GCE O Level Physics -- Qualitative Q&A

modified for 5058 , 2013

Mechanics Section
Q108 . Explain how friction can be useful in daily life. [1] A108 . Friction allows walking to be possible. Friction helps to hold objects in place. Friction helps to brake a moving object.

Q132: A ball is dropped from a height onto a table. It rebounces repeatedly. Explain why the height of rebounce decreases after each bounce. [1] A132: Energy is lost to the table and air as heat and sound during each collision. The ball has less and less mechanical energy (PE plus KE) . Therefore, the rebounce height reduces after each rebounce. Q133: A ball is thrown vertically upwards. State the magnitude and direction of the velocity and acceleration at the highest point. [2] A133: At the highest point, the speed is zero, the acceleration is 10 m/s2 downwards.

Q128 : An object has zero acceleration. Why is it wrong to assume that it is stationary? [2] A128 : Zero acceleration means no change in velocity. Object could be at rest(stationary) or moving at constant speed in a straight line. Q8 : Explain why a cyclist is cycling with some force , but the bicycle is not accelerating? A8 : The forward force on the bicycle is equal to the backwards air-resistance frce. Therefore resultant force, rF = 0 N. Since rF = m x a, then acceleration, a = 0 m/s2. Q16 . Why is the mass and weight of a uniform ruler not important in moments calculations when the pivot is at the centre of the ruler ? A16 : The c.g. of an uniform ruler is at the middle of the ruler. The weight of the ruler has zero moment about the pivot since the perpendicular distance from the weight to the pivot is zero.

Q 40 : What is moment ? A 40 : Moment is the turning effect of a force. Moments magnitude is equal to the product(multiplication) of the force and the perpendicular distance from the force to the pivot. Q 41 : What is Principle of moments ? A 41 : Principle of moments state that when an object is in equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise moments is equal to the sum of the anti-clockwise moments.

Q60. Explain what is centre of gravity. [2] A 61 : C.G. is the point where the whole weight of an object seems to act on. Q62 : How does c.g. affect the stability of an object ? A 62 : the lower the c.g. , the more stable is the object. Q63 : State 2 ways to increase the stability of an object. [2] A63 : Lower C.G.(by adding mass below) . Widen the base. 1

Q64 : What is meant by a stable object ? [1] A64 : A stable object falls back returns to its original position after given a slight displacement in orientation. The moment by the weight of the object causes the object to fall back . Q65 : What is meant by an unstable object ? [1] A65 :An unstable object would topple and fall over when given a slight displacement in orientation. The moment by the weight of the object causes the object to topple . Q99: What happens to air resistance force as the car moves faster? A99 : As the car increases speed, the air resistance force increases. Q 100 : A car is traveling at constant speed. Why is it wrong to assume that the car has zero acceleration? [2] A100. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. The car may be moving in a curve road. The car changes direction and thus velocity changes. Therefore the car may have acceleration if it moves at constant speed in a curve. Q101 . What is meant by 5.00 m/s2 ? [1] A101. The speed of the object increases by 5.00 m/s every second. Acceleration is 5.00 m/s2. Q119. Michael carry a 5kg box up two floors. John did the same thing. Both used 1000J of energy. We cannot assume that they have the same power. Why ? [1] A119 . Power is the rate of work done or energy transfer. The two men may have Taken different time to complete the 1000 J work. The shorter time, the higher the power.

Thermal Section
Q103. Why is wrong to assume that a pure substance is always in solid state when it is at room temperature? [1] A103. The melting point may be lower than room temperature. Substance may be in liquid or even gaseous state in room temperature.

