2022 Trial HSC Physics

Marking Guidelines

Section I, Part A
Multiple-choice Answer Key

Question Answer
1 C
2 C
3 B
4 D
5 B
6 C
7 D
8 B
9 A
10 B
11 D
12 B
13 C
14 A
15 C
16 A
17 D
18 A
19 D
20 A
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Section I, Part B
Question 21

Criteria Marks
Correctly calculates height of the platform 4

Calculates the required velocity and attempts to calculate the platform height using kinetic and
3
potential energy

Calculates the required velocity 2

Attempts to equate centripetal force to the gravitational force 1

Sample answer:

𝑚𝑣 2
𝐹𝑐 = 𝐹𝑔 =
𝑟

𝑚𝑔𝑟
𝑣=√
𝑚

𝑣 = √9.8 × 4

𝑣 = 6.26 m s-1

𝑈1 = 𝐾 + 𝑈2

𝑈1 − 𝑈2 = 𝐾

1
𝑚𝑔(ℎ1 − ℎ2 ) = 𝑚𝑣 2
2

𝑣2
ℎ1 = + ℎ2
2𝑔

6.262
ℎ1 = +8
2 × 9.8

ℎ1 = 10 m
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 22 (a)

Criteria Marks
Calculates correct initial velocity 4

Equates expressions for time in terms of ux and uy 3

Finds expressions for time in terms of ux and uy 2

Finds expressions for time in terms of ux or uy 1

Sample answer:

∆𝑥 = 𝑢𝑥 𝑡

∆𝑥 = 𝑢 cos 𝜃 𝑡

∆𝑥
𝑡=
𝑢 cos 𝜃

𝑣𝑦 = 𝑢𝑦 + 𝑎𝑡

2𝑢𝑦
𝑡=
𝑎
2𝑢 sin 𝜃
𝑡=
𝑎

∆𝑥 2𝑢 sin 𝜃
=
𝑢 cos 𝜃 𝑎

𝑎∆𝑥
𝑢=√
−2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

−9.8 × 650
𝑢=√
−2 sin 25 cos 25

𝑢 = 91.2 m s-1
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 22 (b)

Criteria Marks
Establishes why accuracy can’t yet be determined and identifies a reduction in validity that
3
will be determined by the accuracy

Establishes why accuracy can’t yet be determined and identifies a reduction in validity 2
Establishes why accuracy can’t yet be determined
1
Or identifies a reduction in validity

Sample answer:

Accuracy can’t yet be determined without further testing of the cannon, because accuracy is how close the
tested results are to the calculated result. The validity is reduced by neglecting air resistance, and
assuming g is 9.8 m s-1, as air resistance is present, and g is variable and not established. The extent to
which these two factors affect the results, and therefore the validity will be determined by the accuracy.

Question 23

Criteria Marks
Calculates correct work 4

Attempts to determine change in U and change in K with correct values 3

Attempts to determine change in U and change in K with incorrect values 2

Attempts to determine change in U or change in K 1

Sample answer:

𝑊 = ∆𝑈 + ∆𝐾

𝑊 = (𝑈𝐹 − 𝑈𝐼 ) + (𝐾𝐹 − 𝐾𝐼 )

2
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚 1 𝐺𝑀 1 2𝜋𝑟 2
𝑊=( − ) + ( 𝑚 (√ ) − 𝑚( ) )
𝑟𝐹 𝑟𝑖 2 𝑟 2 𝑇

6.67 × 10−11 × 6 × 1024 × 1.7 × 105 6.67 × 10−11 × 6 × 1024 × 1.7 × 105
𝑊=( − )
3.58 × 107 + 6.371 × 106 6.371 × 106
2
2
1 6.67 × 10−11
×6× 10241 2𝜋6.371 × 106
+ ( 1.7 × 105 (√ ) − 1.7 × 105
( ) )
2 3.58 × 107 + 6.371 × 106 2 24 × 60 × 60

