Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 1 of 14

DIRECTORATE FOR QUALITY AND STANDARDS IN EDUCATION

Department of Curriculum Management

Educational Assessment Unit

Annual Examinations for Secondary Schools 2017

YEAR 11 PHYSICS TIME: 2 hours

Name: _____________________________________ Class: _______________

Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided on the Examination Paper.

All working must be shown. The use of a calculator is allowed.

Where necessary take the acceleration due to gravity 𝐠 = 𝟏𝟎 𝐦/𝐬𝟐.

Marks Grid: For the Examiners’ use ONLY

Question 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Th. Prac Total Final Mark

Mark 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 170 30 200 100

Score

Density m = ρ V

Pressure P = ρ g h F = P A

Moments Moment = F × perpendicular distance

Energy PE = m g h KE =

1

2mv2 Work Done = F s

Work Done = Energy Converted E = P t

Force F = m a W = m g

Motion Average Speed =

total distance

total time s =

(u + v) t

2 s = ut +

1

2at2

v = u + at v2 = u2 + 2as Momentum = m v

Electricity

Q = I t V = I R E = Q V

P = I V R ∝ 𝐿/𝐴 E = I V t

RT = R1 + R2 + R3 1

RT=

1

R1+

1

R2

Electromagnetism N1

N2=

V1

V2

Heat ΔQ = m c Δθ

Waves

η =real depth

apparent depth η =

the speed of light in air

the speed of light in medium

v = f λ

f =1

T

m =hi

ho=

image distance

object distance

Radioactivity A = Z + N

Track 3

Page 2 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

Section A: This section has 7 questions. Each question carries 10 marks (70 marks).

1. A student hangs an iron block to a stand and clamp

as shown in Figure 1.

a) Name the apparatus X that is used to measure

the weight of the iron block.

____________________________________ [1]

b) Draw and label the forces acting on the iron

block in Figure 1 (a). [2]

c) The student lowers the iron block in a measuring

cylinder as in Figure 1 (b). The liquid in the

measuring cylinder rises from 50 cm3 to

203 cm3.

i) Calculate the volume of the iron block.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

ii) The weight of the iron block is 12 N. Calculate its mass in grams.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iii) Determine the density of the iron block

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [3]

2. Nicole uses a computer simulation to

determine the weight of steel blocks with

different masses on the moon. She presents the

data as shown in the graph of Figure 2.

a) Weight is a vector quantity. Define a vector

quantity.

_____________________________________

__________________________________ [2]

b) Nicole reads the weight of the 3 kg mass

incorrectly. Use the graph to find the

correct value of the weight of the 3 kg

mass.

__________________________________ [1]

12 N X

(a) (b)

iron block

Figure 1

Figure 2

Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 3 of 14

c) Determine the acceleration due to the gravity on the moon by finding the gradient of the graph.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [3]

d) What is the relationship between the weight 𝑊 and the mass 𝑚? Give a reason for your answer.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

e) Nicole repeats the same simulation using a smaller value of the gravitational acceleration. On the

same graph of Figure 2, sketch the new line graph that she obtains. [2]

3. Plutonium-242 (Pu-242) is a silvery radioactive solid. The symbol for plutonium-242 nucleus is Pu94242 .

a)

i) Underline the correct term: When radioactive decay occurs, a nucleus which is (unstable, stable,

unchanging) decays to a more stable nucleus by emitting radiation. [1]

ii) The proton number Z of Pu-242 is _____________. [1]

iii) Calculate the neutron number N of Pu-242. _____________. [1]

b) Table 1 shows the properties of the three types of radiation. Complete the table, by filling in the

types of radiation.

Table 1

Nature Electromagnetic wave Particle Particle

Nucleon Number A none 0 4

Proton Number Z none -1 2

Type of Radiation

[3]

c) The activity of a sample of Iodine-131 drops from 8000 counts per minute to 500 counts per minute

in 32 days. Calculate the half-life of the sample of iodine.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [4]

4. Two conducting metal spheres L and M are on insulating stands.

L and M are positively charged.

a) What is the difference between conducting and insulating materials?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ [2]

(a)

(b)

L M

L M

+ +

Figure 3

Page 4 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

b) The charge on Sphere L is 0.0042 C while that on Sphere M is 0.0035 C. The spheres are placed in

contact with each other. What is the net final charge on both spheres?

_______________________________________________________________________________ [3]

c) The spheres are earthed by touching them (see Figure 3b). The net charge found in question 4 b)

flows between the spheres and earth in 0.01 s. Calculate the current flow.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [3]

d) Explain, in terms of the movement of electrons, what happens to the charge on the spheres when

they are earthed.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

5. Johnny is splitting wooden logs for the stove. He uses the setup

shown in Figure 4. The total mass of the blade and the rod is 3 kg.

a) The contact area between the blade and the log is 0.0002 m2.

