UCE physics 2015 paper 1

Section A
Answer all questions in this section

1. Which one of the following liquids has abnormal expansion?

A. Water B. paraffin C. mercury D. alcohol
Answer is A
2. Pressure in solids depends on
A. Density of the material
B. Mass of the solid
C. Volume occupied
D. Area of contact
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
Answer is A; pressure = ; therefore depend on the area of contact.
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
3. In a cathode ray tube, the grid is the
A. Electron producer
B. Electron accelerator
C. Brightness controller
D. Beam deflector
Answer is C; grid controls the number of electrons reaching the screen, thus, the brightness
4. Which one of the following is an application of microwaves?
A. Cooking
B. Production of photography
C. Finding flaws in metals
D. Sterilizing equipment
Answer is A
5. The S.I unit of volume of liquids is
A. Litres
B. Decimetre cubed
C. Meter cubed
D. Millilitres
Answer is C
6. The reluctance of a body to change its state of motion depends on its
A. Acceleration
B. Momentum
C. Velocity
D. Mass
 Answer D
7. images formed by diverging mirrors are
A. laterally inverted
B. magnified
C. virtual
D. real
Answer is C;
All images formed by diverging mirror are virtual and diminished
8. Which one of the following produces e.m.f by heating
A. Thermoelectric effect
B. Piezoelectric effect
C. Photoelectric effect
D. Electromagnetic induction
Answer is A
9. The hairs of a wet brush cling together because of
A. Adhesion
B. Diffusion
C. Capillarity
D. Surface tension
Answer is D
Hairs are held together by surface tension
10. Which one of the following is not a primary source of energy?
A. Dry cell B. sun C. water D. wind
Answer is A
11. A yellow object in red light appears
A. Yellow B. red C. green D. black
Answer is B
Yellow will only transmit red
12. The equation below shows changes that occur when nuclides decays X to form Y
238 230
92𝑋 → 88𝑌
Which one of the following radiations are emitted?
A. One alpha and two beta particle
B. One beta and two alpha particles
C. Two alpha particles and two beta particles
D. Two alpha particles
Answer is D
It loses 2 42𝐻𝑒 particles
13. A body accelerates uniformly from rest and acquires a velocity of 60ms-1 after half a minute.
Find the distance covered by the body.
A. 15m B. 30m C. 900m D. 1800m
Answer is C
v = u + at
60 = 0 + a x 30
a = 2ms-2
s = ut = ½ at2
= ½ x 2 x 302
= 900m
14. Which one of the following statements best explains what happens when a negatively charged
cloud passes over the lightning conductor? The
A. Negative charges are attracted to the cloud and positive ions are repelled to the spikes.
B. Positive ions are attracted to the cloud and negative charges repelled to the spikes
C. Negative charges are attracted from the earth to the spikes which causes ionization of air
D. Positive ions and negative ions are lost to the earth.
Answer is B
15. An observer produces sound and hears an echo after 6s. Find a distance between the observer
and the reflecting surface. (speed of sound in air = 300ms-1)
300 300 300 𝑥 6
A. 𝑚 B. 𝑚 C. 𝑚 D. 300 x 6
6𝑥2 6 2
Answer is C
𝑣𝑡 300 𝑥 6
d= =
2 2
16. Which one of the following gives the correct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the
atom 146𝐶 .
Proton Neutron Electron
A. 6 14 6
B. 6 8 6
C. 8 6 6
D. 6 6 8
Answer is B
17. Constructive interference of waves occurs when the two waves are
(i) In phase
(ii) Moving in opposite direction
(iii) Have the same wavelength and frequency
A. (i) only B. (ii) only C. (ii) and (iii) only D. (i) and (iii) only
Answer is D
Constructive interference occurs when a crest of one wave is superimposed on the crest of
another wave
18. A current of 2A flows through a bulb for 10s. If the p.d across the bulb is 6V, find the work done.
A. 120J B. 30J C. 3.3J D. 1.2J
Answer is A
Work = VIt = 6 x2 x10 = 120J
19. The figure below shows energy changes by two devices P and Q.

P and Q are
P Q
A. Dynamo Motor
B. Battery Dynamo
C. Battery Motor
D. Dynamo Battery
Answer is C

20. A force of 12N increases length of an elastic string by 5cm. find the force which increases the
length by 2cm.
A. 0.83N B. 4.80N C. 6.00N D. 10.0N
Answer is B
 5cm is caused by 12N
12 𝑥 2
2cm is caused by = 4.88N
5
21. When a wire carrying a current is placed between the poles of a magnet, it experiences a force
due to
A. Wire being attracted by the magnet
B. Attraction between the north pole and south pole
C. Interaction between the current and the magnetic field
D. Interaction between the magnetic field between the poles and the field around the wire.
Answer is D
22. The strength of a bridge can be improved by
(i) Reinforcing the concrete used
(ii) Designing the structure that is stronger in compression than tension
(iii) Designing a structure that is stronger in tension than compression.
A. (i) only B. (ii) only C. (i) and (ii) only D. (i) and (iii) only
Answer is C
23. A solid measures 5cm x 4cm x 10cm. If the mass of the solid is 0.8kg, find the density in kgm-3.
0.8 𝑥 10−6 0.8 5 𝑥 4 𝑥 10 𝑥 10−6 5 𝑥 4 𝑥 10
A. B. C. D.
5 𝑥 4 𝑥 10 5𝑥4𝑥 10−6 𝑥 10 0.8 0.8 𝑥 10−6
Answer is B
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
Density =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
24. The figure below shows a rigid body pivoted at S

