PHYSICS FORM FOUR

CHAPTER ONE
THIN LENSES.
A lens is conventionally defined as a piece of glass which is used to focus or change the
direction of a beam of light passing through it. They are mainly made of glass or plastic. Lens
are used in making spectacles, cameras, cinema projectors, microscopes and telescopes.

Types of thin lenses.

A lens which is thicker at its centre than at its edges converges light and is called convex or
converging lens. A lens which is thicker at its edges than at its centre diverges light and is
known as concave or diverging lens.

Properties of lenses.
1. Optical centre – this is the geometric centre of a lens which is usually shown using a
black dot in ray diagrams. A ray travelling through the optical centre passes through in a
straight line.
2. Centre of curvature – this is the geometric centre of the circle of which the lens surface
is part of. Since lenses have two surfaces there are two centres of curvature. C is used to
denote one centre while the other is denoted by C1.
 3. Principal axis – this is an imaginary line which passes through the optical centre at right
angle to the lens.
4. Principal focus – this is a point through which all rays travelling parallel to the principal
axis pass after refraction through the lens. A lens has a principal focus on both its sides.
F is used to denote the principal focus
5. Focal length – this is the distance between the optical centre and the principal focus. It
is denoted by ‘f’.

The principal focus for a converging lens is real and virtual for a diverging lens. It is important to
note that the principal focus is not always halfway between the optical centre and the centre
of curvature as it is in mirrors.

(b) Principal foci of a diverging lens

Images formed by thin lenses.
The nature, size and position of the image formed by a particular lens depends on the position
of the object in relation to the lens.
Construction of ray diagrams
Three rays are of particular importance in the construction of ray diagrams.
1. A ray of light travelling parallel to the principal axis passes through the principal focus
on refraction through the lens. In case of a concave lens the ray is diverged in a way that
it appears to come from the principal focus.
2. A ray of light travelling through the optical centre goes un-deviated along the same
path.
3. A ray of light travelling through the principal focus is refracted parallel to the principal
axis on passing through the lens. The construction of the rays is illustrated below.

Images formed by a converging lens.

1. Object between the lens and the principal focus.
 - Image formed behind the object
- Virtual
- Erect
- Magnified

2. Object at infinity.

- Image formed at the principal focus of the lens

- Real
- Inverted
- Diminished

3. Object at the principal focus (at F).

 - Image is at infinity.
4. Object between the principal focus (F) and 2 F.

- Image situated beyond 2 F

- Real
- Inverted
- Magnified

5. Object at 2 F.

- Image is formed at 2 F
- Real
- Inverted
 - Same size as the object

6. Object beyond F.

- Image moves nearer to F as object shifts further beyond 2 F

- Real
- Inverted
- Diminished

Images formed by a diverging lens.

Images formed by diverging lens are always erect, virtual and diminished for all positions of the
object.

Linear magnification.
The linear magnification produced by a lens defined as the ratio of the height of the image to
the height of the object, denoted by letter ‘m’, therefore;
m = height of the image / height of the object.
Magnification is also given by = distance of the image from the lens/ dist. of object from lens.
m=v/u
Example
An object 0.05 m high is placed 0.15 m in front of a convex lens of focal length 0.1 m. Find by
construction, the position, nature and size of the image. What is the magnification?
Solution
Let 1 cm represent 5 cm. hence 0.05 m = 5 cm = 1 cm – object height
 0.15 m = 15 cm = 3 cm
0.1 m = 10 cm = 2 cm – focal length.

a) Image formed is – image is beyond 2 F

- Inverted
- Real
- Magnified

b) Magnification = v / u = 30 cm / 15 cm = 2.

The lens formula

Let the object distance be represented by ‘u’, the image distance by ‘v’ and the focal length by
‘f’, then the general formula relating the three quantities is given by;
1 / f = 1 / u + 1 / v – this is the lens formula.

Examples
1. An object is placed 12 cm from a converging lens of focal length 18 cm. Find the position
of the image.
Solution
Since it is a converging lens f = +18 cm (real-is-positive and virtual-is-negative rule)
The object is real therefore u = +12 cm, substituting in the lens formula, then
1 / f = 1 / u + 1 / v or 1 / v = 1 / f – 1 / u = 1 / 18 – 1 / 12 = - 1 / 36
Hence v = - 36 then the image is virtual, erect and same size as the object.

2. The focal length of a converging lens is found to be 10 cm. How far should the lens be
placed from an illuminated object to obtain an image which is magnified five times on
the screen?
Solution
f = + 10 cm m = v / u = 5 hence v = 5 u
 Using the lens formula 1 / f = 1 / u + 1 / v => 1 /10 = 1 / u + 1 / 5 u (replacing v with 5 u)
1 / 10 = 6 / 5 u, hence 5 u = 60 giving u = 12 cm (the lens should be placed 12 cm from
the illuminated object)

3. The lens of a slide projector focuses on an image of height 1.5m on a screen placed 9.0
m from the projector. If the height of the picture on the slide was 6.5 cm, determine,
a) Distance from the slide (picture) to the lens
b) Focal length of the lens
Solution
Magnification = height of the image / height of the object = v / u = 150 / 6.5 = 900 / u
u = 39 cm (distance from slide to the lens). m = 23.09
1 / f = 1 / u + 1 / v = 1 /39 + 1 / 90 = 0.02564 + 0.00111
1 / f = 0.02675 (reciprocal tables)
f = 37.4 cm.

Determining focal lengths.

1. Determining focal length of a converging lens
Experiment: To determine the focal length of a converging lens using the lens formula.
Procedure.
1. Set up the apparatus as shown below

2. Place the object at reasonable length from the screen until a real image is formed on
the screen. Move the lens along the metre rule until a sharply focused image is
obtained.
3. By changing the position of the object obtain several pairs of value of u and v and
record your results as shown.
u v uv uv/u+v
 Discussion
The value u v / u + v is the focal length of the lens and the different sets of values
give the average value of ‘f’. Alternatively the value ‘f’ may be obtained by plotting a
graph of 1 / v against 1 / u. When plotted the following graph is obtained.

Since 1 / f = 1 / u + 1 / v, at the y-intercept 1 / u = 0, so that 1/ f = 1 / v or f = v.

The focal length may therefore be obtained by reading off the y-intercept and
finding the reciprocal. Similarly at the x-intercept, 1 / v = 0, therefore 1 / f = 1 / u or
f = u hence the focal length can also be obtained by reading off the x-intercept and
finding the reciprocal.
Uses of lenses on optical devices
1. Simple microscope– it is also referred to as magnifying glass where the image
appears clearest at about 25 cm from the eye. This distance is known as the least
distance of distinct vision (D) or near vision.

Magnification in a simple microscope

Magnification produced depends on the focal length of the lens. Lens of short focal give greater
magnification than those of long focal length. The angle ϐ subtended by the image at the eye is
much greater than α which is the angle that the object would subtend at the eye when viewed
without the lens. The ratio of the ϐ toα is known as angular magnification or magnifying
power of an instrument. The angular magnification is equal to linear magnification.
Uses of a simple microscope
1. To study the features of small animals in biology
2. To look closely at small print on a map
3. To observe crystals in physics and chemistry
4. For forensic investigation by the police

2. Compound microscope - It consists of two lenses with one nearer the object called
the objective lens and the other nearer the eye called the eyepiece lens.

Uses of compound microscope

1. Used to observe Brownian motion in science
2. To study micro-organisms and cells in biology
3. Analyze laboratory tests in hospital.
 4. The astronomical telescope –It is used to view distant stars. It consists of two lenses;
objective and eye-piece lenses. The objective lens has a large focal length while the eye-
piece lens has a much shorter focal length.

5. The camera – consists of a converging lens system, clicking button, shutter, diaphragm
and a mounting base for the film all enclosed in a light proof box. The distance is
adjusted to obtain a clear focus. The diaphragm has a hole called the aperture with an
adjusting control knob to control the amount of light entering the camera. The shutter
opens to allow light and close at a given time interval.

Uses of a camera
1. The sine camera is used to make motion pictures
2. High speed cameras are used to record movement of particles
3. Close circuit television cameras (CCTV) are used to protect high security installations like
banks, supermarkets etc.
4. Digital cameras are used to capture data that can be fed to computers.

5. Human eye – It consists of a transparent cornea, aqueous humour and a crystal-like lens
which form a converging lens system. The ciliary muscles contract or relax to change the
curvature of the lens. Though the image formed at the retina is inverted the brain ‘sees’
the image as upright. For distant objects ciliary muscles relax while near objects it
contracts to control the focal length and this is known as accommodation. When at 25
cmaway an object appears clearest and this is known as least distance of vision or near
point.

Common eye defects

1. Short sightedness or hypermetropia– the eyeball is too large for the ‘relaxed focal
length’ of the eye. The defect is corrected by placing a concave lens in front of the
eye.

