Cambridge International AS & A Level

* 5 2 7 1 5 5 6 3 1 0 *

PHYSICS 9702/42
Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions October/November 2022

2 hours

You must answer on the question paper.

No additional materials are needed.

INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use a calculator.
● You should show all your working and use appropriate units.

INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 100.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

This document has 24 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.

DC (KS/CT) 303282/3
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Data

acceleration of free fall g = 9.81 m s–2

speed of light in free space c = 3.00 × 108 m s–1

elementary charge e = 1.60 × 10–19 C

unified atomic mass unit 1 u = 1.66 × 10–27 kg

rest mass of proton mp = 1.67 × 10–27 kg

rest mass of electron me = 9.11 × 10–31 kg

Avogadro constant NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol–1

molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K–1 mol–1

Boltzmann constant k = 1.38 × 10–23 J K–1

gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2

permittivity of free space ε0 = 8.85 × 10–12 F m–1

1
( = 8.99 × 109 m F–1)
4rf0

Planck constant h = 6.63 × 10–34 J s

Stefan–Boltzmann constant σ = 5.67 × 10–8 W m–2 K–4

Formulae

uniformly accelerated motion s = ut + 12 at 2

v 2 = u 2 + 2as

hydrostatic pressure ∆p = ρg∆h

upthrust F = ρgV

fs v
Doppler effect for sound waves fo = v ! v
s

electric current I = Anvq

resistors in series R = R1 + R2 + ...

1 1 1
resistors in parallel = + + ...
R R1 R2

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GM
gravitational potential ϕ =– r

GMm
gravitational potential energy EP = – r

1 Nm
pressure of an ideal gas p = 3 V 〈c2〉

simple harmonic motion a = – ω 2x

velocity of particle in s.h.m. v = v0 cos ωt

v = !ω (x 02 - x 2)

Q
electric potential V =
4rf0 r

Qq
electrical potential energy EP =
4rf0 r

1 1 1
capacitors in series = + + ...
C C1 C2

capacitors in parallel C = C1 + C2 + ...

t
discharge of a capacitor x = x 0 e - RC

BI
Hall voltage VH =
ntq

alternating current/voltage x = x0 sin ωt

radioactive decay x = x0e–λt

0.693
decay constant λ =
t1
2

IR (Z - Z 2) 2
intensity reflection coefficient = 1
I0 (Z 1 + Z 2) 2

Stefan–Boltzmann law L = 4πσr 2T 4

∆λ Df v
Doppler redshift á ác
λ f

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1 (a) Define gravitational field.

Region in space around a mass where another mass

...................................................................................................................................................

experience gravitational force.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) A spherical planet can be considered as a point mass at its centre.

(i) On Fig. 1.1, draw gravitational field lines outside the planet to represent the gravitational
field due to the planet.

7:
* planet

Fig. 1.1
[2]

(ii) A satellite is in a circular orbit around the planet.

Explain, with reference to your answer in (b)(i), why the path of the satellite is circular.
on satellite
Gravitational force acting is acting as
...........................................................................................................................................
⑨

a
censupial force i.e. toward the center of planet
...........................................................................................................................................
the direction motion.
and
perpendicular to
of
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

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(c) An object rests on the surface of the Earth at the Equator.

The radius of the Earth is 6.4 × 106 m.

(i) Determine the centripetal acceleration of the object.

ac va

ac =
=

v2
ac
(6.4x106)) 23300)
=

J ac 0.034 =

ac = vwz

0.034
centripetal acceleration = ................................................ m s–2 [3]

(ii) Describe how the two forces acting on the object give rise to this centripetal acceleration.
You may draw a diagram if you wish.
1R

Fc = W -
R
- >
②

· v<R ·
-W

Weight force is
greater than normal contact
force.
...........................................................................................................................................
Their
difference is equal to entipetal which force
...........................................................................................................................................
cames
centripetal acceleration.
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 10]

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2 (a) Define specific heat capacity.

Amount
of heat needed to being a unit change in
...................................................................................................................................................

temperative in a unit mass

of substance.
...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A fixed mass of water in a beaker is at atmospheric pressure.

(i) The initial temperature of the water is 0 °C.

