Revision Unit 5

THERMAL ENERGY:
1.
(a)
What is meant by the absolute zero of temperature?

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(1)
(b)
(i)
The Football Association rules require a football to have a maximum volume of

5.8 103 m3 and a maximum pressure of 1.1 105 Pa above atmospheric
pressure (1.0 105 Pa). Assuming that the thickness of the material used for the
ball is negligible and that the air inside the ball is at a temperature of 10 C,
show that the maximum amount of air inside the football is about 0.5 mol.
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(4)
(ii)
One mole of air has a mass of 0.029 kg. Calculate the maximum mass of air
allowed in the football.
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Maximum mass = ..................................
(1)
(iii)
A football is also required to have a minimum pressure 0.6 105 Pa above

atmospheric pressure. Assuming the volume of the football remains constant,
calculate the lowest temperature to which the air inside this ball could fall to
while still meeting the pressure requirements.
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Lowest temperature = ..................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.
Done by: Nidal Al Halabi
Page 1
2.
A problem with warming milk in a saucepan is that it can suddenly boil over if it is not
watched carefully. A student decides to take some measurements to find the time it takes for
the milk to reach a temperature of 96 C so he can be ready for it without having to keep a
constant watch.
(a)
The student first uses an electric hotplate to warm a saucepan of water from room
temperature to 96 C. He measures the time taken to be 347 s.
He calculates the heat energy gained by the water to be 1.63 105 J.
Show that the rate at which heat energy is supplied to the water by the electric hotplate
is about 500W.
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(2)
(b)
The student then uses the following data to calculate the time taken for milk taken
from a refrigerator to reach the temperature of 96 C.
mass of milk = 0.44 kg
initial temperature of milk = 12 C
desired final temperature of milk = 96 C
specific heat capacity of milk = 3800 J kg1 C1
(i)
Show that the heat energy the milk needs to gain is about 1 105 J.
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(2)
(ii)
Calculate the time it would take for the milk to reach the temperature of 96 C.
Assume that the student uses the same hotplate as in (a).
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Time = ...............................................................
(2)
Page 2
(c)
The student warms up the milk and is surprised when the time taken is exactly the
time calculated. He had expected it to take longer because of heat losses.
(i)
Explain why he might expect it to take longer.

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(1)
(ii)
Suggest why the calculated time was the same as the actual time.
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(1)
(Total 8 marks)
3.
In a radio programme about space tourism, the presenter says that the Earths atmosphere
stops 100 km above the surface. A student decides to put this claim to the test, initially
applying the following equation to gas molecules at this height:
1
3
m c 2 kT
2
2
where k is the Boltzmann constant.
(a)
(i)
State the meanings of the other symbols used in the equation.

m .......................................................................................................................
c2 ....................................................................................................................
T .......................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
What physical quantity does each side of the equation represent?

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(1)
Page 3
(iii)
Calculate a value for the velocity of an oxygen molecule at this height, where
the temperature is 50 C.
Mass of oxygen molecule = 5.4 1026 kg
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Velocity = .........................................
(2)
(b)
The student decides that if there really is no atmosphere above the height of 100 km
this velocity must be equal to the escape velocity. The escape velocity is the minimum
velocity needed for any particle to escape from the Earths gravitational attraction.
He obtains an expression for the escape velocity, starting with the total energy of a
molecule at this height, i.e. its kinetic energy + its potential energy.
(i)
He finds that the potential energy of a mass m at distance r from the centre of
the Earth is given by GMm/r, where M is the mass of the Earth. Hence show
that the escape velocity is given by:
vesc =
2GM
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(2)
Page 4
(ii)
Show that the escape velocity for an oxygen molecule from this height is more
than 10 km s1.
Mass of Earth = 5.98 1024 kg
Radius of Earth = 6.37 106 m
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(2)
(iii)
Explain whether oxygen molecules are likely to escape.

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(1)
(Total 11 marks)
Page 5
4.
(a)
Describe how the concept of an absolute zero of temperature arises from

(i)
the ideal gas laws,

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(2)
(ii)
the kinetic model of an ideal gas.

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(2)
(b)
Name the temperature scale based on absolute zero.

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(1)
(c)
The oven of a cooker has a volume of 0.10 m3. The air in the oven is at normal
atmospheric pressure, 1.0 105 Pa.
(i)
Calculate the mass of air in the oven at 27 C.

1 mole of air has a mass of 0.029 kg.
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Mass of air = ..............................
(4)
Page 6
(ii)
When the oven is heated the pressure of the air in the oven stays at atmospheric
pressure but the density of the air changes. Calculate the ratio of the density of
air at 227 C to its density at 27 C.
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(3)
(Total 12 marks)
5.
Water molecules oscillate when stimulated by high-frequency electromagnetic waves. A

microwave oven heats food that contains water by forcing the water molecules to oscillate at
their resonant frequency f0.
(a)
Explain what is meant by resonance and suggest why the microwave frequency is
chosen to be about f0.
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(3)
(b)
A microwave oven is used to heat 1.2 kg of meat. The temperature of the meat
increases by 75 K in the first 10 minutes.
The power of the microwave source is 800 W.
Calculate the efficiency of the heating process during this time. Take the specific heat
capacity of the meat to be 3200 J kg1 K1.
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Efficiency = ..........................................
Page 7
Why does the temperature of the meat not continue to rise at this rate for the next
10 minutes?
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(4)
(Total 7 marks)
6.
The presence of people in a room warms the air in the room.

