UACE Physics paper 1 2004 Guide Time 2½ marks

Instructions the candidates:

Answer five questions, including at least one, but not more than two from each sections A, Band C.

Any additional question(s) answered will not be marked.

Non programmable scientific calculators may be used.

Assume where necessary

Acceleration due to gravity, g 9.81ms-2

Electron charge, e 1.6 x10-19C

Electron mass 9.11 x 10-31kg

Mass of the earth 5.97 x 1024kg

Plank’s constant, h 6.6 x 10-34Js

Stefan’s-Boltzmann’s constant, σ 5.67 x 10-8Wm-2K-1

Radius of the earth 6.4 x 106m

Radius of the sun 7 x 108m

Radius of the earth’s orbit about the sun 1.5 x 1011m

Speed of light in the vacuum, c 3.0 x 108ms-1

Thermal conductivity of copper 390Wm-1K-1

Thermal conductivity of aluminium 210Wm-1K-1

Specific heat capacity of water 4.200Jkg-1K-1

Universal gravitational constant 6.67 x 10-11Nm2Kg-2

Avogadro’s number, NA 6.02 x 1023mol-1

Surface tension of water 7.0 x 10-2Nm-1

Density of water 1000kgm-3

Gas constant, R 8.31Jmol-1K-1

Charge to mass ratio, e/m 1.8 x 1011Ckg-1

1
The constant, 9.0 x 109F-1m
4𝜋𝜀0

Faraday’s constant, F 9.65 x 104Cmol-1

SECTION A
1. (a) State the laws of friction (04marks)
- Friction force oppose relative motion between surfaces in contact.
- Friction force is independent of area of contact provided normal reaction is
constant.
- The friction force is directly proportional to the normal reaction.

(b) A block of mass 5.0kg resting on the floor is given a horizontal velocity of 5.0ms-1 and
comes to rest in a distance of 7.0m. Find the kinetic friction between the block and the
floor. (04marks)

From v2 = u2 + 2as
0 = 52 – 2a x 7
a = 1.79ms-1
F = ma = 5 x 1.79 =8.95N
R = mg = 5 x 9.81 = 49.05N
Also friction force, F = 𝜇𝑅
𝐹 8.95
μ= = = 0.18
𝑅 49.05
(c) (i) State the law of conservation of linear momentum (01mark)
The law of conservation of momentum states that if no external force acts on a system of
colliding objects, the total momentum of the objects in a given direction is constant.
(ii) What are perfectly inelastic collision? (01mark)
Two bodies are said to be perfectly inelastic after collision if
- Momentum is conserved while kinetic energy is not conserved
- The bodies stick together and move with common velocity.
- Coefficient of restitution is equal to zero.
(d) A car of1500kg rolls from rest down a road inclined to the horizontal at an angle 350,
through 50m. The car collides with another car of identical mass at the bottom of the
incline. If the two cars interlock on collision, and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.20,
find the common velocity of the vehicles. (08marks)

For the vehicle ma = mgsinθ – μR1

ma = mgsinθ – μmgcosθ
a =9.81sin350 – 0.2 x 9.81cos350
=
4ms-2
 The velocity of the first car before collision
v2 = u2 + 2as
v2 = 0 + 2 x 4 x 50
v = 20ms-1

Horizontal component of velocity, u1 = 20cos350 = 16.4ms-1

After collision, momentum conserved.

m1u1 = (m1+ m2)v

1500 𝑥 16.4
v= = 8.2ms-1
(1500+1500)

(e) Discuss briefly the energy transformation which occur in (d) above
The potential energy of the car on the slope is converted to kinetic energy and heat due to
friction. Then the kinetic energy is converted to sound and heat due to friction.

2. (a) Define angular velocity (01mark)

Angular velocity is the rate of change of the angle of rotation for an object moving in a
circular path about the centre.

(b) A car of mass, m, travels round a circular track of radius, r, with velocity, V.

