1

SECTION A
1

The calculation of a physical quantity is given to be

(3.0 10 N)(3.2 C m) (12 C)(0.5 m )

9

-1

-1

Which of the following is the correct S.I. derived unit for the answer?

kg m2 s2 C1

kg m2 s2

kg m2 s3 C1

kg m2 s3
For homogeneous equation, each of the 3 terms
MUST have the same units. The unit of RS must
equal that of P and Q. Hence R and S cannot
separately have the same unit as P and Q. (Not C)
All 3 terms CAN be scalars but R,S can each be
vectors such that their product is a scalar e.g.
FORCE multiplied with DISPLACEMENT to give
WORK which is a scalar. Similarly all terms can be
vectors with R a scalar and S a vector such that RS
is a vector. (Not A nor B)
[P] = [Q] = [RS] = [R][S] i.e. [R] = [P] / [S]

Four physical quantities P, Q, R and S are

related by the equation P = Q RS. Which
statement must be correct?
A

P, Q, R and S are all scalar quantities.

P, Q, R and S are all vector quantities.

P, Q, R and S have the same unit.

The unit of R is the same as the unit of

P / S.

Three forces of 3 N, 4 N and 5 N are in equilibrium. The angle between the 3 N and
5 N forces is
A

37

53
5N

4N

3N
5N

127

143
3,4,5 will form a right angled closed triangle.
The angle between 2 vectors is the acute or
obtuse angle formed when the 2 vectors are
aligned to start at the same point.

Which of the following pairs include a vector

and a scalar?
A

displacement, weight

pressure, power

speed, kinetic energy

work, acceleration

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

Remember that work is scalar

and its associated quantities
such as all forms of energy ,
power are also scalar.

[Turn over

Four sets of measurements are made of the diameter d of a wire using a micrometre
screw gauge, as shown in the table.
If the actual diameter of the wire is 1.49 mm, which set of measurements could be
described as accurate but not precise?
Readings, d / mm

Set of readings
A

1.49

1.46

1.52

1.50

1.48

1.58

1.51

1.40

1.35

1.37

1.42

1.42

1.32

1.37

1.41

1.50

Answer: B
Accurate
How close they are to the true value
Precise
How close the measured readings are from one another
Readings d/ mm

Avg.
Value

1.49

1.46

1.52

1.50

1.4925

Accurate. More precise

1.48

1.58

1.51

1.40

1.4925

Accurate. Less precise

1.35

1.37

1.42

1.42

1.39

Not accurate

1.32

1.37

1.41

1.50

1.4

Not accurate

A train accelerates from rest at (1.5 0.5) m s2 over a distance of (400 5) m. What
would its final velocity be at the end of the distance covered?
A

(35 12) m s1

(30 10) m s1

(35 6) m s1

(34.6 6.0) m s1

Answer: C
v2 = u2 + 2 a s = 2(1.5)(400)
v = 34.641

v a s
=
+
v
a
s
1 a s
1 0.5
5
v = ( + ) v = (
+
)(34.641) = 5.99 = 6
2 a
s
2 1.5 400
v v = 35 6
2

At time t = 0 s, a ball is released from rest above a floor. In the velocity-time graph, at
which point in time does the ball reach its maximum height after bouncing from the
floor?

velocity v

B
0

Ball released
from rest with
speed = 0
(taking down
as positive)

Ball falling
down with
increasing
velocity at
the constant
rate of g
(slope of
line )

time t
C

At time A,
Ball makes
contact
with
ground
with a
large
downward
speed
(positive)

At time B,
Ball is still
in contact
with
ground and
its speed
reduces to
zero.

At time C,
Ball loses
contact
with
ground and
rebounds
from
ground
with a large
upward
speed
(negative).

Between C and D, Ball

moves away from
ground on its upward
journey with
decreasing (negative)
velocity. It decelerates
at the rate g (positive
slope) until its speed
reduces to zero at D
when it reaches its
maximum height.

