Title Physics Explanation Questions

Writer Chong Hung Lin, How Man Hong,

s Lim Jun Xiang, Soo Weng Hoe

Form 4
Chapter 2 Force and Motion I

1. In terms of the principle of conservation of momentum, explain

why the rocket can produce an upward thrust.

The combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber will produce hot gas that
will emerge out of the rocket. The emerging gas has a high velocity and it
possesses a great momentum. Based on the principle of conservation of
momentum, an equal but opposite direction of momentum is produced. Thus the
rocket possesses a great upward momentum and hence it will thrust upwards.

2. Explain how a taekwondo exponent smash the wooden block.

The hand of the taekwondo exponent moves at high velocity. The wooden block
will be smashed in a short period of time. According to the formula of
momentum, p = mv, high velocity will produce a large momentum. Hence the
impulsive force is also large.
3. Explain why bikers must wear a helmet and jacket in a race.

When there is an accident, the helmet and jacket can protect the biker from
injury by increasing the time of impact. As the time of impact increases, the
impulsive force decreases. The helmet is used to protect the head while the
jacket is used to protect the body.

4. Explain how the buffer stops the train safely and easily. Also
include the facts of energy exchange that took place in your
explanation.

Kinetic energy of the train compresses the spring and is converted to elastic
potential energy that is stored in the spring.The bumper block lengthens the
time of impact. Therefore, it reduces impulsive force of the train.

5. Explain how the concrete pile is driven into the ground.

Hammer has a large mass. While falling down with high velocity, it will possess
high momentum. The contact surface of the hammer and concrete pile is hard.
The time of impact is short. High impulsive force is produced to drive the
concrete pile.
6. Based on the diagram, the athlete accelerates from J to K so
that he can clear the bar with a great spare. Explain the situation
in terms of principle of conservation of energy.

As the velocity increases, the kinetic energy of the athlete also increases.
The kinetic energy of the athlete at K converts to elastic potential energy at
L. Elastic potential energy is used to bend the pole and clear the bar. Elastic
potential energy is converted into gravitational potential energy. Kinetic energy
at K is the same as the gravitational potential energy possessed by the
athlete across the bar. Thus, the vaulting height of the athlete increases.
7. Based on the diagram, explain how the steel ball can reached
the position H in term of energy changes.

At F, gravitational potential energy is maximum. From F to G, gravitational

potential decreases and kinetic energy increases. Kinetic energy is maximum at
G. From G to H, kinetic energy decreases and gravitational potential energy
increases.

8. Explain why a softball player moves his hand backwards while

catching a fast moving ball.

A softball has high velocity when it is thrown. This means it also has high
momentum. The softball player moves his hand backwards to increase the time
of impact. The longer the time of impact, the lower the impulsive force. So it
does not feel hurt.
9. Explain why the passenger were thrown forward when the bus
suddenly stops and why the people in the car were thrown back
when the car started moving.

When the bus is moving, the passengers are also moving at the same speed as
the bus. When the bus stops, the passengers continue moving. Hence, they
were thrown foward. The people in the car try to remain in their state of
rest when the car starts moving. Hence, they were thrown back. In both
situations, the passengers were resisting a change in their state of motion due
to inertia. The concept of inertia is also known as Newton’s First Law of
Motion.

10. Can you explain why a maximum speed of supertanker might

need to stop its engine over a distance of about 3 km before it can
come to stop?

A supertanker has a large mass. Large mass has a large inertia effect.
Inertia effect will resist the change of state of motion. When the engine
stops, the supertanker will continue its state of motion. So it takes a longer
distance to stop due to its larger inertia effect.

11. Explain why is there the need of steel structure and the
separate compartments to build in lorry carrying heavy load.

The inertia effect of a lorry carrying heavy load is large due to its large
mass. The separate compartments divide the loads into smaller mass, thus
reducing the inertia effect of each unit. The steel structure will prevent the
loads from smashing into the driver’s compartment during emergency braking.
12. Why do we feel easier to pull the wheel barrow compared to
pushing the wheel barrow?

The object on the wheel barrow has weight. When we push the wheel barrow,
a vertical downward force is produced. The downward force and the weight of
the wheelbarrow are in the same direction. So, the total force acting on the
ground increases. When we pull the wheel barrow, a vertical upward force is
produced. The upward force and the weight of the wheelbarrow are in the
opposite direction. So the resultant force acting on the ground decreases.

13. Diagram above shows a ball falling freely and bouncing at a

lower height.

