch is closed the aluminium foil experiences an upward force.
Name a device based on this effect.
Describe what will happen if
(i) the current flows in the opposite direction;
(ii) a larger current flows through the aluminium foil;
(iii) the aluminium foil is placed parallel to the magnetic field. (15)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2006 HL Q11
(d) Why must the strings in the electric guitar be made of steel?
(7)
(e) Define magnetic flux.
(7)
(f) Why does the current produced in a coil of the electric guitar vary?
(7)
(g) What is the effect on the sound produced when the number of turns in a coil
is increased?
(7)
2005 OL Q9
What is a magnetic field?
(6)
Draw a sketch of the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
(9)
Describe an experiment to show that a current carrying conductor in a magnetic
field experiences a force.
List two factors that affect the size of the force on the conductor.
(18)
A coil of wire is connected to a sensitive galvanometer as shown in the diagram.
What is observed when the magnet is moved towards the coil?
Explain why this occurs.
Describe what happens when the speed of the magnet is increased.
Give one application of this effect.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(5)
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M. Duffy
2005 HL Q5
(f) Draw a sketch of the magnetic field due to a long straight current-carrying
conductor.
(7)
2005 HL 12(b)
(b) Define magnetic flux.
State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.
(6)
(6)
2004 Ol Q12(c)
(c) A transformer is a device based on the principle of electromagnetic
induction.
What is electromagnetic induction?
Name another device that is based on electromagnetic induction.
Name the parts of the transformer labelled A, B and C in the diagram.
(9)
(9)
2004 HL Q5
(i) Give one use of the earth’s magnetic field.
(7)
2004 HL Q12(c)
(c) What is electromagnetic induction?
Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction.
(15)
A light aluminium ring is suspended from a long thread as shown in the diagram.
When a strong magnet is moved away from it, the ring follows the magnet.
Explain why.
What would happen if the magnet were moved towards the ring?
(13)
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M. Duffy
2003 OL Q5
(h) State one energy conversion that takes place in an electrical generator. (7)
(i) What is a transformer used for?
(7)
2003 OL Q9
What is a magnetic field?
(6)
The earth has a magnetic field. Give one use of the earth’s magnetic field. (5)
Hans Oersted discovered the magnetic effect of an electric current in 1820
while demonstrating electricity to his students. Describe how you would
demonstrate the magnetic effect of an electric current.
(18)
Draw a sketch of the magnetic field around a straight wire carrying a current.
Your diagram should show the direction of the current and the direction of the
magnetic field.
(9)
In an experiment, a thin light conductor is placed between the poles of a Ushaped magnet as shown in the diagram. Describe what happens when a current
flows through the conductor.
Name two devices that are based on the effect demonstrated in this
experiment.
What would happen if (i) a larger current flowed in the conductor, (ii) the
current flowed in the opposite direction through the conductor?
(12)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2003 HL Q12(d)
(d) State the laws of electromagnetic induction.
(12)
A small magnet is attached to a spring as shown in the diagram. The magnet is
set oscillating up and down. Describe the current flowing in the circuit.
(6)
If the switch at A is open, the magnet will take longer to come to rest. Explain
why.
(10)
2002 OL Q9
What is electromagnetic induction?
Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction.
(9)
(12)
The transformer is a device based on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Name two devices that use transformers.
(6)
Name the parts of the transformer labelled A, B and C in the diagram.
(9)
How is the part labelled B designed to make the transformer more efficient?(6)
The efficiency of a transformer is 90%. What does this mean?
(5)
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M. Duffy
2002 OL Q12(d)
The diagram shows a U-shaped magnet. Copy the diagram and show on it the
magnetic field lines due to the magnet.
(6)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate that a current-carrying conductor in a
magnetic field experiences a force.
(12)
List two factors that affect the size of the force on the conductor.
(6)
Name one device that is based on the principle that a current-carrying
conductor in a magnetic field experiences a force.
(4)
2002 HL Q5
(i) A current-carrying conductor experiences a force when placed in a magnetic
field. Name two factors that affect the magnitude of the force.
(7)
2002 HL Q12(c)
(c) What is meant by electromagnetic induction?
State Lenz’s law of electromagnetic induction.
In an experiment, a coil was connected in series with an ammeter and an a.c.
power supply as shown in the diagram. Explain why the current was reduced
when an iron core was inserted in the coil.
Give an application of the principle shown by this experiment.
(6)
(6)
(12)
(4)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Modern & Nuclear Theory
2013 OL Q5 (b) (i) (j)
(b) Which of the following scientists is associated with the discovery of the
structure of the atom?
Einstein
Rutherford
Faraday
Coulomb
(i) What is the photoelectric effect?
(j) Name one method for detecting radioactive particles.
2013 OL Q10
X-rays are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. The image shows an
X-ray photograph.
(i) What are X-rays?