Use these figures to answer the questions below.
Mass of air in room
Number of people in room
Rate of thermal output from each person
Specific heat capacity of air
= 740 kg
= 27
= 80 W
= 960 J kg1 C1
Calculate the amount of thermal energy the people in the room are providing each second.
...............................................................................................................................................
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Amount of energy = ...............................................
(1)
During the first 40 minutes that the people are in the room no window is open. Show that the
temperature of the air might rise by about 7 C.
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(3)
Explain whether the actual rise in temperature (with no window open) is likely to be more or
less than your answer above.
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(2)
Page 8
The room can be maintained at a steady temperature by having a window open, so that warm
air from inside changes places with colder air from outside. The desired temperature
difference between the air inside and outside the room is 8 C.
Show that the air must be exchanged through the open window at a rate of about 0.3 kg s1 to
maintain this steady temperature difference within the room.
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(2)
Calculate how long it will take at this rate to exchange all the air in the room.
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Time = ...............................................
(1)
(Total 9 marks)
7.
A student about to fill a paddling pool for her younger brother noticed that the water left in
the hose-pipe had already been warmed by the sun. She carried out an experiment to find the
efficiency of this method of solar heating.
She cut a short length of hose-pipe and filled it with water from the cold tap. After taking the
initial temperature she plugged both ends and placed the hose-pipe in the sunlight. She
measured the temperature of the water at regular intervals for 1 hour during which time the
amount of sunlight was constant. The graph shows her results.
Page 9
30
Temperature / C
25
20
15
10
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Time / s
3000
3500
4000
Explain the shape of the graph.

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(2)
Use the graph to show that the initial rate of temperature increase was about 0.01 C s1.
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(3)
Hence calculate the maximum amount of thermal energy gained by the water in one second.
Mass of water in hose-pipe = 0.130 kg
Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg1 C1
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Energy gained per second = .........................................
(2)
Page 10
The area of hose-pipe exposed to the solar radiation was 0.015 m2. At the time of the
experiment the power delivered by the solar radiation to an area of 1.0 m2 was 500 W.
Calculate the initial efficiency of this process of heating water by solar energy.
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Efficiency = ............................................
(3)
The student noticed that she spilled a small amount of water each time she removed the
stopper to measure the temperature of the water. State and explain the effect this would have
on the calculated value of efficiency.
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(2)
(Total 12 marks)
8.
A scientist was investigating the effects of extreme pressure, as might be experienced deep in
the ocean. He used a polystyrene cup in his investigation and a total pressure of 3.5 107 Pa
was applied to it, squashing the cup.
The volume of the air in the cups polystyrene bubbles was originally 7 105 m3.
Calculate the new volume in the bubbles in the squashed cup.
Assume that the temperature remains constant.
Atmospheric pressure = 1.0 105 Pa.
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Volume = .......................................................
(3)
Page 11
State one other assumption made in the calculation above.

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(1)
In reality, the temperature drops when going down into the ocean from 25C at the surface to
10C at the depth modelled in the experiment. Calculate the percentage change in the
average kinetic energy of the air molecules as a result of this temperature change.
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(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 12
NUCLEAR DECAY:
1.
Recently, some old human skulls have been found in Mexico. Their age has been established
using radiocarbon, 14C, dating.
(a)
When a 14C nucleus decays, it emits a -particle. State how the composition of the
nucleus changes as a result of the decay.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
When examining a small sample of one of these old skulls, scientists found that
2.3 1011 % of the carbon was 14C, whereas in recent skulls this proportion is
1.0 1010 %.
(i)
Calculate the age of this old skull.
Half-life of 14C = 5730 years
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Age = ......................................
(3)
(ii)
Give one reason why the value you calculated above may be inaccurate.
...........................................................................................................................
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(1)
(iii)
Recent bones are dated using the decay of 210Pb, which has a half-life of 21
years.
Explain why 210Pb is more suitable than 14C for dating recent bones.
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(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Page 13
2.
As a beta-minus particle travels through air it causes ionisation.

(a)
Describe how the beta particle produces ionisation.

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(1)
(b)
Explain how the amount of ionisation determines a beta particles range in air.
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(3)
(c)
Explain why, towards the end of its range, a beta particle will ionise more molecules
per unit length than at the beginning of its range.
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)
3.
(a)
Radioactivity involves the spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable nuclei.

Explain the meaning of the words in italics as they apply to the process of
radioactivity.
Spontaneous ................................................................................................................
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Page 14
Radiation .....................................................................................................................
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Unstable .......................................................................................................................
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(3)
(b)
The graph shows how the activity of a sample of the radioisotope technetium, which is
used extensively in medicine, varies with time.
Activity 8
/107 Bq
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
(i)
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
Time/hours
24
Use the graph to determine the half-life of technetium.

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Half-life = .............................................
(2)
(ii)
Hence calculate the decay constant for technetium.

