GCE O Level Physics : SHORT questions PART I

Q1 : Explain why steel cannot be used as core for an electromagnet. [2]

A1 : Steel is a hard magnetic material. It is difficult to be magnetized and difficult to be
de-magnetised. For an electro-magnet, the core must be easily magnetized when
electric current is flowing around the core and the core must lose its magnetism
easily once the current is cut off.
Q2 : Explain why iron is chosen as material for the core of an electromagnet. [2]
A2 : Iron is a soft magnetic material. It is easy to be magnetized and easy to be demagnetised. For an electro-magnet, the core must be easily magnetized when
electric current is flowing around the core and the core must lose its magnetism
easily once the current is cut off.
Q3 : Explain why the a.c. transformer cannot work if d.c. is at the input. [2]
A3. When d.c. is fed to the primary coil of an a.c. transformer, the output voltage would
be 0 V. This is because the direct current (d.c.) sets up a constant unchanging
magnetic flux. There is no change in magnetic flux, so no electromagnetic
induction.
Q4. Explain what happens when a positive charged metal ball is Earthed ?
A4 : The charged ball is discharged. Electrons from Earth flows to the ball. The ball
becomes neutral.
Q5 . The radioactivity rate of a radioactive sample is 450 counts/min, 460 counts
/min, and 455 counts/min. Explain why the value does not stay constant. [1]
A5 : Radiaoactive decay is random by nature.
Q6 : Why higher current wire is usually thicker than lower current carrying wires ?
[1]
Q6 : Thick wires have lower resistance. They reduce heat generated (prevent fire). Heat
generated = E = I2Rt. Lower R (resistance), less heat generated.
Q7. Why fuse cannot be replaced by another fuse of higher-than-design value? [1]
A7.: Fuse is supposed to melt and break the circuit when the current is higher than
designed value. This prevents heat damage or fire. If a fuse is replaced by another
fuse which is higher than the design limit for current, then when the current exceeds
the design value current but still lower than the fuse-ratings, fire may result due to
overheating of cables.
Q8 : Explain why a cyclist is cycling with some force , but the bicycle is not
accelerating?
A8 : The forward force on the bicycle is equal to the backwards air-resistance frce.
Therefore resultant force, rF = 0 N. Since rF = m x a, then acceleration, a = 0 m/s2.
Q9. Why is transmission of power done at high voltage ? [1]
1

A9 : At high voltage transmission, the current (I) is low. The heat generated and energy
lost along the transmission cables is thus minimized since Heat Energy generated ,
E = I2Rt. Low I means less heat energy lost.
Q10. Why is radioactive emissions dangerous to human beings ? [1]
A10 . The radioactive emissions cause ionization of our body cells, affecting the
functions of the body cells.
Q11. : What is the purpose of the Earth wire ? [1]
A11: Earth wire is connected to the metal casing of the equipment. When there is a
current leakage from the Live wire to the casing, the leakage current willflow fom
the casing to the Earth wire (low resistance) rather than through the user. This
prevents electric shock.
Q12: Where do we connect the Earth wire to ? [1]
A12 : The Earth wire is connected to the metal casing of the device. It is always
maintained at 0 V. In normal operating situations, the Earth wire carries 0 A. Only
during leakage of current to the metal casing, then a current would flow in the Earth
wire.
Q13. Why attraction cannot show that a metal is a magnet ? [1]
A13. Magnetic material (non-magnet) can be attracted by magnetic induction. The N-pole
of a permanent magnet would induce a S-pole at the end of the magnetic material.
The N-pole of the permanent magnet and the induced S-pole would attract one
another since unlike poles attract.
Only repulsion by a permanent magnet can show that an object is a magnet.
Q14. Which radiaoactive emissions is most dangerous when consumed (taken into
body) ?
A14: Alpha particles emitting radioactive substance, because alpha particles are the most
ionizing.
Q15. Which radioactive emissions is the most dangerous when the radioactive
substance is outside the body . ?
A15 : Gamma rays emitting radioactive substance. Because alpha and beta are not so
penetrating, and have a shorter range in air, therefore they are less likely to
penetrate into the body. The gamma rays has the highest penetrating power. Gamma
rays would penetrate through the body and cause ionization of body cells.
Q16 . Why is the mass and weight of a uniform ruler not important in moments
calculations when the pivot is at the centre of the ruler ?
A16 : The c.g. of an uniform ruler is at the middle of the ruler. The weight of the ruler
has zero moment about the pivot since the perpendicular distance from the weight
to the pivot is zero.