Q81 : Explain why during melting, heat energy is taken in but there is no change in temperature . [2] A81 : During melting, heat ( thermal energy ) is taken in for work done to weaken the inter-molecular forces holding the particles in solid state to become particles in liquid state. The particles are re-arranged, now with weaker Inter-molecular forces and higher degree of freedom, but no increase in average kinetic energy. Therefore, there is no increase in temperature. Q82 : Explain why during freezing, heat energy is given out but there is no change in temperature . [2] A82 : During freezing , heat ( thermal energy ) is given out as the inter-molecular forces holding the particles in liquid state strengthen as they become particles in liquid state. The particles are re-arranged, now with stronger Inter-molecular forces and lower degree of freedom, but no increase in average kinetic energy. Therefore, there is no increase in temperature. Q83 : How is temperature related to the motion of particles in an object? A83 : Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules(particles) . The higher the temperature, the faster the particles are vibrating (in solid) and the faster they are moving (in liquid and gas). Q91 : Explain why convection cannot occur in solids. [2] A91 : The particles in solid are held by strong inter-molecular forces. The particles in solid can vibrate about fixed positions but cannot move or flow. Convection requires the particles to move. 2

Q93 : A light bulb is switched on. The temperature of the light bulb increases. After sometime, the temperature of the light bulb remains constant. Explain. [2] A93 : At the beginning, the rate of heat generated by the electric current in the light bulb is higher than the rate of heat loss by the bulb to the surroundings. Therefore the light bulb has a net gain of energy and thus the temperature of the light bulb increases. At the later stage, the rate of heat generated by the electric current in the light bulb is equal to the rate of heat loss by the bulb to the surroundings. Therefore the light bulb has a zero net gain of energy and thus the temperature of the light bulb remains unchanged

Q70 : What is meant by linearity of a thermometric property ? A70 : A thermometric property is varies linearly with temperature if the change in temperature is proportional; to the change in thermometric property. Q71: What is ice-point ? A 71 : It is the temperature of pure melting ice , at standard atmospheric pressure. It is also called the lower fixed point. It is defined as 0oC. Q72 : What is steam point. A 72 : It is the temperature of steam from boiling water, at standard atmospheric pressure. It is also called the upper fixed point. It is defined as 100oC. Q73 : Why do we need fixed points for a temperature scale ? [1] A73 : Fixed points are definite temperatures that can be accurately and easily reproduced. This ensures that the temperature scale, based on fixed points, is standardized. Q74 : What is the difference between heat and temperature ? A74 : Heat is the thermal energy (in J) that will flow from high temperature body to a low temperature body. Temperature (in k or oC) is the degree of hotness / coldness of an object.

Q17. Explain how convection takes place in liquid. [1] A17 : When liquid is heated, it expands and its density decreases. Hot liquid , with lower density rises. Cold liquid , with higher density , sinks.

Q29 : Explain why the tea pot is painted with shiny silver paint. The tea pot is used to keep hot water. A29 : Shiny and silver surface is a bad emitter of infra-red radiation. Less heat is loss by thermal radiation.

Q42 : Explain how conduction takes place in solid . [2] Q42 : When one region of solid is heated the molecules (particles) vibrate more vigorously (with higher average speeds). They jostle the neighbouring partuicles , causing then to vibrate faster too. Energy is passed down by vibrations and jostling of the particles. Q43 : Explain why metals are better conductors than non-metals . [1] A43 : Metals have free electrons. When heated the free electrons move faster and drift towards the colder region. As the electrons hit the particle in the colder region, the particles vibrate faster. Energy is also passed down by the vibrations and jostling of the particles vibrating in fixed positions. Q117. Why is calibration of thermometer important ? [1] A117 . So that different thermometer gives the same reading. If a thermometer is calibrated wrongly, it gives the wrong temperature reading. Q118. What characteristics must Fixed Points have in calibration of thermometers? [1] 3

A118 . Fixed points must be reproducible and definite, so that thermometers can calibrated at different countries and factories and agree on the same readings for temperature measurement.

Q109. On conditions will a pure substance X be in liquid state in room temperature? [1] A109. The melting point must be lower than the room temperature. The boiling point must be higher than the room temperature.