𝑊 = 5.32 × 1012 J
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 24 (a)

Criteria Marks
Correctly calculates angular velocity in degrees per second 3
Converts change in turn to degrees or calculates angular velocity in radians per second 2
Correctly calculates change in turn 1

Sample answer:

𝑙
∆𝜃 =
𝑟
250
∆𝜃 =
2100
180
∆𝜃 = 0.12 𝑟𝑎𝑑 ×
𝜋

∆𝜃 = 6.8˚

∆𝜃
𝜔=
𝑡
6.8
𝜔=
2

𝜔 = 3.4˚ s-1

Question 24 (b)

Criteria Marks
Correctly calculates angle 3
Shows correct working with incorrect substitution 2
Shows some relevant working 1

Sample answer:

𝑣 2 = 𝑔𝑟 tan 𝜃

𝑣2
𝜃 = tan−1 ( )
𝑔𝑟

1252
𝜃 = tan−1 ( )
9.8 × 2100

𝜃 = 37.2˚
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 25

Criteria Marks
Explains maximum speed by describing the equilibrium point reached in terms of Faraday’s
4
law and the motor effect
Outlines Faraday’s law and the motor effect as contributing to a net force of zero 3

Identifies Faraday’s law or the motor effect as contributing to a net force of zero 2
Identifies Faraday’s law or the motor effect or identifies the net forces equalling zero 1

Sample answer:

The average force on a coil caused by the motor effect has a set magnitude for set current and magnetic
field strengths. If this was the only force acting on the coil it would not have a maximum speed. However,
according to Faradays law, when a change in flux occurs through a conductor an EMF will be produced.
The faster the rate of change the greater the EMF. Lenz’s law states that this EMF will create a magnetic
field which opposes the change in flux, which will manifest as a force opposing the rotation of the coil.
So we have two forces acting on the coil one being fixed by 𝐹 = 𝑙𝐼⊥ 𝐵 and the other which will increase
∆𝜙
according to 𝜀 = −𝑁 ∆𝑡 as the coil speeds up. When the two forces are equal, the net force on the coil
will be zero and the coil will stop accelerating, and hence reached its maximum speed.

Question 26

Criteria Marks
Describes why torque is inconsistent in terms of force throughout its rotation and describes
4
one way a motor can be adjusted to reduce this effect.
Describes torque as being inconsistent throughout its rotation and describes one way a motor
3
can be adjusted to reduce this effect.
Describes torque as being inconsistent throughout its rotation or describes one way a motor
2
can be adjusted to reduce this effect.
Identifies torque as having maximum values when the area vector is perpendicular to
1
magnetic field and minimum when parallel.

Sample answer:

The force caused by the motor effect has a maximum value of 𝐹 = 𝑙𝐼⊥ 𝐵. When the area vector of the coil
is perpendicular to the magnetic field the force acts a perpendicular distance from the axle, which creates
maximum torque. As the coil rotates the force is no longer perpendicular and only the perpendicular
component will contribute to torque. At 90˚ the perpendicular component will be zero and therefore not
contribute to torque. Continuing its motion with momentum, the coil continues to rotate from 90˚ to 180˚
and the area vector moves from being parallel to perpendicular with the magnetic field. This in turn goes
from zero torque to maximum torque and this cycle continues as the coil moves through 360˚. To reduce
this effect, a secondary coil can be placed on an axis that is perpendicular to the original coil. In this way
at least one coil will have a component of the motor effect creating torque at all points of rotation.
PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 27

Criteria Marks
Correctly calculates EMF with correct direction 4

Correctly calculates EMF 3

Attempts to find change in magnetic flux over time 2

Attempts to use Faraday’s law 1

Sample answer:

∆𝜙
𝜀=−
∆𝑡
𝐵∥ 𝐴𝐹 − 𝐵∥ 𝐴𝐼
𝜀=−
∆𝑡

𝐵∥ 𝐿2 − 𝐵∥ (𝐶 2 ⁄4𝜋)
𝜀=−
∆𝑡

1.5 × 0.092 − 1.5 × (0.362 ⁄4𝜋)

