Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 — 2012 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 2

Question 1

1 What is the unit watt in terms of SI base units? A J s–1 B m2 kg s–1 C m2 kg s–3 D N m s–1

Accepted Answer

C

Question 2

2 For which quantity is the magnitude a reasonable estimate? A frequency of a radio wave 500 pHz B mass of an atom 500 µg C the Young modulus of a metal 500 kPa D wavelength of green light 500 nm

Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

3 A vector has magnitude R and perpendicular components P and Q, as shown in the diagram. R vertical component Q θ horizontal component P Which row correctly describes the perpendicular components? vertical component horizontal component A Q R sinθ B R cosθ P C R cosθ R sinθ D R sinθ R cosθ Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

4 The diameter of a cylindrical metal rod is measured using a micrometer screw gauge. The diagram below shows an enlargement of the scale on the micrometer screw gauge when taking the measurement. 40 2 3 30 0.5 mm / rev What is the cross-sectional area of the rod? A 3.81 mm2 B 11.4 mm2 C 22.8 mm2 D 45.6 mm2

Accepted Answer

B

Question 5

5 A mass is dropped from rest, and falls through a distance of 2.0 m in a vacuum. An observer records the time taken for the mass to fall through this distance using a manually operated stopwatch and repeats the measurements a further two times. The average result of these measured times, displayed in the table below, was used to determine a value for the acceleration of free fall. This was calculated to be 9.8 m s–2. first measurement second measurement third measurement average time / s 0.6 0.73 0.59 0.64 Which statement best relates to the experiment? A The measurements are precise and accurate with no evidence of random errors. B The measurements are not accurate and not always recorded to the degree of precision of the measuring device but the calculated experimental result is accurate. C The measurements are not always recorded to the degree of precision of the measuring device but are accurate. Systematic errors may be present. D The range of results shows that there were random errors made but the calculated value is correct so the experiment was successful. Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question 6

6 The diagram shows two complete pulses on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope. A grid of 1 cm squares covers the screen. The time-base setting is 1 µs cm–1. 1 cm How long does each pulse last? A 2 µs B 3 µs C 4 µs D 6 µs Space for working

Accepted Answer

A

Question 7

7 The graph shows how the velocity v of an object moving in a straight line varies over time t = 0 to t = T. v 0 0 T t Which graph represents the displacement s of the object in the time t = 0 to t = T ? A B s s 0 0 T t 0 T 0 t C D s s 0 0 0 T t 0 T t Space for working

Accepted Answer

A

Question 8

8 Two markers M1 and M2 are set up a vertical distance h apart. steel ball time zero x M1 time t1 h M2 time t2 A steel ball is released at time zero from a point a distance x above M1. The ball reaches M1 at time t1 and reaches M2 at time t2. The acceleration of the ball is constant. Which expression gives the acceleration of the ball? 2 h 2 h 2 h 2 h A B C D t 2 ( t + t ) ( t − t ) 2 ( t 2 − t 2 ) 2 2 1 2 1 2 1

Accepted Answer

D

Question 9

9 A brick is dislodged from a building and falls vertically under gravity. Which graph best represents the variation of its height h above the ground with time t if air resistance is negligible? A B C D h h h h 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t t t t Space for working

Accepted Answer

A

Question 10

10 A projectile is launched at point O and follows the path OPQRS, as shown. Air resistance may be neglected. Q P R O S Which statement is true for the projectile when it is at the highest point Q of its path? A The horizontal component of the projectile’s acceleration is zero. B The horizontal component of the projectile’s velocity is zero. C The kinetic energy of the projectile is zero. D The momentum of the projectile is zero.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 11

11 Which row correctly states whether momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in an inelastic collision in which there are no external forces? momentum kinetic energy A conserved conserved B conserved not conserved C not conserved conserved D not conserved not conserved Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question 12

12 Two spheres approach each other along the same straight line. Their speeds are u1 and u2 before collision. After the collision, the spheres separate with speeds v1 and v2 in the directions shown below. u1 u2 v1 v2 before collision after collision Which equation must be correct if the collision is perfectly elastic? A u1 – u2 = v2 + v1 B u1 – u2 = v2 – v1 C u1 + u2 = v2 + v1 D u1 + u2 = v2 – v1