Q200. Explain, using Kinetic Theory of Matter, how a gas exerts a pressure. A200. The particles in gas are in constant and random motion. They collide with the walls of container. The average force per unit area exerted on wall is the the pressure. Q201. Explain, using Kinetic Theory of Matter, why the pressure of a gas increase when the volume is reduced. A201. More particles per unit volume, more particles collide with wall of container per unit area. Larger force exerted per unit area on wall. Q202. Explain, using Kinetic Theory of Matter, why the pressure of a gas increase when the temperature is increased. A202. When heated, the particles move faster. The particles collide with the wall at higher speed and higher frequency. Larger force per unit area exerted on walls. Larger pressure.

Electricity Section
Q 79 : What is meant by short circuit ? A79 : Short circuit occurs when a wire of low resistance , is connected across an electrical component, causing most of the current to by pass the electrical component., by going through the low resistance wire. Short circuit usually results in an increase in current due to the decrease in resistance of the circuit. The high current may cause heating damage or fire. Q4. Explain what happens when a positive charged metal ball is Earthed ? A4 : The charged ball is discharged. Electrons from Earth flows to the ball. The ball becomes neutral. Q6 : Why higher current wire is usually thicker than lower current carrying wires ? [1] Q6 : Thick wires have lower resistance. They reduce heat generated (prevent fire). Heat generated = E = I2Rt. Lower R (resistance), less heat generated. Q7. Why fuse cannot be replaced by another fuse of higher-than-design value? [1] A7.: Fuse is supposed to melt and break the circuit when the current is higher than designed value. This prevents heat damage or fire. If a fuse is replaced by another fuse which is higher than the design limit for current, then when the current exceeds the design value current but still lower than the fuse-ratings, fire may result due to overheating of cables. Q11. : What is the purpose of the Earth wire ? [1] 4

A11: Earth wire is connected to the metal casing of the equipment. When there is a current leakage from the Live wire to the casing, the leakage current willflow fom the casing to the Earth wire (low resistance) rather than through the user. This prevents electric shock. Q12: Where do we connect the Earth wire to ? [1] A12 : The Earth wire is connected to the metal casing of the device. It is always maintained at 0 V. In normal operating situations, the Earth wire carries 0 A. Only during leakage of current to the metal casing, then a current would flow in the Earth wire. Q30 : Explain why circuits at home are connected in parallel. [2] A30 : when connected in parallel , devices can be switched ON/OFF independently. When one of the device is spoilt, the rest can still be operated. When connected in parallel , each device would have the same potential difference( voltage) across it that is equal to the a.c. mains voltage. Q127. A 60W energy saving bulb uses the same amount of electrical energy as a 60W normal bulb. Why do we still call it energy saving bulb ? [1] A127. For the energy saving bulb, the amount of electrical energy converted to light energy is higher (higher efficiency) . Case 1 : The 60W energy saving bulb would be brighter. We need fewer bulbs to light up the room. Case 2 : We may also use a 40 W energy saving bulb that is as bright as a normal 60 W bulb. Less energy would be used by the 40W bulb then. Q44 : Why is some device without Earth wire? [1] A44: Some device has double-insulations,. The casing is made of plastic. No electric current can leak out of the device through its plastic (electrical insulator) casing. So , there is no need to protect the user from electric shock due to leakage of electrical current through the casing. The two-pin plug only have Live and Neutral wire. Q45. What is meant by a.c. ? A45 : Alternating current means the current is changing direction of flow repeatedly. In Singapore, the a.c. mains is at 50 Hz, meaning that the current from our mains socket changes direction to and fro , 50 times in one second. Q 46 . What is meant by d.c ? A 46 : Direct current means that the current flows only in one direction. Usually d.c. is obtained from dry cell. Q 47 : What is a battery ? [1] A 47 : A battery is a collection of electric cells. (e.g. 3 AA dry cells put in series) Q48 : What are the numbers I must MEMORISE for O level Physics ? A48 :* Speed of all electromagnetic waves (including light) in vacuum : 3x 108 m/s * Audible frequency of sound for normal human . 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz (20 kHz) * Approxiamte speed for sound in air : about 330 m/s * g, gravitational acceleration of Earth : 10 m/s2

