SINGAPORE JUNIOR PHYSICS OLYMPIAD 2016

GENERAL ROUND
27 July 2016

ANSWERS
GENERAL DATA SHEET
Acceleration due to gravity at Earth surface, 𝑔 = 9.80 m s−2 = |𝑔⃗|
Universal gas constant, 𝑅 = 8.31 J mol−1 K −1
Vacuum permittivity, 𝜀0 = 8.85 × 10−12 C2 N −1 m−2
Vacuum permeability, 𝜇0 = 4𝜋 × 10−7 T m A−1
Atomic mass unit, u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg
Speed of light in vacuum, c = 3.00 × 108 m s−1
Charge of electron, e = 1.60 × 10−19 C
Planck’s constant, h = 6.63 × 10−34 J s
Mass of electron, me = 9.11 × 10−31 kg = 0.000549u
Mass of proton, mp = 1.67 × 10−27 kg = 1.007u
Rest mass of alpha particle, mα = 4.003u
Boltzmann constant, k = 1.38 × 10−23 J K−1
Avogadro’s number, NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol−1
Standard atmosphere pressure, P0 = 1.01 × 105 Pa
Density of water, ρw = 1000 kg m−3
Specific heat (capacity) of water, cw = 4.19 × 103 J kg−1 K−1
Stefan-Boltzmann constant, 𝜎 = 5.67 × 10-8 W m−2 K−4

Page 1 of 50
Page 2 of 50
1. A force is applied to a box to push it across the horizontal floor at a constant speed of 4.0 m/s. Assume
air resistance is negligible. What can you say about the forces acting on the box?
(A) If the force applied to the box is doubled, the constant speed of the box will double to 8.0 m/s.
(B) The magnitude of force applied to keep the box moving at a constant speed must be more than
the magnitude of its weight.
(C) The force being applied to the box to keep it moving at constant speed makes an action-reaction
pair with the frictional force that resists its motion.
(D) The magnitude of force applied to keep the box moving at a constant speed must be equal to the
magnitude of the frictional forces that resist its motion.
(E) The magnitude of force applied to keep the box moving at a constant speed must overcome i.e.
be more than the magnitude of the frictional forces that resist its motion.

Answer: D
Notes:
Implicit in the question is that friction is not negligible. “Constant speed” is important as is” keeping the
box moving at constant speed” so that students do not interpret the statements as relating to the process
to start the box moving.
A - if the force applied were doubled, the box would accelerate. If air resistance is important, then it may
be possible that A can be correct.
B – For friction, magnitude of force may be modelled as coefficient of friction x Normal force. In most
cases coefficient of friction is less than one. It is also possible for coefficient friction to be more than 1.
C - Although C sounds almost the same as D, the two forces although equal are not action-reaction pair
We need a preceding period of time when the force was greater than the frictional to reach the constant
speed. However E which seems to suggest that also says “to keep the box moving at constant speed”. So
E is not perfectly correct.

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2. If the force applied to the box in the preceding problem is suddenly discontinued, the box will;
(A) stop suddenly.
(B) continue at a constant velocity.
(C) suddenly start slowing to a stop.
(D) increase its speed for a very short period of time, then start slowing to a stop.
(E) continue at a constant speed for a very short period of time and then slow to a stop.
Answer: C

Notes: When the “force applied” is discontinued, friction still exists. Friction causes the box to slow
down.
A- If the box was massless, then it is possible for the acceleration to approach infinity and thus for it to
stop suddenly
B- If friction also suddenly stops (e.g. if friction were somehow related to the applied force- e.g. for
static friction cases) then the box would continue at a constant velocity.
D and E are plausible if you watch a lot of old cartoons.

Page 4 of 50
3. A box with mass 𝑚 is lying motionless on a level surface. In the diagram, 𝑅⃗⃗ is the ground reaction force
⃗⃗⃗⃗ is the weight of the box. Which statement is incorrect?
or normal force on the box and 𝑊
(A) According to Newton’s 1st law of motion, 𝑅⃗⃗ + 𝑊
⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 0 implies that the
𝑅⃗⃗
box will remain at rest.
(B) According to Newton’s 2nd law of motion, 𝑅⃗⃗ + 𝑊
⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 0.

(C) According to Newton’s 3rd law of motion, 𝑅⃗⃗ = −𝑊

⃗⃗⃗⃗ .
⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑚𝑔⃗. ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑊
(D) According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, 𝑊
(E) According to Newton's law of universal gravitation 𝑔 is related to the mass and radius of earth.
Ans: C
A N1 law has a deeper meaning of defining a frame of reference
B N2 law also works for when there is acceleration but it is not totally wrong to use it for a=0
C is correct answer i.e. the incorrect statement. R=-W but this is due directly to to equilibrium and
indirectly related to Newton’s 3rd law rather than directly according to Newton’s 3rd law.
⃗⃗⃗⃗ is considered a real force and not a fictitious force and g
D where 𝑔 = 𝐺𝑀/𝑅 2 , In this interpretation, 𝑊
is interpreted as the gravitational field, not the acceleration of a free falling object due to gravity
E already explained in D

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4. A box is pulled using a string up a 0.1 radian slope at constant speed of 2.0 ms-1. The string is cut
suddenly and the box comes to a stop after moving up a further distance of 1.0 m. What is the value of
the coefficient of friction?
Front of box
(A) 0.00
will stop here
1.0m
(B) 0.10 Box initially
moving at 2ms-1
(C) 0.20
(D) 0.30
0.1 rad
(E) The situation is impossible.

Ans: B
𝑅 = 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃
𝐹𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝜇𝑅 = 𝜇𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃
COE - Initial: KE, Final: PE + Energy transferred by friction
1
𝑚𝑣 2 = 𝑚𝑔𝑥 sin 𝜃 + 𝜇𝑚𝑔𝑥 cos 𝜃
2
𝑣 2 /2 − 𝑔𝑥 sin 𝜃
𝜇=
𝑔𝑥 cos 𝜃
If numbers are changed, it is possible to get an impossible situation where the coefficient of friction is
negative.

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5. A train of mass 7.0 × 104 kg expends 60 kW of power to travel down a 2° incline at a constant
velocity of 10 m s-1. How much power is required for the same train to travel up the 2° incline at the
same constant velocity of 10 m s-1?
(A) 540 kW
(B) 480 kW
(C) 300 kW
(D) 240 kW
(E) 60 kW
Answer: A

The power needed to increase the gravitational potential energy of the train moving it up a 2° slope at a
Fd
constant velocity of 10 m s-1 is P   mgv sin   (70000)(9.81)(10)(sin 2 )  240kW
t

The train experiences other resistive forces, which is why it still expends extra 60 kW of power to travel
down a 2° slope. To account for the power related to these resistive forces (which are the same since the
slope angle is the same and the speed is the same), we can take the resistive forces to be (60 kW + 240
kW) = 300kW . For the train going up the slope it needs to do work against the resistive forces and also
gravity. Thus the total power is 300 kW + 240 kW =540kW