A motorist travelling at 10 m s1 can bring his car to rest in a braking distance of 10 m.

In what distance could he bring the car to rest from a speed of 30 m s1 using the same
braking force?
A

17 m

52 m

30 m

90 m

A student throws a ball vertically upwards and it returns to him in 3.0 s. Then he throws
the ball at the same speed again, but at an angle of 30 to the horizontal. How long will
it take for the ball to return to its initial level? Neglect air resistance.
A

1.5 s

3.0 s

2.1 s

6.0 s

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

10

The figure below shows the path of a ball leaving the ground at point X, reaching a
maximum height at point Y, and returning to the ground at point Z.
Initial velocity

Ground

If air resistance is negligible, the vertical component of

11

velocity is maximum at Y.

acceleration at Y is zero.

velocity has the same magnitude at X and Z.

acceleration is lesser at Y than at Z.

Two blocks X and Y, of masses m and 3m respectively, are connected to block Z of

mass 4m by a light rod R. The blocks are accelerated along a smooth horizontal
surface by a force F as shown in the diagram below.

What is the magnitude of the force exerted by block Y on block X during the
acceleration?
A

F/8

F/2

3F / 8

7F / 8

[C]
net Force F on all blocks = (1 + 3 + 4) m a a = F/8m

net force on Z = FRZ = (4m) a = 4m (F/8m) = F/2

FRZ = FRY (same compression in the same light rod)

net force on Y = FXY - FRY = FXY - F/2 = (3m) a

FXY = F/2 + (3m) a = F/2 + 3m (F/8m)
= 7F/8 = FYX = force by Y on X

12

A stationary body explodes into two fragments of masses m and 2m. The fragments
gain kinetic energies X and Y respectively.
What is the value of the ratio X ?
Y

0.25

2.0

0.50

4.0

Ans: C
From Conservation of Momentum,
Initial momentum of system = Final momentum of system
0 = p x + py
py = px
Use KE =

p2
to establish the ratio,
2m
2

px
px 2
X
2(m )
2(m )
=
=
= 2.0
2
2
py
Y
px
2(2m ) 2(2m )
13

A small boat is about to be towed up from the sea on rollers, via a pulling cable
connected to a pulley system as shown in the diagram. Which is the correct free body
diagram for the boat, paying attention to the points of application of all forces?

U: upthrust
T: pull by cable
W: weight of small boat
N: normal reaction force.

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

B
T

T
N

Answer: B
14

A hinged uniform rod of length 1.0 m is held in the horizontal position by a cable as
shown. The cable is attached to the rod at a point 0.25 m away from the hinge.
Three forces act on the rod. The forces are the weight W of the door, the tension T in
the cable and the force H at the hinge. The diagram is not drawn to scale.

Which list gives the three forces in increasing order of magnitude?

A

W, H, T

H, T, W

W, T, H

T, H, W

15

Two blocks X and Y, of masses 1.50 kg and 0.50 kg respectively, are connected by a
light string passing through a smooth pulley as shown.
pulley

X
smooth surface
Y

0.80 m

If Y is released from its rest position 0.80 m above the ground, what is the speed with
which it will hit the ground?

16

1.4 m s1

4.0 m s1

2.0 m s1

16 m s1

A load is slowly lowered down a smooth slope using a rope as shown.

load

The forces acting on the load are its weight W, the pull of the rope T, and the normal
reaction force from the slope N.
Which of the following correctly describes the work done by W, T, and N?
W

positive

negative

zero

negative

positive

zero

negative

zero

positive

zero

negative

positive

Answers:
1
A

2
D

3
C

4
D

5
B

6
C

7
D

8
D

9
A

10
C

11
D

12
C

13
B

14
A

15
B

16
A

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

SECTION B Answer ALL the questions.

