UACE Physics paper 1 2002 Guide Time 2½ marks

Instructions the candidates:

Answer five questions, including at least one, but not more than two from each sections A, Band C.

Any additional question(s) answered will not be marked.

Non programmable scientific calculators may be used.

Assume where necessary

Acceleration due to gravity, g 9.81ms-2

Electron charge, e 1.6 x10-19C

Electron mass 9.11 x 10-31kg

Mass of the earth 5.97 x 1024kg

Plank’s constant, h 6.6 x 10-34Js

Stefan’s-Boltzmann’s constant, σ 5.67 x 10-8Wm-2K-1

Radius of the earth 6.4 x 106m

Radius of the sun 7 x 108m

Radius of the earth’s orbit about the sun 1.5 x 1011m

Speed of light in the vacuum, c 3.0 x 108ms-1

Thermal conductivity of copper 390Wm-1K-1

Thermal conductivity of aluminium 210Wm-1K-1

Specific heat capacity of water 4.200Jkg-1K-1

Universal gravitational constant 6.67 x 10-11Nm2Kg-2

Avogadro’s number, NA 6.02 x 1023mol-1

Surface tension of water 7.0 x 10-2Nm-1

Density of water 1000kgm-3

Gas constant, R 8.31Jmol-1K-1

Charge to mass ratio, e/m 1.8 x 1011Ckg-1

1
The constant, 9.0 x 109F-1m
4𝜋𝜀0

Faraday’s constant, F 9.65 x 104Cmol-1

SECTION A
1. (a) (i) what is meant by the dimensions of a physical quantity? (01mark)
Dimensions of a physical quantity is the way a physical quantity is related to the
fundamental quantities of mass (M), length (L) and time (T)
(ii) For stream line flow of non-viscous, incompressible fluid, the pressure, P, at a point is
related to height, h, and the velocity, V by the equation (P-a) = ρg(h-b) + ½ (v2-d)
where a, b, and d, are constants and ρ is the density of the fluid and g is the
acceleration due to gravity. Given that the equation is dimensionally consistent, find
the dimensions of a, b and d. (03marks)
[a] = [P] = ML-1T-2
[b] = [h] = L
[d] =[V2] = (LT-1)2 =L2T-2
(b) Define simple harmonic motion. (01marks)
Simple harmonic motion is a periodic motion whose acceleration is directed towards a
fixed point and is proportional to the displacement from the fixed point.

(c) Sketch the following graphs for a body performing simple harmonic motion:
(i) velocity against displacement (01mark)

(ii) displacement against time (01mark)

(d) The period of oscillation of a conical pendulum is 2.0s. If the string makes 600 to the
vertical at the point of suspension, calculate the
(i) vertical height of the point of suspension above the circle. (03marks)
 ℎ
For conical pendulum, T =2𝜋√
𝑔
𝑇2𝑔 22 𝑥 9.81
h= = = 0.994m
4𝜋2 4𝜋2

(ii) length of the string (01 mark)

h = Lcosθ
0.994
L= = 1.1.99m
cos 60

(iii) Velocity of the mass attached to the string (03marks)

V = ωr; r = Lsinθ = 1.99 sin 60 = 1.723m

2𝜋
ω= = π => V = 1.723πx= 5.41ms-1
𝑇

(e) (i) give one example of an oscillatory motion which approximates simple harmonic
motion

- Simple pendulum
- Mass of helical spring
- Liquid oscillating in U-tube

(ii) What approximation is made in (e)(i) above? (01mark)

- For simple pendulum, the angle of displacement is small and air friction is
negligible
- Helical spring, displacement is small
- Oscillating liquid is U tube experience negligible friction and small displacement

(f) Explain why the acceleration of a ball bearing falling through a liquid decreases
continuously until it become zero. (04marks).