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6. Carts A and B are initially at rest on a frictionless, horizontal surface. A constant force 𝐹0 is applied to
each cart as it travels from its initial position. The mass of cart A is more than the mass of cart B.
Consider the kinetic energy, 𝐸, and momentum, 𝑝, of the boxes at position X, a distance 𝑥0 from the
initial position. Subscripts A, B denote cart A or B. Which statement below is correct?
(A) 𝐸𝐴 < 𝐸𝐵 , 𝑝𝐴 < 𝑝𝐵
𝑥0
(B) 𝐸𝐴 < 𝐸𝐵 , 𝑝𝐴 = 𝑝𝐵
(C) 𝐸𝐴 > 𝐸𝐵 , 𝑝𝐴 < 𝑝𝐵 𝐹0 A

(D) 𝐸𝐴 = 𝐸𝐵 , 𝑝𝐴 = 𝑝𝐵
𝐹0 B
(E) 𝐸𝐴 = 𝐸𝐵 , 𝑝𝐴 > 𝑝𝐵
Starting Position
position X

Answer: E - cart A acceleration less since cart A is heavier. KE is the same since work done is the same
𝐹0 𝑥0 . cart A acceleration less since cart A is heavier and thus cart A takes a longer time to reach position
X . Students should be able to figure out that the boxes are not at position X at the same time.

Momentum for cart A is more since force is applied for longer time (impulse) on cart A.
Alternatively
𝑝 = √2𝑚𝐸
𝐸𝐴 = 𝐸𝐵 since force and distance are the same (choose from either D or E). Since 𝑚𝐴 > 𝑚𝐵 therefore
𝑝𝐴 > 𝑝𝐵 (actually can also conclude that if energy is the same, and mass is not the same, then momentum
can’t be the same and eliminate D immediately)

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7. An object, 1, with mass 𝑚 and another object, 2, with twice the mass 2𝑚 are dropped from rest, at the
same starting position from the top of a large container and fall in a straight line through motionless
viscous liquid. Drag is significant and assume that the two objects would eventually reach the same
terminal velocity 𝑣𝑇 if the container were tall enough. Consider the case where the objects do not
reach terminal velocity at the bottom of the container. Assume that the same type of drag acts on both
objects. How does the time taken, 𝑡1 and 𝑡2 , for the objects 1 and 2 to reach the bottom compare?
(A) 𝑡1 = 𝑡2
(B) 𝑡1 < 𝑡2 Object 1 Object 2
(C) 𝑡1 > 𝑡2 Starting
(D) 𝑡2 < 𝑡1 < 2𝑡2 position
Viscous
(E) 𝑡1 < 𝑡2 < 2𝑡1
liquid

Answer A:
Based on Galileo’s experiment students may intuitively choose A. It just so happens that the
assumptions in this problem happens to support that answer.
At terminal velocity
𝑚𝑔 = 𝑐1 𝑣𝑇2
2𝑚𝑔 = 𝑐2 𝑣𝑇2
So (it doesn’t matter whether it’s laminar or turbulent)
𝑐2 = 2𝑐1
For object 1: 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑐1 𝑣 2 = 𝑚𝑎
For object 2: 2𝑚𝑔 − 2𝑐1 𝑣 2 = 2𝑚𝑎
The same equation of motion, same starting conditions so same speed and so same time

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8. A train moving on straight horizontal tracks slows down from 66 ms-1 to 22 ms-1 at a constant rate of
2.0 ms-2. What distance does it travel while slowing down?
(A) 490 m
(B) 650 m
(C) 740 m
(D) 970 m
(E) 1100 m

Answer: D

v 2  u 2  2as
v 2  u 2 (22) 2  (66) 2
s   968m
2a 2  (2.0)
Alternatively
∆𝑉 (66−22)
time taken to slow down ∆𝑡 = =
𝑎 2
𝑣1 +𝑣2 (66+22) (66−22) 662 −222
Area under the velocity time graph 𝑠 = ∆𝑡 = = 𝑜𝑟 88 × 11
2 2 2 4

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9. A fruit drops from a tree. A boy, 1.5m tall, stands on the flat ground just under the fruit. The fruit was
initially 10 m above the boy’s head. A woman standing on the level ground 10 m from the boy
immediately throws a ball from a height of 1.5 m above the ground, and deflected the fruit from its
path towards the boy’s head. Assume that air resistance and her reaction time are negligible. Calculate
the minimum speed of the ball?
(A) 10 ms-1
(B) 15 ms-1 10 m
-1
(C) 20 ms
(D) 25 ms-1
10 m
(E) 30 ms-1

Answer: A
𝑥 = 𝑢 cos 𝜃 𝑡
1
𝑦2 = 𝑢 sin 𝜃 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡 2
2

𝑦2 > 0
1 𝑥
𝑢 sin 𝜃 > 𝑔
2 𝑢 cos 𝜃

𝑔𝑥 9.80 × 10
𝑢>√ =√
sin 2𝜃 sin 90

Note: She must have aimed correctly at the fruit. What if the fruit was already falling when she threw
the ball?

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10. An electron is emitted from the surface of a metal plate at an angle of 30 degrees from the surface. The
electron’s initial kinetic energy is 3.2 × 10−19 J. A uniform electric field of 1000 𝑁𝐶 −1 is applied as
shown in the figure. What is the kinetic energy of the electron when it is furthest from the plate from
which it was emitted?
(A) 0J
(B) 0.8 × 10−19 J
Direction of
(C) 1.6 × 10−19 J Initial direction of
electric field
electron
(D) 2.4 × 10−19 J
30o
(E) 3.2 × 10−19 J
Metal plate from which
electron is emitted

Answer: D

1
initial 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2

1
final 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚(𝑣 cos 𝜃)2 = 0.75 initial 𝐾𝐸
2

note: Magnitude of electric field is not needed

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11. A projectile is launched at velocity 𝑣0 into an ideal ballistic trajectory from the origin of a coordinate
system. Given that: when the launch angle is varied, all the possible points that can be hit by the

projectile are exactly contained within a parabola with equation y  a  bx where 𝑦 is the vertical
2

height, 𝑥 is the horizontal displacement from the origin, while 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants. What could be the
expression for 𝑎 and 𝑏 ?
2
v0 g
(A) a ,b  2
2g v0
2
v0 g
(B) a ,b  2
2g 2v0
2
v0 2g
(C) a ,b  2
2g v0
2
v0 g
(D) a ,b   2
g v0
2
v0 g
(E) a ,b   2
2g 2v0

Answer: E

2
v0
Curve is downwards parabola so b must be negative. So either D or E, from COE, 𝑎 must be so D is
2g
incorrect
Alternatively,
2
v0
At vertical launch angle, maximum height is and the horizontal displacement from origin is 0. Thus,
2g
2
v0
a
2g
At a 45° launch angle, we expect it to reach the maximum horizontal range when it lands at height 0. This
2 2 2
v0 v0 v
maximum range is given by x   , y  0, a  0 into y  a  bx , we can solve to
2
. Substitute x
g g 2g
g
obtain b   2
2v0

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12. The upper end of a rope is fixed to a vertical wall. The upper end makes an angle of 30 degrees with the
wall when the lower end is pulled by a horizontal force of 20N. What is the mass of the rope?
(A) 1.8kg
(B) 2.0kg
(C) 2.4kg
(D) 3.5kg 20N Force
30o
(E) 4.1kg
Answer: D
The rope is in equilibrium, so total net force is 0. So the horizontal force on the rope by the wall is 20N,
which means the force on the rope by the wall is 20/sin 30 = 40N. The vertical force on the rope is 40
cos 30. Thus the weight of the rope is 20/tan(30) so its mass is 20√3/𝑔 = 3.5𝑘𝑔.