Accepted Answer

D

Question 13

13 A box of mass 8.0 kg rests on a horizontal, rough surface. A string attached to the box passes over a smooth pulley and supports a 2.0 kg mass at its other end. box smooth 8.0 kg pulley rough surface 2.0 kg When the box is released, a frictional force of 6.0 N acts on it. What is the acceleration of the box? A 1.4 m s–2 B 1.7 m s–2 C 2.0 m s–2 D 2.5 m s–2 Space for working

Accepted Answer

A

Question 14

14 A ladder is positioned on icy (frictionless) ground and is leant against a rough wall. At the instant of release it begins to slide. Which diagram correctly shows the directions of the forces P, W and R acting on the ladder as it begins to slide? A B P P ladder ladder wall wall R R W W ground ground C D P P ladder ladder wall wall R R W W ground ground Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question 15

15 The diagram shows a solid cube with weight W and sides of length L. It is supported by a frictionless spindle that passes through the centres of two opposite vertical faces. One of these faces is shaded. L L  to the right of its original position. The spindle is now removed and replaced at a distance 4 L 4 When viewing the shaded face, what is the torque of the couple that will now be needed to stop the cube from toppling? WL  anticlockwise A 2 WL  clockwise B 2 WL  anticlockwise C 4 WL  clockwise D 4 Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 16

16 A sphere is released from rest in a viscous fluid. Which graph represents the variation with time t of the acceleration a of the sphere? A B a a 00 00 t t C D a a 00 00 t t

Accepted Answer

D

Question 17

17 Initially, four identical uniform blocks, each of mass m and thickness h, are spread on a table. h h How much work is done on the blocks in stacking them on top of one another? A 3 mgh B 6 mgh C 8 mgh D 10 mgh Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question 18

18 The diagram shows the design of a water wheel which drives a generator to produce electrical energy. The flow rate of the water is 200 kg s–1. The generator supplies a current of 32 A at a voltage of 230 V. water direction of rotation 8.0 m generator Ignoring any changes in kinetic energy of the water, what is the efficiency of the system? A 14 % B 16 % C 22 % D 47 %

Accepted Answer

D

Question 19

19 A car engine exerts an average force of 500 N in moving the car 1.0 km in 200 s. What is the average power developed by the engine? A 2.5 W B 2.5 kW C 100 kW D 100 MW

Accepted Answer

B

Question 20

20 A mass of gas enclosed in a cylinder by a piston is heated gently. At the same time, the piston is moved so that the pressure remains constant. As a result of this, what will not occur? A The average velocity of the molecules will increase. B The mean separation of the molecules will increase. C The molecules will travel greater distances between collisions. D The number of collisions per second of the molecules on the piston will increase. Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 21

21 In an experiment to demonstrate Brownian motion, a transparent container is filled with smoke particles suspended in air. What can be seen when the contents of the container are strongly illuminated and viewed through a microscope? A air molecules that are colliding with smoke particles B air molecules that are moving in straight lines C smoke particles that are moving in random zigzag paths D smoke particles that are moving in straight lines

Accepted Answer

C

Question 22

22 The diagram shows the arrangement of atoms in a particular crystal. Each atom is at the corner of a cube. The mass of each atom is 3.5 × 10–25 kg. The density of the crystal is 9.2 × 103 kg m–3. What is the shortest distance between the centres of two adjacent atoms? A 3.8 × 10–29 m B 6.2 × 10–15 m C 3.4 × 10–10 m D 3.0 × 10–9 m Space for working

Accepted Answer

C

Question 23

23 A pipe is closed at one end and contains gas, trapped by a column of water. gas 7.0 m 5.0 m water The atmospheric pressure is 1.0 × 105 Pa. The density of water is 1000 kg m–3. What is the pressure of the gas? (Use g = 10 m s–2.) A 0.3 × 105 Pa B 0.5 × 105 Pa C 1.5 × 105 Pa D 1.7 × 105 Pa Space for working

Accepted Answer

C

Question 24

24 The graph is a force-extension graph for a wire that is being stretched. 30 force / N 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 extension / mm How much work needs to be done by the tensile force, to two significant figures, to cause an extension of 7.0 mm? A 0.088 J B 0.12 J C 0.53 J D 120 J

Accepted Answer

B

Question 25

25 A wire stretches 8 mm under a load of 60 N. A second wire of the same material, with half the diameter and a quarter of the original length of the first wire, is stretched by the same load. Assuming that Hooke’s law is obeyed, what is the extension of this wire? A 1 mm B 4 mm C 8 mm D 16 mm Space for working

