LC+HL+Physics+Solutions 2015
LC+HL+Physics+Solutions 2015
LC+HL+Physics+Solutions 2015
SECTION A
1.
gas volume
oil reservoir
air pump
pressure gauge
tap
TIP: The labelled diagram should include a method of measuring the volume of gas, as well as the applied pressure. There
may be different equipment setups in each laboratory setting, but as long as gas volume and associated pressure are
measured, enough information is available to plot an inverse proportion graph and verify Boyle’s Law with a straight-line slope.
TIP: It is important to clearly label your diagram with the equipment you are going to describe later. It is not essential to have
identical equipment to everyone else. You need only reference the correct apparatus you are using. The clearer and more
labelled your diagram is, the easier it is to describe your method referring to it.
–300
–250
–200
Pressure
–150
110 kPa
–100
–50
0
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.014
1/Volume
1/250 = 0.004
This graph verifies Boyle’s Law as the slope of the graph is a straight line, showing inverse proportionality
between pressure and volume. (5 3 3)
As shown in the graph, the estimate of pressure of the gas at a volume of 250cm3 is approximately 110kPa. (2 3 3)
TIP: Make sure to calculate the inverse of volume before estimating the associated pressure value on the graph, as shown. It is not
necessary to be spot on with reading the graph, as allowances are made around the pressure answer required. However, make sure
to show all working lines on the graph.
The temperature of the gas may have varied due to frictional movement during the experiment. (3)
By allowing a ‘rest time’ for the system to stabilise, the temperature of the gas was allowed to be as close to
constant as possible throughout the experiment. (4)
TIP: It should be noted that this system needs time to stabilise to allow for temperature fluctuations. It is also necessary to
only measure the system one way. Either go from max pressure to atmospheric pressure, taking readings, or vice versa, but do
not increase and decrease pressure alternatively. It is also reasonable to mention laboratory conditions being kept constant for
temperature control, such as conducting the experiment away from heat sources or draughts.)
digital
thermometer insulation (3 3 3)
TIP: Make sure to clearly label the diagram initially so as to make future descriptions easy to reference.
TIP: It should be noted in the above calculation that the mass of water was gained by subtracting the mass of
the cup from the combined mass of cup and water. The mass of the steam added was also gained by getting
the difference between the mass of cup + water and the mass of cup + water + steam. All masses must be used
in kg form. The temperature difference for water was from 30 degrees to 11 degrees, whereas the temperature
difference for the steam was from 100 degrees to 30 degrees final.
The steam was dried so as to ensure that only latent change occurred when the steam was added. If the steam
was wet, there would have been less latent change occurring than presumed from the mass of material added.
The water in the cup was pre-cooled to minimise temperature errors. If the water was pre-cooled, it would take
energy from the environment until reaching room temperature equilibrium. However, when the water was
heated above room temperature, it would emit energy into the environment until reaching room temperature.
By pre-cooling the water, energy gains at the start would reasonably cancel energy losses at the end of the
experiment. (6 + 3)
diffraction grating
1m
Or:
eyepiece
grating
monochromatic base
light
telescope
slit turntable
collimator
vernier scale (3 × 3)
The first order images were identified by locating the ‘straight through’ zero order image at the centre and then
looking left or right of it. The next bright fringe you see on either side is the first order image. (3)
The beam of light may have been produced in the following ways:
• Using a laser to emit a beam of coherent focussed monochromatic light through the diffraction grating
• Using a monochromatic vapour lamp to produce a light source. This source is placed in front of the slit on
the spectrometer collimator tube. As it passes through the collimator, the beam emerges collimated onto
the diffraction grating situated on the spectrometer turntable. (3)
TIP: It is much simpler to describe using a laser for monochromatic light production, but if you used a spectrometer and
vapour lamp, this may be easier to recollect for you. Whichever method you use, it is still necessary to be able to describe how
a spectrometer operates and the purpose of each part.
