2018 Singapore-

CAMBRIDGE
A Level
H2 Physics P3
Suggested Answer
Key (9749)
Written and Prepared by Mr Mitch Peh
 Preface
Dear JC students in Singapore,
Hope you will find this A Level examination solution set useful for your revision.

The answers and comments to this solution set are personally crafted and written
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The question paper has been omitted due to copyright reasons.
 2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

Analysis of 2018 H2 Physics Paper 2 and 3

 In general for A Level Physics, the topics that have not been tested in Paper 2 would be tested
in Paper 3. Hence, after sitting for A Level Physics Paper 2, you should study smart and focus
on revising the topics that have not been tested before your Paper 3.

Topics tested in 2018 Paper 2 Topics tested in 2018 Paper 3

 Forces  Kinematics
 Work, Energy and Power  Dynamics
 Circular Motion  Gravitation
 Superposition  Electric Field
 Current and Electricity  Electromagnetism
 DC Circuit  Electromagnetic Induction
 Electric Field (Minimal)  Alternating Current
 Quantum Physics  Quantum Physics
 Graphical Analysis Skills  Nuclear Physics
 Data Analysis Skills  Oscillation (Section B)
 Thermal Physics and Ideal Gas (Section B)

 For A Level Physics, definition questions can take up quite a significant proportion of the marks
and they are placed at the beginning of questions so you must remember to study them before
the exams. It is also not necessarily true that the definitions tested in the previous year would not
be repeated and tested again.
 In this 2018 Paper 2 and 3, 26 marks out of a possible 180 marks were set aside on definitions
alone. Definitions tested include principle of moments, Hooke’s law, diffraction, threshold
frequency, gravitational field (also tested in 2017 paper), magnetic flux density, magnetic flux
linkage, root mean square value of alternating current (also tested in 2017 paper), photon, random
process, spontaneous process, internal energy, first law of thermodynamics, ideal gas, simple
harmonic motion were tested.
 Due to this emphasis on definitions for the A Levels, I have personally prepared definition lists for
my students to make it easier and more efficient for your revision.
 Calculation questions are generally manageable, other than P3/Q6(c), so you should be able to
solve most of them, just be vigilant and careful to avoid careless mistakes.
 A Levels also like to place some emphasis on graphical sketching and graphical analysis skills so
make sure you are comfortable with interpreting graphs especially for the gradient of the graph
and the area under graph.
 For explanation questions, the topics that they like to ask include electromagnetic induction with
the use of Faraday’s law and Len’s Law (Tested in P3/Q4b), Quantum Physic (Tested in P2/Q4),
explain whether motion can be considered as simple harmonic (Tested in P3/Q9). Hence, you
should be well prepared for these topics.
 Overall, I would say that the 2 papers are very manageable and you should have ample time to
complete and double check your answers. Good and targeted preparation are key to excel in this
paper.

3
2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

2018 A Level H2 Physics P3 Suggested Answer Key (9749)

Section A
Answer all the questions in the space provided
Q1 Topics: Kinematics, Electromagnetism on path of charged particle in magnetic field

(a) [2]

Comments
 Even though this question does not require an explanation for the shape of the
distance against time graph, it will be good to understand as A Levels has tested
the following explanation in some years.
 For the initial motion, the velocity of the ball will increase as its weight is greater
than the air resistance acting on the ball, resulting in an acceleration on the ball
downwards. Hence, the gradient becomes steeper as time progresses.
 As the velocity of the ball increases, air resistance acting on the ball will also
increase.
 The ball will eventually reach terminal velocity when weight is equal to the air
resistance acting on the ball. Then, the gradient of the distance-time graph
becomes a constant value.

(b) .

Comments
 Again, even though this question does not require an explanation for the shape
of the path of particle S, it will be good to understand.
mv
 The radius of the path of particle in magnetic field is given by r  . Hence,
Bq
when the speed is doubled, the radius of the path of particle P increases,
resulting in less deviation compared to the original path.
 Note that you must show that particle P will continue in a straight line after exiting [2]
the magnetic field as there is no longer any net force acting on the particle.