The water is supplied with thermal energy E, so that its temperature increases to 8 °C.
There is no net change in the volume of the water.

Use the first law of thermodynamics to complete Table 2.1 for this process.
Q xU w
=
+

Table 2.1
E AU 0
=

W PXV
+

thermal energy increase in internal

work done on water
supplied to water energy of water

O +E +

[2]

(ii) The water is now heated so that its temperature increases by a further 8 °C to a final
temperature of 16 °C. This process causes the volume of the water to increase so that
work W is done. Work done by water)
Assume that the change in internal energy is the same as in (b)(i).

Use the first law of thermodynamics to complete Table 2.2 for this process.
Q AU W =
+

Table 2.2
Q E N = +

thermal energy increase in internal

work done on water
supplied to water energy of water

-
NE W +

+ E

[2]

(c) Use the information in (b) to suggest, with a reason, how the average specific heat capacity
of water between 8 °C and 16 °C compares with its average value between 0 °C and 8 °C. - >

More heat
required between 8and16C than between
...................................................................................................................................................
Pano 8. blu 0albc [1]
Hence average spec heat
capacityis greater
.............................................................................................................................................

[Total: 7]

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3 (a) The equation of state for an ideal gas can be written as

pV = NkT.

State the meaning of each of the symbols in this equation.

pressure of gas
p: ...............................................................................................................................................

volume
of gas
V: ..............................................................................................................................................
No. molecules
of
N: ..............................................................................................................................................
Boltzmann's constant
k: ...............................................................................................................................................
Absolute
Thermodynamic Temperatine
T: ..............................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Use the equation in (a) to show that the average translational kinetic energy EK of a molecule
of an ideal gas is given by
3
EK = kT.
2
PV NKT (Nk +
-Nm(2z
~
=

P
1(c) m((z) 3kT
=

P
1Nm(c) mxz) 3 k
=
=

- PV
=1Nm>5> (E,z)
3kT
=

[2]

(c) The mass of an oxygen molecule is 5.31 × 10–26 kg. Assume that oxygen behaves as an ideal
gas.

(i) Use the equation in (b) to determine the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) speed u of an oxygen
molecule at 23 °C.

Im((2) 3kT =

273)
(5.31x10 26)(22) 3(138x1023)(23
+
-

crrs = 480.4

480
u = ................................................ m s–1 [3]

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(ii) A fixed mass of oxygen gas at initial pressure P is sealed in a cylindrical container by a
movable piston at one end, as shown in Fig. 3.1.

oxygen

piston

cylinder

Fig. 3.1

The temperature of the gas is 23 °C.

The piston is slowly moved into the cylinder so that the oxygen gas is compressed. At all
times, the gas and the container remain in thermal equilibrium with the surroundings.
no
temp change
On Fig. 3.2, sketch the variation with pressure of the r.m.s. speed of the oxygen
molecules as the pressure increases.

1020, depends
P =

r.m.s. speed
on
temp
u ·
AT 0
=

ACrms 0 =

Temp
constant
speedan
-

0
P pressure

Fig. 3.2
[2]

[Total: 10]

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4 Fig. 4.1 shows the variation with time t of the height h above the ground of an object of mass 36 kg
that is undergoing vertical simple harmonic motion. ->

->

18 1

h / cm &

10

-
D

2 v

0 2 4 6 8
t/s

Fig. 4.1

(a) For the oscillations of the object:

(i) determine the amplitude x0, in cm

8.0
x0 = ................................................... cm [1]

(ii) show that the angular frequency ω is 1.6 rad s–1

GF GT
w sow
=
=

-
w
=

1.57radst =1.6 rads

[2]

(iii) determine the total energy E. Ep

mwzcz
=

E. Imwic Ex tmwrkbic)
=

h(36((1.57)"(0.00)
=

= 0.28
E =

0.28
E = ...................................................... J [3]

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(b) On Fig. 4.2, sketch the variation with h of the kinetic energy EK of the object.

0.4

EK / J

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 5 10 15 20
h / cm

Fig. 4.2
[4]

[Total: 10]

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5 (a) Define electric potential at a point.