Viscous force increases with velocity until the Upthrust + viscous force = weight of
the ball reducing acceleration to zero

2. (a) (i) State Newton’s law of universal gravitation. (01mark)

The gravitational force of attraction between two bodies in the universe is
proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square
of their distance apart.
(i) Show that this law is consistent with Kepler’s third law. (03marks)
𝐺𝑀𝑚
By Newton’s law of gravitation, F =
𝑟2

𝐺𝑀𝑚 2𝜋
From uniform circular motion, mrω2 = ; but ω =
𝑟2 𝑇
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑟 𝑥 4𝜋2
Thus = ( )
𝑟2 𝑇2
4𝜋2
 T2 = ( ) 𝑟3
𝐺𝑀
Thus 𝑇 ∝ 𝑟 3 - Kepler’s law.
2

(iii) Two alternative units for gravitational field strength are Nkg-1 and ms-2. Use the
method of dimensions to show that the two units are equivalent. (03marks)
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
Nkg-1 is the unit of
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
 [𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒] 𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2
= = LT-2
[𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠] 𝑀

Also [ms-2] ≡ LT-2

Hence the two units are equivalent

(b) (i) Derive an expression for speed of a body moving uniformly n a circular path. (03marks)

Let the body move from A to B in time Δt such that the radius sweeps through a small
angle Δθ
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝛥𝜃
Average speed = =
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝛥𝑡
𝑑𝜃
For small values of Δθ and Δt, = 𝜔
𝑑𝑡
Hence average speed, v =rω
(ii) Explain why a force is necessary to maintain a body moving with constant speed in a
circular path. (02marks)
To provide centripetal force
(c) A small mass attached to a string suspended from a fixed point moves in a circular
path at constant speed in horizontal plane.

(i) Draw a diagram showing the force acting on the mass. (01mark)

(ii) Derive an equation showing the angle of inclination of the string depends on the
speed of the mass and radius of the circular path. (03marks)
𝑚𝑣 2
Resolving horizontally, Tsinθ = ……… (i)
𝑟
Resolving vertically, Tcosθ =mg ……………(ii)
Combining eqn. (i) and eqn (ii)
𝑣2
tan θ =
𝑟𝑔
(d) (i) Define moment of force. (01mark)
Moment of force is the product of force and the perpendicular distance from axis of
rotation to the line of action of force.
(ii) A wheel of radius 0.2m is pivoted at its centre. A tangential force of 4.0N acts on the
wheel so that the wheel rotates with uniform velocity. Find the work done by the
force to turn the wheel through 10 revolutions. (03marks)
Work done = Fx2πr x number of revolutions = 4 x 0.5 x 2π x 10 =151J

3. (a) (i) Show that the weight of a fluid displaced by an object is equal to up thrust on the
object. (05marks)
 Consider a vertical cylinder of cross section area, A, immersed n a liquid of density ρ as
shown in the diagram below

If H is the atmospheric pressure.

Pressure on top = h2ρg + H
Pressure at the base = h1ρg + H
Force on the base = (h1ρg + H)A
Force on the top = (h2ρg + H)A
Resultant force = (h1 –h2)ρgA
But (h1 –h2)A = volume of the cylinder = volume of liquid displaced.
∴ (h1 –h2)ρgA =weght of the liquid displaced = Upthrust.

(ii) A piece of metal of mass 2.60 x 10-3kg and density 8.4 x 103kgm-3 is attached to a block
of wax of mass 1.0 x 10-2kg and density 9.2 x 102kgm-3. When the system is placed in a
liquid, it floats with wax just submerged. Find the density of the fluid. (04marks)
Let the density of the liquid = ρ
Upthrust = weight of the system
Vρg = (2.6 x 10-3 + 1 x 10-2)g
2.6 𝑥 10−3 1.0 𝑥 10−2
( + ) 𝜌 = 1.26 x 10-2
8.4 𝑥 103 9.2 𝑥 102
Ρ = 1.13 x 103kgm-3

(b) Explain the

(i) term laminar flow and turbulent flow. (04marks)

Laminar flow: Equidistant fluid layers from the axis of flow have the same velocity. Lines
of flow are always parallel to the to the axis of flow

Turbulent flow: equidistant fluid layers from the axis of flow have different velocities.
Lines of flow cross each other.

(ii) effects of temperature on viscosity of liquids and gases. (03marks)

- In liquids increasing temperature increases molecular speed and separation. This

reduces the molecular attractive forces and viscosity reduces.
- In gases increase in temperature increases molecular speed and therefore
momentum transfer when they collide increases. This increases viscosity.

