150mm

15mm

100°C

Cross multiplying, we have

150mm x T =

15mm x 100

15mm x 100°C 150mm

T=

Example 5

= 10°C

A temperature scale has an upper fixed point of 260mm and a lower fixed point of 50mm. What
will be the reading on this scale when a thermometer reads 125°F.

Solution

In this case, the temperature scale is compared with or 'corresponded' to the Fahrenheit

scale.

260mm 50mm XFig 8.3 212°F 125°F 32°F

Taking proportions in similar manner with example 4, we have

x - 50mm

260mm 50mm

125°F
32°F

x - 50mm

212°F

32°F

93°F

210mm 180°F

180(x 50) = 210 × 93

180x 9000 = 19530

180x19530 + 9000

Example 6

180x28530

180mm

28530

X=

= 158.5mm

180

The ice point and steam point of a mercury-in-glass thermometer are marked X and 180mm
respectively. During an experiment, the mercury meniscus in the thermometer reads 45mm. If the
corresponding reading on a Kelvin scale is 283K, calculate the value of X.

Solution

The thermometer scale is corresponded with the Kelvin scale.

373K
45mm

283K

Fig 8.4

273K

191

agil

Taking proportions, Cross multiplying, 45mm X 180mm X - 45 - X 180 · X = X = = 100(45X) =

10(180-X) 4500 - 100X = 1800 - 10X 4500 1800 = : 100X - 10X 2700 2700 90 X = 30mm 283K
90X 10 100 373K - 273K 273

Example 7

The ice and steam points of a certain thermometer are - 200 and 100° respectively. Calculate the
Celsius temperature corresponding to 70° on the thermometer. WAEC 2002 Solution

The thermometer scale is corresponded with the Celsius scale.

100⁰

100°C

70°

Fig 8.5

Taking proportions;
10°C

Busbinder2

70° - (-20°) 100° - (-20°)

t - 0°C

70 + 20 100 + 20

100°C 0°C

t 100

90

120

120t

100

90 × 100

9000

t=

120

Example 8

t = 75°C

The ice and steam points of a faulty mercury-in-glass thermometer are 0.3°C and 99.2°C
respectively. When used to measure the temperature of a medium, it recorded 47.5°C. What is the
correct temperature of the medium?

Solution
The fixed point and recorded reading of the faulty or inaccurately calibrated thermometer is
corresponded with a correct or accurately calibrated Celsius thermometer as follows. Let 0 be the
correct temperature when the faulty thermometer reads 47.5°C.

192

0=

R- Ro

R100 - Ro

x 100°C

Where R100 and Ro are the resistance at the upper fixed point (100°C) and the lower fixed point
(0°C) respectively.

Example 10

A resistance thermometer has a resistance of 1002 at 0°C and 702 at 100°C. If it records 552 in a
certain medium, calculate the temperature of the medium. Solution

The resistance thermometer can be corresponded with the Celsius scale as follows.

70Ω

100°C

55Ω

Fig 8.8

10Ω

Taking proportions;

55Ω – 10Ω

0°C
70Ω – 10Ω

0 - 0°C

45

Cross multiplying,

100°C 0°C

60

0 x 60

100

45 x 100

Alternatively, we could use the equation for resistance thermometer.

= 75°C

Ө=

4500

R-Ro R100 Ro

R = 5502, Ro = 1092, R100 = 7092

60

x 100°C

0 = - 55 70 45 = x 100 = 75°C 60 10 10 x 100°C

Example 11
A platinum resistance thermometer records a resistance of 492 at 32°F and 1092 at 212°F. If
resistance changes uniformly with temperature, what is the resistance of the thermometer when
the temperature is 75°F.

1212°F

75°F

Fig 8.9

Solution

The resistance thermometer is corresponded with the Fahrenheit scale as follows

100

4Ω

32°F

194

Gas Thermometers

There is a linear or directly proportional relation between the temperature of a constant volume
gas thermometer and its pressure. As temperature increases, the pressure of the gas increases.
Also, as temperature decreases, the pressure of the gas decreases. Calculations involving gas
thermometers are done in similar ways like those of liquid-in-glass and resistance thermometers.

Example 14

A constant volume gas thermometer records a pressure of 320mmHg at the ice point and
400mmHg at the steam point. What would the temperature be in degree Celsius when the gas
thermometer records a pressure of 360mmHg? Solution
The fixed points pressures (320mmHg and 400mmHg) and the recorded pressure (360mmHg) on
the gas thermometer is "corresponded" with the Celsius scale as shown below.

temperature. Fig 8.11 Taking proportions; Cross multiplying, 400mmHg 360mmHg 320mmHg
360mmHg 320mmHg 400mmHg - 320mmHg 40 1980 80 x 0 100°C - Ꮎ 0 °C 100°C 0°C 0°C Ꮎ
100 40 x 100 = 400

Let 0 be the recorded

Therefore,

Example 15

400

0=

50°C

80

A constant volume gas thermometer is used to measure the room temperature during an
experiment. If the gas pressure at 273K is 220mmHg and 290mmHg at 373K, what is the room
temperature if the thermometer records a pressure of 234mmHg? Solution

The lower and upper fixed points pressures (220 and 290mmHg) and the recorded pressure
(234mmHg) of the gas thermometer is "corresponded" with the Kelvin scale.

Fig 8.12 234mmHg 220mmHg 196 290mmHg 373K 0 273K

Taking proportions;

234mmHg 220mmHg 220mmHg 290mmHg

0-273K

373K273K

14
0-273

70

100

Cross multiplying,

70(0-273): = 14 × 100

700 19110 = 1400

1400 +19110 = 20510

700 =

20510

293K

70

EXERCISES 8.

1. A thermometer has its stem marked in millimeter instead of degree Celsius. The lower fixed
point is 30mm and the upper fixed point is 180mm. Calculate the temperature in degree Celsius
when the thermometer reads 45mm. WAEC 1989 Ans: 10°C 2. A mercury-in-glass thermometer
reads -20°C at the ice point and 100⁰ at the steam point. Calculate the Celsius temperature
corresponding to 70° on the thermometer.

Ans: 75°C WAEC 1995 3. A platinum-resistance thermometer has a resistance of 5 at 0°C and 99
at 100°C. Assuming that resistance changes uniformly with temperature, the thermometer when
the temperature is 45°C. calculate the resistance of WAEC 1996 Ans: 6.89 4. An object is heated
from 30°C to 57°C. What is the increase in its temperature on the Kelvin scale? WAEC 1998 Ans:
300K 5. The lower and upper fixed points of a mercury-in-glass thermometer are marked Y and
180mm respectively. On a particular day the mercury meniscus in the

thermometer rises to 45mm. If the corresponding reading on a Celsius scale is 10°C,

calculate the value of Y.

WAEC 1998 Ans: 30mm

The ice point of an ungraduated mercury-in-glass thermometer is X, while its steam point is 90°.
This thermometer reads 60° when the true temperature is 40°C. °

6.

Ans: 40

WAEC 1999

Calculate the value of X.

7. A resistance thermometer has a resistance of 2002 at 0°C and 8502 at 100°C. If its resistance is
5202 in a medium, calculate the corresponding temperature.

WAEC 2001

Ans: 49.2°C

D. 65°C 8. Which of the following value on the absolute scale of temperature is the ice point? C.
100K A. OK B. 32K D. 273K WAEC 2004 Ans: 273K 9. A platinum resistance thermometer has a
resistance of 402 at 0°C and 1092 at 100°C. Assuming the resistance changes uniformly with
temperature, calculate the resistance of the thermometer when the temperature is 45°C. WAEC
2003 Ans: 6.79 10. The lower and upper fixed points of a thermometer are 30mm and 180mm
respectively. Calculate the temperature in degree Celsius when the thermometer reads 45mm.
WAEC 2005 Ans: 10°C 11. A platinum-resistance thermometer has a resistance of 1002 at 0°C and
1892 at 100°C. Assuming that resistance changes uniformly with temperature, what is the
resistance of the thermometer when the temperature is 45°C. NECO 2002 Ans: 13.6°C 12. What is
the equivalent of a temperature of 20°C in degree Fahrenheit? A. 36°F B. 68°F D. 43.1°F E.25°F
JAMB 1978 Ans: 68°F 1ºF C. 13. The ice an and of uniform bore threa. n points of a mercury-in-
glass thermometer of centigrade scale respond respectively to 3cm and 19cm lengths of the
mercury 12cm, what will the temperature be? A. 32°C B. 48°C E. 75°C JAMB 1981 Ans: 56°C en the
len C. 56

197
14. The distance between the fixed points of a centigrade thermometer is 20cm. What is the
temperature when the mercury level is 45cm above the lower mark? A. 22.5°C B. 29.0°C 15. C.
90.0°C D. 100.0°C JAMB 1987 Ans: 22.5°C The resistance of a platinum wire at the ice and steam
points are 0.752 and 1.052 respectively. Determine the temperature at which the resistance of the
wire is 0.909.

JAMB 1987 Ans: 22.5°C

B. 50.0°C C. 69.9°C D. 87.0°C 16. The resistance of a platinum wire at the ice and steam points are
0.7592 and 1.05 respectively. Determine the temperature at which the resistance of the wire is
0.992 A. 43.0°C JAMB 1990 Ans: 50°C 17. A thermometer with an arbitrary scale, S, of equal
division registers -30°S at the ice point and +90°S at the steam point. Calculate the Celsius
temperature corresponding to 60°S. A. 25.0°C B. 50.0°C C. 66.7°C D. 75.0°C JAMB 1991 Ans: 75°C
18. A platinum resistance thermometer wire has a resistance of 502 at 0°C and 5.50 at 100°C.
Calculate the temperature of the wire when the resistance is 5.20. A. 80°C B. 60°C C. 40°C D. 10°C
JAMB 1992 Ans: 40°C 19. The melting point of naphthalene is 78°C. What is this temperature in
Kelvin? A. 100K B. 351K C. 378K D. 444K JAMB 1994 Ans: 351K 20. A temperature scale has a
lower fixed point of 40mm and an upper fixed point of 200mm. What is the reading on this scale
when a thermometer reads 60°C? B. 36.0mm C. 96.0mm D. 136.0mm JAMB 1995 Ans: 136mm A
platinum resistance thermometer records 3.00 at 0°C and 8.002 at 100°C. If it records 6.092 in a
certain environment, what is the temperature of the medium? A. 80°C B. 60°C C. 50°C D. 30°C
JAMB 1998 Ans: 60°C 22. A platinum-resistance thermometer has a resistance of 492 at 0°C and
1202 at 100'C. Assuming that the resistance changes uniformly with temperature, calculate the
resistance of the thermometer when the A. 33.3mm 21.

temperature is 45°C. NECO 2003 Ans:7.69 23.