Which of the forces O, P, Q and R gives the body ant-clockwise moment

A. R B. Q C. P D. O
Answer is P
25. An object of height 4cm is placed 20 cm from a convex lens. If the image formed is 6cm high,
find the distance of the image from the lens
20 𝑥 4 20 𝑥 6 6𝑥4 20
A. B. C. D.
6 4 20 6𝑥4

Answer is B
𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
M= =
𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
26. Soft iron is used in telephone ear piece because it
A. Loses magnetism easily
B. Gains and does not lose magnetism easily
C. Gains and loses magnetism easily
D. Takes long to gain magnetism
Answer is C
27. The figure below shows three forces of 3N, 4N and 13N acting on the body.

Find the magnitude and direction of resultant force.

A. 6N in the direction of the 13N force
B. 8N in the direction of 3N and 4N forces
C. 20N in the direction of the 13N force
D. 7N in the direction of the 3N and 4N forces
Answer is A
28. A car radiator is painted black and filled with water because
(i) Black bodies are good absorber of heat
(ii) Water facilitates heat transfer by convection
(iii) Water is a good conductor of heat
A. (i) and (ii) only B. (i) and (iii) only C. (iii) only D. (ii) only
Answer is A
(i) quickly absorbs heat from engine
(ii) this facilitates heat transfer from hot engine through water to surrounding air
29. The figure below shows rectifiers R1, R2, R3 and R4 connected in a circuit.

Through which of the rectifiers is current flow?

A. R1 and R2 B. R1 and R4 C. R2 and R4 D. R2 and R3
Answer is C
30. The temperature of 4kg of paraffin drops from 250C to 200C when it loses 44,000J of heat. Find
the specific heat capacity of paraffin.
A. 5.50 x 10Jkg-1K-1 B. 4.40 x 102 Jkg-1K-1 C. 2.44 x 102 Jkg-1K-1 D. 2.20 x 103 Jkg-1K-1
Answer is D
Heat = mcθ
44000 = 4 x c x (25 – 20)
C = 2.20 x 103 Jkg-1K-1
31. The mechanical advantage of simple machine may be increases by
(i) Increasing the load
(ii) Increasing weight of movable parts of the machine
(iii) Reducing friction between movable parts
A. (i) and (ii) only B. (i) and (iii) only C. (ii) and (iii) only D. (ii) only
Answer is B
32. The cost of using an electric appliance for 2hours is shs. 1600. If each unit of electricity costs
shs. 50, find the power rating of the appliance in kW
 1600 1600 𝑥 2 50 𝑥 2 50
A. B. C. D.
5𝑥2 50 1600 2 𝑥 1600
Answer is A
Cost = time x power x unit cost
1600 = 2 x 50 x kW
1600
kW =
5𝑥2
33. A string was tuned to produce a note on a cold day. What adjustment should be made to make
the string produce the same note on a hot day?
A. tension in the string should be reduced.
B. Length of the string should be increased
C. Length of the string should be reduced
D. Length of the string should be increased and tension reduced.
Answer is C
34. The figure below shows forces U, F and W acting on a body A, falling freely in a fluid.

The body moves with a steady velocity when

A. F + W = U B. U –F = W C. U + W = F D. U + F = W
Answer is D
35. Which one of the following explains the motion of smoke particles in an air cell? They
A. Vibrate because they are being knocked by air particles
B. Vibrate because they are continuously colliding with each other
C. Move about randomly because they are knocked by air molecules
D. Move about randomly because they are continuously colliding with each other.
Answer is C
36. When cathode rays are passed between two identical plates, both connected to negative
voltage, a horizontal line is formed on the screen. This shows that cathode rays
(i) Travel in straight line
(ii) Are deflected only towards the positive plate in an electric field
(iii) Are not deflected when there is no electric field.
A. (i) only B. (iii) only C. (i) and (iii) only D. (ii) and (iii) only

Answer is B

37. The figure below shows a cell of e.m.f, E and internal resistance, r = 0.5Ω connected to two 2Ω
resistors.
 Find the value of E