17

The volume of water V flowing through a pipe in time t is given by

V r 4 ( p1 p2 )
=
t
8 L
where p1 and p2 are the respective pressures at each end of the pipe, r is the pipes
radius, L is the pipes length, and is the viscosity of water. In order to determine the
viscosity of water, the following measurements are taken.
V

= (10.0 0.1) cm3

= (0.43 0.01) mm

= (4.0 0.1) s

= (15.5 0.1) cm

p1

= (2.150 0.005) 105 Pa

p2

= (1.000 0.005) 105 Pa

(a)

Use the equation to find the S.I. base units of .

V r 4 ( p1 p2 )
=
t
8l
=

r 4 ( p1 p2 ) t
8lV

4 kg m s
(m
)

(s)
2
4
[ r ] [ p ] [t ]
m

[] =
=
[l ] [V ]
(m) (m3 )

= kg m-1s1

S.I. base units of = ......................... [2]

(b)

Verify that the value of is 3.98 103.

=
=

r 4 ( p1 p2 ) t
8lV

(0.43 103 ) 4 (2.150 1.000 ) 105 4.0

8 (15.5 10-2 ) (10.0 10-6 )

= 3.98 10-3
[1]

(c)

Calculate the associated uncertainty for the viscosity of water, .

=

r 4 ( p1 p2 ) t
8lV

r p1 + p2 t l V
=4
+
+ + +

r
p1 p2
t
l
V

0.01 0.005 + 0.005 0.1 0.1 0.1

= 4
+
+
+
+

0.43 2.150 1.000 4.0 15.5 10.0

= 0.14317
= ( 0.14317 ) ( 3.984 10 3 ) = 0.6 10-3

uncertainty = ......................... [4]

18

A small rubber block is released from rest and slides down a smooth ramp of length
0.500 m inclined at angle of 35. It then rebounds with the same speed upon collision
with the wall at the bottom of the ramp.

0.500 m

35
(a)

(i)

Calculate the blocks acceleration along the ramp. [2]

F// mg sin = ma
a
= g sin = 9.81 sin 35
= 5.63 m s2

(b)

(ii)

Calculate the time taken by the block to reach the bottom of the ramp. [1]
s
= ut + a t2
t
= ( 2s / g sin )
= (2 0.500/ 9.81 sin 35)
= 0.42 s

(iii)

Find the speed of the block when it is at the bottom of the ramp. [1]
v
= u + at = g sin t
= 9.81 sin 35 0.42
= 2.37 m s1

(i)

On Fig. 18.1, sketch the variation with time of the rubber blocks velocity,
from the moment of release to the moment it attains maximum height.
Label with appropriate values.

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

v/m s1
2.37

0.42

0.84

t/s

2.37
Fig. 18.1
(ii)

[2]

On Fig. 18.2, sketch the variation with time of the acceleration of the rubber
block, from the moment of release to the moment it attains maximum
height. Label with appropriate values.
a/m s2
5.63

0.42

0.84

t/s

Fig. 18.2
19

A dive bomber, diving with constant speed u at

an angle of 53 to the vertical, releases a bomb
at an altitude of 730 m. The bomb hits the ground
5.0 s after release.
(a)

[2]

53

Calculate the speed, u, of the bomber. [2]

Taking downwards as positive,
sy = uy t + ay t2
730 = uy (5.0) + (9.81) (5.0)2
uy = 121 m s-1
u cos 53 = 121
u = 200 m s-1

(b)

Calculate the horizontal distance travelled by the bomb during its flight. [1]
sx = ux t
= (200 sin 530) (5.0)
= 800 m

11

(c)

Sketch a graph showing how

(i)

vx, the horizontal component of the velocity of the bomb, and

(ii)

vy, the vertical component of the velocity of the bomb

vary with time, from the time the bomb is released to the time the bomb hits the
ground.
v

vy
vx

[2]
(d)

Draw a vector diagram to illustrate the concept of the change of velocity, v, of

the bomb from the time of release to the time it hits the ground.
[2]

-u

20

(a)

State Newtons second law of motion.