The electrical resistances of the element in a platinum resistance thermometer at 100°C, 0°C and
room temperature are 75.000, 63.000 and 64.992 respectively. Use these data to determine the
room temperature. WAEC 2004 Ans: 16.6°C 24.

A temperature scale has a lower fixed point of 40mm and an upper fixed point of 200mm. What is
the reading on this scale when a thermometer reads 60°C.

JAMB 1995

Ans: 136.0mm 25. A platinum-resistance thermometer has a resistance of 40 at 0°C and 120 at
100°C. Assuming that the resistance changes uniformly with temperature, calculate the resistance
of the thermometer when the temperature is 45°C. NECO 2003 Ans: 7.69 26. The ice and steam
points on a mercury-in-glass thermometer are found to be. 90.0mm apart. What temperature is
recorded in degree Celsius when the length of the mercury thread is 33.6mm above the ice point
mark. WAEC 1994 Ans: 37.33°C 27. The height of the mercury thread in a mercury-in-glass
thermometer when in melting ice and then in steam are 3cm and 18cm respectively. What would
be the height of the thread at a temperature of 60°C? A. 7.5cm D. 12cm E. 12.6cm 28. B. 9cm C.
10.8cm JAMB 1979 Ans: 12cm The lower and upper fixed points marked on a ✔

mercury-in-glass thermometer are 210mm apart. The end of the mercury column in the tube is
49mm above the lower fixed point in a room. What is the temperature of the room in degree
Celsius? A. 55.3°C B. 23.3°C C. 49.0°C D. 16.1°C E. 76.7°C JAMB 1984 Ans: 23.3°C :

29. The pressure on the gas of constant gas thermometer at the ice point is 325mm of mercury
and at the steam point 875mm of mercury. Find the temperature when the pressure of the gas is
490mm of mercury. A. 30K B. 243K C. 300K JAMB D. 303K

1989 Ans:303K 30. The length of mercury thread when it is at 0°C, 100°C and at an unknown
temperature 0 is 25mm, 225mm and 175mm respectively. What is the value of 0? A. 85.0°C B.
80.0°C C. 75.0°C D. 70.0°C JAMB 1997 Ans: 75°C.

198

0.25 (650) = 0.15(0-5) 16.25 0.250 = 0.150 -0.75 16.25 +0.75= 0.150 +0.250 17.0= 0.40 17.0 0.4 0
= 42.5°C

Example 7

Hot water is added to four times its mass of water at 25°C and thoroughly stirred. If the final
temperature of the mixture is 40°C, calculate the initial temperature of the hot water.

Solution

Mass of hot water = m

Temperature of hot water, H

SHC of hot water = c

Final temperature of mixture, 0 = 40°C.

Heat given out by hot water =

mass of cold water, = 4m

QH

Temperature of cold water, Oc= 25°C SHC of cold water = C

Heat gained by cold water

Qc

mc (0 - 0) = mc(0 - 0c)

mc (0H - 40) = 4mc(40 - 25)

Divide both sides by mc to obtain

OH-40 4 x 15 8H40 = 60 Өн 60 + 40 100°C

Example 8

A tap supplies water at 15°C while another supplies water at 90°C. If a man wishes to bathe with
water at 30°C, calculate the ratio of the mass of cold water to the mass of hot water.

Solution

90°C Mass of hot water = mµ - Temperature of hot water, H SHC of water = c Final temperature
of mixture of cold/hot water, 0 = 30°C. mass of cold water, = mc Temperature of cold water, 0c =
15°C SHC of water = c

Heat given out by hot water = Heat gained by cold water ( QH = Qc mHс(0H - 0) = mcc(0 - 0c) Н
Substituting and dividing both sides by c we have m₁(90 - 30) = mc (30 - 15) 60mH = 15mc

Because we are asked to find ratio of cold water to hot water, we make me the subject of equation.

203

steady tempera Specific heat capacity of copper = 4.0×10² Jkg¯¹K-¹]. heat capacity of water =
4.2x10³ Jkg-¹K-1 NECO 2005
Solution

Heat lost by copper = Heat gained by calorimeter + water

Let the final steady temperature be 0

Heat lost by copper, Qc = mcA0 = 0.1 x 4.0 × 10² x (100 - 0)

Heat gained by calorimeter, Qcalorimeter = mcA0 = 0.05 × 4.0 × 10² (0-10)

Heat gained by water, Qwater = mc10 =. -0.2 x 4.2 × 10³ (0-10)

:. Qc = Qcalorimeter + Qwater 0.1 x 4.0 × 10² x (100 - 0) = 0.05 × 4.0 × 10² (0-10) + 0.2 × 4.2 ×
10³ (0 – 10) 40(1000) = 20(0-10) +840 (0 - 10) 4000-400 = 200 200+8400 - 8400 4000 +8400 +
200 200 +8400+400

12600 9000

12600

0=

= 14°C

900

Example 13

A metal of mass 0.5kg is heated to 100°C and then transferred to a well-lagged calorimeter of
heat capacity 80JK-1 containing water of heat capacity 420JK¹ at 15°C. If the final steady
temperature of the mixture is 25°C, find the specific heat capacity of the metal. A. 92 Jkg-¹K-¹ B.
133 Jkg-¹K-¹ C. 286 Jkg-¹K-¹ JAMB 2000 D. 877 Jkg-¹K-1 Solution

Heat energy gained or lost = heat capacity X temperature change

Q = CAO

Heat lost by metal = Heat gained by calorimeter + water

Heat lost by metal, Q = CA0 = C x (100 – 25)

Heat gained by calorimeter, Qc = CAO = 80 × (25-15)

Heat gained by water, Qw = CAO = 420 × (25 – 15)

C = Q = Qc + Qw HIS C x 75 = (80 x 10) + (420 × 10) 75C 800 + 4200 75C = 5000 5000 66.67JK-
1 75 =

Heat capacity (C) = mass (m) x specific heat capacity (c)

Mass of metal, m = 0.5kg

:: Specific heat capacity of metal, c =

66.67JK-1

0.5kg 133.33Jkg-¹K-¹

206

Heat supplied

Mass of water, m = = 1kg; power rating of heater, P = 750W; initial temperature, 0₁ = 40°C; final
temperature, 0₂ = 70°C; specific heat capacity, c = 4200 Jkg-¹K-¹

by heater = heat gained by water Pt = mc(0₂-0₁) 750 x t = 1 x 4200(70-40) 750 x t = 4200 × 30

126000 750 t = = 168s

Example 16

A 500W heater is used to heat 0.6kg of water from 25°C to 100°C in t₁ second. If another -1000W
heater is used to heat 0.2kg of water from 10°C to 100°C in t2 seconds, find t₁/t2 A. 50 C. 5/4 D.
1/5 B. 5 JAMB 1998 Solution

From Pt =
mc (0₂0₁) we make t subject of the equation.

mc (0₂-0₁) P

t=

1st instance, t₁

0.6 x cx (100 - 25) 500

2nd instance, t₂

0.2 x cx (100-10)

= 0.09c

0.6c x 75

1000

Istini sil 1₁ 0.09c 0.09 Therefore,

Example 17

500

0.2c × 90

1000

= 0.018c

t2 0.018c 0.018 18

90

=5
An immersion heater rated 400W, 220V is used to heat a liquid of mass 0.5kg. If the temperature
of the liquid increases uniformly at the rate of 2.5°C per second, calculate the specific heat
capacity of the liquid (Assume no heat is lost).. WAEC 2005 Solution

Power rating of heater, P = 400W; Mass of liquid, m = 0.5kg; Voltage, V = 220V. temperature
change, 40 = 2.5°C; time, t= 1 sec. (.... rate of 2.5°C per second);

Heat energy supplied by heater = heat gained by liquid

Pt = mcA0

400 x 10.5 x cx 2.5

* 400

0.5 x 2.5

= 320Jkg-¹K-1

Example 18

Solution

An electric current of 3A flowing through an electric heating element of resistance 2002 embedded
in 1,000g of an oil raises the temperature of the oil by 10°C in 10 sec. What is the specific heat
capacity of the liquid? B. 0.6J/g A. 1.8 J/g E. 0.06 J/gºC C. 0.18//gᵒC D. 1.8 J/gºC JAMB 1983

208

From QmL IVt = mL Pt = mL 12 Rt = mL V²t R = mL we have

See page 112 for the definition of the term on the left hand side of the above equations.

The equation used for a question will depend on the data given in the question.

