Electricity Including Electrostatics: Name

Name: _______________________________________________
Electricity including Electrostatics

SAM,2019-2022
Date:
Time:
Total marks available:
Total marks achieved: ______

Q1.
This question is about a demonstration to show the link between current and charge.
The diagram shows two metal plates, X and Y, with a metal ball moving between them.
(a) The two metal plates have no charge before the power supply is connected.
When plate Y is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, the plate becomes positively
charged.
Explain how plate Y gains a positive charge.
(2)
Plate Y loses positively charged particles and loses electrons
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) (i) The metal ball becomes positively charged when it touches plate Y.
The metal ball then moves away from plate Y towards plate X.
Explain why the metal ball moves away from plate Y.
(2)
the metal ball. Over away from the plate because they both have the
.............................................................................................................................................
same charge which causes repulsive forces between them. The
.............................................................................................................................................
repulsive fore from the plate acts on the ball
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Give a reason why the ball is made of metal.
(1)
Because metal is a good conductor
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) When the metal ball moves away from plate Y to plate X, a charge of 5.1 × 10-6 C is transferred.
(i) State the formula linking charge transferred, current and time taken.
(1)
charge transferred = current x time
(ii) Calculate the current if the metal ball takes 0.45 seconds to travel from plate Y to plate X.
(2)
Current = charge transferred/ times
current = 5.1 x10-6 / 0.45 =1.1 x 10-5
current = ........................................................... A
(iii) Suggest why the current increases if the voltage of the power supply is increased.
(1)
The current increases because larger charge is transferred per trip
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iv) Give the name of the apparatus that can be used to measure current.
(1)
ammeter
.............................................................................................................................................
(Total for question = 10 marks)

Q2. The circuit diagram shows a resistor connected in series with a cell and a switch.
There is an electric current in the circuit when the switch is closed.
(a) Describe how another component could be added to the circuit to show that there is a current in
resistor X when the switch is closed.
(2)
A ammeter could be added in series with other components
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The electric current in the circuit is a flow of charged particles.

Each charged particle has a charge of -1.6 × 10-19 C.
(i) Give the name of the charged particle.
(1)
electron
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) When the switch is closed, the current in the cell is 160 mA.
Calculate the number of charged particles that pass through the cell in 25 s.
[charge transferred = current × time taken]
(4)
160 x 25 = 4000
Charge =. 0.16 x 25 =. 4
number of particles = 4 / -1.6 x10-19 = 2.5 x 10’19
number of charged particles =.............................................

(iii) Resistor X in the circuit is replaced by resistor Y.
Resistor Y has a higher resistance than resistor X.
Explain how the number of charged particles passing through the cell each second changes when
resistor X is replaced by resistor Y.
(3)
There are fewer electrons each second as current
.............................................................................................................................................
decreases and the voltage stays the same when resistor
.............................................................................................................................................
X is replaced is replaced by Y
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q3. Diagram 1 shows a simple loudspeaker.

The coil is connected to an alternating current (a.c.) supply.
(a) Describe how the loudspeaker produces sound.

(4)
there is a magnetic force acting on the coil when current flows through
.............................................................................................................................................
the force acts on the coil from the magnet producing vibrations in the cone
.............................................................................................................................................
These vibration sin the air produce sound waves
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Diagram 2 shows two loudspeakers connected in series with a variable resistor.
(i) The total voltage across the two loudspeakers is 0.75 V and the current in the circuit is 0.15 A.
Show that the total power of the two loudspeakers is about 0.1 W.
[power = current × voltage]
(2)
p = 0.75 x 0.15 = 011

P = 0.11W
(ii) A student varies the resistance of the variable resistor.
The table shows the power of the loudspeakers for different resistance values of the variable resistor.
Plot the student's results on the grid.

(3)
(iii) Draw a curve of best fit.
(2)
(c) Diagram 3 shows the loudspeakers connected in series to a cell.
Diagram 4 shows the loudspeakers connected in parallel to the same cell.
Comment on how the total resistance of the loudspeakers in diagram 3 compares with the total resistance
of the loudspeakers in diagram 4.
(4)
in diagram 4 the voltage us shared across the cell so the current in
.............................................................................................................................................
loudspeaker is doubled and the current supply is 4 times higher than
.............................................................................................................................................
diagram 3 so the total resistance in diagram 4 is quarter of diagram 3
the series circuit which is proved by R = I/V
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q4. The diagram shows an electric circuit containing component X and a lamp connected in series.
(a) (i) Add another component to the diagram to measure the voltage of component X.
(1)
(ii) Give the name of component X.
(1)
Light dependent resistor
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The graph shows how the resistance of component X changes with light intensity.
(i) Use the graph to determine the resistance of component X when the light intensity is 4.0 arbitrary
units.
(2)
1700
(ii) The current in the circuit is 0.0018 A.
Calculate the voltage across component X at a light intensity of 4.0 arbitrary units.
(3)
Voltage = current x resistance
v = 0.0018 x 1700 = 3.06
3.06
voltage = ........................................................... V
(iii) Explain what happens to the brightness of the lamp when component X is covered with a dark sheet
of paper.
(2)
The brightness of the lamp decreases when component X is covered with
.............................................................................................................................................
a dark sheet of paper and the current in circuit decreases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q5.
This question is about an electric fan.
(a) A battery supplies a voltage of 12 V and a current of 0.25 A to the fan.

The fan is switched on for 12 seconds and the fan gains 25 J in its kinetic energy store.
Calculate the efficiency of this energy transfer.
(4)
Energy transfer = 12 x 0.25 x 12 = 36
effiecy = useful energy / total
25 / 36 = 0.69
0.69 x 100 = 69 %
efficiency = ........................................................... %

Q6.
A teacher uses this circuit to investigate how the current in a circuit changes with the temperature of a
room.
(a) (i) Calculate the voltage across the thermistor.

(2)
0.91 / 1.5 = 0.6
voltage = ........................................................... V
(ii) State the formula linking voltage, current and resistance.
(1)
(iii) Calculate the resistance of the thermistor.
(3)
r=v/c
R = 0.6 / 0.0062 = 95
95
resistance = ...........................................................
(b) The graph shows how the resistance of the thermistor changes with temperature.
(i) Describe the relationship between the temperature and the resistance of the thermistor.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
The resistance decreases as the temperature increases which shows that it is a non-linear
relationship
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain how the reading on the voltmeter changes when the temperature of the room decreases.
(3)
the voltmeter reading decreases and because the resistance increases as temperature
.............................................................................................................................................
decreases . As the current is thermistor decreases the total resistance increases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q7.
The diagram shows a circuit that includes a battery, an ammeter, a voltmeter and three different resistors.
(a) (i) Give the voltmeter reading.

(1)
12
voltage = ........................................................... V
(ii) State the formula linking voltage, current and resistance.
(1)
(iii) Calculate the resistance of resistor X.

(3)
R = 12 / 0.019 = 630
(b) (i) Give the reason why the reading on the ammeter would be 16 mA.
(1)
Because the current is consumed in the junction in the circuit
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Calculate the resistance of resistor Y.
(4)
resistance = ...........................................................
(c) Resistor X and the voltmeter are removed from the circuit, leaving a break in this part of the circuit.
Explain how the current in the battery changes when these components are removed.
(2)
The current decreases as the total resistance in the circuit increases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q8. The circuit diagram shows a resistor, R, connected to a cell.
(a) Draw additional components on the circuit diagram to measure the voltage of the resistor and the
current in the resistor.
(3)
(b) The voltage across the resistor is 9.00 V and the current in the resistor is 1.91 mA.
(i) State the formula linking power, current and voltage.
(1)
power = current x voltage
(ii) Calculate the power dissipated by the resistor.