Page 14 of 50
13. An ideal uniform spring of mass 𝑚 kg, unstretched length 𝐿 m and spring constant 𝑘 Nm−1 stretches by
an extension of 𝑥 m when hung vertically. Which statement below is correct? (You may want to know
𝑁(1+𝑁)
that the sum of N terms in an arithmetic progression from 1 to N is )
2
𝑚 𝑥
(A) The top half of the spring with mass kg has an extension m.
2 2
𝐿+𝑥 𝑚𝑔
(B) The top half of the spring with length m supports N.
2 2
𝑚 𝑘
(C) The top half of the spring with mass kg has a spring constant of Nm−1 .
2 2
𝑚𝑔
(D) The extension of the whole spring is m
𝑘
𝑚𝑔
(E) The length of the whole spring is 𝐿 + m
2𝑘

Answer: E
A- The top half (based on mass) should have larger extension and the lower half should have smaller extension
as the top half supports more weight.
B- The top half (based on length) supports more than half the weight as the top half based on mass has extended
into the bottom half based on mass and the top half supports its own weight as well as the bottom half’s
weight.
C- The spring constant is twice since half the spring will extend half as much when the same force is applied.
𝑚𝑔
D- The extension of the whole spring is less than 𝑘
m which would be the extension of the spring if all the

mass were concentrated at the bottom

E- Only answer left (arithmetic progession formula is not needed)
Note: 1) Consider a massless spring , spring constant k ,with a mass m attached to the bottom
mg
The extension is x =
k

Consider if we split it into N segments, spring 𝑁𝑘 followed by mass 𝑚/𝑁 and assume N is large
The total extension starting from the bottom and adding upwards is
𝑁 𝑁 𝑚 𝑁
𝑖 𝑔 𝑚𝑔 𝑚𝑔 𝑁(1 + 𝑁) 𝑚𝑔
𝑥 = ∑ 𝑥𝑖 = ∑ 𝑁 = 2 ∑ 𝑖 = 2 =
𝑁𝑘 𝑁 𝑘 𝑁 𝑘 2 2𝑘
𝑖=1 𝑖=1 𝑖=1

2) by summing 1to n/2 the extension of the bottom half is 1/4x and by summing n/2 to n, the extension of the top half is
3/4x i.e. (1-1/4)x
3) if we make the two wrong assumptions that the top half has extension x/2 and supports the mass m/2. We still get the
correct answer:
𝑥 𝑚
(2𝑘) ( ) = ( ) 𝑔
2 2
𝑚𝑔
𝑥=
2𝑘
However if we consider the top third (and so on) of the spring we do not get the same answer.

Page 15 of 50
14. A ball with mass 𝑚 is hung from the ceiling with a massless string of length 𝑙 as shown in the diagram.
It moves in uniform circular motion with angular velocity 𝜔. What is the magnitude of tension in the
string? ceiling
2
(A) 𝑚𝜔 𝑙
String, l
(B) 𝑚𝜔2 𝑙 cos 𝜃 θ

(C) 𝑚𝜔2 𝑙⁄cos 𝜃 ball

(D) 𝑚𝜔2 𝑙 sin 𝜃

(E) 𝑚𝜔2 𝑙⁄sin 𝜃 mg Axis of rotation

Answer: A

If angle is close 90 we would feel a tension in the string from daily experience so B cannot be true, C
would approach infinity so also might be true. If angle is close to 0 tension cannot be either close to 0 or
infinity. Guess from A or C

Alternatively.

𝑇 sin 𝜃 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑙 sin 𝜃

Page 16 of 50
15. For the same situation as in the above question, with 𝑚 = 0.20𝑘𝑔, 𝑙 = 0.80𝑚. What is the angular
velocity in order for the string to maintain a constant angle of 𝜃 = 25° to the vertical?
(A) 0.59 rad s-1 ceiling
-1
(B) 1.2 rad s
String, 0.8m
(C) 3.5 rad s-1 25o

(D) 3.7 rad s-1 𝑚 = 0.20𝑘𝑔

(E) 5.4 rad s-1

mg Axis of rotation

Answer D:
m 2l cos   mg
g
2 
l cos 
g 9.81
   3.7 rad s 1
l cos  
(0.80)(cos 25 )

g
Note: for small angles   same as for pendulum
l

Page 17 of 50
16. The diagram below shows 3 pendulums of length L. The first uses a point mass m suspended from a
string of length L; the second uses a sphere with radius R and mass m suspended such that the centre of
mass of the sphere is length L away from the pivot point; the last uses a rigid rod of length L and mass
m pivoted at its end. Which of the following statements correctly describes the periods of these 3
pendulums?
(A) Period of 1 = 2 > 3
(B) Period of 2 > 1 > 3
(C) Period of 2 > 3 > 1
(D) Period of 3 > 1 > 2
(E) Period of 3 > 2 > 1

Answer: B
Qualitative reasoning based on period formula

3 must be the smallest since the mass is distributed to shorter distances (i.e A or B). If 𝑇 ∝ 𝑙 then 1=2.
Since 𝑇 ∝ √𝑙 instead 1 cannot be equal to 2.

Alternatively,
Period of 2 is greater than period of 1 because the sphere, having a finite size, has a larger moment of
inertia than the point mass.

1 2
mL
I 2
Period of the rod pendulum is the lowest because its effective length is 3  L i.e. it has the
mr L 3
m
2
same period as a pendulum with a point mass suspended on a string of length 2L/3.

Page 18 of 50
17. A 360kg roller coaster car is initially at rest at a height of 120m above the ground. It goes to the ground
and does a circular loop of radius . Assume that friction and energy losses are negligible, the car is
small and is not attached to the track. What is the maximum radius 𝑟 so that the roller coaster does not
leave the track?
(A) 120m
(B) 60m
𝑟
(C) 48m 120 m

(D) 42m
(E) 36m

Answer: C
A is just wrong, B is COE, but car will fall off. So guess from C,D or E

Alternatively,
At the top of the loop, the roller coaster has 𝑚𝑔(ℎ − 2𝑟) kinetic energy, where h = 120m is the initial
height. So its speed is √2𝑔(ℎ − 2𝑟). In order for the roller coaster to not leave the track at the top of the
𝑣2 2𝑔(ℎ−2𝑟) 2ℎ
loop, 𝑟
must be at least g. So for the maximum radius we must have = 𝑔, so 𝑟 = 5
= 48𝑚.
𝑟

Note: In real situations you will need a failsafe in case frictional forces change etc..