When the ball is at a high position, energy possessed is gravitational potential

energy. When the ball is released, gravitational potential energy of the ball is
converted to kinetic energy. Due to movement of ball in air, frictional force
acts on the ball and causes partial gravitational potential energy to be
dissipated as heat energy to overcome the frictional force. When the ball hits
the ground, partial kinetic energy is dissipated and the speed of the ball
decreases. Finally, the height of the bounce achieved is lower than its initial
height.
Chapter 4 Heat

1. Explain how two objects achieve thermal equilibrium.

Object A is in contact with object B. The temperature of object A is higher

than object B. The heat is transferred from object A to object B until
thermal equilibrium is achieved. At thermal equilibrium, the net rate of heat
transfer between object A and object B is zero. The temperature of both
objects are the same.

2. Explain the formation of sea breeze.

Land has a low specific heat capacity compared to sea. During the day, land
gets hot faster than the sea. Hot air on land with low density will rise up and
produce a low pressure region. Cool air on sea with high density and pressure
will blow towards the low air pressure region above the land. Sea breeze
occurs.

3. Explain the formation of land breeze.

Land has a low specific heat capacity compared to sea. During the night, land
cools down faster than the sea. Hot air on sea with low density will rise up
and produce a low pressure region. Cool air on land with high density and
pressure will blow towards the low air pressure region above the sea. Land
breeze occurs.

4. Explain why the base of the pan is a good heat conductor

whereas the handle of the pan is a poor heat conductor.

A good heat conductor has a low specific heat capacity. Little heat energy is
needed to heat up the base of the pan so that it will heat up faster. A poor
heat conductor has a high specific heat capacity. A lot of heat energy is
needed to increase the temperature of the handle of the pan so that it will
heat up slowly.
5. Explain why the air pressure in the car tyre must not be too
high.

Car tyres must not be pumped to a pressure that is too high. Tyre will roll on
the surface of the road and cause compression on the air molecules in the
tyre. This will increase the temperature of the air molecules in the tyres and
thus increase the air pressure. When air pressure becomes too high, it might
explode.

6.Explain how the cooling system of a car works.

Car engine generates a large amount of heat energy when the car is moving.
Water that has a high specific heat capacity is able to absorb large amount of
heat energy without a large increase in temperature. Water brings heat out
from the engine. Cooling fan blows wind so that the water releases its heat to
the surroundings. This prevents the car from overheating.

7. Explain how a pressure cooker works.

The cooker is heat up and the temperature increases. In a constant volume,

the pressure in the cooker will also increase. As pressure increases, boiling
point will also increase. The food will cook faster.

8. Why do ice cubes stick to wet fingers instead of dry fingers?

Ice cube will melt when it absorbs latent heat of fusion. When our fingers are
wet, it has a small amount of heat and it will be absorbed by the ice cube.
The heat released from water causes it to be frozen. So the ice cube and
finger will stick together due to the freezing of water. Furthermore, fingers
have a rough surface and it helps the ice stick to our finger.
9. Your body sweats when you are feeling hot.How does sweating
help to cool down your body?

When we do certain activities involving the movement of our body, sweat will
be produced. Sweat absorbs latent heat of vaporisation, which is a large
amount of heat from our body to evaporate into steam. So, we feel cool when
evaporation occurs due to the release of heat in our body.

10. Why do we put fishes in ice cubes rather than cold water?

When ice melts, it needs to absorb latent heat of fusion. Heat is absorbed
from the fish. The fish will release its heat until the temperature equals to
0°C. Cold water does not experience a change of phase. Therefore, it only
absorbs a small amount of heat and the fish cannot be maintained at 0 °C.

11. What is the main purpose of sprinkling sawdust in the ice

cubes?

Ice with high latent heat of fusion will absorb heat from the surroundings and
start to melt. If the ice is covered with sawdust, it will act as a heat
insulator and reduce the heat absorbed by ice from the surroundings. This
situation can increase the time taken for the ice to melt and people without a
refrigerator can use this method as a temporary way to store fish and
seafood.
12. Based on the diagram above, explain why the temperature does
not change from Q to R and why the temperature changes from R
to S.

From Q to R, gas condenses into liquid. Latent heat of vaporisation is released

to form molecular bond. Molecular kinetic energy does not decrease. From R
to S, temperature decreasess until freezing point. Heat is released and
temperature decreases. Kinetic energy also decreases
Chapter 5 Waves

1. Explain how the sound waves are used to determine the depth of
a school of fish in the sea.

Ultrasound waves are used. Ultrasound waves are transmitted to the sea bed.
A receiver will detect the pulses of the sound waves. The time taken for the
ultrasound waves to travel to the seabed and reflect to the receiver is
recorded. Depth of the school of fish is measured by using the formula
d=vt/2.