Q17. Explain how convection takes place in liquid. [1]

A17 : When liquid is heated, it expands and its density decreases. Hot liquid , with lower
density rises. Cold liquid , with higher density , sinks.
Q18. Explain what is a virtual image. [1]
A18 : A virtual image cannot be formed on a screen. No actual light rays fall on the
virtual image.
Q19 : Explain what is a real image . [1]
A19 : A real image can be formed on a screen. There are actual light rays falling on the
real image.
Q20: Why does refraction (bending of light) occurs when light travels from one
medium to another medium of different optical densities?
A20: When light travels from one medium to another medium of different optical
densities, there is a change of speed. Thus, light bends.
Q21 : Wei ! Explain what is meant by electromagnetic induction. [2]
A21: When there is a change of magnetic flux in a conductor, an e.m.f. is induced.
Q22 : Explain why the is no deflection of galvanometer connected to a coil with a
stationary magnet inserted in the coil.
A22 : When the magnet is not moving , even if it is in the coil, there is no change in
magnetic flux in the coil. Therefore there is no electromagnetic induction. Therefore
no induce e.m.f. and no induced current flows.
Q23 : Explain how the a.c. transformer work . [3]
A23 : The alternating current in primary coil sets up a changing magnetic flux.
The magnetic flux flows to the secondary coil through the soft iron core. The
magnetic flux cuts the secondary coil.
The changing magnetic flux liknked to the secondary coil causes electro-magnetic
induction. Therefore an alternating e.m.f. is induced at the secondary coil.
Q24: Explain how the a.c. generator works ?
A24 : The coil is rotated between the two permanent magnets. The magnetic flux from
the magnets cut the coil.
The changing magnetic flux linked to the coil causes electro-magnetic induction.
An e.m.f. is induced in the coil.
The induced current flows out of the coil through the slip rings and the carbon
brushes.

Q25. Explain why the induced current in the a.c. generator is alternating in
direction .
A25 : The same part of the coil is reversing its direction of motion (upwards and
downwards) every half a revolution. Therefore, according to Flemings Right Hand
rule , the induced current induced changes direction every half a turn .
Q26 : When a wave is slowed down by a medium, what happens to its speed,
frequency , and wavelength ?
A26 : the frequency of the wave would remain the same. Frequency of a wave depends
on the source only. The speed reduces, therefore the wavelength reduce. Since V = f
x wavelength.
Q27 : What is the purpose of transformer ?
A 27 : To change voltage (potential difference) .
Q28 : Who turns the generator ?
A 28 : Combustion of petrol boils water. The steam from the boiling water pushes the
turbine. The turbine rotates the coil in between the magnets of the generator. Some
countries use wind and falling water from dam to turn the turbines.
Q29 : Explain why the tea pot is painted with shiny silver paint. The tea pot is used
to keep hot water.
A29 : Shiny and silver surface is a bad emitter of infra-red radiation. Less heat is loss by
thermal radiation.
Q30 : Explain why circuits at home are connected in parallel. [2]
A30 : when connected in parallel , devices can be switched ON/OFF independently.
When one of the device is spoilt, the rest can still be operated.
When connected in parallel , each device would have the same potential difference(
voltage) across it that is equal to the a.c. mains voltage.
Q31 : What is a step-down transformer ? [2]
A31 : A step-down transformer is used to change high voltage to low voltage. It has less
number of turns in the secondary coil than in the primary coil.
Q32 : What is magnetic field ? [1]
A32 : Magnetic field is the region where a magnetic pole experiences a force of
attraction or repulsion.
Q33 : What is Gravitational Field ? [1]
A33 : Gravitational Field is the region where a mass experiences a force of attraction.

Q34 : What is an electric field ? [1]