Page 19 of 50
18. Two masses 𝑚1 = 100𝑘𝑔 and 𝑚2 = 200𝑘𝑔 are attached to a light, unstretchable, string on a fixed rod
as shown in the figure. Assume that friction is negligible. What is the acceleration of mass 𝑚1 due to
gravity?
(A) 3.3 ms-2 upwards
(B) 4.9 ms-2 upwards
(C) 9.8 ms-2 downwards
(D) 9.8 ms-2 upwards 𝑚2
-2 𝑚1
(E) 19.6 ms upwards

Answer: A
Think of the masses in a straight line. Force mg in one direction, force 2mg in the opposite direction, so
total force is mg, total mass is 3m, so the acceleration of the whole system and also of 𝑚1 is a=F/m=
(1/3) g. From this point of view, the tension is an internal force within the system and therefore the
acceleration of two mass system is due to gravity.

Alternatively,
Same tension. Same acceleration magnitude, opposite directions.
𝑇 − 𝑚1 𝑔 = 𝑚1 𝑎
𝑇 − 𝑚2 𝑔 = −𝑚2 𝑎
Subtracting to eliminate T
(𝑚2 − 𝑚1 )𝑔 = (𝑚2 + 𝑚1 )𝑎
(𝑚2 − 𝑚1 ) 1
𝑎= 𝑔= 𝑔
(𝑚2 + 𝑚1 ) 3

Note: If the question had asked for what is the value of “gravitational field strength” also known as
“acceleration due to gravity” acting on mass 𝑚1 , then C would be the best answer.

Page 20 of 50
19. In the figure, the two pulleys are at both ends are fixed in position and the pulley in between them is
free to move. The masses 𝑚1 = 4.9 kg, 𝑚2 = 4.9 kg are attached to the ends of a long string and the
string is placed across the two big pulleys. Then the small pulley with 𝑚3 = 7.9 kg is gently placed on
the initially horizontal string between the two big pulleys. Assume that the pulleys rotate smoothly and
have negligible mass. Also assume that the string is long enough. What is the angle θ at equilibrium?
(A) 0.2 𝜋 rad
θ
(B) 0.4 𝜋 rad
(C) 30o
(D) 60o
(E) It never reaches equilibrium.
𝑚3 𝑚2
𝑚1

Answer: B
Tension is 𝑇 = 𝑚1 𝑔 = 𝑚2 𝑔.
𝜃 𝜃
Vertical component: 𝑚3 𝑔 = 2𝑇 cos 2 = 2𝑚1 𝑔 cos 2
𝑚3
𝜃 = 2 cos −1 ≈ 0.4𝜋
2𝑚1
Note: If 𝑚3 was larger, it might continue accelerating

Page 21 of 50
20. A person on the moon surface shoots a bullet vertically upwards with a speed of 1200 ms-1. Assume
that the acceleration due to gravity on the moon’s surface is 𝑔𝑚 = 0.160 × 𝑔, the radius of the moon is
𝑟𝑚 = 1700 km and that air resistance is negligible. Calculate the height the bullet reaches above
2
𝑟𝑚
moon’s surface. (Hint: the potential energy of a mass 𝑚 may be taken as 𝐺𝑃𝐸 = −𝑚𝑔𝑚 )
𝑟

(A) 74 km
(B) 184 km
(C) 440 km
(D) 460 km
(E) 630 km

Answer: E
1 2
𝑟𝑚
COE - 𝑣 2 = 𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑚 − 𝑔𝑚
2 𝑟

𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑚2
𝑟=
1
𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑚 − 2 𝑣 2

𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑚
ℎ=( − 1) 𝑟𝑚 = (0.37)1700𝑘𝑚
1
𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑚 − 2 𝑣 2
1
Note: 1) using 2 𝑣 2 = 𝑔𝑚 ℎ gives us 460km
1
2) using 2 𝑣 2 = 𝑔ℎ gives us 73km

3) would it land at the same spot?

Page 22 of 50
21. Initially, a 1 kg box was sliding on frictionless surface at a constant velocity of 4 ms-1 in the x-direction.
A constant force of 1N was applied on the box in a fixed direction for a time duration of 5 s. After 5s
the speed of the box is 3 ms-1.What is the magnitude of the change in momentum of the box?
(A) 1 kgms-1
(B) 2 kgms-1
(C) 3 kgms-1
(D) 4 kgms-1
(E) 5 kgms-1

Answer: E

Change in momentum= impulse= 1N x 5s

Note: What could be the direction of the final velocity?

Page 23 of 50
22. A metal ball with volume 𝑉, density 𝜌𝑏 is tied to a string and gently lowered into a measuring cylinder
with honey. The density of honey is 𝜌ℎ . When the ball is submerged, the string is cut and the ball falls
straight down. The measuring cylinder and honey has total mass 𝑀 and is on a weighing machine which
has a readout in kg. Assume that the ball quickly reaches terminal velocity and the honey does not
overflow or splash. What is the reading on the weighing machine when the ball is falling at constant
velocity?
(A) 𝑀
(B) 𝑀 + 𝜌𝑏 𝑉
(C) 𝑀 + 𝜌ℎ 𝑉
(D) 𝑀 + (𝜌𝑏 − 𝜌ℎ )𝑉
(E) 𝑀 + (𝜌ℎ − 𝜌𝑏 )𝑉

Answer: B

Note:
1) What was the reading when it was held on the string?
2) What was the reading when the string is just cut but the velocity of the ball is zero?
3) What would the reading be when the string is just cut and there is no honey?
4) What would be the reading when the ball is at the bottom and moving at a constant velocity of 0m/s?

Page 24 of 50
23. A ball is dropped on the floor and bounces up and down for an infinite number of times. When the ball
is dropped from a height such that its center of mass is 5.00 m above its center of mass if it were just
resting on the floor, it bounces back up to 1.25 m. Assume that energy losses are negligible except
during the bounce. How much time does it take for the ball to stop bouncing from the time it was
𝑥
dropped? (Hint: for 0 < 𝑥 < 1, 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 3 + ⋯ = 1−𝑥 )

(A) 1s
(B) 2s
(C) 3s 5.00m
(D) 4s
(E) It never stops bouncing 1.25m

Answer: C

1
ℎ = 2 𝑔𝑡 2

2ℎ
𝑡 = √𝑔

Time before 1st bounce = 1 s

Time between 1st and 2nd bounce = 1s

Time between 2nd and 3rd bounce = 0.5s

Time between 3rd and 4th bounce = 0.25s

Students may guess that answer is either C or D. E is not likely due to daily life experience.

Alternatively, they may use the hint to work out that the answer is C

Page 25 of 50
24. Case 1: A 80kg skater with speed 𝑢 slides towards stationary skater with mass 20kg. They hold hands
when they reach each other and continue as one. Case 2: the 20kg skater is moving and the 80 kg skater
is stationary; the initial kinetic energy of the systems in both cases are the same. Assume friction is
negligible. What is the ratio of the change in kinetic energy (i.e the amount of energy converted to
other forms) of the system in case 1 to that in case 2? i.e. (case1:case 2)
(A) 4:1
(B) 2:1
(C) 1:1
(D) 1:2
(E) 1:4

Ans: E
1 1
Case 1: 80𝑢 = 100𝑣1 𝐾𝐸𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 2 100(0.8𝑢)2 , ∆𝐾𝐸 = 2 16𝑢2
1 1
Case 2: 20(2𝑢) = 100𝑣2 𝐾𝐸𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 2 100(0.4𝑢)2, ∆𝐾𝐸 = 2 64𝑢2

Note: Intuitively the situations are similar, but they are not.