(2)
9 x 0.00191 = 0.01719
0.17
power = ........................................................... W
(c) The cell in the circuit is a source of direct current.

State what is meant by the term direct current.
(1)
Current which only flows in one direction
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(d) Explain how the current in the circuit changes when an identical resistor is connected in series with
resistor R.
(2)
the current would decreases because the resistance is grater than before
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q9. The circuit shows a car battery charging from an alternating current (a.c.) supply.
(a) Sketch a graph to show what is meant by a.c.

(2)
(b) State the reason why the circuit contains a diode.

(1)
To ensure that the current moves only in 1 direction
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The 12 V car battery is connected to two identical filament lamps so that the voltage across each
lamp is 6.0 V.
(i) Draw the circuit diagram.
(2)
(ii) State the equation relating power, current and voltage.

(1)
power = current x voltage
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) The power of each lamp is 330 mW.
Calculate the current in a lamp.
c = 330 / 6 = 0.33 / 6 = 0.05 (2)
current = ........................................................... A

Q10. A student investigates how the resistance of a lamp varies as the current is changed.
She sets up the circuit shown.
(a) Give a reason why component R is included in the circuit.

(1)
Because there is no variable voltage supply
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The student draws a graph of his results.

(i) Describe how the current in the lamp changes as the voltage changes.
Use data from the graph to support your answer.
(3)
thje current increases as the voltage increases as the gradient decrease the voltage
.............................................................................................................................................
decreases for eg is current is oA voltage is 0V
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) State the relationship between voltage, current and resistance.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Calculate the resistance of the lamp when the voltage is 2.5 V.
(3)
resistance = 2.5 / 0.92 = 2.7
resistance = ...........................................................
(c) State what happens to the resistance of a lamp when the current increases.
(1)
The resistance increases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q11. A student uses this apparatus to demonstrate the effect of electric charge.
He pours some fine powder into a funnel.
The fine powder moves through a length of plastic tubing and falls into a metal can.
The metal can rests on a metal cap.
The metal cap is connected to a thin piece of metal via a metal rod.
When the powder lands in the can, the thin piece of metal moves away from the metal rod.
(a) Explain why the thin piece of metal moves away from the metal rod.
(4)
the thin piece of metal moves away fro t he rod because of friction
.............................................................................................................................................
between the plastic tube and the powder which causes it to become
charged and also the metal rod and metal wire will have the same
.............................................................................................................................................
charge so they will repel
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) A coulombmeter measures electric charge.

The student connects a coulombmeter to the metal can.
When all the powder has landed in the can, the coulombmeter shows a reading of 9.4 × 10 9 C.
(i) Which statement is true for the metal can?
(1)
A it gains negatively charged electrons
B it loses negatively charged electrons
C it gains positively charged electrons
D it loses positively charged electrons
(ii) State the formula linking charge, current and time.

(1)
Charge = current x time
(iii) It takes a time of 12 s from when the powder starts landing in the metal can until all the powder
has landed in the can.
Calculate the mean charging current.
(3)
-9.4. x 10-9 = current x 12
Current = -9.4 x 10-9 / 12
current = -7.8 x 10-10
current = ........................................................... A
(c) The student suggests that this demonstration is similar to refuelling an aircraft.
The powder represents the fuel and the metal can represents the fuel tank in the aircraft.
Explain how the student should modify this apparatus to demonstrate how to minimise the dangers
when refuelling an aircraft.
You may add to the diagram to help your answer.
(3)
There can be a spark or explosion which can be prevented by earthing the aircraft
.............................................................................................................................................
so no charges flow to the ground
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q12.
The diagram shows an electric circuit.
(a) When the thermistor is in hot water, its resistance is 490
(5)
R = voltage / current
R = 6/6.8 = 0.882
0.882 x 1000 = 882
882 - 490 = 392
(b) Explain how the voltage across the fixed resistor changes when the hot water is replaced with cold
water.
(3)
The resistance in thermistor increases as the current passing in circuit decreases which
.............................................................................................................................................
causes the voltage to decrease as well
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q13.
The diagram shows a circuit containing a cell, two switches and two resistors, R1 and R2.
(a) A light emitting diode (LED) is represented using the symbol
Draw a LED on the circuit diagram that will indicate when there is a current in resistor R1 .
(2)
(b) Both switches in the circuit are now closed.
(i) Draw an ammeter on the circuit diagram that will measure the current in the cell.
(1)
(ii) The voltage across the cell is 4.5 V.
Explain how the voltage across R2 compares with the voltage across the cell.
(2)
the voltage will stay the same as they are parrallel
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Switch 1 is now opened whilst switch 2 remains closed.

(i) State the formula linking energy transferred, charge and voltage.
(1)
Energy transfer = charge x voltage
(ii) The voltage across the cell stays constant at 4.5 V.

Calculate the charge transferred through the cell when the cell transfers 4.1 J of energy.
(3)
4.1 = charge x 4.5
Charge = 4.1 / 4.5
charge = 0.91
0.91
charge transferred ........................................................... C
(iii) A student investigates how the current in resistor R2 varies with the voltage across it.
Describe how the circuit could be modified for the student to do this investigation.
(3)
A voltmeter could be added to the circuit I. Parallel with R 2 to investigate how the
.............................................................................................................................................
current in r2 will vary with the voltage
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q14. The diagram shows part of a circuit used for an outdoor lighting system.
(a) Draw a voltmeter on the diagram to measure the voltage of the 4500
(2)
(b) Give the name of component X.
(1)
LDR
.............................................................................................................................................
(c)
(i) Calcu
(1)
9
voltage = ........................................................... V
(ii) Calculate the current in the circuit.
[voltage = current × resistance]
(2)
9 = c x 4500
C = 9 /4500 =
0.002
current = ........................................................... A
(iii) Calculate the resistance of component X.
(3)
R = 3/curent
3/0.002 = 1500
1500 / 1000 = 1.5
(d) Explain where a lamp should be connected in this circuit, so that the voltage across it increases as
the light received by component X decreases.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
The lamp should be connected to the circuit in parallel with LDR
.............................................................................................................................................
so the resistance increases when it gets dark and the voltage also
increases when it gets dark
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q15. This question is about electric circuits.

(a) Which quantity is defined as the rate of flow of charge?
(1)
A current
B power
C resistance
D voltage
(b) Which quantity is defined as the energy transferred per unit charge passed?
(1)
A current
B power
C resistance
D voltage
(c) Diagram 1 shows an electric circuit with two resistors, R and S.
Some of the values of the current are also shown.
(i) On Diagram 1, draw a voltmeter to measure the voltage of resistor S.