The fourth angle would be more accurate as it has a greater angle of diffraction. Since you are measuring this
angle with a scale, the percentage error decreases as the angle measurement increases. (2 × 3)
TIP: Wherever possible, reference percentage error as a reason for choosing/ignoring something in an experiment. The larger
the physical measurement, the less percentage error, as each individual graduation on your measurement scale causes less of a
percentage problem to the overall measurement, e.g. a 1cm error on a 10cm measurement causes a 10% error. However, a 1cm error
on a 50cm measurement causes a 2% error. If, however, you wish to give another answer, make sure you also have a good reason to
accompany it, such as the first order being the sharpest image to locate.
Order of Image Angle between images Angle between zero order Diffraction Constant ‘d’
and image (1 × 10−3/80)
1 4.6° 2.3° 1.25 × 10−5m
2 9.18° 4.59° 1.25 × 10−5m
3 13.81° 6.905° 1.25 × 10−5m
4 18.44° 9.22° 1.25 × 10−5m
Order 2:
nλ = dSin θ
(2)λ = (1.25 × 10−5)Sin 4.59°
(2)λ = 1.003 × 10−6
(1.003 × 10−6)
λ = ____________
2
λ = 5.0016 × 10−7m = 500.16nm
Order 3:
nλ = dSin θ
(3)λ = (1.25 × 10−5)Sin 6.905°
(3)λ = 1.5028 × 10−6
(1.5028 × 10−6)
λ = _____________
3
λ = 5.0093 × 10−7m = 500.93nm
Order 4:
nλ = dSin θ
(4)λ = (1.25 × 10−5)Sin 9.22°
(4)λ = 2.0028 × 10−6
(2.0028 × 10−6)
λ = _____________
4
λ = 5.0071 × 10−7m = 500.71nm
(501.65nm + 500.16nm + 500.93nm + 500.71nm)
Average Wavelength = _________________________________________ = 500.86nm (3, 6, 3, 3)
4
TIP: Make sure to divide the angle in two before using in the formula as the angle given was between orders. Also,
individually calculate wavelength for all four orders given, and then average the wavelengths to gain a final result.
By increasing the number of lines per mm, you are essentially narrowing the gaps for the light to travel through.
This has the effect of increasing the angle of diffraction and thereby lowering % error but also reducing the
number of possible orders available by causing the images to appear further away from zero order. (4)
–9
(105, 9)
–8
–7
–4
–3
–2
–1
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
Temperature/°C
TIP: By continuing your graph and gaining a best fit line, you can take arbitrary points for slope calculation. Since slope in
this case is the change in y relative to x, this equates to an answer of ohms per degree Celsius.
(ii) Resistance in melting ice, as seen in the graph at 0°C = 5.5Ω (3, 5, 3 & 3 × 3)
1. Set up the circuit as shown, making sure the ammeter is in series and the voltmeter is in parallel.
2. Use the variable resistor to apply a voltage close to 0V to the bulb.
3. Record the voltage across and current through the bulb for this setting.
4. Keep increasing the voltage to 5V in 0.5V increments, recording I and V for each setting (use the variable
resistor to vary the voltage applied).
5. Place all values in a table and plot a graph of I against V. (6, 2 × 2, 2 × 3)
ammeter
filament
bulb
d.c. power
supply
potential
divider
voltmeter
TIP: Since the question specifically asks you to use the previous findings, it is important to mention in your answer the
conclusion gained from the first graph.
SECTION B
5. (8 × 7)
(a)
–1
.s
41m
30°
41m.s–1 Cos 30°
6. Centripetal force is the force directed towards the centre of a circle, which is necessary to keep a body moving
in a circular path. (3)
Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that every mass in the universe attracts every other mass with
a force, along the line of their centres, that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between them. (6)
TIP: It is also possible to state Newton’s law in formula form, but make sure to give notation of parts.