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Decay constant = .............................................
(1)
Page 15
(iii)
Determine the number of technetium atoms remaining in the sample after 24

hours.
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...........................................................................................................................
Number of atoms = ..............................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
4.
In April 1986 an explosion destroyed one of the reactors at Chernobyl Nuclear Power
Station. In the accident, radioisotopes were scattered over the surrounding area and many
were carried large distances by the wind. The contamination included isotopes of strontium,
iodine, caesium and plutonium.
Data on these isotopes are shown below:
Isotope
Proton number
Half-life
Particles emitted
38
28 years
53
8.1 days
134
Cs
55
2.1 years
137
Cs
30 years
239
Pu
24 000 years
240
Pu
6600 years
90
Sr
131
94
Fill in the missing proton numbers.

(1)
The fuel for the power station originally consisted of uranium (

(i)
235
92 U
and
238
92 U
).
Name the process which produced strontium and caesium.

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(ii)
Suggest how plutonium was formed in the nuclear reactor.

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(2)
Page 16
In June 1986, the area around the power station was still dangerously contaminated, with so
much 137Cs in the ground that it emitted 1.5 106 Bq m2. Calculate the emission rate which
would be recorded today from this same ground, stating any assumptions which you make.
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Emission rate = ...............................Bq m2
Assumption: ..
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(4)
Explain which of the scattered isotopes would no longer be of concern today.

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(2)
Some politicians say that the Chernobyl accident happened so long ago that it is no longer
dangerous to live in the area. Comment on this statement.
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(2)
(Total 11 marks)
5.
Radioactive isotopes emitting gamma radiation can be used to preserve food. The food is
exposed to the radiation which kills most of the bacteria that occur naturally.
Why is gamma radiation used in this process rather than alpha or beta?
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(1)
Page 17
The food is passed on a conveyor belt under a radiation source.
Gamma
source
Food
Conveyor belt
State two factors which control the amount of radiation reaching each item of food.
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(2)
A thick wall surrounds the irradiation room to prevent the radiation escaping. Suggest a
suitable material and thickness for this wall.
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(2)
Many consumers are worried about irradiated food, as they wrongly believe that this makes
it become radioactive. Food does, however, contain a small level of naturally occurring
radiation. Name something other than food that is also a source of natural radiation.
.................................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
6.
Carbon clock could show the wrong time

This was the headline of a news report in Physics Web in May 2001 about some stalagmites
found in a cave in the Bahamas.
Stalagmites are found in limestone caves and are long, thin rocks formed by the deposition of
calcium carbonate from solution. The stalagmites in the news report are a half-metre long.
They contain atoms of the radioactive isotope carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5730 years.
The decay of carbon-14 can be used to determine the age of objects. This process is called
radiocarbon dating.
In one part of the stalagmites,
255
of the carbon-14 atoms have decayed.
256
Page 18
Determine the age of this part of the stalagmite.

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Age = ....................................
(3)
Some parts were formed much more recently. How would this affect their carbon-14
concentration?
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(1)
However, scientists have found that the level of carbon-14 when the oldest parts of the
stalagmites were formed was twice the modern level. Discuss the effect on the validity of
radio-carbon dating.
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(3)
(Total 7 marks)
7.
An airport decides to use -radiation to examine luggage.

How are -rays dangerous to people?
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(2)
Suggest a material which could be used for the shielding of airport staff, and the minimum
thickness required.
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(2)
Page 19
Why is radiation not used to examine luggage?

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(1)
Explain why air travellers are exposed to increased doses of background radiation.
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(2)
(Total 7 marks)
8.
The Huygens/Cassini space mission to Titan, a moon of Saturn, left the Earth amid a storm
of protest. The protest was about its nuclear-powered battery which contained plutonium238, an alpha emitter. Before launch in 1997, a newspaper article read
PLUTONIUM PROBE PERIL
NASA is going to send up a space probe with 70 pounds of deadly
plutonium on board. The probe is going to be launched using a Titan
IV rocket the same type of rocket that blew up over the Pacific
Ocean just 4 years ago in 1993.
Plutonium is so deadly that just one pound of it, spread through the
Earths atmosphere, could cause lung cancer in every person on Earth!
Less than one millionth of a gram of it is a deadly dose.
In plutonium-238, what does 238 mean?
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(1)
Why did the plutonium source cause concern?

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(1)
Page 20
The half-life of plutonium-238 is 88 years and, at launch, the source contained 7.2 1025
atoms. Show that the activity of the plutonium source, at the time of launch, was about
2 1016 Bq.
(1 year = 3.16 107 s)
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(3)
Each plutonium nucleus releases 5.6 MeV when it decays. Calculate the power (in watts)
delivered by the plutonium at the time of the rocket launch.
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Power = .............................................................
(3)
The textbooks say that nuclear decay is a random process. Explain whether this means that
there is some doubt that the power can be relied upon.
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(1)
What percentage of the power at launch will still be available 10 years after the launch?
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Percentage = ......................................................
(2)
Page 21
Suggest why plutonium was chosen for this mission.

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(1)
(Total 12 marks)
9.
A radioactive source contains barium-140. The initial activity of the source is 6.4 108 Bq.
Its decay constant is 0.053 day1.
Calculate the half-life in days of barium-140.
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Half-life = .............................................. days
Calculate the initial number of barium-140 nuclei present in the source.
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Number of nuclei = .......................................
(4)
The graph below represents radioactive decay. Add a suitable scale to each axis, so that the
graph correctly represents the decay of this barium source.
Activity
Time
A radium-226 source has the same initial activity as the barium-140 source. Its half-life is
1600 years. On the same axes sketch a graph to show how the activity of the radium source
would vary over the same period.
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 22
10.
(i)
Define the term binding energy.