(2)
(ii) Deduce the readings on the ammeters.
(2)
0.2
current measured by A1 = ........................................................... A
0.6
current measured by A2 = ........................................................... A
(iii)
Calculate the voltage across resistor R.
(3)
0.40 x 11 =4.4
voltage = ........................................................... V
(iv) Explain how the voltage across resistor R compares with the voltage across the battery.
(2)
The voltage across R is the same as the voltage across the battery because battery and
.............................................................................................................................................
R is connected in parallel
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(d) Diagram 2 shows a different circuit containing a battery, an ammeter and a thermistor.
Explain how the thermistor can be used to vary the current in this circuit.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
the resistor of the thermistor changes so when temp increase the resistance
decreases therefore the current increases when temp increases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q16. A racing car uses an engine and an electric motor to power its wheels.
(a) The electric motor can only operate at maximum power for part of each lap of the race.
The electric motor has a maximum power output of 1.2 × 105 W.
The electric motor transfers 4.0 × 106 J of energy when it operates at maximum power.
Calculate the amount of time the electric motor can operate at maximum power.
(3)
Power = transfer / power
time = et / power
4/10.6 / 1.2 x 10.5 = 33.3
time = ........................................................... s

Q17. The diagram shows some apparatus used to find the mass of an object.
The two pieces of metal foil act as a variable resistor.
When more mass is added, the elastic string stretches and the small piece of metal foil moves to the right.
(a) (i) Draw the circuit diagram for this electrical circuit.
The variable resistor has been drawn for you.
(4)
(ii) Draw a voltmeter on the diagram to measure the voltage of the variable resistor.
(2)
(b) Explain how the voltage across the variable resistor changes if more mass is added to the end of the
elastic string.
(4)
The stretchy resistance increases in resistance so the total resistance of circuit increases
.............................................................................................................................................
as the current gets lost and the voltage across fixed resistor decreases and voltage in
.............................................................................................................................................
stretchy resistor increases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The student extends the investigation by keeping the mass constant and replacing the cell with a
variable power supply.
The student measures the current in the circuit for different voltages.
These are the results.
(i) State the independent variable in the student's investigation.

(1)
voltage
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Plot the student's results on the grid.
(3)
(iii) Draw a line of best fit.
(1)

Q18. Lightning strikes the Earth frequently and often starts in rain clouds.
Inside the clouds, powerful winds move ice particles and tiny water droplets.
The bottom of the clouds becomes negatively charged and the top becomes positively charged.
(a) Give a reason why the clouds become charged.

(1)
because of the rubbing between particles
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The ground below the cloud becomes positively charged.

Explain why the ground becomes charged.
You should use ideas about electron movement in your answer.
(2)
Because of electrons in the ground which are repelled from the ground surface layers
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The build-up of charge in the cloud and in the ground causes the air to ionise.
This means that the air becomes a conductor, and a low resistance path from the cloud to the ground
is formed.
(i) State what is meant by the term ionise.
(1)
turning atom into ion
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) State the relationship between charge, current and time.
(1)
Charge = current x time
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) During one lightning strike, the mean current is 32 kA and the mean charge transferred is 15 C.
Calculate the mean time duration of a lightning strike.
(2)
t = 15 / 32000 = 0.00047
mean time = ........................................................... s

(iv) The mean energy transferred during the lightning strike is 510 × 106 J.
Show that the resistance of the air is approximately 1000
(4)
510 x 10.6 = 15 x 32000
R = 510 x 10.6 / 15 x 32000 = 1060

Q19. The diagram shows a simplified view of part of an inkjet printer.
A negatively charged ink drop falls vertically between a pair of charged plates.
(a) The ink drop experiences a horizontal electrostatic force as it falls.
Explain the direction of the electrostatic force exerted on the ink drop by the charged plates.
(2)
It will move to the right because opposite charges attract
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) On the diagram, draw the path of the ink drop as it falls between the charged plates until it hits the
paper.
(2)
(d) Explain how another ink drop could be deflected in the opposite direction by a greater distance using
the charged plates in the inkjet printer.
(2)
positively charged ink drops could be used by increasing the amount of charges in the ink
.............................................................................................................................................
drop
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q20. An electrostatic paint sprayer is used to paint an object.
(a) The nozzle of the paint sprayer is positively charged.

Explain the advantage of using a charged nozzle.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
The particles in the paint sprayer are positively charges so they repel can produce a thin
layer of paint
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The object is an electrical conductor and is initially uncharged.

Explain why the painting process would be more effective if the object were earthed.
(3)
the object would become charges when paint particles land on it and without earthing the
.............................................................................................................................................
paint particles would be repeled by the object because of same charge and earthing
.............................................................................................................................................
Dis charges the object
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q21. Diagram 1 shows a machine used for demonstrating electrostatics.
(a) When the handle is turned, the dome becomes positively charged.
(i) In terms of electron movement, give a reason why the metal dome becomes positively charged.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
the done loses electrons
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) When the handle is turned for 15 s the dome gains 0.50 J of energy in its electrostatic store as it
becomes charged.
The voltage between the dome and the earth is 120 kV.
Calculate the mean charging current during this time.
(3)
mean charging current = ........................................................... A

(b) The metal dome is discharged.
A thin metal case is then placed on top of the metal dome, as shown in Diagram 2.
(i) When the handle is turned, the thin metal case moves upwards away from the dome.
Explain why the thin metal case starts to move upwards.
(3)
The metal loses electrons and metal is a good conductor the dome and metal would
.............................................................................................................................................
have the same charge
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain why the metal case reaches a maximum height above the metal dome.
(4)
the repulsive forces decrease when separation increases so weight acts on the case causing
.............................................................................................................................................
it to slow down AND KINECTIC ENERGY DECREASES
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q22. This question is about electrostatics.
(a) A student uses a plastic rod to investigate electrostatics.
(i) Describe how the student could have charged the plastic rod.
(2)
The plastic rod can be rubbed with another insulator
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The student uses a meter to measure the amount of charge on the rod.
The meter displays a reading of
Which of these is the same as
(1)
A
B
C
D
(iii) The rod is negatively charged.

Which statement correctly explains why the rod is negatively charged?
(1)
A the rod has gained negatively charged electrons
B the rod has gained positively charged electrons
C the rod has lost negatively charged electrons
D the rod has lost positively charged electrons
(iv) Using a meter is one method of demonstrating that the rod is charged.
Describe another method of demonstrating that the rod is charged.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
the rod can be placed close to the hair and the hair will move towards the rod if charged
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Electrostatic charges can be useful but they can also be dangerous.
(i) Give one use of electrostatic charges.
(1)
Ink jet printer
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain why electrostatic charges can be dangerous when fuelling an aeroplane.
(2)
they can be a spark which causes explosion
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q23. The photograph shows a hair dryer plugged into the mains supply.
The hair dryer contains a fuse.
(a) State which wire in the hair dryer should be in series with the fuse.
(1)
Live wire
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The fuse is an electrical safety feature used in mains-operated domestic appliances.
State two other electrical safety features that can be used in mains-operated domestic appliances.
(2)
earth wire
1 ..........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Circuit breaker
2 ..........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The hair dryer has a current of 9.6 A.
The mains supply voltage is 230 V.
(i) State the formula linking power, current and voltage.
(1)
(ii) Calculate the power of the hair dryer.

Give the unit.
(3)
power = ........................................ unit ........................................

(iii) The hair dryer contains a coil of wire which is used to heat air passing through the hair dryer.
Explain why the coil of wire heats up when there is a current in it.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
becaseu the coil has resistance and the electrons lose energy when the flow through
to coil due to electrons collision with particles in the coil
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(d) Explain how a fuse protects a domestic appliance.

(3)
When there is extra current the fuse melts which cuts off the current preventing shock
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q24. This is a question about how a loudspeaker works.
(a) Diagram 1 shows a student's left hand.
field
Force
current
Label diagram 1 to show what P, Q and R represent in the left-hand rule.