2. Explain why we can hear the sound clearer at night.

During the day, the layer of air closer to the land is hotter than the air
above. Sound waves travel at a higher speed through hotter air than cold air.
As a result, sound waves from man are refracted away from the surface of
the Earth at day time. At night, the layer of air close to the land is cooler
than the air above. Sound waves travel at a lower speed through cold air than
hot air. As a result, the sound from the man are refracted towards the
surface of the Earth at night. Hence a nearby sound appears clearer at night.

3. Explain how a microwave oven cooks food

When the microwave is transmitted to the food, the water molecules inside
the food vibrate at a higher amplitude. The kinetic energy of the water
molecules increases. Then, more kinetic energy is converted to heat energy.
Therefore, the food will be cooked.
4. Explain how the channel can be changed instantly.

When the button on the remote control is pressed, infrared ray with a certain
frequency is released. The waves are transmitted to the television. Receiver
at the television receives the waves. Channel changes based on the frequency
of the infrared ray.

5. Explain how the sound wave is produced.

When the drum is hit, the diaphragm of the drum vibrates.This produces a
rarefraction and compression region.The particles move parallel to the
direction of propagation of sound waves. The energy is transferred to the
eardrums and the eardrums vibrate with the same frequency of the sound.

6. Explain why the water at the cape is choppy and the water at
the bay is calm.

Water depth at the bay is deeper. Therefore, the waves have higher speed
and refract away from the bay. Thus, the amplitude of water waves that
reach the bay is lower. The energy increases with the amplitude of the wave,
this causes the water at the bay to be calm. Water depth at the cape is
shallower. Therefore, the waves have lower speed and refract towards the
cape. Thus, the amplitude of water waves that reach the bay is higher, this
causes the water at the cape to be choppy.
7. When a high pitch sound is produced, only student U hears it.
When a low pitch sound is produced, students U,T and S hear it.
Explain this situation.

Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength. High pitch sound has high

frequency and short wavelength. Short wavelength sound is more difficult to
be diffracted at the corner. Therefore, only student U can hear the sound
clearly. Low pitch sound has long wavelength sound and it is easier to be
diffracted by the corner. Therefore, all the students can hear the sound
clearly.

8. Explain how the phenomenon of resonance occurs in the diagram

above.

The pendulum D and X have the same length, thus they have the same natural
frequency. When X is displaced, all pendulums start to oscillate. The pendulum
X and D are in resonance. Hence, pendulum D oscillates with maximum
amplitude.
9.

Crest acts like a convex lens. Parallel rays from the lamp converge and
produce bright fringes. Trough acts like a concave lens. Parallel rays from the
lamp diverge and produce dark fringes.

10. The diagram shows a big conch shell. When the conch shell is
held near to the ear, a low pitch rushing sound or noise is heard.
Explain how this sound can be heard.

Air particle goes into the shell’s cavity. The air particle is reflected by the
hard and curved inner surfaces of the shell. The vibration of air particle
produces sound. Air particle takes longer to bounce forth and back in a bigger
shell. Therefore, a smaller frequency of sound is produced.
11. How can a glass break when an opera singer sings?
The singer sings with a certain frequency and produces sound energy. The
energy is transferred to the glass. Resonance occurs when the frequency
produced by the singer is the same as the natural frequency of the glass. The
glass will vibrate at maximum amplitude. Therefore, the glass breaks.

12. Explain how does an optical fibre work?

Optical fibre consists of inner core which has high refractive index and is
surrounded by an outer layer which has low refractive index. When the light
ray travels into the inner core at one end, it will travel in zig-zag along the
optical fibre through a series of total internal reflection. A doctor can see
the inner organs by connecting the ends of the endoscope, which is inserted
into the body.
Chapter 6 Light and Optics

1. Why does the image in water appear to be shallower?

The air is optically less dense than the water. The speed of light ray
increases when it travels from water to air and causes the light to bend away
from the normal line. Our eyes can only see things in a straight line, thus the
image appears to be shallower.

2. Explain why the tourists are able to see the Sun although it has
already been set.

Light travels from less dense medium to optically denser medium. Light ray
refracts toward the normal line. Therefore, the observer can see the image
of the Sun. This phenomenon is known as refraction of light ray.

3. Explain about the telescope.

Parallel light rays from distant objects converge at the focal point of the
objective lens to form the first image. The first image is real, inverted and
diminished. The image of the objective lens is the object of the eyepiece lens.
The eyepiece lens is adjusted so that the focal points of both lenses are on
the same point to obtain the normal adjustment. The final image is produced
at infinity and is virtual, inverted and magnified.
4.