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.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Use the following data to show that the binding energy of carbon-14 is approximately
100 MeV.
Masses:
14
6C
nucleus =
14.003 24 u
1
1p
1.007 28 u
1
0n
1.008 67 u
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(4)
(iii)
The binding energy of carbon-12 is 89 MeV. Hence determine which of these two
carbon isotopes is more stable.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
11.
The Joint European Torus (JET) was a nuclear fusion experiment near Oxford in England.
JET was the first experiment to produce a controlled nuclear fusion reaction.
(a)
Describe the process of nuclear fusion.

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(2)
Page 23
(b)
Explain why it is difficult to maintain the conditions for nuclear fusion in a reactor.
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(2)
(c)
The nuclei which fused were two isotopes of hydrogen. Why should the fusing of
hydrogen nuclei release energy?
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)
12.
Fission of 235U (uranium-235) nuclei is used to provide the energy to heat the core of a
nuclear reactor.
A typical fission reaction is given in the equation
235
92 U
1
0
n 111
44 Ru +
122
48
Cd + 3 01 n + energy
Write down the number of protons and neutrons in the isotope of cadmium produced, 122Cd.
Protons ........................................................ Neutrons ........................................................
(2)
Describe briefly the process which occurs in a fission reaction.

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(3)
Page 24
The fission of one 235U nucleus in the equation above releases 3.2 1011 J of energy.
Calculate the change in mass which occurs in this reaction.
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(2)
A nuclear power station, which uses the fission of 235U nuclei, generates 660 MW of
electrical power and is 30% efficient. Calculate the number of fissions required each second
to produce this power.
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Number of fissions per second = ....................................
(2)
This number of atoms has a mass of less than a gram. Give two reasons why it is necessary
to have a lot more fuel than this in a nuclear reactor.
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(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Page 25
13.
Nuclear power stations use the fission of uranium-235 to produce thermal energy. The
simplified graph below can be used to explain energy transformation by nuclear fission
10
Binding energy
per nucleon / Me V
50
100
150
200
250
Nucleon number
Use the graph to estimate the binding energy (in eV) of a nucleus of uranium-235.
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Binding energy = ....................................... eV
(2)
When a uranium-235 nucleus undergoes fission, two smaller nuclei are formed, each with
about half the number of nucleons.
Show that the energy released in the fission of one nucleus of uranium-235 is about
4 1011 J.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
Page 26
1.0 kg of uranium-235 contains 2.6 1024 nuclei.

Calculate the energy released by the fission of 1.0 kg of uranium-235.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
Energy = ........................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
14.
The equations below represent a typical fission and a typical fusion reaction.
235
92
U 01 n 138
55 Cs
96
37
Rb X 01 n
3
2
He 23 He 42 He Z p
State the values of X and Z for the two nuclear equations above.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
X = ...................................
Z = ...................................
(2)
Write a short account of the physics of nuclear fission and fusion explaining the similarities
and differences between them.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 27
Clamp
OSCILLATIONS
Spring
1.
A motion sensor, connected through a data logger to a

computer, is used to study the simple harmonic motion
of a mass on a spring.
Motion
Mass
The data logger records how the height h of the mass

above the sensor varies with the time t. The computer
calculates the velocity v and acceleration a and displays
graphs of h, v and a against t. Idealised graphs of h and
a for two cycles are shown below.
To data logger
and computer
Motion
sensor
h / m 1.1
0.9
0.7
0
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
2.4
t/s
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
2.4
t/s
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
2.4
t/s
a / m s 2 5.0
5.0
v / m s 2
Page 28
(a)
(i)
Determine the amplitude and frequency of the motion.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
Amplitude = ........................................ Frequency = ........................................
(2)
(ii)
Show that the maximum velocity of the mass is approximately 0.9 m s1.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii) Complete the above set of graphs by sketching the velocity-time graph for the
same interval.
(2)
(b)
(i)
Define simple harmonic motion.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Describe how you would use data from the graphs of h and a against t to check
that the motion of the mass was simple harmonic. (Note that you are not
required to actually carry out the check.)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)
Page 29
2.
When a person walks across a suspended footbridge, the bridge can oscillate with increasing
amplitude.
(a)
Name the effect which causes this and state the condition needed for the amplitude to
increase in this situation.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
In November 1940, the wind caused some alarming movement and twisting of the
road bridge over Tacoma Narrows in the United States. The amplitude of the
oscillations became so large that cars were abandoned on the bridge.
(i)
Why can these oscillations be described as forced?

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
The vertical oscillations of the bridge can be modelled using the equations of
simple harmonic motion. Calculate the maximum acceleration of the bridge
when it was oscillating 38 times per minute and the amplitude of its oscillations
was 0.90 m.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
Maximum acceleration = .........................................
(2)
(iii) Use this value to explain why any car abandoned on the bridge would lose
contact with the roads surface at a certain point in the oscillation. Identify this
point.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 30
3.
Buildings situated close to railway lines should be constructed in a manner which minimises
noise and vibrations from passing trains.
(a)
Vibrations could cause parts of the building to resonate. Describe the meaning of the
word resonate in this context.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Some buildings, which are subject to vibrations, are constructed on springs.