Page 26 of 50
25. A circular disc with an axle of diameter 2 cm, is attached with strings to the ceiling. The disc is rotated
so that the strings wind up along the axle so that the disc is raised up to the ceiling. The string is long
such that when the disc is released from rest, its center of mass falls 2.0 m. The disc does not slip from
the string. Assume that the axle is massless and the disc has all of its 5 kg mass at radius 3 cm.
Calculate the acceleration of the center of mass of the disc.
(A) 𝑔 ceiling
(B) 2𝑔/3 string
(C) 𝑔/3 2cm
(D) 𝑔/5 Mass at 3
diameter
axle
(E) 𝑔/10 cm radius

Answer: E
It’s definitely not A since there is a tension upwards. Assume the angle the string makes to the vertical is
small (It is small after disc falls a distance from the top since the axle is only 1cm radius, right at the top
when the string is wound up, the tension makes an angle of 18 deg from the vertical)
𝑚𝑔 − 𝐹𝑇 = 𝑚𝑎
𝑎
𝑟𝑎 𝐹𝑇 = 𝐼𝛼 = 𝑚𝑟 2
𝑟𝑎
𝑟2
𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚𝑎 + 𝑚 2 𝑎
𝑟𝑎
𝑔
𝑎=
𝑟2
1+ 2
𝑟𝑎

26. A 0.9 m diameter, water pipe brings water from a reservoir 20 m high to a 0.3 m diameter nozzle at
ground level. Assume that viscous forces are negligible. What is the maximum possible speed of the
water jet at the nozzle?
(A) 6.6 ms-1
(B) 20 ms-1
(C) 34 ms-1
(D) 59 ms-1
(E) 178 ms-1
Answer: B by COE,

Page 27 of 50
 𝑣2
= 𝑔𝑧
2

27. A fire piston consists of a cylinder and piston arrangement that traps air at 1 atm, 299K, in the cylinder.
Initially the 0.010 m diameter piston is at a height 0.25 m above the bottom. The piston is suddenly
pushed down so that it ends up at the height 0.010 m. The temperature of the air becomes 533K. Assume
that air is an ideal gas, the piston is air tight. Calculate the force due to the gas in the cylinder acting on
the piston at the height of 0.010 m.
(A) 3500N piston

(B) 350N
(C) 110N
cylinder
(D) 35N
(E) None of the above gas
Answer: B
Use ideal gas law.
𝑃𝑉 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇
𝑃2 𝑉2 𝑇2
=
𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑇1
𝑇2 𝑃1 𝑉1 (260 + 273.15)(1.01 × 105 ) 25
𝐹 = 𝑃2 𝜋𝑟 2 = = ( ) 3.142(0.0052 ) = 353𝑁
𝑇1 𝑉2 (26 + 273.15) 1

Page 28 of 50
28. The Singapore Navy’s Archer class submarine are equipped with Stirling engines. The idealized Stirling
cycle for fixed quantity of an ideal gas is shown in the diagram below. The parts of the cycle are
labelled as: (i) isothermal (same temperature) process (ii) isochoric (same volume) process (iii)
isothermal process and (iv) isochoric process. Which part(s) have heat flow to the gas?
(A) (i) only
P
(B) (ii) only
(ii) (i)
(C) (i) and (ii)
(D) (ii) and (iii) (iv)
(iii)
(E) (i) and (iv)
V

Answer: C

To work as an engine the cycle must go (i), (iv) ,(iii), (ii). Gas does work during (i) and to stay
isothermal heat must go in to keep temperature constant. During (iv) pressure decreases so temperature
must have decreased. Since no work done, heat flows away from gas. During (iii) gas is compressed.
Work done on gas so heat flows out from gas to keep temp constant. During (ii), pressure increases so
heat flows in to gas to raise temperature.

Page 29 of 50
 𝑇
29. Assume the heat engine below is an ideal heat driven engine that has an efficiency 𝜂𝑡ℎ = 1 − 𝑇 𝑐 , where
𝐻

𝑇𝐻 is the temperature at which the heat enters the engine 𝑇𝑐 the cold temperature which the engine
exhausts the waste heat. The thermal conductivity of stainless steel is 19Wm-1K-1. Heat enters the heat
engine through a 2.00 mm thick, 23.7cm2 area stainless steel. Assume that the heat source can maintain a
temperature of 𝑇𝐻𝑆 = 613oC (note: 𝑇𝐻𝑆 ≠ 𝑇𝐻 ) and the environment can maintain a cold temperature of
𝑇𝑐 = 306oC. Also assume that the working gas is able to achieve thermal equilibrium with the
appropriate surface. What could be the maximum efficiency of the engine when it is doing work at the
average rate of 1kJs-1 ?
(A) 5% Heat Environment
(B) 10% Source Ideal Heat T=33oC
T=340oC Engine
(C) 30% Qout
Qin
(D) 50%
W
(E) It is not possible to operate the engine at 1kJs-1
Answer: C
It’s definitely not D as that is when 𝑇𝐻𝑆 = 𝑇𝐻 so guess C is closest
𝑃ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛
Guess and check e.g. C- if 30%, then 𝑇𝐻 =437K, ∆𝑇=176K and also ∆𝑇 = = 148𝐾
𝜎𝐴/𝑑
𝑃ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛
Guess and check e.g. B- if 10%, then 𝑇𝐻 =340K, ∆𝑇=273K and also ∆𝑇 = 𝜎𝐴/𝑑
= 444𝐾

C is closer.
Alternatively,
𝑃ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛 = 𝑃𝑊𝐷 + 𝑃ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑘𝐴 𝑃𝑊𝐷 𝑃𝑊𝐷 𝑃𝑊𝐷 (∆𝑇 − 𝑇𝐻𝑆 )
𝑃ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛 = ∆𝑇 = = =
𝑑 𝜂𝑡ℎ 𝑇𝐻𝑆 − ∆𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐 ∆𝑇−𝑇𝐻𝑆 + 𝑇𝑐
𝑇𝐻𝑆 − ∆𝑇
𝑃𝑊𝐷 𝑑
∆𝑇(∆𝑇−𝑇𝐻𝑆 + 𝑇𝑐 ) = (∆𝑇 − 𝑇𝐻𝑆 )
𝑘𝐴
𝑃𝑊𝐷 𝑑 𝑃𝑊𝐷 𝑑
∆𝑇 2 − ((𝑇𝐻𝑆 − 𝑇𝑐 ) + 𝑘𝐴
) ∆𝑇 + 𝑘𝐴
𝑇𝐻𝑆 =0
306.15
Solving the quadratic equation ∆𝑇 = 180𝐾 and thus 𝜂𝑡ℎ = 1 − = 0.3
613.15−180

Interesting to note that there are two solutions for lower output power conditions. i.e. can get the same output
power from two different input power a more efficient one where ∆𝑇 is lower and a less efficient one where ∆𝑇 is
higher . It is impossible to operate at 1001kW.