(ii) State a property of X-rays that makes them suitable for
medical use.
(iii) Give a use, other than medical, for X-rays.
(6)
(6)
(6)
In an X-ray tube a beam of electrons is used to produce X-rays.
(iv) Draw a labelled diagram showing the main parts of an X-ray tube.
(v) How are electrons produced in an X-ray tube?
(vi) What is the purpose of the high voltage in an X-ray tube?
(vii) What happens when the electrons hit the target in an X-ray tube?
(viii) Name a suitable material for use as the target.
(ix) Give one safety precaution required when using X-rays.
(12)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(4)
(4)
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M. Duffy
2013 OL Q12(d)
Nuclear fission occurs in the reactor of a nuclear power station like the one
shown in the photograph.
(i) What is nuclear fission?
(ii) Name a fuel used in a nuclear reactor.
(iii) How can the reaction in a nuclear reactor be controlled?
(iv) How is the energy produced in a reactor used to generate electricity?
(v) State a hazard of nuclear reactors.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(4)
2013 HL Q5
(h) Explain what is meant by the statement: “Zinc has a threshold frequency of
1.04 × 1015 Hz”.
(i) Give one benefit of switching from fossil fuels to nuclear power for the
generation of electricity. Explain your answer.
2013 HL Q9
Define the becquerel.
Name one device used to detect ionising radiations.
Compare alpha, beta, and gamma emissions using the following headings:
(a) penetrating ability, (b) deflection in a magnetic field.
(6)
(3)
(9)
The photograph shows one of the nuclear reactors at Chernobyl, where there
was a fire in April 1986 that released large quantities of radioactive
contaminants. Among the contaminants were iodine–131 and caesium–137, which
are two of the unstable isotopes formed by the fission of uranium–235.
Explain what happens during nuclear fission.
(8)
2012 OL Q5(j)
(j) What is the main source of energy in the sun?
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2012 OL Q10
A cathode ray tube and an X-ray tube are practical applications of thermionic
emission. In these tubes thermionic emission releases electrons, which are then
accelerated into a beam.
An electron is a subatomic particle.
Name another subatomic particle and give two of its properties.
(9)
The diagram shows a simple cathode ray tube.
(i) Name the parts labelled A, B, C.
(ii) Give the function of any two of these labelled parts.
(iii) How can the beam of electrons be deflected?
(iv) What happens at C when the electrons hit it?
(v) Why is a vacuum needed in a cathode ray tube?
(9)
(9)
(6)
(6)
(3)
In an X-ray tube, a beam of electrons is used to produce X-rays.
Draw a sketch of an X-ray tube.
(11)
Give one safety precaution taken by a radiographer when using an X-ray
machine.
(3)
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M. Duffy
2012 OL Q11
(a) What is meant by nuclear fission?
(b) What is radioactivity?
(c) What is a nuclear chain reaction?
(d) What is the function of the control rods?
(e) What type of material are control rods made of?
(f) Why did the reactor still generate heat even though the chain reaction had
stopped?
(g) Why is it important to remove the heat generated?
(h) Give one advantage of nuclear energy.
(8 × 7)
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M. Duffy
2012 HL Q8
Nuclear fission reactors are used as an energy source in many parts of the
world, but it is only recently that the use of nuclear fusion as a possible power
source is achieving some encouraging results.
The ITER nuclear facility at Caderache in south-east France is a global
collaboration that has been formed to “demonstrate that fusion is an energy
source of the future”. It is expected to begin testing in 2016.
Energy can be produced in a fusion reaction by
combining a deuterium and a tritium nucleus as
follows:
𝟐
𝟏𝑯
+ 𝟑𝟏𝑯 → 𝟒𝟐𝑯𝒆 + 𝒏 + 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚
(i) Distinguish between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
(12)
(ii) What are the advantages of fusion over fission in terms of fuel sources and
reaction products?
(12)
(v) Fusion can only take place at very high temperatures. Explain why. (5)
2012 HL Q12(d)
(i) Draw a diagram to show the structure of a photocell.
(12)
(ii) Describe an experiment to demonstrate how the current through a photocell
can be increased.
(12)
(iii) Give an application of the photoelectric effect.
(4)
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M. Duffy
2011 OL Q10
Radon is a radioactive gas which emits alpha particles. Radon gas comes into
houses through gaps in the floors. Exposure to radon gas can cause lung cancer.
(i) What is radioactivity?
(6)
(ii) Name the other two types of radiation emitted by radioactive sources. (6)
(iii) Describe an experiment to distinguish between the three types of radiation.
(12)
(iv) List three properties of one of these radiations.
(9)
The most stable isotope of radon has a half-life of 4 days.
(v) What are isotopes?
(vi) Why is it important to prevent radon gas entering your home?
(viii) Give two uses of radioisotopes. (6)
(6)
(5)
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M. Duffy
2011 OL Q11
(a) Who discovered the photoelectric effect?