Light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium. The angle of
incidence is greater than the critical angle. Therefore, total internal
reflection occurs. The light ray reflects internally in the water.

5. Explain how total internal reflection occurs in the above

diagram.

When we increase the angle of incidence, the angle of refraction increases

too. Keep on increasing the angle of incidence until the angle of refraction is
90°.At that moment, angle of incidence is known as critical angle. Increase
the angle of incidence more than the critical angle, total internal reflection
occurs.
6.

Light rays are parallel and focused at the focal point. Light energy focused
will produce high heat energy and causes the paper to burn.

7. Explain how mirage occurs.

Layer of air above the road surface is hotter. It has a smaller optical density
than cold air. Light travels from a denser to a less dense area. Light ray is
gradually refracted away from the normal line. When angle of incidence
exceeds critical angle, total internal reflection occurs. Eyes can only see in a
straight line, so light from the clouds appears on the surface of the road.
8. Explain how lens Q can be used as a magnifying glass in the
labaratory. Draw a ray diagram showing the image produced by the
magnifying glass.

Object is placed between the focal point and optical centre. Rays parallel to
the principal axis wil be refracted towards the focal point. The rays that pass
through the optical centre with normal angles will move straight. Lengthen the
two lines above to get the image position. The image is virtual, upright and
magnified.

9. Explain how to determine the power of a lens.

The convex lens is focused to a distance. The screen is adjusted until a sharp
image is formed on the screen. The distance between the screen and the lens
is measured. Focal length, f = distance between the screen and the lens.
Power of lens = 1/f
Form 5
Chapter 1 Force and Motion II

1. Explain how shock absorber allows tyre to keep in contact with

ground.

When spring is being compressed, molecules of spring are displaced closer to

each other. Repulsive force acts to push molecules back to their original
position. When spring is being stretched, molecules of spring are displaced
further from each other. Attraction force acts to pull back the molecules to
their original position.

2. A trampoline cannot be used anymore because it exceeds the

elastic limit. By using the concept of elastic limit of the spring,
explain why the trampoline cannot be used anymore.

Elastic limit of a spring is the maximum force that can be applied on it as long
as it returns to its original shape once the applied force is removed. The
force applied on the trampoline has exceeded its elastic limit. Therefore, the
trampoline does not return to its original shape after the force applied on it
has been removed. Thus, the trampoline experiences permanent extension and
it cannot be used anymore.
3. Based on the arrangement of spring, explain the purpose of the
arrangement of spring as shown in Diagram 10.3 and how the spring
is compressed and return to its original condition when a person is
lying and getting up from the mattress.

Arrangement of spring is parallel so that force applied on the spring can be

divided equally. Therefore, the force applied on the spring does not exceed
the elastic limit. When weight is exerted, spring is compressed causing its
molecules to move closer to each other. Repulsive force between molecules act
to push molecules back to their own position.
4.

Rough surface has frictional force on the surface. Weight component acting
along on the inclined plane. Weight component and frictional force acts against
the motion of the force on the inclined plane. Work done = gravitational
potential energy + work done to overcome frictional force and weight
component.

5. Why the boy with mass 40kg slides down the slide when the
angle of inclination is 30° and remains stationary when the angle of
inclination is 17.5° .(the frictional force is 120N).

Boy slides down when component of weight parallel to the slope is greater than
frictional force. Resultant force acting produces acceleration. Boy remains
stationary when component of weight parallel to the slope is equal to the
frictional force. Resultant force is equal to zero make the boy in force
equilibrium.
Chapter 2 Pressure

1. Explain how an aeroplane can be lifted when it moves with high

speed during take off.

The air speed above the wing is higher than that below the wing. When the
speed of air is higher, the air pressure is lower. The air pressure above the
wing is lower than that below the wing. The pressure difference between the
two parts of the wing produces an upward force known as lifting force. The
aeroplane will be lifted when the lifting force is greater than its weight.

2. Explain the working principle of the hydraulic jack.

When a small force is applied to the master piston with a small cross-sectional
area, a great pressure is produced. According to Pascal’s Principle, pressure is
transmitted uniformly in all directions. Since the slave piston has a larger
cross-sectional area, the resultant force acting on it is larger than that of
the master piston. Thus a greater force will be produced at the slave piston.

3. Explain how a Bunsen burner produces a blue flame.

Gas releases from the exhaust at a high speed. This forms a low pressure
region at the nozzle. Atmospheric pressure pushes air to flow into the air
hole. Air mixes gas in the bunsen burner and it enables it to burn completely.
This produces a blue flame.