Page 30 of 50
30. Three blocks A, B, C are arranged in a row on a frictionless surface. Blocks A and B are connected by a
spring of spring constant 10 Nm-1 while blocks B and C are connected by a spring of spring constant 20
Nm-1. Blocks A and C are pushed towards B and released in such a way that blocks A and C oscillate
but block B remains stationary. If the mass of block A is 20kg, what is the mass of block C?
(A) 5kg
(B) 10kg 10Nm-1 20Nm-1
(C) 20kg C
A B
(D) 40kg
(E) 80kg

Answer: D
For block B to remain stationary, the frequency of oscillations of blocks A and C must be the same. The
𝑘
angular frequency of a spring system is given by √𝑚 so the ratio of the spring constant to the mass of

the block must be the same. Thus the mass of block C must be 40kg.

Page 31 of 50
31. Suppose that the Earth is perfectly spherical, of uniform density, airless and non-rotating. A small
smooth hole is drilled diametrically through the Earth, and a small mass m is dropped from the surface
into one end of this hole. (Hint: The mass experiences a force towards the center of the Earth of
 mg 
magnitude   x when it is at a distance x from the center of the Earth, where RE the radius of the
 E
R

earth is 6.4×106 m). How long will the mass take to reach the center of the Earth?
(A) 10,000 s
(B) 2,500 s
(C) 2,300 s
(D) 1,300 s
(E) 1,100 s

Answer: D
acceleration due to gravity at center is zero. Although this is wrong, we may use “average” acceleration
2𝑅
as g/2 then 𝑡 = √ 𝑔/2𝐸 = 26.9 min closest answer is D

Alternatively and more correctly:

g
This is a simple harmonic oscillation with  
RE
9.8
Using the values given leads to    1.24  10 3 s 1
(6.4  10 )
6

2
The period is T   5078s  84.6min

Since we only want the time taken to reach the centre, we divide T by 4 to obtain the time taken as 21
min.

Page 32 of 50
32. A loudspeaker is placed facing a wall a certain distance away. A constant tone of frequency f is played
in the loudspeaker. A microphone is moved along the line between the loudspeaker and the wall, and the
intensity of the sound detected by the microphone is measured at several locations. It is found that the
distance between positions where a minimum intensity is recorded is 0.77 m. What is the frequency f?
Take the speed of sound in air to be 340 m s-1.
(A) 110 Hz
(B) 221 Hz
(C) 262 Hz
(D) 331 Hz
(E) 442 Hz

Answer: B
Distance between 2 nodes = 0.77 m
Wavelength = 1.54 m
v 340
f    221Hz
 1.54

Page 33 of 50
33. 4 point charges are arranged at the corners of a square of side length d. The charges are as indicated on
the diagram. What is the electric potential V and the magnitude of the electrostatic force F felt by a point
charge of –1e placed at the centre of the square?

1  e2 
(A) V = 0, F =  
2   0 d 
2

e2
(B) V = 0, F =
 0 d 2
(C) V = 0, F = 0
1  e 
(D) V=  , F = 0
2   0 d 
1  e  1  e2 
(E) V=   , F =  
2   0 d  2   0 d 
2

Answer: A
Due to symmetry of the setup, V =0 and F is non zero. (guess from either A or B, A more likely correct
because of Pythagoras theorem/45o)
Alternatively,

(e)(2e) (e)(e) e2
F    towards +2e charge
d2 d 2 2 0 d 2
4 0 4 0
2 2

(e)(2e) (e)(e) e2
F    towards –e charge
d2 d 2 2 0 d 2
4 0 4 0
2 2
 e2  e2
F   cos 45   2  to the left
 2 0 d 2 0 d 2
2


Due to symmetry of the setup, V = 0.

Page 34 of 50
 20
34. An ion of neon-20, 10Ne
+
(mass 20.0 u) and an ion of neon-22, 22 +
10Ne (mass 22.0 u), each with a charge

of +1.60×10-19 C, enter perpendicularly into a rectangular region with a magnetic field of 2.00 T directed
out of the page as shown in the diagram below. The ions enter at the same point and have the same
initial velocity of 2.0 × 105 ms-1. The ions are deflected by the magnetic field and impact a detector as
shown. What is the distance between their impact points on the detector?
(A) 2.08 mm
(B) 4.15 mm
(C) 8.30 mm
(D) 20.8 mm
(E) 41.5 mm

Answer: B

mv
r
qB
(m)v (2 1.66 10 27 )(2 105 )
r   19
 2.075 10 3 m
qB 1.6 10  2.00

The distance is 2 Δr = 4.15 mm

Page 35 of 50
35. A capacitor is initially charged to charge 𝑄, voltage 𝑉 (i.e. the potential difference across its terminals is
𝑉). The energy stored in the capacitor is initially 𝐸. It discharges through an inductor such that finally,
the voltage is half the original i.e. 𝑉/2 . The final charge and energy stored in the capacitor is
__________,_________respectively.
(A) 𝑄, 𝐸
(B) 𝑄, 𝐸/2
(C) 𝑄/2 , 𝐸/2
(D) 𝑄/4 , 𝐸/2
(E) 𝑄/2, 𝐸/4

Answer: E

By definition 𝑄 = 𝐶𝑉

and 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 ∝ 𝐶𝑉 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑄𝑉

Page 36 of 50
36. A black box consists of a battery with EMF less than 12 volts and a resistor connected in series with the
two ends of the circuit sticking out of the black box. If the ends of the black box are connected to a
power supply of 12V, the current flowing through is 5A. If the connection to the black box is reversed,
the current flowing through is 3A. What will be the current flowing through if the ends of the black box
are connected by a wire?
(A) 1.0A
3A 5A ?
(B) 1.5A
(C) 2.0A
(D) 2.4A
(E) 4.0A
Answer: A
Let the black box battery have voltage V and resistor have resistance R. When connected to the power
supply and current flowing through is 5A, the direction of the power supply is the same as the battery,
since the current is greater than when the box is reversed. So we have 12 + 𝑉 = 5𝑅. When the box is
reversed, we have 12 – 𝑉 = 3𝑅. Solving we get V = R = 3. Thus when shorted the current flowing is
V/R = 1.0A.
Note: there is another solution for current, but EMF greater than 12V

37. Two resistors when connected in series have a combined resistance of 100 Ω. When the same 2 resistors
are connected in parallel they have a combined resistance of 16 Ω. What is the difference in their
resistance?
(A) 42 Ω R1 R2
R1
(B) 60 Ω
R2
(C) 68 Ω Combined
(D) 82 Ω resistance
Combined resistance
(E) 84 Ω 100 Ω
16 Ω

Answer: B
Suppose the resistors have resistance 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 . Then in series, we have 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 = 100 (1) and in parallel, we
1 𝑅 𝑅
have 1/𝑅 = 16 = 𝑅 1+𝑅2 (2). Multiplying (1) and (2) we have 𝑅1 𝑅2 = 1600 (3). Taking (1)^2 – 4(3), we
1 +1/𝑅2 1 2

have (𝑅1 − 𝑅2 )2 = 𝑅12 + 𝑅22 − 2𝑅1 𝑅2 = 10000 − 4 × 1600 = 3600. Thus |𝑅1 − 𝑅2 | = 60.