The rate
of change of momentum is directly proportional to the net force acting on a
.................................................................................................................................
body and the change in momentum takes place in the direction of the net force.
............................................................................................................................ [1]
(b)

A lorry of mass m = 1000 kg pulls horizontally on a trailer of mass M = 1500 kg.

When they accelerate at 3.0 m s2, the total resistance to motion, R, is constant
at 5000 N. One quarter of this resistance is acting on the trailer.
lorry

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

trailer

[Turn over

(i)

Calculate the driving force on the lorry. [2]

Net force on lorry and trailer = (m + M) a
= driving force F (on lorry) total resistance on both lorry and trailer
F - R = (1000 + 1500) 3 = 7500 N
F = 7500 + 5000 = 12500 N

(ii)

On the diagram of the trailer below, draw all the horizontal and vertical
forces acting on it. Label all forces clearly.

Tension T or pull
by lorry on trailer
through the
connecting rod

Normal reaction from ground

R

Weight
(iii)

[2]

Calculate the force exerted by the lorry on the trailer. [1]

Net force on trailer = Ma = 1500 3 = 4500 N
T R
= 4500
T
= 4500 + (5000)
= 4500 + 1250 = 5750 N

21

Fig. 21.1 shows a man standing on top of a stationary wind-surfing board. The
sailboat, consisting of the surfing board and sail, floats on the sea.

Fig. 21.1

13

(a)

State two conditions required for the sailboat to be in a state of equilibrium.

Resultant force acting on a sailboat is zero.
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
Resultant torque acting on a sailboat is zero.
............................................................................................................................ [2]
Comments:
Some students did not write in words for the condition making it difficult
to understand the conditions.
Common mistakes:

(b)

(i)

Resultant moment is zero.(about any point is missing)

Upthrust equal to weight of boat.(too specific, may have other
forces).
Torque acting on sailboat is zero.(net is missing)

The total mass of the sailboat, including the man standing on it, is 90 kg.
Determine the total upthrust acting on the sailboat.

Fy = 0
U mg = 0
U = (90)(9.81) = 880 N
Comments:
The correct answer was calculated by the majority of candidates.
However, a significant number of candidates did not explain clearly why
U=mg. In this case, the sailboat is at equilibrium and hence F=0.
upthrust = ......................... N [2]
(ii)

Hence, given that the density of seawater is 1020 kg m3, calculate the
volume of seawater displaced by the sailboat.

U = weight of fluid displaced

= Vpg
V = U/pg = 880/(1020)(9.81) = 0.088 m3
The vast majority of candidates correctly calculated the volume
displaced.

volume = ......................... m3 [2]

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

(c)

Moments later, the sailboat is cruising at constant speed. Fig. 21.2 (next page)
shows some of the forces acting on the mast of the sailboat with the sail
attached to it.
The base of the mast is connected to the surfing board by a universal hinge. The
wind exerts a force of 200 N on the sail, perpendicular to the mast. The mast is
4.3 m long, and its mass is uniformly distributed.

Force by wind = 200 N

3.5 m
Weight of mast and sail = 50 N
75
Pulling force of man, T

1.5 m
70
Universal hinge

Fig. 21.2
(i)

Show that the man pulls on the sail with a force of 460 N.[1]

Mhinge = 0
(200)(3.5) 50(2.15cos70o) Tsin75o(1.5) = 0
T = 460 N (shown)
Comments:
The vast majority of candidates realised they need to apply the condition
that resultant moment about any point = 0. However, only a minority are
able to mathematically worked out the correct answer.

15

(ii)

Hence, determine the magnitude of the force, R, exerted by the universal

hinge.

Fy= 0
Ry + (200sin20o) 50 460(sin5o) = 0
Ry = 21.7 N
Fx= 0
Rx - (200cos20o) + 460(cos5o) = 0
Ry = 270 N
R=[(Rx)2 + (Ry)2] = 271 N
Comments:
Answers here were disappointing as the vast majority of candidates did
not realised they need to apply the condition that Fy = 0 and FX = 0.
Hence very few get full credit for this part.

force exerted by hinge = ......................... N [3]

(d)

Fig. 21.3 (next page) shows the top view of the sailboat, with some of the forces
that act on it.
If the sailboat is moving forward on the sea at constant speed, indicate with an
arrow on Fig. 21.3 the likely direction of the force due to the wind, Fw.
Explain your answer clearly.