4
2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

(c)

[2]

Comments
Both the alpha particle and gold nucleus are positively charged. Hence, they will
repel each other and the alpha particle will move away from the gold nucleus.
[Total: 6]

Q2 Topic: Gravitation

(a) A gravitational field is a region of space in which a mass experience a gravitational [2]
force of attraction due to the presence of other masses, with gravitational field strength
given as force per unit mass.

(b) The separation between the Sun and Proxima Centauri is much greater than their [1]
(i) diameters. Hence, they behave like point masses and Newton’s law of gravitation
can be used to calculate the force between them.
Comments
This question tests the condition required for applying Newton’s law of gravitation

GMm  6.67 10  2.0 10  2.4 10 

(ii) 11 30 29 [2]
F 
R2  4.0 10 
16 2

 2.0 1016 N
Comments
 Some common mistake include forgetting to square the distance of separation
between Sun and Proxima Centauri and forgetting to convert the unit km to m
during the calculation.

(c)  The acceleration it causes on the Sun is very small as the Sun is very massive. [2]
a = F/m = 1.0 x 10-14 ms-2.
 Hence, the effect of the force on the motion of the Sun is negligible.
[Total:7]

5
2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

Q3 Topics: Electric Field and Kinematics

(a)  900  [2]

  3.2 1019  
V
(i) F  qE  q 2 
 8.0 1015 N ( shown)
d  3.6 10 
(ii) The weight of the particle can be considered as negligible as it is much less [2]
compared to the electric force.
Fnet= ma
F 8.0 1015
a  27
 1.211012 ms 2
m 6.6 10
(b)  We need to first find the time it takes for the particle to leave the region of parallel [3]
plates.
 Then, we calculate the vertical distance that the particle would have travelled in
this time. If it can travel more than a vertical distance of 1.8cm, it will collide with
the lower plate.
sx  u x t
sx 7.5 102
t   1.8293 107 s
u x 4.110 5

Hence, s y  a y t 2   0.5 1.211012 1.8293 107 

1 2

2
 0.0202cm
This is more than 1.8cm so it will collide with the lower plate

Comments
 Note that we should be comparing with the vertical distance of 1.8cm and not
3.6cm because the particle is travelling exactly in the middle of the 2 plates.

[Total:7]

Q4 Topic: Electromagnetic Induction

(a)(i)  Magnetic flux density of a magnetic field is the magnetic force per unit length on a [3]
long straight conductor carrying unit current placed perpendicular to the magnetic
field.
 The magnetic force will be acting perpendicular to both the current and the
magnetic field.

(ii)  Magnetic flux linkage is the product of the magnetic flux linking the coil and the [2]
number of turns of the coil.
 Magnetic flux through the coil is the product of the component magnetic flux
density perpendicular to the plane of the coil and the area of the coil.

(b)  When the switch is closed, there will be an increase in current which causes an
increase in magnetic field by the coil.
 This results in an increase in the magnetic flux linkage through the aluminium ring.
 Furthermore, the soft iron core concentrates the magnetic field, causing the
increase in the magnetic flux linkage through the aluminium ring to be large.

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2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

 By Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, there will be an induced e.m.f in the

aluminium ring which is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage.
 Since the ring is a conductor of electricity, a current is induced in it.
 By Len’s law, the induced current will flow such that it produces a magnetic force
that opposes the change in magnetic flux linkage.
 This results in magnetic poles of the same polarity on facing sides of the aluminium
ring and the coil, causing a magnetic force to act on the aluminium ring upwards.
 Thus, the aluminium ring will move vertically upwards.

Comments
 You should remember the general steps to explain how induced current is formed
in an electrical component. [4]
o Explain the change in magnetic flux linkage cutting through the component
o Use Faraday’s law to explain the formation of induced e.m.f
o Explain the formation of induced current due to the circuit being closed or the
component is good conductor of electricity
o If the question requires us to do so, we continue to use Len’s law to explain the
direction of magnetic force experienced by the electrical component.
 Over here, initially, the aluminium ring is in equilibrium where contact force is equal
to the weight. Once there is an additional magnetic force present, the aluminium
ring will be able to move upwards.

(c)  The insulator ring does not move. Even though there is an induced e.m.f in it,
current cannot flow through an insulator.
 Hence, there is no induced current and no repelling magnetic poles produced in
the ring. [2]
 As a result, there is no magnetic force produced which can cause the ring to move
vertically upwards.
[Total: 11]

Q5 Topic: Alternating Current

(a)  Root mean square value of alternating current is the equivalent value of steady direct [2]
current that produces the same heating effect at the same average rate as the
alternating current, in a given resistor.

