Innova Junior College

JC 1 H2 Physics
Summer Test 2009 Revision Package

Measurements

PJC Prelim 2007/II/1 (Part)

1 (a) Explain the meaning of the term base unit.

Base unit is the unit of any of the chosen quantities that form the building blocks of the derived
quantity.

(c) The Young modulus E of a material is given by

where
F = force exerted on the material,
L = original length of the material,
A = cross-sectional area of the material over which the force acts,
e = extension of the material.

A teacher performs an experiment to find the Young modulus of an unknown material

which is cylindrical in shape. The teacher records the readings as follows:

Force exerted, N
Original length, m
Diameter of the material, mm
Extension, mm

(i) Determine the SI base units of Young modulus.

Make E the subject of the equation.

Note: for SI base units, the units must be a combination of kg, m, s, mol, K, A and cd.

(ii) Find the value of the Young modulus and express the answer together with its
associated uncertainty.

Since the material is cylindrical in shape, the cross-sectional area is a circle,

 i.e.

(the equation used to find the value and uncertainty of E should be in terms of the
given variable, in this case, F, L, d and e)

E = 1.2732 × 1011 (intermediate ans can be left in 4 to 5 s.f.)

To find the associated uncertainty, look at the function of E:

(The function of g is a multiplication of variables of l and t, therefore the uncertainty

can be found using fractional uncertainty)

ΔE = 9.86 × 109
= 0.1 × 1011 ( 1 s.f.)

Therefore E = (1.3 ± 0.1) × 1011 kg m-1 s-2

(The value of E is rounded off to the d.p of the ΔE)

Kinematics - Rectilinear motion

Context 1:
Non free-fall (Motion in the x-direction)

1. A car moving with a velocity of 15 m s-1 accelerates at the rate of 2.0 m s-2. Calculate the
time taken to reach a velocity of 20 m s-1.

vx = ux + axt x
(+15) = (+20) + (+2.0)t s ?
t = 2.5 s u + 15
v + 20
a + 2.0
t 
2. An aeroplane lands horizontally on the runway with a velocity of 50 m s -1 and decelerates at
10 m s-2 to a velocity of 20 m s-1. What is the distance travelled on the runway?

vx2 = ux2 + 2axsx x

(+20)2 = (+50)2 + 2(-10)sx s 
sx = 105 m u + 50
v + 20
a - 10
t ?

Context 2:
Non free-fall (Motion in the y-direction)

3. A rocket accelerates at from rest at ground level at 7.0 m s-2 for 30 s vertically.
(a) Calculate the height gained by the rocket after 30s.
(b) Calculate the speed gained by the rocket after 30s.

(a) The rocket is not undergoing free fall since it is stated in the y
question that the rocket is accelerating vertically at 7.0 m s-2. s 
(from rest: initial velocity is 0) u 0
v 
sy = uyt + ½ ayt2 a + 7.0
sy = (0)(30) + ½ (+7.0)(30)2 t 30
sy = 3150 m

(b) vy = uy + ayt
vy = 0 + (+7.0)(30)
vy = 210 m s-1

Context 3:
Free-fall (Motion in the y-direction)

AJC Prelim 2007/II/1 (modified)

1 (a) A hot-air balloonist drops an apple over the side while the balloon is accelerating
upwards at 4.0 m s–2. The speed of the balloon is 20 m s –1 and it is 300m above the
ground at the moment the apple is released.

(i) Deduce the speed of the apple at the moment of release.

The speed of the apple at the moment of release is 20 m s-1.

It has the same velocity as what it has just before it is released (inertia).

(ii) State the magnitude of acceleration of the apple at that moment.

The magnitude of acceleration of the apple at the moment of release is 9.81 m s -2.
The acceleration is affected by the resultant force acting on the apple at the moment
of release. Assuming no air resistance acting on it, the only force is its weight. Thus
the apple is undergoing free fall, a = 9.81 m s-2 downwards.
 (iii) Hence, calculate

1. the maximum height of the apple measured from the ground.

