Written Paper
Section I
Question 2 - 2001 HSC
Direction of force on a positively charged particle moving at a specified velocity in a magnetic field, as shown in a diagram.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 3 - 2001 HSC
Temperatures between which mercury always acts as a superconductor, as shown in a graph.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 6 - 2001 HSC
Approximate energy of each photon if the photons released from a microwave transmitter have a wavelength of 3.5 × 10–2m
Section I
Question 11 - 2002 HSC
Description of an n-type semiconductor.
Section I
Question 12 - 2002 HSC
Graph showing the change in temperature of a superconducting material as resistance increases.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 12 - 2001 HSC
Statements describing the reason why some materials become superconducting at very low temperatures.
Section I
Question 13 - 2002 HSC
Function of two components in a dagram of a simple cathode ray tube.
Section I
Question 14 - 2002 HSC
Reason why most transistors were manufactured using germanium instead of silicon during the early 1950s.
Section I
Question 15 - 2002 HSC
Method to determine a value for Planck’s constant using data from an experiement during which light of different frequencies was shone onto a metal surface to produce photoelectrons.
Section I
Question 24 - 2002 HSC
In terms of band structures and relative electrical resistance, describe the differences between a conductor, an insulator and a semiconductor.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 24-26 - 2001 HSC
Q24. Describe one way in which an understanding of crystal structure has impacted on science. Outline the methods of X-ray diffraction used by the Braggs to determine the structure of crystals. Q25. Graph the results of measurements of frequency of incident radiation and photoelectron energy taken in an experiment on the photoelectric effect, including the line of best fit. Explain how the reliability of the experiment could be improved. Q26. In the context of semiconductors, explain the concept of electrons and holes.
Section I
Question 25 - 2002 HSC
For two parallel metal plates that are separated by a fixed distance and have a given potential difference applied; (a) Calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength between the plates. (b) Calculate the magnitude of the electrostatic force acting on an electron between the plates, (c) If a beam of electrons is fired with a given velocity between the plates, calculate the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field that must be applied between the plates to cancel the force and stop the deflection of the electron beam.
Section I
Question 26 - 2002 HSC
Identify three properties of superconductors.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 4 - 2001 HSC
Type of current produced by each generator illustrated when connected to an external resistance.
Section I
Question 6 - 2002 HSC
Role of a transformer at an electrical power station.
Section I
Question 7 - 2002 HSC
Magnitude (T) of the external magnetic field on a long current-carrying conductor placed perpendicular to an external magnetic field, given a graph showing how Force (N) varied with Current (A).
Section I
Question 8 - 2002 HSC
Direction a single-turn coil of wire coil freely moves, due to the interaction between a uniform external magnetic field and the direction an electric current flows around the coil.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 8 - 2001 HSC
Condition causing a pendulum which has a coil of copper wire at the non-pivot end and which is swinging above a magnet to come to rest most quickly.
Section I
Question 9 - 2002 HSC
Comparison of the time taken for identically oriented bar magnets to hit the floor when they are dropped through tubes of plastic and copper of the same length and diameter.
Section I
Question 10 - 2002 HSC
Diagram representing the curve of induced electromagnetic field against position, given the direction of movement of the coil of an AC generator rotating at a constant rate in a magnetic field.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 10 - 2001 HSC
Graph showing how a current through an electric motor varies with speed, given that the power supply is of constant voltage and that the motor is allowed to run at different speeds by adjusting a brake.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 11 - 2001 HSC
Calculation of the secondary voltage to a transformer, given that the primary voltage is 110 V and the primary coil has 60 turns and the secondary coil has 2300 turns.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 14 - 2001 HSC
Forces acting on two straight metal rods of the same length, each pivoted at one end, each rotated with the same angular velocity so that they sweep out horizontal circular paths, and each with a constant current flowing along it.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 21-23 - 2001 HSC
Q21. Explain why no resistance is required when a large d.c. motor is running at high speed, but a substantial resistance is needed when the motor is starting up. Q22. Identify the direction of the force that exists between two parallel wires, each with a current flowing in the same direction along the wires. On a set of axes, sketch a graph that shows how the force between the two wires would vary if the length of the shorter wire were increased. Explain how these results demonstrate the moto-effect. Q23. Discuss the effects of the development of electrical generators on society and the environment. Outline the methods of X-ray diffraction used by the Braggs to determine the structure of crystals.