2. Long sightedness or myopia– images are formed beyond the retina. The defect is
corrected by placing a converging lens in front of the eye.
 3. Presbyopia – this is the inability of the eye to accommodate and this occurs as the
eye ages due to the weakening of the ciliary muscles. It can be corrected by the use
a pair of spectacles.
4. Astigmatism – this is a defect where the eye has two different focal lengths as a
result of the cornea not being spherical. Corrected by the use of cylindrical lens.
5. Colour blindness– caused by deficiency of colour detecting cells in the retina.

Power of lens
The power of a simple lens is given by the formula: Power = 1 / f. The unit for power of a lens is
diopter (D).
Example
Find the power of a concave lens of a focal length 25 cm.
Solution
Power = 1 / f = 1 / -0.25 = -4 D.

CHAPTER TWO
UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
Introduction
Circular motion is the motion of bodies travelling in circular paths. Uniform circular motion
occurs when the speed of a body moving in a circular path is constant. This can be defined as
motion of an object at a constant speed along a curved path of constant radius. When
acceleration (variation of velocities) is directed towards the centre of the path of motion it is
known as centripetal acceleration and the force producing this centripetal acceleration which is
also directed towards the centre of the path is called centripetal force.
Angular motion
This motion can be described as the motion of a body moving along a circular path by giving
the angle covered in a certain time along the path of motion. The angle covered in a certain
time is proportional to the distance covered along the path of motion.

The radian
One radian is the angle subtended at the centre of the circle by an arc of length equal to the
radius of the circle. Since one circle = 3600and has 2 π radians therefore 1 radian = 3600 / 2 π r=
57.2960 or 57.30.
Example
A wheel of radius 50 cm is rolled through a quarter turn. Calculate
(i) The angle rotated in radians
(ii) The distance moved by a point on the circumference.
Solution
(i) A quarter turn = 3600 / 4= 900. Since 3600 = 2 π radians.
Alternately since 1 radian = 57.30 hence 900 = 1.57 radii.
(ii) A point on the circumference moves through an arc,
Arc = radius ×θ (θ in radians)
= 50 cm × 1.57
= 78.5 cm.

Angular velocity
If a body moving in a circular path turns through an angle θ radians in time ‘t’, we define
angular velocity omega (ω), as the rate of change of the angle θ with time.
ω= θ / t, unit for angular velocity is radians per second (rads-1). Since the radian
measure is a ratio we can write it as second-1 (s-1). We can establish the relationship between
angular velocity ‘ω’ and linear velocity ‘v’, from the relation, θ = arc / radius, arc = radius ×
θ.Dividing the expression by ‘t’, then arc / t = radius, but arc / t = v (angular velocity). So ‘v’ =
radius × ω. This expression gives us the relationship between angular and linear velocity.

Angular acceleration
If the angular velocity for a body changes from ‘ω1’ to ‘ω2’, in time ‘t’ then the angular
acceleration, α can be expressed as;
α= (ω2 – ω1) / t
Units for angular acceleration are radians per second squared (rad s-2) or second-2 (s-2). When α
is constant with time, we say the body is moving with uniform angular acceleration.
Note: In uniform circular motion α is equal to zero.
To establish the relationship between angular acceleration and linear acceleration, from the
relation, v = radius × ω, then dividing by ‘t’, we get (v / t) = radius × ω / t.
But v / t = a (linear acceleration) and ω / t = α (angular acceleration).
So a = radius × α.

Centripetal force.
This is a force which acts on a body by directing the body towards its centre. Since the
direction is continuously changing, the velocity therefore cannot be constant.

Applying Newton’s law of motion (F = ma), the centripetal force Fc is given by;
Fc = ma = mv2/R. Since v = radius ω, then
Fc = mv2 – ω2/R = mRω2.
The centripetal acceleration ‘a’ in relation to angular velocity, ω, is given by a = Rω2.

Motion in a vertical circle

Consider a mass ‘m’ tied to a string of length ‘r’ and moving in a vertical circle as shown below.
At position 1– both weight (mg) and tension T are in the same direction and the centripetal
force is provided by both, hence T1 + mg = mv2/r. T1 = mv2/r – mg.(The velocity decreases as
T1decreases since mg is constant).T1will be zero when mv2/r = mg and thus v =
– this is the value of minimum speed at position 1 which keeps the body in a circle and at this
time when T = 0 the string begins to slacken.

At position 2– the ‘mg’ has no component towards the centre thus playing no part in providing
the centripetal force but is provided by the string alone.
T2 = mv2/r

At position 3– ‘mg’ and T are in opposite directions, therefore;

T3 – mg = mv2/r; T3 = mv2/r + mg– indicates that the greatest value of tension is at T3 or at the
bottom of the circular path.
Examples
1. A ball of mass 2.5 × 10-2 kg is tied to a string and whirled in a horizontal circular path at
a speed of 5.0 ms-2. If the string is 2.0 m long, what centripetal force does the string
exert on the ball?
Solution
Fc = mv2/r = (2.5 × 10-2) × 52 / 2.0 = 0.31 N.
2. A car of mass 6.0 × 103 kg is driven around a horizontal curve of radius 250 m. if the
force of friction between the tyres and the road is 21,000 N. What is the maximum speed
that the car can be driven at on a bend without going off the road?
Solution
Fc = force of friction = 21,000, also Fc = mv2/r, hence
21,000 = (6.0 × 103) × v2 / 250, v2 = (21,000 × 250) /6.0 × 103
 3. A stone attached to one end of a string is whirled in space in in a vertical plane. If the
length of the string is 80 cm, determine the minimum speed at which the stone will
describe a vertical circle. (Take g = 10 m/s2).
Solution
Minimum speed v = = × 10 = 2.283 m/s.

The conical pendulum

It consists of a small massive object tied to the end of a thin string tied to affixed rigid support.
The object is then pulled at an angle then made to whirl in a horizontal circle.

When speed of the object is constant the angle θ becomes constant also. If the speed is
increased theangle θ increases, that is the object rises and describes a circle of bigger radius.
Therefore as the angular velocity increases ‘r’ also increases.

The centrifuge
It consists of a small metal container tubes which can be electrically or manually rotated in a
circle. If we consider two particles of different masses m1and m2 each of them requires a
centripetal force to keep it in circular motion, the more massive particle require a greater force
and so a greater radius and therefore it moves to the bottom of the tube.

This method is used to separate solids and liquids faster than using a filter paper.
Banked tracks
As a vehicle moves round a bend, the centripetal force is provided by the sideways friction
between the tyres and the surface, that is;
Centripetal force = mv2/r = frictional force
To enable a vehicle to turn along a bend at high speed the road is raised on the outer edge to
attain a saucer-like shape and this is known as banking, where part of the centripetal force
necessary to keep the vehicle on track is provided by the weight of the vehicle. This allows cars
to negotiate bends at critical speeds.

Application of uniform circular motion

1. Centrifuges - they are used to separate liquids of different densities i.e. cream and milk
2. Drying clothes in spin dryer- clothes are placed in a perforated drum rotated at high
speed, water is expelled through the holes and this makes the clothes dry.
3. Road banking– especially for racing cars which enables them to move at critical speed
along bends without going off the tracks.
4. Speed governor– the principle of conical pendulum is used here to regulate the speed by
controlling the fuel intake in the combustion chamber. As the collar moves up and down
through a system of levers it thereby connects to a device which controls the fuel
intake.
CHAPTER THREE
FLOATING AND SINKING
Any object in a liquid whether floating or submerged experiences an upward force from the
liquid; the force is known as upthrust force. Upthrust force is also known as buoyant force and
is denoted by letter ‘u’.

Archimedes’ principle
Archimedes, a Greek scientist carried out first experiments to measure upthrust on an object in
liquid in the third century. Archimedes principle states that ‘When a body is wholly or partially
immersed in a fluid (liquid/ gas), it experiences an upthrust equal to the weight of the
displaced fluid”.

Experiment: To demonstrate Archimedes principle

Procedure
1. Pour water into an overflow can (eureka can) until it starts to flow out then wait until it
stops dripping
2. Tie a suitable solid body securely and suspend it on a spring balance. Determine weight
in air.
3. Lower the body slowly into the overflow can while still attached to the spring balance
then read off its weight when fully submerged.
4. Weigh the displaced water collected in a beaker. Record your readings as follows;
Weight of body in air = W1
Weight of body in water = W2
Weight of empty beaker = W3
Weight of beaker and displaced liquid = W4
Upthrust of the body = W1 – W2
Weight of displaced water = W4 – W3
Discussion
The upthrust on the solid body will be found to be equal to the weight of displaced water
therefore demonstrating the Archimedes principle.
Example
A block of metal of volume 60 cm3 weighs 4.80 N in air. Determine its weight when fully
submerged in a liquid of density 1,200 kgm-3.
Solution
Volume of liquid displaced = 60 cm3 = 6.0 × 10-5 m3.
Weight of the displaced liquid = volume × density × gravity = v × ρ × g
= 6.0 × 10-5 × 1200 × 10
= 0.72 N
Upthrust = weight of the liquid displaced.
Weight of the block in the liquid = (4.80 – 0.72) = 4.08 N.