Example 28
A quantity of steam at 100°C condenses to water at the same temperature by releasing 6.9 x 10¹J
of energy. Calculate the mass of the condensed steam [specific latent heat of

vapourization of water = 2.3 x 106 Jkg-¹] WAEC 2006 Solution Quantity of heat released by
steam, Q = 6.9 × 10¹J Latent heat of vapourization, L = 2.3 × 106 Jkg-¹ From QmL we derive
Solution Quantity of heat supplied, Q = Q Mass of condensed steam, m = L 10J; From Q = mL we
obtain Latent heat of vapourization, Example 29 10°J of heat is required to boil off completely 2kg
of a certain liquid. Neglecting heat lost to the surrounding, what is the latent heat of
vapourization of the liquid? A. 5.0 × 105 Jkg-¹ B. 2.0 x 105Jkg-¹ C. 5.0 x 106Jkg-¹ D. 2.0 x 106Jkg-¹
JAMB 2005 = L = 6.9 x 104 2.3 x 106 mass of substance, m = 2kg = Q 106 2 m 0.03kg Example 30
A heating coil rated at 1000W is used to boil off 0.5kg of boiling water. What is the time taken to
boil off the water? [Specific latent heat of vapourization of water = 2.3 x 106 Jkg-¹] A. 1.15 x 10's
B. 1.15 x 10's D. 1.15 x 10³ s C. 1.15 x 105 s = 5 x 105 Jkg-¹ JAMB 1997

Solution

Power rating, P = 1000W; mass of water, m = 0.5kg;

Pt = mL

Time taken to boil off water, t =

mL

L = 2.3 x 106 Jkg-¹]

0.5 x 2.3 x 106

1000

= 1150sec or 19.17min

213

m x 336000 = 0.03 x 400 x 20+ 0.05 x 2400 × 20 336000m = 240 +2400 336000m = 2640 m =
2640 336000 0.00786kg or 7.86g

Example 36
How many grams of water at 17°C must be added to 42g of ice at 0°C to melt the ice completely?
[Specific latent heat of fusion of ice 3.4 x 105 Jkg-¹; capacity of water = : 4200 Jkg-¹] A. 200g B.
300g C. 320g = specific heat D. 400g

Solution

JAMB 1998

Heat absorbed by ice = heat lost by water mil mc40 =

Mass of ice, m₁ = 42g = 0.042kg

Latent heat of fusion of ice, l = 3.4 x 105 Jkg-¹

Let m be the mass of water

Substituting into mil = mc10

0.042 x 3.4 x 105 = m x 4200 × 17

have,

0.042 x 3.4 x 105 4200 x 17

m=

Example 37

Solution

14280

71400

0.2kg or 200g

A piece of copper of mass 300g at a temperature of 950°C is quickly transferred to a vessel of

negligible thermal capacity containing 250g of water at 25°C. If the final steady temperature of
the mixture is 100°C, calculate the mass of the water that will boil away. [Specific heat capacity of
copper = 4.0 × 10² Jkg-¹K-¹] [Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 x 10³ Jkg-¹K-¹] [Specific latent
heat of vapourization of steam = 2.26 × 10° Jkg-¹]

WAEC 1990

Heat lost heat gained

Heat given out by copper = heat absorbed by changing water at 25°C to water at 100°C +

heat absorbed by changing water at 100°C to steam at 100°C 1

mcccA0cmw =

CwA0w + mL

0.3kg

mass of copper, mc = 300g specific heat capacity of copper, Cc =

= 4.0 x 102 Jkg-¹K-¹

temperature change of copper, A0. mass of water, mw = 250g Specific. heat capacity of water, Cw
= 0.25kg =

950 - 100 = 850°C

4.2 x 10³ Jkg-¹K-¹

Latent heat of vapourization of steam, L = 2.26. x 106 Jkg-¹ 1

Temperature change of water, A0 = 17-0= 17°C

Specific heat capacity, c = 4200 Jkg-¹K-¹

Temperature change of water, A0w = 100-25= 75°C

216
Relative humidity

0.20

==x 100%

0.35

x 100%= 57 14%

Example 40

The table below shows the saturation vapour pressure against in a particular city. If on certain day,
the vapour pressure in this city at 30°C is 22.0mmHg, what is the relative

a humidity?

T°C S.V.P(mmHg) 4.6 9.2 17.5 31.8 55.1 92.5 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 149.0

Solution

Vapour pressure of air at 30°C, V.P = 22.0mmHg

Saturation vapour pressure of air at 30°C, S.V.P = 31.8mmHg

. Relative humidity V.P S.V.P 22.0 31.8 X 100% = x 100% = 69.2%

Example 41

On a certain day, the dew point is 10°C when the temperature of the air is 32°C. Calculate the
relative humidity of the air. (S.V.P. of water at 32°C and 10°C are 16.2mm and 9.8mm of mercury
respectively). NECO 200824 Solution

S.V.P. at dew point (10°C) = 9.8mmHg S.V.P. at air temperature (32°C) = 16.2mmHg

Relative humidity: =
S. V. P at dew point

S. V. P at air temperature

x 100% =

9.8 16.2

x 100% =

60.5%

EXERCISES 9.

A tap supplies water at 26°C while another supplies at 82°C. If a man wishes to

1.

bath with water at 40°C, what is the ratio of the mass of hot water to that of cold water required?
WAEC 1991 Ans: 1:3 2. A tap supplies water at 30°C while another supplies water at 86°C. If a
man wishes to bath with water at 44°C, calculate the ratio of the mass of hot water to that of cold
water required? WAEC 1994 Ans: 1:3 3. Two thermos flasks of volume V, and Vy are filled with
liquid water at an initial temperature of 0°C. After some time the temperatures were found to be
0x, Oy respectively. Given Vx/V₂ = 2 and 0x/0y = What is the ratio of heat flow into the flasks. A.
JAMB1985 Ans: 1:1 or 1 B. 1/12 C. 4 D. 1 E. 2 4. A tap supplies water at 25°C while another
supplies water at 75°C. If a man wishes to bath with water at 40°C, what is ratio of the mass of hot
water to that of cold water required? A. 1:3 B. 15:8 C. 7:3 D. 3:1 JAMB 1988 Ans: 7:3

5. Hot water at a temperature of t is added to twice that amount of water at a temperature of

30°C. If the resulting temperature of the mixture is 50°C, calculate t.

WAEC 1995 Ans: 90°C

218

6. 400g of cold water is added to 200g of water at 70°C. If they are properly mixed and the
temperature of the mixture is 30°C, calculate the initial temperature of the cold NECO 2000 Ans:
10°C water. [Neglect the heat absorbed by the container] 7. Two liquids, P at a temperature of
20°C and Q at a temperature of 80°C have specific heat capacities of 1.0Jkg °C and 1.5Jkg °C
respectively. If equal masses of P and Q are mixed in a lagged calorimeter, what is the equilibrium
temperature. A. 44°C D. 60°C E. 70°C B. 50°C C. 56°C JAMB 1985 Ans: 56°C 8. Hot water is added
to three times its mass of water at 10°C and the resulting temperature is 20°C. What is the initial
temperature of the hot water? A. 100°C B. 80°C C. 50°C D. 40°C JAMB 1987 Ans: 50°C 200g of
water at 90°C is mixed with 100°C of water at 30°C. What is the final temperature? A. 50°C D.
80°C JAMB1993 Ans: 70°C What mass of water at 100°C should be added to 15g of water at 40°C
to make the temperature of the mixture 50°C. [Neglect heat losses to the surrounding] B. 60°C C.
70°C . 9. 10.

NECO 2006 Ans: 3g

Water of mass 120g at 50°C is added to 200g of water at 10°C and the mixture is well stirred.
Calculate the temperature of the mixture. surrounding] [Neglect heat losses to Ans: 25°C WAEC
2002

11.

How much heat is given out when a piece of iron of mass 50g and specific heat capacity 460Jkg
¹K¹ cools from 85°C to 25°C? WAEC 1990 Ans: 1.38 × 10'J A piece of copper of mass 30g loses 60J
of heat energy. If the specific heat capacity of copper is 400 Jkg ¹K¹, calculate the change in
temperature of the copper. 13.

12.

WAEC 1997 Ans: 5K 14. How much heat is emitted when a body of mass 200g cools from 37°C to
31°C? [Specific heat capacity of the body = 0.4 Jg¹K¹] WAEC 1998 Ans: 480J 15. A piece of metal
of mass 50g is cooled from 80°C to 20°C. Calculate the amount of heat lost. [Specific heat capacity
of the material of metal = 450 Jkg ¹K¹)

WAEC 2000 Ans: 1350J

16. A body of mass, m has a specific heat capacity, s and a heat capacity, C. If the temperature of
the body changes by 0°C, which of the following equations is correct? A. ms0 = mc¹ C. ms s0 D. ms
= c0 B. ms = c WAEC 2005 Ans: B 17. A copper ball of heat capacity 400JK' is heated from 20°C to
100°C. Calculate the quantity of heat absorbed. NECO 2005 Ans: 3.2 × 10 J or 32KJ 18. A body of
mass 40g loses 80J of heat energy. If the specific heat capacity of the body is 400Jkg ¹K¹, calculate
the change in temperature of the body.

NECO 2004 Ans: 5.0K

19. How much heat is emitted when a body of mass 50g cools from 80°C to 20°C? [Specific heat
capacity of the body = 460 Jkg ¹K¹]. 20. NECO 2002 Ans: 1380J 22000J of heat is required to raise
the temperature of 1.5kg of paraffin from 20°C to 30°C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of
paraffin. A. 1466.7 Jkg¹ °C-1 B. 2933 Jkg-¹ °C-¹ C: 4400 Jkg¹ °C¹ D. 5866 Jkg-¹ °C-¹ -1 -1

JAMB 1987 Ans:1466.7 Jkg¯¹ °C-¹ 21. How much heat is absorbed when a block of copper of mass
0.05kg and specific heat capacity 390Jkg ¹K¹ is heated from 20°C to 70°C? A. 3.98 x 10-¹ B. 9.75×
10²J JAMB 1992 Ans: 975J C. 3.98 x 10³J 22. D. 9.75 × 10³J When two objects P and Q are supplied
with the same quantity of heat, the temperature change in P is observed to be twice that in Q. If
the masses of P and Q are the same, calculate the ratio of the specific heat capacities of Q to P.
WAEC 1995 Ans: 2:1 When two objects P and Q are supplied with the same quantity of heat, the
temperature change in P is observed to be twice that in Q. The mass of P is half that of Q. What is
the ratio of the specific heat capacities of Q to P? WAEC 1986 Ans: 1:1 23. 24. A mass of liquid at
30°C is mixed with a mass of the same liquid at 70°C and the temperature of the mixture is 45°C.
Find the ratio of the mass of the cold liquid to the mass of the other liquid. A. 3:5 B. 5:3 C. 3:7 D.
7:3