(2)
For maximum height, vy = 0. (1)  (2) y
vy2 = uy2 + 2aysy Apple
s 
02 = (+20)2 + 2(- 9.81)sy u + 20
(1)
sy = + 20.4 m v 0
(max height from the initial point) a - 9.81
t ?
Max height from the ground
= 300 + 20.4
= 320 m

2. the time taken for the apple to fall 200 m from the point of release.
(1)  (2) y
To fall 200 m from the point of release, s - 200
sy = - 200 m Apple
u + 20
v ?
(1)
sy = uyt + ½ ayt2 a - 9.81
- 200 = + 20t + ½ (-9.81)t2 200 m t 
t = 8.74 s
(3)

Kinematics - Projectile motion

Context 1:
Full parabolic path

1. A ball is thrown from horizontal ground with an initial velocity of 15 m s -1 at an angle of 60 to
the horizontal.

Assuming that air resistance can be neglected, determine

(i) the maximum height to which the ball reaches
(ii) the time of flight
(iii) the horizontal distance between the point from which the ball was thrown and the point
where it strikes the ground.

(i)
 For maximum height, vy = 0 (1)  (2) x y
s ? 
u + 15cos60° + 15sin60°
v ? 0
sy = 8.60 m a 0 - 9.81
t ? ?

(ii) (1)  (3) x y

s  
u + 15cos60° + 15sin60°
v ? 0
a 0 - 9.81
t ? ?
For part (ii) and (iii):
initial point = point of release
final point = the moment just before the object hit the ground
The vertical displacement from (1) to (3) is zero since there is no change in vertical
height, ie. sy = 0 .

t = 2.65 s or t = 0 (reject)

(iii)

= 19.9 m

Context 2:
Half parabolic path

2. A tennis ball rolls off the edge of a table top 1.0 m above the floor with a speed of 5.8 m s -1.
Find
(a) the time of flight.
(b) the horizontal distance moved by ball before it strikes the floor.
(c) the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the ball just before it strikes the floor.
(1)

1.0 m

(2)
 (a) (1)  (2) x y
s (b) - 1.0
u + 5.8 0
t = 0.451 s v (c) (c)
a 0 - 9.81
(b) t From (a) (a)

= 26.2 m

(c) vx = ux + axt
vx = (+5.8) + (0)(0.4515)
= + 5.8
vx
θ
vy2 = 02 + 2(- 9.81)(- 1.0)
vy = - 4.429 (or 4.429 downwards) vy v

v2 = vx2 + vy2

= 7.30 m s-1

θ = 37.4°
The velocity of the tennis ball is 7.30 m s-1 at an angle of 37.4° below the horizontal.

Context 3: Other parabolic path

3. During an eruption, a chunk of rock is ejected out of the volcano at 35º to the horizontal.

(a) Calculate the initial speed at which the block has to be ejected, in order for the rock to
fall at point B.
(b) Calculate the time of flight.

Let the initial speed and the time of flight during the AB x y
journey from A to B be u and t respectively. s 9400 - 3300
u + u cos θ + u sin θ
From the table, there are two variables in both v ? ?
horizontal and vertical motion Thus to solve for two a 0 - 9.81
variables, there is a need to establish two equations t t t
(one in each direction) for simultaneous equations.
 For horizontal motion,

--- (1)

For the vertical motion

--- (2)

Sub into eq (2):

u = 256 m s-1

= 44.9 s

Dynamics (Conservation of Momentum) and WEP

1. A ball of mass 5.0 kg, initially lying on the frictionless slop is released from rest at a height of
2.0 m above the ground.

(a) Calculate the velocity of the ball just before it hits the ground.

(b) After passing through A, the ball continues along the rough ground of constant frictional
force of 1.0 N, until it collides with a stationary block of mass 10 kg at point B. Calculate
the velocity of the ball just before it collides with the block at B.