Floating objects
Objects that float in a liquid are less dense than the liquid in which they float. We have to
determine the relationship between the weight of the displaced liquid and the weight of the
body.
Experiment: to demonstrate the law of floatation
Procedure
1. Weigh the block in air and record its weight as W1.
2. Put water into the overflow can (eureka can) up to the level of the spout.
3. Collect displaced water in a beaker. Record the weight of the beaker first in air and record as
W2. Weigh both the beaker and the displaced water and record as W3.
4. Record the same procedure with kerosene and record your results as shown below.
W1 W2 W3 W3 – W 2
Water
Kerosene
5. What do you notice between W1 and W3 – W2

Discussion
The weight of the displaced liquid is equal to the weight of the block in air. This is consistent
with the law of floatation which states that “A body displaces its own weight of the liquid in
which it floats”. Mathematically, the following relation can be deduced
Weight = volume × density × gravity = v × ρ × g, therefore
W = v d × ρ × gwhere vdis the volume of displaced liquid.

NOTE – Floatation is a special case of Archimedes principle. This is because a floating body
sinks until the upthrust equals the weight of the body.

Example
A wooden block of dimensions 3 cm × 3 cm × 4 cm floats vertically in methylated spirit with 4 cm
of its length in the spirit. Calculate the weight of the block. (Density of methylated spirit = 8.0 ×
102 kgm-3).
Solution
Volume of the spirit displaced = (3 × 3 × 4) = 36 cm3 = 3.6 × 10-5 m3
Weight of the block =v d × ρ × g = (3.6 × 10-5) × 8.0 × 102 × 10 = 2.88 × 10-1 N.

Relative density
We have established the relative density as the ratio of the density of a substance to the
density of water. Since by the law of floatation an object displaces a fluid equal to its own
weight hence the following mathematical expressions can be established.
Relative density = density of substance / density of water.
= weight of substance / weight of equal volume of water
 = mass of substance / mass of equal volume of water
Applying Archimedes principle, the relative density‘d’;
d = weight of substance in air / upthrust in water or d = W / u
Since upthrust is given by (W2 - W1)where W2 – weight in air, W2– weight when submerged.
Hence d = W / u = W / W2 – W1, the actual density, ρ of an object can be obtained as follows
ρ of an object = d × 1,000 kgm-3.

Relative density of a floating body

Experiment: To determine the relative density of a cork
Procedure
1. Select a sinker which is heavy enough to make the cork to sink.
2. Attach the cork and the sinker as follows

3. Record the results obtained as follows

Weight of the sinker in water = W1
Weight of the sinker in water and cork in air = W2
Weight of the sinker and cork in water = W3
Weight of the cork in air = W2 – W1
Upthrust on the cork = W2 – W3

The relative density of the cork in air is determined as follows;

d = weight of the cork in air / upthrust on the cork.

Applications of Archimedes principle and relative density

1. Ships – steel which is used to make ships is 6-7 times dense than water but a ship is able
to float on water because it is designed to displace more water than its volume. Load
 lines called plimsoll marks are marked on the side to indicate the maximum load at
different seasons to avoid overloading.
2. Submarines – they are made of steel and consists of ballast tanks which contain water
when theyhave to sink and filled with air when they have to float. This makes the
submarines to balance their weight and be able to rise upwards.
3. Balloons – when they are filled with helium gas balloons become lighter and the
upthrust on the balloon becomes greater than their weight therefore becoming able to
rise upwards.
4. Hydrometers – they are used to measure the relative densities of liquids quickly and
conveniently. Various types of hydrometers are made to measure different ranges of
different densities i.e. lactometer – for measuring milk water (range 1.015 – 1.045),
battery acid tester – used to test the charge in a lead-acid battery.

Examples
1. A solid of mass 1.0 kg is suspended using a thread and then submerged in water. If the
tension on the thread is 5.0 N, determine the relative density of the solid.
Solution
Mass of solid = 1.0 kg
Weight of solid W = mg = 10 N
Tension on the string (T) = 5 N
Upthrust on solid (u) = W – T = 10 – 5 = 5
Relative density (d) = W / u = 10 / 5 = 2.
2. A balloon made up of a fabric weighing 80 N has a volume of 1.0 × 10 7 cm. the balloon is
filled with hydrogen of density 0.9 kgm-3. Calculate the greatest weight in addition to
that of the hydrogen and the fabric, which the balloon can carry in air of average density
1.25 kgm-3.
Solution
Upthrust = weight of the air displaced
= volume of air × density × gravity
= (1.0 × 107 × 106) × (1.25 × 10)
= 10 × 1.25 × 10 = 125 N
Weight of hydrogen = 10 × 0.09 × 10 = 9 N
Total weight of hydrogen and fabric = 80 + 9 = 89 N
Total additional weight to be lifted = 125 – 89 = 36 N.
3. A material of density 8.5 gcm-3 is attached to a piece of wood of mass 100g and density
0.2 gcm-3. Calculate the volume of material X which must be attached to the piece of
wood so that the two just submerge beneath a liquid of density 1.2 gcm -3.
Solution
Let the volume of the material be V cm3
The mass of the material be 8.5 V grams
Volume of wood = 100 g / 0.2 g/cm = 500 cm3.
 In order to have an average density of 1.2 gcm-3 = total mass / total volume
Therefore (100 + 8.5V) / (500 + V) = 1.2 gcm -3
Hence V = 68.5 cm3.

CHAPTER FOUR
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of all electromagnetic waves arranged according to
frequency and wavelength. It includes visible light, ultra-violet rays, microwaves, X-rays, radio
waves and gamma rays. Electromagnetic waves are produced when electrically charged
particles oscillate or change energy in some way. The waves travel perpendicularly to both
electric and magnetic fields.

Wavelength, frequency and energy of electromagnetic waves.

X-rays and gamma rays are usually described in terms of wavelength and radio waves in terms
of frequency.

The electromagnetic spectrum

It is divided into seven major regions or bands. A band consists of a range of frequencies in the
spectrum in terms of frequencies i.e. radio, microwaves, infra-red.

Properties of electromagnetic waves

Common properties
i. They do not require a material medium and can travel through a vacuum.
ii. They undergo reflection, refraction and diffraction.
iii. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light i.e. 3 × 108 ms-1.
iv. They carry no electric charge
v. They transfer energy from a source to a receiver in the form of oscillating electric and
magnetic fields.
vi. They obey the wave equation (v = λ f).
 Examples
1. A VHF radio transmitter broadcasts radio waves at a frequency of 30 M Hz. What is
theirwavelength?
Solution
v = f λ => then λ = v / f = 3.0 × 108 / 300 × 106 = 1.00 m.
2. Calculate the frequency of a radio wave of wavelength 150 m.
Solution
v = f λ =>f = v / λ = 2.0 × 106 = 2 M Hz.

Unique properties
1. Radio waves– they are further divided into long waves (LW), medium waves (MW) and short
waves (SW). They are produced by electrical circuits called oscillators and they can be
controlled accurately. They are easily diffracted by small objects like houses but not by large
objects like hills.
2. Microwaves – they are produced by oscillation of charges in special aerials mounted on dishes.
They are detected by special receivers which convert wave energy to sound i.e. ‘RADAR’ –
Radio Detection and Raging.
3. Infra-red radiation – infra-red radiations close to microwaves are thermal (produce heat) i.e.
sun, fire but those closer to the visible light have no thermal properties i.e. TV remote control
system. Detectors of infra-red radiation are the human skin, photographic film etc.
4. Optical spectrum (visible light) – they form a tiny part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sources
include the sun, electricity, candles etc. these have wavelengths visible to the human eye and
includes the optical spectrum (ROYGBIV). It is detected through the eyes, photographic films
and photocells.
5. Ultra-violet rays (UV) – has shorter wavelength than visible light. It is emitted by very
hotobjects i.e. the sun, welding machines etc. Exposure to UV rays may cause skin cancer and
cataracts. They can be detected through photographic film.
6. X-rays – they have very short wavelength but are high energy waves. They are produced in X-
ray tubes when high speed electrons are stopped by a metallic object. They are detected by the
use of a photographic film or a fluorescent screen.
7. Gamma rays – produced by some radioactive materials when large changes of energy occur
inside their nuclei. They can be detected by the use of photographic films, Geiger Muller tube
or a cloud chamber.