Section I
Question 22 - 2002 HSC
(a) Identify the function of the brush in a generator. (b) Determine which of the generators illustrated is a DC generator and justify your choice. (c) Outline why AC generators are used in large-scale electrical power production.
Section I
Question 23 - 2002 HSC
(a) State Lenz’s law. (b) Determine which end of a metal rod is negative if an electromagnetic field is induced between the two ends when it is moved through an illustrated magnetic field. Explain how the emf is produced in the rod. (c) Explain how the principle of induction can be used to heat a conductor.
Section I
Question 27 - 2002 HSC
Discuss how energy savings can be achieved by the use of superconductors in the areas of electricity generation and transmission, and transportation.
Written Paper
Section II
Question 30 - 2001 HSC
(a) Define nucleon and contrast one property of nucleons. (b) Use the data provided in a table to calculate the energy of the photon emitted when an electron makes a transition between quantum levels. Draw the energy level diagram for hydrogen, indicating where the energy levels lie for quantum numbers greater than 4. Part (c) is not in the current syllabus. (d) Discuss the significance of the Manhattan Project for society. (e) Analyse how Chadwick’s and Fermi’s work resulted in a greater understanding of the atom.
Section II
Question 31 - 2002 HSC
(a) Describe Davisson and Germer’s experiment to confirm de Broglie's hypothesis of wave-particle duality. Explain the stability of the electron orbits in the Bohr atom, using
de Broglie’s hypothesis. (b) Identify who suggested that the existence of the neutrino relates to the energy distribution of electrons emitted in β-decay. Assuming that the neutrino is massless, calculate the mass defect in the β-decay of a given isotope. Account for the energy distribution of electrons emitted in this β-decay. (c) Explain how the Balmer Series provides evidence in support of Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom. Given a diagram of the Balmer Series, calculate the wavelength of the next line in the Series. (d) Discuss how neutron scattering and another process have increased understanding of the structure of matter.
Section II
Question 28 - 2002 HSC
(a) Describe Earth’s current magnetic field. Using a diagram of magnetic anomalies of the oceanic crust, explain the origin of the pattern on either side of the mid-ocean ridge. (b) Recount the steps involved in gravity data reduction. Using a diagram of the surface height and gravity anomaly curve in a region, propose reasons for the difference in anomaly at two marked locations. Predict the variation in orbital path for a satellite moving West to East across the region. (c) Using a graph of travel time for P and S waves, at different surface distances from an earthquake epicentre, contrast the properties of P and S waves; account for the absence of S waves at distances greater than 11 000 km from the epicentre, and assess the application and advantages of geophysical methods in mineral exploration.
Section II
Question 29 - 2002 HSC
(a) Briefly describe how an endoscope works. Explain how a CAT scan is produced. Using a graph of % decay of technetium 99m over time, determine the isotope's half-life. Calculate the amount of undecayed isotope when a scan is taken, given the amount injected and time of the scan. Propose reasons why scans are best taken between two and five hours after injection. (c) Given representations of an MRI, X-ray and CAT scan, identify advantages of MRI scans over CAT scans, explain why a doctor would order an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis of a fractured skull, and justify the choice of an additional scan if the patient develops symptoms of brain damage. (d) Assess the impact on society of medical applications based on ultrasound and the magnetic field of particles within the body.
Section I
Question 16 - 2002 HSC
For an experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum, (a) Outline TWO changes that could be made to the experimental procedure to improve its accuracy, (b) Compare two students' methods of calculating g and identify the better approach, (c) Calculate the value of g from the line of best fit on a graph.