(i) Sketch a diagram to show the forces acting on the car. (02marks)

𝑎𝑟𝑔
(ii) Show that the car does not overturn if 𝑉 2 < , where a is the distance between the
2ℎ
wheels, h, is the height of the centre of gravity above the ground and g is acceleration
due to gravity. (05marks)

Suppose the car is moving with velocity, v, around a horizontal circular track of radius, r.
if m is the mass of the car and R1 and R2 are normal reactions at the inner and outer
wheels respectively and F1 and F2 are the corresponding frictional forces, then for
circular motion:
𝑚𝑣 2
F1 + F2 = …………………………………………. (i)
𝑟

For vertical equilibrium

R1 + R2 = mg …………………………………………(ii)

Taking moments about G

Clockwise moments = anticlockwise moments

𝑎 𝑎
(F1 + F2)h + R1 = R2
2 2
𝑎
(F1 + F2)h = (R2 - R1) = ……………………… (iii)
2
 Substituting Eqn. (i) into Eqn. (iii)
𝑚𝑣 2 ℎ 𝑎
= (R2 - R1) …………………………………….(iv)
𝑟 2

From (ii)

R1 = mg – R2

From equation (iv)

𝑚𝑣 2 ℎ 𝑎 𝑎
= (R2 – (mg – R2)) = (2R2 – mg )
𝑟 2 2

2𝑚𝑣 2 ℎ 2𝑣 2 ℎ
2R2= + 𝑚𝑔 = m( + 𝑔)
𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑟

𝑚 2𝑣 2 ℎ
R2 = ( + 𝑔)
2 𝑎𝑟

Also R2 = mg- R1

From equation (iv)

𝑚𝑣 2 ℎ 𝑎 𝑎
= ((mg – R1) - R1) = (𝑚𝑔 − 2𝑅1 )
𝑟 2 2

2𝑚𝑣 2 ℎ
2R1 = mg -
𝑎𝑟

𝑚 2𝑣 2 ℎ
R1 = (𝑔 − )
2 𝑎𝑟

2𝑣 2 ℎ 𝑔𝑎𝑟
When the car is about to overturn, 𝑔 = , R1 = 0, 𝑣 2 =
𝑎𝑟 2ℎ

(c) A pendulum bob of mass 0.2kg is attached to one end of an inelastic string of length
1.2m. The bob moves in a horizontal circle with the string inclined at 300 to the vertical.
Calculate

(i) the tension in the string(02marks)

Resolving vertically

Tsin600 = 0.2g = 0.2 x 9.81

T = 2.27V

(ii) the period of motion (04marks)

2𝜋
Tcos 60 = 0.2ω2r; ω = ; r = 1.2cos 60 = 0.6m
𝑇
 4𝜋2
2.27cos 60 = 0.2 x x 0.6
𝑇2

Period, T = 2.04s

(d) Explain and sketch the variation of acceleration due to gravity with distance from the
centre of the earth (06marks)

- Inside the earth, assuming uniform density, the acceleration due to gravity varies
linearly with distance from the centre.
- For points outside the earth, the acceleration due to gravity varies inversely as the
1
square distance from the centre. i.e. g ∝ where r is the distance from the surface
𝑟2
of the earth. Therefore outside the earth gravity decreases with height.
3. (a) (i) What is meant by simple harmonic motion? (01mark)
Simple harmonic motion is a periodic motion whose acceleration is directed towards a
fixed point and is proportional to the displacement from the fixed point.
(ii) Show with the aid of a suitable sketch graph how kinetic energy of a mass attached at
the end of an oscillating light spring changes with distance from equilibrium position.
(04marks)
1
Kinetic energy = 𝑚𝑣 2 ; but v = ±𝜔√𝑎2 − 𝑥 2
2
1 2 (𝑎 2
=> K.E = 𝑚𝜔 − 𝑥2)
2
This yield the following graph

(b)
 A mass of 1.0kg is hang from two springs S1 and S2 connected in series as shown above.