𝜀=−
0.6

𝜀 = 5.5 × 10−3 V Clockwise

 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 28

Criteria Marks
Correctly calculates power loss as a percentage 3
Correctly calculates power loss in Watts 2

Attempts to use power loss equation 1

Sample answer:

𝑃 = 𝑉𝐼

𝑃
𝐼=
𝑉
20000
𝐼=
5 × 105

𝐼 = 0.4 A

𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 𝐼 2 𝑅

𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 0.42 × (30000 × 0.5)

𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 2400 𝑊

2400
𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = × 100
200000

𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 1.2%
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 29

Criteria Marks
Outlines another reason for transformer inefficiency and explains how design can minimise
3
this effect.
Outlines another reason for transformer inefficiency and identifies a design that can minimise
2
this effect.

Outlines another reason for transformer inefficiency 1

Sample answer:

Flux linkage is how much flux from one coil passes through the other coil. Incomplete flux linkage, or
flux leakage, will lead to inefficiency in a transformer and occurs when the flux linkage is not 100%.
Transformers can be designed to have a shared iron core which maximises flux linkage. The iron core
acts like an electromagnet and increases the amount of flux generated by the coil. And because the iron
core is shared it can ensure the magnetic flux is directed through the other coil.

Question 30 (a)

Criteria Marks
Relates separation distance to diffraction and explains how accumulative fringe separation for
3
each colour leads to widening spectra

Explains how accumulative fringe separation for each colour leads to widening spectra 2

Identifies accumulative fringe separation for each colour leading to widening spectra 1

Sample answer:

𝑚𝜆 𝑥 𝑚𝜆𝐿
From the relationship sin 𝜃 = 𝑑 = 𝐿 the expression 𝑥 = 𝑑 can be derived where ‘x’ is the distance
between the same colours of consecutive spectra. As can be deduced from the expression, the greater the
wavelength, the greater the distance between consecutive bright fringes. This is synonymous with smaller
frequencies refracting less than higher frequencies. Each individual colour in the first order spectrum will
have a set distance, x, from the central fringe. The distance ‘x’, will be repeated from each colour to the
second order spectra for each corresponding colour. Therefore, as the distance ‘x’ increases for
wavelength, each accumulative fringe separation for each colour leads to widening consecutive spectra.
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 30 (b)

Criteria Marks

Calculates correct lines per mm of diffraction grating showing full working 4

Calculates distance between the lines of the diffraction gratings 3

Attempts to calculate distance between the lines of the diffraction gratings with incorrect
2
values

Shows some relevant working 1

Sample answer:

1
𝑑=
1000 𝑁

𝑚𝜆 𝑥
sin 𝜃 = =
𝑑 𝐿

𝐿𝜆
=𝑑
𝑥
𝐿𝜆 1
= 1000 𝑁
𝑥

𝑥
𝑁 = 1000𝐿𝜆

Distance from central fringe to first blue maximum = 0 .0255 m

0.0255
𝑁=
1000 × 0.944 × 4.5 × 10−7

𝑁 = 60 lines per mm
* value will vary from 59-61 depending on measurement for x
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 31 (a)

Criteria Marks
Explains refraction correctly using both Huygens’ and Newton’s theories of light. 4
Explains refraction correctly using Huygens’ or Newton’s theories of light and describes
3
refraction using the other theory.
Describes refraction using both Huygens’ and Newton’s theories of light. 2

Describes refraction using Huygens’ or Newton’s theories of light. 1

Sample answer:

According to Huygens’ wave model of light refraction occurs when wavelets of a wavefront slow down
as they hit a denser medium. Bending occurs as the entire wavefront does not enter the medium
simultaneously.

According to Newtons corpuscular model of light refraction is a result of an attractive force between the
particles in the medium and the light particles. The attractive force acts only on the normal component of
the lights velocity and therefore cause the light to bend.