GMm
mrω2 =_____ Then:
r2
4π 2(r + h)3
4π 2r 3 or T 2 = _________
GM
Dividing both sides by mr: ω = ___ 2 T 2 = _____
3
r GM GM
From T = ___ 2π, so:
2π we get ω = ___ The conclusion is that the square of the period of
ω T the orbit is proportional to the cube of the radius
( 2πT ) = GMr
2
___ ___ of orbit.
3
2
GM (5 3 3)
4π = ___
___
2
T r3
(mv2) _____
GMm
(ii) F = _____
r = r2
GM cancel __
m
→ v2 = ___
____
r ( r )
GM
√
v = ___ r
(6.7 × 10−11)(5.97 × 1024)
v = ______________________
(6371 × 103 + 20270 × 103)
___________
v = √1.5014 × 107
v = 3.875 × 103m.s−1 (2 3 3)
TIP: By equating centripetal force mentioned earlier and gravitational force, we can isolate velocity and substitute in the
values given in the question and those calculated in part (i).
(iii) Time taken to travel from GPS satellite to Earth surface receiver = distance/speed
20270 × 103m
Time = ____________ = 6.7567 × 10−2s (2 3 3)
3 ×108m.s−1
Only those satellites that stay above the same point of the Earth at all times are geostationary. In order
for this to happen, they must be on the equatorial plane, have a period of 24 hours and move in the same
direction as the Earth. This satellite has a period of 12 hours and as such is not geostationary. (4)
The next lowest frequency EM radiation to radio waves is microwaves. (4)
low
voltage
cathode
X-rays produced when high speed
electrons hit the metal target
X-ray window
To produce an X-ray:
• the cathode is heated by low voltage (approximately 6V)
• electrons are emitted by thermionic emission
• extra high potential difference (voltage) between the cathode and anode (positive plate) attracts and
accelerates electrons towards the anode (approximately 50Kv–90kV)
• tungsten is placed on the anode and forms the target. The tungsten is backed by an oil coolant to prevent
melting and overheating
• when the electrons strike the target, their kinetic energy is converted
• high-energy electrons can produce approximately 1 per cent X-rays and 99 per cent heat
• the cathode and target anode are all contained within an evacuated lead-lined chamber to prevent
unwanted X-ray leakage. The chamber has an X-ray window which can be adjusted to allow for focusing of
the X-ray beam. (2 3 4, 2 3 3)
(i) Energy gained at start (potential energy EP) = Energy gained at end (kinetic energy EK)
EP = eV
1mv2
EK = __
2
1 (9.1 × 10−31kg)v2
(50 × 103V)(1.6 × 10−19C) = __
2
−15 −31 2
8 × 10 J = 4.55 × 10 v
−15
8 × 10
__________ = v2
4.55 × 10−31
____________
√1.7582 × 1016 = v2
____________
√1.7582 × 1016 = v
1.326 × 108m.s−1 = v (3 3 3)
TIP: By allowing the potential energy of electron volts = the kinetic energy of the electron at the end of its transit, a value
for velocity can be found.
(ii) E = hf
E = (50 × 103V)(1.6 × 10−19C) = 8 × 10−15J
8 × 10−15J = hf
8 × 10−15
________ =f
h
−15
8 × 10
_________ =f
6.6 × 10−34
1.2121 × 1019Hz
a b c
gold leaf no effect gold leaf no effect leaf falls immediately
3. In a, the zinc plate, whether positive or negative will be unchanged be red light, showing red is of too
low a frequency to work.
4. In b, the UV light will not affect a positive plate as it does not have an excess of electrons to allow them
to leave.
5. In c, UV light causes electrons to leave a negatively charged plate because of the photoelectric effect.
This causes the gold leaf to fall, as it loses charge. Any light with greater than or equal frequency
to UV will have this effect on negatively charged zinc.
Note: An electroscope is an instrument used to measure relative magnitude of static charge present. (3 3 3)
Einstein outlined the photoelectric effect as follows:
• Light is made up of photons (packets, or quanta, of energy).
• When light strikes a metal, each photon can interact and give its energy to one electron only. (Imagine that
each photon is like an envelope containing energy and when it hits an electron, it opens. If the energy is
sufficient for the electron to escape, it takes the energy but only one electron can open one envelope.)
• If the energy of the photon (E = hf ) is less than the minimum energy (∅) needed to cause photoelectric
effect, no electron leaves.
• If the energy of the photon (E = hf ) is greater than or equal to the minimum energy (∅) needed to cause
photoelectric effect, and electron can leave.
