EXAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR PHYSICS PAPER 3
A boy pushes the boxes along a level walkway as shown
Chapter 2
1. Diagram 3 shows two catapults A and B made from same
catapult rubber. Difference forces are applied on the
catapults.
Base on the information and observation above:
(a) State one suitable inference. [1 mark]
(b) State one suitable hypothesis. [1 mark]
(c) With the use of apparatus such as spring, retort stands
and other apparatus, describe an experiment framework
to investigate the hypothesis stated in 3(b).
(i) The aim of the experiment
(ii) The variables in the experiment
(iii) The list of apparatus and materials
(iv) The arrangement of the apparatus
(v) The procedure of the experiment.
(vi) Describe how to control the manipulated variables
and how to measure the responding variables.
(vii) The way to tabulate the data.
(viii) The way to analyse the data [10 marks]
Answers:
(a) The length of catapult rubber depends on the force
(b) The bigger the force, the longer the extension of the
catapult rubber
(c)
(i) To investigate the relationship between the force and
extension of a spring
(ii) Manipulated variable : Force
Responding variable : Extension
Constant variable : Length of the spring//diameter of the
spring//type of spring
(iii) Spring, retort stand, ruler, slotted weight
(iv) State a functionable arrangement of the apparatus
(v) Measure the initial length of the spring, l1
(vi) Put one slotted mass, 20 g at the end of the spring.
(vii) Measure the length of the spring, l2
(viii) Calculate extension of the spring, x = l2 – l1
(ix) Repeat the experiment for the mass 40g, 60g, 80g, 100g.
(x) Tabulate the data
Plot graph of extension /length of spring against force/mass
2.
in Diagram 3.1. The boy experiences that the boxes on
trolley move slowly. When the boy removes two of the
boxes as shown in Diagram 4.2, he experiences that the
trolley move faster than before although the same force was
applied, 8 N.
Based on the information and observation above :
(a) State one suitable inference. [1 mark]
(b) State one suitable hypothesis. [1 mark]
(c) With the use of apparatus such as a trolley, ticker timer,
ticker tape, elastic cord and other apparatus, describe an
experiment framework to investigate the hypothesis stated in
4(b). In your description, state clearly the following :
(i) The aim of the experiment
(ii) The variables in the experiment
(iii) The list of apparatus and materials
(iv) The arrangement of the apparatus
(v) The procedure of the experiment.
(vi) Describe how to control the manipulated variables
and how to measure the responding variables.
(vii) The way to tabulate the data.
(viii) The way to analyse the data [10 marks]
Answers:
(a) Acceleration is influenced by the mass
(b) When the mass increased, the acceleration will be
decreased.
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the
acceleration
and the mass.
(ii) Manipulated variable : mass, m
Responding variable : acceleration, a
Constant : Force applied
(iii) 5 Trolleys, ticker timer, ticker tape, a rubber band, a
wooden runway, 12 V a.c power supply, ruler
(iv)
(v) The ticker-timer is switched on and a trolley (of 1 kg) is
pulled using a rubber band. The extension of the rubber
band is ensured to be of the same length.
Acceleration of the trolley is calculated using the tickertape.
a = ( v-u ) / t.
Procedure 2 and Procedure 3 are repeated using 2, 3, 4 and 5
trolleys
(vi)
 The experiment is repeated by lowering the rod to different
depths, i.e,h = 6.0 cm, 7.0 cm, 8.0 cm and 9.0 cm
(vi) Tabulate the data :

CHAPTER 3
3. A man who is fishing, pulled out a fish out of the water as
shown in Diagram 3.1. It becomes more difficult to pull out
the fish out of the water and the rod is getting bender in
Diagram 3.2.

4. Diagram 3.1 shows a diver is diving into the sea. Diagram

3.2 shows a diver is diving into the swimming pool. They
are at the same depth but the diver in Diagram 3.1 feel that
his ear was sick.