Applications of electromagnetic radiation

1. Radio waves – they are used in radio, TV and cellular mobile communications.
 -Used in military communications (satellite imagery) to form an image of
the ground even when there are clouds.
2. Microwaves - used in radar communications by giving direction and distance.
-Used in speed guns by the police to detect over speeding.
-Used in microwave ovens to warm food. The food becomes warm by
absorbing energy.
-Used reliably for communication (telephone and computer data).
3. Infra-red radiation - used to produce images of hot objects through the colours
-Produced by the amount of heat dissipated by an object.
-Images produced by satellites give important information on vegetation
cover in all areas of the globe. They can also detect fires.
-They are used in hospitals to detect illnesses (diagnosis)
-Used in warfare missiles and burglar alarm systems
-Used in green houses to grow crops
4. Visible light - used by plants in remote sensing and humans in the identification of
things
-Used by plants in the process of photosynthesis
5. Ultra-violet (UV) radiation – used to make reflective materials which absorb light and
re-emit it as visible light.
-Used in banks to detect fake currency
6. X-rays - used in hospitals to detect fractures, broken bones and in treatment of
cancer (radiotherapy).
-Used to detect foreign materials in the body i.e. metals
-Used to detect invisible cracks in metal castings and welding joints
7. Gamma rays - used to sterilize medical instruments
-Used to kill weevils in grain
-Used to take photographs same way like X-rays.

CHAPTER FIVE
ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
Electromagnetism is the effect resulting from the interaction between an electric current and
a magnetic field. This effect brings about induced electromagnetic force (e.m.f) and the
resulting current is called induced current.
Experiments on electromagnetic induction
Consider the following diagram

When the wire is moved up the galvanometer deflects in one direction then the opposite
direction when moved downwards. When moved horizontally or held in a fixed position there is
no deflection in the galvanometer. This shows that e.m.f is induced due to the relative motion
of the wire or the magnet.

Factors affecting the magnitude of the induced e.m.f

1. The rate of relative motion between the conductor and the field – if the velocity of the
conductor is increased the deflection in the conductor increases.
2. The strength of the magnetic field – a stronger magnetic field creates a bigger deflection
3. The length of the conductor – if the length is increased in the magnetic field the deflection
increases.

Faraday’s law of magnetic induction

After considering the factors affecting the magnitude of the induced e.m.f, Michael Faraday
came up with a law which states that “The induced e.m.f in a conductor in a magnetic field is
proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux linking the conductor”.

Lenz’s law of electromagnetic induction

This law is used to determine the direction of the induced current in a conductor. It states that
“An induced current flows in such a direction that its magnetic effect opposes the change
through which the current has been produced”. It is applied similarly when a wire is been
moved in magnetic field.

Fleming’s right hand rule.

The law states that “The first finger, the second finger and the thumb of the right hand when
placed mutually perpendicular to each other, the first finger points in the direction of the field
and the thumb in the direction of motion then second finger points in the direction of the
induced current”. This law is also called the generator rule.

Applications of electromagnetic induction

1. A.c generator/alternator– a generator is a device which produces electricity on the
basis of electromagnetic induction by continuous motion of either a solenoid or a
magnet. It consists of an armature made of several turns of insulated wire wound on
soft iron core and revolving freely on an axis between the poles of a powerful magnet.
Two slip rings are connected to the ends of the armature with two carbon brushes
rotating on the slip ring.
 In an external circuit the current is at maximum value at 900 and minimum value
at2700. This brings about alternating current and the corresponding voltage (e.m.f) is the
alternating voltage. They are used in car alternators and H.E.P.
2. D.c generator/alternator– in this case the commutators replaces the slip rings to enable
the output to move in one direction. After a rotation of 1800, instead of current
reversing, the connections to the external circuit are reversed so that currentdirection
flows in one direction.

3. Moving coil microphone– it consists of a coil wound on a cylindrical cardboard which

opens into a diaphragm. The coil is placed between the poles of a magnet as shown.

As sound waves hit the diaphragm, they vibrate and move the coil which produces
induced current into the coil and then it flows to the loudspeakers.
Eddy currents
They are composed of loops of current which have a magnetic effect opposing the force
producing them. When a copper plate with slits is used the loops are cut off and hence the
effective currents are drastically reduced and so is the opposing force.

Practically eddy currents are reduced by laminating metal plates. Armatures of electric
generators and motors are wound on laminated soft iron cores. The lamination slices, which are
quite thin are glued together by a non-conducting glue and this reduces eddy currents to an
almost negligible value. Eddy currents are useful in moving coil meters to damp the oscillations
of the armature when the current is switched off.

Mutual induction
Mutual induction is produced when two coils are placed close to each other and a changing
current is passed through one of them which in turn produces an induced e.m.f in the second
coil. Therefore mutual induction occurs when a changing magnetic flux in one coil links to
another coil.

Applications of mutual induction

1. The transformer- it converts an alternating voltage across one coil to a larger or
smaller alternating voltage across the other. Since H.E.P is lost through transmission
lines therefore it is stepped down before it being transmitted and stepped up again at
the point of supply lines. In a step up transformer the number of turns in the secondary
coil (Ns) is higher than the number of turns in the primary coil (Np). In a step down
transformer the primary coil has more turns than the secondary coil. The relationship
between the primary voltage and the secondary voltage is given by;
 Np / Ns = Vp / Vs.The efficiency of a transformer is the ratio of power in secondary coil
(Ps) to power in primary coil (Pp), therefore efficiency = Ps / Pp × 100%.

Step down transformer

Examples
Step up transformer
1. A current of 0.6 A is passed through a step up transformer with a primary coil of 200 turns
and a current of 0.1 A is obtained in the secondary coil. Determine the number of turns
in the secondary coil and the voltage across if the primary coil is connected to a 240 V
mains.
Solution
Np / Ns = Vp / Vs = Ip / Is = Ns = (0.6 × 200) / 0.1 = 1200 turns
Vp = 240 V hence Vs = (240 × 1200) / 200 = 1440 V
2. A step-up transformer has 10,000 turns in the secondary coil and 100 turns in the
primary coil. An alternating current of 0.5 A flows in the primary circuit when connected
to a 12.0 V a.c. supply.
a) Calculate the voltage across the secondary coil
b) If the transformer has an efficiency of 90%, what is the current in the secondary coil?
Solution
a) Vs = (Ns / Np) × Vp = (10,000 × 12) / 100 = 1200 V
b) Power in primary = Pp = Ip × Vp= 5.0 × 12 = 60 W
Efficiency = Ps / Pp × 100% but Ps = Is Vs
Is = (60 × 90) / (1200 × 100) = 0.045 A
Energy losses in a transformer.
Loss of energy in a transformer is caused by;
i) Flux leakage– this may be due to poor transformer design
ii) Resistance in the windings–it is reduced by using copper wires which have very low
resistance
iii) Hysteresis losses– caused by the reluctance of the domains to rotate as the magnetic
field changes polarity. Reduced by using materials that magnetize and demagnetize
easily like soft iron in the core of the transformer.
 iv) Eddy currents– reduced by using a core made of thin, well insulated and laminated
sections.

Uses of transformers
1. Power stations – used to step up or down to curb power losses during transmission
2. Supplying low voltages for school laboratories
3. Low voltage supply in electronic goods like radios, TVs etc.
4. High voltage supply in cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) for school laboratories.

3. Induction coil –was developed in 1851 by Heinrich Ruhmkortt. It has both secondary
and primary coils with an adjustable spark gap.
4. Car ignition system – it is applied in petrol driven engines where a spark plug is used to
ignite petrol vapour and air mixture to run the engine.

CHAPTER SIX
MAINS ELECTRICITY
Sources of mains electricity
Mains electricity comes from a power station and its current is the alternating current which
can either be stepped up or down by a transformer. A.c is produced when a conductor is
rotated in a magnetic field or when a magnetic field is rotated near a conductor. This method
is known as electromagnetic induction. The source of energy for rotating the turbine is the
actual source of electrical energy. Most of the electricity in East Africa is generated from water.

Power transmission
This is the bulk transfer of electric power from one place to another. A power transmission
system in a country is referred to as the national grid. This transmission grid is a network of
power generating stations, transmission circuits and sub-stations. It is usually transmitted in
three phase alternating current.
Grid input
At the generating plant the power is produced at a relatively low voltage of up to 25 kV then
stepped up by the power station transformer up to 400 kV for transmission. It is transmitted by
overhead cables at high voltage to minimize energy losses. The cables are made of aluminium
because it is less dense than copper. Metallic poles (pylons) carry four cables, one for each
phase and the fourth is the neutral cable which is thinner and completes the circuit to the
generator.
Grid exit
At sub-stations transformers are used to step down voltage to a lower voltage for distribution
to industrial and domestic users. The combination of sub-transmission (33 kV to 132 kV) and
distribution (11 kV to 33 kV) which is then finally transformed to a voltage of 240 V for
domestic use.

Electricity distribution
This is the penultimate process of delivery of electric power. It is considered to include medium
voltage (less than 50 kV) power lines, low voltage (less than 1,000 V) distribution, wiring and
sometimes electricity meters.