A34 : Electric field is the region where an electric charge experiences a force of
attraction or repulsion.
Q35 : What is gravitational field strength ?
A 35 : Gravitational Field Strength of a region is the amount of force (in Newtons) of
attraction acting per unit mass (kg) of a body placed in the region. SI Unit : N/kg
Q36 : What are magnetic field lines ?
A 36 : Magnetic field line shows the direction of force acting on a N-pole.
Q 37 : What are Electric field lines ?
A 37 : Electric field line shows the direction of force acting on a (+) positive charge.
Q 40 : What is moment ?
A 40 : Moment is the turning effect of a force. Moments magnitude is equal to the
product(multiplication) of the force and the perpendicular distance from the force to
the pivot.
Q 41 : What is Principle of moments ?
A 41 : Principle of moments state that when an object is in equilibrium, the sum of the
clockwise moments is equal to the sum of the anti-clockwise moments.
Q42 : Explain how conduction takes place in solid . [2]
Q42 : When one region of solid is heated the molecules (particles) vibrate more
vigorously (with higher average speeds). They jostle the neighbouring partuicles ,
causing then to vibrate faster too. Energy is passed down by vibrations and jostling
of the particles.
Q43 : Explain why metals are better conductors than non-metals . [1]
A43 : Metals have free electrons. When heated the free electrons move faster and drift
towards the colder region. As the electrons hit the particle in the colder region, the
particles vibrate faster. Energy is also passed down by the vibrations and jostling of
the particles vibrating in fixed positions.
Q44 : Why is some device without Earth wire? [1]
A44: Some device has double-insulations,. The casing is made of plastic. No electric
current can leak out of the device through its plastic (electrical insulator) casing.
So , there is no need to protect the user from electric shock due to leakage of
electrical current through the casing. The two-pin plug only have Live and Neutral
wire.
Q45. What is meant by a.c. ?
A45 : Alternating current means the current is changing direction of flow repeatedly. In
Singapore, the a.c. mains is at 50 Hz, meaning that the current from our mains
socket changes direction to and fro , 50 times in one second.

Q 46 . What is meant by d.c ?

A 46 : Direct current means that the current flows only in one direction. Usually d.c. is
obtained from dry cell.
Q 47 : What is a battery ? [1]
A 47 : A battery is a collection of electric cells. (e.g. 3 AA dry cells put in series)
Q48 : What are the numbers I must MEMORISE for O level Physics ?
A48 :* Speed of all electromagnetic waves (including light) in vacuum : 3x 108 m/s
* Audible frequency of sound for normal human . 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz (20 kHz)
* Approxiamte speed for sound in air : about 330 m/s
* g, gravitational acceleration of Earth : 10 m/s2
Q49 : Why is the deflection of galvanometer momentarily in the demonstration of
electro-magnetic induction by pushing a magnet into a coil ? [1]
A 49 : When the magnet stops moving, there is no change in magnetic flux liknked to the
coil. No electromagfnetic induction occurs. No em.f. and current induced.
Q50 : Why is a larger deflection observed in galvanometer when the magnet is
pushed into coil at a faster speed ? [1]
Rate of change of magnetic flux increased, so em.f. induced increases.
Q51 : Why is the deflection in galvanometer opposite in direction when a magnet is
pushed in and pulled out from a coil ? [1]
Induced current flows in a direction so as to oppose the change. When N-pole is
pushed into coil, N-pole is induced at end of coil. When N-pole is pulled out, Spiole is induced at end of coil.
Q52. Why is Lenz law in agreement with Law of conservation of energy ?
A52 : The work done in pushing the magnet against the opposing force set up by the
induced current is converted to the electrical energy of the induced current.
Q53 : What is meant by frequency ?
A53 : The number of complete oscillations made in one second.
Q54 : What is meant by 50 Hz ?
A54 : 50 cycles / oscillations made in 1 second.
Q55 : What is meant by one wavelength ?
A55 : The distance from one peak / crest to the next peak/crest.
Q56 : What is meant by wavefront ?
A 56 : the line joining all the crests of a wave.

Q57 : What happens to the speed, wavelength, frequency and amplitude of a

reflected wave on a barrier . ?
A 57 : Amplitude decreases . The rest all the same. Energy is lost by wave to surrounding
during the reflection.
Q58. What are the 4 magnetic materials ?
A58 : Iron ; steel ; cobalt ; nickel.
Q59 : Explain steel cannot be used as the material for the core of an a.c. transformer
? [2]
A59 : * Steel is a hard magnetic material. It is difficult to be magnetized and difficult to
be de-magnetised.
* The magnetic flux in the core of transformer must be able to change direction and
magnitude easily so that an e.m.f. will be induced at the secondary coil (due to
electromagnetic induction). Steel makes the magnetic flux hard to change direction
and magnitude.
* Therefore, iron should be used, since iron is a soft magnetic material that can be
mafnetised and de-magnetised easily.
Q60. Explain what is centre of gravity. [2]
A 61 : C.G. is the point where the whole weight of an object seems to act on.
Q62 : How does c.g. affect the stability of an object ?
A 62 : the lower the c.g. , the more stable is the object.
Q63 : State 2 ways to increase the stability of an object. [2]
A63 : Lower C.G.(by adding mass below) . Widen the base.
Q64 : What is meant by a stable object ? [1]
A64 : A stable object falls back returns to its original position after given a slight
displacement in orientation. The moment by the weight of the object causes the
object to fall back .
Q65 : What is meant by an unstable object ? [1]
A65 :An unstable object would topple and fall over when given a slight displacement in
orientation. The moment by the weight of the object causes the object to topple .
Q66 : What is meant by a sensitive thermometer ? [1]
A66 : A sensitive thermometer shows a large change in reading / thermometric property
when there is a small change in temperature. A possible unit for sensitivity is mm/k.
Q67 : How to make a thermometer sensitive ?
A67 : make the capillary tube thinner . Thinner bore of the tube.
Q68 : What is meant by fast response thermometer?