Page 37 of 50
38. A 9.0 V battery with internal resistance of 18 Ω and a 2.5 V battery with 0.50 Ω internal resistance are
available. We would like to choose only one of the batteries for heating up a resistor. What is the
maximum electrical power which either of the batteries can supply to a resistor?
(A) 2.3 W
(B) 3.1 W
(C) 4.5 W
(D) 9.0 W
(E) 13 W

Answer: B

Best compromise between voltage and current delivered and hence maximum power is when internal resistance
equals the external resistance. In which case the voltage across the resistor will be ½ the EMF. (If you know this
fine, otherwise to prove you need calculus see below)

4.52
Calculating for the 9V battery 𝑃 = = 1.125𝑊
18

1.252
Calculating for the 2.5V battery 𝑃 = 0.5
= 3.125𝑊

Note: 1) This is actually a comparison of a typical 9 V battery (non rechargeable) and 2 AA rechargeable
batteries. They occupy about the same volume but have very different voltage, maximum current and maximum
power.

2) It is also interesting to note that maximum power implies 50% efficiency. Historically, some physicists thought
that this meant that electricity will not catch on due to the “inefficiency”

3) internal resistance r, external resistance R, calculate power to external resistance is IV

𝑉 𝑅 𝑅
𝑃=( )( 𝑉) = 𝑉2
𝑟+𝑅 𝑟+𝑅 (𝑟 + 𝑅)2

Differentiating
𝑑𝑃 −2𝑅 1 𝑟−𝑅
= ( 3
+ 2
) 𝑉2 = 𝑉2
𝑑𝑅 (𝑟 + 𝑅) (𝑟 + 𝑅) (𝑟 + 𝑅)3
and equating to 0 , r=R, may differentiate again to prove this is max, but we can also guess it is from the shape of
the P versus R curve.

Page 38 of 50
39. The following graph shows the I-V characteristics of the 2 nonlinear resistors A and B. If A and B are
connected in series to an ideal 6 V DC source, what is the current flowing in the circuit?
(A) 11 A
(B) 7A
(C) 4A
(D) 3A
(E) 2A

Answer: E
When I = 2 A, the p.d. across A is 2.5 V and the p.d. across B is 3.5 V. Hence, only with 2 A current
flowing through A and B connected in series will the p.d. across the 2 resistors be 6 V.

Page 39 of 50
40. The circuits below contain identical bulbs and batteries. It is known that the bulbs resistance increase
with temperature. Compare the brightness of bulbs A and B in circuit 1 to the brightness of bulb A’ and
B' in circuit 2.
(A) A > A’, B > B’
A A'
(B) A > A’, B < B’
(C) A = A’, B < B’ B' C'
B
(D) A < A’, B = B’
Circuit 1 Circuit 2
(E) A < A’, B > B’

Answer: E
A < A’ . Current through A’ is higher because B’ and C’ in parallel presents lower resistance than B
alone so overall circuit resistance is lower and more current is drawn through battery, all of which goes
through A’. More current implies brighter.
Knowing this students may guess either D or E

B’ and C’ presents lower resistance than B so PD across B’ is lower as PD across B’ + A’ must add up
to the same as PD across A+B and higher PD implies brighter.
Note: In terms of current, B’ has ½ of more current and B has all of less current. So no conclusion can
be reached unless we make use of the concept of potential difference.

Page 40 of 50
41. Two infinitely long wires lie perpendicular to each other and carry current in the directions shown in the
diagram. The amount of current carried by each wire is also indicated. What is the direction and
strength of the magnetic field at point Y, located 0.05 m from each wire?
(A) 4.0 × 10-6 T, into paper
(B) 4.0 × 10-6 T, out of paper
(C) 1.2 × 10-5 T, into paper
(D) 1.2 × 10-5 T, out of paper
(E) 0T

Answer: A

Since we know the size and direction of current, we can perform a vector sum of the magnetic field
strength contributed by each wire. At point Y, the contribution from the 2.0 A wire points into the paper
while the contribution from the 1.0 A wire points out of the paper. As point Y is equidistant from both
wires, it is clear that the net magnetic field points into the paper.
0 I
B
2r

(4  10 7 )(2.0  1.0)

Bnet   4.0  10 6 T
2 (0.0500)

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42. A bar magnet attached to the end of a spring performs simple harmonic motion above a coil of wires
as shown in the diagram. The other end of the spring is attached to a fixed force sensor which was
zeroed when the magnet was at its equilibrium position. The EMF across the coil of wires and the
force are plotted against time. Which of the following statement is true?
Force
(A) The magnitude of the EMF is maximum when the force is zero. sensor
(B) The magnitude of the EMF is maximum when the magnitude of the force is
maximum.
(C) The magnitude of the EMF is zero when the magnitude of the force is
S
maximum.
N
(D) The magnitude of the EMF is zero when the force is zero.
(E) The EMF also has a perfectly sinusoidal waveform. Coil of wires

Answer: C
SHM: Force is maximum implies magnet speed is zero. Therefore EMF will be zero as the flux is not
changing.
It may seem that if C is correct and E is correct, then A is also correct. However E is not correct due to “magnet is
always above the coil” and the way magnetic field falls off with distance from the magnet. When force is zero,
the coil is moving with maximum velocity. It is tempting to associate maximum rate of change of magnetic flux
with maximum velocity. However by comparing two situations, when magnet is oscillating in the same way but
we put the coil nearer or further from the magnet we may realise that when the magnet is nearer , the amplitude
will be larger as compared to when the magnet is further. Therefore the EMF is not sinusoidal

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228415690_A_datalogger_demonstration_of_electromagnetic_inductio
n_with_a_falling_oscillating_and_swinging_magnet

Page 42 of 50
43. Robert is given a tiny light source, an 𝑓 = 25𝑐𝑚 focal length lens and a screen. The light source and
screen are initially at the ends of a 1m long optical rail and the lens is mounted between the light source
and screen and may move freely between them. The components are all at the same fixed height above
the rail and may not be removed from the 1m long rail. Robert’s task is to find a way to magnify the
light source and project a real image on to the screen using only the equipment given and without
breaking or illegally modifying the equipment. The distance between the light source and the lens is
called 𝑢 and the distance between the lens and the screen is called 𝑣. The setup constrains 𝑢 + 𝑣 ≤ 1𝑚
. Which of the following is good advice for Robert?
(A) Make 𝑢 as small as possible i.e. almost touching the lens and make 𝑣 as large as possible.
(B) Make 𝑢 as large as possible and make 𝑣 as small as possible.
(C) Make 𝑢 slightly larger than 𝑓 and adjust 𝑣 to get a clear image.
(D) Make 𝑢 slightly smaller than 𝑓 and adjust 𝑣 to get a clear image.
(E) Just give up.
Answer: E.
There is no way Robert can get a magnification with the given apparatus. Assuming that it is a convex
lens, the only way to get a clear, real image is when 𝑢 = 50 and 𝑣 = 50 i.e. magnification of 1.
However Robert the Bruce (1274-1329) did give up and gained independence for Scotland.
Note: If the length of the rail was not mentioned/ distance between the object and screen is not limited,
then C is the best answer.