(b) Who explained the photoelectric effect?
(c) What happens when light shines on certain metals?
(d) Why is a metal a good conductor of electricity?
(e) Why does your skin feel warm when light shines on it?
(f) In the photoelectric effect, what happens when the intensity of the light is
increased?
(g) How can the speed of electrons emitted in the photoelectric effect be
controlled?
(h) Give one application of the photoelectric effect.
(8 × 7)
Heinrich Hertz, discoverer of the
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M. Duffy
2011 OL Q12(d)
The diagram shows an arrangement used to investigate the structure of the
atom. During the investigation, alpha-particles were fired at a thin sheet of gold
foil in a vacuum.
(i)
What are alpha-particles?
(6)
(ii)
What happened to the alpha-particles in the experiment?
(6)
(iii)
What did the experiment reveal about the structure of the atom?
(6)
(iv)
Name the scientist who designed the experiment.
(6)
(v)
Name a suitable suitable detector of alpha-particles.
(4)
2011 Hl Q5
(g) The physicist Robert Millikan is usually associated with what physical
quantity?
(h) What property of light controls the current in a photocell?
(i) What is the role of neutrons in a nuclear reactor?
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M. Duffy
2011 Hl Q11
(b) Most of the energy emitted in a CFL is in the form of ultraviolet radiation.
How is this changed to white light?
(d) How does an electron in an atom of the fluorescent coating emit a photon?
(e) Why does the fluorescent coating in a CFL get warm during use?
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M. Duffy
2011 Hl Q12(d)
(d) In the manufacture of newsprint paper, heavy rollers are used to adjust the
thickness of the moving paper. The paper passes between a radioisotope and a
detector, and a pair of rollers, as shown.
The radioisotope used is Sr-90 and it emits beta-particles, which are recorded
by the detector. The output from the detector adjusts the gap between the
rollers, so that the paper is of uniform thickness.
(i) Name a suitable detector.
(6)
(ii) Describe how the reading on the detector may vary as the paper passes by.
(9)
(iii) Why would the radioisotope Am-241, which emits alpha-particles, not be
suitable for this process?
(4)
2010 OL Q5
(j) What type of nuclear reaction occurs in a nuclear power station? (7)
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M. Duffy
2010 OL Q10
X-rays are produced when high speed electrons collide with a target in an X-ray
tube as shown in the diagram.
(i) What process occurs at the filament A?
(ii) Name a substance commonly used as the target B.
(iii) List three properties of X-rays.
(iv) Give two uses of X-rays.
(v) State the function of the part marked C.
(6)
(6)
(9)
(6)
(5)
The photoelectric effect can be regarded as the inverse of X-ray production.
(vi) What is meant by the photoelectric effect?
(6)
(vii) Describe an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect. (12)
(viii) Give two applications of the photoelectric effect.
(6)
2010 OL Q12(d)
What is radioactivity?
The diagram shows a radioactive source emitting nuclear radiation which is
passing through various materials.
(6)
(i) How do you know that the source is emitting three types of radiation?
(ii) Name the radiation blocked by each material.
(iii) Give one danger associated with nuclear radiation.
(iv) State two precautions that should be taken when handling
radioactive substances.
(v) Give two uses for radioactive substances.
(3)
(6)
(3)
(4)
(6)
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M. Duffy
2010 HL Q5
(i) Name the naturally occurring radioactive gas which seeps into buildings
from underground rocks and which can cause lung cancer.
(7)
2010 HL Q9
What is thermionic emission?
(6)
X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons collide with a target.
Draw a labelled diagram of an X-ray tube.
What are X-rays and how do they differ from light rays?
Give two uses of X-rays.
(12)
(18)
When electrons hit the target in an X-ray tube, only a small percentage of their
energy is converted into X-rays. What happens to the rest of their energy and
how does this influence the type of target used?
(9)
2010 HL Q12(b)
(b) The following reaction occurs in a nuclear reactor:
(i) Identify the element X.
(iii) What is a chain reaction?
Give one condition necessary for a chain reaction to occur.
(iv) Give one environmental impact associated with a nuclear reactor.
(6)
(9)
(4)
2009 Q5
(h) What are isotopes?
(7)
(i) Give one application of the photoelectric effect.
(7)
(j) List two properties of X-rays.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2009 OL Q10
Radioactive elements are unstable and decay with the release of radiation.
How would you detect radiation?
Name the three types of radiation.
(i) Which radiation is negatively charged?
(ii) Which radiation has the shortest range?
(iii) Which radiation is not affected by electric fields?
(6)
(12)
Nuclear fission occurs in a nuclear reactor.
(iv) What is nuclear fission?
(6)
(v) What is the role of neutrons in nuclear fission?
(6)
(vi) Name a fuel used in a nuclear reactor.