(3)
(b) Diagram 2 shows part of the permanent magnet taken from a loudspeaker.
There is a uniform magnetic field between the north pole and the south pole of the permanent magnet.
On diagram 2, draw three field lines to show this uniform magnetic field.
(2)
(c) The loudspeaker is connected to an alternating current supply.
(i) Describe the difference between alternating current (a.c.) and direct current (d.c.).
(2)
The a.c changes direction frequently
.............................................................................................................................................
d.c only moves in one direction
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Diagram 3 shows a cross-section of the loudspeaker with a current in the coil.
The coil is attached to the tube.

The tube is attached to the paper cone.
State the direction of motion of the paper cone when the current is in the direction shown in diagram
3.
(1)
Right
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain why the loudspeaker does not work when the coil is connected to a battery.
(2)
becasue the battery supplied constant current and there are no vibrations
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q25. (a) (i) A student investigates how current varies with voltage for a metal filament lamp.
Draw a diagram of the circuit that a student could use for this investigation.
(4)
(ii) Describe a method the student could use for their investigation.
(4)
The student could record the voltage and current in the circuit and could repeat the
.............................................................................................................................................
reading and could also find average voltage and see the change in voltage and current
and. Could lot a graph of voltage and current
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The student extends the investigation by recording additional data for the lamp.
This is her method.
For each voltage
switch the current on for 45 seconds

record the current and colour of the lamp
calculate the power and the energy transferred by the lamp
The table shows the student's results.
(i) State the unit for current.

(1)
amperes
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Calculate the missing value of energy for the voltage of 4.0 V.
Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
(2)
energy = ...........................................................
160 J
(iii) The colour of a star is related to its surface temperature.
The Sun is yellow.
Use the student's results to identify a colour for a star that is cooler than the Sun.
(1)
Red
.............................................................................................................................................
Q26. A student investigates how the current in a filament lamp varies as the voltage across the lamp is
changed.
(a) Draw a circuit that the student could use for this investigation.
(4)
(b) The student completes the investigation. The graph shows their results.
(i) Draw a curve of best fit.
(1)
(ii) Use the graph to determine the resistance of the filament lamp when the voltage across the lamp
is 2.0 V.
(3)
(iii) Explain the change in the resistance of the filament lamp as the voltage across the lamp is
increased from 2.0 V.
(2)
the resistance increases because the temp increases
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q27. The diagram shows a circuit used to investigate the relationship between current and voltage for a
light-emitting diode (LED).
(a) Draw meters on the diagram to measure the voltage of the LED and the current in the LED.
(3)
(b) The table shows the results of the investigation.
(i) Plot the results on the grid.

(3)
(ii) One of the results is anomalous.
On the graph, draw a circle around the anomalous result.
(1)
(iii) Draw a curve of best fit.
(1)
(iv) Give a reason why a line graph is the best way of showing these results.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
Becase the data is continuous
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(v) State the formula linking voltage, current and resistance.
(1)
(vi) Any current larger than 15 mA will permanently damage the LED.
The resistor in the circuit has a resistance of 270
Use the results from the investigation to determine the maximum voltage of the power supply without
damaging the LED.
(4)
maximum voltage = ........................................................... V

Q28. Diagram 1 shows a trolley seen from above.
A copper rod is attached to the front of the trolley.
The rod is connected to a voltmeter fixed to the trolley.
(a) Diagram 2 shows the path of the trolley, backwards and forwards through a very strong magnetic field
directed into the page.
The shaded area shows the magnetic field.
(i) A voltage is induced in the copper rod as the trolley moves through the magnetic field.
Explain why the sign of the voltmeter reading changes as the trolley moves backwards and forwards.
(3)
the trolley changes direction and induction depend on relative motion so the voltage also
.............................................................................................................................................
changes direction and the voltage is 0
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Give a reason why the magnitude of the induced voltage might change.
(1)
Because the speed may change
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The voltmeter is replaced by a resistor.
A charge of 1.4 × 10 4 C flows in the resistor during a time of 0.78 s.
(i) Calculate the mean current in the resistor.
(3)
mean current = ........................................................... A
(ii) The thermal energy store of the resistor increases by 2.3 × 10 6 J as energy is transferred to it
electrically.
Calculate the mean voltage across the resistor when a charge of 1.4 × 10 4 C transfers this energy.
(3)
mean voltage = ........................................................... V
Q29. The photograph shows a solar power farm.

(a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using solar power rather than fossil fuels to generate
electricity.
(4)
adv / no carbon dioxide emission
.............................................................................................................................................
Adv / solar is renewable
dis / doesn’t work at night
.............................................................................................................................................
Dis / takes up a lot of space
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Solar panels produce direct current (d.c.).

The National Grid in many countries operates on alternating current (a.c.).
Describe the difference between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.).
(2)
d.c moves only in one direction
.............................................................................................................................................
a.c changes direction frequently
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Name: _______________________________________________
Radioactivity
from sam, 2019-2022
Date:
Time:
Total marks available:
Total marks achieved: ______

Questions
Q1.
This is a question about alpha particles.
(a) Describe the nature of an alpha particle.

(1)
It is a helium nucleus contains 2 neutrons and 2 protons
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The diagram shows the path of an alpha particle as it passes close to a nucleus.
(i) Draw an arrow from point X to show the force on the alpha particle due to the nucleus.
Label this force Y.
(2)
(ii) Draw an arrow to show the force on the nucleus due to the alpha particle.
Label this force Z.
(2)
(iii) Explain how the path of the alpha particle shows whether the nucleus is positive, negative or
neutral.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
The force on the alpha particle is repulsive which means that the alpha and nucleus
must have the same charge so if alpha has a positive charge the nucleus is positively
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
27
(c) The alpha particle experiences a resultant force of 3.6 N and has a mass of 6.6 × 10 kg.
Calculate the acceleration of the alpha particle.
(3)
F=MxA
A = 3.6 / 6.6x10-27 = 5.5 x 10.26
acceleration = ........................................................... m/s2
Q2.
In 2011, a nuclear accident happened at Fukushima in Japan.
This released radioactive materials into the environment.
A month later, the radioactivity of seaweed on the west coast of USA was tested.
The seaweed was found to contain radioactive iodine-131.
The half-life of iodine-131 is 8.0 days.
(a) Three samples of the same mass of seaweed were taken.

The number of counts in 10 minutes of the samples are shown in the table.
Explain why three separate samples were used.

(2)
To find the mean value but this can’t be done consecutively as the samples will have
.............................................................................................................................................
decayed
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Iodine-131 emits beta particles.

There was not a high risk to the public from the iodine-131 in the seaweed.
Explain one reason why the risk was not high.
(2)
Because the beta particles don’t have a long range and won’t enter the body
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q3.
A scientist wants to determine the half-life of a radioactive isotope.
The scientist measures the count rate from the radioactive isotope.
(a) State how the scientist should correct the count rate for background radiation.
(1)
They should subtract the background count radiation
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The graph shows how the activity of the radioactive isotope varies with time.
(i) Explain what is meant by the term half-life.

(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
Time taken for radioactivity to halve
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Use the graph to determine the half-life of this isotope.
(2)
2.6
half-life = ........................................................... minutes
Q4.
Radon is a radioactive gas that contributes to background radiation.
(a) Describe what is meant by the term background radiation.

(2)
Radiation. From sources in the environment as beackeound
.............................................................................................................................................
radiation is all around
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The graph shows the activity of a sample of radon-222.