Comments
 The direct current being steady must be mentioned here.

(b) From the given equation, V  170sin377t , we can deduce that: [1]
(i) V0=170V
V0 170
Vrms    120V
2 2
(ii) From the given equation, V  170sin377t , we can deduce that: [2]
2 f  377
377
f   60 Hz
2

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2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

(iii) 2
Vrms 1202 [2]
Pave    248W
R 58
(c) Use your answer in (b) to sketch, on the axes of Fig 5.2, the variation with time t of the [3]
power transferred in the resistor. Include on your graph a time equal to two periods of
the alternating potential difference.

Comments
There should be four smooth curves and the peak power is (248)(2)=496W which is
approximately 500W.
[Total: 10]

Q6 Topics: Quantum Physics, Dynamics

(a) A photon is a discrete packet of energy of an electromagnetic radiation with energy, [2]
E=hf where h is the Planck’s constant and f is the frequency of the radiation.

(b) Energy of a photon of the laser light is given by: [2]

(i)
E
hc

 6.63 10  3 10   2.93 10
34 8
19
J
 680 109
(ii) To find the number of photons incident per unit time on the surface, [2]
n IA  3.110    0.6 10   680 10   1.2 10
3 3 2 9
nhf
I    16
s 1 (shown)
tA t hc  6.63 1034  3 108 
(c) We have to consider the change in momentum for the photons which are reflected [6]
and absorbed separately.
By de Broglie wavelength formula,
6.63 1034
h
mv    9.75 1028 kgms 1
 680 10 9

For the photons which are absorbed, the change in momentum is 9.75 1028 kgms 1
Hence, the vertical component of the force experienced is:
nmv
F cos 520  1.2 1016   0.45  9.75 1028  cos 52 0
t
 3.2415 1012 N

For the photons which are reflected, the change in momentum can be given as
 2  9.75 1028  cos520

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2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

Hence,
nmv
F  1.2 1016   0.55 2   9.75 1028  cos 520
t
 7.9236 1012 N

Thus the total force acted by the surface on the photons is

3.2415 1012  7.9236 1012  1.12 1011 N

By Newton’s third law, the photons will exert a force of the same magnitude but in the
opposite direction on the surface which is 1.12 1011 N

Comments
 This is the most difficult question in the 2018 H2 Physics Paper 2 and 3.
 Remember that for the absorbed photons, we have to consider the component of
the force which is acting vertically as well.
 This is because the question has stated explicitly that we want to find the force F
normal to the surface exerted by the laser light on the surface.

[Total:12]

Q7 Topic: Nuclear Physics

(a)  Random: The actual decay deviates from a smooth exponential graph with
fluctuations in between so that it is impossible to predict exactly when a particular [2]
radioactive nucleus will disintegrate.
 Spontaneous: The rate of decay is unaffected by external stimuli such as
temperature and pressure. Chemical reactions also does not affect the rate of decay.

(b) From Fig 7.1, the half-life is about 15 days. [3]

(i) ln 2 ln 2
   5.3 107 s 1 (shown)
t0.5 15  24  60  60
Comments
We do not have to take into account background count rate in this question.

(ii) From Fig 7.1, the initial activity is 5.8 105 s 1 , [2]
A 5.8 105
A  N  N    1.0943 1012
 5.3 10 7

Hence, the initial mass is given by:

1.0943 1012
 32  5.82 1011 g
6.02 10 23

Comments
 Note that since the question in (i) already provided the value of decay constant as
5.3 x 10-7 s-1, we should just use this value in our calculations.
 If we had used the more exact value of 5.348 x 10-7 s-1, we will obtain initial mass to
be 5.76x10-11g.

9
2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

[Total:7]

Section B
Answer one question from this Section in the spaces provided.
Q8 Topics: Thermal Physics and Ideal Gas

(a)  Internal energy of a system is the sum of the molecular kinetic energy due to the [2]
(i) random motion of the molecules and the molecular potential energy due to
intermolecular forces of attraction.