A 68 : A fast response thermometer shows the temperature reading in a short period of

time.
Q69 : How to make a thermometer fast in response ?
A 69 : Make the glass wall of the bulb thin. So that heat can be conducted through the
wall of the bulb to the mercury quickly.
Q70 : What is meant by linearity of a thermometric property ?
A70 : A thermometric property is varies linearly with temperature if the change in
temperature is proportional; to the change in thermometric property.
Q71: What is ice-point ?
A 71 : It is the temperature of pure melting ice , at standard atmospheric pressure. It is
also called the lower fixed point. It is defined as 0oC.
Q72 : What is steam point.
A 72 : It is the temperature of steam from boiling water, at standard atmospheric pressure.
It is also called the upper fixed point. It is defined as 100oC.
Q73 : Why do we need fixed points for a temperature scale ? [1]
A73 : Fixed points are definite temperatures that can be accurately and easily reproduced.
This ensures that the temperature scale, based on fixed points, is standardized.
Q74 : What is the difference between heat and temperature ?
A74 : Heat is the thermal energy (in J) that will flow from high temperature body to a low
temperature body. Temperature (in k or oC) is the degree of hotness / coldness of an
object.
Q75 : What are the common properties of all electromagnetic waves ?
A 75 : They all can travel in vacuum. They all travel at 3 x 108 m/s in vacuum. They are
all transverse waves.
Q76 : What are the members of the electromagnetic wave spectrum?
A76 : Gamma rays, X rays , Ultra Violet Rays , Violet light , Indigo Light , Blue Light ,
Green light , Yellow Light , Orange Light , Red Light , infra red rays, micro wave,
radio wave. (gamma rays has the highest frequency, shortest wavelength).
Q77 : What is transverse wave ?
A77 : The particles of a transverse wave vibrate at 90o to the wave direction of energy
travel. Example : light , water , rope waves.
Q 78 : What are longitudinal waves ?
A78 : The particles of a transverse wave vibrate parallel to the wave direction of energy
travel. Example : Sound

Q 79 : What is meant by short circuit ?

A79 : Short circuit occurs when a wire of low resistance , is connected across an
electrical component, causing most of the current to by pass the electrical
component., by going through the low resistance wire. Short circuit usually results
in an increase in current due to the decrease in resistance of the circuit. The high
current may cause heating damage or fire.
Q 80 : What is the use of slip-rings in the a.c. generator ?
A 80 : To conduct the induced current from the coil to the load , without causing wires
entanglement . The slip rings also ensure that the same terminals are connected to
the same part of the coil even when the coil rotates.
Q81 : Explain why during melting, heat energy is taken in but there is no change in
temperature . [2]
A81 : During melting, heat ( thermal energy ) is taken in for work done to weaken the
inter-molecular forces holding the particles in solid state to become particles in
liquid state. The particles are re-arranged, now with weaker Inter-molecular forces
and higher degree of freedom, but no increase in average kinetic energy. Therefore,
there is no increase in temperature.
Q82 : Explain why during freezing, heat energy is given out but there is no change in
temperature . [2]
A82 : During freezing , heat ( thermal energy ) is given out as the inter-molecular forces
holding the particles in liquid state strengthen as they become particles in liquid
state. The particles are re-arranged, now with stronger Inter-molecular forces and
lower degree of freedom, but no increase in average kinetic energy. Therefore, there
is no increase in temperature.
Q83 : How is temperature related to the motion of particles in an object?
A83 : Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy of the
molecules(particles) . The higher the temperature, the faster the particles are
vibrating (in solid) and the faster they are moving (in liquid and gas).
>> to be continued
Prepared BY Mr Gui Eng Hong
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