(i) State what is meant by the term half-life.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Use the graph to determine the half-life of radon-222.

(2)
3.8
half-life = ........................................................... days
(c) Radon-222 is formed by multiple alpha decays of uranium-234.

Complete the nuclear equation by giving the missing information.
(3)
86 2
(d) Radon-222 also emits alpha radiation.
Explain the hazard to humans of breathing in air contaminated with radon-222.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
There can be irrradiation of internal organs as alphas are very ionising and can cause
cancer or mutation
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q5.
Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of cobalt.
The table gives the activity of a sample of cobalt-60 over a period of 10 years.
(a) Give a suitable unit for activity.
(1)
Bequeral
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The graph shows the data.
(i) Label both axes.

(1)
(ii) Draw the curve of best fit.
(1)
(iii) Use the graph to determine the half-life of cobalt-60.
(2)
half-life = ...........................................................
5.6 years
(iv) Estimate the time taken for the activity to decrease to of its initial value.
(2)
3 x 5.6 = 16.8
time = ........................................................... years
(c) Cobalt-60 is produced when a neutron is absorbed by the nucleus of a stable atom of cobalt-59.
The nuclei of these two isotopes can be represented as
Describe a similarity and a difference for the nuclei of these two isotopes of cobalt.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
Both the isotopes have the same number of protons but one cobalt has one more
neutron
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(d) Cobalt-60 decays by beta emission.

Describe what happens to the nucleus of a cobalt-60 atom during beta decay.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
The nueclus loses a neutron and gains. A proton
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(e) Cobalt-60 also emits gamma radiation.

Cobalt-60 is produced in a nuclear reactor.
Discuss the hazards involved and the precautions taken when disposing of cobalt-60.
(4)
Haz - risk of cancer
.............................................................................................................................................
• risk of contamination of land and water
precautions: - need for shielding
.............................................................................................................................................
• special facilities required not landfill
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q6.
An aircraft travels along a runway.
(a) The aircraft starts from rest and has a constant acceleration of 4.1 m/s2.
Calculate the distance required to reach take-off speed of 75 m/s.
(3)
75.2 = 0.2 + 2 x 4.1 + s

S = 5625 / 8.2 = 690
690
distance = ........................................................... m
(b) The aircraft takes off and reaches its maximum height above the ground.
At maximum height, the background radiation count rate is higher than on the ground.
(i) Explain what is meant by background radiation.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
Radiation present everywhere with no obvious source
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Suggest why there is a limit to the number of hours that an airline pilot can fly at maximum height.
(3)
• excessive exposure has higher risk
.............................................................................................................................................
• The dosage is higher at maximum height
.............................................................................................................................................
• Risk of cancer or mutation
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q7.
The chart shows the efficiencies of different methods of generating electricity.
(a) The chart shows that the geothermal power station has an efficiency of 15%.
Explain what is meant by an efficiency of 15%.
(2)
The 15% of the energy had been transferred usefully
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) A small hydroelectric power station has a useful energy output of 6.0 kJ.
Calculate the total energy input for this power station using information from the chart.
(4)
90 = 0.9
0.9 = 6/total energy input
EI = useful energy / effiecient = 6.7
total energy input = ........................................................... kJ

(c) (i) Name a fuel used in the reactor of a nuclear power station.
(1)
Uranium
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) These sentences describe the process of nuclear fission.
Complete these sentences by writing a suitable word in each blank space.
(5)
Neutron
A nucleus absorbs a ............................................................................................. .
The nucleus formed splits because it is .............................................................................................
Unstable .
The nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei called
Daughter
.............................................................................................
Neutrons
nuclei and two or three ............................................................................................. .
The energy released is transferred into the
Kinect if
.............................................................................................
energy store of the fission products.
Q8.
(a) Bismuth-207 is a gamma emitter and is represented by the symbol
How many neutrons are in the nucleus of an atom of bismuth-207?

(1)
A 83
B 124
C 207
D 290
(b) Which of these gives the best description of gamma radiation?

(1)
A a helium nucleus
B a high energy electron
C a high frequency electromagnetic wave
D a subatomic particle with mass, but with no charge
(c) A technician uses this method to investigate the penetration power of gamma radiation.
place a gamma emitting source at a fixed distance from a radiation detector

measure the count using the detector, for a period of one minute
place a thin sheet of lead between the source and the detector
measure the new count using the detector, for a period of one minute
increase the number of lead sheets between the source and detector and repeat this process
The table gives some of the variables from the technician's method.
Complete the table by placing a tick ( ) in each row to show whether each variable is an independent,
a dependent or a control variable.
(3)
Q9.
A material called granite is used as a work surface in a kitchen.
(a) Granite is formed naturally and contains radioactive isotopes.

The granite work surface contributes to the background radiation in the kitchen.
Give another naturally occurring source of background radiation.
The sun (1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Granite contains the isotope thorium-232 .
Thorium-232 decays by a sequence of alpha decays and beta decays to form radon-220 .
(i) State two differences between alpha radiation and beta radiation.
(2)
Alpha has more mass and more charge
1 ..........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Alpha has a shorter range

2 ..........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The incomplete nuclear decay equation summarises the decay sequence of thorium-232 into
radon-220.
3
2
Calculate the number of alpha particles and the number of beta particles emitted in this decay
sequence.
(3)
3
number of alpha particles = ...........................................................
2
number of beta particles = ...........................................................
(c) Thorium-232 is a solid and remains in the work surface.

Radon-220 is a gas and is emitted from the work surface.
Thorium-232 and radon-220 both emit alpha radiation.
Discuss the hazards due to the granite work surface when a person is working in the kitchen.
Refer to contamination and irradiation in your answer.
(3)
Alpha can cause cancer
.............................................................................................................................................
Thorium can cause irradiation
.............................................................................................................................................
Radon gas can cause contamination
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q10.
This question is about food preservation.
(a) The diagram shows how gamma radiation is used to irradiate fruit stored in a wooden box.
The radiation kills bacteria on the fruit.
Explain why gamma radiation is used instead of alpha radiation to kill bacteria.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
Gamma radiation is more penetrating than alpha so it can pass through the wooden box
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The wooden box has this label.
Explain why fruit irradiated with gamma radiation is safe to eat.

(2)
Because there is no Bacteria and it is not contaminated
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q11.
A teacher investigates the penetrating ability of the gamma rays from a gamma source.
This is the teacher's method.
place the gamma source at a distance of 25 cm from a radiation detector

place a 1 cm thick absorbing material between the source and the detector
measure the radiation count from the source for a time period of 3 s
calculate the count rate in counts per second
repeat the measurement two more times
The teacher repeats this method for different absorbing materials.
(a) Name a suitable radiation detector that the teacher could use.
(1)
GM tube
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) State the independent variable in the teacher's investigation.

(1)
The absorbing material
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Explain why every absorbing material used in the investigation has a thickness of 1 cm.
(2)
The thickness affec tree the count rate and it is a control variable
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(d) Suggest one improvement the teacher could make to this method.
(1)
She could take more repeats
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(e) The table shows the teacher's results for seven different absorbing materials.
(i) On the grid, plot a bar chart of the mean count rate for each absorbing material.
(3)
(ii) Why is a bar chart the correct way to display the results?
(1)
A absorbing material is a continuous variable
B absorbing material is not a continuous variable
C count rate is a continuous variable

D count rate is not a continuous variable
(iii) A student concludes that plastic is the best absorber of gamma radiation because plastic gives the
largest mean count rate.
Evaluate the student's conclusion.
(2)
That the lower the count rate the better the absorber
.............................................................................................................................................
Lead is the best absorber
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q12.
This is a question about nuclear energy.
(a) Nuclear fusion can take place between different isotopes of hydrogen to produce an isotope of
helium.
(i) Complete the nuclear equation for this process.
(2)
4
(ii) This process also results in the release of energy.