Q129 : A switch and a fuse are wrongly placed at the NEUTRAL wire. Explain why this is dangerous. [1] 5

A129 : LIVE wire is at high voltage. NEUTRAL Wire is at 0 V. If the switch and fuse is placed at NEUTRAL wire, when the switch is opened or the fuse blown, the device is still connected to the LIVE wire. Electrocution could still occur if someone repairs the device. Q84 : Explain why the fuse and switch must be placed on the LIVE wire ? [2] A84 : The LIVE wire is always at High Voltage . To safely isolate the device from electrical voltage supply, the fuse and switch is placed at the LIVE wire. Q85 : A plastic is rubbed with cloth. How does a plastic becomes positive in charge and how does the cloth becomes negative ? [1] A85 : The plastic becomes positive by losing electrons. The cloth becomes negative by gaining electrons. Electrons are negative in charge. Q89. At normal operation, what is the voltage in the Live , Neutral and Earth wires? [2] A89 : The live wire is at +230V and 230 V(changing repeatedly); the Neutral wire is always at 0 V. The Earth wire is always at 0 V. Q90. At normal operation, the Live wire carries 2.00 A. What current does the Neutral and Earth wire carry ? [1] A90: The Neutral wire would carry the same current as the Live wire, 2 A. The Earth wire carries 0 A.

Q102 . A fuse is placed wrongly in the Earth wire. Why is this dangerous? [1] A102. When the current increases beyond the designed value, over heating or fire may result in the wire and device. Fuse in Earth wire will not melt due to high current flowing in the Neutral Wire and Live Wire.

Q123. A hair dryer usually has warning that caution the user not to use it when the hands are wet. Explain . [1] A123. Water can conduct electrical current. This may conduct electrical current from the circuit in dryer to user, causing electric shock. Q124. The fuse the has different purpose as the Earth wire ? Explain . [2] A124. No. Although both are safety devices, they have different purposes. Fuse is meant to limit the maximum current in circuit, preventing fire due to excessive high current. Earth wire prevents electric shock in case the metal casing becomes LIVE. High current will flow from metal casing to earth through Earth wire, when the metal casing becomes LIVE (high voltage). This high current would melt the fuse or trigger the circuit breaker, breaking the circuit. No electric shock results even if the user touches the metal casing. Q114. Why is there a need to colour code the LIVE, NEUTRAL and EARTH wires? [1] A114. The LIVE wire is at high voltage. The Neutral Wire is at 0 V. Both should be connected the device. We need to know the colour so that we know which wire is dangerously at high voltage. Furthermore, switch and fuse must be placed at LIVE wire. Earth wire has to be identified so that it is connected to the metal casing. Q115. What are the colours for the LIVE, NEUTRAL and EARTH wires? [1] A115 . LIVE Brown. NEUTRAL Blue. EARTH Green/Yellow. Q122. A bird places both feet on a high voltage LIVE wire. Why the bird is not harmed? A122. Both feet of the bird are on the same wire and are at the same potential. No potential difference between the 2 legs, thus no current flow through. Bird is safe!

Magnetism Section
Q1 : Explain why steel cannot be used as core for an electromagnet. [2] A1 : Steel is a hard magnetic material. It is difficult to be magnetized and difficult to be de-magnetised. For an electro-magnet, the core must be easily magnetized when electric current is flowing around the core and the core must lose its magnetism easily once the current is cut off. Q2 : Explain why iron is chosen as material for the core of an electromagnet. [2] A2 : Iron is a soft magnetic material. It is easy to be magnetized and easy to be de-magnetised. For an electro-magnet, the core must be easily magnetized when electric current is flowing around the core and the core must lose its magnetism easily once the current is cut off. Q3 : Explain why the a.c. transformer cannot work if d.c. is at the input. [2] A3. When d.c. is fed to the primary coil of an a.c. transformer, the output voltage would be 0 V. This is because the direct current (d.c.) sets up a constant unchanging magnetic flux. There is no change in magnetic flux, so no electromagnetic induction.