(c) (i)distinguish between static pressure and dynamic pressure. (02marks)

- Static pressure at a point is the pressure which the fluid would have if were at rest.
- Dynamic pressure is the pressure due to fluid motion.

(ii) A pilot-static tube fitted with a pressure gauge is used to measure the speed of a boat
at sea. Given that the speed of the boat does not exceed 10mms-1 and the density of
water is 1000kgm-3, calculate the minimum pressure on the gauge. (02marks)
 1 1
Maximum pressure = 𝜌2 = 𝑥 1050 𝑥 102 = 5.25 x 104Pa
2 2

4. (a) Define the terms surface tension and surface energy. (01mark)
It is the work done per unit area in increasing surface area of a liquid under isothermal
conditions.
(b) (i) Calculate the work done against surface tension in blowing a soap bubble of diameter
15mm, if the surface tension of soap solution is 3.0 x 10-2Nm. (03marks)
New surface area created = 2 x 4πr2
Energy required = γA = 3.0 x 10-2 x 2 x 4π x (7.5 x 10-3)2
= 4.24 x 10-5J
(ii) A soap bubble of radius r1 is attached to another bubble of radius r2. If r1 is less than r2.
𝑟 𝑟
Show that the radius of curvature of the common interface is 1 2 . (05marks)
𝑟2 − 𝑟1

For A
4𝛾
P1 – H = …………………………….. (i)
𝑟1

For B
4𝛾
P2 – H = …………………………….. (ii)
𝑟2
From equations (i) and (ii)
4𝛾 4𝛾
P1 – P2 = − ……………………….. (iii)
𝑟1 𝑟2

4𝛾
P1 – P2 = ……………………….. (iv)
𝑟
From equation (iii) and (iv)

4𝛾 4𝛾 4𝛾
= −
𝑟 𝑟1 𝑟2

1 1 1
= −
𝑟 𝑟1 𝑟2

1 𝑟2 − 𝑟1
=
𝑟 𝑟2 𝑟1

𝑟2 𝑟1
r=
𝑟2 − 𝑟1

(c) (i) Define coefficient of viscosity of a liquid. (01mark)

It is the tangential stress per unit velocity gradient.
(ii) Describe an experiment to demonstrate streamline and turbulent flow in liquids.
(06marks)
 Experiment to demonstrate laminar and turbulent flow

- Water is kept flowing at a constant velocity from a constant water tank.

- The rate of flow of a dye is controlled by a tap A.

- At low water velocity a streamline of a dye is observed flowing through water.

This is laminar flow

- A turbulent flow is observed when the velocity of water is increased here the dye
mixes with water.

(d) (i) Sketch a graph of potential energy against separation of two molecules of a
substance. (01mark)

(ii) Explain the main features of the graph in (d)(i). (03marks)

At r = r0, the resultant force is zero and the corresponding potential energy is minimum. So
r0 is the equilibrium separation

For r < r0, the net force is repulsive, whereas r> r 0, the net force is attractive in order to
restore the e separation to the equilibrium separation of r 0.
SECTION B

1
5. (a) State the assumption made in the derivation of the expression P = 𝜌𝑐 2̅ for pressure of
3
an
ideal gas (02marks)
- The intermolecular forces are negligible
- The volume of the gas is negligible compared the volume of the container
- Collision are perfectly elastic
- The duration of collision is negligible

(b) Use the expression in (a) above to deduce Dalton’s law of partial pressures. (03marks)

1 𝑚 2 2 1
P= 𝑁 𝑐̅ = 𝑁 ( 𝑚𝑐 2̅ )
3 𝑉 3 2
2 1
For gas 1, P1V1 = 𝑁1 ( 𝑚1 𝑐12̅ )
3 2
3 1
=> 𝑁1 = 𝑃𝑉.
2 1 1 𝐾1
Similarly for gas 2
3 1
𝑁2 = 𝑃𝑉.
2 2 2 𝐾2
3 1
For a mixture of gases, N = 𝑃𝑉. ; but N = N1 + N2
2 𝐾
3 1 3 1 3 1
𝑃𝑉. = 𝑃1 𝑉1 . + 𝑃𝑉.
2 𝐾 2 𝐾1 2 2 2 𝐾2
Since temperature is constant, K1 = K2 = K
- PV = P1V1 + P2V2
- But V = V1 = V2
- ∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2

(c) Describe an experiment to determine the saturation vapor pressure of a liquid.