State where the fusion process takes place naturally.
(1)
Starts
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Explain why the isotopes of hydrogen must be heated to a very high temperature for fusion to take
place.
(3)
The hydrogen nuclei repel so high kinectic energy is needed to get close enough
.............................................................................................................................................
to fuse together
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Nuclear fission also results in a release of energy.
Explain how nuclear fission differs from nuclear fusion.
(2)
Nuclear fission is when a large nucleus splits into to daughter nuclei and
.............................................................................................................................................
fusion is when two small nuclei fuse together to form a large nucleus
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q13.
The diagram shows a model of a chain reaction in a nuclear fission reactor.
A ball falls through the hole and hits a mousetrap.
This mousetrap then releases another ball.
Each released ball hits a different mousetrap.
(a) Each mousetrap represents a uranium-235 nucleus.

(i) Name the particle represented by the balls.
(1)
Neutron s
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Describe what is meant by the term nuclear fission.
(2)
It is when the large nucleus splits and forms tow daughter nuclei
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) Describe what is meant by the term chain reaction.
(2)
Neutrons released by fission are absorbed by the uranium nuclei causing
.............................................................................................................................................
fission to occur in other uranium nuclei
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The walls of a real nuclear reactor are not made of plastic.
Give a suitable material for the walls of a real nuclear reactor.
(1)
Lead
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Use words from the box to complete the sentences about the moderator and control rods in a nuclear
reactor.
(4)
The moderator in a nuclear reactor can be made of

Graphite
............................................................................................. .
Slow
The moderator is designed to ............................................................................................. neutrons.
The control rods in a nuclear reactor can be made of

Boron
............................................................................................. .
The control rods are designed to ............................................................................................. neutrons.

Absorb

Q14.
In extreme conditions, the isotope lithium-6 can be made to undergo nuclear fission.
(a) The lithium-6 nucleus absorbs a neutron and produces an alpha particle and an isotope of hydrogen.
The incomplete nuclear equation for this fission is
(i) Complete the nuclear equation by writing the numbers in the boxes.
(2)
(ii) Explain why this fission does not cause a chain reaction.
(2)
Because faster neutrons are required for faster fission but no neutrons are
.............................................................................................................................................
produced in the fission process
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Explain the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
(2)
Fission is when a large nuclei splits into two identical daughter cells
.............................................................................................................................................
Fusion is when two small nuclei fuse together to form a large nucleus
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q15.
This question is about nuclear fission.
(a) The isotope uranium-235 can be made to undergo nuclear fission.

Describe the process of nuclear fission for uranium-235.
(4)
The neutron is absorbed by uranium
.............................................................................................................................................
Uranium 235 turns into uranium 236
.............................................................................................................................................
Nucleus splits and produces two daughter nuclei
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Some power stations use the nuclear fission of uranium-235 to generate electricity.
Fission takes place inside a nuclear reactor.
(i) Explain why a nuclear reactor is usually surrounded by thick concrete.

The products of fission are harmful and shielding absorb radiation (2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The coolant from the nuclear reactor is used to heat steam to a very high temperature.
Steam is water in the gas state.
Using ideas about particles, explain why a pressure is exerted on the tubes containing the steam.
(3)
The particles collide with the walls of the pipe
.............................................................................................................................................
Force is exerted on the walls
.............................................................................................................................................
The pressure is force of an area
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q16.
This question is about a nuclear fission chain reaction.
(a) Uranium-235 is an isotope of uranium that can undergo nuclear fission.

The table gives some statements about this fission process.
Add ticks to the table to show which statements are correct.
(3)
(b) State which product of nuclear fission causes the next uranium-235 nucleus to split in the chain
reaction.
Neutrons (1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Uranium-235 is radioactive and emits alpha radiation.

Which of these statements describes alpha radiation?
(1)
A an electromagnetic wave
B a helium nucleus
C a high energy electron
D a high energy neutron
(d) Some of the products of nuclear fission are radioactive because their nuclei have too many neutrons.
These nuclei become more stable when a neutron changes into a proton.
State which type of radiation is emitted by radioactive nuclei with too many neutrons.
(1)
Beta
.............................................................................................................................................
Q17.
(a) Uranium-235 captures a neutron and undergoes nuclear fission in a chain reaction.
The equation shows a possible nuclear fission reaction.
Calculate x, the number of neutrons released by this fission reaction.

(2)
4
x = ...........................................................
(b) Describe what is meant by a chain reaction.

(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
Fission releases nuclei which can be captured by
other uranium nuclei which can undergo fission
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Iodine-129 is an isotope found in radioactive waste from nuclear power stations.
Iodine-129 has a half-life of approximately 15 million years.
A sample of iodine-129 has an activity of 72 kBq.
Show that the time required for the sample to have an activity less than 5 kBq is approximately 60
million years.
(3)
72/2= 36
4 half lives required
Count rate after half life =4.5
4 half loves = 60 million years
(d) Some radioactive waste from nuclear power stations has a very long half-life.
Discuss precautions that must be taken when disposing of this radioactive waste.
(5)
• use strong containers
.............................................................................................................................................
• Containers can’t rust
• Rust proof container are expensive
.............................................................................................................................................
• Security of the site
.............................................................................................................................................
• Dilution of sea and water
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q18.
Nuclear fusion is a process that occurs in the core of stars.
(a) Which is the best description of nuclear fusion?

(1)
A large nucleus splitting into two smaller nuclei
B nucleus emitting an electromagnetic wave
C nucleus releasing a beta particle
D two smaller nuclei joining together to form a larger nucleus
(b) Two nuclei are close together and stationary.

Explain why these nuclei will move apart.
(2)
They both are positively charged so they will
.............................................................................................................................................
repel
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Describe the conditions needed for fusion to occur in the core of a star.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
High temperature and high pressure
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q19.
This question is about nuclear fusion.
(a) The incomplete nuclear equation shows the fusion of two isotopes of hydrogen.
(i) Identify particle X in the nuclear equation.

(1)
Neutron
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Each fusion reaction releases approximately 3 × 10 12 J of energy.
Estimate how many reactions are needed to produce 1 J of energy.
Give your answer to 1 significant figure.
(2)
Number = 3 x 10.11
number of reactions = ...........................................................
(iii) Explain why this fusion reaction will only happen at high temperature and high pressure.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
Nuclei move slowly at low temp
Nuclei repel each other
.............................................................................................................................................
Nuclei cannot get close enough
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) A tokamak is an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.

Strong magnetic fields are used to contain the reactants inside the tokamak.
(i) The diagram shows a positively charged hydrogen nucleus in a uniform magnetic field directed out
of the page.
The nucleus experiences a force acting to the left because of the magnetic field.
Deduce how the nucleus must behave to experience this force.
(2)
The nucleus must be moving downwards
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Suggest how engineers working on the tokamak could increase the force on the nucleus.
(1)
Increase magnetic field strength
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q20.
(a) The diagram shows a nuclear reactor.