Q9. Why is transmission of power done at high voltage ? [1] A9 : At high voltage transmission, the current (I) is low. The heat generated and energy lost along the transmission cables is thus minimized since Heat Energy generated , E = I2Rt. Low I means less heat energy lost.

Q13. Why attraction cannot show that a metal is a magnet ? [1] A13. Magnetic material (non-magnet) can be attracted by magnetic induction. The N-pole of a permanent magnet would induce a S-pole at the end of the magnetic material. The N-pole of the permanent magnet and the induced S-pole would attract one another since unlike poles attract. Only repulsion by a permanent magnet can show that an object is a magnet.

Q21 : Wei ! Explain what is meant by electromagnetic induction. [2] A21: When there is a change of magnetic flux in a conductor, an e.m.f. is induced. Q22 : Explain why the is no deflection of galvanometer connected to a coil with a stationary magnet inserted in the coil. A22 : When the magnet is not moving , even if it is in the coil, there is no change in magnetic flux in the coil. Therefore there is no electromagnetic induction. Therefore no induce e.m.f. and no induced current flows. Q23 : Explain how the a.c. transformer work . [3] A23 : The alternating current in primary coil sets up a changing magnetic flux. The magnetic flux flows to the secondary coil through the soft iron core. The magnetic flux cuts the secondary coil. The changing magnetic flux liknked to the secondary coil causes electro-magnetic induction. Therefore an alternating e.m.f. is induced at the secondary coil. Q24: Explain how the a.c. generator works ? A24 : The coil is rotated between the two permanent magnets. The magnetic flux from the magnets cut the coil. 7

The changing magnetic flux linked to the coil causes electro-magnetic induction. An e.m.f. is induced in the coil. The induced current flows out of the coil through the slip rings and the carbon brushes. Q25. Explain why the induced current in the a.c. generator is alternating in direction . A25 : The same part of the coil is reversing its direction of motion (upwards and downwards) every half a revolution. Therefore, according to Flemings Right Hand rule , the induced current induced changes direction every half a turn .

Q27 : What is the purpose of transformer ? A 27 : To change voltage (potential difference) . Q28 : Who turns the generator ? A 28 : Combustion of petrol boils water. The steam from the boiling water pushes the turbine. The turbine rotates the coil in between the magnets of the generator. Some countries use wind and falling water from dam to turn the turbines. Q31 : What is a step-down transformer ? [2] A31 : A step-down transformer is used to change high voltage to low voltage. It has less number of turns in the secondary coil than in the primary coil. Q32 : What is magnetic field ? [1] A32 : Magnetic field is the region where a magnetic pole experiences a force of attraction or repulsion. Q33 : What is Gravitational Field ? [1] A33 : Gravitational Field is the region where a mass experiences a force of attraction.

Q34 : What is an electric field ? [1] A34 : Electric field is the region where an electric charge experiences a force of attraction or repulsion. Q35 : What is gravitational field strength ? A 35 : Gravitational Field Strength of a region is the amount of force (in Newtons) of attraction acting per unit mass (kg) of a body placed in the region. SI Unit : N/kg Q36 : What are magnetic field lines ? A 36 : Magnetic field line shows the direction of force acting on a N-pole. Q 37 : What are Electric field lines ? A 37 : Electric field line shows the direction of force acting on a (+) positive charge. Q49 : Why is the deflection of galvanometer momentarily in the demonstration of electro-magnetic induction by pushing a magnet into a coil ? [1] A 49 : When the magnet stops moving, there is no change in magnetic flux liknked to the coil. No electromagfnetic induction occurs. No em.f. and current induced.

Q50 : Why is a larger deflection observed in galvanometer when the magnet is pushed into coil at a faster speed ? [1] Rate of change of magnetic flux increased, so em.f. induced increases.