(6)
(vii) In a nuclear reactor, how can the fission be controlled or stopped?
(6)
(viii) How is the energy produced in a nuclear reactor used to generate
electricity?
(9)
(ix) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of a nuclear reactor as a source of
energy.
(5)
2009 OL Q12(d)
(d) The diagram shows a simple cathode ray tube. Thermionic emission occurs at
plate A.
(i) What is thermionic emission?
(ii) What are cathode rays?
(iii) Why is there a high voltage between A and B?
(iv) What happens to the cathode rays when they hit the screen C?
(v) Give a use for a cathode ray tube.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(4)
2009 HL Q5
(i) How are X-rays produced?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2009 HL Q8
What is a photon?
(6)
An investigation was carried out to establish the relationship between the
current flowing in a photocell and the frequency of the light incident on it. The
graph illustrates the relationship.
Draw a labelled diagram of the structure of a photocell.
(12)
Explain why a current does not flow in the photocell when the frequency of the
light is less than 5.2 × 1014 Hz.
(6)
The relationship between the current flowing in a photocell and the intensity of
the light incident on the photocell was then investigated. Readings were taken
and a graph was drawn to show the relationship.
Draw a sketch of the graph obtained.
How was the intensity of the light varied?
What conclusion about the nature of light can be drawn from these
investigations?
(17)
2009 HL Q12(d)
(d) Smoke detectors use a very small quantity of the element americium-241.
This element does not exist in nature and was discovered during the Manhattan
Project in 1944.
Alpha particles are produced by the americium-241 in a smoke detector.
(i) Give the structure of an alpha particle.
(ii) How are the alpha particles produced?
(iii) Why do these alpha particles not pose a health risk?
(13)
Explain why americium-241 does not exist naturally.
(6)
2008 OL Q5
(i) State two properties of X-rays.
(j) What is nuclear fusion?
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2008 OL Q10
Give two properties of an electron.
(9)
The diagram shows the arrangement used by Rutherford to investigate the
structure of the atom. During the investigation he fired alpha-particles at a
thin sheet of gold foil in a vacuum.
(i) What are alpha-particles?
(9)
(ii) Describe what happened to the alpha-particles during the experiment.
(9)
(iii) What conclusion did Rutherford make about the structure of the atom? (9)
(iv) How are the electrons arranged in the atom?
(9)
(v) Name a device used to detect alpha-particles.
(6)
(vi) Why was it necessary to carry out this experiment in a vacuum?
(5)
2008 OL Q12
(c) What is the photoelectric effect?
(6)
A photocell is connected to a sensitive galvanometer as shown in the diagram.
When light from the torch falls on the photocell, a current is detected by
the galvanometer.
(i) Name the parts of the photocell labelled A and B.
(ii) How can you vary the brightness of the light falling on the photocell?
(iii) How does the brightness of the light effect the current?
(iv) Give a use for a photocell.
(6)
(6)
(4)
(6)
2008 HL Q5
(i) Name an instrument used to detect radioactivity.
What is the principle of operation of this instrument?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2008 HL Q11
(e) What is the photoelectric effect?
(f) Why was the quantum theory of light revolutionary?
(7)
(7)
2008 HL Q12(c)
In 1939 Lise Meitner discovered that the uranium isotope U–238 undergoes
fission when struck by a slow neutron.
Barium–139 and krypton–97 nuclei are emitted along with three neutrons.
Write a nuclear reaction to represent the reaction.
(12)
In a nuclear fission reactor, neutrons are slowed down after being emitted.
Why are the neutrons slowed down?
How are they slowed down?
(9)
Fission reactors are being suggested as a partial solution to Ireland’s energy
needs.
Give one positive and one negative environmental impact of fission reactors. (7)
2007 OL Q10
X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895.
What are X-rays? Give one use for X-rays.
The diagram shows a simple X-ray tube.
(12)
Name the parts labelled A, B and C.
(12)
Electrons are emitted from A, accelerated across the tube and strike B.
(i) Explain how the electrons are emitted from A.
(12)
(ii) What is the purpose of the high voltage supply?
(6)
(iii) What happens when the electrons hit part B?
(4)
(iv) Name a suitable material to use for part B.
(6)
(v) Give one safety precaution when using X-rays.
(4)
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M. Duffy
2007 OL Q11
(a) What is radioactivity?
(b) What is the source of radon?
(c) Name a detector of radiation.
(d) How does radon enter a building?
(e) How can the build-up of radon in the home be prevented?
(f) Why is radon dangerous?
(g) Why is radon harmless in the open air?
(h) Name a radioactive element other than radon.
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
2007 HL Q5
(i) How are electrons accelerated in a cathode ray tube?
(7)
2007 HL Q11
(a) What is nuclear fission?
(c) At present, why is a fission reactor a more viable source of energy than
a fusion reactor?
