GRADE 8

MILNERTON HIGH SCHOOL

NATURAL SCIENCES END-OF-YEAR EXAM

7 NOVEMBER 2019
JUNE 2011
EXAMINER: J. VISSIAN
MODERATORS: CL, AR

MARKS: 100
TIME: 100 MINUTES

This question paper consists of 11 pages.

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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Write ALL the answers on ANSWER SHEETS.

3. Start the answers to EACH question at the top of a NEW side of a page.

4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.

5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

6. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.

7. Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts only when asked to do so.

8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

9. Do NOT use graph paper.

10. You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass, where
necessary.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

12. Round off calculations to TWO decimal places where applicable.

2
 SECTION A
(ENERGY & CHANGE AND PLANET EARTH & BEYOND)

QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE

1. Four options are provided as possible answers to the following

questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Write only
the letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.1–1.10).

1.1.1 During the electrolysis of a copper chloride solution…

A copper is formed at the positive electrode and chlorine gas at the

negative electrode.

B chlorine gas is formed at the positive electrode and copper at the

negative electrode.

C copper is formed at the positive electrode and oxygen at the negative

electrode.

D copper is formed at the negative electrode and hydrogen at the positive

electrode. (2)

1.1.2 The strength of an electromagnet does NOT depend on…

A the magnitude of the current in the conductor.

B the direction of the current.

C the number of turns around the metal nail.

D the quality of the metal of which the metal nail is made. (2)

1.1.3 Below a yellow street light, a red car appears…

A red.

B yellow.

C green.

D black. (2)

3
1.1.4 The primary colours of light are red,

A green and violet.

B blue and violet.

C yellow and blue.

D green and blue. (2)

1.1.5 A matt black cloth appears black because it…

A transmits all the light which strikes it.

B reflects all the light which strikes it.

C absorbs all the light which strikes it.

D absorbs only certain colours that strike it. (2)

1.1.6 A light ray travels from air to glass to water. Which of the following diagrams is
INCORRECTLY drawn if the optical density of water is greater than that of air,
but smaller than that of glass?

(2)
1.1.7 An insulator is a substance that…

A conducts electricity.

B generates heat.

C does not conduct an electric current.

D offers resistance to the passing of a current. (2)

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1.1.8 Comets come from...

A the asteroid and Kuiper belt.

B the Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud.

C the Oort cloud only.

D deep space. (2)

1.1.9 The closest star to the Earth is....

A the Sun.

B Alpha Centauri.

C Beta Centauri.

D Proxima Centauri. (2)

1.1.10 The third planet from the Sun is…

A Jupiter.

B Saturn.

C Earth.

D Mercury. (2)

(2 X 10 = 20)
QUESTION 2: TERMINOLOGY
2. Give ONE word/term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the
word/term next to the question number (2.1–2.5).

2.1 A person who studies the stars in the sky.

2.2 A group of stars with a specific name.

2.3 An icy ring of material just outside the orbit of Neptune.

2.4 An electrical circuit that allows a current to travel along an unintended path
with no or very low resistance.

2.5 Several cells that are connected together forming the source of energy in a
circuit.
(1 x 5 = 5)

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QUESTION 3: MATCHING COLUMNS

3. Choose an item from COLUMN B that matches a description in COLUMN A.

Write only the letter (A – I) next to the question number (3.1 – 3.5).

COLUMN A COLUMN B

3.1 A rounded body travelling A Solar flares

around a star in a clear
circular orbit.

3.2 Explosions of gas on the B Opaque

surface of the Sun.

3.3 An object that does not C Planet

allow light to pass through
it.

3.4 The type of electrical D Series

circuit used in
households.

3.5 Areas on the surface of E Transparent

the Sun that are slightly
cooler and appear dark.

F Dwarf planet

G Sunspots

H Parallel

I Prominences

(1 x 5 = 5)

TOTAL SECTION A [30]

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 SECTION B
(ENERGY & CHANGE)

QUESTION 4

4.1 The table below contains the results from an investigation to determine the
effect of the distance of an object from a lamp on the size of the object’s
shadow. Study the table and answer the questions that follow.