Calculate the pressure exerted by the rod and blade on the log.

______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ [3]

b) Johnny adds a sliding mass to the rod. He releases the mass and

it hits the blade, exerting an extra force of 80 N. Calculate the

maximum pressure exerted by the system.

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [4]

c) Without changing the blade, state TWO ways how Johnny can increase the pressure exerted on the

log.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

d) After several uses, the blade becomes blunt (less sharp). How will this affect the pressure exerted

by the blade?

_______________________________________________________________________________[1]

Figure 4

Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 5 of 14

6. Figure 5 shows a bar magnet being pulled out of the solenoid.

Figure 5

a)

i) Underline the correct term:

In electromagnetic induction, (Faraday’s, Lenz’s, Snell’s) law states that when the rate of cutting

of magnetic flux increases, the induced current flowing through the solenoid increases. [1]

ii) The magnet is pulled away from the solenoid. State the magnetic pole that is induced at end C

of the solenoid.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

iii) In which direction will the needle on the galvanometer deflect as the magnet is pulled away

from the solenoid?

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

b) Part AB of the graph in Figure 6 shows how the

current changes as the magnet is moved inside the

solenoid.

i) Which section of the graph shows that the magnet

stopped moving inside the solenoid? Explain.

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

________________________________________ [3]

ii) State what is observed on the galvanometer during

section CD of the graph. Explain.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iii) The same procedure is repeated using a weaker magnet. On the same graph, sketch a curve that

represents the induced current by this weaker magnet. [2]

C D

NS

D A B C

Figure 6

Page 6 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

7. An asteroid is orbiting the Sun as

shown in Figure 7.

a) In which of the positions, A, B, C

or D is the effect of the Sun’s

gravity on this asteroid greatest?

Explain.

____________________________

_________________________ [2]

b) Table 2 gives information about three of the planets in our solar system.

Table 2

Planet Average distance from sun

(× 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝐦)

Time for one orbit

(Earth years)

Average surface temperature

(°𝐂)

Venus 105 0.62 400

Mars 225 1.88 -55

Neptune 4515 165 -200

i) Use information in the above table to help you explain how the surface temperature of these

planets varies with distance from the Sun.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

ii) Calculate how many Earth days there are in ONE year on Mars.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iii) Calculate the time taken for light rays from the Sun to reach planet Neptune if the speed of light

is 300 000 000 m/s.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iv) Name ONE benefit of space exploration.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

v) Name ONE unanswered question about the universe.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

Figure 7

Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 7 of 14

Section B. This section has 5 questions. Each question carries 20 marks (100 marks).

8. This question is about light and its properties.

a) Light is an electromagnetic wave. Name TWO properties common to all electromagnetic waves.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

b) An archer fish is able to prey on insects by

shooting a jet of water from its mouth.

i) On Figure 8, draw an arrow to indicate the

direction of the ray of light that enables the

fish to see the insect. [1]

ii) Mark with an ‘X’ the position where the

fish sees the image of the insect. [1]

iii) Name the phenomenon which causes the light to bend as it changes medium.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

iv) If the critical angle for water is exceeded, the fish will not be able to see the insect at all. Explain.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

c) Britney investigates the relationship between the object distance and image distance of a convex

lens as shown in Figure 9. She tabulates her results as shown in Table 3.

Figure 9

Table 3

i) Describe briefly how she carries out the experiment.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [3]

ii) Plot a graph of image distance (cm) on the y-axis against object distance (cm) on the x-axis.

Draw the best fit curve through your points. [5]

Object distance (cm) 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0

Image distance (cm) 30.0 20.0 16.7 15.0 14.0 13.3

object distance

image distance lens

screen

illuminated object

water

air

Figure 8

Page 8 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 9 of 14

d) A convex lens has a focal length of 2 cm. An object of height 1.6 cm is placed 3 cm away from the

centre of the lens.

i) Draw a ray diagram to scale to show how the image forms. [3]

ii) State ONE characteristic of the image formed.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

iii) Calculate the magnification of the lens.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

9. This question is about electromagnetism and its applications.

a) Draw the magnetic field pattern for each of the following diagrams.