Dangers of high voltage transmission

1. They can lead to death through electrocution
2. They can cause fires during upsurge
3. Electromagnetic radiations from power lines elevate the risk of certain types of cancer

Electrical power and energy

Work done = volts × coulombs = VQ, but Q = current × time = I t.
So work done = V I t
Other expressions for work may be obtained by substituting V and I from Ohms law as below
V = I R and I = V / R, work done = I R × I t = I2 R t, or work done = V × V t / R = V2 t / R.
The three expressions can be used to calculate work done. Electrical power may be computed
from the definition of power. Power = work / time = I2 R t /t = I2 R or V2 t / R t = V2 / R
Using work done = V I t, then Power = V I.
These expressions are useful in solving problems in electricity. Work done or electrical energy is
measured in joules (J) and power is measured in watts (W). 1 W = 1 J/s.

Example
An electric heater running on 240 V mains has a current of 2.5 A.
a) What is its power rating?
b) What is the resistance of its element?
Solution
a) Power = V I = 240 × 2.5 = 600 W. Rating is 600 W, 240 V.
b) Power = V / R = 600 W. R = V / I. R = 240 / 2.5 = 96 Ω.

Costing electricity
The power company uses a unit called kilowatt hour (kWh) which is the energy transformed by
a kW appliance in one hour. 1 kW = 1,000 W × 60 × 60 seconds = 3,600,000 J. The meter used
for measuring electrical energy uses the kWh as the unit and is known as joule meter.
Examples
1. An electric kettle is rated at 2,500 W and uses a voltage of 240 V.
a) If electricity costs Ksh 1.10 per kWh, what is the cost of running it for 6 hrs?
b) What would be its rate of dissipating energy if the mains voltage was dropped to
120 V?
Solution
a) Energy transformed in 6 hrs = 2.5 × 6 = 15 kWh. Cost = 15 × 1.10 × 6 = Ksh 99.00
b) Power = V2 / R = 2500. R = (240 × 240) /2500 = 23.04 Ω.
Current = V / R = (240 × 2500) / (240 × 240) = 10.42 A
Power = V I = (2500 × 120) / 240 = 1,250 W.
2. An electric heater is made of a wire of resistance 100 Ω connected to a 240 V mains
supply. Determine the;
a) Power rating of the heater
b) Current flowing in the circuit
c) Time taken for the heater to raise the temperature of 200 g of water from 23 0C to
950C. (specific heat capacity of water = 4,200 J Kg-1 K-1)
d) Cost of using the heater for two hours a day for 30 days if the power company
charges Ksh 5.00 per kWh.
Solution
a) Power = V2 / R = (240 × 240) / 100 = 576 W
b) P = V I =>> I = P / V = 576 / 240 = 2.4 A
c) P × t = heat supplied = (m c θ) = 576 × t = 0.2 × 4200 × 72.
Hence t = (0.2 × 4200 × 72) / 576 = 105 seconds.
d) Cost = kWh × cost per unit = (0.576 × 2 × 30) × 5.0 = Ksh 172.80
 3. A house has five rooms each with a 60 W, 240 V bulb. If the bulbs are switched on fro
7.00 pm to 10.30 pm, calculate the;
a) Power consumed per day in kWh
b) Cost per week for lighting those rooms if it costs 90 cents per unit.
Solution
a) Power consumed by 5 bulbs = 60 × 5 = 300 W = 0.3 kWh. Time = 10.30 – 7.00 = 3 ½
hrs.Therefore for the time duration = 0.3 × 3 ½ = 1.05 kWh.
b) Power consumed in 7 days = 1.05 × 7 = 7.35 kWh. Cost = 7.35 × 0.9 = Ksh 6.62

Domestic wiring system

Power is supplied by two cables where one line is live wire (L) and the other is neutral (N).
Domestic supply in Kenya is usually of voltage 240 V. The current alternates 50 times per
second hence the frequency is 50 Hz. The neutral is earthed to maintain a zero potential. The
main fuse is fitted on the live wire to cut off supply in case of a default. A fuse is a short piece
of wire which melts if current of more value flows through it. Supply to the house is fed to the
joule meter which measures the energy consumed. From the meter both L and N cables go to
the consumer box (fuse box) through the main switch which is fitted on the live cable.
Consumer units within the house are fitted with circuit breakers which go off whenever there is
a default in the system. Lights in the house are controlled by a single or double switch (two
way). In most wiring systems the main sockets are connected to a ring main which is a cable
which starts and end at the consumer unit. Plugs used are the three- pin type.
CHAPTER SEVEN
CATHODE RAYS
These are streams of electrons emitted at the cathode of an evacuated tube containing an
anode and a cathode.

Production of cathode rays

They are produced by a set up called a discharge tube where a high voltage source usually
referred to as extra high tension (EHT) supply connected across a tube containing air at low
pressure thereby producing a luminous electron discharge between the two brass rods placed
at opposite ends of the tube. These electron discharges are called cathode rays which were
discovered by J.J Thomson in the 18th century.
Properties of cathode rays
1. They travel in straight lines
2. They are particulate in nature i.e. negatively charged electrons
3. They are affected by both magnetic and electric fields since they are deflected towards
the positive plates
4. They produce fluorescence in some materials
5. Depending on the energy of the cathode rays they can penetrate thin sheets of paper,
metal foils
6. When cathode rays are stopped they produce X-rays.
7. They affect photographic plates.

Cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO)

It is a complex equipment used in displaying waveforms from various sources and measuring
p.d. It comprises of the following main components; - The cathode ray tubes (CRT) – consists of
a tube, electron gun, deflection plates and the time base (TB). The tube is made of strong glass
to

withstand the pressure difference between the outside atmospheric pressure and the vacuum
inside. It has a square grid placed in front of it to allow measurements to be made. The electron
gun produces the electrons with main parts consisting of a filament, a cathode, a grid and the
anode. Electrons are produced by the cathode when heated by the filament. The grid is a
control electrode which determines the number of electrons reaching the screen therefore
determining the brightness of the screen. The Y-deflection plates deflects the beam up or
down. Clearly observable when low frequency inputs are applied i.e. 10 Hz from a signal
operator. The X-deflection plates are used to move the beam left or right of the screen at a
steady speed using the time base circuit which automatically changes voltage to an a.c. voltage.
When time base control is turned the speed can be adjusted to produce a waveform.
Examples
1. If the time base control of the CRO is set at 10 milliseconds per cm, what is the frequency
of the wave traced given wavelength as 1.8 cm?
Solution
Wavelength = 1.8 cm. time for complete wave = period = 1.8 × 10 milliseconds / cm
= 18 milliseconds
= 1.8 × 10-2 seconds.
Frequency ‘f’, is given by f = 1 / T = 1 / 1.8 × 10-2 = 100 / 1.8 = 56 Hz.

NOTE: -
The television set (TV) is a type of a CRT with both Y and X-deflection plates which control the
formation of a picture (motion) on the screen. The colour television screen is coated with
different phosphor dots (chemicals) which produce a different colour when struck by an
electron beam.

CHAPTER EIGHT
X-RAYS
X-rays were discovered by a German scientist namedRoentgen in 1985. They can pass through
most substances including soft tissues of the body but not through bones and most metals.
They were named X-rays meaning 'unknown rays'.

X-ray production
They are produced by modified discharge tubes called X-ray tubes. The cathode is in the form of
a filament which emits electrons on heating. The anode is made of solid copper molybdenum
and is called the target. A high potential difference between the anode and the cathode is
maintained (10,000 v to 1,000,000 or more) by an external source. The filament is made up of
tungsten and coiled to provide high resistance to the current. The electrons produced are
changed into x-rays on hitting the anode and getting stopped. Only 0.2% of the energy is
converted into x-rays. Cooling oil is led in and out of the hollow of the anode to maintain low
temperature. The lead shield absorbs stray x-rays.
Energy changes in an X-ray tube.
When the cathode is heated electrons are emitted by thermionic emission. They acquire
electrical energy which can be expressed as E = e V. Once in motion the electrical energy is
converted to kinetic energy, that is eV = ½ me v2.
The energy of an electromagnetic wave can be calculated using the following equation
Energy = h f,where h- Planck’s constant, f – frequency of the wave.
The highest frequency of the X-rays released after an electron hits the target is when the
greatest kinetic energy is lost, that is h f max = eV.
Lower frequencies are released when the electrons make multiple collisions losing energy in
stages, the minimum wavelength, λ min, of the emitted X-rays is given by;
(hc) / λ min = eV.
These expressions can be used to calculate the energy, frequencies and wavelengths of X-rays.
Examples
1. Determine the energy possessed by X-rays whose frequency is 4 × 10 17 Hz.
Solution
E = h f => 6.63 × 10-34 ×4 × 1017 = 2.652 × 10-16 J.
2. An x-ray tube operates at 60 kV and the current through it is 4.0 mA. Calculate the,
a) Number of electrons striking the target per second.
b) Speed of the electrons when they hit the target.
Solution
a) Current through the tube is given by I = ne, where n- number of electrons striking
target per second and e- electronic charge ( e = 1.6 × 10-19coulombs)
So, n = 1/e = (4.0 × 10-3) / 1.6 × 10-19 = 2.5 × 1016 electrons.
b) Kinetic energy = electrical energy

½ me v2 = eV, then v = = = 2.13 × 108

m/s.
3. An 18 kV accelerating voltage is applied across an X-ray tube. Calculate;
a) The velocity of the fastest electron striking the target
b) The minimum wavelength in the continuous spectrum of X-rays produced. (mass of
electron-9 × 10-31 kg, charge on an electron-1.6 × 10-19 C, h- 6.6 × 10-34 J/s, c- 3 × 108
m/s)
Solution
a) V = 18 × 103 V
me = 9 × 10-31 kg
e = 1.6 × 10-19 C
h = 6.6 × 10-34 J/s
 c = 3 × 108 m/s

½ me v2 = e v; therefore v = =

= 8 × 107 m/s’
b) (h c) / λ min = eV; λ min = hc / eV
λ min = (6.6 × 10-34× 3 × 108 ) / (1.6 × 10-19× 18 × 103) = 6.9 × 10-11 m.
Properties of X-rays
i) They travel in straight lines
ii) They undergo reflection and diffraction
iii) They are not affected by electric or magnetic fields since they are not charged
particles.
iv) They ionize gases causing them to conduct electricity
v) They affect photographic films
vi) They are highly penetrating, able to pass easily through thin sheets of paper, metal
foils and body tissues
vii) They cause fluorescence in certain substances for example barium platinocynide.

