PHYSICS PART I QUESTIONS

Q1. (a). What is a dimensionless quantity?

(b). The friction force, f between a box of mass, m and a table is given by
f = µ mg.
Where g is the acceleration due to gravity. Show that the coefficient of friction, µ is
dimensionless.
Q2. a. Define spring constant, k of a spring
b. A helical spring is stretched by an amount e under a constant force, F. Show that the
energy stored in the spring depend only on k and e.
Q3. a. What is a laser
b. state two uses of a laser beam
Q4. a. State one application of a magnet in each of the following areas of activity
(i) Exploration and Navigation;
(ii) Industry and Construction sites;
(iii) Medical.

Q5. Draw a section of a fibre optic cable showing:

a. The core
b. The cladding
c. Signal transmission through it
Q6. a. What is a parking orbit?
b. state the uses of a geostationary satellite.

PART II
Q8 a. Explain the term moment of force
b. A uniform metal tube of length 10 m and mass 100 kg is suspended horizontally by two
flexible cords attached at 100 cm and 300 cm respectively from the ends of the tube. Find
the tension in each of the cords (g = 10 ms-2)
c. (i) with the aid of a diagram explain two types of equilibrium
(ii) state two examples of couple
d. A uniform cylindrical object with height 0.8 m and base diameter 0.4 m is placed on
an incline plane. If the plane makes an angle Ɵ with the horizontal such that it is just
enough to make the object topple, calculate the value of Ɵ.
Q9. a. Explain the statement the ‘‘linear expansivity of a body is 3.0 x 10-9 k -1
b. explain why power lines are always connected in sag.
c. An iron tyre of diameter 60 cm, at 200C is to be shrunk onto a wheel of diameter 60.45 cm.
If the tyre is to be heated to a temperature T so as to slip over the wheel, calculate T. (Linear
expansivity of iron = 1.2 x 10-5 k-1)
d. state two merits each of:
(i) thermoelectric thermometer
(ii) constant volume of gas thermometer
 PART I- ANSWERS
Q1.
(a) A dimensionless quantity is a physical quantity that does not have any unit associated with
it. In other words, it is a pure number without any dimension.

(b) To show that the coefficient of friction, μ, is dimensionless, we can analyse the
dimensions of the equation:

f = μ mg

Where:

f is the friction force (measured in Newtons, N)

μ is the coefficient of friction (dimensionless)

m is the mass of the box (measured in kilograms, kg)

g is the acceleration due to gravity (measured in meters per second squared, m/s²)

Let's analyse the dimensions of each term:

Friction force, f, has the dimension of

[Force] = [M][L][T]⁻² = [N]

Mass, m, has the dimension of

[Mass] = [M]

Acceleration due to gravity, g, has the dimension of

[Acceleration] = [L][T]⁻² = [m/s²]

Substituting these dimensions into the equation, we get:

[f] = [μ][m][g]

[N] = [dimensionless][kg][m/s²]

Simplifying the right-hand side, we can see that the dimensions of mass and acceleration
cancel out, leaving only a dimensionless quantity:

[N] = [dimensionless]
Q2.

(a) Definition of spring constant, k:

The spring constant, k, is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It represents the force
required to stretch or compress the spring by a unit distance. In other words, the spring
constant is the ratio of the force applied to a spring to the resulting displacement or
deformation of the spring.

The mathematical expression for the spring constant is:

k=F/e

Where:

k is the spring constant (measured in Newtons per meter, N/m)

F is the force applied to the spring (measured in Newtons, N)

e is the displacement or deformation of the spring (measured in meters, m)

The higher the spring constant, the stiffer the spring, and the more force is required to
produce a given displacement.

(b) Derivation of the energy stored in a spring:

Consider a helical spring that is stretched by an amount e under a constant force, F.

The work done in stretching the spring is equal to the energy stored in the spring. The work
done is the product of the force and the displacement:

Work done = F × e

Substituting the expression for the spring constant,

k = F / e, we get:

Work done = (k × e²) / 2

The energy stored in the spring is given by the formula:

Energy stored = (1/2) × k × e²

This equation demonstrates that the energy stored in the spring is proportional to the square
of the displacement and the spring constant, and is independent of any other factors
Therefore, the coefficient of friction, μ, is a dimensionless quantity.

Q3.

(a) What is a laser?

A laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a device that emits a

highly coherent, monochromatic, and unidirectional beam of light. The key characteristics of
a laser beam are: Coherence, Monochromaticity, Directionality.