JAMB 1997 Ans: 5:3

219

25. A piece of copper ball of mass 20g at 200°C is placed in a copper calorimeter of mass 60g
containing 50g of water at 30°C, ignoring heat losses, calculate the final steady temperature of the
mixture. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2Jg ¹K¹, Specific heat capacity of copper = 0.4Jg¹K¹]
WAEC 1994 Ans: 35.6°C

26. An iron rod of mass 2kg and at a temperature of 280°C is dropped into some quantity of water
initially at a temperature of 30°C. If the temperature of the mixture is 70°C, calculate the mass of
the water. [Neglect heat losses to the surrounding]. [Specific heat capacity of iron = 460Jkg 'K',
specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2Jkg ¹K¹]

WAEC 1995 Ans: 1.15kg 27. A piece of copper block of mass 24g at 230°C is placed in a copper
calorimeter of mass 60g containing 54g of water at 31°C. Assuming heat losses are negligible,
calculate the final steady temperature of the mixture. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Jkg
¹K¹. Specific heat capacity of copper = 400 Jkg K¹] WAEC 2001 Ans: 38.34°C A calorimeter of
thermal capacity 80J contains 20g of water at 25°C. Water at 100°C is added so that the final
temperature of the set up is 50°C. What is the amount of water added? [Heat capacity of water =
4.18 Jg¹ °C] A. 20g B. 25g C. 45g 28. D. 50g E. 100g JAMB 1980 Ans: 20g
29. 250g of lead at 170°C is dropped into 100g of water at 0°C. If the final temperature is 12°C,
what is the specific heat capacity of lead? water 4200 Jkg¹°C] A. 39.5 Jkg¹ °C-1 B. 50.4 Jkg-¹ °C-¹
D. 154.6 Jkg-¹ °C-1 E. 173.4 Jkg¹ °C-¹ [Specific heat capacity of JAMB 1982 C. 127.6 Jkg-¹ °C-¹ Ans:
127.6 Jkg¹°C¹ Calculate the time taken to heat 2kg of water from 50°C to 100°C in an electric
kettle taking 5A, from a 210V supply. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Jkg ¹K¹] 30. WAEC
1994 Ans: 400s or 6.67mins

31. An immersion heater is rated 120W. How long does it take the heater to raise the temperature
of 1.2kg of water by 15°C. [Assume heat lost to the surrounding is negligible. Specific heat capacity
of water = 4200 Jkg ¹K¹]

WAEC 2000 Ans: 10.5 minutes or 630 seconds 32. How long will it take to heat 3kg of water from
28°C to 88°C in an electric kettle taking 6A from a 220V supply? [Specific heat capacity of water =
4180 Jkg ¹K¹]

WAEC 2006 Ans: 570s or 9.5 min. 33. How long does it take a 750W heater to raise the
temperature of 1kg of water from 20°C to 50°C. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Jkg ¹K¹] A.
84s B. 112s Ans: 168s or 2.8 min An electric kettle with negligible heat capacity is rated at 2000W.
If 2.0kg of water is put in it, how long will it take the temperature of the water ter to rise from
20°C to 100°C? [Specific heat capacity of water = D. 280s JAMB 1991 C. 168s 34.

4200 Jkg ¹K¹] A. 420s B. 336s JAMB 1995 Ans: 336s or 5.6 min D. 84s C. 168s 35. An immersion
heater rated 2.0A, 240V is used to boil water from temperature 52°C to 100°C. If the mass of water
is 2.5kg, determine the time taken to boil the water. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 x 10³
Jkg ¹K¹] A. 1.05 × 104s B. 1.05 x 105 s C. 1.05 x 10³ s D. 1.05 x 10² s JAMB 2006 Ans: 1050sec or
17.5 min 36. A metal of mass 1.5kg was heated from 27°C to 47°C in 4 minutes by a boiling ring
of 75W rating. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal. [Neglect heat loses to the
surrounding] WAEC 1992 Ans: 6.0 × 10² Jkg¹°C¹ 37. A 400W immersion heat is used to heat a
liquid of mass 0.5kg. If the temperature of the liquid increases by 2.5°C in one second, calculate
the specific heat capacity of the liquid. [Neglect heat losses to the surrounding] WAEC 1996 Ans:
320 Jkg¹K¹ 38. -1 B. 2.0 x 10²Jkg¹¹ Heat is supplied uniformly at the rate of 100W to 1.0 x 102kg of
a liquid for 20 sec. If the temperature of the liquid rises by 5°C, then what is the specific heat
capacity of the liquid? A. 2.0 × 10²Jkg ¹K¹ C. 4.0 x 104Jkg ¹K¹ JAMB 1984 Ans: 4.0 × 10 Jkg¹K¹ A
2000W electric heater is used to heat a metal object of mass 5kg initially at 10°C. If a temperature
rise of 30°C is obtained D. 4.0 × 104Jkg 1 E. 8.4 x 10³ Jkg ¹K¹¹ 39.

after 10min, what is the heat capacity of the material? A. 6.0 x 104J°C-¹ B. 4.0 × 104J°C-¹ C. 1.2 x
104J°C-¹

220
D. 8.0 x 10³J°C-1

JAMB 2003 Ans: 4.0 × 10 J°C4 JAMB 2004 Ans

40. T 1 -1 B. 130 Jkg K C. 390 Jkg K A 50W, electric heater is used to heat a metal block of mass
5kg. If in 10 minutes a temperature rise of 12°C is achieved, what is the specific heat capacity of
the metal? D. 400 Jkg K A. 500 Jkg K : 500Jkg K

41. A waterfall is 420m high. Calculate the difference in temperature of the water between the top
and bottom of the waterfall. Neglect heat losses. [g=10m/s², specific WAEC 1991 Ans: 1.0°C heat
capacity of water = 4.2 x 10³ Jkg 'K'] 42. A body of specific heat capacity 450Jkg K falls to the
ground from rest through a vertical height of 20m. Assuming conservation of energy, calculate the
change in temperature of the body on striking the ground level [g=10m/s] WAEC 1995 Ans:
0.44°C Water falls through a height of 50m. Determine the temperature rise of the water at the
bottom of the fall. [Neglect energy losses, specific heat capacity of water is WAEC 2005 Ans:
0.119°C 4200Jkg K, g=10m/s²]. 43. 44. A waterfall is 1260m high. Calculate the difference in
temperature of the water

between the top and the bottom of the water fall. [Neglect heat losses. g=10m/s², specific heat
capacity of water = 4.20 x 10³ Jkg 'K' 45. How much heat is required to convert 20g temperature?
[Specific latent heat of ice = 336Jg'] The latent heat of fusion of ice is 80 cal g¹. How much heat is
required to change B. 10 cal JAMB 1978 Ans: 800 cal NECO 2006 Ans: 3.0°C or 276K of ice at 0°C
to water at the same WAEC 1995 (Ans: 6.72 x 10³J) 46. A. 80 cal E. 400 cal 10g of ice at 0°C into
water at the same temperature? C. 8 cal D. 800 cal

47. The melting point of a solid is given as 80°C. If 10³J of heat energy is required at this
temperature to melt 10g of the solid, what is the specific latent heat of fusion of the solid? A. 1.00
× 10³Jkg-¹ B. 1.25 x 105 Jkg-¹ C. 1.00 × 107Jkg-¹ D. 8.00 × 108Jkg-1 JAMB 1993 Ans: 1.00×10
Jkg¹ -1

48. A 90W immersion heater is used to supply energy for 5 minutes. The energy supplied is used to
completely melt 180g of a solid at its melting point. Neglecting energy losses to the surrounding,
calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of the solid. WAEC 1998 Ans: 150Jg¹

A 102 coil takes 21s to melt 10g of ice at 0°C. Assuming no heat losses, determine the current in
the coil. [Specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 336Jg¹¹]

WAEC 1999 Ans: 4A

50. Heat is supplied to a test tube containing 100g of ice at its melting point. The ice melts
completely in 1 min. What is the power rating of the source of heat? [Latent heat of fusion of ice =
336Jg¹¹] A. 336W B. 450W C. 560W D. 600W JAMB 1994 Ans: 560W

51. Calculate the quantity of heat released when 100g of steam at 100°C condenses to water.
[Take the specific latent heat of vapourization of water as 2.3 x 10°Jkg ¹K¹]

WAEC 1997 Ans: 2.3 × 10 J 52. How much heat is required to convert 50g of water at 100°C to
steam at the same temperature? [Specific latent heat of vapourization of water = 2260Jg¹¹].

NECO 2003 Ans: 1.13 × 10³J

53. All the heat generated in a 502 resistor by 2A flowing for 30 seconds is used to evaporate 5g of
a liquid at its boiling point. What is the correct value of the specific latent heat of the liquid? B. 60
Jg-¹ C. 120 Jg -¹ -1 A. 120 J 1 E. 1500 Jg=¹ D. 1500 J JAMB 1979 Ans: 120Jg¹

54. A heater marked 50W will evaporate 0.005kg of boiling water in 50 seconds. What is the
specific latent heat of vapourization of water in J/kg? B. 1.0 × 106 A. 5.0 x 106 C. 2.5 x 106 D. 2.5 x
105 E. 5.0 x 105

JAMB 1982 Ans: 5 × 10 Jkg¹

55. All the heat generated in a 52 resistor by 2A flowing for 30s is used to evaporate 5g of a liquid
at its boiling point. What is the specific latent heat of vapourization of the

49.