Question 31 (b)

Criteria Marks
Outlines the double slit experiment and links evidence to disproving Newtons model. 3

Outlines the double slit experiment 2

Outlines the double slit experiment or links evidence to disproving Newtons model. 1

Sample answer:

Young’s double slit experiment consisted of monochromatic light shone through a screen with two very
thin slits. The light shone through the slits to be projected onto another screen. The results showed a
series of bright and dark bands. Young explained this result as an interference pattern of diffracted light.
Newton’s theory predicts that light would pass directly through the slits to produce two bright lines on the
screen. This was not observed, suggesting that this theory was incorrect.
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 32

Criteria Marks
Identifies the effect of increasing frequency and explains how it is related to a decrease in
4
photons
Explains how frequency is related to a decrease in photons. 3
Identifies the effect of increasing frequency and describes the relationship between frequency
2
and number of photons
Identifies the effect of increasing frequency or describes the relationship between frequency
1
and number of photons

Sample answer:
𝑃 𝐸 𝑛ℎ𝑓
The photocurrent will decrease. Intensity is given by 𝐼 = 𝐴 = 𝑡𝐴 = 𝑡𝐴 so for a set intensity and an
increasing frequency, the number of photons per second must decrease. Photocurrent, like normal current
𝑞
is the rate of which charge flows. This is expressed as 𝐼 = 𝑡 . With a decrease in number of photons per
second the rate at which photoelectrons are emitted will decrease. The increase in frequency above the
threshold frequency will only increase the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons. Therefore, the rate of
photoelectrons passing a point will decrease, equating to a decreased photocurrent.

Question 33

Criteria Marks
Correctly calculates temperature 3
Shows correct working with incorrect substitution 2
Shows some relevant working 1

Sample answer:

𝑏
𝜆𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑇
2.898×10−3
𝑇= 4.5×10−7

𝑇 = 6440 K
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 34

Criteria Marks

Outlines the electrostatic, Strong nuclear and weak nuclear force, and explains nuclear
5-6
stability for stable and radioactive elements

Outlines the electrostatic, Strong nuclear and weak nuclear force, and describes nuclear
3-4
stability for stable and radioactive elements

Outlines the electrostatic, Strong nuclear and weak nuclear force, or describes nuclear stability
1-2
for stable and radioactive elements

Sample answer:

There are three forces that act withing the nucleus that contribute to nuclear stability. The electrostatic,
strong nuclear and weak nuclear force. The electrostatic force is a repulsive force between the positive
protons. It acts over relatively large distances. The strong nuclear force is an attractive force that acts
between nucleons (protons and neutrons). It is a relatively strong force over a short range. Less than this
range it becomes a repulsive force. The weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive decay.

Stability is achieved when a balance exists between the repulsive electric forces and the attractive strong
force. Up to atomic number 20 a stable nucleus is achieved with a neutron to proton ratio of close to one.
From atomic number 20 the stable ratio of neutrons to protons increases. The increased number of
neutrons act to dilute the repelling forces that exist between the large amount of protons. All nuclei above
atomic number 83 (bismuth) have too many protons to be stabilised by additional neutrons. .˙. they are all
radioactive. The radioactive elements will stabilise themselves by releasing one or more of three types of
radiation: Alpha, Beta or Gamma radiation. The radiation will continue till the nucleus becomes stable.

Question 35 (a)

Criteria Marks
Explains the problem with Bohr’s theory and relates to his proposal 3
Explains the problem with Bohr’s theory 2
Outlines the problem with Bohr’s theory 1

Sample answer:

Classical physics dictated that an accelerating charge must emit electromatic radiation. Bohr’s description
of an electron in a circling orbit, according to classic physics, suggested that it was accelerating towards
the centre of the nucleus and therefore should emit energy. This emitted energy would result in a loss of
kinetic energy and the electron would spiral down towards the centre of the nucleus. This statement was
necessary in order to justify his theory of stable orbits that did not release energy.
 PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question 35 (b)

Criteria Marks
Describes de Broglie’s explanation 2
Provides relevant information pertaining to de Broglie’s explanation 1

Sample answer:

De Broglie proposed that electrons acted as waves. The “allowed orbits” around an atom are located at
distances from the nucleus which allow the quantum energy of the electron to fit in an exact number of
wavelengths to form a standing wave. As a standing wave, it did not lose any energy.

