New Curriculum Second Term Physics examination for SS 1

Class: SSS 1
Term: Second Term
Subject: Physics
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 MARKS)
Instruction: Answer ALL questions. Each question carries 1 mark.

1. A 2 kg stone and a 5 kg stone fall freely from rest, neglecting air resistance. Their accelerations are (a) in the ratio 5:2   (b) both zero   (c) in the ratio 2:5   (d) equal and approximately g
2. In a beaker heated from below, warm water rises because it is generally (a) less dense than surrounding cooler water   (b) unable to transfer heat   (c) electrically charged   (d) heavier per unit volume than cooler water
3. Which situation shows work done by a force on an object in the direction of its motion? (a) A child stands still holding a bag   (b) A porter holds a load motionless   (c) A wall supports a stationary shelf   (d) A person pushes a trolley through 5 m
4. A technician reads 2.5 kΩ on a resistance meter. The value in ohms is ________. (a) 250 Ω   (b) 0.0025 Ω   (c) 2 500 Ω   (d) 25 000 Ω
5. In a heat experiment, the readings should be recorded with their ________ to make comparison meaningful. (a) units and instrument precision   (b) instrument serial number only with no units   (c) different temperature scales left unlabelled between trials   (d) uniform rounding before observation without noting instrument resolution
6. A test lamp connected in series with a battery and switch fails to glow. The first appropriate diagnostic step is to (a) connect a bare wire directly across the battery   (b) check continuity and the power source with the circuit isolated as required   (c) replace the lamp and all wires together   (d) increase voltage without reading component ratings
7. A magnet is pushed towards a coil. The induced current is directed so that its magnetic effect ________. (a) opposes the change causing it   (b) has no magnetic field   (c) always reinforces the magnet's motion   (d) is independent of the rate of change
8. The quantity obtained by multiplying force in newtons by distance in metres is measured in (a) watts   (b) teslas   (c) amperes   (d) joules
9. A force field is described as a region where a body experiences ________. (a) zero force regardless of position   (b) only a mechanical push on a rigid surface   (c) a force without physical contact with its source   (d) no effect from nearby charges or masses
10. A bar magnet is held stationary inside a stationary coil. A connected sensitive galvanometer reads zero because (a) the coil cannot conduct current   (b) magnetic flux through the coil is not changing   (c) the magnet has no magnetic field   (d) Faraday's law operates only with batteries
11. Which instrument arrangement measures potential difference correctly across a resistor? (a) Connect a voltmeter in parallel with the resistor   (b) Connect both meters directly across an unprotected cell   (c) Connect a voltmeter in series only   (d) Connect an ammeter in parallel with the resistor
12. Which observation demonstrates the presence of a magnetic field without contact? (a) A ruler scratches a table   (b) A stone strikes the ground   (c) A compass needle deflects near a bar magnet   (d) A spring is compressed by a hand
13. All are likely to alter the magnetic field near a coil EXCEPT (a) changing the current   (b) changing the colour of its insulating tape   (c) adding a suitable ferromagnetic core   (d) changing the number of turns
14. A 5 kg box rests on a level surface with normal reaction 50 N. For coefficient of friction 0.30, limiting friction is ________. (a) 15 N   (b) 0.006 N   (c) 16.7 N   (d) 150 N
15. Which fault is most likely when a low-voltage tester gives no indication until a loose lead is pressed firmly? (a) A steady magnetic field   (b) Intermittent contact at a connection   (c) Excessive thermal expansion of a ruler   (d) Constant current in a correctly closed circuit
16. A metal rod becomes longer when heated. The main explanation is that its particles ________. (a) stop interacting with neighbouring atoms   (b) all change into gas immediately   (c) vibrate with greater average energy and separation   (d) gain additional protons
17. A motor performs 1 200 J of useful work in 15 s. Its average power is ________. (a) 1 215 W   (b) 18 000 W   (c) 0.0125 W   (d) 80 W
18. The correct way to strengthen a simple electromagnet, within safe current limits, is to (a) remove every turn of wire   (b) replace the core with rubber   (c) disconnect the power source   (d) increase the number of coil turns around a suitable iron core