• Any energy that exceeds the work function is given to the electron as kinetic energy.
• This means that the frequency of the EM radiation determines if an electron leaves and what speed it does
after leaving (the velocity can only happen if hf ≥ ∅).
• The intensity (brightness) of the incident EM radiation affects only the number of electrons that leave. (3 3 3)
TIP: It does not matter about the order of Einstein’s explanation, but try to logically think out each step based on the one
before. For example, it helps to divide light into photon packets before talking about only one photon interacting with
one electron. Also, make reference to work function or threshold frequency.
a
Uncharged electroscope
cap insulation
earthed box
with glass
metal rod window
gold
leaf
(3 3 3)
In order to charge an electroscope by induction, do the following:
1. Bring a positively charged rod near an uncharged electroscope.
2. The gold leaf will diverge as the rod approaches.
3. Touch the cap of the electroscope as the rod is held in place. The leaf will fall again.
4. Remove your finger from the cap of the electroscope.
5. Remove the rod from near the electroscope and the leaf will diverge again.
6. The electroscope is now negatively charged by induction. (3 3 3, 2)
TIP: As the positively charged rod approaches, the electrons move towards the cap attracted to it. At the same time, there are now
too many positives at the leaf, and it diverges repulsively. When you touch the cap, the extra electrons needed to neutralise the leaf
come from the ground through you into the electroscope. This causes the leaf to fall. As you remove your finger, the path to ground
is lost and as such, when the rod is removed, there are now too many electrons in the electroscope, and the leaf diverges with
negative charge. If you wished to charge it positively by induction, you would start with a negatively charged rod.
Point discharge can occur when a large accumulation of charge is at a point. This causes a high electric field
in the region around the point, which in turn can cause the attraction/repulsion of ions to or from the point.
(3 3 3)
Demo:
1. Set up Van de Graaff generator with pointed rod attached and earth rod held at a distance.
2. Wait until the generator is charged sufficiently.
3. Bring the earth rod slowly towards the point of the generator.
4. You will hear the noise of the electric wind as ions begin to transfer between the point and earth rod.
TIP: In describing a phenomenon such as point discharge, even if you have not actually demonstrated it in the laboratory before,
you are free to describe it in any context you feel best illustrates the idea, such as a recently extinguished candle held near the
charged point.
( )( )
1 Q1Q2
F = ____ ____
4πε0 d2
F
E = __
Q
( )( )
_____
QQ
1 ____
1 2
(4πε0 d2
∴ E = ___________
Q
( )( )
Q1
1 ___
E = ____
4πε0 d2
( 1
E = ____________
)( 3.8 × 10−6
__________________
4π(8.9 × 10 ) ( 20 × 10−2 + 4 × 10−2 )2
−12 )
E = (8.9413 × 109)(6.5972 × 10−5)
E = 5.8988 × 105N.C−1 (3, 6, 3)
TIP: Remember to halve the diameter of the dome and add the distance away to this figure. Also, make sure to convert all
distances to metres and all charges to coulombs.
9. Stationary waves are waves of the same frequency and amplitude that constructively and destructively interfere
to produce a wave pattern in a confined space. (3)
Stationary waves are produced as the result of a collision between two waves of equal amplitude and frequency,
confined and reflected between two boundaries. (2 3 3)
Resonance is the transfer of energy between two bodies with the same natural frequency. (2 3 3)
To demonstrate resonance of sound (Barton’s pendulum)
l l
A
B
X C
D
E
pipe 1
pipe 2
pipe 3
1λ
1 λ = __ c
Pipe 1: length of pipe l = __ ∴ λ1 = 4l, so that f1 = __ = f
4 4 1 4l
3 3c
Pipe 2: length of pipe l = __ λ2
4
4 l, so that f = __
∴ λ2 = __
3 2
4l
=3 ( 4lc ) = 3f
__
5 5c
Pipe 3: length of pipe l = __ λ3
4
4 l, so that f = __
∴ λ3 = __
5 3
4l
=5 ( 4lc ) = 5f
__
This shows that only odd harmonics are possible in a closed pipe (f, 3f, 5f …).
