Cambridge International AS & A Level

* 3 0 6 7 4 3 3 7 1 2 *

PHYSICS 9702/43
Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions October/November 2021

2 hours

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 100.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 28 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

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Data

speed of light in free space c = 3.00 × 108 m s−1

permeability of free space μ0 = 4π × 10−7 H m−1

permittivity of free space ε0 = 8.85 × 10−12 F m−1

1
( = 8.99 × 109 m F−1)
4πε0
elementary charge e = 1.60 × 10−19 C

the Planck constant h = 6.63 × 10−34 J s

unified atomic mass unit 1 u = 1.66 × 10−27 kg

rest mass of electron me = 9.11 × 10−31 kg

rest mass of proton mp = 1.67 × 10−27 kg

molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K−1 mol−1

the Avogadro constant NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol−1

the Boltzmann constant k = 1.38 × 10−23 J K−1

gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg−2

acceleration of free fall g = 9.81 m s−2

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Formulae

1
uniformly accelerated motion s = ut + 2 at 2
v 2 = u 2 + 2as

work done on/by a gas W = p ΔV

Gm
gravitational potential φ =−
r

hydrostatic pressure p = ρgh

1 Nm 2
pressure of an ideal gas p= 3 〈c 〉
V
simple harmonic motion a = − ω 2x

velocity of particle in s.h.m. v = v0 cos ωt

v = ± ω √
(x02–x2)
fsv
Doppler effect fo =
v ± vs

Q
electric potential V=
4πε0r

capacitors in series 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + . . .

capacitors in parallel C = C1 + C2 + . . .

1
energy of charged capacitor W = 2 QV

electric current I = Anvq

resistors in series R = R1 + R2 + . . .

resistors in parallel 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + . . .

BI
Hall voltage VH =
ntq

alternating current/voltage x = x0 sin ω t

radioactive decay x = x0 exp(−λt )

0.693
decay constant λ=
t 1
2
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Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) With reference to velocity and acceleration, describe uniform circular motion.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Two cars are moving around a horizontal circular track. One car follows path X and the other
follows path Y, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

start and finish line

track

path X

27 m 318 m

path Y

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

The radius of path X is 318 m. Path Y is parallel to, and 27 m outside, path X. Both cars have
mass 790 kg. The maximum lateral (sideways) friction force F that the cars can experience
without sliding is the same for both cars.

(i) The maximum speed at which the car on path X can move around the track without
sliding is 94 m s–1.

Calculate F.

F = ..................................................... N [2]
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(ii) Both cars move around the track. Each car has the maximum speed at which it can
move without sliding.

Complete Table 1.1, by placing one tick in each row, to indicate how the quantities
indicated for the car on path Y compare with the car on path X.

Table 1.1

Y less than X Y same as X Y greater than X

centripetal
acceleration

maximum speed

time taken for one lap

of the track

[3]

[Total: 7]

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2 (a) Define gravitational potential.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The Earth E and the Moon M can both be considered as isolated point masses at their
centres. The mass of the Earth is 5.98 × 1024 kg and the mass of the Moon is 7.35 × 1022 kg.
The Earth and the Moon are separated by a distance of 3.84 × 108 m, as shown in Fig. 2.1.

3.84 × 108 m

Earth E Moon M
mass 5.98 × 1024 kg mass 7.35 × 1022 kg

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

P is a point, on the line joining the centres of E and M, where the resultant gravitational field
strength is zero. Point P is at a distance x from the centre of the Earth.

(i) Explain how it is possible for the gravitational field strength to be zero despite the
presence of two large masses nearby.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Show that x is approximately 3.5 × 108 m.

[2]
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(iii) Calculate the gravitational potential φ at point P.

φ = ............................................... J kg–1 [3]

[Total: 9]

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3 (a) Define specific heat capacity.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A sealed container of fixed volume V contains N molecules, each of mass m, of an ideal gas
at pressure p.

(i) State an expression, in terms of V, N, p and the Boltzmann constant k, for the
thermodynamic temperature T of the gas.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Show that the mean translational kinetic energy EK of a molecule of the gas is given by
3
EK = kT.
2

[2]

(iii) Explain why the internal energy of the gas is equal to the total kinetic energy of the
molecules.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) The gas in (b) is supplied with thermal energy Q.

(i) Explain, with reference to the first law of thermodynamics, why the increase in internal
energy of the gas is Q.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]
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(ii) Use the expression in (b)(ii) and the information in (c)(i) to show that the specific heat
capacity c of the gas is given by
3k
c= .
2m

[2]

(d) The container in (b) is now replaced with one that does not have a fixed volume. Instead, the
gas is able to expand, so that the pressure of the gas remains constant as thermal energy is
supplied.