(d) Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen, what is an isotope?
(e) What is the function of a moderator in a fission reactor?
(h) What is the source of the sun’s energy?
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
2007 HL Q12(d)
(d) Explain the term half-life.
(6)
A sample of carbon is mainly carbon-12 which is not radioactive, and a small
proportion of carbon-14 which is radioactive. When a tree is cut down the
carbon-14 present in the wood at that time decays by beta emission.
Write a nuclear equation to represent the decay of carbon-14.
(9)
Name an instrument used to measure the activity of a sample.
What is the principle of operation of this instrument?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2006 OL Q5
(j) Give two properties of the electron.
(7)
2006 OL Q9
The diagram shows a simple nuclear fission reactor.
Energy is released in a fission reactor when a chain reaction occurs in the fuel
rods.
(i) What is meant by fission? Name a material in which fission occurs.
(12)
(ii) Describe how a chain reaction occurs in the fuel rods.
Explain how the chain reaction is controlled.
(15)
(iii) What is the purpose of the shielding? Name a material that is used as
shielding.
(12)
(iv) Describe what happens to the coolant when the reactor is working.
(5)
(v) Give one effect of a nuclear fission reactor on the environment.
(6)
(vi) Give one precaution that should be taken when storing radioactive materials.
(6)
2006 OL Q12(c)
(c) In an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect, a piece of zinc is
placed on a gold leaf electroscope, as shown. The zinc is given a negative charge
causing the gold leaf to deflect.
Explain why the gold leaf deflects when the zinc is given a negative charge. (9)
Ultraviolet radiation is then shone on the charged zinc and the gold leaf falls.
Explain why.
(9)
What is observed when the experiment is repeated using infrared radiation? (6)
Give one application of the photoelectric effect.
(4)
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M. Duffy
2006 HL Q5
(i) Describe the Bohr model of the atom.
(7)
2006 HL Q8
Distinguish between fission and fusion.
(12)
The core of our sun is extremely hot and acts as a fusion reactor. Why are large
temperatures required for fusion to occur?
(5)
In the sun a series of different fusion reactions take place. In one of the
reactions, 2 isotopes of helium, each with a mass number of 3, combine to form
another isotope of helium with the release of 2 protons.
Write an equation for this nuclear reaction.
(12)
Controlled nuclear fusion has been achieved on earth using the following
reaction.
What condition is necessary for this reaction to take place on earth?
(3)
Give one benefit of a terrestrial fusion reactor under each of the following
headings:
(i) fuel;
(ii) energy;
(iii) pollution.
(9)
2006 HL Q12(d)
(d) The first Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded in 1901 for the discovery of Xrays.
What are X-rays? Who discovered them?
(9)
In an X-ray tube electrons are emitted from a metal cathode and accelerated
across the tube to hit a metal anode.
How are the electrons
(i) emitted from the cathode;
(ii) accelerated?
(6)
2005 OL Q5
(i) What is the photoelectric effect?
(j) Name a material used as shielding in a nuclear reactor.
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2005 OL Q10
The electron is one of the three main subatomic particles.
Give two properties of the electron.
Name another subatomic particle.
The diagram shows a simple cathode ray tube.
(12)
Name the parts labelled A, B and C.
Electrons are emitted from A, accelerated across the tube and strike the
screen.
(i) Explain how the electrons are emitted from A.
(ii) What causes the electrons to be accelerated across the tube?
(iii) What happens when the electrons hit the screen?
(iv) How can a beam of electrons be deflected?
(v) Give one use of a cathode ray tube.
(12)
(9)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(5)
2005 OL Q11
(g) How does the sun produce heat and light?
(h) In Einstein’s equation E = mc2, what does c represent?
(7)
(7)
2005 OL Q12(d)
(d) Na−25 is a radioactive isotope of sodium. It has a half life of 1 minute.
What is meant by radioactivity?
Name a detector of radioactivity.
Explain the term half life.
Give one use of a radioactive isotope.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(4)
2005 HL Q5
(i) How are electrons produced in an X-ray tube?
(7)
2005 HL Q8
Nuclear disintegrations occur in radioactivity and in fission.
Distinguish between radioactivity and fission.
(12)
Give an application of (i) radioactivity, (ii) fission.
(6)
Radioactivity causes ionisation in materials. What is ionisation?
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the ionising effect of radioactivity. (15)
Cobalt−60 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5.26 years and emits beta
particles. Write an equation to represent the decay of cobalt−60.
(9)
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M. Duffy
2005 HL Q12(d)
(d) One hundred years ago, Albert Einstein explained the photoelectric effect.
What is the photoelectric effect?
(6)
Write down an expression for Einstein’s photoelectric law.
(9)
Summarise Einstein’s explanation of the photoelectric effect
(9)
Give one application of the photoelectric effect.