Q51 : Why is the deflection in galvanometer opposite in direction when a magnet is pushed in and pulled out from a coil ? [1] Induced current flows in a direction so as to oppose the change. When N-pole is pushed into coil, Npole is induced at end of coil. When N-pole is pulled out, S-piole is induced at end of coil. Q52. Why is Lenz law in agreement with Law of conservation of energy ? A52 : The work done in pushing the magnet against the opposing force set up by the induced current is converted to the electrical energy of the induced current. Q58. What are the 4 magnetic materials ? A58 : Iron ; steel ; cobalt ; nickel. Q59 : Explain steel cannot be used as the material for the core of an a.c. transformer ? [2] A59 : * Steel is a hard magnetic material. It is difficult to be magnetized and difficult to be de-magnetised. * The magnetic flux in the core of transformer must be able to change direction and magnitude easily so that an e.m.f. will be induced at the secondary coil (due to electromagnetic induction). Steel makes the magnetic flux hard to change direction and magnitude. * Therefore, iron should be used, since iron is a soft magnetic material that can be mafnetised and demagnetised easily. Q86 : What is a magnetic material? [1] A86 : A magnetic material is a material that can be magnetized (whether permanent or temporary). Example of magnetic materials : iron, steel, nickel and cobalt. Example of non magnetic material : copper, paper Q88 : Explain how a permanent magnet attracts a iron pin . [2] A88 : The permanent magnet causes magnetic induction on the iron pin. If the N-pole is nearer to the iron pin, a S-pole is induced at the end of the pin nearest to the N-pole of the magnet. Since unlike poles attract, the magnet attracts the pin.

Q 80 : What is the use of slip-rings in the a.c. generator ? A 80 : To conduct the induced current from the coil to the load , without causing wires entanglement . The slip rings also ensure that the same terminals are connected to the same part of the coil even when the coil rotates.

Q104. How to confirm that one end of the object is a N-Pole ? [1] A104. Use another N-pole to approach the end, if repulsion occurs, the end is a N-pole.

Q125. State one occasion where the step-up transformer is needed. [1] A125. Just outside the generator, the voltage must be stepped up. So that the current in transmission cables is low, reducing heat loss in the cables. [1] 9

Q126. State one occasion where the step-down transformer is needed. [1] A126. When the device at home requires a lower voltage than the mains ac voltage, we need a step down transformer to reduce the voltage.

Q134: Why is d.c. used in coil to magnetise steel rod ? Why is a.c. used to de-magnetised permanent magnet ? [2] A134: When direct current flows in coil, the magnetic poles set up at the end of coil stay the same. When alternating current flows in coil, the magnetic poles set up at the end of coil keeps changing.

Q110. What is the material used to made the needle of the compass? [1] A110. Steel. The tip must be a permanent N-pole. Steel is hard magnetic material, difficult to demagnetised, retains magnetism well. Q111. What pole is the tip of the needle of the compass? [1] Q111. N-Pole Q112. Why must the casing of the compass be made of non-magnetic material? [1] A112. If the casing is made of magnetic material, magnetic shielding will occur, resulting in magnetic flux unable to reach the needle. Needle would not point in the direction of the magnetic flux.

Wave Section
Q113. Alpha particles are more ionizing than gamma particles. What is meant by ionization? A113 . Breaking up of atoms into positive and negative ions.

Q18. Explain what is a virtual image. [1] A18 : A virtual image cannot be formed on a screen. No actual light rays fall on the virtual image. Q19 : Explain what is a real image . [1] A19 : A real image can be formed on a screen. There are actual light rays falling on the real image.

Q20: Why does refraction (bending of light) occurs when light travels from one medium to another medium of different optical densities? A20: When light travels from one medium to another medium of different optical densities, there is a change of speed. Thus, light bends. Q26 : When a wave is slowed down by a medium, what happens to its speed, frequency , and wavelength ? A26 : the frequency of the wave would remain the same. Frequency of a wave depends on the source only. The speed reduces, therefore the wavelength reduce. Since V = f x wavelength.

Q130. Red light bends as it travels from air into water. Why does red light maintains its colour after refraction? [1] 10

A130. When light travels from air into water, it slows down, wavelength decreases. However, frequency remains. Thus the colour of light is the same after refraction. Q131: A swimmer hears a whistle. He dips his head under water. Why is the whistle sound heard the same pitch ? [1] A131: When sound travels from air into water, it increases speed and wavelength. The frequency remains unchanged, thus pitch of sound heard in air and in water is the same.