(i)
Suggest how springs could prevent these buildings from vibrating.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
It is said that such buildings would also suffer less damage in the event of an
earthquake. Comment on this statement.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
4.
The oscillations of a child on a swing are approximately simple harmonic. State the
conditions which are needed for simple harmonic motion.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Why is the childs motion only approximately simple harmonic?

...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 31
The child completes six oscillations of amplitude 1.2 m in 20 s.

(i)
Calculate the period and the frequency of the oscillations.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Period = .....................................
(ii)
Frequency = ..................................................
The quantity in the equations for simple harmonic motion is defined as 2f, where f
is the frequency of the oscillations. Calculate for these oscillations.
.....................................................................................................................................
= ....................................................................
(iii)
Calculate the childs acceleration when the displacement is maximum.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Acceleration = ..................................................
(5)
Explain how pushing a child on a swing can be an example of resonance.

...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Page 32
5.
Below are some examples of oscillations. For each, state with a reason whether the motion is
simple harmonic or not.
Oscillation
SHM
or
Reason
Mass on end of a spring
.....................
....................................................................
Child jumping up and

down
.....................
....................................................................
Vibrating guitar string
.....................
....................................................................
(Total 4 marks)
Page 33
6.
Londons Millennium Walkway Bridge across the River Thames was opened in January
2000.
When it was opened, it swayed alarmingly when people walked across.

An engineer commented The movement of the people walking is forcing the bridge into
worryingly large oscillations. We will need to either stiffen it by welding more steel onto the
structure or damp the oscillations using small weights suspended from the bridge. These
weights can be controlled so that they oscillate out of phase cancelling out the bridges
motion. (Based on an article in the New Scientist, no. 2243)
Explain each of the engineers comments, outlining the physics principles involved.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(Total 7 marks)
Page 34
7.
A mass oscillating on a spring, is an example of simple harmonic motion.

State the conditions required for simple harmonic motion to occur.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
The graph shows how the potential energy varies with displacement for a particular mass and
spring,
Potential
Energy / J
20
15
10
2
4
Displacement / cm
On the same axes draw a graph showing how the total energy of the mass-spring system
varies with displacement, assuming no energy loss.
(1)
Use the graph to calculate

(i)
the kinetic energy of the mass when the displacement is 2.0 cm,
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Page 35
(ii)
the stiffness, k, of the spring.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 8 marks)
8.
The speaker shown below is used to produce the bass notes in a music system.
The cone moves with simple harmonic motion and it emits a single-frequency sound of 100 Hz.
When it is producing a loud sound, the cone moves through a maximum distance of 2.0 mm.
The equation that mathematically describes the displacement of the cone is
x = 1.0 103 cos 628 t.
Show that the data for this speaker lead to the numbers in the equation above.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Calculate
(i)
the maximum acceleration of the cone

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
Maximum acceleration = ........................................................
Page 36
(ii)
the maximum speed of the cone

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
Maximum speed = ........................................................

(3)
On the grid below sketch the acceleration-time graph for two cycles of vibration of this
speaker cone used under these conditions. Add suitable numerical scales to the two axes.
Acceleration
Time
(3)
Explain why designers ensure that bass speakers have a natural frequency of oscillation
much greater than 100 Hz.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Page 37
ASTROPHYSICS & COSMOLOGY
1.*
For most of its life (11 billion years) the Sun will burn hydrogen in its core. A chemistry
student might use the word burn to describe a chemical reaction involving oxygen.
Explain fully the meaning of the word burn when used in astrophysics to describe what
happens in the core of a star.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(Total 4 marks)
2.
(i)
Near the end of its life the Sun will decrease in size and become a white dwarf.
State two other ways in which this type of star differs from the Sun as it is today.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Describe what will eventually become of a white dwarf star.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Page 38
3.
A physics teacher uses a simple model to illustrate the behaviour of the Universe. A long
elastic cord, clamped at one end P, has knots Q, R, S and T tied in it at equal intervals.
Initially the cord is straight but unstretched with the knots 0.50 m apart, as shown in part A
of the diagram.
A
(t = 0)
P
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
B
(t = 0.5 s)
P
0.0
2.5
3.0
Distance / m
The teacher grasps knot T and pulls it away from P at a steady speed of 0.80 m s1. The cord
stretches uniformly.
(a)
(i)
On part B of the diagram, mark the position of knot T after 0.50 s.
(ii)
Hence complete part B by marking the positions of knots Q, R and S after 0.50 s.
(2)
(b)
Explain how this model represents the Universe and its behaviour.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Using values taken from the diagram, show how the model illustrates Hubbles law.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
Page 39
(d)
State two ways in which this demonstration is not a good model of the Universe.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
4.
On a line between the Earth and the Sun is a point P where the gravitational field strength of
the Sun is equal and opposite to that of the Earth. Point P is a distance R from the centre of
the Sun and a distance r from the centre of the Earth.
P
Sun
Earth
Not to
scale
R
The mass of the Sun is MS. The mass of the Earth is ME. The gravitational constant is G.
(a)
Using the symbols given, write down an expression for