Hard X-rays
These are x-rays on the lower end of their range (10-11 – 10-8 m) and have more penetrating
power than normal x-rays. They are capable of penetrating flesh but are absorbed by bones.

Soft X-rays
They are on the upper end of the range and are less penetrative. They can only penetrate soft
flesh and can be used toshow malignant growth in tissues.

Dangers of X-rays and the precautions.

1. They can destroy or damage living cells when over exposed.
2. Excessive exposure of living cells can lead to genetic mutation.
3. As a precautionary measure X-ray tubes are shielded by lead shields.

Uses of X-rays
1. Medicine – X-ray photos called radiographs are used as diagnostic tools for various
diseases. They are also used to treat cancer in radiotherapy.
2. Industry – they are used to photograph and reveal hidden flaws i.e. cracks in metal
casting and welded joints.
3. Science – since the spacing of atomic arrangement causes diffraction of x-rays then their
structure can be studied through a process called X-ray crystallography.
4. Security – used in military and airport installations to detect dangerous metallic objects
 i.e. guns, explosives, grenades etc.

CHAPTER NINE
PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT
Photoelectric effect was discovered by Heinrich Hertz in 1887. Photoelectric effect is a
phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from the surface of a substance when certain
electromagnetic radiation falls on it. Metal surfaces require ultra-violet radiation while
caesium oxide needs a visible light i.e. optical spectrum (sunlight).

Work function
A minimum amount of work is needed to remove an electron from its energy level so as to
overcome the forces binding it to the surface. This work is known as the work function with
units of electron volts (eV). One electron volt is the work done when one electron is
transferred between points with a potential difference of one volt; that is,
1 eV = 1 electron × 1 volt
1 eV = 1.6 × 10-19 × 1 volt
1 eV = 1.6× 10-19 Joules (J)

Threshold frequency
This is the minimum frequency of the radiation that will cause a photoelectric effect on a
certain surface. The higher the work function, the higher the threshold frequency.

Factors affecting the photoelectric effect

1. Intensity of the incident radiation– the rate of emission of photoelectrons is directly
proportional to the intensity of incident radiation.
2. Work function of the surface– photoelectrons are emitted at differentvelocities with the
maximum being processed by the ones at the surface.
3. Frequency of the incident radiation– the cut-off potential for each surface is directly
proportional to the frequency of the incident radiation.

Planck’s constant
When a bunch of oscillating atoms and the energy of each oscillating atom is quantified i.e. it
could only take discrete values. Max Planck’s predicted the energy of an oscillating atom to be
 E = n h f, where n – integer, f – frequency of the source, h – Planck’s constant which has
a value of 6.63 × 10-34 Js.

Quantum theory of light

Planck’s published his quantum hypothesis in 1901 which assumes that the transfer of energy
between light radiation and matter occurs in discrete units or packets. Einstein proposed that
light is made up of packets of energy called photons which have no mass but they have
momentum and energy given by;
E=hf
The number of photons per unit area of the cross-section of a beam of light is proportional to
its intensity. However the energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency and not the
intensity of the light.

Einstein’s photoelectric equation

As an electron escapes energy equivalent to the work function ‘Φ’ of the emitter substance is given up.
So the photon energy ‘h f’ must be greater than or equal to Φ. If the ‘h f’ is greater than Φ then the
electron acquires some kinetic energy after leaving the surface. The maximum kinetic energy of the
ejected photoelectron is given by;
K.E max = ½ m v2max = h f – Φ ……………… (i), where m v2max = maximum velocity and mass.
This is the Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
If the photon energy is just equivalent to work function then, m v2max = 0, at this juncture the electron
will not be able to move hence no photoelectric current, giving rise to a condition known as cut-off
frequency, h fco = Φ………………. (ii)
Also the p.d required to stop the fastest photoelectron is the cut-off potential, V cowhich is given by E =
e V co electron volts, but this energy is the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons and therefore,
½ m v2max = e V co ………….. (iii).
Combining equations (i), (ii) and (iii), we can write Einstein’s photoelectric equation as,
e V co = h f – h fco ………………….. (iv)
NOTE: -- Equations (i) and (iv) are quite useful in solving problems involving photoelectric effect.
Examples
1. The cut-off wavelength for a certain material is 3.310 × 10 -7 m. What is the cut-off frequency for
the material?
Solution
Speed of light ‘c’ = 3.0 × 108 m/s. Since f = c / λ, then
f = 3.0 × 108 / 3.310 × 10-7 = 9.06 × 1014 Hz.
2. The work function of tungsten is 4.52 e V. Find the cut-off potential for photoelectrons when a
tungsten surface is illuminated with radiation of wavelength 2.50 × 10 -7 m. (Planck’s constant, h
= 6.62 × 10-34 Js).
Solution
Frequency ‘f’ = c / λ = 3.0 × 108 / 2.50 × 10-7.
Energy of photon = h f = 6.62 × 10 -34 × (3.0 × 108 / 2.50 × 10-7) × (1 / 1.6 × 10-19)
= 4.97 eV.
Hence h fco = 4.52 e V. e V co = 4.97 e V - 4.52 e V = 0.45 e V = 7.2 × 10 -20 J
 V co = 7.2 × 10-20 / 1.6 × 10-19 = 0.45 e V.
3. The threshold frequency for lithium is 5.5 × 10 14 Hz. Calculate the work function for lithium. (Take
‘h’ = 6.626 × 10-34 Js)
Solution
Threshold frequency, f o = 5.5 × 1014 Hz, ‘h’ = 6.626 × 10-34 Js
Φ = h f = 5.5 × 1014× 6.626 × 10-34 = 36.4 × 10-20
4. Sodium has a work function of 2.0 e V. Calculate
a) The maximum energy and velocity of the emitted electrons when sodium is
Illuminated by a radiation of wavelength 150 nm.
b) Determine the least frequency of radiation by which electrons are emitted.
(Take ‘h’ = 6.626 × 10-34 Js, e = 1.6 × 10-19, c = 3.0 × 108 m/s and mass of electron
= 9.1 × 10-31 kg).
Solution
a) The energy of incident photon is given by h f = c / λ
= (6.626 × 10-34 × 3.0 × 108) / 1.50 × 10-9 = 1.325 × 10-18 J
K.E max = h f – Φ = (1.325 × 10-18) – (2 × 1.6 × 10-19) = 1.0 × 10 -18 J (max. K.E of the
emitted electrons)
2
But K.E max = ½ m v max. Therefore;
1.0 × 10 -18 = ½ × 9.1 × 10-31 × V2max
V2max = (1.0 × 10 -18 / 9.1 × 10-31)1/2 = 1.5 × 106 m/s (max. velocity of emitted
electrons).
b) Φ = h f co and f o = Φ / λ, Φ = 2 × 1.6 × 10-19
fo = (2 × 1.6 × 10-19) / (6.626 × 10-34) = 4.8 × 1014 Hz (min. threshold frequency of
the emitted electrons)

Applications of photoelectric effect

1. Photo-emissive cells– they are made up of two electrodes enclosed in a glass bulb (evacuated or
containing inert gas at low temperature). The cathode is a curved metal plate while the anode is
normally a single metal rod)

They are used mostly in controlling lifts (doors) and reproducing the sound track in a film.
Photoconductive cells – some semi-conductors such as cadmium sulphide (cds) reduces their
resistance when light is shone at them (photo resistors). Other devices such as photo-diodes
and photo-transistors block current when the intensity of light increases.
Photo-conductive cells are also known as light dependent resistors (LDR) and are used in alarm
circuits i.e. fire alarms, and also in cameras as exposure metres.
 2. Photo-voltaic cell– this cell generates an e.m.f using light and consists of a copper disc oxidized
on one surface and a very thin film of gold is deposited over the exposed surfaces (this thin film
allows light). The current increases with light intensity.