(4)
2004 OL Q5
(i) Which one of the following is emitted from a metal surface when suitable
light shines on the metal?
protons
neutrons
electrons
atoms
(7)
(j) What is nuclear fission?
(7)
2004 OL Q10
What is radioactivity?
Name the French physicist who discovered radioactivity in 1896.
The diagram illustrates that three types of radiation are emitted from a
radioactive source.
(9)
(6)
Name the radiations labelled (i) X, (ii) Y, (iii) Z, in the diagram.
Which one is the most ionising?
(18)
Name a detector of ionising radiation.
Outline the principle on which the detector works.
(12)
Great care has to be taken when dealing with radioactive sources.
Give:
(i) two precautions that should be taken when dealing with radioactive sources;
(ii) one use of a radioactive source;
(iii) one harmful effect of radiation.
(11)
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M. Duffy
2004 OL Q12(d)
What are X-rays?
How are electrons emitted from the cathode C?
What is the function of the high voltage across the X-ray tube?
Name a suitable material for the target T in the X-ray tube.
Give one use of X-rays.
(6)
(6)
(6)
(10)
2004 HL Q9
Distinguish between photoelectric emission and thermionic emission.
(12)
A freshly cleaned piece of zinc metal is placed on the cap of a negatively
charged gold leaf electroscope and illuminated with ultraviolet radiation. Explain
why the leaves of the electroscope collapse.
(9)
Explain why the leaves do not collapse when
(i) the zinc is covered by a piece of ordinary glass;
(ii) the zinc is illuminated with green light;
(iii) the electroscope is charged positively.
(15)
2003 OL Q5
(j) Give two properties of the electron.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2003 OL Q10
What is radioactivity?
The diagram shows the basic structure of a nuclear reactor.
(6)
A nuclear reactor contains (i) fuel rods, (ii) control rods, (iii) moderator, (iv)
heat exchanger.
Give the function of any two of these.
(12)
In a nuclear reactor, energy is released by nuclear fission when a chain reaction
occurs.
What is nuclear fission?
What is a chain reaction?
(18)
Thick shielding is placed around a nuclear reactor because of the penetrating
power of the radiation emitted. Name three types of radiation that are present
in a nuclear reactor.
Name an instrument used to detect radiation.
(14)
Plutonium is produced in a nuclear reactor. It is a highly radioactive substance
with a very long half-life. When the fuel in a nuclear reactor is used up, the fuel
rods are reprocessed to remove the plutonium.
Give two precautions that are taken when storing the plutonium.
(6)
2003 OL Q12(d)
(d) What is a photon?
(6)
The diagram shows a photocell connected in series with a sensitive galvanometer
and a battery. Name the parts labelled A and B.
(6)
What happens at A when light falls on it?
(6)
What happens in the circuit when the light falling on A gets brighter?
(6)
Give an application of a photocell.
(4)
2003 HL Q5
(h) What is the photoelectric effect?
(i) What is meant by nuclear fusion?
(7)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2003 HL Q9
List two properties of the electron.
(6)
Name the Irishman who gave the electron its name in the nineteenth century.
(6)
Give an expression for the force acting on a charge q moving at a velocity v at
right angles to a magnetic field of flux density B.
(6)
An electron is emitted from the cathode and accelerated through a potential
difference of 4 kV in a cathode ray tube (CRT) as shown in the diagram.
What happens to the energy of the electron when it hits the screen of the
CRT?
(5)
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M. Duffy
2003 HL Q11
(a) What is radioactive decay?
(b) What is an isotope?
(c) Apart from “carbon dating”, give two other uses of radioactive isotopes.
(d) How many neutrons are in a 14C nucleus?
(e) 14C decays to 14N. Write an equation to represent this nuclear reaction.
(h) Why does the 12C in dead tissue remain “undisturbed”?
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(7)
2002 OL Q10
What is thermionic emission?
(9)
The diagram shows a simple cathode ray tube.
Name the parts labelled A, B, C and D in the diagram.
(12)
Give the function of any two of these parts.
(12)
How can the beam of electrons be deflected?
(6)
Give a use of a cathode ray tube.
In an X-ray tube, electrons are also produced by thermionic emission.
(3)
Draw a sketch of an X-ray tube.
(11)
Why is a lead shield normally put around an X-ray tube?
(3)
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M. Duffy
2002 OL Q11
(a) What is meant by a nuclear accident?
(7)
(b) The No. 4 reactor was a fission reactor. What is nuclear fission?
(7)
(c) Name two parts of a nuclear fission reactor.
(7)
(d) What is measured in becquerels?
(7)
(e) Give two examples of radioisotopes.
(7)
(f) What is meant by the half-life of a substance?
(7)
(g) What is meant by background radiation?
(7)
(h) Give two effects of radiation on the human body.
(7)
2002 HL Q5
(j) What is meant by nuclear fission?