19. The SI base unit appropriate for measuring electric current is (a) coulomb   (b) ampere   (c) ohm   (d) volt
20. A pupil plots distance fallen against time in a free-fall investigation. Which change best reduces systematic error? (a) Start the stopwatch well before each release without recording the delay   (b) Ignore air resistance for every object regardless of shape   (c) Use a reliable release method and calibrated timing equipment   (d) Use a different measuring scale in every trial
21. A current of 2 A flows for 5 s. The total charge transported is (a) 7 C   (b) 2.5 C   (c) 10 C   (d) 0.4 C
22. Which combination could form a basic continuity tester? (a) An open circuit with a light indicator but no supply   (b) A suitable low-voltage source, indicator and leads   (c) A battery and resistor without any indicator or measurement arrangement   (d) An unpowered switch and two connecting wires alone
23. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a static magnetic field diagram? (a) The spacing of lines suggests relative field strength   (b) Magnetic field lines cross at isolated points   (c) A compass can indicate local field direction   (d) Lines are directed from north to south outside a bar magnet
24. ________ transfers heat from the Sun through the vacuum of space. (a) Evaporation   (b) Convection   (c) Conduction   (d) Radiation
25. A thermometer measures 28°C. The absolute temperature is approximately ________. (a) 301 K   (b) 245 K   (c) 28 K   (d) 328 K
26. Four 25 W panels operating at their rated output for 3 h provide a total of approximately (a) 100 Wh   (b) 12 Wh   (c) 300 Wh   (d) 75 Wh
27. In a gravitational field, the force exerted per unit mass is known as ________. (a) gravitational potential energy   (b) field strength   (c) pressure   (d) electric potential
28. A solar photovoltaic panel converts incoming radiation mainly into (a) electrical energy   (b) gravitational energy   (c) chemical fuel directly   (d) sound energy
29. A resistor has 12 V across it and carries 0.4 A. The resistance is (a) 4.8 Ω   (b) 12.4 Ω   (c) 30 Ω   (d) 0.033 Ω
30. Two resistors, 3 Ω and 6 Ω, are connected in series. Their equivalent resistance is ________. (a) 18 Ω   (b) 3 Ω   (c) 2 Ω   (d) 9 Ω
31. A compass placed near a current-carrying coil changes direction. This demonstrates that electric current ________. (a) destroys all magnetic materials   (b) changes the compass mass   (c) must always flow through iron   (d) produces a magnetic field
32. A 3 kg parcel is raised through 2 m. Taking g = 10 m/s², the gain in gravitational potential energy is (a) 6 J   (b) 60 J   (c) 15 J   (d) 600 J
33. Two north poles of bar magnets are brought close together. The resulting force is ________. (a) a gravitational pull only   (b) attraction   (c) repulsion   (d) zero at all distances
34. The direction of the force on a positive test charge in an electric field is represented by ________. (a) the direction of the field line   (b) the temperature gradient   (c) the direction of air motion   (d) the nearest magnetic north pole
35. A 50 N horizontal force moves a crate 8 m in its own direction. Work done by the force is (a) 400 W   (b) 400 J   (c) 6.25 J   (d) 58 J
36. An object has a measured mass of 350 g. In standard SI units the result is ________. (a) 0.350 kg   (b) 3 500 kg   (c) 35 kg   (d) 0.035 kg
37. A student moves a magnet more rapidly into an identical coil. The induced emf generally becomes (a) unchanged at every speed   (b) smaller because the field vanishes   (c) zero because the magnet is moving   (d) larger because the flux changes faster
38. The main reason a panel delivers less electrical power in shade is that ________. (a) Less incident radiation is available for conversion   (b) Sunlight is not needed for photovoltaic conversion   (c) The electrical circuit gains energy from darkness   (d) The panel changes into a thermal collector
39. For an object with mass 6 kg at a place where g = 10 N/kg, its weight is (a) 60 N   (b) 600 N   (c) 16 N   (d) 0.6 N
40. A solar water heater warms water primarily by converting sunlight to ________. (a) magnetic flux   (b) electrical charge stored in a cell   (c) thermal energy   (d) mechanical rotation

SECTION B: THEORY (30 MARKS)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each question carries 10 marks.