Accepted Answer

C

Question 26

26 A surveyor’s device emits a laser pulse. What is the time taken for the pulse to travel from the device to a wall 150 m away, where it is reflected, and then return to the device? A 0.05 ns B 0.10 ns C 0.50 µs D 1.0 µs

Accepted Answer

D

Question 27

27 The period of an electromagnetic wave is 1.0 ns. What are the frequency and wavelength of the wave? frequency / Hz wavelength / m A 1.0 3.0 × 108 B 1.0 × 106 300 C 1.0 × 109 0.30 D 1.0 × 1012 3.0 × 10–4

Accepted Answer

C

Question 28

28 X and Y are two points on the surface of water in a ripple tank. A source of waves of constant frequency begins to generate waves which then travel past X and Y, causing them to oscillate. waves Y water surface X What is the phase difference between X and Y? A 45° B 135° C 180° D 270° Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 29

29 A monochromatic plane wave of speed c and wavelength λ is diffracted at a small aperture. The diagram illustrates successive wavefronts. X P Y After what time will some portion of the wavefront XY reach point P? A 3λ B 2 λ C 3 λ D 4 λ 2 c c c c Space for working

Accepted Answer

C

Question 30

30 A standing sound wave is set up between a loudspeaker and a wall. A microphone is connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) and is moved along a line directly between the loudspeaker and the wall. The amplitude of the trace on the c.r.o. rises to a maximum at a position X, falls to a minimum and then rises once again to a maximum at a position Y. The distance between X and Y is 33 cm. The speed of sound in air is 330 m s–1. Which diagram represents the c.r.o. trace of the sound received at X? A B time base 0.50 ms / cm 1 cm time base 0.50 ms / cm 1 cm C D time base 0.50 ms / cm 1 cm time base 0.50 ms / cm 1 cm Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question 31

31 An electric field exists in the space between two charged metal plates. + X Y – Which graph shows the variation of electric field strength E with distance d from X along the line XY? A B C D E E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 d d d d

Accepted Answer

C

Question 32

32 When will 1 C of charge pass a point in an electrical circuit? A when 1 A moves through a potential difference of 1 V B when a power of 1 W is used for 1 s C when the current is 5 mA for 200 s D when the current is 10 A for 10 s Space for working

Accepted Answer

C

Question 33

33 Two copper wires of the same length but different diameters carry the same current. Which statement about the flow of charged particles through the wires is correct? A Charged particles are provided by the power supply. Therefore the speed at which they travel depends only on the voltage of the supply. B The charged particles in both wires move with the same average speed because the current in both wires is the same. C The charged particles move faster through the wire with the larger diameter because there is a greater volume through which to flow. D The charged particles move faster through the wire with the smaller diameter because it has a larger potential difference applied to it.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 34

34 A power cable X has resistance R and carries current I. 1 I. A second cable Y has resistance 2R and carries current 2 power dissipated in Y What is the ratio ? power dissipated in X 1 1 A B C 2 D 4 4 2 Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question 35

35 The diagram shows a circuit with four voltmeter readings V, V1, V2 and V3. V V1 V V R V2 V R 2R V3 V Which equation relating the voltmeter readings must be true? A V = V1 + V2 + V3 B V + V1 = V2 + V3 C V3 = 2(V2) D V – V1 = V3 Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 36

36 A light-dependent resistor (LDR) is connected in series with a resistor R and a battery. LDR R The resistance of the LDR is equal to the resistance of R when no light falls on the LDR. When the light intensity falling on the LDR increases, which statement is correct? A The current in R decreases. B The current in the LDR decreases. C The p.d. across R decreases. D The p.d. across the LDR decreases. Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 37

37 The diagram shows the circuit for a signal to display a green or a red light. It is controlled by the switch S. green g G S red R 12 V black x The signal is some way from S to which it is connected by a cable with green, red and black wires. At the signal, the green and red wires are connected to the corresponding lamp and the black wire is connected to a terminal x to provide a common return. The arrangement is shown correctly connected and with the switch set to illuminate the red lamp. During maintenance, the wires at the signal are disconnected and, when reconnected, the black wire is connected in error to the green lamp (terminal g) instead of terminal x. The red wire is connected correctly to its lamp and connections at S remain as in the diagram. black g G green S R red 12 V x When the system is tested with the switch connection to the red wire, what does the signal show? A the green lamp illuminated normally B the red lamp illuminated normally C the red and green lamps both illuminated normally D the red and green lamps both illuminated dimly Space for working