A. 1.8V B. 2.4V C. 4.8V D. 5.4V

Answer is A
2𝑥2
Total resistance = 0.5 + = 1.5Ω
2+"
E = IR = 1.2 x 1.5 = 1.8V
38. Which of the following statements is correct about a step-up transformer? It
(i) Has more turns of wire in the secondary coil than in primary
(ii) Change alternating voltage from higher to lower value
(iii) Change alternating voltage from lower to higher values
A. (iii) only B. (i) only C. (i) and (iii)only D. (ii) and (iii) only
Answer is C
39. A body of mass 3kg is acted on by a force of 20N. If the opposing force is 5N, find acceleration of
the body
A. 0.75ms-2 B. 5.0 ms-2 C. 6.67 ms-2 D. 8.30 ms-2
Answer is B
Net force = 20- 5 = 15N
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 15
a= = =5.0 ms-2
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 3
40. A car travelling at a speed of 72kmh-1 overcomes a resistance of 3N. Find the power developed
by the engine of the car in watts.
72 𝑥 30 𝑥 1000 30 𝑥 3600 𝑥 72 30 𝑥 3600 𝑥 1000
A. B. C. D. 72 x 3600 x 1000
3600 1000 72
Answer is A
P= F x V
1000
= 30 x (72 𝑥 )
3600

Section B (40marks)
Answer all questions in this section

41. (a) What is meant by diffusion? (01mark)

Is the spreading of molecules from a region of their high concentration to a region of their low
concentration
(b) State three factors which affect the rate of diffusion. (03marks)

- temperature

- size of molecules
 - concentration gradient

42. (a) Explain the difference between electric conductors and insulators. (01mark)
Electric conductors allow passage of electricity while insulators do not.
(b) Describe how an electroscope is used to test whether a body is a good conductor or a good
insulator.(03marks)

Electroscope is charged; a body under test is brought is brought in contact with the cap of
electroscope. If the leaf falls, the material is a good conductor. If the leaf of the electroscope
remain diverged, then the material is an insulator.

43. (a) Define density. (01mark)

Density is mass per unit volume
(b) A measuring cylinder is filled with water to 100cm3 mark. An irregular stone of mass 150g is
fully immersed into the water and the new level of water becomes 175cm3. Calculate the
density of the stone. (02marks)
Volume = 175 - 100 = 75cm3
150
Density = = 2 𝑔𝑐𝑚3
75
(c) State any two factors that can increase the stiffness of a string. (01mark)

- reducing temperature

- increasing tension

- reducing length

44. (a) What is meant by critical angle? (01mark)

Critical angle is the angle of incidence in an optically denser medium when the angle of
refraction in less dense medium is 900
(b)(i) If the refractive index of water is 4/3; calculate the critical angle of water. (02marks)
1 4
Sin c = = 1 ÷ = 0.75
𝑛 3
c = 48.60
(ii) State one application of total internal reflection. (01mark)
- Optical fibre
- Prism binocular
- Prism periscope
- Formation of mirage
45. (a) Define the following
(i) Work (01mark)
Work is a product of force and distance moved in the direction of force
(ii) Energy (01mark)
This sis the ability to do work

(b) A pulley is used to raise a load of 40kg through 13m in 30s. Find the average power
expended. (02marks)
𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝐹𝑥𝑑 40 𝑥 10 𝑥 13
P= = = = 173W
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑡 30

46. The figure below shows essential parts of a refrigerator.

 (a) Name the following section
X freezing compartment
Y – heat exchanger
(b) Explain the function of section Y in the cooling cycle. (03marks)
The fins increase the surface area for heat loss
47. (a) Explain why alpha particles are more ionizing than beta particles. (02mark)
- Alpha particles have a bigger charge
- Alpha particles are slower taking longer time ionizing the air
(c) Radiations consisting of alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays are released
simultaneously from source, S, as shown in the figure below

What radiations will be detected

(i) Between A and B (01mark): beta and gamma

(ii) Between B and C ( ½ mark): gamma
(iii) Beyond C ( ½ mark): gamma
48. (a) A sounding tuning fork held above the tube as shown below produces the first loud sound
when air column is 31cm above the water surface. (velocity of sound in air is 320ms-1)

Find the frequency of the tuning fork. (03marks)

𝑉
f = but λ = 4L
𝜆
320
= = 258Hz
4 𝑥 0.31
(b) Explain why nothing is heard when the length of the air column is less than 31cm.
(01marks)
Length is less than the resonance distance
49. The figure below shows a pump used for inflating a bicycle tube

What happens when the handle is pulled outward?

Pressure inside the barrel drops; valve 1 close preventing escape air from the tube while
valve 2 opens and atmospheric pressure forces air into the barrel
(b) (i) state the principle of transmission of pressure in fluids. (01mark)

When a fluid is completely enclosed in a vessel and pressure is applied to it at any point
of its surface, pressure is transmitted equally throughout the fluid.

(ii) Why is air not suitable for transmitting pressure? (01mark)

Air is compressible and not all pressure will be transmitted
50. (a) Define electromotive force of a cell? (01mark)
Work done in driving a coulomb of charge around a circuit in which the cell is connected or
p.d across open circuit
(b) List the defects of a simple cells.
- Local action
- polarization
(c) A charge of 20C flows through a resistance of 5Ω in 8s. Find the potential difference
across the resistance. (02marks)
𝑄
p.d = IR , but I =
𝑡
20
= 𝑥5
8
= 12V
Thank you