Distance of object from lamp (cm) Size of the shadow (cm)

20 150

60 50

100 30

140 21

180 17

200 15

4.1.1 Identify the:

a) Independent variable (1)

b) Dependent variable (1)

4.1.2 Provide a suitable hypothesis for this investigation. (2)

4.1.3 Draw a line graph to represent the results given in the table above. (6)

4.1.4 Give a possible conclusion for this investigation. State it as a relationship. (2)

4.1.5 Suggest ONE way in which the reliability of this investigation can be
increased. (1)
[13]

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4.2 Choose the correct word(s) in brackets to complete each sentence. Write the
number and answer only.

We see objects because light (4.2.1 reflected from \ absorbed by) objects
enter the eye through the (4.2.2 retina \ pupil) and strikes the
(4.2.3 retina \ pupil) at the back of the eyeball. The retina consists of
(4.2.2 receptor \ refractive) cells which are sensitive to light. The receptor cells
convert the (4.2.5 electrical \ light) energy into (4.2.6 optical \ electrical) nerve
impulses which travel to the (4.2.7 eye \ brain) through the optic nerve, where
they are interpreted as (4.2.8 a sound \ an image).
[8]

QUESTION 5

5.1 Draw a simple circuit diagram that has a buzzer and an LED that can be
operated independently. [6]

5.2 Study the circuit diagrams below and answer the questions that follow.

5.2.1 Which of the circuits C and D has the greatest resistance? Explain your
answer. (2)

5.2.2 In which circuit will the bulb(s) burn the brightest? Explain your answer. (2)

5.2.3 In which circuit will the bulb(s) appear dimmest\least bright? Explain your
answer. (2)

5.2.4 Redraw diagram A and indicate the positive and negative poles of the cell as
well as the direction of the conventional current. (2)
[8]

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5.3 Study the diagram below of neutral objects and answer the questions that
follow.

5.3.1 Briefly explain why objects C and D are considered neutral objects. (3)

5.3.2 If object B is rubbed with object A and electrons are transferred from object A
to object B, will object A or B:

a) be positively charged? (1)

b) have the least amount of negative charges? (1)

[5]

TOTAL SECTION B [40]

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 SECTION C
(PLANET EARTH & BEYOND)

QUESTION 6

6.1 The table below shows the estimated composition of gases in the
atmosphere. Study the table and answer the questions that follow.

Gases Percentage composition (%)

Nitrogen 78

Oxygen 21

Other gases (including Carbon 1

dioxide and water vapour)

6.1.1 Draw a pie chart to show the estimated composition of gases in the
atmosphere. Show all calculations. (7)

6.1.2 The increase in which gas allowed for more and more complex life forms to
evolve? (1)

6.1.3 Which process produces the gas mentioned in Q 6.1.2? (1)

6.1.4 Describe THREE other conditions on Earth, other than the presence of the
gas mentioned in Q 6.1.2, that makes this planet ideal for life to exist. (6)
[15]

6.2 The properties of some planets are given in the table below. Study the
information and answer the questions that follow. To simplify the calculations
most of the data has been rounded off.

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6.2.1 Name the planet (A, B, C or D) listed in the table that:

a) is the biggest. (1)

b) has the longest year. (1)

c) is most probably planet Earth. (1)

6.2.2 Give ONE reason for your answer to Q 6.2.1 (c). (2)
[5]

QUESTION 7

7.1 Our solar system is 27 000 light years away from the centre of the Milky Way
Galaxy. Calculate how far this is in kilometres if 1 light year is ten trillion
kilometres. (Show all your working out.) [4]

7.2 South Africa has one of the world’s largest optical telescopes, called SALT. It
is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere.

7.2.1 What does the acronym SALT stand for? (2)

7.2.2 Where in South Africa is SALT situated? (1)

7.2.3 Explain why SALT has been built in the location named in Q 7.2.2. (3)
[6]

TOTAL SECTION C [30]

TOTAL MARKS [100]

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