Accepted Answer

D

Question 38

38 Four identical resistors are connected in the three networks below. 1 2 3 Which arrangement has the highest total resistance and which has the lowest? highest lowest A 1 2 B 1 3 C 3 1 D 3 2 Space for working

Accepted Answer

C

Question 39

39 Nuclear decay is both spontaneous and random in nature. Which row gives the correct experimental evidence for these properties? spontaneous nature of decay random nature of decay A the decay rate is not affected by the decay rate is not affected by pressure temperature B the decay rate is not affected by the rate at which radiation is received pressure at a counter fluctuates C the decay rate is not affected by the decay rate is not affected by temperature pressure D the rate at which radiation is received the decay rate is not affected by at a counter fluctuates pressure

Accepted Answer

B

Question 40

40 Radon 222 Rn is the start of a decay chain that forms bismuth 214 Bi by alpha and beta emission. 86 83 For the decay of each nucleus of radon, how many α−particles and β−particles are emitted? α−particles β−particles A 1 1 B 2 1 C 1 2 D 2 2 Space for working

Accepted Answer

B

Question paper28 pages

Mark scheme2 pages

Questions as text

Q1 · What is the unit watt in terms of SI base units?

Q2 · For which quantity is the magnitude a reasonable estimate?

Q3 · A vector has magnitude R and perpendicular components P and Q, as shown in the diagram

Q4 · The diameter of a cylindrical metal rod is measured using a micrometer screw gauge

Q5 · A mass is dropped from rest, and falls through a distance of 2.0 m in a vacuum

Q6 · The diagram shows two complete pulses on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope

Q7 · The graph shows how the velocity v of an object moving in a straight line varies over…

Q8 · Two markers M1 and M2 are set up a vertical distance h apart

Q9 · A brick is dislodged from a building and falls vertically under gravity

Q10 · A projectile is launched at point O and follows the path OPQRS, as shown

Q11 · Which row correctly states whether momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in an…

Q12 · Two spheres approach each other along the same straight line

Q13 · A box of mass 8.0 kg rests on a horizontal, rough surface

Q14 · A ladder is positioned on icy (frictionless) ground and is leant against a rough wall

Q15 · The diagram shows a solid cube with weight W and sides of length L

Q16 · A sphere is released from rest in a viscous fluid

Q17 · Initially, four identical uniform blocks, each of mass m and thickness h, are spread on a…

Q18 · The diagram shows the design of a water wheel which drives a generator to produce…

Q19 · A car engine exerts an average force of 500 N in moving the car 1.0 km in 200 s

Q20 · A mass of gas enclosed in a cylinder by a piston is heated gently

Q21 · In an experiment to demonstrate Brownian motion, a transparent container is filled with…

Q22 · The diagram shows the arrangement of atoms in a particular crystal

Q23 · A pipe is closed at one end and contains gas, trapped by a column of water

Q24 · The graph is a force-extension graph for a wire that is being stretched

Q25 · A wire stretches 8 mm under a load of 60 N

Q26 · A surveyor’s device emits a laser pulse

Q27 · The period of an electromagnetic wave is 1.0 ns

Q28 · X and Y are two points on the surface of water in a ripple tank

Q29 · A monochromatic plane wave of speed c and wavelength λ is diffracted at a small aperture

Q30 · A standing sound wave is set up between a loudspeaker and a wall

Q31 · An electric field exists in the space between two charged metal plates

Q32 · When will 1 C of charge pass a point in an electrical circuit?

Q33 · Two copper wires of the same length but different diameters carry the same current

Q34 · A power cable X has resistance R and carries current I

Q35 · The diagram shows a circuit with four voltmeter readings V, V1, V2 and V3

Q36 · A light-dependent resistor (LDR) is connected in series with a resistor R and a battery

Q37 · The diagram shows the circuit for a signal to display a green or a red light

Q38 · Four identical resistors are connected in the three networks below

Q39 · Nuclear decay is both spontaneous and random in nature

Q40 · Radon 222 Rn is the start of a decay chain that forms bismuth 214 Bi by alpha and beta…

What was in this paper

What you needed in this session

Other variants, same session

This paper, other years