4. Explain why the wooden block floats on the surface of the

water.

When the wooden block dips the water, some water is displaced. A buoyant
force equals to the weight of water displaced is produced. When the buoyant
force is greater than the weight of the wooden block. This pushes the wooden
block upwards. When the wooden block is on the surface of the water, the
buoyant force is equal to the weight of the wooden block.
5. Explain how the water can be pushed out from the pressure
sprayer.

When the air pump is pushed, air enters the pressure sprayer. This forms a
high pressure region inside the pressure sprayer. Air pressure inside the
pressure sprayer is greater than the atmospheric pressure.Hence, the water
is forced out from the air pump.

6. Based on the kinetic theory, explain why at higher altitudes,

the atmospheric pressure is low.

As the altitude is higher, the temperature is lower. The average kinetic

energy of the air molecules is lower. The rate of collision of the molecules is
lower. Hence, the force acting per unit area is smaller and pressure is lower.

7. Explain the working principle of the straw.

When we suck through the straw, air inside the straw will be drained out.
This produces a semi vacuum space in the straw. Pressure difference is
produced, the atmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure inside the
straw. Water is forced into the straw.
8. Explain why the horizontal distance of water spurting, d, from
the position P and position Q as shown in the diagram.

Position Q is deeper, the water pressure acting on position Q is greater. This

is because the pressure of a liquid increases with its depth. The speed of the
water spurting out from Q is higher. Thus the horizontal distance of the
water spurting out is further.

9. Explain what will happen to a person if he stands in front of the

yellow line at the train station.

When the trains move with a high velocity, the air particles around them also
move with a high velocity, thus creating a low pressure region. The region
behind the person has a higher pressure. The difference in pressure will
create a force. This force will push the person falling towards the railway.
10.

Air pressure inside the package is equal to the atmospheric pressure. At the
peak of the mountain, the atmospheric pressure decreases. Therefore, the air
pressure inside the package decreases also. According to Boyle’s Law, volume
of gas decreases with pressure. Therefore, the volume of air inside the
package increases.

11. In a long journey, tyres pressure of a car increased

significantly, using the concept of forces and the kinetic theory of
gases to explain how this happens.
When temperature increases, the movement of air particles inside the tyre
becomes faster. Therefore, the frequency of collision of air particles against
the wall of the tyre increases. Rate of change of momentum in a short time
produces an impulsive force. Force acting per unit area produces pressure.

12. Explain why the hot air balloon rises up when the air in the
balloon is heated.

The density of the air in the hot air balloon is lower. Thus the overall weight
of the hot air balloon is lower. The buoyant force is greater than the weight
of the hot air balloon. Thus the hot air balloon will float due to the resultant
force.
13. The toothpaste flows out of its tube while squeezing at the
bottom end Explain how the toothpaste flows out and name a
physics principle related to it.

Force is applied to the toothpaste (tube). This will produced a pressure. The
toothpaste carry the pressure and apply the pressure of the equal magnitude
to the whole tube. The physics principle related is Pascal’s Principle.

14. Explain how a submarine is able to submerge into deep sea

water.

Valve release air from ballast tank. Sea water flooded ballast tank The weight
of water displaced is larger. Buoyant force < Weight of the submarine. Thus,
the submarine submerges into deep sea water.

15. Explain how the vacuum cleaner is able to remove dust from
the floor

The fan blows air out of the vent. It produces a partial vacuum area in the
vacuum cleaner. The difference in pressure occurs/atmospheric pressure is
higher than the pressure inside the vacuum cleaner. Force is exerted to push
in the dirt.

16. The roof of a house is being lifted by strong wind. Explain

why.

The strong wind above the roof is moving very fast. While the air in the house
is at rest According to Bernoulli”s Principle. the higher the velocity, the lower
the pressure. Pressure inside the house is higher than outside. A force is
generated by the difference in pressure which is strong enough to lift the
roof.
17. Explain why the hovercraft moves with constant velocity in
terms of the force acting on it.

The forward force = friction // forward thrust = drag.The resultant force is

zero. The hovercraft is in force in equilibrium.

18. Explain how a swimmer can swim forward without sinking into
the water.

There a few forces acting on the movement of the swimmer when he moves
through the water. These forces are forward thurst, water resistance, weight
and buoyant force. Buoyant force can be explained through Archimedes’
Principle. A body partially or fully immersed in liquid is floated by the same
force as the weight of the water displaced. This causes the swimmer to float
in the water. The forward thurst force leads the swimmer to the front, the
water resistance force acts against the direction of movement of the swimmer
which slows down the swimmer. Since the swimmer moves horizontally,
Resultant Force = Forward Thurst – Water Resistance Force.