Q53 : What is meant by frequency ? A53 : The number of complete oscillations made in one second. Q54 : What is meant by 50 Hz ? A54 : 50 cycles / oscillations made in 1 second. Q55 : What is meant by one wavelength ? A55 : The distance from one peak / crest to the next peak/crest. Q56 : What is meant by wavefront ? A 56 : the line joining all the crests of a wave. Q57 : What happens to the speed, wavelength, frequency and amplitude of a reflected wave on a barrier . ? A 57 : Amplitude decreases . The rest all the same. Energy is lost by wave to surrounding during the reflection. Q75 : What are the common properties of all electromagnetic waves ? A 75 : They all can travel in vacuum. They all travel at 3 x 108 m/s in vacuum. They are all transverse waves. Q76 : What are the members of the electromagnetic wave spectrum? A76 : Gamma rays, X rays , Ultra Violet Rays , Violet light , Indigo Light , Blue Light , Green light , Yellow Light , Orange Light , Red Light , infra red rays, micro wave, radio wave. (gamma rays has the highest frequency, shortest wavelength). Q77 : What is transverse wave ? A77 : The particles of a transverse wave vibrate at 90o to the wave direction of energy travel. Example : light , water , rope waves. Q 78 : What are longitudinal waves ? A78 : The particles of a transverse wave vibrate parallel to the wave direction of energy travel. Example : Sound

Q135: Why is wrong to say that the particles travel together with energy in transverse and longitudinal waves. ? [1] A135: The particles only vibrate, the energy is passed down by the these vibrations. In the case of transverse wave, particles vibrate perpendicular to wave direction. In the case of longitudinal wave, particles vibrate parallel to wave direction. The particles do not move along the wave. Q98 : Explain why sound cannot travel in vacuum. [1] A98 : Sound propagation requires solid, liquid and gas to travel in. Sound waves require the vibration of particles . Vacuum has no particles. 11

Q96 : Why does light bend as it enters from air to glass? [1] A96 : When light enters glass from air, the speed of light reduces. This causes refraction and light bends.

Q97 : In countries where the outdoor temperature is high, why are most cars painted silver instead of black ? [1] A97 : Silver surface is a worse receiver of infra-red radiation than black surface. This reduces the heat received by the car from the suns infra red radiation and keeps the car as cool as possible. Q105. What is meant by a low pitch sound? [1] A105 . Low in frequency . Q106. Why are some sounds not heard by humans? [1] A106. The frequency of such sounds are not in the audible range (20 Hz to 20 000 Hz). Q107. Explain why the refractive index of glass is always more than 1.00 ? [1] A107. Refractive index is equal to the ratio of light speed in vacuum to light speed in glass. Light travels fastest in vacuum. Therefore, the ratio is always larger than 1.00. Q120. Why does sound travel faster in solids than in liquid ? [1] A120. In solid, particles/molecules are closer to one another. The energy transferred by the vibrations of the particles is thus faster. Q121. List all electromagnetic waves, in increasing order of frequency (decreasing order of wavelength) . [2] A121. Radio waves, microwaves , infra-red waves, red light , orange light , yellow light , green light , blue light , indigo light , violet light , ultra violet rays, X rays , gamma rays.

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Out of Syllabus Q66 : What is meant by a sensitive thermometer ? [1] A66 : A sensitive thermometer shows a large change in reading / thermometric property when there is a small change in temperature. A possible unit for sensitivity is mm/k. Q67 : How to make a thermometer sensitive ? A67 : make the capillary tube thinner . Thinner bore of the tube. Q68 : What is meant by fast response thermometer? A 68 : A fast response thermometer shows the temperature reading in a short period of time. Q69 : How to make a thermometer fast in response ? A 69 : Make the glass wall of the bulb thin. So that heat can be conducted through the wall of the bulb to the mercury quickly. 12