fundamental
pipe 1
pipe 2
pipe 3
pipe 4
pipe 5
1λ
1 λ = __ c
Pipe 1: length of pipe l = __ ∴ λ1 = 2l, so that f1 = __ = f
2 2 1 2l
c c
Pipe 2: length of pipe l = λ2
l 2l ( )
∴ λ2 = l, so that f2 = _ = 2 __ = 2f
3
Pipe 3: length of pipe l = __ λ3
2 3 3
3c __
2 l, so that f = __
∴ λ3 = __
2l
=
3c
2l
= 3f ( )
2c
1 l, so that's f = __ c
Pipe 4: length of pipe l = 2 λ4 ∴ λ4 = __
2 4
l( )
= 4 __ = 4f
2l
5 5c c
Pipe 5: length of pipe l = __ λ5 ∴ λ = 2 l, so that's f = = 5( ) = 5f
__ __ __
2 55 2l 5
2l
This shows that all harmonics are possible in an open pipe (f, 2f, 3f, 4f, 5f …). (4 3 3, 2)
10. (a) Neutrinos will principally be affected by weak nuclear force. (3)
TIP: Since neutrinos are leptons and do not experience the strong nuclear force, they should experience the other three
forces: EM, weak nuclear & gravitational, but since they have no charge, EM does not affect them.
TIP: Make sure you calculate the difference in mass in kilograms before using E = mc2. Once you have an answer in joules, you
need only divide by the charge on 1 electron to gain it in eV. If the values for masses or charges are not in a question, refer to
your maths tables. Note the neutrino is of almost negligible mass, thereby showing the problem in identifying it historically.
Cloud chambers show the observable tracks of ionised particles. However, since a neutrino has no charge,
is of very small mass and interacts very weakly with matter, it is much more difficult to observe. (6)
F = qvB
2
mv
F = ____
r
2
mv
∴ qvB = ____
r
mv
qB = ___
r
mv
r = ___
qB
(9.1 × 10−31)(1.45 × 108)
r = ____________________
(1.6 × 10−19)(90 × 10−3)
basket field of
rigid permanent
magnets voice speaker magnet (B)
coil cone
I direction
of motion
flexible suspension
signal from ring
amplifier
a b (4 3 3)
The principal energy conversion in a d.c. motor is electrical to kinetic energy (3)
(i) Commutator: A commutator changes the direction of the current in the coil and hence changes the
direction of the force in every half revolution. This results in the coil turning continuously. (2 3 3)
(ii) Carbon brushes: The carbon brushes maintain contact between the current source and split ring
commutator, allowing for continuous contact throughout 360° rotation. (3)
F = BIl
F = (5.5T)(1.2A)(8 × 10−2m)(500 turns) = 264N
TIP: Given that the coil has 500 turns, we need to multiply the force by this factor. In terms of torque, we can calculate
this by multiplying the force applied on one side of the coil by the perpendicular distance between them.
11. (8 3 7)
(a) One Tesla is the magnetic flux density when a 1m conductor carrying a 1A current, at a right angle to the
magnetic field, experiences a 1N force.
(c) Electromagnetic induction occurs when a changing magnetic field induces an emf, which, in turn,
produces a current.
(d) A transformer is a device used to change the value of an alternating voltage. However, it will not work
with d.c. due to the constant supply of voltage and current. Transformers are based on EM induction and
require a changing magnetic field, not present in d.c. throughout its cycle.
(e) According to Joule’s law, the heat produced is proportional to the square of the current. If voltage is low,
current is high, from P = VI. This creates a huge heating energy loss in electricity transmission. By ‘stepping
up’ the voltage with a transformer, voltage increases, current decreases and the electricity transfer is more
efficient.
__
(f ) Va.c. = VRMS × √2
V
___
a.c.
__ = V
RMS
√2
321
____
__ = V
RMS
√2
(g) 226.98V = VRMS
According to Joule’s law, there is a heating effect proportional to the square of the current. But in order to
correctly compare a.c., we need to average the a.c. level to an equivalent d.c. level. These equivalent levels
are root mean square (RMS) and allow us to correctly equate heating effects between a.c. and d.c.