19. Diagram above shows a person pushing a ball below the surface
of the water. When released, the ball rushes upwards, out of the
water. Explain how this situation happens.

Ball displaces water. According to Archimedes’ Principle, weight of water

displaced = buoyant force. Ball is less dense compared to water. Buoyant
force is greater than weight of the ball. Upward thrust force acting on the
ball is produced.
Chapter 3 Electricity

1. Explain the motion of a metal-coated polystyrene ball in an

electric field.

When a polystyrene ball is displaced to the negatively-charged metal plate,

positive charges will be discharged. The polystyrene ball will be negatively
charged. The negatively-charged polystyrene ball will be attracted towards
positive metal plate. At the positive plate, electrons will be transferred to the
metal plate until it becomes positively charged. The positively-charged
polystyrene ball will be attracted to negative plate. This process will be
repeated, causing the polystyrene ball to oscillate to and fro continuously
between the metal plates.

2. Explain the effect of electric field on the candle flame.

When the power supply is turned on, candle flame spreads out between 2
metal plates. Heat from candle flame causes air to ionise to form positive ions
and negative ions. Negative ions will be attracted to positively-charged metal
plate while positive ions will be attracted to negatively-charged metal plate.
Spread of flames towards negatively-charged metal plate is greater than that
towards positively-charged metal plate. This is because positive ions have
larger mass and size compared to negative ions.

3. Explain why the bulb connected to two dry cells lights up

brighter than one bulb connected to one dry cell.

The two dry cells are connected in parallel. The effective e.m.f. remains the
same. The effective internal resistance of the two cells is smaller. A larger
current will flow through the bulb to make it brighter.
4. Most of our electric energy comes from hydroelectric power
stations and thermal power station. These power station are
connected by cables to transmit electricity to users in industries,
offices, schools and houses. This system is called the national grid
network. Explain briefly the importance of the national grid
network system in distributing electric energy to the users.

The electrical supply is continuous, although one of the power stations is

faulty. The electrical energy from other stations is directed to the affected
areas. The electrical energy from other areas is directed to the areas that
need more energy The overall cost of production of electricity can be reduced.

5. A spotlight is labelled as 120V, 100W and connected to 120V

power supply. It was found that the brightness of the spotlight is
less than 100W. Explain why this happens.

When 120 V is supplied to the spotlight, it produces 100 W per second. There
is resistance in the cable. When current flows through the cable, some heat
energy is produced. Thus, there is power loss in the cable.

6. Why does the bird not experience electric shock

The cable is thick and it has low resistance. The distance between the legs of
the bird is short. The potential difference across the legs of the bird is given
by V=IR. V is low when R is low. Since I = V/R and I is small, current flowing
through the legs of the bird is small.
7. Explain the work function of a rheostat.

Current flows from B to C through the slider. Slider is moved to change the length of
the wire. Length of wire increases with the resistance. When resistance increases,
the current flowing through the circuit decreases.
Chapter 4 Electromagnetism

1. Explain the following motion of both current-carrying

conductors.

The magnetic field in the region between the two wires are in opposite
directions and the strength of the magnetic field becomes weaker. Hence the
two conductors attract each other.

2. Explain the working principle of motor.

When the current flows through the coil, magnetic field is produced. Both
magnets also have magnetic field. There is an interaction between both
magnetic fields. A resultant force is produced to turn the motor. The
direction of the force can be determined by Fleming’s Left Hand Rule.

3. Explain the working principle of transformer

The alternating current power supply produces an alternating current in the

primary coil. The alternating current produces a magnetic field that changes in
magnitude and direction. The magnetic flux is linked to the secondary coil
through soft iron core. Magnetic field is cut by the secondary coil. The
changing in magnetic field induces an alternating emf across the secondary
coil. Then, alternating current is produced.
4. Explain the working principle of alternating current generator

When a rectangular coil rotates, induced current is produced. This is because

it cuts the magnetic field produced by both magnets. When the cell is in the
second half of rotation, current reverses its direction. Direction of current
can be determined by Flemming’s Right Hand Rule.

5. Explain the working principle of direct current generator

When a rectangular coil rotates, induced current is produced. This is because

it cuts the magnetic field produced by both magnets. When the cell is in the
second half of rotation, current flows in the same direction. Direction of
current can be determined by Flemming’s Right Hand Rule.

6. Explain how an induction cooker works.

Alternating current passed through the coils. Magnetic field is produced. The
magnetic field is cut by the base of the pot. Eddy current is produced and
heats up the base of the pot.