(06marks)

- The pressure of the air in R is shown by the mercury manometer; if its height is h,
the pressure in mm mercury is P = H-h, where H is the barometer height.
- The tap is opened and the pressure above water varied using the pump to a suitable
value.
- The tap is closed and water in the flask in heated until it boil.
 - The temperature θ and difference in mercury levels, h, are noted and recorded.
- The saturated vapour pressure, P = (H±ℎ) is calculated
- The procedure is repeated other values of θ and h
- A graph of P versus θ is plotted and the saturated vapour pressure at a particular
temperature is obtained.

(d) (i) What is meant by a reversible isothermal change? (02marks)

The change taking place at constant temperature and can be taken back from the final to
initial states through exactly the same values of pressure and volume at every stage.
(ii) State the conditions for achieving a reversible isothermal change. (02marks)

Use vessels with thin good conducting walls having a frictionless piston, surrounded by
constant temperature bath and the process must occur slowly.

(e) An ideal gas at 270C and at a pressure of 1.01 x 105Pa is compressed reversibly and
isothermally until its volume is halved. It is then expanded reversibly and adiabatically to
twice its original volume. Calculate the final pressure and temperature of the gas if γ=1.4
(05marks)
𝑉
For isothermal: P = 1.01 𝑥 105 𝑉; P = 2.02 x 105Pa
2
𝑉 1.4
For adiabatic; 2.02 x 105( ) = 𝑃1 (2𝑉)1.4 ; P1 = 2.9 x 104Pa
2
Final pressure = 2.9 x 104Pa
Also,
TVγ-1 = constant.
𝑉 0.4
 (300.15)( ) = (2𝑉)0.4 ; T = 172K
2

6. (a) Explain the mechanism of heat conduction in solids. (03marks)

Atoms or molecules at the heated end vibrate more vigorously about their fixed positions.
They collide and pass on heat to the neighboring atoms which in turn vibrate vigorously;
collide and pass on heat to their neighboring atoms. In this way heat is transferred from the
hot end to the cold end.
Also, good conductors have free electrons that acquired high kinetic energy when heat,
move ant transfer heat collide with atoms in the cold
(b) Describe a method of determining the thermal conductivity of cork in form of a thin
sheet. (06marks)

- Cock disc cut in form of a thin disc of cross section area, A and thickness, x.
- The disc is sandwiched between a steam chest and brass slab of mass, m and specific
heat capacity, c.
 - Steam is passed through the chest until the thermometers register steady
temperatures, θ1 and θ2.
𝜃 𝜃2 − 𝜃1
- Then, = 𝑘𝐴 ( )
𝑡 𝑥
- The glass disc is removed and brass slab is heated directly by steam chest, until its
temperature is about 100C above θ1.
- Steam chest is removes and the top of the glass slab is covered by the glass disc.
- The temperature of the slab is recorded at suitable time interval until its
temperature is about 100C below θ1.
- A graph of temperature against time is plotted and its slope s determined at θ1
𝜃
= 𝑚𝑐𝑠
𝑡
𝜃2 − 𝜃1
∴ 𝑘𝐴 ( ) = 𝑚𝑐𝑠
𝑥
𝑚𝑐𝑠𝑥 𝜋𝐷2
𝑘= but A =
𝐴(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 ) 4
4𝑚𝑐𝑠𝑥
∴𝑘=
𝜋𝐷2 (𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )

(c) A window of height 1.0m and width 1.5m contains a double grazed unit consisting of two
single glass panes, each of thickness 4.0mm separated by an air gap of 2.0mm. Calculate
the rate at which heat is conducted through the window if the temperatures of external
surfaces of glass are 200C and 300Crespectively.
[Thermal conductivities of glass and air are 0.72Wm-1K-1 and 0.025 Wm-1K-1 respectively]
(07marks)

𝑑𝑄 𝑘𝐴(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )
= = mc x slope
𝑑𝑇 𝐿

𝑘1 𝐴(30− 𝜃1 ) 𝑘2 𝐴(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 ) 𝑘1 𝐴( 𝜃1 −20)