(7)
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M. Duffy
2002 HL Q9
Explain with the aid of a labelled diagram how X-rays are produced.
(15)
Justify the statement “X-ray production may be considered as the inverse of
the photoelectric effect.”
(9)
Describe an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect.
(12)
Outline Einstein’s explanation of the photoelectric effect.
(15)
Give two applications of a photocell.
(5)
2002 Q12(d)
(d) The diagram shows a simplified arrangement of an experiment carried out
th
early in the 20 century to investigate the structure of the atom.
Name the scientist who carried out this experiment.
Describe what was observed in this experiment.
Why was it necessary to carry out this experiment in a vacuum?
What conclusion did the scientist form about the structure of the atom?
(4)
(9)
(6)
(9)
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M. Duffy
6th Year Physics: Particle Physics Theory
(Honours Only!)
2013 HL Q5
(j) Give an expression for the minimum frequency of a photon that can form an
electron and a positron by pair production.
2013 Q10(a)
In 1932 J.D. Cockroft and E.T.S. Walton accelerated protons to energies of up
to 700 keV and used them to bombard a lithium target. They observed the
production of alpha-particles from the collisions between the accelerated
protons and the lithium nuclei.
How did Cockroft and Walton accelerate the protons?
How did they detect the alpha-particles?
(12)
Write the nuclear equation for the reaction that occurred and indicate the
historical significance of their observation.
(12)
Many modern particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in
CERN, have a circular design.
The diagram shows a simplified design of a circular accelerator.
Why is the tube evacuated?
(3)
What is the purpose of accelerating the particles to high velocities? (4)
What is the purpose of the magnets?
(4)
Give an advantage of a circular accelerator over a linear accelerator. (3)
Can an accelerator of this design be used to accelerate neutrons? Explain your
answer.
(6)
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M. Duffy
2012 HL Q5(j)
(j) Which Irish physicist is associated with the development of the linear
accelerator?
2012 HL Q10(a)
(i) What is a positron?
(6)
(ii) When a positron and an electron meet two photons are produced.
Write an equation to represent this interaction.
(6)
(iii) Why are photons produced in this interaction?
Explain why two photons are produced.
(6)
(iv) Why must two positrons travel at high speeds so as to collide with each
other?
How are charged particles given high speeds?
(12)
(v) Explain why two positrons cannot annihilate each other in a collision. (8)
2011 HL Q5
(j) Give the difference between the quark composition of a baryon and of a
meson.
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M. Duffy
2011 HL Q10
(a) List three quantities that are conserved in nuclear reactions.
(6)
Write an equation for a nucleus undergoing beta-decay.
In initial observations of beta-decay, not all three quantities appear to be
conserved. What was the solution to this contradiction?
(12)
List the fundamental forces of nature in increasing order of their strength.
Which fundamental force of nature is involved in beta-decay?
(12)
In the Large Hadron Collider, two protons with the same energy and travelling in
opposite directions collide. Two protons and two charged pi mesons are
produced in the collision.
Why are new particles produced in the collision?
Write an equation to represent the collision.
(12)
2010 HL Q5
(j) Give two advantages of a circular accelerator over a linear accelerator.
(7)
2010 HL Q10
a) The history of anti-matter begins in 1928 when a young English physicist
named Paul Dirac predicted an anti-particle for the electron.
(i) What is anti-matter?
An anti-matter particle was first discovered during the study of cosmic rays in
1932.
Name the anti-particle and give its symbol.
What happens when a particle meets its anti-particle?
(18)
(ii) What is meant by pair production?
(6)
(iii) A member of a meson family consists of two particles.
Each particle is composed of up and down quarks and their anti-particles.
Construct the possible combinations.
Deduce the charge of each combination and identify each combination.
What famous Irish writer first thought up the name ‘quark’?
(17)
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M. Duffy
2009 HL Q5
(j) Arrange the fundamental forces of nature in increasing order of strength.
(7)
2009 Q10(a)
(a) In 1932 Cockcroft and Walton succeeded in splitting lithium nuclei by
bombarding them with artificially accelerated protons using a linear accelerator.
Each time a lithium nucleus was split a pair of alpha particles was produced.
How were the protons accelerated? How were the alpha particles detected? (8)
Write a nuclear equation to represent the splitting of a lithium nucleus by a
proton.
(12)
Most of the accelerated protons did not split a lithium nucleus. Explain why. (6)
Cockcroft and Walton’s apparatus is now displayed at CERN in Switzerland,
where very high energy protons are used in the Large Hadron Collider.
In the Large Hadron Collider, two beams of protons are accelerated to high
energies in a circular accelerator. The two beams of protons then collide
producing new particles. Each proton in the beams has a kinetic energy of 2.0
GeV.
Explain why new particles are formed.
(6)
What is the advantage of using circular particle accelerators in particle
physics?