The force constant of the springs are 100Nm-1 and 200Nm-1 respectively. Find

(i) The extension produced in combination. (04marks)

At equilibrium the tension in each spring = T = mg
 k1e1 = mg
100 x e1 = 1 x 9.81
e1 = 9.81 x 10-2m
Also;
k2e2 = mg
200 x e2 = 1 x 9.81
e2 = 4.905 x 10-2m
Total extension= e1 + e2 = (9.81 +4.905) x 10-2m= 0.14715 m

(ii) The frequency of oscillation of the mass if it is pulled downwards through a

small distance and released. (06marks)
𝑒 0.14715
T = 2π√ = 2π√ = 0.77s
𝑔 9.81
1 1
f= = = 1.3𝐻𝑧
𝑇 0.77

(c) Explain with the aid of a sketch graph, what would happen to the oscillations in (b)(ii)
above if the mass was immersed in a liquid such as water. (04marks)

If the mass is immersed in water, the amplitude decreases until the oscillations die away
due to loss of energy arising from friction.

4. (a) (i) Define gravitational field strength. (01mark)

The gravitational field strength at any point in gravitational field is the gravitational
force experienced by a unit mass placed at that point provided that the unit mass
itself does not cause any change in the field
 (ii) Draw a sketch graph to show how the gravitational field strength varies with height, h,
above the earth’s surface. (02marks)

(b) The period of simple pendulum is measured at different locations along a given
longitude. Explain what is observed. (06marks)
From the equator towards the pole along a longitude the radius of the earth, Re,
decreases.
𝐺𝑀𝑚 1
Since mg = => g ∝
𝑅𝑒2 𝑅𝑒2
Therefore, g increases towards the pole.
𝑙 1
From period, T = 2𝜋√ => T∝
𝑔 √𝑔
Therefore, Period T decrease from the equator towards the pole
(c) Derive the expression for the escape velocity of a rocket fired from earth. (03marks)
The work done in moving a body of mass, m, from the surface of the earth to infinity is
given by
𝐺𝑀𝑚 −𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚
W=− − but =0
∞ 𝑅 ∞
𝐺𝑀𝑚
=
𝑅
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
=> 𝑚𝑣 2 ≥
2 𝑅
2𝐺𝑀
𝑣=√ where r is the radius of the earth
𝑅
(d) The rings of the planet Saturn consist of a vast number of small particles, each in a
circular orbit about the planet. Calculate the speed of the particles nearest to Saturn if its
mass is 6.0 x 1026kg (04marks)
Centripetal force = Gravitational force of attraction between the planet and the particle.
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝑚𝑣 2
=> =
𝑟2 𝑟
𝐺𝑀 6.67 𝑥 10−11 𝑥 6.0 𝑥 1026 2.0 𝑥 108
v=√ =√ =
𝑟 𝑟 √𝑟
(e) The moon moves in a circular orbit of radius 3.84 x 108m around the earth with a period
of 2.36 x 105s.Calculate the gravitational field of the earth at the moon. (04marks)
If re and r0 are the radii of the earth and the moon’s orbit around the earth respectively,
and g’ is the gravitational field strength of the earth at the moon;
1
From g ∝
𝑟2
1 1
g∝ also g’ ∝
𝑟𝑒2 𝑟02
𝑔′ 𝑟02
 ∝
𝑔 𝑟𝑒2
2
(6.4 𝑥 106 )
𝑔′ = (3.84 𝑥 108 )2
𝑥 9.81 = 2.73 x 10-3ms-2
SECTION B

5. (a) What is meant by:

(i) Thermometric property (01mark)

Thermometric property is a physical property that vary uniformly and continuously with
temperature.

(ii) Triple point (01mark)

It the temperature and pressure at which a vapour, liquid and solid of a substance
coexist at equilibrium.