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44. Two biconvex lenses with focal lengths 15.0 cm and 10.0 cm are placed 20.0 cm apart. An object is
placed 25.0 cm away from the 15.0 cm lens as shown in the diagram. What type of image is formed and
what distance is it from the second lens?
(A) Real, 6.36 cm
(B) Virtual, 6.36 cm
(C) Real, 13.6 cm
(D) Real, 23.3 cm
(E) Virtual, 23.3 cm

Answer: A

1 1 1
 
25.0 v 15.0
v  37.5
This places the image of the first lens 37.5 – 20.0 = 17.5 cm behind the second lens (if the second lens
did not refract the light at all).
Hence, for the second lens, we treat it as having a virtual image 17.5 cm away:
1 1 1
 
 17.5 v 10.0
v  6.36
This can be verified by drawing a ray diagram.

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45. Two identical resistors are connected in parallel to a 120 V DC source. In this configuration, each
resistor consumes 100 W of power. What is the amount of power supplied if the two resistors are
connected in series to a 240 V DC source?
(A) 25 W
(B) 50 W
(C) 100 W
(D) 120 W
(E) 200 W

Answer: E
Assuming zero internal resistance, voltage across each resistor will still be 120V. Therefore they will
consume 100W each. Total is thus 200W.

Page 45 of 50
46. A thin rod is travelling at a velocity of 0.800c relative to an observer. To the observer, the rod is
measured to be 4.00 m long and angled 15.0° to the direction of its travel. What is the proper length of
the rod?
(A) 6.43 m
(B) 6.46 m
(C) 6.52 m
(D) 6.67 m
(E) 6.81 m

Answer: C

L0  (L cos  ) 2  ( L sin  ) 2

1
 4.00 (cos15.0 ) 2  (sin 15.0 ) 2
1  0.800 2

 6.52m

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47. A 0.020 kg white mouse leaps up steps 0.2 m at a time. Assume the mouse is a spherical blackbody
with surface temperature of 303K and density of water and takes 0.15 s to prepare for the next leap i.e
takes 0.15s between landing and the next leap. Also assume that the surroundings is a black body at a
temperature of 298K. For the mouse, calculate the ratio of the average power associated with the gain in
potential energy in leaping up the stairs to that associated with heat loss due to radiation.
(A) 1000:1
(B) 100:1
(C) 10:1
(D) 1:1
(E) 1:10
Answer: D

2𝑠
𝑡 = √ + 0.15 = 0.35𝑠
𝑔

𝑚𝑔ℎ
𝑃𝐺𝑃𝐸 = = 0.112𝑊
𝑡
𝑚 4
𝑉 = = 𝜋𝑟 3
𝜌 3
3 𝑚 1/3
𝑟=( ) = 1.684𝑐𝑚
4𝜋 𝜌
𝑃𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 𝜎4𝜋𝑟 2 (𝑇14 − 𝑇24 ) = 0.110𝑊

Note:
1) Internal body temperature of mouse is much higher, but we estimate surface temperature.
2) We should not make judgements based on visual perception of surface colour.
3) What do you expect on scaling up to a human sized animal?

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48. The table below gives some information about various nuclides. Based on the table, we can say that
90
Strontium-90 in its ground state, 38𝑆𝑟 ____________.
(A) may naturally 𝛼 decay nucl i de Bi ndi ng/A[keV]  Atomi c Ma s s  [μ AMU] Ma s s Exces s [keV]
90
(B) may naturally 𝛽 − decay 38𝑆𝑟 8696 89907730 -85949
90
(C) may naturally 𝛽 + decay 39 8693 89907144 -86495
90
(D) may naturally 𝛾 decay 37𝑅𝑏 8632 89914798 -79365
86
(E) may be stable 36𝐾𝑟 8712 85910611 -83266

Answer : B , general knowledge or compare total final mass(including alpha or beta particle) with initial
mass. Sr has 89.90773, so final products must be less than this.
A- Sr->Kr + alpha 85.910611+4.003=89.91>89.9077 impossible
B- Sr-> Y + electron 89.907144+0.0005=89.907644 possible
C- Sr->Rb + positron 89.914798 … impossible
D- Not possible
E- Since B is the answer, E is not

Page 48 of 50
49. It is possible to fuse two nuclei of deuterium, 21𝐻 together to produce helium-3, a neutron and some
energy i.e. 32𝐻𝑒 + 𝑛0 + 3.27MeV. Consider the situation where a deuteron with 0.10 MeV kinetic
energy fuses with a stationary deuterium nucleus. What could be the maximum kinetic energy that the
neutron can have?
(A) 0.94 MeV
(B) 1.39 MeV
(C) 2.45 MeV
(D) 2.86 MeV
(E) 3.37 MeV

Answer: D. Consider the case where they start off with no KE and momentum. By conservation of
momentum, He and n have equal momentum. Since 𝐸 = 𝑝2 /2𝑚, n will have 3 times more energy than
He, and therefore in this case than ¾ of 3.27MeV=2.45MeV. Intuitively when there is initial K.E, the
neutron must get more than 2.45MeV (i.e D or E). It is not possible for the neutron to get all the energy
so E is out.

Alternatively

To get maximum, He and neutron must be going in opposite directions in line with initial motion.
Assume neutron in the same direction as the deuteron initially.
𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = √2 × 2𝐸𝐷 = 0.0207 = 𝑝𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = −√2 × 3𝐸𝐻𝑒 + √2 × 𝐸𝑛
3.27
𝐾𝐸𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 + = 𝐸𝐷 + 0.0035 = 0.00361 = 𝐾𝐸𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 𝐸𝐻𝑒 + 𝐸𝑛
934
𝐸𝑛 = 𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝐸𝐻𝑒
2
(√2𝐸𝑛 − √2 × 2𝐸𝐷 )
𝐸𝑛 = 𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 −
6
6𝐸𝑛 = 6𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 2𝐸𝑛 + 2√2 × 2𝐸𝐷 √2𝐸𝑛 − 2 × 2𝐸𝐷

8𝐸𝑛 − 4√2√𝐸𝐷 √𝐸𝑛 − (6𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 4𝐸𝐷 ) = 0

√𝐸𝐷 3 1
𝐸𝑛 − √𝐸𝑛 − ( 𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝐸𝐷 ) = 0
√2 4 2

Page 49 of 50
50. The following diagram shows the energy levels of a certain atom. Which of the following emission lines
could NOT be produced solely from transitions between the energy levels?
(A) 2490 nm
(B) 1380 nm
(C) 829 nm
(D) 622 nm
(E) 518 nm

Answer D:

ℎ𝑐 𝜆 −1
𝐸= = 1240 ( ) 𝑒𝑉
𝜆 𝑛𝑚

Option D corresponds to an energy gap of 2.0 eV which cannot be produced from these energy levels.

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