They are used in electronic calculators, solar panels etc.

CHAPTER TEN
RADIOACTIVITY
Introduction
Radioactivity was discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1869. In 1898, Marie and Pierre Curie
succeeded in chemically isolating two radioactive elements, Polonium (z=84) and Radium (z=
88). Radioactivity or radioactive decay is the spontaneous disintegration of unstable nuclides
to form stable ones with the emission of radiation. Unstable nuclides continue to disintegrate
until a stable atom is formed.Alpha (α) and beta (ϐ) particles are emitted and the gamma rays
(ϒ) accompany the ejection of both alpha and beta particles.

The nucleus
The nucleus is made up of protons and neutrons. They are surrounded by negatively charged
ions known as electrons. The number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. Both
protons and neutrons have the same mass. The weight of an electron is relatively small
compared to neutrons and protons. The number of protons in an atom is referred to as the
proton number (atomic number) and denoted by the symbol Z. the number of neutrons is
denoted by the symbol N. Protons and neutrons are called nucleons since they form the
nucleus of an atom. The sum of both the protons and neutrons is called the mass number A or
nucleon number. Therefore;
A = Z + N and N = A – Z.
The masses of atoms are conveniently given in terms of atomic mass units (ᴜ) where (ᴜ) is
1/12th the mass of one atom of carbon-12 and has a value of 1.660 × 10-27 kg. Hence the mass of
one proton is equal to 1.67 × 10-27 and is equal to 1ᴜ.

Radioactive isotopes
Isotopes are elements with different mass numbers but with equal atomic numbers i.e.
uranium with mass numbers 235 and 238.

Properties of radioactive emissions

a) Alpha (α) particles
They are represented as , hence with a nucleus number 4 and a charge of

+2.
Properties
1. Their speeds are 1.67 × 107 m/s, which is 10% the speed of light.
2. They are positively charged with a magnitude of a charge double that of an electron.
3. They cause intense ionization hence loosing energy rapidly hence they have a very short
range of about 8 cm in air.
4. They can be stopped by a thin sheet of paper, when stopped they capture two electrons and
become helium gas atoms
5. They can be affected by photographic plates and produce flashes when incident on a
fluorescent screen and produce heating effect in matter.
 6. They are slightly deflected by a magnetic field indicating that they have comparatively large
masses.
b) Beta (ϐ) particles
They are represented by meaning that they have no mass but a charge of -1.
Properties
1. Their speeds are as high as 99.9% or more the speed of light
2. They are deflected by electric and magnetic fields but in a direction opposite to that of alpha
particles.
3. Due to their high speed they have a higher penetrative rate than alpha particles (about 100
times more)
4. They can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium
5. Their ionization power is much less intense about 1/100 th that of alpha particles.
c) Gamma (ϒ) particles
They have very short wavelengths in the order of 10 -10 m and below.
Properties
1. They travel at the speed of light.
2. They have less ionization power than that of both alpha and beta particles
3. They accompany the emission of alpha and beta particles
4. They carry no electric charge hence they are not deflected by both electric and magnetic
fields.
5. They have more penetrating power than X-rays.

Detecting nuclear radiation

1. Gold leaf electroscope–the rate of collapse of the leaf depends on the nature and intensity of
radiation. The radioactive source ionizes the air around the electroscope. Beta particles
discharges a positively charged electroscope with the negative charge neutralizing the charge of
the electroscope. Alpha particles would similarly discharge a negatively charged electroscope.
To detect both alpha and beta particles a charged electroscope may not be suitable because
their ionization in air may not be sufficiently intense making the leaf not to fall noticeably.
2. The spark counter – the detector is shown below

This detector is suitable for alpha sources due to the inadequacy of the ionization by
both beta and gamma radiations. By putting the source away from the gauze or placing
a sheet of paper between the two one can determine the range and penetration of the
alpha particles.
3. Geiger Muller (GM) tube– it is illustrated as below

The mica window allows passage of alpha, beta and gamma radiations. The radiations
ionize the gas inside the tube. The electrons move to the anode while the positive ions
 move to the cathode. As the ions are produced there are collisions which produce small
currents which are in turn amplified and passed to the scale. The scale counts the pulses
and shows the total on a display screen. After each pulse the gas returns to normal
ready for the next particle to enter. A small presence of halogen gas in the tube helps in
absorbing the positive ions to reduce further ionization and hence a quick return to
normal. This is called quenching the tube.
4. The solid state detector– this detector can be used to detect alpha, beta and gamma
radiations where the incoming radiation hits a reverse biased p-n junction diode
momentarily conducting the radiation and the pulse of the current is detected using a
scaler.
5. The diffusion cloud chamber– this chamber is simplified as shown below

The bottom of the chamber is cooled by solid carbon (V) oxide to around -800 C and the
alcohol vapour from the felt ring spreads downwards. It is cooled below its normal
condensing temperature. As a particle enters the chamber it ionizes the air in its path
and alcohol condenses around the path to form millions of tiny alcohol droplets leaving
a trail visible because it reflects light from the source. Alpha particles leave a thick,
short straight tracks. Beta particles leave thin irregular tracks. Gamma particles do not
produce tracks and since they eject electrons from atoms the tracks are similar to those
of beta particles.

Activity and half-life of elements

The activity of a sample of radioactive element is the rate at which its constituent nuclei
decay or disintegrate. It is measured in disintegrations per second or Curie (Ci) units, where
1 Ci = 3.7 × 1010 disintegrations per second
1 micro Curie (µ C) = 3.7 × 104 disintegrations per second.
The law of radioactive decay states that “the activity of a sample is proportional to the
number of undecayed nuclei present in the sample”. The half-life of a radioactive element is
the time required for its one-half of the sample to decay. It is important to note that although
the activity approaches zero, it never goes to zero.
Examples
1. The half-life of a sample of a radioactive substance is 98 minutes. How long does it take
for the activity of the sample to reduce to 1/16th of the original value?
Solution
Time (minutes) Activity
0 1
98 ½
196 ¼
294 1/8
392 1/16 =>> time taken = 392 minutes.

2. An isotope has a half-life of 576 hours. Complete the following table and show how mass
varies with time from an initial mass of 1280 g?
Time (hrs) 576 1152 1728 2304
Mass (g) 640

Solution
1152 ------ 320 g
1728 ------ 160 g
2304 ------ 80 g.
3. The initial number of atoms in a sample is 5.12 × 1020. If the half-life of the sample is 3.0
seconds, determine the number of atoms that will have decayed after six seconds.
Solution
After the first half-life, then ½ (5.12 × 1020) = 2.56 × 1020 will have decayed.
The second half-life, then ½ (2.56 × 1020) = 1.28 × 1020 will have decayed.
The total number of decayed atoms = (2.56 + 1.28) × 1020 = 3.84 × 1020 atoms.
4. A radioactive element has an initial count rate of 2,400 counts per minute on a scaler.
The count rate falls to 300 units per minute in 30 hours,
a) Calculate the half-life of the element
 b) If the initial number of atoms in another sample of the same element is 6.0 × 10 20,
how many atoms will have decayed in 50 hours?
Solution
a) 2,400 × ½ × ½ × ½ = 300
Three half-lives have a total of 30 hours, thus half-life = 30 /3 = 10 hours
b) Since half-life = 10 hrs half-lives in 50 hrs = 50/10 = 5 hrs.
So the remaining undecayed atoms are ½ × ½ × ½ × ½ × ½ × 6.0 × 10 20
= 0.1875 × 1020, thus
The number of atoms which have decayed = (6.0 – 0.1875) × 10 20
= 5.812 × 1020

Nuclear equations
Particles making an atom can be written using upper and lower subscripts where a proton, ‘p’
with charge +1 and mass 1ᴜ, is written as . A neutron ‘n’ with no charge but with
mass 1ᴜ, is written as , while an electron with a charge of -1 and negligible mass is
written as . It is important to note that the principles of conservation apply in
radioactive decay. That means that the total number of nucleons (neutrons + protons) must be
the same before and after decay. The L.H.S of the equation must be equal to the R.H.S for both
total mass and charge.