12. (a) Newton’s second law of motion states that the rate of change of a body’s momentum is proportional
to the net force applied and will act in the direction of the force. (2 3 3)
The main energy conversion for the skier is the conversion of gravitational potential energy at the top
of the ski slope to kinetic energy at the base of the slope. (2 3 2)
Let potential energy at top (EP) = kinetic energy at base (EK)
EP = EK
mgh = __1mv2
2
1v2 (cancel m)
gh = __
2
2gh = v2 (multiply by 2)
____
√_________
2gh = v
√_____
2(9.8)(90) = v
√ 1764 = v
42m.s−1 = v (6, 3)
Time to stop (t) = 0.8s
Initial velocity (u) = 42m.s−1
Final velocity (v) = 0m.s−1
v = u + at
(0) = (42) + a(0.8)
−42 = 0.8a
−42 = a
____
0.8
−52.5m.s−2 = a
F = ma
F = (71kg)(−52.5m.s−2)
F = −3727.5N (2 3 3)
TIP: Always keep the start of a question in mind when looking for clues. Newton’s second law is a special case of F = ma
and therefore will most likely feature in the question later. By allowing potential and kinetic energy equal (since friction
is ignored), you can calculate velocity. By then stating what you have and looking for acceleration, you can use F = ma
to calculate the stopping force. The minus does not change the magnitude but just shows it is a retarding force from
negative acceleration.
The snow drift exerts an equal but opposite force on the skier, as stated in Newton’s third law. Therefore,
if the first force is −3727.5N, the other force exerted on her is +3727.5N (3)
TIP: The signs do not matter as to which force gets which sign, but they will always be opposite in an equal but
opposite reaction.
al
qi Norm
Incident ray qr qi qr
Refra
cted r
ay
(2 3 3)
2F Fv u F 2F
(3 3 3)
f1 = 0.2m f2 = 0.08m
1 = _____
(Converging lens is positive power) P1 = __ 1 = +5m−1
f1 0.2m
1 = −______
(Diverging lens is negative power) P1 = __ 1 = −12.5m−1
f1 0.08m
TIP: Make sure you state all focal length in metres and have power in m−1. Also, clearly apply signs to converging or
diverging lenses for combined power calculations.
millivoltmeter
mV
constantan constantan
iron
cold
hot junction junction
beaker of ice water (3 3 3)
Choose one from the following:
A thermocouple is more sensitive to temperature changes.
A thermocouple is more durable.
A thermocouple has a greater temperature range.
A thermocouple can be installed into equipment and read digitally. (4)
(d) Radioactivity is the emission of one or more types of radiation (alpha, beta or gamma), caused by the
spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nuclei. Energy is emitted from overactive elements, wanting
to get rid of energy. (2 3 3)
Choose any one type of radiation detector: cathode anode mica
atom
Geiger-Müller tube: This consists of a container with a thin window
mica window at one end, through which radiation can pass.
Inside the container is low pressure argon gas, a cylindrical
cathode and anode rod. When ionising radiation enters the ionising
radiation
tube, molecules of the gas are ionised by radiation or further electron ion
collision. This creates positively charged ions and electrons (ion
pairs). The strong electric field created by the tube’s electrodes R
accelerates the positive ions to the cathode and electrons to
the anode. This causes current to flow and is converted into 500 V counter
‘counts’ or ‘pulses’ by an external amplifier and counter.
Solid state detector: A semiconductor p-n diode is used here. Radiation hits the depletion layer, which
creates electron-hole pairs. This allows current to flow through the junction. The current is converted to
counts by an external amplifier and counter.
holes
electrons
(6, 4, 3)
N = 4.5 × 1015Atoms
( )
1 = 4.395 × 1012Atoms (3 × 3)
∴ No. of atoms remaining in Radon − 210 = (4.5 × 1015) _____
1024
1
TIP: Make sure you convert half-life to seconds. It is also a quick way to determine fraction remaining by using __
2n
as a calculation, with ‘n’ as no. of half-lives.