7. When switch S is turned on, the galvanometer deflects

momentarily and then returns to zero. Explain why this happens.

Soft iron core acts as a temporary magnet when switch S is turned on. There
is a change in magnetic flux and current is induced Therefore, the
galvanometer deflects. Since dry cells are used, there will be no change in
magnetic flux and no induced current. Therefore, the galvanometer points zero
8. Explain how a lifting electromagnet is used to lift and move iron
and steel objects such as scrap irons from one place to another.

When current flows through the solenoid, it acts as a temporary magnet.

Magnetic field of the temporary magnet attracts the scrap irons. When no
current flows through the solenoid, it will be demagnetised. Scrap metals will
fall back due to gravity.

9. Explain how the dynamo lights up the lamp of bicycle.

As the knob of the dynamo rotates, the shaft which connects to the magnet
rotates. The magnet rotates between the soft iron core. There is change in
magnetic flux and induced current is produced. The electrical energy is then
converted into light energy and the lamp lights up.

10. Diagram shows the pattern of magnetic field formed when

current flows in a coil. Explain why the magnetic field strength is
greater at the center compared to the edge

The direction of the magnetic field on the left coil is anti-clockwise. The
direction of the magnetic field on the right coil is clockwise. As a result, the
magnetic fields in the middle of the coil are in the same direction. So the
magnetic field will be stronger in the middle.
11. Explain the working principle of an electric bell.

When the bell is pressed, current flows in the coils of the electromagnet,
causing the electromagnet to be magnetized. The magnetized electromagnet
attracts the soft-iron armature, causing the hammer to strike the gong. The
movement of the armature breaks the circuit and causes the electromagnet to
lose it magnetism. The light spring pulls the armature back, remaking the
contact and completing the circuit again. The cycle is repeated so long as the
bell is pressed and continuous ringing will occur.

12. Explain the operation principle of the electronic device.

When switch is closed, small current flow through solenoid and soft iron core
is magnetised. Soft iron armature is pulled to the soft iron core. This causes
the other soft iron armature is pushed and switch on the light of the high
power circuit. When switch is switched off, no current flows and soft iron
core is demagnetised. Soft iron armature returns to original position and high
power circuit is opened.
13.Explain how electrical energy is generated at the hydroelectric
power station.

Water from the reservoir flows down through the water tunnel. Turbine will
rotate and the magnet in the generator will rotate. Coil in generator will
experience change in magnetic flux. Induced e.m.f will be produced.
Chapter 5 Electronics

1. Explain how does the circuit of a speaker work.

Microphone converts sound energy into electrical energy that flows through the
capacitor. The electrical energy combines with the base current to produce
varying base current. Transistor amplifies the varying base current. Small
varying base current produces a large change in collector current. The speaker
receives a large alternating current and coverts electrical energy into sound
energy. Loud sound is produced.

2. Explain the function of capacitor in a rectifier.

The capacitor is connected parallel to the load. When the potential difference
increases, the capacitor will be charged and energy is stored in the capacitor.
When the potential difference decreases, the capacitor will discharge so that
the output current does not fall to zero. Energy stored in the capacitor will
maintain the potential difference across the load and the output current
becomes smooth.

3. Explain how to form a n-type semiconductor

Silicon is doped by pentavalent atoms such as phosphorus and arsenic. By

doping, the silicon has more negative electrons. These negative electrons are
the major charge carriers and it’s known as n-type semiconductor.
4.

During the positive cycle, D2 and D3 are forward biased. Current flows
through D2, R and D3. During the negative cycle, D1 and D4 are forward
biased. Current flows through D4, R and D1.

5. Based on the diagram, explain how the watering system works.

The electrodes detect the soil and a low voltage passes through them. The
voltage across the variable resistor is high. The transistor is activated and
the relay switch is switched on. The secondary circuit is switched on. Plant
watering system is activated.
6. Based on the diagram, explain why the bulb will light up at
night.

At night, the light intensity is low. The resistance of the LDR increases. The
voltage flows across the LDR increases. The base voltage and base current
increases and activates the transistor. There is collector current flows in the
transistor. The bulb lights up.

7. Based on the diagram, explain how the alarm works when there
is on fire.

When it is on fire, the temperature increases. The resistance of the

thermistor decreases. The voltage flows through the thermistor decreases.
The voltage flows through the resistor increases. The base voltage and base
current increases and activates the transistor. There is collector current flows
in the transistor. The alarm rings to alert the crowd.
8. Explain the work function of a forward biased current.