221

liquid? A. 120 J

C. 120 Jg -¹ D. 1500 J

B. 60 Jg-¹

E. 1500 Jg-¹ JAMB 1984 Ans: 120Jg¹

56. Steam at 100°C, is passed into a container of negligible heat capacity, containing 20g of ice
and 100g of water at 0°C, until the ice is completely melted. Determine the total mass of water in
the container. [Specific latent heat of steam = 2.3 x 10³Jg¹, specific latent heat of ice = 3.4 x 10-
Jg¹, specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 Jg ¹K¹]

WAEC 2005 Ans: 122.5g

57. Calculate the heat required to convert 20g of ice at 0°C to water at 16°C. [Specific latent heat
of fusion of ice 336Jg¹, specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 Jg WAEC 1994 Ans: 8064J Calculate
the heat energy required to change 0.1kg of ice at 0°C to water boiling at 100°C. [Specific heat
capacity of water = 4200 Jkg ¹K¹, specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 336,000Jkg¹] WAEC 1999
Ans: 75,600J 'K'] 58. -

59. The specific heat of a substance in the solid state is C₁; its specific heat in the liquid state is C₂
and its latent heat of fusion is L. If a mass M of the substance is changed from the solid state at
temperature T, to the liquid state, also at temperature T, the amount of heat required will be: B.
ML A. M(C₁+C₂) X T. E. ML [¹¹²] × T X C. L D. M(C₁ + C₂) XT + ML NECO 2000 Ans: B

60. Calculate the amount of heat required to convert 2kg of ice at -2°C to water at 0°C. [Specific
heat capacity of ice = 2090Jkg¹ °C-¹, specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 333Jkg ¹] A. 666 J C.
666000 J B. 8360 J D. 674360

JAMB 1987 Ans: 674360J 62. What is the difference in the amount of heat given out by 4kg of
steam and 4kg of water when both are cooled from 100°C to 80°C. [Specific latent heat of steam =
2,260,000Jkg¹, specific heat capacity of water is 4200Jkg ¹K¹]. A. 4200 J B. 2,260,000 J. C.
9,040,000 J D. 9,380,000 J JAMB 1991 Ans: 9,040,000J

61. 1kg of copper is transferred quickly from boiling water to a block of ice. Calculate the mass of
ice melted, neglecting heat loss. [Specific heat capacity of copper = 400Jkg ¹K¹ and latent heat of
fusion of ice = 333 x 10³Jkg ¹] A. 60g B. 67g JAMB 1990 Ans: 120g or 0.12kg C. 120g D. 133g

63. Calculate the mass of ice that would melt when 2kg of copper is quickly transferred from
boiling water to a block of ice without heat loss. [[Specific heat capacity of copper = 400 Jkg¹¹K¯¹,
latent heat of fusion of ice = 3.3 x 10 Jkg¹¹] A. kg

B. 33kg

C. sokg

D. 33 kg JAMB 1999 Ans: 33kg or 0.24kg

Calculate the heat energy required to vapourize 50g of water initially at 80°C if the specific heat
capacity of water is 4.2Jg ¹K¹. [Specific latent heat of vapourization of water = = 2260Jg¹] 64.
WAEC 1989 Ans: 117200J 65. An electric heater immersed in some water raises the temperature of
the water from 40°C to 100°C in 6 minutes. After another 25 minutes, it is noticed that half the
water has boiled away. Neglecting heat losses to surrounding, calculate the specific latent heat of
vapourization of water. WAEC 2000 Ans: 2.1× 10° Jkg¹ Calculate the energy required to vapourize
50g of water initially at 80°C. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4.200Jg¹K¹, specific latent heat of
vapourization of 66. 2260Jg¹] WAEC 2002 Ans: 117,200J water = 67. The mass of water vapour in
a given volume of air is 0.05g at 20°C, while the mass of water vapour required to saturate it at
the same temperature is 0.15g. Calculate the relative humidity of the air. WAEC 2000 Ans: 33.33%
68. The table below shows the saturation vapour pressure against temperature in a certain town. If
the vapour pressure in this town at 20°C is 10mmHg

, what is the relative humidity?

T°C

S.V.P(mmHg)

5 10 15 4.58 6.51 8.94 12.67 C. 17.5% D. 10.0%

20 17.50 55.10 149.00

A. 170.0 % B. 57.0%

60.

40

JAMB 2003 Ans: 57.0%

-1

222

69. A body of mass 200g and specific heat capacity 0.4Jg 'K' cools from 37ºC to 31ºC. Calculate
the quantity of heat released by the body. WAEC 2007 Ans: 480J 70. A piece of copper of mass
300g at a temperature of 950°C is quickly transferred into a vessel of negligible thermal capacity
containing 250g of water at 25°C. If the final steady temperature of the mixture is 100°C, calculate
the mass of water that will boil away. [Specific heat capacity of copper = 4.0x 10² Jkg ¹K¹] [Specific
heat capacity of water = 4.2x10³ Jkg 'K']; [Specific latent heat of vaporization or 10.3g

of steam = 2.26x 10° Jkg¹] WAEC 2007 Ans: 0.0102876kg 2kg of water is heated with a heating
coil which draws 3.5A from a 200V mains for two minutes. What is the increase in temperature of
the water? 71.

A. [Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Jkg ¹K¹] JAMB 2007 Ans: 10°C 72. The temperatures of
water from tap A and tap B are 25°C and 75°C respectively. If a mixture of water at 40°C is
required, calculate the ratio of the mass of water from tap A to that from tap B. NECO 2007 Ans:
7:3 73. A 420W electric heater is used to heat water of mass 50kg from 25°C to its boiling point.
How long, in hours, does the electric heater work? [Specific heat capacity of

10°C

B. 15°C

D. 30°C

C. 25°C

water = 4.2x10³ Jkg ¹C¹] NECO 2007 Ans: 10.4hr

A well lagged copper calorimeter of mass 120g contains 70g of water and 10g of ice both at 0°C.
Dry steam at 100°C is passed in until the temperature of the mixture is 40°C. Calculate the mass
of the steam condensed.

80.

74.

[Specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 3.2 × 10² Jg¹¹]

[Specific latent heat of vaporization of steam [Specific heat capacity of copper = 4.0 × 10¹ Jg¹K¹]
[Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 Jg¹K₁¹] NECO 2007E12 Ans:7.56g 75. Water of mass 1.5kg is
heated from 30°C to 80°C using an electric kettle which is rated 5A, 230V. Calculate the time
taken to reach the final temperature. (Specific heat WAEC 200821 Ans: 4.57 min capacity of water
= 4200 Jg¹¹K¹) 76. A block of aluminium is heated electrically by a 25W heater. If the temperature
rises B. 750 JK-¹ by 10°C in 5 minutes, the heat capacity of the aluminium is A. 850 JK-¹ C. 650 JK-
1 D. 500 JK-¹ JAMB 200822 Ans: 750 JK-¹ 77. If the partial pressure of water vapour at 27°C is
18mmHg and the saturated vapour pressure of the atmosphere at the same temperature is 24
mmHg, the relative humidity at this temperature is A. 25% - B. 33% C. 75% D. 82% JAMB 200824
Ans: 75%

= 2.2 x 10³ Jg¹¹]

78. An electric heater rated 220V, 1000W is immersed into a bucket full of water. Calculate the
mass of water if the temperature changes from 30°C to 100°C and the current flows for 300
seconds.

A. 4.28 kg C. 1.02kg (specific heat capacity of water = 4200Jkg ¹K¹) B. 42.86kg JAMB 20092¹ Ans:
C A. 1.15 x 10¹s 79. A heating coil rated 1000W is used to boil off completely 2kg of boiling water.
The time required to boil off the water is B. 1.15 x.10³ s C. 4.6 x 104s vapourization of water = 2.3
x 106Jkg-¹) D. 1.15 x 10's D. 7.14kg (Specific latent heat of JAMB 200923 Ans: D

It takes 4 minutes to boil a quantity of water using an electrical heating coil. How long will it take
to boil the same quantity of water using the same heating coil if the current is doubled? [Neglect
any external heat losses]

WAEC 200920 Ans: 2 mins.

81. An immersion heater is rated 1500W. How long does it take to raise the temperature of 1kg of
water by 30°C? (Assume heat lost to the surrounding is negligible, NECO 200921 Ans: 84s specific
heat capacity of water = 4200Jkg ¹K¹) 82. Calculate the heat energy lost when 10g of boiling
water changes to ice at 0°C. [Specific latent heat of ice = 336Jg¹, specific heat capacity of water =
4.2Jg 'K'] NECO 200923 Ans: 7560J

223

+ pressure due to

At vertical position, gas pressure is due to atmospheric pressure mercury column.

:. From Fig 10.13 b. above, vertical gas pressure, P₂ = P + 0.085

vertical gas volume, V₂ = 0.045A

we obtain

Substituting into Boyle's law, P₁V₁ = P₂V₂ PX 0.05A (P+0.085) x 0.045A Divide both sides by A
Px 0.05 (P + 0.085) x 0.045

0.05P = 0.045P+0.003825

0.05P-0.045P = 0.003825

0.005P = 0.003825

0.003825

P=

0.005

= 0.765mHg

The atmospheric pressure (0.765mHg) so obtained is in length of mercury and has to be converted
to N/m or Pa using the pressure formula, P = pgh

Given values: density of mercury, p = 1.36 × 10¹kgm¹³; g = 10m/s² Calculated value: height of
mercury, h = 0.765mHg

Atmospheric pressure

, P = pgh = 1.36 × 10 × 10 × 0.765 -2 = 104040Nm or 1.04 × 10 Pa

Example 6

A thread of mercury of length 12cm is used to trap some air in a capillary tube with uniform cross-
sectional area and closed at one end. With the tube vertical and the closed end at the bottom, the
length of the trapped air is 25cm. Calculate the length of the air column when the tube is held

(a) horizontally

(b)

vertically with the closed end of the top. (Atmospheric pressure = 76cm of mercury)

Solution

V3
P = 76cmHg

12cm

V₁=25cm

Air

Air

Air

12cm

(i)

12cm V₂

Fig 10.14

(ii)

Let P be atmospheric pressure

(111)

Let volume be proportional to length. (a) From Fig 10.14 (i) above, vertical air pressure, P₁ = 76 +
12 = 88 cmHg

5550 GELD

231

‫کے‬
D. 1.18PNm2 E. 2.85PNm2 Solution

JAMB 1978

Initial gas pressure, P₁ = P Nm² Initial gas temperature, T₁ = 27°C = (27 +273) = 300K Final gas
temperature, T₂ = 77°C = (77 +273) = 350K

From

P₁ P₂

PT₂

T₁ T₂

final pressure, P₂ =

Px350

T₁ 300

Example 17

= 1.16P Nm

A closed inexpansible vessel contains air saturated with water vapour at 77 °C. The total pressure
in the vessel is 1007 mmHg. Calculate the new pressure in the vessel if the temperature is reduced
to 27 °C. (The S.V.P. of water at 77 °C and 27 °C respectively are 314mmHg and 27mmHg. Treat
the air in the vessel as an ideal gas). WAEC2008E12 Solution

.. initial air pressure, P₁ = 1007 - 314 = 693mmHg Final air pressure, P₂= ? Initial temperature, T₁
= 77 °C = 77 + 273 = 350K Final temperature, T₂= 27 °C = 27 +273 = 300K

Because the vessel is inexpansible, its volume does not change, therefore pressure law can be
applied. .