(b) (i) Describe the steps taken to establish a temperature scale. (05marks)

- Choose a thermometric property

- Find its value, x100 at steam point and value x0 at ice point.
- If the value of thermometric property is xθ at temperature θ
𝑥 −𝑥
- Then θ = 𝜃 0
𝑥100 − 𝑥0

(ii) Explain why two thermometers may give different values for the same unknown
temperature. (02marks)

Two thermometers based on different thermometric property may show different

temperatures because thermometric properties vary differently with change in
temperature.

(c) (i) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how a constant-volume gas thermometer may be
used to measure temperature. (06mrks)

- Place the bulb inside whose temperature is to be measured.

- Allow some time for the gas to acquire the temperature of the enclosure. The gas in
the bulb may expand and forces mercury up the adjustable tube.
- Adjust the adjustable limb to bring back mercury to constant volume at A and record
the height of mercury, hθ.
ℎ𝜃 − ℎ0
- The Celsius scale is given by θ = ( ) 𝑥 1000 𝐶 where h100 and h0 are the heights
ℎ100 − ℎ0
at steam and ice points
 (ii) State three corrections that need to be made when using the thermometer in (c)(i)
above. (03marks)

- The bulb should be made of glass with low thermal expansivity

- Dead space should be narrowed
- The bulb should be thin to allow easy penetration of heat
(iii) State and explain the sources of inaccuracies in using mercury in glass
thermometer, (02marks)
- Non uniformity the mercury tube
- Temperature of air in dead space being different from that in the bulb
6. (a) Define thermal conductivity of a material and state its units (02marks)

Thermal conductivity is the rate of heat flow per unit cross section area per unit
temperature gradient. Units Wm-1K-1

(b) Describe with the aid of a diagram how the thermal conductivity of a poor conductor can
be determined. (07marks)

- Glass s cut in form of a thin disc of cross section area, A and thickness, x.
- The disc is sandwiched between a steam chest and brass slab of mass, m and specific
heat capacity, c.
- Steam is passed through the chest until the thermometers register steady
temperatures, θ1 and θ2.
𝜃 𝜃2 − 𝜃1
- Then, = 𝑘𝐴 ( )
𝑡 𝑥
- The glass disc is removed and brass slab is heated directly by steam chest, until its
temperature is about 100C above θ1.
- Steam chest is removes and the top of the glass slab is covered by the glass disc.
- The temperature of the slab is recorded at suitable time interval until its
temperature is about 100C below θ1.
- A graph of temperature against time is plotted and its slope s determined at θ1
𝜃
= 𝑚𝑐𝑠
𝑡
𝜃2 − 𝜃1
∴ 𝑘𝐴 ( ) = 𝑚𝑐𝑠
𝑥
𝑚𝑐𝑠𝑥 𝜋𝐷2
𝑘= but A =
𝐴(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 ) 4
4𝑚𝑐𝑠𝑥
∴𝑘=
𝜋𝐷2 (𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )

(c) A cooking saucepan made of iron has a base area of 0.05m2 and thickness of 2.5mm. It
has a thin layer of soot of average thickness 0.5mm on its bottom surface. Water in the
saucepan is heated until it boils at 1000C. The water boils away at a rate of 0.60kg per
 minute and the side of the soot nearest to the heat source is at 1500C. Find the thermal
conductivity of soot.

[Thermal conductivity of iron = 66Wm-1K-1and specific latent heat of vaporization

=2200kJ/kg)

At steady state
𝑑𝑄 𝑘1 𝐴(150− 𝜃) 𝑘2 𝐴(𝜃−100) 0.6
= = = 𝑥 2.2 𝑥 106
𝑑𝑡 𝑙1 𝑙2 60

𝑙1
 𝑘1 (150 − 𝜃) = 𝑘2 (𝜃 − 100)𝑥 = 𝑘1 (150 − 𝜃) = 66(𝜃 − 100)𝑥0.2 ……(i)
𝑙2

Also,

𝑘2 𝐴(𝜃 − 100) = 2.2 𝑥 104 𝑥 𝑙2

66 𝑥 0.05 (𝜃 − 100) = 2.2 𝑥 104 𝑥 2.5 𝑥 10−3

θ = 116.670C

Substituting θ in equation (ii)

𝑘1 (150 − 116.67) = 66(116.67 − 100)𝑥 0.2

k1 = 6.6 Wm-1K-1

Hence thermal conductivity of shoot = 6.6 Wm-1K-1

(d) (i) What is a black body? (01mark)

A black body is one that absorbs all the radiations falling on it, transmits and reflects none.