(i) (ii)

lens

cardboard

copper

wire solenoid

[2] [3]

Page 10 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

b) Mark is supplied with three identical rods made of different metals: aluminium, steel and iron. He

wants to construct an electromagnet. Explain why neither aluminium nor steel can be used.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

c) When the switch is closed, the copper rod shown in Figure 10 starts rolling.

i) State why the copper rod starts to roll.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

ii) On Figure 10, draw an arrow to show the direction in which the copper rod rolls. [1]

iii) Name the rule used to find the direction in which the rod rolls.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

iv) State ONE way through which the copper rod can be made to roll faster.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

v) Name a suitable application for the effect observed in Figure 10.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

d) A device called a solenoid valve is represented in Figure 11. The iron rod, plunger and plug are

connected together and can move vertically upwards or downwards.

i) Explain why water can flow when the switch is

closed.

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

_____________________________________ [4]

switch

copper rod

aluminium rod

battery

powerful magnet

-

coil

iron rod

spring (fixed)

water in

switch

plug

hole

+

water out

d.c. supply

plunger

Figure 10

Figure 11

Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 11 of 14

ii) Explain the function of the spring while the circuit is switched off.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

iii) The current flowing through the coil is reversed. Does the device work? Explain.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

10. This question is about energy and motion.

a) Paul wants to join the army. His agility skills are tested by climbing a flight of steps in the shortest

time possible. His mass is 60 kg and he climbs 10 steps in 2.5 seconds. Each step is 15 cm high.

i) Calculate the total height of the steps in metres.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

ii) Calculate the gravitational potential energy gained when he reaches the tenth step.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iii) Calculate his power.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iv) Paul climbs another staircase which has 13 steps. Does his power change? Explain.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

b) Another test consists of firing a bullet towards a wooden block from a short

distance. Using a gun of mass 3 kg, Paul fires a bullet of mass 0.02 kg with a

speed of 300 m/s.

i) What is the total momentum before the gun is fired? Explain.

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

ii) Calculate the recoil velocity of the gun after firing. (Ignore the mass of Paul.)

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iii) The bullet hits and becomes embedded in the wooden block of mass 2.8 kg. Calculate the

common velocity with which they continue to move.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [3]

Page 12 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

iv) Name and state the principle used in question 10 b ii) and question 10 b iii).

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [3]

c) During his training Paul wears a helmet that is padded with foam on its inside. Explain in terms of

Physics principles why this helps to prevent injury.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

11. This question is about methods of heat transfer.

Miss Mifsud shows her students the apparatus in Figure 12. It consists of a heat resistant plastic board

held vertically by means of two stands. An electric heater is fixed at the centre and three temperature

sensors A, B and C are installed at the same distance from the heater. The heater is switched on and

the temperature of each sensor is measured at two minute intervals for ten minutes.

Figure 12

a) The results are plotted as shown. Label correctly each graph obtained for sensors A, B and C.

[3]

b) The room temperature = _____________ °C [1]

c) Name the method of heat transfer through which heat reaches all the sensors.

_______________________________________________________________________________ [1]

d) The heat cannot be transferred to the sensors by conduction. Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

e) Explain the results she obtains.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [3]

A

B

C

heater

stands 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

time /(minutes)

board

Temperature

(°C)

Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017 Page 13 of 14

f) On Figure 12 mark, with a ‘D’, a sensor which when placed at the same distance from the heater

registers the same temperature change as ‘A’. [2]

g) Before starting the experiment, Miss Mifsud noticed that one of the sensors was shiny, while the

other two were black. She replaced the shiny one with a black one. Explain why she did so.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [3]

h) Name TWO ways through which the results can be obtained in a shorter time.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [2]

i) How would the results of this experiment change if it is carried out in a vacuum? Explain.

__________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________ [3]

12. This question is about electricity.

a) Complete Table 4.

Table 4

Component Symbol Function

Diode

LDR Its resistance varies according to light intensity.

[5]

b) A student is provided with a metal

wire, a d.c. supply, a switch,

connecting wire, an instrument to

measure current and one to measure

voltage.

i) In the space provided draw the

circuit required to find the

resistance at room temperature.

Label all components. [3]

ii) Explain briefly how the result is obtained.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [3]

Page 14 of 14 Physics – Year 11 – Secondary – Track 3 – 2017

c) A sandwich toaster has a power rating of 800 W and is used daily for 20 minutes.

i) Given that 1 kWh costs 18 cent, calculate the total cost of using the toaster for 2 weeks.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

ii) Calculate the current flowing through the toaster if its voltage is 230 V.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

iii) Suggest a suitable fuse rating for the toaster.

____________________________________________________________________________ [1]

d) A current of 0.8 A flows through the 3 Ω resistor in

Figure 13.

i) Calculate the potential difference across the 3 Ω

resistor.

_____________________________________________

__________________________________________ [1]

ii) Calculate the current flowing through the 2 Ω resistor.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

iii) Calculate the resistance of resistor R.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________ [2]

Y

6 V

R

3

2

Figure 13