(c) Upon collision, the block moves to the right with a speed of 4.0 m s -1. Calculate the
velocity of the ball immediately after collision.

(d) Deduce if the collision is elastic.

(a)

At point C, the ball is 2.0 m above the ground and it is at rest (i.e. v = 0)

By conservation of energy,
PEc + KEc + W = PEA + KEA (no forces to add or remove energy from system)
(5.0)(9.81)(2.0) + 0 + 0 = 0 + ½ (5.0)vA2
vA = 6.26 m s-1

(It is not possible to find the velocity using dynamics as the angle of the slope is not
given, hence the acceleration of the ball [a = g sin θ] can’t be determined in the case
where the only forces acting on the ball is weight and normal.)

(b)

At point A to B, the ball is moving horizontally with a constant frictional force acting on it.

By conservation of energy,
PEA + KEA + WAB = PEB + KEB
0 + ½ (5.0)(6.264)2 + (1.0)(5.0) cos 180° = 0 + ½ (5.0)vB2
VB = 6.10 m s-1

Alternative,
In this case, the concepts of dynamics can be used to solve since the frictional force is
the resultant force acting on the ball.
N
Fn = ma f
1.0 = 5.0 a
a = 0.20 Free-body diagram
of ball
W
Since the resultant force is a constant value, acceleration is also a constant value.

(a and v are in opposite direction, hence v: +ve, a: -ve)

-1
vx = 6.10 m s

(c) Since there is a collision between the ball and the block, principle of conservation of
linear momentum applies (i.e. during collision, there is no net force acting on the system
of ball and block)

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

(5.0)(6.102) + 0 = (5.0)v1 + (10)(4.0)
v1 = - 1.90 m s-1 (or 1.90 m s-1 to the left)
 (d) For an elastic collision, relative speed of approach = relative speed of separation
i.e. u1 – u2 = v2 – v1

Relative speed of approach

= u1 – u2
= 6.102 – 0
= 6.10 m s-1

Relative speed of separation

= v2 – v1
= 4.0 – (– 1.898)
= 5.90 m s-1

Since the relative speed of approach is not equal to the relative speed of separation, the
collision is not elastic.

Alternative method: compute the sum of kinetic energy before and after collision to
check if the values are the same for an elastic collision.

Kinematics, Dynamics, WEP

MJC Prelim 2007/II/2

A driver of a truck tries to measure the resistive forces acting on the truck. When the truck of
mass 1500 kg reaches a speed of 24 km h-1, he switch off the engine and allows it to slow down
to a speed of 18 km h-1 solely under the influence of these resistive forces. The truck travels a
distance of 10 m during this process. Assume that these resistive forces remain constant at all
speeds.

(i) Calculate the resistive forces acting on the truck.

Using conservation of energy,

PE1 + KE1 + W = PE2 + KE2

Since the truck is moving on a horizontal road, there is no change in PE. Therefore,
0 + ½ (1500)(6.67)2 + F(10) cos 180° = 0 + ½ (1500)(5.0)2
F = 1460 N

Alternatively, using dynamics

Since it is on flat ground, the resultant force and hence the acceleration is only due to the
resistive force.
 ax = - 0.9722 m s-2 (a and v are in opposite direction, hence v: +ve, a: -ve)

Fn = ma
f = 1500 × - 0.9722
= - 1460 N (or 1460 N in the opposite direction to the motion)

(ii) The truck is then driven at constant speed of 12 m s -1 on the level road. Calculate the power
developed by the engine of the truck.

The engine provides a force of 1460 N to overcome friction such that the truck moves at
constant speed horizontally (i.e. constant velocity)

Pengine = Fengine × vengine

= 1458 × 12
= 1.75 × 104 W

(iii) Describe and explain the transformation of energy that takes place when the truck starts
moving up a steep incline with the same engine force. Assume that the resistive forces
remain the same.