(b) Two uses of a laser beam:

1. Optical communication:

Lasers are widely used in fiber-optic communication systems, where they transmit data over
long distances through fiber-optic cables with minimal signal loss and high bandwidth.

2. Medical applications:

Lasers are used in various medical procedures, such as: Laser surgery (e.g., LASIK), Laser
therapy etc.

Q4.

(a) Applications of magnets in different areas of activity:

(i) Exploration and Navigation:

 Compass needles: Magnets are used in compass needles, which are essential for
navigation and orientation, particularly in areas without reliable GPS signals, such as
at sea or in dense forests.

(ii) Industry and Construction sites:

 Lifting and moving heavy materials: Powerful electromagnets are used in cranes
and other lifting equipment to safely and efficiently move large, heavy objects, such
as steel beams or scrap metal, in industrial and construction settings.

(iii) Medical:

 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Powerful superconducting magnets are the

key component in MRI machines, which are widely used in medical diagnostics to
 produce detailed images of the human body's internal structures without the use of
ionizing radiation.

Q6.

(a) What is a parking orbit?

A parking orbit, also known as a transfer orbit or intermediate orbit, is a temporary orbital
path that a spacecraft or satellite takes before reaching its final operational orbit.

The key characteristics of a parking orbit are: Intermediate step, Temporary position and
Circular or elliptical.

(b) Uses of a geostationary satellite:

Geostationary satellites are satellites that orbit the Earth at an altitude of approximately
35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth's surface, with an orbital period that
matches the Earth's rotation. This allows the satellite to remain stationary relative to a fixed
point on the Earth's surface.

Some key uses of geostationary satellites include:

 Telecommunications: Geostationary satellites are widely used for various

telecommunications applications, such as satellite television, radio broadcasting,
internet connectivity, and global phone networks.
 Weather monitoring: Geostationary weather satellites provide continuous
observation of weather patterns and cloud cover over large regions, enabling
improved weather forecasting and monitoring of severe weather events.
 Earth observation: Geostationary satellites can continuously monitor the Earth's
surface, atmosphere, and various environmental phenomena, supporting applications
like climate research, disaster management, and resource monitoring.
 Navigation and positioning: Geostationary satellites can be used as part of global
navigation satellite systems (GNSS), providing positioning, navigation, and timing
services for various applications, such as GPS.
 Military and security: Geostationary satellites can be used for military
communications, intelligence gathering, and missile detection, contributing to
national security and defense.

.
 PART II-ANSWERS
Q8.
(a) Moment of force:
The moment of force, also known as the torque, is a measure of the tendency of a force to
cause rotational motion about a specific point or axis. It is the product of the force and the
perpendicular distance (lever arm) between the line of action of the force and the axis of
rotation.

Mathematically, the moment of force (M) is defined as:

M=F×d
Where:
F is the force applied (in Newtons, N)
d is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force (in
meters, m)
The moment of force has the unit of Newton-meter (N·m) and represents the rotational effect
of the force about the axis of rotation.
(b) Tension in the cords:
Given:
Length of the metal tube: 10 m
Mass of the metal tube: 100 kg
Distance from one end of the tube to the first cord: 100 cm (1 m)
Distance from one end of the tube to the second cord: 300 cm (3 m)
Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 m/s²
Let's define the tension in the first cord as T1 and the tension in the second cord as T2.
Using the principle of equilibrium:
∑ Vertical forces = 0
T1 + T2 = mg
Using the moment of force about the midpoint of the tube:
∑ Moments = 0
T1 × 1 = T2 × 3
Solving the equations:
T1 = 300 N
T2 = 700 N
Therefore, the tension in the first cord is 300 N, and the tension in the second cord is 700 N.
(c) (i) Types of equilibrium:
With the help of a diagram, the two types of equilibrium can be explained as follows:

 Stable equilibrium:
 In this state, the object is in a state of equilibrium, and any small disturbance will
cause the object to return to its original position.
 Diagram: An object resting at the bottom of a bowl or a pendulum at its lowest
point.
 Unstable equilibrium:
 In this state, the object is in a state of equilibrium, but any small disturbance
will cause the object to move away from its original position.
 Diagram: An object resting at the bottom of a bowl or a pendulum at its lowest
point.
(c) (ii) Examples of couples:
Two examples of couples are:
 A pair of equal and opposite forces acting on a rigid body, but not along the same line
of action.
 A pair of equal and opposite torques acting on a rigid body.
(d) Angle of the incline plane:
Given:
 Height of the cylindrical object: 0.8 m
 Diameter of the cylindrical object: 0.4 m
To find the angle of the incline plane, θ, where the object just begins to topple, we can use the
principle of equilibrium and the concept of the center of mass.
At the point of toppling, the center of mass of the object is directly above the edge of the
base.
The angle of the incline plane, θ, can be calculated as:
tan(θ) = (diameter of the base) / (height of the object)
tan(θ) = 0.4 m / 0.8 m
θ = 26.57 degrees
Therefore, the angle of the incline plane at which the cylindrical object just begins to topple
is approximately 26.57 degrees.