= =
4 𝑥 10−3 2 𝑥 10−3 4 𝑥 10−3

=> θ1 + θ2 = 50
0.72𝐴(30− 𝜃1 ) 0.025𝐴( 𝜃1 − 𝜃2 )
=
4 𝑥 10−3 2 𝑥 10−3

0.72𝐴(30− 𝜃1 ) 0.025𝐴( 𝜃1 −(50−𝜃1 )

=
4 𝑥 10−3 2 𝑥 10−3

θ1 = 29.40C
𝑑𝑄 0.72𝐴(30− 29.4)
Hence = =162W
𝑑𝑇 4 𝑥 10−3

(d) (i) State Stefan’s law. (01mark)

Stefan’s law states that the total energy radiated per square meter per second by a black
body is directly proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature.
(ii) The element of a 1.0kW electric fire is 30.0cm long and 1.0cm in diameter. If the
temperature of the surroundings is 200C, estimate the working temperature of the
element. [Stefan’s constant, σ = 5.7 x 10-18Wm-1K-1] (03marks)
 P = AσT4
= 2πrlσ(T4 – Ts4)
= 2πrlσT4 - 2πr2lσTs4
4 1 𝑥 103 +2𝜋 (0.5 𝑥 10−2 )(30 𝑥 10−2 ) 𝑥 5.67 𝑥 10−8 𝑥 2734
T= √ =1169K
2𝜋 (0.5 𝑥 10−2 )(30 𝑥 10−2 )𝑥 5.67 𝑥 10−8

7. (a) (i) Define specific heat capacity of a substance (01mark)

Specific heat capacity is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1kg mass
of a substanceby1K without change of state
(ii) State how heat losses are minimized in calorimetry (02mark)
- Surrounding the calorimeter vacuum
- Using a highly polished surface
- By lagging the calorimeter using insulating material
- Surrounding the calorimeter with a layer of still air.
(b) (i) What is meant by cooling correction? (01marks)

This is the extra temperature difference to be added to the observed maximum temperature
of the mixture to make up for the heat lost to the surrounding during the experiment.

(ii) Explain how the cooling correction may be estimated in the determination of the heat
capacity of poor by the method of mixtures (05marks)

- The broken line shows how we would expect the temperature to rise if no heat were
lost and the difference, P, between the plateau of this imaginary curve, and the crest
of the experimental curve, E. is known as the 'cooling correction’
- Draw a line AC through θ0 parallel to the time axis.
- Draw a line BE through θ1 parallel to the temperature axis.
- Draw a line CD beyond BE parallel to the temperature axis and note Δθ
- Estimate the area A1 and A2 under the graph by counting the square on the graph
paper
- Cooling correction, P s given by the graph
𝐴1
Cooling correction, P = 𝑥 𝛥𝜃 0C
𝐴2
 (iii) Explain why a small body cools faster than a larger one of the same material.
(04marks)
Small body has a large surface area to volume ratio and small quantity of heat compare
to the bod body. And the rate of heat is proportional to the surface area while the rate
of temperature fall is inversely proportional to the quantity of heat held by the body

(c) Describe how you would determine the specific heat capacity of a liquid by the
continuous flow method. (07marks)

- A liquid is allowed to flow at constant rate

- Power is switched on and the liquid is heated until temperatures registered by T1
and T2 are steady and the values θ1 and θ2 respectively are recorded.
- The p.d V and current I are recorded from the voltmeter and ammeter respectively
- The mass, m of a liquid collected in time t is recorded
- At steady state; VIt = mc(θ2 – θ1) + h ………….. (i)
where h is heat lost to the surrounding
- The rate of flow is changed and the voltage and current are adjusted until the
steady readings of T1 and T2 are θ1 and θ2 respectively
- If m1, V1 and I1 are the values mass of liquid collected in time t, voltmeter and
ammeter readings respectively, then
V1I1t = m1c(θ2 – θ1) + h ………….. (ii)
Subtracting (ii) from (i)
(𝑉𝐼− 𝑉1 𝐼1 )𝑡
c=
(𝑚− 𝑚1 )(𝜃− 𝜃1 )