When a diode is forward biased, the holes will move towards the n-type
semiconductor while the electrons will move towards the p-type conductor.
Depletion layer becomes thinner. Junction voltage, V across the depletion layer
becomes smaller and the resistance of the diode becomes smaller. Current
passes through the diode, causing the light bulb to light up.

9. Explain the work function of a reverse biased current.

When a diode is reverse biased, the holes and electrons will move away from
the depletion layer in opposite directions. Depletion layer becomes thicker.
Junction voltage, V across the depletion layer increases until it reaches the
potential difference of the battery. The resistance of the diode becomes very
high. Current stops flowing and the light bulb does not light up.

10. When the switch is closed, brightness of bulb X and bulb Y is

different. Explain how this situation occur

High resistance of resistor limits the base current, therefore a very small
base current flows in the base circuit. Bulb X lights up dimly. Transistor
amplifies the current, a large collector current flows in the collector circuit
Bulb Y light up brightly.
Chapter 6 Nuclear Physics

1. Explain how a nuclear reactor produces electricity using

Uranium-235.

In a nuclear reactor, nuclear fission occurs when the nuclei of uranium-235

are bombarded by neutrons to form a chain reaction. The resulting nuclear
energy boils water to become steam. High pressure steam is channelled to
rotate the turbine. Rotation will enable dynamo to generate electricity by
electromagnetic induction.

2. Nuclear fission produces a chain reaction. Explain how a chain

reaction occurs in the nuclear fission of Uranium-235 atoms.

Neutrons bombarding one Uranium-235 atom produces 3 neutrons. Each

neutron bombards one more Uranium-235 atom. Continuous fission of the
nucleus will form a chain reaction. A lot of energy is produced.

3. How can we detect the leakage of pipe using sodium-24?

Sodium-24 is injected into the underground pipe. It will flow throughout water
and leak out from the crack. A Geiger-Muller tube is used to detect leakage
by measuring the activity of beta ray. The leakage position will show a higher
reading on the GM tube.

4. Based on Einstein's Principle of Mass-Energy

Conservation.Explain how the above reaction produces nuclear
energy.

The total mass of the products is less than the total mass of the uranium
nucleus and the neutron.The difference in mass is called mass defect.The
mass defect is converted to energy.The energy released is given by the
equation E = mc^2, where m is the difference in mass(mass defect).
5. Radioisotope Strontium-90 is used to measure the thickness of
paper in a paper industry. Explain how Strontium-90 is used to
determine the suitable thickness of a piece of paper.

Put the radioactive source opposite to the detector. The detector is connected
to the thickness indicator. The detector detects the reading of the changes in
counts. The thickness is measured with the thickness indicator. If the reading
of the detector is less than the specified value, the thickness of the paper is
too thick

6. Explain why alpha particle has shorter range in air and higher
ionizing power than beta particle.

Alpha particles have larger mass, thus resulting larger momentum when it
collides with air particles. This causes alpha particles to lose energy and
having a shorter range in air. It has a high ionizing power as it is positively-
charged and will ionize the air particles around it.
Chapter 7 Quantam Physics

1. Explain why a large cavity with a small hole is able to act as

black body.

When rays of light enter the large cavity, they will undergo reflections on the
inner wall of the cavity. At each reflection, part of the rays is absorbed by
the inner wall of the cavity. The light rays will eventually lose their energy.
Thus, the cavity acts like a black body because no light ray will be reflected
to our eyes.

2. Explain photoelectric effect.

Photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from a metal surface when

exposed to light. Photoelectrons are released from the surface. Energy is
conserved. Energy of photon=hf. It can be explained by Einstein’s
photoelectric equation, hf= W + KE. Photoelectric effect takes place when the
frequency of the light is greater than or equal to the threshold frequency of
the metal.

3. Photoelectrons will be emitted from the metal surface when the

frequency of the light reaches a certain frequency. Explain why.

When a photon hits a metal surface, all its energy will be transferred to an
electron in the metal. With this, photoelectron will be emitted instantaneously
from the metal surface if the frequency of light is higher than the threshold
frequency of the metal. The maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons
increases if the frequency of light or photon energy increases.
4. Does the increase in light intensity increases the kinetic energy
of the emitted photoelectron?

No, because intensity of light only affects the number of photons arriving on
the metal surface per second. The maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron
is influenced by photon energy or the frequency of the light. Increase in light
intensity will not increase the kinetic energy of photoelectrons.

5. Explain the working principle of the solar panel to light up light

bulb.

When a solar panel is illuminated by sunlight, photoelectrons are emitted. The

energy of the photoelectrons will be converted into electrical energy. The
electrical energy is stored in the battery. At night the battery is discharged
to light up the bulb.