(i)
the gravitational field strength of the Sun at point P

...........................................................................................................................
(ii)
the gravitational field strength of the Earth at point P.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
The mass of the Sun is 2.0 1030 kg. The mass of the Earth is 6.0 1024 kg.
(i)
Show that the ratio of R to r is about 600:1.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
Page 40
(ii)
Hence find the value of r, given that the distance from the centre of the Earth to
the centre of the Sun is 1.5 108 km.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
r = .......................................
(2)
(c)
SOHO, a satellite that monitors the Sun, is positioned at a point on the line between
the Earth and the Sun. The gravitational forces acting on it keep it in the same relative
position, orbiting the Sun at the same rate as the Earth.
On the diagram opposite, mark with a letter L a possible position for SOHO.
With reference to the circular motion of SOHO, explain how you decided on the
position of L. You are not expected to perform any calculations.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)
5.*
A star of mass 30 M has a lot more fuel available than our Sun. A student suggests
that this star should therefore spend longer than the Sun on the main sequence.
Criticise this statement.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(Total 4 marks)
Page 41
6.
A line in the hydrogen spectrum from a laboratory source has a wavelength of 656 nm.
(a)
In the spectrum of light received from a distant galaxy X, this line appears at a
wavelength of 684 nm. Calculate the speed of recession of galaxy X.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Speed = .............................................................
(3)
(b)
A second galaxy Y is twice as far from the Earth as galaxy X. At what wavelength
would you expect the same line to appear in the spectrum of light received from Y?
Explain your reasoning.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Wavelength = ....................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
7.
(a)
A brown dwarf is a star-like object that is composed of hydrogen but has insufficient
mass to become a main sequence star. Explain, in terms of nuclear fusion, why stars
need to exceed a certain minimum mass to join the main sequence. You may be
awarded a mark for the clarity of your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
Page 42
(b)
The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram shows the luminosity of a star plotted against its
temperature.
10 4
10 2
L/L
10 0
10 2
10 4
40 000
20 000
10 000
5000
2500
T /K
(i)
Both scales of the diagram are logarithmic. State what is meant by logarithmic.
Illustrate your answer by referring to the numerical values on the temperature
axis.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Add to the graph to indicate

1)
a low mass star which is on the main sequence, marking this point L
2)
the area where white dwarf stars occur, marking this area W
3)
the region where red giant stars occur, marking this area R
4)
the position of the Sun, marking this point S.

(4)
(Total 10 marks)
8.
Communication satellites are often placed in geostationary orbit. The speed v of a

geostationary satellite is given by the expression
v = r
where r is the radius of the orbit.
(a)
A student calculates that has the numerical value of 7.27 105. Show how he
arrives at this figure.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Page 43
State the unit of .

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
Hence, or otherwise, calculate the height of such satellites above the Earths surface,
given that the Earth has a mass of 5.98 1024 kg and a radius of 6.38 106 m.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Height above Earths surface = ................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)
9.
Meteosat is a weather satellite which is in a geostationary orbit around the Earth, i.e. it stays
above the same point on the Earths surface all the time.
The radius r of the geostationary orbit is given by
3
r =
GMT 2
4 2
where T is the time for one orbit of the satellite.

(a)
The mass and speed of the satellite do not appear in the above equation. Explain
whether a satellite could remain in geostationary orbit with
(i)
a greater mass.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(ii)
a greater speed.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
Page 44
(b)
Explain why a satellite has to be over the equator to remain in a geostationary orbit.
You may use the diagram to help your explanation.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
10.
(a)
Edwin Hubble examined the relationship between the recessional speed of galaxies, v,
and their distance, d, from Earth. The graph shows the best-fit line for his results.
80
Recessional
speed
v / 10 3 km s 1
60
40
20
2.0
4.0
Distance d / 10 9 ly
6.0
Page 45
(i)
Use the graph to determine a value for the Hubble constant, H, in sl. Show your
working.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
Hubble constant = ..........................................s1
(4)
(ii)
What is the main source of uncertainty in the value of H?

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Explain how the Hubble constant provides us with an estimate for the age of the
Universe, t.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c) Briefly explain how the value of the average mass-energy density of the Universe will
determine whether the Universe is open or closed.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Page 46
11.
The table shows the properties of three main sequence stars.
Star
Luminosity/L
Surface
temperature/K
Cen B
0.53
5250
Sirius A
26
9230
Cas
930 000
29 500
State which star would

(i)
have the greatest mass ................................................................................................
(ii)
spend the greatest time on main sequence ..................................................................

(2)
The luminosity of the Sun is 3.9 1026W. Calculate the luminosity of Sirius A.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Show that the area of Sirius A is approximately 2.5 1019 m2.

...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Hence calculate the diameter of Sirius A.

...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Page 47
12.
State three differences between white dwarf stars and red giant stars. One of your answers
should be numerical.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
2 ...................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
3 ...................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
What determines whether a neutron star will be formed from a supernova?