Substitute into

-2
Based on the law of partial pressures, the pressure of air alone in the vessel is equal to the
difference between the total pressure in the vessel and the S.V.P. of water at the same
temperature.

P P₂ T₁ T₂ =

to obtain

693 P₂ 350 300

рат

V2T

693×300

350

P₂

= 594 mmHg

The pressure in the vessel at 27 °C is equal to the sum of the pressure of air and the S.V.P. of water
at 27 °C. ves -

V sel pressure at 27 °C = air pressure + S.V.P. of water at 27 °C.

= 594 mmHg + 27 mmHg = 621 mmHg

GENERAL GAS LAW

A combination of Boyle's, Charles's for

Therefore, PV T P.V₁ T₁ = = constant P₂V₂ and Pressure laws results in the general gas law ideal
gas. That is,

Example 18

The volume and pressure of a given mass of gas at 27°C are 76cm³ and 80cm of mercury
respectively. Calculate its volume at s.t.p. WAEC 2000
=

"

238

0°C (273K) and 760mmHg (1.013 x 105 Nm2) are called standard pressure, usually abbreviated,
s.t.p. Initial gas volume, V₁ = 76cm³ Final gas volume, V₂ = ? Final gas temperature, T₂ = 273K
Initial gas pressure, P₁ 80cmHg Initial gas temperature, T₁ = 27°C = (27 + 273) = 300K Final gas
pressure, P₂ 760mmHg = 76cmHg = =

Solution

temperature and

Substituting above values into the ideal gas equation

P₂V₂

P₁V₁

we have,

T₁

T₂

76cmHg XV, 2

80cmHg x 76cm³

273K

300K

V₂ =

80cmHg x 76cm3 × 273K 76cmHg x 300K

= 72.8cm

Example 19

A given mass of an ideal gas occupies a volume V at a temperature T and under a pressure P. If
the pressure is increased to 2P and the temperature reduced to ½T, then what is the percentage
change in the volume of the gas? A 0% B. 25% C. 75% D. 300% E. 400% JAMB 1984

Solution Initial gas volume, V₁ = V Initial gas pressure, P₁ P Final gas pressure, P₂ = 2P =

Substituting into P.V₁

P₂V ₂ T₂

3³

T₁

PXV T

2PXV.

0.5T

Initial gas temperature, T₁ = T Final gas temperature, T₂ = 2T = 0.5T Final gas volume, V₂ = ?

we obtain

PXVX0.5T 2PXT

VX0.5

0.5V

:. V₂

= 0.25V

Percentage change in volume

2
V₁-V₂x100 V₁

V -0.25V

0.75V V

-x10

-x100=0.75×100 = 75%

Example 20

Solution Initial gas volume, P₁ 300Nm ² Initial gas volume, V₁ = V₁ 400K The pressure of a given
mass of a gas changes from 300Nm2 to 120Nm² while the temperature drops from 127°C to -
73°C. initial volume? A. 2:5 What is the ratio of the final volume B. 5:4 C. 5:2 D. 4:5 JAMB 2001

Initial gas temperature, T, = 127°C = (127 + 273) = Final gas pressure, P₂ = 120Nm ² Final gas
volume, V₂ = V₂

Final gas temperature, T₁ = -73°C = (-73 + 273) = 200K

Substitute into

P₂V₂

P.V₁ T₁

T₂

to the
239

The set-up illustrated above shows a capillary tube of uniform cross sectional area in two different
arrangements. Using the data in the diagrams, calculate the pressure of the atmosphere. WAEC
1991 Ans: 75cm of mercury 5. A thread of mercury of length 16cm is used to trap some air in a
capillary tube of uniform cross-sectional area and closed at one end. When the tube is held
vertically, with the closed end at the bottom, the length of the trapped air column is 30cm.
Calculate the length of the air column when the tube is held, (i) horizontally

(ii) vertically with the open end underneath. [Atmospheric pressure = 76cm of mercury] NECO
2006 Ans: (i) 36.32cmHg (ii) 46cmHg

6.

76cm

Fig 10.23

In the figure above, a thread of mercury 76cm long is used to trap some dry air in a capillary tube
of uniform cross-section closed at one end. Calculate the ratio of the pressure P₂/P₁ [Atmospheric
pressure is 76cm of mercury] NECO 2004

Ans: P₁ 76+76 152 P₁ 76 76

Fig 10.24

=2

7.

Y
In the J-tube above, Y and X are on the same horizontal level and 30cm³ of air is trapped above Y
when the atmospheric pressure is 75cmHg. Calculate the volume of air trapped above Y when
15cmHg is now poured into the limb above X.

A. 15cm³ B. 25cm³ C. 35cm³ D. 45cm³ 8.) JAMB 1999 Ans: 25cm³ An air bubble of volume 2cm3³
is formed 20m under water. What will be its volume when it rises to just below the surface of the
water if the atmospheric pressure is equivalent to a height of 10m of water? WAEC 1995 Ans:
6cm³ 9. An air bubble of volume 4cm³ is formed 20m under water. What will be its volume when
it rises to just below the surface of the water if the atmospheric pressure is equivalent to a height
of 10m of water? NECO 2002 (Ans: 12cm³) 10. An air bubble rises from the bottom to the top of a
water dam which is 40m deep. The volume of the bubble just below the surface is 2.5cm³. Find its
volume at the bottom of the dam, if atmospheric pressure is equivalent to 10m of water.

A. 10.0cm³ B. 2.0cm³ C. 1.6cm³ D. 0.625cm³ E. 0.5cm³ JAMB 1979 Ans: 0.5cm³ 11. The pressure of
a fixed mass of gas is 2.0×10³ Nm at a known temperature. Assuming that the temperature
remains constant, what will be the pressure of the gas if its volume is halved? WAEC 1996 (Ans:
4.0 × 10 Nm²) -2

245

12. A fixed mass of gas occupies a volume of 20cm³ at a pressure of 700mmHg. Assuming that the
temperature remains constant, what will be the volume of the gas at 750cmHg? WAEC 1997 (Ans:
18.7cm³)

When the pressure of a fixed mass of gas is doubled at constant temperature, the volume of the
gas is;

13.

A. increased four times B. doubled C. unchanged 14. D. halved WAEC 2003Ans: D Dry hydrogen is
trapped by pellet of mercury in a uniform capillary tube closed at one end. If the length of the
column of hydrogen at 27°C is 1.0m, at what temperature will the length be 1.20m? WAEC 1990
Ans: 360K or 87°C 15. A gas which obeys Charles's law exactly has a volume of 283cm³ at 10°C.
What is its volume at 30°C? WAEC 1992 Ans: 303cm³ 16. A gas has a volume of 546cm³ at 0°C.
What is the volume of the its pressure remains constant? 17. gas at 100°C if WAEC 1993 Ans:
746cm³ A gas occupies a certain volume at 27°C. At what temperature will its volume be three
times the original volume assuming that its pressure remains constant? WAEC 1994 Ans: 900K or
627°C 18. A balloon containing 546cm³ of air is heated from 0°C to 10°C. If the pressure is kept
constant, what will be its volume at 10°C? WAEC 1995 Ans: 566cm³ 19.
Y

V/m³

Fig 10.25

e/ºc

The diagram above shows the variation of volume V of a gas with temperature in a Charles's law
experiment. What is the value of the temperature at the point X?

WAEC 2000 Ans: -273°C 20. The volume of a given mass of gas is 273cm³ at 0°C. What is the
volume at 273°C if its pressure remains constant? NECO 2006 Ans: 546cm³ 21. A gas occupies a
volume of 300cm³ at a temperature of 27°C. What is its volume at 54°C when the pressure is
constant? A. 150cm³ B. 273cm³ 22. C. 327cm³ D. 600cm³ JAMB 1986 Ans: 327cm³ A column of air
10.0cm long is trapped in a tube at 27°C. What is the length of the column at 100°C?

A. 12.4cm 23. B. 13.7cm C. 18.5cm D. 37.0cm The equation P*V³T² = constant, is Charle's law
when A. x = 1, y = -1, z = 1 B. x = 0, y = 1; z = -1 B. x = 1, y = 0, z = -1 D. x = 0, y = 1, z=1 JAMB
1995 Ans: B 24. A gas has a volume of 100cm³ at 27°C. If it's heated to temperature T until a final
volume of 120cm³ is attained, calculate T. JAMB 1989 Ans: 12.43cm

A. 33°C B. C. 87°C D. 114°C JAMB 1998 Ans: 360K or 87°C 25. A given mass of gas has a pressure
of 80Nm at a temperature of 47°C. If the temperature is reduced to 27°C with the volume
remaining constant, what is the new pressure? WAEC 1988 Ans: 75Nm² 26. The pressure of air in
a tyre is 22.5Nm² at 27°C. If the air in the tyre heats up to 47°C, calculate the new pressure of the
air, assuming that no air leaks out and that the change in volume of the air can be neglected.
WAEC 1994 Ans: 24Nm² 27. A given mass of an ideal gas has a pressure of 500Nm2 at -13°C. If
its volume remains constant, calculate its pressure at 247°C. WAEC 2001 Ans:1000Nm²

60°C

246

28. The tyre pressure of a car was found to be 150cmHg in the morning at a temperature of 27°C.
Hard driving in the afternoon raised the temperature of the tyres to

57°C. The tyre pressure had by afternoon; A. increased by 15.0cmHg B. decreased by 15.0cmHg C.
increased by 22.50cmHg D. decreased by 22.50cmHg E. remained constant. JAMB 1982 Ans: A 29.
A motor tyre is inflated to pressure of 2.0 x 105Nm2 when the temperature of air is 27°C. What
will be the pressure in it at 87°C assuming that the volume of the tyre does not change? A.2.6 x 10'
Nm 1.3 x 10³ Nm -² -2 B. 2.4x10' Nm -2 C. 2.2 x 10³ Nm ² D.