(ii) Sketch the spherical distribution of black body radiation for three different
temperatures and describe their main features. (04marks)
 As temperature increases, the intensity increases. The intensity of shorter
wavelengths increase more rapidly. The wavelength of the most intense radiation
decreases as temperature increases.
1
7. (a) Derive the expression P = 𝜌𝑐 2̅ for the pressure, P, of an ideal gas of density ρ and mean
3
square speed, 𝑐 2̅ . State any assumptions made (07marks)

Assumptions

- The intermolecular forces are negligible

- The volume of the gas is negligible compared the volume of the container
- Collision are perfectly elastic
- The duration of collision is negligible

Derivation

Consider a molecule of mass, m, moving in a cube of length, l and velocity, u.

Change in momentum = mu - -mu = 2mu

2𝑚𝑢
Rate of change of momentum =
𝑡
2𝑙
Time, t, between collision =
𝑢

2𝑙 𝑚𝑢2
𝐹1 = 2𝑚𝑢 ÷ =
𝑢 𝑙

For N molecules, force on the wall,

2
𝑚𝑢12 𝑚𝑢22 𝑚𝑢32 𝑚𝑢𝑁
F= + + +⋯+
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
𝐹 𝑚
Pressure, P = = (𝑢12 + 𝑢22 + 𝑢32 + ⋯ + 𝑢𝑁
2
) since A = l2
𝐴 𝑙3
2
𝑢12 + 𝑢22 + 𝑢32 +⋯+ 𝑢𝑁
𝑢2̅ =
𝑁

𝑁𝑢2̅ = 𝑢12 + 𝑢22 + 𝑢32 + ⋯ + 𝑢𝑁

2
 𝑁𝑚𝑢2̅ 𝑁𝑚
∴𝑃= = 𝜌𝑢2̅ ; 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝜌 =
𝑙3 𝑙3

𝑐 2̅ = 𝑢2̅ + 𝑣 2̅ + 𝑤 2̅ and 𝑢2̅ = 𝑣 2̅ + 𝑤 2̅

1
∴ 𝑐 2̅ = 3𝑢2̅ => 𝑢2̅ = 𝑐 2̅
3
1
∴ 𝑃 = 𝜌𝑐 2̅
3

(b) A gas is confined in a container of volume 0.1m3 at a pressure of 1.0 x 105Nm-2 and
temperature of 300K. If the gas is assumed to be ideal, calculate the density of the gas.
(The relative molecular mass of the gas is 32) (05marks)
PV = nRT
1.0 𝑥 105 𝑥 0.1
n= =4
8.31 𝑥 300
mass of gas, m =nM =4 x 32 x 10-3 =0.128kg
𝑚 0.128
Density = = = 1.28kgm-3
𝑉 0.1

(c) What is meant by

(i) isothermal change
Isothermal expansion takes place at constant temperature.
(ii) adiabatic change (02marks)
Adiabatic expansion takes place at constant heat.

(d) A gas at a pressure of 1.0 x 106Pa is compressed adiabatically to half its volume and then
allowed to expand isothermally to its original volume. Calculate the final pressure of the
gas.
𝑐
[Assume the ratio of the principal specific heat capacities 𝑝⁄𝑐𝑣 , 𝛾 = 1.4] (06marks)
For adiabatic change
PVγ = constant
𝑉 1.4
 1.0 x 106 x V1.4 = P x ( )
2
P =2.64 x 106Pa
For isothermal change
PV = constant
𝑉
2.64 x 106 x = PV
2
P = 1.32x 106Pa