Based on the information and your observation above:

(a) State one suitable inference.
(b) State one suitable hypothesis.
(c) With the use of apparatus such as measuring cylinder,
spring balance, metal rod and other apparatus, describe
an experiment framework to investigate the hypothesis
stated in 3(b)

Answer:
(a) The buoyant force can be determined by finding the
weight of water displaced
(b) The more the rod is immersed, the lower the reading on
the spring balance
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between weight of
water displaced and the buoyant force
(ii) Manipulated : length of rod below the liquid level
Responding : weight/ loss in weight
Constant : Density of liquid
(iii) Beaker, rod, spring balance, metre rule
(iv)
Based on the observation above and your knowledge of
pressure in liquid;
(a) State one suitable inference.
(b) State one suitable hypothesis.
(c) With the use of apparatus such as thistle funnel, meter
ruler and others, describe an experiment framework to
investigate the hypothesis stated in 4(b)
Answer:
(a) The density of the water affects the pressure
(b) As the density increase , the different level/pressure
increase.
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the density of
liquid and the pressure/ different level.
(ii) MV : density
RV : pressure //different level
CV : Depth
(iii) Tall beaker, small thistle funnel, flexible tube,
manometer, meter rule, retort stand, liquids
(iv)

(v) A rod which is 10 cm long is marked at intervals of 1 cm

and suspended from the hook of a spring balance. The
experiment is started by lowering the rod to depth of
5.0 cm and reading on the spring balance, W is recorded.
The length of rod below the liquid level is measured and
the reading on the spring balance is recorded.

(v) Insert the thistle funnel vertically down to the bottom
of the beaker of liquid density of 1.2 gcm-3
Measure the different level in manometer, l.
Repeat the experiment 4 time using another liquid
with different density such as 1.5 gcm-3. 2.0 gcm-3,
3.0 gcm-3 3.5 gcm-3 and 4.0 gcm-3
(vi) Record the data
(vii) Plot graph pressure against density.
5. Diagram 3.1 shows an aluminium foil which has been
shaped into a boat and put into a water container. Diagram
3.2 shows the same piece of aluminium foil that has been
crumpled and put into the same water container.
Based on the above information and observation:
(a) State one suitable inference.
(b) State one suitable hypothesis.
(c) With the use of apparatus such as a measuring cylinder, a
metal rod, spring balance and other apparatus, describe
an experiment to investigate the hypothesis stated in 3(b).
answer:
(a) The different shape of platisicine , give different buoyant
force
(b) When the surface area increase, the buoyant force
increase
(c) Aim of experiment : To determine the buoyant force
acting on an object in different states of flotation
(i) Manipulated variable: Height of the iron bar
(ii) Responding variable:Reading of the spring balance
(iii) Fixed/ constant variables:Volume of the water
(iv) List of apparatus and materials Measuring cylinder, a
metal rod, spring balance and metre rule, beaker, water,
retord stand
(v) Arrangement of apparatus
(vi) Procedure
- The meter rule was clipped to the retort stand
beside of the iron bar.
- The height of the iron bar is set at h = 20.0 cm.
- The iron bar is immersed into the water. The
reading of the spring balance is recorded. 4. Step 2
and 3 is repeated for the height, h= 25.0 cm,
30.0cm, 35.0 cm and 40.0 cm.
(vii) Tabulation of data
(viii) Analysis of data: Draw a graph of weight, W against
height, h
CHAPTER 4
6. Diagram 3.1 shows a half glass of hot coffee that is left
for ten minutes. Diagram 3.2 shows a full glass of similar
hot coffee that is left for the same time. It is notice that the
hot coffee in Diagram 3.1 cools down faster than Diagram
3.2.
Based on the information and observation above:
(a) State one suitable inference.
(b) State one suitable hypothesis.
(c) With the use of apparatus such as immersion heater,
beaker and other apparatus, describe an experiment
framework to investigate the hypothesis stated in 3(b).
Answer:
(a) The change in temperature of water depends on its
volume / mass
(b) When the volume / mass increases, change in
temperature decreases
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the volume /
mass and temperature
(ii) Manipulated variable : volume / mass of water
Responding variable : change in temperature
Fixed variable : heating time
(iii) Power supply, immersion heater, connecting wires,
beaker, stirrer, thermometer, water, measuring cylinder /
balance , heater and stop watch
(iv)
(v) 20 cm3 of water is heated by an immersion heater for 5
minutes.
Final temperature is recorded after 5 minutes.
Repeat step 1 and 2 using 40 cm3, 60 cm3, 80 cm3 and
100 cm3 of water.
(vi)
(vii)
7. Diagram 3.1 shows a worker pushing down on the piston
of a clogged bicycle pump. Diagram 3.2 shows the same
worker finding it harder to push the piston further down.
Based on the information and observation:
(a) State one suitable inference
(b) State one suitable hypothesis
(c) With the use of apparatus such as a Bourdon gauge and
the other apparatus, describe an experiment to investigate
the hypothesis stated in 3(b).
answer:
(a) The force // weight affects the volume of the gas
The pressure affects the volume of the gas
(b) When the pressure of a fixed mass of gas decreases , the
volume of the gas increases//The bigger the acting force the
smaller the volume of the gas // The bigger the acting force
the
smaller the volume of the gas // The greater the weight the
smaller the volume of the gas.
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship the pressure and the
volume of the gas
(ii) MV : Pressure of gas , V
RV : Volume of gas , P
CV: Temperature and mass of the gas.
(iii) 100 cm3 glass syringe , rubber tube , Bourdon gauge ,
load, triple beam balance , retort stand.
(iv)
(v) Weight is added onto the piston until the Bourdon
gauge shows a reading 10 Pa
Record the enclosed volume, V , of the syringe
Repeat the experiment by increasing the pressure to
15 Pa , 20 Pa, 25 Pa and 30 Pa.
(vi) Tabulate the data.
(vii) Plot graph V against P. 9. Diagram 3.1 shows an inverted beaker contains an air
trapped is converted and immersed in the water. Diagram
3.2 shows the volume of air trapped in the beaker decreased
when the beaker is pushed down in the water.