Effects of radioactive decay on the nucleus

Alpha decay
A nucleus emitting an alpha particle reduces its mass by 4 atomic mass units and its proton
number by 2. The equation can be written as follows,
----------à + α or ----------à +

Example
Uranium- 235 ( ) changes to Thorium ( ) by emitting an
alpha particle. Write a nuclear equation to represent the decay.
Solution
--------à +
The change of an element (nucleus) to another is called transmutation.
Beta decay
The beta particle is an electron. Beta particles are produced by changing a neutron to a proton
and later to an electron as shown,
--------à +
The electron is then ejected from the nucleus and the number of protons increases by 1 while
the mass number remains the same (an electron is of negligible mass).
 ----------à +
Examples
1. Thorium ) changes to Proctanium (Po) with the emission of a beta
particle. Show the decay using nuclear equation.
Solution
----------à o +
2. Write an equation to show how a radioactive isotope of cobalt ( o)
undergoes a beta decay followed by the emission of gamma rays to form a new nuclide
X.
Solution
o -------àϐ + ϒ + or o+ +ϒ +

3. A radioactive carbon-14 decays to nitrogen by emitting a beta particle as shown.

Determine the values of ‘x’ and ‘y’ in the equation below.
------à +
Solution
X + 0 = 14 hence x = 14
7 + y =6 hence y = -1
Other examples
Balance the following equations
a) --------à Y + +α
b) --------à + 2α
c) ---------à + ---------
d) ---------à + -------
Solutions
a) --------à + +
b) --------à +2
c) ---------à +
d) ---------à +

Nuclear fission
Nuclear fission is a process in which a nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei. This
process generates large amounts of energy together with neutron emission. Nearly 80% of the
energy produced appears as kinetic energy of the fission fragments. For example Uranium-235
undergoes nuclear fission when bombarded with slow neutrons releasing 2-3 neutrons per
Uranium molecule and every neutron released brings about the fission of another Uranium-
235nuclei. Another substance which undergoes the same process is Plutonium-239. Substances
which undergo fission directly with slow neutrons are known as fissile substances or isotopes.
Applications of nuclear fission
1. They are used in the manufacture of atomic bombs where tremendous amount of
energy is released within a very short time leading to an explosion.
2. When this release of energy is controlled such that it can be released at a steady rate
then it is converted into electrical energy hence the principle in nuclear reactors.

Nuclear fusion
Nuclear fusion is the thermal combining of light elements to form relatively heavier nuclei.
The process requires very high temperatures for the reacting nuclei to combine upon collision.
These temperatures are provided by ordinary fission bombs. These reactions sometimes known
as thermonuclear reactions. A fusion reaction releases energy at the rate of 3-23 MeV per
fusion event i.e. two deuterium (heavy hydrogen) nuclei to form helium.
+ ------à + + 3.3 MeV (energy).
-13
This 3.3 MeV (energy) produced is equal to 5.28 × 10 J.
Application of nuclear fusion
1. Used in the production of hydrogen bomb. Possible reactions for an hydrogen bomb
include;
+ ------à + + 17.8 + 22.4 MeV
+ ------à + 17.8 + 20.0 MeV

Hazards of radioactivity and their precautions

(i) Due to the ionizing radiation emitted by radiation materials, they affect living cells
leading to serious illnesses. Symptoms of radiation exposures are immature births,
deformations, retardedness, etc.
(ii) Their exposure to the environment through leaks may lead to environmental
pollution leading to poor crop growth and destruction of marine life.

Applications of radioactivity
1. Carbon dating – through the identification of carbon-14 and carbon-12 absorbed by
dead plants and animals. Scientists can be able to estimate the age of a dead organism.
Since carbon is a radioactive element with a half-life of 5,600 years archeologists can be
able to estimate the ages of early life through carbon dating.
2. Medicine – radiation is used in the treatment of cancer, by using a radioactive cobalt-60
to kill the malignant tissue. Radiations are used in taking x-ray photographs using
cobalt-60. Radiations are used to sterilize surgical instruments in hospitals. Radioactive
elements can also be used as tracers in medicine where they determine the efficiency of
organisms such as kidneys and thyroid glands.
 3. Biology and agriculture – radioactive sources are used to generate different species of
plants with new characteristics that can withstand diseases and drought. Insects are
sterilized through radiation to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Potatoes
exposed to radiation can be stored for a long time without perishing.
4. Industry – thickness of metal sheets is measured accurately using radiation from
radioactive sources. Recently the manufacture of industrial diamonds is undertaken
through transmutation.
5. Energy source – in N. America, Europe and Russia nuclear reactors are used to generate
electricity. The amount of fuel used is quite small hence an economical way of
generating electricity energy as compared to H.E.P generation.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
ELECTRONICS
Conductors, insulators and semi-conductors
i) An insulator is a material or object which resists flow of heat (thermal insulator) or
electrical charges (electrical insulators). Examples are paraffin, wood, rubber,
plastics etc.
ii) Conductorsare materials that contain free electrons which carry an electrical
charge from one point to another. Examples are metals and non-metals like carbon,
graphite etc.
iii) Semi-conductors are materials or objects which allow the flow of electrical heat or
energy through them under certain conditions i.e. temperature. Examples are
germanium, silicon, cadmium sulphide, gallium arsenide etc.

Electronic bond structure

This is the series of “allowed” and “forbidden” energy bands that it y bands that it contains
according to the band theory which postulates the existence of continuous ranges of energy
values (bands) which electron may occupy “allowed” or not occupy ‘forbidden”. According to
molecular orbital theory, if several atoms are brought together in a molecule, their atomic
orbitals split, producing a number of molecular orbitals proportional to the number of atoms.
However when a large number of atoms are brought together the difference between their
energy levels become very small, such that some intervals of energy contain no orbitals and this
theory makes an assumption that these energy levels are as numerous as to be indistinct.
Number, size and spacing of bands.
Any solid has a large number of bands (theoretically infinite). Bands have different widths
based upon the properties of the atomic orbitals from which they arise. Bands may also overlap
to produce a bigger single band.
Valence and conduction bands
Valence band is the highest range of electron energies where electrons are normally present
at zero temperature. Conduction band is the range of electron energy higher than that of the
valence band sufficient to make electrons free (delocalized); responsible for transfer of electric
charge. Insulators and semi-conductors have a gap above valence band followed by conduction
band above it. In metals, the conduction band is the valence band.

Band structure of a semi-conductor.

Electrons in the conduction band break free of the covalent bonds between atoms and are free
to move around hence conduct charge. The covalent bonds have missing electrons or ‘holes’
after the electrons have moved. The current carrying electrons in the conduction band are
known as free electrons.
Doping of semi-conductors
Doping is the introduction of impurities in semi-conductors to alter their electronic
properties. The impurities are called dopants. Doping heavily may increase their conductivity
by a factor greater than a million.

Intrinsic and extrinsic semi-conductors

An intrinsic semi-conductor is one which is pure enough such that the impurities in it do not
significantly affect its electrical behavior.Intrinsic semi-conductors increase their conductivity
with increase in temperature unlike metals.An extrinsic semi-conductor is one which has been
doped with impurities to modify its number and type of free charge carriers present.
N-type semi-conductors
In this case the semi-conductor is given atoms by an impurity and this impurity is known as
donor so it is given donor atoms (donated).

P-type semi-conductors
The impurity within the semi-conductor accepts atoms with free electrons (dopants). This forms
a ‘hole’ within the semi-conductors.
Junction diodes
Junction refers the region where the two types of semi-conductors meet. The junctions are
made by combining an n-type and p-type semi-conductor. The n-region is the cathode and the
p-region is the anode.

Forward bias of a p-n junction

It occurs when the p-type block is connected to the positive terminal and the n-type block is
connected to the negative terminal of a battery. The depletion layer of the junction reduces to
be very thin to allow the flow of electric current.
Reverse bias of a p-n junction
The negative terminal of the battery is connected to the p-type region while the n-type
isconnected to positive terminal.
The depletion layer widens and resists the flow of electrons to minimal or zero (no
currentflowing through) when the electric field increases beyond critical point the diode
junction eventually breaks down and at this voltage it is referred to as the breakdown voltage.
Diodes are intended to operate below the breakdown voltage.

Applications of junction diodes

They are mainly used for rectification of a.c. current for use by many electrical appliances.
Rectification is the conversion of sinusoidal waveform into unidirectional (non-zero) waveform.
Half wave rectification
In this case the first half cycle of a sinusoidal waveform is positive and the inclusion of a
reverse biased diode makes the current not to flow to the negative side of the wave. The
current therefore conducts on every half cycle hence a half wave rectification is achieved.
The voltage is d.c. and always positive in value though it is not steady and needs to be
smoothed by placing a large capacitor in parallel to the load as shown.

Centre-tap full wave rectification

This is achieved by using a transformer whose output has a centre tap that is taken at two
points where one is half the other as shown.

Bridge full wave rectification

In this case a bridge rectifier is used to achieve a full wave rectification. The current flows in the
same direction in both half cycles.
Radio transmitter and receiver
Radio waves are produced by circuits that make electrons vibrate and they are known as
oscillators which produce varied frequencies. Since radio waves have greater range in air than
sound or even light waves they are used as carriers of audio (sound) and visual information (TV)
waves. The sound is first changed into electrical vibrations by use of a microphone or other
device then added to the radio carrier wave and this changes the amplitude of the carrier and is
called amplitude modulation. The modulated wave is given out by the transmitting aerial and
received by another aerial in a radio or TV when they cause vibrations between the earth and
the aerial. They are then demodulated by a diode and hence heard as a sound or image.