SECTION C

8. (a) (i) Describe with the aid of a labelled diagram the main features of a cathode ray
oscilloscope (C.R.O) (08marks)
The following are the main features of CRO
- a hot filament emits electrons
- The grid G has a negative potential with respect to the filament and controls the
number of electrons entering and reaching anode A1
- Anodes A1 and A2 accelerate the electron beam at a high speed the screen
- Deflecting system consist of Y- and X-plates; Y-plated deflect the beam vertically while
X- plates deflect the beam horizontally.
- The screen is coated with zinc sulphide to display the arrival of the beam by emitting
light when struck by the beam
- Carbon coating prevents the electron beam from the influence of any external electric
field.

(ii) State two uses of C.R.O (01mark)

- Display waveforms
- Measuring both a.c and d.c voltage
- Measuring phase differences
(iii) The gain control of a C.R.O is set on 0.5Vcm-1 and an alternating voltage produces a
vertical trace of 2.0cm long with the time base off. Find the root mean value of the
applied voltage. (02marks)
Peak to peak voltage, V = 2 x 0.5V= 1V
𝑉 1
Peak voltage V0 = = = 0.5𝑉
2 2
𝑉0 0.5
𝑉𝑟.𝑚.𝑠 = = = 0.354V
√2 √2
(b) A beam of electrons is accelerated through a potential difference of 2000V and is
directed mid-way between two horizontal plates of length 5.0cm and separation of
2.0cm. The potential difference across the plates is 80V.
(i) Calculate the speed of the electron as they enter the region between the plates.
(03marks)
1
m𝑢2 = eV
2
2𝑒𝑉 2 𝑥 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝑥 2000
𝑢= √ =√ = 2.65 x 107ms-1
𝑚 9.11 𝑥 10−31
(ii) Explain the motion of the electrons between the plates. (02marks)
It is parabolic
(iii) find the speed of electrons as they emerge from the region between the plates.
(04marks)
vx = 2.65 x 107ms-1
vy = at
 𝐸𝑒 𝑉𝑒
a= =
𝑚 𝑑𝑚
𝐿 5 𝑥 10−2
t= = = 1. 89 x 10-9s
𝑢 2.65 𝑥 107
𝑉𝑒
 vy = 𝑥 1.89 𝑥 10−9
𝑑𝑚
80 𝑥 1.6 𝑥 10−19
= 𝑥 1.89 𝑥 10−9
2 𝑥 10−2 𝑥 9.11 𝑥 10−31
= 1.33 x 106ms-1

v = √𝑣𝑥2 + 𝑣𝑦2 = √(2.65 𝑥 107 )2 + (1.33 𝑥 106 )2 = 2.65 x 107ms-1

9. (a) Explain the term stopping potential as applied to photo electric effect. (02marks)
It is the minimum potential difference between the anode and the cathode that reduces
the photocurrent to zero.
(b) Explain how intensity and penetrating power of X-rays from X-ray tube would be
affected by changing:
(i) the filament current (02marks)
When the filament current is increased, the intensity of the X-rays increases since
the number of electrons hitting the target increases but the penetrating power
remains constant since the kinetic energy of the electrons is not changed.
(ii) the high tension potential difference across the tube (02marks)
Penetrating power increases with potential difference.
(c) When a p.d of 60kV is applied across an X-ray tube, a current of 30mA flows. The anode
is cooled by water flowing at a rate of 0.060kgs-1. If 99% of the power supplied is
converted into heat at the anode, calculate the rate at which the temperature of the
water rises. {Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 x 103Jkg-1K-1] (05marks)
Electrical energy supplied per second = IV = 30 x 10-3 x 60 x 103 = 1.8 x 103W
Since 99% of this energy is converted to heat
=> the rate of heat production = 0.99 x 1800 = 1.782 x 103W
𝑑𝑚
Rate of heat gain by water = 𝑥 𝑐 𝑥 𝛥𝜃 where Δθ is temperature change
𝑑𝑡
All the heat produced is removed by water.
𝑑𝑚
Then 𝑥 𝑐 𝑥 𝛥𝜃 = 1.782 x 103W
𝑑𝑡
1.782 𝑥 103
Δθ = = 7.070
0.060 𝑥 4.2 𝑥 103
(d) (i) Derive Bragg’s law of X-ray diffraction. (05marks)
- A parallel beam of monochromatic X-rays incident on a crystal is reflected from
successive atomic planes and super-imposed, forming an interference pattern.