SECTION C

8. (a) What is meant by

(i) Bohr atom (01mark)
A Bohr atom is an atom with small central positive nucleus with electrons resolving
round it only in certain allowed orbits; while in orbits they do not emit radiations.
(ii) binding energy of a nucleus (02marks)
Binding energy is the energy required to split the nucleus into constituent nucleons

(b) The total energy, E, of an electron n an atom may be expressed as

 −𝑚𝑞 4
E=
8𝜀02 𝑛2 ℎ2

(i) Identify the quantities, m, q, n and h in this expression (02marks)

m- mass of electron
q- charge on electron
n – principle quantum number
h – Plank’s constant
(ii) Explain the physical implication of the fact that E is always negative (02marks)
Electrons are bound to the nucleus. Work must be done to remove an electron
from the atom. This work is done against nuclear attraction binding electrons in
the atom.
(iii) Draw an energy level diagram for hydrogen to indicate emission of ultraviolet,
visible and infrared spectral lines. (03marks)

(c)(i) Explain briefly the sources and absorption of infrared radiation. (04 marks)

Source: Surfaces of all bodies emit infrared radiations in continuous range of

wavelengths with relative amount of each wavelength depending mainly on
temperature and nature of the surface.

Absorption: Infrared radiations is absorbed by matter. Like all other types of

electromagnetic radiations, it causes increase of internal energy which leads to
temperature rise. They thus produce a sensation of warmth when they fall on the
skin.

Except red wavelength near to that of red light, infrared is absorbed by glass but
transmitted by rock salt. Water vapour and carbon dioxide in the lower layers of the
atmosphere collectively absorb infrared emitted by the earth.

(ii) Describe briefly, the method of detecting infrared radiation (03marks)

By thermopiles radiation falling on a hot junction produces e.m.f. the e.m.f is

detected by the galvanometer connected across thermopile

(d) The atomic nucleus may be considered to be a sphere of positive charge with a
diameter very much less than that of an atom. Discuss the experimental evidence
which supports this view. (03marks)

In alpha particle experiment by Rutherford, most α- alpha particles passed through

with negligible deflection. Some suffered various deviations. Very few were
deflected back through angles greater than 900 due to head on collision with
nucleus.

Majority of α-particles went through undeflected implying that most part of the
atom is empty space.
 About 1 in 8000 suffered deflection greater than 900 implying that the nucleus has a
very small diameter compared to that of an atom

9. (a) (i) What are cathode rays? (01mark)

Cathode rays are abeam of fast moving electrons

(ii) An electron gun operating at 3 x 103V is used to project electrons into the space
between two oppositely charged parallel plates of length 10cm and separation 5cm.

Calculate the deflection of the electrons as they emerge from the region between the
charged plates when the potential difference is 1 x 103V. (03marks)
1
𝑚𝑣 2 = eV
2

2𝑒𝑉 2 𝑥 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝑥 3 𝑥 103

𝑣=√ =√ = 3.25 x 107ms-1
𝑚 9.11 𝑥 10−31

𝑣𝑥 = 3.25 𝑥 107 𝑚𝑠 −1
1 𝐿 𝑒𝐸 𝑉
Deflection, y = 𝑎𝑡 2 where t = , a = , E=
2 𝑢 𝑚 𝑑
2
1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝑥 1 𝑥 103 𝑥 (10 𝑥 10−2 )
=
2𝑥9𝑥 10−31 𝑥5𝑥 10−2 𝑥 (3.25 𝑥 107 )2

= 1.67 x 10-2m

(b) (i) Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate photoelectric emission. (04marks)

- A freshly cleaned Zinc plate is connected to the cap of a negatively charged gold
leaf electroscope.
- Ultra violet radiations are allowed to fall on the zinc plate
 Observations
- The leaf of the electroscope gradually falls
- This shows that both the zinc plate and the electroscope have lost charges.
- The lost charges are found to be electrons, hence photoelectric effect has occurred.

(ii) Explain why the wave theory of light fails to account for the photoelectric effect.
(06marks)

- Instantaneous emission: according to the wave theory radiation energy is uniformly

spread over the whole wave front. Since the amount of energy incident on any
electron would be extremely small, sometime would elapse before an electron
escapes from the metal surface. On the contrary, no such a time lag between the
start of radiation and start of emission is observed even when the radiation is weak.
- Variation of kinetic energy: by the wave theory, increasing intensity would mean
more energy and hence greater value of maximum kinetic energy. But maximum
kinetic energy depends on frequency of incident radiation and not intensity.
- Existence of threshold frequency: the wave theory predicts continuous absorption
and accumulation of energy. Radiation of high enough intensity should cause
emission even when the frequency is below minimum value. Hence the theory
cannot account for threshold frequency.