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
13.
(a)
What is meant by the Doppler effect (electromagnetic Doppler effect) when applied to
light?
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Edwin Hubble reached a number of conclusions as a result of observations and

measurements of red-shift. State two of these conclusions.
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
The diagram gives values of wavelength for part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Wavelength/ 109 m
200
300
UV
400
500
600
Visible
700
IR
Page 48
A very hot distant galaxy emits violet light just at the edge of the visible spectrum.
Estimate the maximum velocity the galaxy could have so that visible light could still
be detected as it moves away from the Earth.
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
(4)
(d)
The fate of the Universe is dependent on the average mass-energy density of the
Universe. What is meant by the critical density of the Universe?
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
14.
(a)
(i)
State Newtons law for the gravitational force between point masses.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Use this law to show that the gravitational field strength g at a distance r from
the centre of the Earth, where r is greater than or equal to the radius R of the
Earth, is given by
g=
GM
r2
where M is the mass of the Earth.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 49
(iii) Use the axes below to plot a graph to show how g varies as the distance r
increases from its minimum value of R to a value of 4R.
Gravitational
field strength
g
3g / 4
g/2
g/4
2R
3R
4R
Distance from centre of Earth

(3)
(b)
(i)
When a satellite, which travels in a circular orbit around the Earth, moves to a
different orbit the change in its gravitational potential energy can be calculated
using the idea of equipotential surfaces. What is an equipotential surface?
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Add to the diagram below three equipotential surfaces which have equal
changes of potential between them.
Earth
(2)
Page 50
(c)
The change in the gravitational potential energy of the satellite when it moves to a
different orbit might be calculated using the expression
weight of satellite change in height.
(i)
What condition must apply for this to be valid?

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(ii)
Explain your answer.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
15.
(a)
On the axes below sketch a graph showing how the intensity I of a star varies with
distance D from the star.
I
0
0
(2)
Give two reasons why measurements of a stars intensity are often made from above
the Earths atmosphere.
1.
...........................................................................................................................
2.
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
Page 51
(b)
The graph shows the energy distribution in the spectra of two stars Car and And.
And
Relative
emitted
power
Car
200
400
600
800 1000 1200 1400

9
Wavelength / 10 m
visible
What can be deduced about the colours of the two stars from the graph?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
Estimate the surface temperature of And.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
The luminosity of Car is 2.0 1028 W and it has a surface temperature of 9300 K.
Calculate the surface area of Car.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
By comparing the areas under the two graphs, estimate the luminosity of And.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)
Page 52
16.* Explain what is meant by a main sequence star.

...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
Outline the life story of a white dwarf star starting from when it was a main sequence star.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(4)
What determines whether or not a main sequence star eventually becomes a white dwarf?
Quantify your answer.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
17.
Two stars, Deneb and Vega, are similar in colour. What can be deduced about the surface
temperatures of the two stars? Explain your answer.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
The table gives some information about the two stars.

Star
Luminosity/W
Distance from Earth/m
Deneb
2.5 1031
1.5 1019
Vega
1.9 1028
2.3 1017
Page 53
Which star has the greater surface area? Justify your answer.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
Which star will have the higher intensity and therefore appear brighter as seen from the
Earth? Show all your working.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 9 marks)
18.
Stars much more massive than the Sun may become supernovae. How do astronomers
recognise a supernova?
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
How is a supernova formed? You may be awarded a mark for the clarity of your answer.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 54
19.
What force holds our Sun together?

...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
Explain how the nuclear processes within the Sun are able to release energy.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
At the end of the Suns life, when energy can no longer be released in this manner, theory
predicts that the Sun will become a larger star, of about the same mass, called a red giant.
How will this change affect the Suns gravitational pull on an outer planet? Explain your
reasoning.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
20.
Use Wiens law to explain why these giant stars look red compared with their appearance
when they were on the main sequence.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Use Stefans law to explain why a red giant has greater luminosity than when it was a main
sequence star.
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...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 55
21.
Jupiter is the most massive planet in our Solar System. The diagram shows the orbits of the
Earth and Jupiter around the Sun.
Orbit of
Jupiter
E
S
E = Earth
S = Sun
Not to scale
On the diagram
(i)
mark the position of Jupiter at which it has maximum gravitational effect on the Earth,
(ii)
draw labelled arrows on E to show the directions of the gravitational fields of Jupiter
and the Sun.
(2)
Venus (our nearest neighbour in space) is about 400 times less massive than Jupiter, but, at
its nearest, is 15 times closer. Calculate the maximum value of the ratio
gravitational field strengthat theEarth due to Venus

gravitational field strengthat theEarth due to Jupiter
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Page 56
22.
Read the short passage below and answer the questions about it.
In a simple binary system two stars move in circular orbits of different radii about a
common centre. The two stars take the same time T to complete one revolution. If the
binary system is viewed more or less edge-on the stars periodically pass in front of one
another, reducing the amount of light that reaches us. Such a system is called an
eclipsing binary and can be detected from its light curve, which is a plot showing how
the observed light intensity varies with time. Once the orbital period T has been
determined the total mass M of the binary system can be calculated from the
relationship M = 42d3 / GT2 where d is the sum of the radii and G is the gravitational
constant.
[Adapted from TRUMP Astrophysics Project]
Explain the meaning of the term binary system.

...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
The light curve for an eclipsing binary consisting of a small very bright star and a much
larger star is shown below. The system is being viewed edge-on. Diagrams B and D (not to
scale) show the relative positions of the small and large star at two times between the dips in
the light curve.
Light
intensity
12
16
20
24
Time/
hours
Complete diagrams A, C and E to show the positions of the small bright star at the times of
the dips in the light curve.
(2)
Page 57
Explain why the dip in the curve at A is smaller than the dip at C.
...............................................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Estimate the orbital period of this binary.