JAMB 30. A given mass of gas at a temperature of 30°C is trapped in a tube of volume V. Calculate
the temperature of the gas when the volume is reduced to two-third of its original value by
applying a pressure twice the original value.

1994 Ans: 2.4 × 10 Nm²

WAEC 1992 Ans:404K or 131ºC

31. 500cm³ of a gas is collected at 0°C and at a pressure of 72.0cm of mercury. What is the
volume of the gas at the same temperature and at a pressure of 76.0cm of mercury? 76x500cm³ B.
72x500cm³ C. 72x76cm³ D. A. 76cm³ E. 72cm³ 72 76 500 72x500 76x500

WAEC 1994 Ans: B

32. The volume of an ideal gas at a pressure of 77cmHg and temperature 60°C is 240cm³. If the
temperature and pressure are increased to 98°C and 81cmHg respectively, calculated the new
volume of the gas. WAEC 2001 Ans: 254.2cm" 33. The volume of a given mass of an ideal gas at
327K and 9.52 x 10 Pa is 40cm³. Calculate the volume of the gas at 273K and 1.034 x 10 Pa.
WAEC 2003 Ans: 30.75cm³ 34. The temperature of 900cm³ of an ideal gas at a pressure of
114cmHg is 27°C. Calculate its volume at 76cmHg and 0°C. WAEC 2004 Ans: 1228.5cm³ 35. A
quantity of sungas at -133°C occupies ¹/3m³ under a pressure 1.4 x 10³Nm². If the gas occupies
31m³ at 37°C, what will its pressure be? A. 1.26 x 10³ Nm -² B. 10¹ Nm -² C. 1.35 x 10 Nm -² D.
2.2 x 10' Nm ² E. 105 Nm -2

JAMB 1980 Ans: 3.3 × 10³Nm² .no correct option 100cm³ of an ideal gas is doubled while its
Kelvin temperature

36. If the pressure on is halved, what then will become the new volume of the gas? A. 25cm³ B.
50cm³ C. 100cm³ D. 200cm³ E. 400cm³ JAMB 1983 Ans: 25cm³ 37. A quantity of gas occupies a
certain volume when the temperature is -73°C and the pressure is 1.5 atmospheres. If the pressure
is increased to 4.5 atmospheres and the volume is halved at the same time, what will be the new
temperature of the gas? A. 573°C B. 327°C C. 300°C D. 110°C E. 27°C JAMB 1985 Ans: 300K or
27°C 38. A mass of gas at 7°C and 70cm of mercury has a volume of 1200cm³. Determine its
volume at 27°C and pressure of 75cm of mercury.

A. 1200cm³ B. 1378cm³ C. 4320cm³ D. 4629cm³ JAMB 1989 Ans: 1200cm³ A gas with initial
volume 2 x 10m³ is allowed to expand to six times its initial volume at constant pressure of 2 x
105Nm2 what's the work done? 39. B. 4.0J C. 12.0J D. 1.2Joo JAMB 2001 Ans: 2.0J
A. 2.0J 40. A small circular membrane is 10cm below the surface of a pool of when mercury the
barometric height is 76cm of mercury. If the density of mercury is 13600kgm³, what is the pressure
on the membrane in Nm 2? [g=10m/s²] WAEC 1992 Ans: 1.17 x 10 Nm² As a result of air at the
top of a barometer the height of the mercury column is 73.5cm when it should be 75.0cm; the
volume of the space above the mercury is 8.0cm³. Calculate the correct barometric height when
the barometer reads 74.0cm and the volume of the space above the mercury is 6.0cm³. 41.

A.72.0cm B.74.5cm C.75.1cm D.76.0cm JAMB 1987 Ans: 76cm 42. The pressure of 3 moles of an
ideal gas at a temperature of 27°C having a volume of 10³m³ is? A. 2.49x10° Nm-² 2.49×10³ Nm2
B.7.47x10° Nm-² C. [R=8.3J molK¹] D.7.47x10' Nm-²

JAMB 2002 Ans:7.47 x 10°Nm2 Hint:

use PV = nR

247

43. A uniform capillary tube of negligible expansion sealed at one end, contains air trapped by a
pellet of mercury. The trapped air column is 13.7cm long at 0°C and 18.7cm long at 100°C.
Calculate the cubical expansivity of the air at constant pressure. WAEC 1993 Ans: 3.65 x 10³ K 44.
The volume of a given mass of gas is 40cm³ at 27°C. What is its volume at 90°C NECO 2003 Ans:
48.4cm³ if its pressure remain constant?

45.

10cm Fig 10.26 Gas

In the diagram above, what is the pressure of the gas?

A. 96cm of mercury B. 86cm of mercury C. 66cm of mercury D. 76cm of mercury

46. The pressure of a fixed mass of an ideal gas at 27°C is 3Pa. The gas is heated at a constant
volume until its pressure is 5Pa. Determine the new temperature of the gas.

JAMB 2006 Ans: 86cmHg

47.

Atmospheric pressure = 76cmHg

WAEC 200727 (Ans: 227°C)

3cm

mercury

Fig 10.27

Using the above diagram, calculate the pressure of the gas supply.

NECO 20072¹ Ans: 79cmHg

48. A sealed flask contains 600cm³ of air at 27°C and is heated at 35°C at constant pressure. The
new volume is A. 508cm³ B. 516cm³ C. 608cm³ D. 616cm³ JAMB 2008 Ans: 616cm³ 49. The
pressure of two moles of an ideal gas at a temperature of 27°C and volume 10-² 3

m is

A. 4.99 x 105 Nm-2 B. 9.80 x 10³ Nm-2 C. 4.98 x 10³ Nm-² D. 9.80 x 105Nm-2 [R = 8.313 J mol¹K¹
] JAMB 200920 Ans: A 50. A thread of mercury of length 20cm is used to trap some air in a
capillary tube with uniform cross-sectional area and closed at one end. With the tube vertical and
the open end uppermost, the length of the trapped air column is 15cm. Calculate the length of the
air column when the tube is held (i) horizontally (ii) vertically with the open end underneath.
[Atmospheric pressure = 76cmHg] WAEC 200912 Ans: (i) 18.95cm (ii) 25.71 cm

248

Example 5

The wavelength of ultraviolet radiation is 400nm. If the speed of light in air is 3x10 ms¹, then the
frequency of the ultraviolet radiation is C. 1.2 X 10 Hz A. 1.3 X 10¹5Hz D. 7.5 X 10¹4Hz B. 7.5 × 10
Hz JAMB 198649

Solution

speed, V = 3X108 ms

-I
Wavelength, λ = 400nm = 400 X 10ºm;

From V = f, frequency, f =

3x108 400×10⁹

= 7.5×10¹ Hz

Example 6

D/cm

0.05

0.25

0.10

Fig. 12.5

0.15

0.20

t/s

The diagram above represents the displacement D versus time, t, graph of a progressive wave.
Deduce the frequency of the wave. WAEC 2003¹8

Solution
From the graph, number of wavelength = 2.52; time taken by the 2.5 wavelengths 0.25s.

number of wavelenghts 2.5 time taken 0.25

Frequency =

=:

= 10Hz

Example 7

A radio station broadcast at a frequency of 400KHz. If the speed of the wave is 3 x 10 ms, calculate
the wavelength of the radio wave. NECO 200525

Solution

Frequency, f = 400KHz = 400000Hz;

Speed, V = 3 X 108ms-¹

From V=2f, wavelength =

3x108

400000

= 7.5×10²m

Example 8

The diagram below illustrates a variation of the displacement y of a wave particle with time t. If
the velocity of wave is 250ms¹, calculate the distance between two successive particles which are
in phase. WAEC 199640

y/m4
0

0.01

0.02

Fig. 12.6

0.03

t/s

Solution

The distance between two successive particles in phase is equal to the wavelength λ. Wave speed,
V = 250m/s.

260

y/m

t/s

0.02

= 50Hz

0.01

The distance OA is equal to one wavelength. The time taken to travel OA is 0.02s.

Fig. 12.7

Frequency
number of wavelenghts 1 time taken 0.02

From Vλf, wavelength λ = = =

250

= 5.0m

50

Example 9

A periodic pulse travels a distance of 20.0m in 1.00s. If its frequency is 2.0 x 10³Hz, calculate the
wavelength. WAEC 200026

Solution

distance

Wave speed V

20.0m

time

1.00s

20ms -¹ -1

From V = f2, wavelength,

20 f 2.0×10³

Example 10
= 0.01=1.0×10² m

A wave has a frequency of 2Hz and a wave length of 30cm. The velocity of the wave is. A. 60.0ms¹
B. 6.0ms¹ C. 1.5ms ¹ D. 0.6ms¹ -1 -1 JAMB 198727

Solution

Frequency, f = 2Hz; Velocity, v = fλ = 0.30 X 2 = 0.60ms¹ wavelength, λ = 30cm

= 0.30m

Example 11

A boat at anchor is rocked by waves whose crest are 100m apart and whose velocity is 25ms. At
what interval does the wave crest reach the boat?

A. 2500.00s B. 75.00s Solution

C. 4.00s

Wavelength, λ = 100m; period, T = ?