(ii) +q: Thermal system supplied to the system by heating [2]

+w: Work done on the system

(b) An ideal gas is a hypothetical gas that obeys the equation of state of an ideal gas [2]
(i) pV=nRT for all pressure p, volume V, amount n and temperature T.

(ii) Number of molecules

pV  5.4 10 1.2 10 10 
5 4 6 [3]
pV  NkT  N   [2]
kT 1.38 1023   273  57  [2]
 1.4229 1024
 1.42 1024 molecules (3s. f .)

Mean KE of one molecule

kT  1.38 1023   273  57 
3 3
KE 
2 2
21
 6.8310 10
 6.83 1021 (3s. f .)

Total internal energy

For ideal gas, molecular potential energy is negligible as the intermolecular forces of
attraction between molecules is negligible.
Hence, total internal energy = total molecular kinetic energy
 1.4229 1024  6.8310 1021 
 9.7198 103 J
 9.72 103 J (3s.f .)
Comments
 We need to remember to convert the temperature in Degree Celsius to
thermodynamic temperature in Kelvin.

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 2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

Nk T  1.4229  1024 1.38  1023  155  57 

(c) 3 3 [3]
(i) U 
2 2
 2.8865 10 J
3

 2.89 103 J (3s. f .)

Comments
 Some students may use the longer method of finding the total internal energy at
1550C and minus the value obtained in (b)(ii).

(ii) Volume must be constant so that no work is done and hence, increase in internal [2]
1. energy is equal to the thermal energy supplied to the constant mass during the heating
process.

2. The thermal energy supplied to the constant mass of gas during the heating process, [2]
Q, and molar heat capacity, C, can be related through the following:
Q Number of molecules
Q  nC T  C  where n =
nT 6.02 1023

C
 2.8865 103  6.02 1023 
 12.5 Jmol 1K 1
1.4229 10  155  57 
24

Comments
 This question requires some thinking skills as the formula for thermal energy here
is a modification of the formula that you usually see in the lecture notes.
[Total: 20]

Q9 Topic: Oscillations
(a)(i)  Simple harmonic motion is an oscillatory motion in which acceleration is directly [2]
proportional to the displacement from equilibrium position and acceleration is always
directed towards the equilibrium position.

(ii)  The mass is oscillating as the sign of the acceleration is always opposite to the sign
of the displacement. Hence, the acceleration is always directed towards the [2]
equilibrium position. Also, the magnitude of the acceleration increases as the
magnitude of the displacement increases. Hence, this causes the mass to be
oscillating.
 The oscillations are not considered simple harmonic as the acceleration is not
directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium position. This is shown as
the graph is not a straight line passing through the origin, but instead there is a
curved portion at the right end of the graph.

(b)(i)  The position of the plate for the sand to lose contact with the plate is at the [1]
1 maximum height.
Comments
 For the sand to lose contact with the plate, we need acceleration of the plate to be
downwards and of at least the same magnitude as gravitational acceleration, g =
9.81ms-2.

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 2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

 At the highest point, the acceleration of the plate downwards is of the greatest
magnitude since a   2 x

2 a [3]
a  2x  x 
 2

9.81
x
 2 13 
2

 1.4704  103 m  1.47 mm

(ii)  When the sand is replaced by pebbles, the minimum amplitude of oscillations would [2]
not be different.
 This is because the condition for losing contact with the plate is when acceleration
of the plate downwards, a, is at least of the same magnitude as gravitational
acceleration, g i.e. a  g which is independent of the mass of the object.

(c) Total energy ET

ET  m 2 x02   0.51.2  2  2.5  3.4 102 
(i) 1 2 2 [2]
[2]
2
 0.17114 J  0.171J (3s. f .)

The displacement d at which the potential energy Ep and the kinetic energy Ek of the
oscillations are equal.
When KE and PE are equal, PE is equal to half the ET
1
m 2 x 2   0.171 0.5
2
0.171
x  2.4032 102 m  2.40cm
1.2  2  2.5
2

(ii) [6]

Comments
 ET has a constant value of 0.17J
1
 Ep is a parabola of the form m 2 x 2
2

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2018 H2 Physics Paper 3 Solution Written by Mr Mitch Peh

m 2  x02  x 2 
1
 EK is an inverted parabola of the form
2

[Total: 20]
End of solutions

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