(6)
2008 HL Q5
(j) The existence of the neutrino was proposed in 1930 but it was not detected
until 1956.
Give two reasons why it is difficult to detect a neutrino.
(7)
2008 HL Q10 (a)
(a) Baryons and mesons are made up of quarks and experience
the four fundamental forces of nature.
List the four fundamental forces and state the range of each one.
(8)
Name the three positively charged quarks.
What is the difference in the quark composition of a baryon and a meson?
What is the quark composition of the proton?
2007 HL Q5
(j) A kaon consists of a strange quark and an up anti-quark.
What type of hadron is a kaon?
(12)
(7)
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M. Duffy
2007 HL Q10(a)
(i) Draw a labelled diagram to show how Cockcroft and Walton accelerated the
protons.
(6)
Write a nuclear equation to represent the disintegration of a lithium nucleus
when bombarded with a proton.
(9)
(ii) Compare the properties of an electron with that of a positron.
What happens when an electron meets a positron?
(5)
(3)
(iii) In beta decay it appeared that momentum was not conserved.
How did Fermi’s theory of radioactive decay resolve this?
(9)
2006 HL Q5
(j) Name the three negatively charged leptons.
(7)
2006 HL Q10(a)
(a) During a nuclear interaction an antiproton collides with a proton. Pair
annihilation takes place and two gamma ray photons of the same frequency are
produced.
What is a photon?
(3)
Why are two photons produced? Describe the motion of the photons after the
interaction.
(9)
How is charge conserved during this interaction?
(6)
After the annihilation, pairs of negative and positive pions are produced. Explain
why.
(6)
Pions are mesons that consist of up and down quarks and their antiquarks. Give
the quark composition of (i) a positive pion, (ii) a negative pion.
(9)
List the fundamental forces of nature that pions experience.
(6)
2005 HL Q5
(j) Name the fundamental force of nature that holds the nucleus together.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2005 HL Q11(a)
(i) What is the structure of an alpha particle?
(7)
(ii) Rutherford had bombarded gold foil with alpha particles. What conclusion
did he form about the structure of the atom?
(7)
(iii) High voltages can be used to accelerate alpha particles and protons but not
neutrons. Explain why.
(7)
(iv) Cockcroft and Walton, under the guidance of Rutherford, used a linear
particle accelerator to artificially split a lithium nucleus by bombarding it with
high-speed protons. Copy and complete the following nuclear equation for this
reaction.
(7)
(v) Circular particle accelerators were later developed. Give an advantage of
circular accelerators over linear accelerators.
(7)
(vi) In an accelerator, two high-speed protons collide and a series of new
particles are produced, in addition to the two original protons. Explain why new
particles are produced.
(7)
(vii) A huge collection of new particles was produced using circular accelerators.
The quark model was proposed to put order on the new particles. List the six
flavours of quark.
(7)
(viii) Give the quark composition of the proton.
(7)
2004 HL Q5
(j) Give the quark composition of the neutron.
(7)
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M. Duffy
2004 HL Q10(a)
Beta decay is associated with the weak nuclear force.
List two other fundamental forces of nature and give one property of each
force.
(12)
In beta decay, a neutron decays into a proton with the emission of an electron.
Write a nuclear equation for this decay.
(9)
Momentum and energy do not appear to be conserved in beta decay. Explain how
the existence of the neutrino, which was first named by Enrico Fermi, resolved
this.
(8)
During the late 1930s, Fermi continued to work on the nucleus. His work led to
the creation of the first nuclear fission reactor in Chicago during 1942. The
reactor consisted of a ‘pile’ of graphite moderator, uranium fuel with cadmium
control rods.
(i) What is nuclear fission?
(ii) What is the function of the moderator in the reactor?
(iii) How did the cadmium rods control the rate of fission?
(15)
2003 HL Q5
(j) Give one contribution made to Physics by either Paul Dirac.
2003 HL Q10(a)
Leptons, baryons and mesons belong to the “particle zoo”.
Give (i) an example, (ii) a property, of each of these particles.
The following reaction represents pair production.
(7)
(18)
What is the effect on the products of the reaction if the frequency of the γray photon exceeds the minimum value?
(5)
The reverse of the above reaction is known as pair annihilation. Write a reaction
that represents pair annihilation.
(6)
Explain how the principle of conservation of charge and the principle of
conservation of momentum apply in pair annihilation.
(12)
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M. Duffy
2002 HL Q10(a)
(a) Name the four fundamental forces of nature.
(12)
Which force is responsible for binding the nucleus of an atom? Give two
properties of this force.
(9)
In 1932, Cockcroft and Walton carried out an experiment in which they used
high-energy protons to split a lithium nucleus. Outline this experiment.
(11)
When a lithium nucleus
particles are produced.
is bombarded with a high-energy proton, two α-
Write a nuclear equation to represent this reaction.
(12)
Page | 128