Since the force provided by the engine and the resistive force remains the same, the work
done by the engine is equal to the work done to overcome the resistive force. Hence there is
no transfer of energy into or out of the truck. With the truck moving up an incline, it will be
gaining gravitational potential energy. This gain in GPE must be accounted by a loss of
kinetic energy (i.e. KE is converted into GPE)

Forces (Equilibrium)

1. Figure 2 shows a crane consisting of a uniform arm, with a length of 4.0 m and a mass of
2.0 x 10³ kg. The arm is held stationary at an angle of 50 to the vertical, by a horizontal
cable attached to the arm at 1.0 m from the top.

Question development 1
The weight of the arm is W, the tension in the horizontal cable is T and the force exerted on
the arm at the hinge is R.

(a) Show that the tension T in the horizontal cable is 1.6  104 N.
 The arm is held stationary, i.e. it is in equilibrium.
There is no resultant force and no resultant torque acting on the arm.
Since there are two unknown forces, T and R, taking pivot at the hinge can help
eliminate the turning effect of R.

Take pivot at the hinge,

 = 0
total clockwise moment = total anticlockwise moment
T (3.0 cos 50) = W (2.0 sin 50)
T (3.0 cos 50) = (2.0  103 ) (9.81) (2.0 sin 50)
T = 1.56  104 N
T = 1.6  104 N (proven)

(b) Draw a vector triangle to represent the relationship of the forces W, T and R. Label the
forces clearly. (Scale drawing is not necessary.)

Since the arm is in equilibrium, the resultant force is zero, i.e. the vector triangle of W, T
and R will form a closed loop.
(Note: the angle 50° is the angle between the arm and the vertical, not the angle of R
with respect with the vertical (look at the diagram carefully)
T

or R
R W W

(c) Hence, determine the magnitude and the direction of the force R.

Since it is in equilibrium, ∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0

Horizontal equilibrium:
∑Fx = 0
(+T) + (- R cos θ) = 0
R cos θ = T --- (1)

Vertical equilibrium
∑Fy = 0
(+ R sin θ) + (- W) = 0
R sin θ = W --- (2)

θ = 51.5° (above the horizontal)

 Sub θ = 51.5° into (1)
R cos 51.5° = 1.559 × 104
R = 2.51 × 104 N

Question development 2
The weight of the arm is W, the tension in the horizontal cable is T and the force exerted on the
arm at the hinge is R.

(a) Show that the tension T in the horizontal cable is 1.6  104 N.

(Same working as Question development 1)

(b) 1. Determine the horizontal component of the force R.

Since it is in equilibrium, ∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0

Horizontal equilibrium:
∑Fx = 0
(+T) + (- Rx) = 0
Rx = T
= 1.6 × 104 N

2. Determine the vertical component of the force R.

Since it is in equilibrium, ∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0

Vertical equilibrium
∑Fy = 0
(+ Ry) + (- W) = 0
Ry = W
= 2.0 × 103 × 9.81
= 1.96 × 104 N

(c) Hence, determine the magnitude and the direction of the force R.

R2 = Rx2 + Ry2
R2 = 155882 + 196202
R = 2.51  104 N

(above the horizontal)

Thermal Physics (p-V diagram)

Context 1: Comparing 2 paths

HCI 2001 Prelim (modified)

1. (a) An ideal gas expands from a volume of 2.00 m3 to a volume of 6.00 m3 along two
different paths as described in the figure below. The heat added to the gas along the
path I→A→F is equal to 1.67 × 106 J.
P/ Pa

2.00 × 105 A

1.00 × 105
I F
V / m3
2.00 4.00 6.00
(i) State in words the First Law of Thermodynamics.
(ii) Compute the increase in the internal energy of the gas as it undergoes expansion
process I→A→F.
(iii) Hence, compute the heat added to the gas along the path I→F.