-
For constructive interference to occur, the path difference is equal to the whole
number of wavelength
Thus BC + CD = nλ
 dsinθ + dsinθ = nλ

or 2dsinθ = nλ where n = 1, 2, 3, 4 …
 (ii) Calculate the atomic spacing of sodium chloride if the relative atomic mass of sodium
is 23.0 and that of chlorine is 35.5.
[Density of sodium chloride = 2.18 x 103kgm-3] (04marks)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
From volume =
𝜌
(23+35.5)𝑥 10−3
Volume of 1 mole = 𝑚3
2.18 𝑥 103
1 mole of NaCl contains 6.02 x 1023 molecules
(23+35.5)𝑥 10−3
Volume of 1 molecule =
2.18 𝑥 103 𝑥 6.02 𝑥 1023
(23+35.5)𝑥 10−3 1
Volume of 1 atom = 𝑥 = 2.23 x 10-29m3
2.18 𝑥 103 𝑥 6.02 𝑥 1023 2
It the interatomic spacing is d,
d3 = 2.23 x 10-29m3
d = 2.81 x 10-10m
10. (a) (i) Explain briefly the mechanism of thermionic emission. (02marks)
When a metal is heat electron surface electrons acquire enough kinetic energy to
overcome the nuclear attraction and escape from the surface. The escape of electrons
from hot metal surface is termed thermionic emission.

(ii) Draw a labelled diagram of the circuit used to determine the anode current and
anode voltage characteristics of a thermionic diode. (02marks)

(iv) Sketch the characteristic expected in (a) (ii) at constant filament current, and
account for its special features. (04marks)
 The current increases with the positive anode potential as far as the point S. Beyond
this point the current does not increase, because the anode is collecting all the
electrons emitted by the filament ; the current is said to be saturated.

(b) Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, the structure and action of a diffusion cloud
chamber (06marks)

- The base of the chamber is maintained at low temperature, about -800c by the solid
carbon dioxide while the top of the chamber is at room temperature, and so there is a
temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the chamber.
- The air at the top of the chamber is saturated with alcohol vapor from the felt ring. This
vapor continuously diffuse downwards into the cooler regions so that the air at the
chamber is super saturated with alcohol vapor.
- Radiations from the radioactive source S cause the ionization of the vapor.
- The ionizations from the radioactive source S cause condensation of the vapor on the
ions formed, hence the path of the ionizing radiations are traced by series of small
droplets of condensation.
- The thickness and length of the path indicate the extent to which ionization has taken
place.
- Alpha particles produce short, thick, continuous straight tracks
- Beta particles which are less massive produce longer, thin but straggly paths owing to
collisions with gas molecules
- Gamma radiations are uncharged and for ionization to take place, it must collide with
an atom and eject an electron which then ionizes the vapor.
(c) (i) Define radioactivity and half-life of a radioactive substance (02marks)
Radioactivity is the spontaneous disintegration of unstable nucleus acquire a more
stable state by emission of α, β or γ –rays.
Half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for half the number of radioactive
nuclei to disintegrate.
(ii) A radioactive isotope of strontium of mass 5.0μg has a half-life of 28years. Find the
mass of the isotope left after 14 years.
[Assume the decay law N = N0e-λt]
𝐼𝑛2
λ=
𝑡1
2
𝐼𝑛 2
𝑁 = 5 𝑥 10−6 𝑒 − 28 𝑥 14
= 3.54 x 10-6g = 3.54μg

Compiled by Dr. Bbosa Science