Each part of the nuclear reactor has a function and is made of a suitable material for its function.
Complete the table by giving the missing information.
(5)
Absorbs neutrons
Slows neutron s
Lead
Uranium
Provides material for fission
(b) Heavy water is a compound of oxygen and an isotope of hydrogen called deuterium.
Deuterium is formed by the fusion of protons.
(i) State the meaning of the term isotope.
(2)
Same number of protons but different number
.............................................................................................................................................
of neutron s
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
(2)
Fission is the splitting of large nucleus
.............................................................................................................................................
Fusion is the joining of 2 small nuclei
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) State a location where nuclear fusion takes place.
(1)
Stars
.............................................................................................................................................
(iv) Explain why fusion cannot take place at low temperature or low pressure.
(2)
Nuclei move slowly at low temp
.............................................................................................................................................
They repel each other
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q21.
This is a question about a nuclear fusion power station.
(a) Explain what happens during nuclear fusion.

(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
Large nucleus is formed by two small nuclei resulting in loss of mass and loss of energy
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The diagram shows how a fusion power station could supply the National Grid in the future.
(i) State the main method of energy transfer from the fusion power station generator to the primary
coil of the
step-up transformer.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
Electrical working
(ii) The fusion power station could supply the input coil of the step-up transformer with a current of 28
kA at a
voltage of 21 kV.
The output coil of the transformer has a voltage of 330 kV.
Assume the transformer is 100% efficient.
Calculate the current in the output coil of the transformer.
(3)
28 x 21= 330 x c2
C2 = (28 x 21) / 330 = 1.78
current = ........................................................... kA
Q22.
This is a question about a nuclear reactor.
(a) The diagram shows a small particle about to collide with a uranium-235 nucleus inside the reactor.
The nucleus absorbs this small particle and undergoes nuclear fission.
(i) State the name of the small particle.
Neutron (1)
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) State what happens to the nucleus in nuclear fission.
(1)
The nucleus splits
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(iii) State the name of the energy store that increases during nuclear fission.
(1)
Kinetic energy
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The fission products emit gamma radiation.

Explain why the nuclear reactor is surrounded by thick concrete shielding.
(3)
Gamma radiation is a hazard and shielding will absorb the radiation and gamma has
.............................................................................................................................................
higher penetrating power
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q23.
(a) Which statement describes the term atomic number for a nucleus?
(1)
A number of electrons in the nucleus
B number of neutrons in the nucleus
C number of protons in the nucleus
D number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
(b) Which statement describes the term mass number for a nucleus?
(1)
A number of electrons in the nucleus
B number of neutrons in the nucleus
C number of protons in the nucleus
D number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
(c) Which statement describes the term isotopes?

(1)
A atoms with the same number of electrons but a different number of protons
B atoms with the same number of neutrons but a different number of electrons
C atoms with the same number of neutrons but a different number of protons
D atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
(d) An atom contains 8 protons, 8 neutrons and 8 electrons.

Which of these would result in a negatively charged ion of the same element?
(1)
A adding an electron
B adding a proton
C removing an electron
D removing a proton
(e) It is not possible to predict exactly when a radioactive nucleus will decay.
Which feature of radioactive decay best explains this observation?
(1)
A radioactive decay can change the structure of the nucleus
B radioactive decay happens at random
C radioactive decay is irreversible
D radioactive decay makes a nucleus more stable
(f) Which of these is the correct unit for measuring the activity of a radioactive sample?
(1)
A becquerel (Bq)
B coulomb (C)
C joule (J)
D watt (W)
Q24.
(a) The table gives some statements about different parts of a nuclear reactor.
Place ticks ( ) in the boxes to show which statements are about the moderator and which statements
are about a control rod in a nuclear reactor.
(3)
(b) Describe the role of shielding around a nuclear reactor.
Prevents radiation escaping by absorbing neutrons (2)

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) A uranium fuel rod is made from fuel pellets that contain uranium-235 and uranium-238.
Only uranium-235 undergoes nuclear fission in the reactor core.
Energy is released when the uranium-35 nuclei undergo fission.
The box gives some data about a typical uranium fuel pellet.
(i) Calculate the number of uranium-235 atoms in the fuel pellet.

Mass = 3 x 0.008&= 2.64 x 10-4
(2)
Number = 2.64 x 10-4 / 3.90 x 10-25= 6.8
x 10.20
number of uranium-235 atoms = ...........................................................
(ii) Calculate the energy released when the nucleus of a single atom of uranium-235 undergoes fission.
(2)
2.17 x10.10 / 6.8 x 10.20 = 3.2 x 10-11
energy released = ........................................................... J
Q25.
(a) The diagram shows tracks produced by radiation in a device called a cloud chamber.
The tracks are formed when particles ionise the material in the cloud chamber.
Alpha particles produce the shorter, thicker tracks.

Beta particles produce the longer, thinner tracks.
Explain why alpha particles produce the shorter, thicker tracks.
(2)
Alphas do not penetrate
.............................................................................................................................................
Alphas are more ionizing
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Uranium-235 is an isotope of uranium that can decay by emitting an alpha particle.
(i) Describe what is meant by the term isotope.
(2)
The same number of protons but different number of
.............................................................................................................................................
neutrons
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Complete the equation for the decay of uranium-235
(2)
90
(iii) Uranium-235 decays to thorium-231 with a half-life of 700 million years.

When a rock was formed, it contained 6400 million uranium-235 nuclei and no thorium-231 nuclei.
Show that after 2100 million years there are seven times more thorium nuclei than uranium nuclei in
the rock.
(5)
After 2100 million = 800 million nuclei

After 2100 million years = 5600 million thorium nuclei
5600/800 = 7

Q26.
Gallium-67 is a radioactive isotope of gallium used as a medical tracer.
Medical tracers are placed in the body to diagnose illnesses.
The tracer emits radiation which can be used to find the position of the tracer in the body.
(a) Gallium-67 can be represented using the symbol
Give the number of protons and the number of neutrons in gallium-67.

31 (2)
number of protons = ...........................................................
36
number of neutrons = ...........................................................
(b) When gallium-67 decays it emits gamma radiation.

Explain why this makes it an effective medical tracer.
(2)
Gamma has a high penetrating ability and it can be
.............................................................................................................................................
detected outside the body
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) Gallium-68 is another radioactive isotope of gallium that can be used as a medical tracer.
Describe the difference between the nucleus of gallium-68 and the nucleus of gallium-67.
They have a different number of neutrons and the difference is 1 (2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q27.
A teacher uses a radioactive source containing atoms of the isotope radium-226.
(a) Give a safety precaution that would reduce the teacher's exposure to radiation when working with the
radioactive source.
(1)
Use of lead shielding
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) Radium-226 can be represented using the symbol
How many neutrons are in the nucleus of an atom of radium-226?