Section I
Question 20 - 2002 HSC
Using activities carried out in a boat on a large, calm lake and the observed results for each activity, justify the conclusion that: ‘The boat can be regarded as an inertial frame of reference’.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 24-26 - 2001 HSC
Q24. Describe one way in which an understanding of crystal structure has impacted on science. Outline the methods of X-ray diffraction used by the Braggs to determine the structure of crystals. Q25. Graph the results of measurements of frequency of incident radiation and photoelectron energy taken in an experiment on the photoelectric effect, including the line of best fit. Explain how the reliability of the experiment could be improved. Q26. In the context of semiconductors, explain the concept of electrons and holes.
Section I
Question 1 - 2002 HSC
Set of arrows showing the direction of the acceleration of a golf ball at two points in its trajectory.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 1 - 2001 HSC
Weight of a person at Earth’s surface, given the person's mass.
Section I
Question 2 - 2002 HSC
Effects noted by a stationary observer of a spaceship travelling at a very high speed.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 2 - 2001 HSC
Direction of force on a positively charged particle moving at a specified velocity in a magnetic field, as shown in a diagram.
Section I
Question 3 - 2002 HSC
Calculation of a person’s weight on the surface of Mercury, given the acceleration due to gravity (ms-2) on the surfaces of Earth and Mercury and the person's weight (N) on the surface of Earth.
Section I
Question 4 - 2002 HSC
Point at which the occupant of a car on a roller-coaster ride would experience maximum ‘g force’.
Section I
Question 5 - 2002 HSC
Calculation of the orbital period of a planet orbiting a distant star, given the orbital period of a second planet orbiting the same star and the mass, orbital radius, planetary radius and length of day for both planets.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 5 - 2001 HSC
Time interval with the greatest acceleration of a rocket, given a graph of forces experienced by an astronaut during a launch into a stable orbit.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 7 - 2001 HSC
Acceleration of an object thrown vertically upward, given its mass, initial speed and maximum height.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 13 - 2001 HSC
Conditions of force and acceleration of a rocket car moving on a straight horizontal track, if half of the initial mass of the rocket car is propellant and the propellant is consumed at a constant rate and ejected at a constant nozzle velocity.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 15 - 2001 HSC
Graph of Velocity vs Time best representing the motion of a ball that bounces several times.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 16-17 - 2001 HSC
Q16. Name the effect demonstrated by the observation that high-speed muons have a lifetime of 5.0 microseconds but, when brought to rest, their lifetime is 2.2 microseconds; calculate the velocity of the muons as they leave the accelerator. Q17. Using a graph of velocity and time, compare the acceleration of a rocket launched vertically at t = 20s with its acceleration at t = 100s; account for the shape of the graph over the range of time shown.
Written Paper
Section I
Question 18-20 - 2001 HSC
Q18. Calculate the force acting on a projectile when it is at its maximum height after being fired from a cannon and the time it takes to reach the ground from its maximum height. Describe and compare the vertical forces at the object's maximum height with the forces on an identical object attached to a mechanical arm and moved at a constant speed in a vertical half-circle. Q19. Outline how Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity explains the result of the Michelson–Morley experiment. Q20. Explain why transformers are used in an a.c. network between the generating stations and the final consumer.
Section I
Question 19 - 2002 HSC
Using one of Einstein’s famous thought experiments in which a train passes through a station at 60% of the speed of light; (a) Compare the velocity of a light beam as seen by a passenger on the train and a rail worker standing on the station platform. (b) Calculate the length of the carriage as observed by the railworker on the station platform if the passenger calculates the length as 22 m.
Section I
Question 21 - 2002 HSC
(a) If a cannon with a length of 215 m fires a capsule that achieves a speed of 1.06 × 104 ms−1 as it leaves the cannon, calculate the magnitude of the acceleration required. (b) Explain why this method is unsuitable for sending a living person to the moon.