Suggest, with a reason, how the specific heat capacity of the gas would now compare with
the value in (c)(ii).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 13]

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4 A trolley on a track is attached by springs to fixed blocks X and Y, as shown in Fig. 4.1. The track
contains many small holes through which air is blown vertically upwards. This results in the trolley
resting on a cushion of air rather than being in direct contact with the track.

springs
L
trolley

X Y

fixed block holes track fixed block

Fig. 4.1

The trolley is pulled to one side of its equilibrium position and then released so that it oscillates
initially with simple harmonic motion. After a short time, the air blower is switched off. The variation
with time t of the distance L of the trolley from block X is shown in Fig. 4.2.

30

L / cm
25

20

15

10
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
t/s

Fig. 4.2

(a) Use Fig. 4.2 to determine:

(i) the initial amplitude of the oscillations

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(ii) the angular frequency ω of the oscillations

ω = .............................................. rad s–1 [2]

(iii) the maximum speed v0, in cm s–1, of the oscillating trolley.

v0 = .............................................. cm s–1 [2]

(b) Apart from the quantities in (a), describe what may be deduced from Fig. 4.2 about the motion
of the trolley between time t = 0 and time t = 24 s. No calculations are required.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) On Fig. 4.3, sketch the variation with L of the velocity v of the trolley for its first complete
oscillation.

10

v / cm s–1

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 L / cm 30

–5

–10
m

Fig. 4.3
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6 (a) A capacitor consists of two parallel metal plates, separated by air, at a variable distance x
apart, as shown in Fig. 6.1. The capacitance C is inversely proportional to x.

x
metal plates

Fig. 6.1

The capacitor is charged by a supply so that there is a potential difference (p.d.) V between
the plates.

State expressions, in terms of C and V, for the charge Q on one of the plates and for the
energy E stored in the capacitor.

Q = ............................................. E = ............................................. [1]

(b) The charged capacitor in (a) is now disconnected from the supply. The plates of the capacitor
are initially separated by distance L. They are then moved closer together by a distance D, as
shown in Fig. 6.2.

D new position

original position

Fig. 6.2

State expressions, in terms of C, V, L and D, for:

(i) the new capacitance CN

CN = ......................................................... [1]
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(ii) the new charge QN on one of the plates

QN = ......................................................... [1]

(iii) the new p.d. VN between the plates.

VN = ......................................................... [1]

(c) Explain whether reducing the separation of the plates in (b) results in an increase or decrease
in the energy stored in the capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 5]

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8 (a) Define the tesla.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A stiff metal wire is used to form a rectangular frame measuring 8.0 cm × 6.0 cm. The frame is
open at the top, and is suspended from a sensitive newton meter, as shown in Fig. 8.1.

newton meter

insulating thread

5.0 A
8.0 cm frame

P Q
6.0 cm

Fig. 8.1

The open ends of the frame are connected to a power supply so that there is a current of
5.0 A in the frame in the direction indicated in Fig. 8.1.

The frame is slowly lowered into a uniform magnetic field of flux density B so that all of side
PQ is in the field. The magnetic field lines are horizontal and at an angle of 50° to PQ, as
shown in Fig. 8.2.

P Q view from above

50°

Fig. 8.2

When side PQ of the frame first enters the magnetic field, the reading on the newton meter
changes by 1.0 mN.
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(i) Determine the magnetic flux density B, in mT.

B = ................................................... mT [2]

(ii) State, with a reason, whether the change in the reading on the newton meter is an
increase or a decrease.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) The frame is lowered further so that the vertical sides start to enter the magnetic field.

Suggest what effect this will have on the frame.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 6]

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9 (a) State, by reference to the power dissipated in a resistor, what is meant by the
root-mean-square (r.m.s.) value of an alternating voltage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A coil is rotating freely, on frictionless bearings, at constant speed in a uniform magnetic
field. This rotation causes an induced alternating electromotive force (e.m.f.) across the open
terminals of the coil. The induced e.m.f. has r.m.s. value 12 V and frequency 50 Hz.

The speed of rotation of the coil is now doubled.

(i) State and explain, with reference to the principles of electromagnetic induction, the effect
of the increased speed of rotation on the r.m.s. value of the induced e.m.f.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) On Fig. 9.1, sketch the variation with time t of the induced e.m.f. E across the terminals
of the coil at the increased speed of rotation. Your line should extend from time t = 0 to
time t = 20 ms. Assume that E = 0 when t = 0.