Fw
Forward
motion

Sideward
force, F

Drag force, FD

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

Fig. 21.3

[Turn over

Since the sailboat is moving with a constant speed, no acceleration.

By N2L, resultant force = 0.
Hence FW has to act in a direction shown to ensure that.
.................................................................................................................................
Comments:
............................................................................................................................ [2]
Answers here were disappointing as there are significant number of
candidates need to explain that Fnet =0 when they indicate the direction of
Fw.
Common mistakes:

(e)

Consider forward motion as a force.

A forward net force is required to move forward at constant
speed.(Based on Newtons 1st law, Fnet = 0).
Draw Fw directly opposite to sideward force.

Fig. 21.4 shows the side view of the sail boat with all the forces acting on it.

Force exerted
on sail by wind

Fig. 21.4

Upthrust

Force exerted on
fin by seawater, F
(i)

fin

Weight of man
Weight of sailboat

T
he sideward force F from Fig. 21.3 is the same force exerted on the fin, F,
shown in Fig. 21.4. This force arises when the wind exerts a force against
the sail. With reference to Fig. 21.3 and 21.4, explain how this force
exerted on the fin comes about.

17

The force exerted on the sail result in a tendency of motion between the
sailboat and the water. Hence the sea water will exert a force on the fin
.......................................................................................................................
to resist it as it is contact with the fin.
.................................................................................................................. [1]
Comments:
Many candidates had no appreciation of the situation. Some just assume
the force on fin will just appear from nowhere to ensure equilibrium
without focusing on the condition for it to arise. In this case, there must
be a relative motion between the fin and seawater.

(ii)

Suggest why the surface area of the fin can be much smaller than the area
of the sail.
.......................................................................................................................
Since the density of water is much larger than air, the effective area of the
fin can be smaller than the sail to give a force of same magnitude.
.................................................................................................................. [2]
Comments:
Many candidates had no appreciation of the situation as density of fluid
affect the rate of change of momentum of fluid and hence the force acting
on it. Many also did not realize the two force must have the same
magnitude.

(iii)

With reference to Fig. 21.4, explain why it is important for the man to lean
back to keep the sail boat stable.
.......................................................................................................................
Based on the Fig, the man has to learn back to create an clockwise
moment about the CG to counter the clockwise moment produced by
.......................................................................................................................
upthrust and the force by the wind.
This to ensure the system can be in rotational equilibrium.
.................................................................................................................. [2]
The force by wind and force on fin will create a anti-clockwise torque .
Hence the man need to lean back to create increase the clockwise
torque to ensure no resultant torque and the sailboat can be stable.
Comments:
Many candidates show good appreciation of the situation but the answer
given is too vague and lack specific detail to be given full credit. A vast
majority did not realize that they need to take moment about the C.G. of
the boat.

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

(f)

The surf board is designed with the foot straps at the rear part of the board, as
shown in Fig. 21.5, rather than the centre part.
Foot straps

Fig. 21.5

(i)

Such a design allows the surf board to move across the sea surface
inclined at an angle to the surface. Explain how this inclined angle reduces
the volume of seawater displaced by the sailboat, compared to your
answer in (b)(ii).
.......................................................................................................................
When the board is inclined and moving across the sea, there will be
water continuously hitting the board. This will resultis an additional
.......................................................................................................................
upward force.
Since U + F = mg, the upthrust will decrease.
..................................................................................................................
[2]
Hence
the volume of seawater displaced will also decrease.
Comments:
Many candidates had great difficulty accounting why upthrust decrease.
They lack good appreciation of the situation and only one candidate was
able to score full marks for this part. Some even mentioned that the
weight can decrease and the board is inclined.