(1)
A 88
B 138
C 226
D 314
(c) The teacher investigates the type of radiation emitted from the radioactive source.
(i) Give the name of a piece of apparatus that detects ionising radiation.
(1)
GM tube
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The teacher finds that the radiation emitted from the radioactive source is not detected when the
detector is more than
5 cm away from the source.
State the type of radiation emitted by the radioactive source.
(1)
Alpha
.............................................................................................................................................
(d) The number of radium-226 atoms in the source decreases over time, with a half-life of 1600 years.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) The radioactive source contains 2.66 × 1021 atoms of radium-226.
Approximately how many atoms of radium-226 will remain in the source after 800 years?
(1)
21
A 0.67 × 10
B 1.33 × 1021
C 1.88 × 1021
D 2.66 × 1021

Q28.
Technetium-98 and technetium-99 are isotopes of the element technetium.
(a) (i) Describe the difference between the nuclei of technetium-98 and technetium-99
They have different number of neutrons and (2)
technetium 99 has one more neutron
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Technetium-99 is formed when the element molybdenum-99 decays.
Complete the nuclear equation for the decay of molybdenum into technetium-99
(2)
-1
43
(b) Describe an experiment that a scientist could use to demonstrate that the emission from
technetium-99 is gamma radiation. Hhs
Include details of a safety precaution in your answer.
(5)
Use counter GM tube to record the count rate without source and then
.............................................................................................................................................
record count rate with source then substrat them to find the correct
.............................................................................................................................................
count rate and use shielding
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) A scientist measures the count rate at different distances from the technetium source.
The graph shows how the count rate changes with distance from the technetium source.
The scientist suggests that the relationship between the count rate and distance is
(distance)2 × count rate = constant
Use data from the graph to determine whether these results support this relationship.
(4)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Q29.
Technetium-99m is an isotope of the element technetium.
(a) Technetium-99m has a half-life of 6 hours.

A sample of technetium-99m has an initial activity of 160 Bq.
Complete the graph to show how the activity of this sample of technetium-99m changes over a period
of 24 hours.
(3)
(b) Technetium-99m has a half-life of 6 hours and can be used as a medical tracer.
It is injected into a patient's blood and moves around the patient's body.
Technetium-99m emits gamma radiation, which is used to locate the position of the tracer in the
patient's body.
(i) Technetium-99m does not exist naturally.
Suggest why technetium-99m is usually made at the hospital where it is used.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
It decays very quickly
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain why technetium-99m is an effective isotope to use as a medical tracer.
(2)
Gamma can be penetrated outside the body and can be detected outside the
.............................................................................................................................................
body
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The gamma radiation emitted by technetium-99m is potentially harmful to humans.

Discuss the risks of using technetium-99m to doctors and to patients.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
There can be a risk of cancer
And patients will have procedure rarely so low risk for doctor but the
.............................................................................................................................................
doctow will have to administer the procedure frequently so there can
be a high risk
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q30.
A teacher does an investigation to determine the half-life of a radioactive source.
(a) The radioactive source emits particles of radiation that are negatively charged.
Name the type of radiation emitted by this source.
(1)
Beta
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) This is the teacher's method.
measure the count rate in the room

bring the radioactive source into the room
measure the count rate from the radioactive source every two hours
to determine the corrected count rate, subtract the count rate in the room from each count rate
measured from the radioactive source
plot a graph of corrected count rate against time
use the graph to determine the half-life of the radioactive source
(i) Give a reason why the teacher measures the count rate in the room before bringing the radioactive
source into the room.
(1)
.............................................................................................................................................
To allow background radiation
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) State the dependent variable in the teacher's investigation.
(1)
Count rate
.............................................................................................................................................
(c) The graph shows the teacher's results.

(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(ii) A different radioactive source has the same initial corrected count rate but a shorter half-life.
Sketch another line on the graph to show how the corrected count rate of this different source
changes with time.
(2)
Q31.
The nuclear equation shows how a nucleus of uranium-236 may undergo nuclear fission.
2
(a) Determine how many neutrons are released in this fission process.
(1)
2
number of neutrons = ...........................................................
(b) The table gives some of the constituents of this nuclear fission.
Complete the table by putting one tick in each row to show whether the constituent is a parent
nucleus or a
daughter nucleus.
(2)
(c) Describe how the neutrons released in this fission process can cause a chain reaction.
(2)
.............................................................................................................................................
Neutrons are absorbed by another nucleus and then nucleus splits
realising more neutrons
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Q32.
The photograph shows a glass plate made from uranium glass.

Uranium oxide is used to give the glass a green colour.
(a) Uranium-238 is the most common isotope of uranium and can be represented using this symbol.
(i) State what information the numbers 92 and 238 give about the nucleus of this isotope of uranium.
(2)
Proton
92 .............................................................................................................................................
Neutron and protons

238 ...........................................................................................................................................
(ii) Uranium-238 decays by alpha emission.
Describe how the nucleus of a uranium-238 atom changes as a result of alpha emission.
(2)
The nucleus loses two protons and loses two neutrons
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
(b) The table gives some information about the uranium glass plate.
(i) Calculate the number of uranium-238 atoms in the plate.

(2)
number of atoms = ...........................................................
(ii) Uranium-238 is an alpha emitter and has a half-life of 4.5 billion years.
Explain why it is safe to eat food from the uranium glass plate.
(3)
Food is not contaminated
.............................................................................................................................................
Alpha cannot penetrate the skin or body
.............................................................................................................................................
And it contains a low percentage of uranium
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

number of atoms = ...........................................................
(ii) Uranium-238 is an alpha emitter and has a half-life of 4.5 billion years.
Explain why it is safe to eat food from the uranium glass plate.
(3)
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Electricity Including Electrostatics: Name

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electricity Including Electrostatics: Name

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electricity Including Electrostatics: Name

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Name: _______________________________________________

Electricity including Electrostatics

Total marks available:

Total marks achieved: ______

charge transferred = current x time

(Total for question = 10 marks)

There is an electric current in the circuit when the switch is closed.

(b) The electric current in the circuit is a flow of charged particles.

number of charged particles =.............................................

Q3. Diagram 1 shows a simple loudspeaker.

(a) Describe how the loudspeaker produces sound.

p = 0.75 x 0.15 = 011

Plot the student's results on the grid.

(Total for question = 15 marks)

(Total for question = 9 marks)

This question is about an electric fan.

(a) A battery supplies a voltage of 12 V and a current of 0.25 A to the fan.

(Total for question = 4 marks)

(a) (i) Calculate the voltage across the thermistor.

0.91 / 1.5 = 0.6

(Total for question = 11 marks)

(a) (i) Give the voltmeter reading.

Voltage = current x resistance

(iii) Calculate the resistance of resistor X.

(Total for question = 12 marks)

(ii) Calculate the power dissipated by the resistor.

(c) The cell in the circuit is a source of direct current.

(Total for question = 9 marks)

(a) Sketch a graph to show what is meant by a.c.

(b) State the reason why the circuit contains a diode.

(ii) State the equation relating power, current and voltage.

(Total for question = 8 marks)

(a) Give a reason why component R is included in the circuit.

(b) The student draws a graph of his results.

(Total for question = 9 marks)

He pours some fine powder into a funnel.

The metal can rests on a metal cap.

(b) A coulombmeter measures electric charge.

B it loses negatively charged electrons

C it gains positively charged electrons

D it loses positively charged electrons

(ii) State the formula linking charge, current and time.

(Total for question = 12 marks)

The diagram shows an electric circuit.

(a) When the thermistor is in hot water, its resistance is 490

(Total for question = 8 marks)

(a) A light emitting diode (LED) is represented using the symbol

(c) Switch 1 is now opened whilst switch 2 remains closed.

(ii) The voltage across the cell stays constant at 4.5 V.

(Total for question = 12 marks)

(Total for question = 12 marks)

Q15. This question is about electric circuits.

(i) On Diagram 1, draw a voltmeter to measure the voltage of resistor S.

(Total for question = 14 marks)

(Total for question = 3 marks)

(i) State the independent variable in the student's investigation.

(Total for question = 15 marks)

(a) Give a reason why the clouds become charged.

(b) The ground below the cloud becomes positively charged.