(iii) Describe an experiment to verify Einstein’s equation for the photoelectric effect and
explain how Plank’s constant may be obtained from the experiment. (06marks)

- A radiation of known frequency, f, is made incident on the photocathode

- Emitted electrons travel to the anode and cause a current to flow, detected at E.
- The p.d V is adjusted until the reading of E is zero (i.e. no current flows).
- The value of this p.d is the stopping potential (Vs) and is recorded from the voltmeter V.
- The procedure is repeated with light of different frequencies, f.
- A graph of stopping potential (Vs) against frequency (f) is plotted
ℎ ℎ
- A straight line graph is obtained which verifies Einstein’s equation; 𝑉𝑠 = 𝑓− 𝑓
𝑒 𝑒 0
ℎ
- The slope of the graph is from which Plank’s constant, h, can be obtained.
𝑒

10. (a) What is meant by

(i) half-life of radioactive element (01mark)
This the time taken for the number of active nuclei present in the source at a given time
to fall to half its value
(ii) nuclear fission (01mark)
 Nuclear fission is the splitting of heavy unstable nucleus into two nuclei accompanied by
release of energy.

(iii) Nuclear fusion

Nuclear fusion is the combination of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus accompanied
by release of energy.

(b) An atom of 222Ra emits an α-particle of energy 5.3eV. Given that the half-life of 222Ra is
3.8days. Use the decay law, N= N0e-λt to calculate the:

(i) decay constant (03marks)

𝐼𝑛 2 0.693
Decay constant, λ = = = 2.11 x 10-6s-1
𝑡1 3.8 𝑥 24 𝑥 60 𝑥 60
2

(ii) amount of energy released by 3.0 x 10-9kg of 222Ra after 3.8days (05marks)

1mole of Radium weighs 222g = 0.222kg ≡ 6.02 x 1023 atoms

6.02 𝑥 1023 𝑥 3 𝑥 10−9
1.0 x 10-9kg ≡ = 8.135 x 1015 atoms
0.222

After 3.8 days, the number decays to half its original value
𝑁0 8.135 𝑥 1015
=> number of decayed atoms = = = 4.068 x 1015
2 2

0ne atom releases 5.3MeV = 5.3 x 106 x 1.6 x 10-19 = 8.48 x 10-13J

∴ 4.068 x 1015 atoms release 4.068 x 1015 x 8.48 x 10-13 = 3449J

(c) Describe a simple form of a mass spectrometer and explain how it is used to distinguish
between isotopes (07marks)

T1 and T2 are tracers on photographic plate, S1, S2 and S3 are slits

Mode of Action

- Positive ions are produced in a discharge tube and admitted as a beam through slits S1 and
S2.
- The beam then passes between insulated plates P, Q, connected to a battery, which create
an electric field of intensity E.
- A uniform magnetic field B1, perpendicular to E is applied over the region of the plates and
all ions, charge e with the same velocity, v given by B1ev =Ee will then pass undeflected
through the plates and through a slit S3.
- The selected ions are deflected in a circular path of radius r by a uniform perpendicular
magnetic field B2 and an image is produced on a photographic plate as shown.
In this case
𝑚𝑣 2
= 𝐵2 𝑒𝑣
𝑟
𝐸
But for the ions selected v = from above
𝐵1
𝑚 𝑟𝐵2 𝐵1
∴ =
𝑒 𝐸
𝐸
r=( )𝑚
𝐵1 𝐵2 𝑄
thus different isotopes strike the photographic plate at different points.
37
(d) the nucleus of 17 𝐶𝑙 emits an α-particle followed by two β-particles. Show that the final
nucleus is an isotope of chlorine (02mark)
37
17𝐶𝑙 → 42𝐻𝑒 + 2 −10𝑒 + 33
17𝐶𝑙

Compiled by Dr. Bbosa Science