...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
Approximately how long does it take the small star to cross the disc of the larger one?
...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
On the light curve above show how the observed light intensity varies with time when this
system is viewed perpendicular to the plane of the orbits.
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Page 58
23.
In 1994 the comet Shoemaker-Levy approached the planet Jupiter on a collision course.
Just before the collision, the comet consisted of at least 17 separate fragments as shown in
the picture.
All the fragments had originally been combined in a single comet with a diameter of 9 km.
Comets like this are made of ice with trapped dust and gas and have a typical density of
500 kg m3.
Show that the minimum mass for the original comet which formed Shoemaker-Levy was
about 2 1014 kg.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
As a single comet, Shoemaker-Levy had previously approached Jupiter in 1992. At its

closest, the near side of the comet was 96 000 km from the centre of Jupiter. At this near side
of the comet, Jupiters gravitational field strength was 13.7458 N kg1.
Calculate Jupiters gravitational field strength at the far side of the comet.
(Mass of Jupiter = 1.8987 1027 kg.
G, gravitational constant = 6.6720 1011 N m2 kg2).
...............................................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(3)
Page 59
Explain why the comet broke apart as it passed Jupiter in 1992.

...............................................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
State one difference and one similarity between gravitational fields and electric fields.
Difference ............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
Similarity ..............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
24.
The Cassini spacecraft was launched from Earth in 1997 and is expected to reach Titan, one
of Saturns moons, in 2004. Cassinis energy at launch was insufficient for it to reach Titan
without assistance from the gravitational pull of planets like Venus and Jupiter. The diagram
shows the path of Cassini past Venus. Cassini is at its closest approach, just 284 km from the
surface of Venus.
Orbit of Venus
NOT TO SCALE
Path of
Cassini
Write an expression for the magnitude of the gravitational force on Cassini at a distance r
from the centre of Venus.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 60
Hence derive an expression for the gravitational field strength at a distance r from the centre
of Venus.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Calculate the maximum acceleration of Cassini caused by Venus.

Mass of Venus = 4.87 1024 kg
Radius of Venus = 6100 km
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
Maximum acceleration = ..........................................
(3)
State and explain the effect of this acceleration on the velocity of Cassini at its closest
distance to Venus.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(2)
Communications between Earth and Cassini are by microwaves using a frequency of

7.2 GHz. As the spacecraft approached Jupiter its speed away from the Earth was 12 m s1.
Calculate the percentage change in frequency of the microwaves received by Cassini from
Earth.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
Percentage change = ............................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Page 61
25*. The Doppler shift may be used in the study of distant galaxies. Explain what is meant by a
Doppler shift and how it is used to deduce the motion of distant galaxies.
...............................................................................................................................................
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(5)
The graph shows the variation of the size S of an open universe against time t.
Size of
universe,
S
Now
Big
bang
Time
On the same axes, sketch a second graph showing how S varies with t for a closed universe.
(1)
It can be shown that the Universe is closed if its density exceeds a critical value .
This is determined from the Hubble constant H using
= kH2
where k is a known constant.
Page 62
Outline the experimental difficulties in determining accurately.

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...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
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(3)
(Total 9 marks)
26.
Discuss the ultimate fate of the Universe. Your answer should include reference to dark
matter and the reason why the fate of the Universe is uncertain.
...............................................................................................................................................
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(Total 6 marks)
Page 63

Revision Unit 5

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Revision Unit 5

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THERMAL ENERGY:

What is meant by the absolute zero of temperature?

The Football Association rules require a football to have a maximum volume of

A football is also required to have a minimum pressure 0.6 105 Pa above

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

Done by: Nidal Al Halabi

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

Done by: Nidal Al Halabi

Explain why he might expect it to take longer.

State the meanings of the other symbols used in the equation.

What physical quantity does each side of the equation represent?

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Explain whether oxygen molecules are likely to escape.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Describe how the concept of an absolute zero of temperature arises from

the ideal gas laws,

the kinetic model of an ideal gas.

Name the temperature scale based on absolute zero.

Calculate the mass of air in the oven at 27 C.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

Done by: Nidal Al Halabi

Water molecules oscillate when stimulated by high-frequency electromagnetic waves. A

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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The presence of people in a room warms the air in the room.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Explain the shape of the graph.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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State one other assumption made in the calculation above.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Calculate the age of this old skull.

Half-life of 14C = 5730 years

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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As a beta-minus particle travels through air it causes ionisation.

Describe how the beta particle produces ionisation.

Radioactivity involves the spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable nuclei.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Use the graph to determine the half-life of technetium.

Hence calculate the decay constant for technetium.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Determine the number of technetium atoms remaining in the sample after 24

Fill in the missing proton numbers.

The fuel for the power station originally consisted of uranium (

Name the process which produced strontium and caesium.

Suggest how plutonium was formed in the nuclear reactor.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Explain which of the scattered isotopes would no longer be of concern today.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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The food is passed on a conveyor belt under a radiation source.

Carbon clock could show the wrong time

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Determine the age of this part of the stalagmite.

An airport decides to use -radiation to examine luggage.

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

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Why is radiation not used to examine luggage?

Why did the plutonium source cause concern?

Physics: Unit 5 Revision Exercises.

Done by: Nidal Al Halabi