8. Before going to Johor Bahru, Afiff measures the air

pressure of the tyres of his car, as shown in Diagram 3. He
noticed that the air pressure one of the tyres is 200 kPa. At
Johor Bahru, Afiff measured the air pressure. He found that
the air pressure in tyre has increased to 240 kPa. Afiff also
found that the tyre become hot after he arrived at Johor
Based on your observation on the volume of air trapped in
Bahru. However the size of the tyre remains the same.
the beaker;
(a) State one suitable inference,
(b) State one appropriate hypothesis that could be
investigated,
(c) With use of apparatus such as a syringe, thick rubber
tube and other apparatus, describe an experiment to
investigate the hypothesis stated in 3(b)

Answer:
Based on the information and observation: (a) Pressure depends on volume// Volume influences
(a) State one suitable inference pressure
(b) State one suitable hypothesis. (b) When the volume decrease , the pressure increase ,
(c) With the use of apparatus such as Bourdon gauge, a (c) To investigate the relationship between volume and
round bottom flask and other apparatus, describe one pressure
experiment to investigate the hypothesis stated in (i) Manipulated : volume
Question 3(b). (ii) Responding : pressure
(iii) Fixed : mass of gas // temperature
Answer: (iv) Syringe, clip , thick rubber tube, bourdon gauge .
(a) Pressure depends on temperature
(b) The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the air
pressure and its temperature
(ii) Manipulated : temperature
Responding : pressure
Fixed : volume / mass of gas
(iii) Round-bottomed flask, glass tube, bourdon gauge,
thermometer, rubber tube, retort stand, tripod stand,
Bunsen burner, stirrer, beaker, wire gauze, water, water bath.
(iv) - Read thermometer when the temperature reach
30°C.
- At the same time, read the bourdon gauge to get the (v) The piston of the 100 cm-3 syringe is adjusted until the
reading of gas pressure. volume of air in the syringe at atmospheric pressure.The
- Stir the water continuously, and repeat the experiment other end of the rubber tube is connected tppo bourdon
when the temperature reach 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 70°C. gauge and the pressure of the air in the syringe is read
(vi) Tabulate the data on the gauge.
Temperature, T/oC Pressure, P/Nm –2 The piston of the syringe is pushed in until the enclosed
30 volume is 98 cm3 / V1.
The pressure on the Bourdon gauge is recorded.
40
The steps is repeated for an enclosed volume of 96 cm3/V2,
50
94 cm3/V3, 92cm3/V4, 90 cm3/V5
60
70
(vii) Plot the graph pressure against temperature
10. Diagram 3.1 shows two pot, X and Y, with X containing
more water than Y. Both the pot are heated. After a few
minutes it was observed that the water in pot Y is hotter than
the water in pot X.
Based on the information and observation:
(a) State one suitable inference.
(b) State one hypothesis that could be investigated
(c) With the use of apparatus such as power supply, beaker,
immersion heater and other apparatus, describe an
experiment to investigate the hypothesis stated in Question
3(b).