(a) The increase in the internal energy of a system is the summation of heat supplied to
system and work done on system.

(b) The heat supplied to gas along the path I→A→F is + 1.67 × 106 J.
Thus to find the increase in the internal energy of the gas along I→A→F, the work done
on gas along I→A→F has to be found 1st.

Work done from I→A→F

= area under the graph of I→A→F
= [(1.00 x 105 x 4.0) + ½ (4.0 × 1.00 x 105)]
= 6.00 x 105 J
Work done on gas = - 6.00 x 105 J (expansion)

Thus, ΔU = Q + W
ΔUI→A→F = (+ 1.67 x 106) + (- 6.00 x 105)
= + 1.07 x 106 J

(c) The starting and ending point of the two processes (I→A→F and I→F) are the same.
Hence the starting and ending temperatures of the gas undergoing the two processes
will be the same. Therefore the change in temperature for the gas through the two
processes is the same as well.

Since internal energy is dependent on the temperature ( ), the change in

internal energy for the two processes should be the same as well.
 ΔUI→F = ΔUI→A→F
= + 1.07 x 106 J

To compute the heat supplied to the gas, the work done on gas through I→F has to be
found.
W = (1.00 x 105) x (6.00 – 2.00)
= 4.0 × 105 J
Work done on gas = - 4.0 × 105 J (expansion)

ΔU = Q + W
1.07 x 106 = Q + (- 4.0 × 105)
Q = + 1.47 x 106 J

Context 2: Cyclic Process

(b) The same gas in (a) undergoes a cyclic process I→A→F→I

P/ Pa

2.00 × 105 A

1.00 × 105
I F
V / m3
2.00 4.00 6.00

For the process I→A→F→I,

(i) determine the increase in the internal energy of the gas.
(ii) calculate the net work done by the gas.
(iii) determine the net heat added to the gas.

(i) The starting and ending point of the cyclic process (I→A→F→I) are the same. Hence the
starting and ending temperatures of the gas undergoing the cyclic process will be the
same. Therefore the change in temperature for the gas through the cyclic process is
zero.

Since internal energy is dependent on the temperature ( ), the change in

internal energy for the two processes should be zero.
i.e. ΔU = 0

(ii) Net work done on gas = work done on gas (I→A→F) + work done on gas (F→I)

work done on gas (I→A→F)

= - [(1.00 x 105 x 4.0) + ½ (4.0 × 1.00 x 105)]
= - 6.0 x 105 J (expansion)
 work done on gas (F→I)
= + (1.00 x 105 x 4.0)
= + 4.0 x 105 J (contraction)

Net work done on gas = work done on gas (I→A→F) + work done on gas (F→I)
= (- 6.0 x 105) + (+ 4.0 x 105)
= - 2.0 x 105 J
Net work done by gas = + 2.0 x 105 J

(iii) ΔU = Q + W
ΔUnet = Qnet + Wnet
0 = Qnet + (- 2.0 x 105)
Qnet = + 2.0 x 105 J

Motion in a circle

Context 1: Horizontal circular motion

1.

Which one of the following gives the correct expressions both for the tension in the string
and the speed of the bob?

Tension Speed of bob

(A) mg
(B) mg
(C) mg 0.84
(D) mg 0.84

The bob is undergoing a horizontal uniform circular motion. Tcos45°

T
Horizontal:
The bob is not moving vertically, i.e. ay = 0
Therefore ∑Fy = 0
(+ T cos 45°) + (- mg) = 0
Tsin45°

Circular motion: mg
Fc = mac
 v = 0.84

2. An aircraft of mass 5.0 × 104 kg moves with a constant speed of 0.20 km s-1 in a horizontal
circle of radius 15 km.

(i) Show on a sketch the forces acting on the aircraft in the vertical plan containing the
aircraft and the centre of the circle.