D. 0.25s

velocity, v =

From V=

JAMB 198728

25ms. Interval at which boat reaches crest is

100 25
period, T ===

= 4s

0.1 - 0.1 0 -0.2 Fig. 12.8 Example 12 The figure below represents a displacement - time graph of a
travelling wave moving with a speed of 2ms 0.2 0.05 261 0.1 0.15 time/s

Fig. 12.10

रात

A>

22

Example 13

The wavelength of a stationary wave is 36.0cm. What is the distance between a node and the next
anti-node? NECO 2002

Solution

Wavelength λ = 36.0cm

Distance between a node and next antinode = 142

Example 14

= 14 X36 = 9cm.

A wave of frequency 10Hz forms a stationary wave pattern in a medium where the velocity is
20cms. The distance between adjacent node is
A. 1.0cm

B. 1.5cm

Solution Frequency, f = 10Hz;

C. 2.0cm

From v = λf, wavelength=—= V

JAMB 1986

wave velocity, v = 20cms ¹¹

20 f 10

Distance between adjacent node =

D. 5.0cm

Example 15

2m

2 -=-=kcm 2 2

Radio waves emitted from an antenna are picked up by a radar after reflection from an aircraft in
4 x 10³s. How far is the aircraft from the antenna? (v=3x10³ ms ¹). A. 6.0x10²km B. 1.2×10³km C.
3.0x10³km D. 6.0×105km JAMB 199323

Solution

Velocity, v = =

3×10 ms¹¹; time = 1/2 (4X10³) = 2 × 10¹³s

(The time is divided into two because the wave was reflected).
-1

Distance Velocity X time = 3x108 x 2x10³ = 6x10 m or 6×10²km.

MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION OF PROGRESSIVE WAVE MOTION

A progressive wave is any wave, transverse or longitudinal, that spreads out from vibrating source
and moves through a medium transferring energy as it travels. A of displacement against time for
a progressive waveform is as shown in fig 12.11 Mathematically, a wave can be represented by the
following equation.

Y = Asin (2πχ) λ

a graph

263

The distance between two points P and Q, along a wave is 0.05m. If the wavelength of the wave is
0.10m, determine the phase angle between P and Q in radians. WAEC 2007¹⁹

Example 17

Solution

Wavelength, λ = 0.1m;

0.05m.

distance between point P and Q, x =

Phase angle =

27 × 0.05m
0.1%

0.1m

(2x)

Example 18

=T

0.1

A wave has an amplitude equal to 4.0m, angular speed ¹/3 rads and phase angle 2/3 rad. The
displacement y of the wave is given as? WAEC 200027

Solution

Amplitude A = 4.0m; angular speed = 1/3 rads™¹;

The appropriate equation is y= Asin

Phase angle (2x)-rad = 3

2π x

Asin [(x - 27.x) ar

- at

Substitute given values into the two equations.

or

Y+ve Asin 2π.χ. 2 2π.χ 2 Y-ve Asin wot -- <- cut = 4 sin = 4 sin lat 2π 3 3 = Ιπι n ( 27 = ¹71) =
4sin - - (2-1) 3 3 T = 4 sin = (t + 2) 3
or -(t + 2) Both answers are correct depending on the options given. If it is an essay question and
the direction of the wave is not specified, students are advised to state both answers in the same
way as solution to a quadratic equation, i.e. 4 sin (2-1) 4π 3

Example 19

A travelling wave moving from left to right has an amplitude of 0.15m, a frequency of 550Hz and
a wavelength of 0.01m. The equation describing the wave is A. y = 0.15 sin 200л(x - 5.5t) B. y =
0.15 sin л(0.01x - 5.5t) D. y = 0.15sin л(550x 0.01t) C. y = 0.15 sin 5.5(x - 200t)

Solution

Frequency, f = 550Hz; amplitude, A = 0.15m; :. Wave speed, v = λf = 0.01 X 550 = 5.5ms¹ The
direction of the wave is stated, "moving from left to right". Because it is a positively travelling
wave, we substitute into y = Asin2π -(x-vt) wavelength, λ = 0.01m

Y = 0.15 sin 2π 0.01 Y = 0.15sin2007(x-5.5t) -(x-5.5t)

Example 20

D. 0.3cm The equation of transverse wave travelling along a string is given by y = 0.3sin (0.5x 50t)
where y and x are in cm and t is in seconds, find the maximum displacement of the particles from
the equilibrium position. A. 50.0cm B. 2.5cm C. 0.5cm JAMB 199428

265

1.

Fig. 12.12

The diagram above shows a waveform in which energy is transferred from A to B in a time of
2.5x10³s. Calculate the frequency of the wave. WAEC 199233 Ans: 1.0×10³ Hz 2.

0.3m

Fig. 12.13
The diagram above represents a transverse electromagnetic wave travelling with speed 3.0x 10 ms
¹. What is the frequency of the wave? A. 3.0x 10¹Hz C.1.0x 10 Hz D.3.0x 10 Hz B.9.0x 10¹Hz JAMB
199925 Ans: 3.0×10 Hz

3.

y/m

Fig. 12.14

The diagram above illustrates the profile of a progressive wave in which energy is transferred from
P to Qin 3.0x10³s. Calculate the frequency of the wave. WAEC 199731 Ans: 1.0×10³Hz

4. In a ripple tank experiment, a vibrating plate is used to generate ripples in the water. If the
distance between two successive troughs is 3.5cm and the wave travels a distance of 31.5cm in
1.5s, calculate the frequency of the vibrator.

WAEC 199322 Ans: 6.0Hz

A radio wave has a wavelength of 150m. If the velocity of radio waves in free

6. space is 3x10 ms¹, calculate the frequency of the radio wave. WAEC 200225 Ans: 2.0×100 Hz A
wave of wavelength 0.30m travels 900m in 3.0s, calculate its frequency. WAEC 2003¹9 Ans:
1000Hz 7. The distance between two successive crests of a water wave travelling at 3.6ms¹ is
0.45m, calculate the frequency of the wave. WAEC 2005e13 Ans: 8Hz 8. The distance between the
successive crests of a wave travelling at 20ms™¹ is 25cm. Calculate the frequency of the wave.
WAEC 200632 Ans: 80.0Hz 9.

5.

Displacement (cm)

0.01

t/s

0.1 0.01

0.2

0.3
0.4 Time(s)

Fig. 12.15

The wave motion shown above has a frequency of A. 0.1Hz B. 0.2Hz C. 5Hz D. 10Hz E. 100Hz

JAMB 198122 Ans: 5Hz

EXERCISE 12

268

10

1.0

2.0

Fig. 12.16

The frequency of the wave in the diagram above is A. 0.25Hz JAMB 2006 Ans: 0.2511z B. 1.57Hz C.
0.17Hz D. 1.05Hz 11. 330ms ¹. The period of a wave is 0.02 second. Calculate its wavelength if its
speed is WAEC 1995 Ans: 6.6m and a 12. Calculate the wavelength of light travelling with a speed
of 3x10 ms frequency of 6.25x 10Hz. NECO 2004 Ans: 4.8x10 m Radio waves have a velocity of 3x
10% ms. A radio station sends out a broadcast on a frequency of 800KHz. The wavelength of the
broadcast is A. 375.0m B. 267.0m C. 240.0m D. 37.5m E. 26.7m JAMB 1984 Ans: 375.0m The
wavelength of signals from a radio transmitter is 1500m and the frequency is 200KHz. What is the
wavelength for a transmitter operating at 1000KHz.

JAMB 1995 Ans: 300m A. 7500m B. 300m C. 75m D. 15m

Sixty complete waves pass a particular points in 4s. If the distance between three successive
troughs of the waves is 15m, calculate the speed of the wave. WAEC 199528 Ans: 112.5ms

15.
16. The distance between two successive crests of a water wave is Im. If a particle on the surface of
the water makes two complete vertical oscillations in one second, calculate the speed of the wave.
WAEC 1996 Ans: 2.0ms

The distance between two successive crests of a water wave is 0.5m. If a particle on the surface of
the water wave makes two complete vertical oscillations in Is, calculate the speed of the wave. Ans:
1.0ms NECO 2003

18. What is the frequency of a radio wave of wavelength 150m if the waves in free space is 3x10
ms? WAEC 199724

Ans: 2× 10 H The distance between two points in phase on a progressive wave is 5cm. If the speed
of the wave is 0.20ms, calculate its period. 19. WAEC 200527 Ans: 0.25s

A. 6s B. 3.6s C. 0.17s D. 0.61s E. 3s

23. In the wave equation y = E,sin (2001-x) E, represents A. Amplitude B. frequency C. period D.
wavelength. 24. The equation of a wave is y = 0.005sin[x(0.5x2001)] meters and t is in seconds.
What is the velocity of the wave? A. 4000ms B. 400ms! C. 250ms D. 40ms -1 JAMB Hint:

WAEC 200226 Ans: A where x and y are in

30

B. Icm C. 4cm 25. A progressive wave equation is represented by y= Asin(150nt "X/4). If the phase
difference of a progressive wave is 45", the value of x in the equation is A. 2cm D. 3cm JAMB 2006
Ans: 1cm 26. The equation, y = 5sin(3x-4t), where y is in millimeters, x is in meters and it is in
seconds represents a wave motion. Determine the (i) frequency (ii) period and WAEC 2004 Ans: (i)
0.6Hz (ii) 1.56s (iii) 1.34ms" speed of the wave.

199220 Ans: 250ms y Asin(2/ (ot).

17.

20.

velocity of radio

If the wavelength of a wave travelling with a velocity of 360ms is 60cm, the period of the wave is
21. A wave travelling with a speed of 360ms has a wavelength of 60cm. The period of the wave in
second is? NECO 200725 Ans: 1.7×10³

JAMB 1979 Ans: 1.67×10's

22. The distance between two successive crests of a wave is 0.664m. If the wave travels 43.2m in
1.2 seconds, calculate the (a) speed (b) frequency of the wave. NECO 2007 Ans: (a) 36ms (b)
54.2211z

1.0

269