Answer:
(a) The heat/ time taken of the water depends on its
mass/volume
(b) The greater the mass/volume, the time taken increase
Based on the information and observation: (c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the time taken
(a) State one suitable inference and mass/volume
(b) State one suitable hypothesis. (ii) Manipulated variable : mass/volume
(c) With the use of apparatus such as beaker, thermometer Responding variable : Time taken
immersion heater and other apparatus, describe one Constant variable : Initial temperature/specific heat
experiment to investigate the hypothesis stated in capacity/ changes in temperature
Question 3(b). (iii) Power supply, thermometer, beaker, immersion heater,
stirrer
Answer: (iv)
(a) The mass // volume affects the rise in temperature //
temperature
(b) The greater the mass // volume, the smaller the rise in
temperature // temperature
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the mass and
rise in temperature (of water)
(ii) Manipulated variable : Mass
Responding variable : Increase in temperature
Fixed variable : Heat supplied // Time of heating // Power
of the heater
(iii) Beaker, water, thermometer, immersion heater,
stopwatch, balance for measuring mass (v) The 20 g of water is filled in the beaker.
(iv) Draws a labeled and functional diagram of the set up of The initial temperature, _0, of water is recorded.
the apparatus The heater is switched on until the water boiled.
(v) Put a mass of 100 g of water in a beaker The time taken for the water is observed and recorded/
Switch on the heater for 5 minutes and record the The heat is calculated.
temperature rise. Repeat with masses of boiling water 40 g, 60 g, 80 g and
Repeat the experiment with 150g, 200g, 250g and, 300g of 100 g.
water. (vi) Tabulate the table
(vi) Tabulate the data Mass, m / g Time taken, t/s
20
40
60
80
100
(vii)
(vii) The graph of temperature rise against mass is drawn

11. Diagram 3.1 shows a boy accidentally spilt a few drops

of hot noodle soup onto his hand and felt slight pain. Later
on, he accidentally spilt the whole bowl of hot noodle soup
onto his body and he felt very pain.
CHAPTER 5
12. Diagram 3.1 shows a student using a convex lens to
form a sharp image of a lamp at the ceiling. Diagram 3.2
shows the student using another convex lens to form a sharp
image of the lamp.

Based on the information and observation:

Observe the thickness of the lens and the distance from the
(a) State one suitable inference,
lens to the image in both situations.
(b) State one hypothesis that could be investigated.
Based on the observation: (c) With the use of apparatus such as a tall beaker, water and
(a) State one suitable inference. other apparatus and material, describe one experiment to
(b) State one hypothesis that could be investigated.
investigate the hypothesis stated in 3(b).
(c) With the use of apparatus such as convex lenses, a screen
and other apparatus, describe an experiment to
answer:
investigate the hypothesis stated in 3(b).
(a) Apparent depth depends on the density/type of
block/material
answer: (b) When the density (of material) increase, the apparent
(a) To investigate the relationship between the thickness of
depth decrease/depth of image
the lens
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between density and
and the distance from the lens to the screen / focal length
apparent depth/depth of the image
(b) The greater the thickness of the lens, the smaller the
(ii) manipulated V : density// mass of salt
distance responding V : apparent depth/depth of image
from the lens to the screen / focal length fixed V : real depth , volume water(ignore the change
(c) (i) To investigate the relationship between the
of volume of water + salt )
thickness of the lens and the distance from the lens to the
(iii) Tall Beaker/cylinder, pin, retort stand, water, salt, meter
screen / focal length
rule, triple beam balance
(ii) Manipulated variable : Thickness of the lens
(iv)
Responding variable : distance from the lens to
the screen focal length / f
(Note: Constant variable can be ignored)
(iii) Convex lenses, screen, metre rule, lens holder
(iv)

(v) Fill the beaker with ( V = 1000 cm3 ) water.

(v) A convex lens with thickness 0.4 cm is placed in front of
a screen. The screen is adjusted until a sharp image of a
distant object is obtained and the distance between the lens
and the screen is measured. The previous steps are repeated
using convex lenses of thickness 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, 1.0 cm and
1.2 cm.
(vi)
Put the 20 g of salt into the beaker and stir. Place a pin O
into the water. Adjust the position of the pin I (at the retort
stand) by observing above the beaker until it appears in line
with the image. Measure the apparent depth of the straight
line,d. Repeat the experiment with( different four densities
of liquids) by mixing the mass of salt , m = 30g , 40g, 50g,
and 60g .

(vii) The graph f against d is plotted

13. Diagram 3.1 shows a line under a glass block. Diagram

3.2 shows an identical line under a Perspex block of the
same size. An observer noticed that the image of the line
formed in the glass block is nearer to the surface of the
block.