(ii) Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

For horizontal circular motion,

Fc = mac

= 1.33 × 105 N
Fc always acts towards the centre of the circle. In this case, Fc is acting to the left.

IJC Prelim 2007/II/2

3. A model aeroplane has a mass of 0.40 kg and has a control wire of length 5.0 m attached to
it when it flies in a horizontal circle. Its wings are horizontal, creating a vertical upward lift on
the aeroplane. The taut wire is then inclined 60° to the horizontal and fixed to a point O.
 (a) If each revolution takes 3.5 s, show that its centripetal acceleration is 8.1 m s -2.
[2]

(b) Calculate the tension T in the control wire.

[2]

(c) Calculate the upward lift L on the model aeroplane due to the air.
[2]

(a)

= 8.06 m s-2
= 8.1 m s-2 (proven)

(b) Since the aeroplane is undergoing a horizontal circular

motion, the centripetal force must be pointing towards
the centre, i.e. centripetal force must be in the
horizontal plane.
From the FBD, the centripetal force must be due to the
horizontal component of tension (i.e. T cos 60°)
Fc = mac
T cos 60° = 0.40 × 8.057
T = 6.45 N

(c) The aeroplane is moving in a horizontal circle, implying there is zero displacement and
net force in the vertical direction.

∑Fy = 0
(+ L) + (- W) + (- T sin 60°) = 0
L = 0.40 × 9.81 + 6.45 sin 60°
= 9.51 N

Context 2: Vertical circular motion

1. A simple pendulum consists of a bob of mass m at the end of a light and inextensible thread
of length L. The other end of the thread is fixed at C. The bob swings through point B with
velocity v and just reaches point A where the string is just taut.
 Determine the tension, in terms of m and g, in the thread as the bob passes point B.
As the bob swings pass point B, the resultant force is T
acting towards the centre.
Fc = mac
W

--- (1)
(Note: vB can be found out from COE)

When the bob just reach point A, vA = 0.

Assuming no resistive force,

i.e. no work done on the system:
Using conservation of energy,
KEB + PEB + W = KEA + PEA
½ mvB2 + 0 + 0 = 0 + mgL
vB2 = 2gL
Sub vB2 into (1)

T = 3 mg

2. In a particular ride in an amusement park, a passenger of mass 55 kg travels upside down

in a carriage at the top of a circle of diameter 14 m at a speed of 14 m s -1, as shown in the
diagram below.

Determine the force exerted by the carriage on the passenger.

As the bob swings pass point B, the resultant force is acting towards the centre.
 Fc = maC

N = 1.00 × 103 N

3. A car of mass 1000 kg is travelling over an arched bridge which has a radius of 80 m.
Determine the maximum speed at which the car can travel without losing contact with the
surface at the top of the bridge as shown in the diagram below.

At the top of the bridge,

Fc = mac

For a car to travel without losing contact with the surface, N ≈ 0.

v = 28.0 m s-1

Gravitation and Motion in a Circle

As shown in the diagram below, a communication satellite is in its geostationary orbit round the
Earth. The radius of the Earth is 6.38 × 106 m and the mass of the Earth is 6.00 × 1024 kg.

(a) Explain why the geostationary orbit must be in the equatorial plane.
 The centripetal force is always directed towards the centre of rotation. Having the satellite in
the equatorial plane will enable the gravitational force (the only force or resultant force)
acting on the satellite to be always in the equatorial plane. If the orbit is not in the equatorial
plane, the satellite must sometimes be over the northern hemisphere and sometimes over
the southern hemisphere, and so cannot be geostationary.

(b) Show that the period of the satellite T is given by where R is the radius of the
geostationary orbit.

Fc = mac

(c) Determine the height h of the satellite from the Earth’s surface.

r = 4.23 x 107 m

height from Earth’s surface = 4.23 x 107 - 6.38 × 106

= 3.59 x 107 m

(d) Calculate the orbital speed of the satellite.

v = 3.08 × 103 m s-1