Q9.

(a) Explanation of linear expansivity:

The linear expansivity, also known as the coefficient of linear thermal expansion, is a
measure of the fractional change in the length of a material per unit change in temperature.

The statement "the linear expansivity of a body is 3.0 × 10^-9 K^-1" means that for every 1
kelvin (K) increase in temperature, the length of the body increases by 3.0 × 10^-9 times its
original length.
Mathematically, the linear expansivity (α) is defined as:

α = (1/L) × (ΔL/ΔT)

Where:

L is the original length of the body

ΔL is the change in length

ΔT is the change in temperature

The linear expansivity is typically expressed in units of K^-1 or 1/K.

(b) Explanation of sag in power lines:

Power lines are connected in a sagging or catenary shape for the following reasons:

 Thermal expansion: Power lines are subjected to temperature changes, and the metal
conductors expand and contract with changes in temperature. The sagging
configuration allows the lines to accommodate this thermal expansion without putting
excessive tension on the supports or the conductors themselves.
 Weight distribution: The sagging shape helps distribute the weight of the conductors
more evenly, reducing the stress on the support structures and towers.
 Clearance maintenance: The sagging configuration ensures that the power lines
maintain a safe clearance from the ground and other obstacles, preventing potential
hazards and ensuring reliable power transmission.
 Tension management: The sag allows the power lines to absorb and manage the
tension created by factors like wind, ice, and snow loads, which can otherwise cause
damage to the infrastructure.

The controlled sag in power lines is an important design feature that enhances the overall
safety, reliability, and longevity of the electrical transmission system.
(c) Calculation of the heating temperature:

Given:

 Initial diameter of the iron tyre: 60 cm

 Diameter of the wheel: 60.45 cm
 Initial temperature of the tyre: 20°C
 Linear expansivity of iron: 1.2 × 10^-5 K^-1

To find the temperature, T, at which the tyre needs to be heated to slip over the wheel, we can
use the formula for linear thermal expansion:

ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT

Where:

ΔL is the change in length

α is the linear expansivity

L₀ is the original length

ΔT is the change in temperature

Rearranging the equation to solve for ΔT:

ΔT = ΔL / (α × L₀)

The change in diameter of the tyre is:

ΔD = 60.45 cm - 60 cm = 0.45 cm

The change in radius is half the change in diameter:

ΔR = 0.225 cm

Substituting the values:

ΔT = ΔR / (α × R₀)

ΔT = 0.225 cm / (1.2 × 10^-5 K^-1 × 30 cm)

ΔT = 625 K

Therefore, the tyre needs to be heated to a temperature of 625 K (352°C) to slip over the
wheel.

(d) Merits of thermoelectric and constant volume gas thermometers:

(i) Merits of thermoelectric thermometer:

 Wide temperature range: Thermoelectric thermometers can be used to measure a
wide range of temperatures, from cryogenic temperatures to high-temperature
applications.
 Fast response time: Thermoelectric thermometers have a relatively fast response
time, allowing for rapid temperature measurements.
 Ruggedness and durability: Thermoelectric thermometers are generally robust and
can withstand harsh environments and physical stresses.
 Wireless and remote monitoring: Thermoelectric thermometers can be equipped
with wireless communication capabilities, enabling remote temperature monitoring.

(ii) Merits of constant volume gas thermometer:

 High accuracy: Constant volume gas thermometers can provide highly accurate
temperature measurements, particularly at low temperatures.
 Reproducibility: The temperature measurements obtained from constant volume gas
thermometers are highly reproducible and can be used as reference standards.
 Calibration stability: The calibration of constant volume gas thermometers is
relatively stable over time, making them suitable for long-term use.
 Wide temperature range: Constant volume gas thermometers can be used to
measure temperatures over a wide range, from cryogenic to high temperatures.
 Independence from material properties: The temperature measurements from
constant volume gas thermometers are independent of the specific gas used, as long as
it behaves as an ideal gas.