(ii)

Hence explain how having foot straps at the rear part rather than the centre
part will allow the surfer to cruise at a higher speed.
Since volume of seawater displaced decrease, the surface area in
.......................................................................................................................
contact
with the seawater may decrease.
Hence the drag force will also decrease.
Since
there will be less work done against the drag force, the sailboat
.......................................................................................................................
can move at higher speed.
.................................................................................................................. [1]
Comments:
Many candidates did not do well in this part. They did not realize that the
surface area in contact with seawater decrease was due to a decrease of
volume displaced rather than the inclined angle.

19

22

(a) The graph of Force vs. Extension shows the tensile behaviour of a bungee
cord.
4.0

Force / kN

3.0

2.0

1.0

15

10

20

25

30

extension / m
With reference to the above graph, state and justify whether the bungee cord
obeys Hookes Law.
Yes. The force-extension graph is a straight-line graph that passes through the
.................................................................................................................................
origin, which shows that the cords extension is proportional to the force exerted
.................................................................................................................................
on it.
............................................................................................................................
[2]
(b)

The figure below shows man doing a bungee jump off a platform 80.0 m above a
lake, using the bungee cord from (a).

80.0 m

The man has a mass of 800 N. He falls through a distance of 32.5 m before the
cord becomes taut and begins to exert a force on him.

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over

(i)

State the mans acceleration at the point when he has fallen a distance of
32.5 m.
downward
9.81
acceleration = .........................
m s2, direction .........................
[1]

The man falls through a total distance of 61.0 m before he stops for the first time.
(ii)

Deduce the extension of the cord when he stops for the first time.
Extension = 61.0 32.5 = 28.5 m

(iii)

extension = ......................... m [1]

Deduce the acceleration of the man at that point in (ii).

Force from cord = 3.40 kN (from graph)
Net force on man = 3400 + (800) = 2600 N = m a
Solving, a = 2600/(800/9.81) = 31.9 m s2 upward
acceleration = ......................... m s2, direction = ......................... [3]

(iv)

Show that the potential energy stored in the cord at this point is 49 kJ.
Potential energy stored = Area under graph (from x=0 to x=28.5 m)
= (3400)(28.5) = 4.85 104 J
or by C.O.E., Potential energy stored = G.P.E. lost
= (800) (61) = 4.88 104 J

[1]
(c)

(i)

The gravitational potential energy at the surface of the lake is taken to be

zero. Complete the table below with values of elastic potential energy of
the cord, as well as the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy of
the man at the three points stated, giving your answers to two significant
figures.
[4]
At the platform

32.5 m below
the platform

61.0 m below
the platform

64

38

15

Elastic Potential
Energy / kJ

zero

zero

49

Kinetic Energy / kJ

zero

26

zero

Gravitational
Potential Energy / kJ

21

The sketch graph below (not to scale) shows the variation of the mans
kinetic energy with the distance from the platform as he falls.
Energy

(ii)

Gravitational

Elastic
Max
KE
Kinetic

0.0

Distance from
platform / m
32.5

61.0

On the same axes above, sketch two clearly labelled graphs to show how
the gravitational potential energy of the man and the elastic potential
energy of the cord vary with the mans distance from the platform.
[2]
(iii)

Using the graph provided in (a), show that the man has maximum kinetic
energy at a distance of 39 m from the platform. [2]
When falling with greatest speed, acceleration = 0
Net force on man = T W = 0
Thus T = 800 N
From graph, extension of cord = 6.5 (to 6.75) m
Distance from platform = 32.5 + 6.5 = 39.0 m

(iii)

Calculate the maximum kinetic energy during the fall. [3]

Total energy = 64 kJ
GPE = 800 (80 39) J = 33 kJ
EPE = (6.5)(800) = 2.6 kJ
Kinetic energy = 64 33 2.6 = 28 kJ

2012 NYJC JC1 Mid-year Exam 9646 H2 Physics

[Turn over