Physics questions and solutions

Browse original practice and official past-paper questions. Each question has its own link, with its source and worked solution.

498 questions · Page 9 of 21

1. Q16 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
   According to the theory of special relativity, the concept of simultaneity is best described as
   Question and worked solution
2. Q17 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
   The definition of magnetic field is
   Question and worked solution
3. Q18 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
   Calculate the initial vertical velocity of a projectile with an initial velocity of $68\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}$ at an angle of $51^\circ$ up from the horizontal.
   Question and worked solution
4. Q19 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
   A solenoid with 24 loops of wire produces an EMF of 36 V during a magnetic flux change of 0.3 Wb. Calculate the period during which the magnetic flux varied.
   Question and worked solution
5. Q20 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
   Calculate the frequency of light that would be required to eject a photoelectron at a velocity of $1.90 \times 10^{6}\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}$ from a metal plate with a work function of 4.73 eV.
   Question and worked solution
6. Q21 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 3 marks
   An object that is 7.12 × 10^6 m from the centre of the Earth experiences a gravitational force of 2.84 kN. Calculate the mass of the object.
   Question and worked solution
7. Q22 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
   List the six types of leptons.

   1. 4.

   2. 5.

   3. 6.
   Question and worked solution
8. Q23 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 2 marks
   Twin astronauts conduct an experiment where one travels with a velocity close to the speed of light to a distant planet, while the other stays on Earth. Each twin expects the other to be a different age by the time the first twin reaches and remains on the distant planet. Use the theory of special relativity to explain why the twins will no longer be the sam…
   Question and worked solution
9. Q24 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 4 marks
   A spaceship travelled from Planet A to Planet B at a speed of 0.90c. An observer that was stationary relative to both planets measured the time taken for the trip to be 4.0 years. Calculate the time taken for the trip as measured by an observer on the spaceship.
   Question and worked solution
10. Q25 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 3 marks
    Mars has an average orbital radius of approximately 1.5 times the average orbital radius of Earth. Calculate the time it takes Mars to orbit the Sun.
    Question and worked solution
11. Q26 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 3 marks
    A photoelectric effect experiment was conducted by shining different frequencies of light on a plate made of an unknown metal. The graph shows the kinetic energies of ejected photoelectrons with respect to the frequency of incident light.

    The table shows the work functions of various metals.

    Determine which metal is most likely to have ejected the photoele…
    Question and worked solution
12. Q27 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 4 marks
    The diagram shows a small section of the emission spectrum for a mixture of gases.

    The diagram shows the atomic energy level diagram for a gas known as Element A.

    Determine whether it is possible that Element A is one of the gases in the mixture.
    Question and worked solution
13. Q28 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 1 · 4 marks
    The diagram shows a charged particle moving between two current-carrying wires.

    Calculate the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the charged particle.
    Question and worked solution
14. Q1 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 1 mark
    Explain why an object with mass cannot travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.
    Question and worked solution
15. Q2 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 6 marks
    A physicist measured the electric field strength at different distances away from a point charge. The data is plotted in the graph.
    Question and worked solution
16. Q3 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 5 marks
    The diagram shows the atomic energy levels of the atoms in an unknown gas.

    Predict the shortest wavelength of visible light that could be emitted from this unknown gas.

    (Note: The range of visible wavelengths of light is between 400 nm and 700 nm.)
    Question and worked solution
17. Q4 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 5 marks
    Describe how experiments on the photoelectric effect provide evidence of the quantised nature of photons.
    Question and worked solution
18. Q5 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 4 marks
    An electron is situated halfway between two nuclei that are separated from each other by a distance of 4.5­× 10-10 m. The first nucleus contains two protons. The second nucleus contains three protons. Calculate the magnitude of the overall electromagnetic force experienced by the electron.
    Question and worked solution
19. Q6 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 4 marks
    The diagram shows a particle, Q, entering a uniform magnetic field of $0.090\,\mathrm{T}$. The particle has a speed of $1.5\times10^{6}\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}$. Once in the magnetic field, the particle moves in a circular path as shown.

    It is suspected that Q is one of the particles listed in the table.

    | Particle number | Charge, $q$ (C) | Mass, $m$ (kg) | |…
    Question and worked solution
20. Q7 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 3 marks
    A photoelectric effect experiment is conducted by shining different frequencies of light on a sample of aluminium. The kinetic energy of the ejected photoelectrons was measured. The data is plotted in the graph.

    Identify the mathematical relationship between kinetic energy, $E_K$, and incident frequency, $f$.
    Question and worked solution
21. Q8 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 4 marks
    The diagram shows an object sliding down a frictionless inclined plane.

    The graph shows the velocity of the object measured at various times.

    Determine the angle of incline, $\theta_i$, of the inclined plane. Show your working.
    Question and worked solution
22. Q9 · 2020 QCAA · Paper 2 · 5 marks
    Nine planets orbit the same star. The orbital radius and orbital period of each planet was measured. The graph shows the cube of the orbital radius of each planet, $r^3$, compared to its orbital period squared, $T^2$.

    Determine the mass of the star. Show your working.
    Question and worked solution
23. Q1 · Original practice · 1 mark
    A force of $18.0\,\text{N}$ acts at $35^\circ$ above the horizontal. What is its horizontal component?
    Projectile motion
24. Q2 · Original practice · 1 mark
    A ball is launched horizontally from a platform $20.0\,\text{m}$ above level ground. Neglecting air resistance, how long does it take to reach the ground?
    Projectile motion