Question 1
(a) A 60 N force moves a crate 5 m in the force direction in 12 s. Calculate work done and average power. (6 marks)
(b) A 2 kg mass rises by 3 m. Taking g=10 m/s², calculate its potential-energy gain. (4 marks)

Question 2
(a) Explain conduction and convection using a metal spoon in hot tea and heated water. (4 marks)
(b) A 16 Ω heater is connected across 8 V. Calculate current and explain why measuring voltage requires a parallel connection. (6 marks)

Question 3
(a) A 3 kg object falls freely. Explain why its acceleration is independent of mass when air resistance is neglected. (5 marks)
(b) Distinguish between magnetic field lines around a bar magnet and electric field lines around a positive test charge. (5 marks)

Question 4
(a) A student pushes a magnet into and withdraws it from a coil connected to a galvanometer. Predict the needle behaviour. (6 marks)
(b) Name and explain two changes that could increase the induced emf. (4 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (d) equal and approximately g
Question 2 – ✅ (a) less dense than surrounding cooler water
Question 3 – ✅ (d) A person pushes a trolley through 5 m
Question 4 – ✅ (c) 2 500 Ω
Question 5 – ✅ (a) units and instrument precision
Question 6 – ✅ (b) check continuity and the power source with the circuit isolated as required
Question 7 – ✅ (a) opposes the change causing it
Question 8 – ✅ (d) joules
Question 9 – ✅ (c) a force without physical contact with its source
Question 10 – ✅ (b) magnetic flux through the coil is not changing
Question 11 – ✅ (a) Connect a voltmeter in parallel with the resistor
Question 12 – ✅ (c) A compass needle deflects near a bar magnet
Question 13 – ✅ (b) changing the colour of its insulating tape
Question 14 – ✅ (a) 15 N
Question 15 – ✅ (b) Intermittent contact at a connection
Question 16 – ✅ (c) vibrate with greater average energy and separation
Question 17 – ✅ (d) 80 W
Question 18 – ✅ (d) increase the number of coil turns around a suitable iron core
Question 19 – ✅ (b) ampere
Question 20 – ✅ (c) Use a reliable release method and calibrated timing equipment
Question 21 – ✅ (c) 10 C
Question 22 – ✅ (b) A suitable low-voltage source, indicator and leads
Question 23 – ✅ (b) Magnetic field lines cross at isolated points
Question 24 – ✅ (d) Radiation
Question 25 – ✅ (a) 301 K
Question 26 – ✅ (c) 300 Wh
Question 27 – ✅ (b) field strength
Question 28 – ✅ (a) electrical energy
Question 29 – ✅ (c) 30 Ω
Question 30 – ✅ (d) 9 Ω
Question 31 – ✅ (d) produces a magnetic field
Question 32 – ✅ (b) 60 J
Question 33 – ✅ (c) repulsion
Question 34 – ✅ (a) the direction of the field line
Question 35 – ✅ (b) 400 J
Question 36 – ✅ (a) 0.350 kg
Question 37 – ✅ (d) larger because the flux changes faster
Question 38 – ✅ (a) Less incident radiation is available for conversion
Question 39 – ✅ (a) 60 N
Question 40 – ✅ (c) thermal energy

Theory Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a) W=Fs=60×5=300 J (3); P=W/t=300/12=25 W (3). [6 marks]
(b) mgh=2×10×3=60 J; formula 2, working 2. [4 marks]
Question 2
(a) Conduction transfers energy through interactions in spoon (2); convection transfers energy by bulk motion of water due to density variation (2). [4 marks]
(b) I=V/R=8/16=0.5 A (3); voltmeter measures potential difference between two points and is connected across component (3). [6 marks]
Question 3
(a) Force mg (2), a=F/m=mg/m=g so mass cancels (3). [5 marks]
(b) Magnetic lines form loops and outside run N→S (3); electric lines indicate force direction on positive test charge and are radial from positive source (2). [5 marks]
Question 4
(a) Deflection on insertion (2), reverse on withdrawal (2), zero when stationary relative flux unchanged (2). [6 marks]
(b) Faster flux change (2), greater number of turns/stronger magnet (2). [4 marks]