40

E/V

20

0
0 5 10 15 20
t / ms

–20

–40
m

Fig. 9.1
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(c) State and explain the effect on the motion of the coil in (b) of connecting a load resistor
across its terminals.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 9]

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10 (a) State an experimental phenomenon that provides evidence for:

(i) the particulate nature of electromagnetic radiation

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) the wave nature of matter.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) A particle of matter moves with momentum p.

(i) State the equation that gives the effective wavelength λ of the particle. State the name of
any other symbols used.

[2]

(ii) State the name given to the wavelength of the moving particle.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Electrons are accelerated from rest through a potential difference (p.d.) of 4.8 kV.

(i) Show that the final speed of the electrons is 4.1 × 107 m s–1.

[2]

(ii) Calculate the effective wavelength of a beam of electrons moving at the speed in (c)(i).

wavelength = ..................................................... m [2]

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11 (a) State, for an X-ray image, what is meant by:

(i) sharpness

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) contrast.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) A parallel X-ray beam passes through a thickness of 2.3 cm of soft body tissue. The intensity
of the emerging beam is 12% of the intensity of the incident beam.

Calculate the linear attenuation (absorption) coefficient μ of the soft body tissue. Give a unit
with your answer.

μ = .......................................... unit ..................... [3]

(c) In medical diagnosis, X-rays may be used to produce a single X-ray image or may be used in
computed tomography (CT scanning).

Suggest an advantage and a disadvantage of CT scanning compared with single X-ray

imaging for diagnosis.

advantage: ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

disadvantage: ...........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 7]
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12 (a) Define radioactive decay constant.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

53 I) of mass 5.87 × 10
(b) A sample of radioactive iodine-131 (131 –10 kg has an activity of
9
2.92 × 10 Bq.

Determine the decay constant of iodine-131.

decay constant = ................................................... s–1 [3]

(c) Suggest two reasons why a detector placed near to the sample in (b) would record a count
rate much less than 2.92 × 109 counts per second.

1. ...............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

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7 (a) A Hall probe containing a thin slice of semiconducting material is placed in a uniform magnetic
field of flux density B. The largest faces of the slice are perpendicular to the magnetic field, as
shown in Fig. 7.1.

5.4 A
semiconducting slice
x

magnetic field,
flux density B

Q
5.4 A

Fig. 7.1

The thickness x of the slice is 1.8 mm. The number density of charge carriers in the
semiconducting material is 1.5 × 1016 m–3.
A constant current of 5.4 A is passed through the slice between the shaded faces.
The Hall voltage VH that is developed between the terminals PQ is recorded.

Fig. 7.2 shows the variation with time t of B.

4
B / 10–6 T

0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08
t/s

Fig. 7.2

(i) Show that, when B is equal to 4.0 × 10–6 T, the magnitude of VH is 5.0 V.
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(ii) On Fig. 7.3, sketch the variation of VH with t between t = 0 and t = 0.080 s.

6
VH / V
4

0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08
t/s
–2

–4

–6

Fig. 7.3
[3]

(b) The Hall probe in (a) is replaced with a small flat coil that has 3000 turns. The cross-sectional
area of the coil is 3.4 × 10–4 m2.
The plane of the coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field. The electromotive force (e.m.f.) E
induced between the terminals of the coil is recorded as B varies as shown in Fig. 7.2.

(i) Show that the magnitude of E at time t = 0.010 s is 2.0 × 10–4 V.

[3]

(ii) On Fig. 7.4, sketch the variation of E with t between t = 0 and t = 0.080 s.

4
E / 10–4 V
2

0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08
t/s
–2

–4

Fig. 7.4
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10 (a) State Wien’s displacement law. Identify any symbols that you use.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A cosmology student observes the electromagnetic radiation received from a star in a galaxy.
The student uses Wien’s law to estimate the surface temperature of the star, a standard
candle to estimate the distance to the galaxy, and the Stefan–Boltzmann law to estimate the
radius of the star.

The student observes that the radiation from the star is redshifted.

(i) State what is meant by a standard candle.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) State the reason why the radiation from the star is redshifted.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) The true values of the quantities observed or estimated are those that are corrected to
allow for redshift. However, the student does not correct for redshift.

By placing one tick (3) in each row, complete Table 10.1 to indicate how the observations
and estimates made by the student compare with the true values.

Table 10.1

student’s uncorrected value

too low the same too high

wavelength of
radiation
surface
temperature of star

distance to star

radius of star

[4]

[Total: 8]
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