Question 36

Criteria Marks
Extensive response with links between many ideas or principles clearly identified and
7-9
discussed
Thorough response with links between some ideas or principles identified and discussed 4-6

Sound response with links between few ideas or principles identified or described 1-3

Sample answer:

The origins of the universe employ a wide range of knowledge of physics, and multiple different
conceptual ideas are required to sufficiently understand some of the origins of elements in the universe.
The Big Bang theory is the current most accepted theory of the origins of the universe, and provides ideas
based on this theory of how all the elements of the universe were formed. The elements in the universe all
originate from the fusion of atomic nuclei to form new elements and energy. In the cores of stars, one of
these processes, known as the proton-proton chain, takes place to produce energy for the star. The net
equation of this process ends up with four protons that become two neutrinos, two positrons, gamma
radiation (photons), and a helium nucleus with two neutrons. Using the Law of Conservation of Energy,
we can determine that the mass of the helium nuclei must be less than the mass of four protons due to the
production of energy on the products side. The photons produced in the core act as energy for the star,
which then emits a colour based on its temperature. Using Wien’s Law, it is known that the peak
wavelength of a star is inversely proportional to its temperature. As stars are considered to emit all
wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, they are considered as blackbodies, which is evidence for the
particle model of light. However, by using spectroscopy to analyse the absorption spectra from the light
of stars, which is a continuous spectrum with wavelengths missing that were absorbed by any elements
the light passed through, Hubble noticed that the arrangement of spectra were similar for different stars
(evidence of the Big Bang and proton-proton chain as the elements in stars were the same), but most stars
were “redshifted”, meaning that the wavelengths missing had moved towards the red side of the visible
spectrum, and that the wavelength of the light had been stretched. The Doppler Effect is used to explain
this stretching of wavelength, as by the nature of waves, when an object moves away relative to another
object, the wavelengths emitted by that object will increase. This links back to the Big Bang theory, as it
was evidence for the expansion of the universe. It also shows that light is wave-like in nature, and travels
with the properties of a wave. As this is evidence that light is both a wave and a particle, this directly
coincides with Einstein’s theory of wave-particle duality, meaning that light is both particle and wave like
in nature.
PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Physics
2022 Trial HSC Examination Mapping Grid
Part A
Question Marks Outcome
1 1 PH12-15
2 1 PH12-14
3 1 PH12-15
4 1 PH12-15
5 1 PH12-14
6 1 PH12-15
7 1 PH12-14
8 1 PH12-14
9 1 PH12-13
10 1 PH12-14
11 1 PH12-12
12 1 PH12-12
13 1 PH12-13
14 1 PH12-12
15 1 PH12-13
16 1 PH12-12
17 1 PH12-13
18 1 PH12-15
19 1 PH12-13
20 1 PH12-12

Part B
Question Marks Outcome
21 4 PH12-12
22 (a) 4 PH12-12
22 (b) 3 PH12-12
23 4 PH12-12
24 (a) 3 PH12-12
24 (b) 2 PH12-12
PEM 2022 Trial HSC Physics Marking Guidelines

Question Marks Content

25 4 PH12-13
26 4 PH12-13
27 4 PH12-13
28 3 PH12-13
29 3 PH12-13
30 (a) 3 PH12-14
30 (b) 4 PH12-14
31 (a) 4 PH12-14
31 (b) 3 PH12-14
32 4 PH12-14
33 2 PH12-14
34 6 PH12-15
35 (a) 3 PH12-15
35 (b) 2 PH12-15
36 9 PH12-15