Workdone
per
unit
positive change to move it from infinity
...................................................................................................................................................
to a
point in an electric
field.
...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) An isolated conducting sphere is charged. Fig. 5.1 shows the variation of the potential V due
to the sphere with displacement x from its centre.

I
– 0.3 – 0.2 – 0.1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3
x/m

– 250

V/V

– 500

– 750
-

85
-

– 1000

Fig. 5.1

Use Fig. 5.1 to determine:

(i) the radius of the sphere

0.06
radius = ..................................................... m [1]

(ii) the charge on the sphere.

v 1q
=

850:
NRa
9 5.67x10-9C
=

9
5.7 x10
-

charge = ..................................................... C [2]

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(c) Two spheres are identical to the sphere in (b). Each sphere has the same charge as the
sphere in (b).

The spheres are held in a vacuum so that their centres are separated by a distance of 0.46 m.
Assume that the charge on each sphere is a point charge at the centre of the sphere.

(i) Calculate the electric potential energy EP of the two spheres.

k9L
&
<
Ep =

Ep 8.99x10"
=

(5.67x10-9)2
x

0.46

Ep 6.28x187
=

-
7
6.3 x10
EP = ...................................................... J [2]

(ii) The two spheres are now released simultaneously so that they are free to move.

Describe and explain the subsequent motion of the spheres.

As like
changes repel. The two sphere experience an
...........................................................................................................................................
outward
force and accelerate away
from one another.
...........................................................................................................................................
lose their
They potential energy and gain kinetic
...........................................................................................................................................

energy.
..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 10]

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6 A capacitor of capacitance C and a resistor of resistance R are connected as shown in Fig. 6.1.

Fig. 6.1

Initially, the capacitor is charged and the switch is open.

The switch is closed at time t = 0.

Fig. 6.2 and Fig. 6.3 show, respectively, the variations with t of the charge Q on the capacitor and
the potential difference (p.d.) V across the resistor.

1.0 10
0.9-
Q / mC V / V7.5-
-

0.5 5
0.3-

0.85:
0
i ·

0
0 5 6 10 15 0 5 10 15
t/s t/s
↑

Fig. 6.2 Fig. 6.3

(a) Explain the shape of the line in Fig. 6.3 representing the variation of V with t.
across the the
Potential Difference resistor is same as
...................................................................................................................................................
rate
That
of capacitor. Ascapacitor dischanges, its of
...................................................................................................................................................

dischange falls due to lesser

repulsion from the
remaining
...................................................................................................................................................
electrons
ofplate. As capacitor loses change pod. across
...................................................................................................................................................
itandhence across resistor deneath.
............................................................................................................................................. [3]

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(b) Use Fig. 6.2 to show that the time constant of the circuit in Fig. 6.1 is 5.5 s.

Q G.e
:
-

Ec 0.3 = 0.92
-

E a7+

6,0
=

= 0.3

0.05 0.92=
-
Rc 5.46
=

5.53
=

i
In
0.05 me
=

2.89
15
-
= -

T =
5.25 [3]

(c) Use Fig. 6.2, Fig. 6.3 and the information in (b) to determine:

(i) capacitance C, in μF

Q CV.
:

c
09103
=

-
7
C 1.2x10=

120
C = .................................................... μF [2]

(ii) resistance R, in kΩ.

T RC=

-
4

5.5 Rx1.2x10
=

R 45833
=

4b
R = ................................................... kΩ [2]

[Total: 10]

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7 (a) Define magnetic flux density.

Force unit unit
per length on a conductor
causing
...................................................................................................................................................
E magnetic
B =

IL
ampence of consentnormal to
field.
...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) An insulated rectangular coil of wire, consisting of 40 turns, is suspended in a cradle from a
newton meter, as shown in Fig. 7.1.

newton meter

cradle

coil
40 turns
- >
-
. .

5.00 cm

-
3.00 cm

Fig. 7.1

The vertical sides of the coil have a length of 5.00 cm and the horizontal sides have a length
of 3.00 cm. The initial reading on the newton meter is 0.563 N.

A U-shaped magnet rests on a top-pan balance that is set to a reading of 0.00 g.

The lower edge of the coil is lowered into the region between the poles of the U-shaped
magnet, as shown in the side view in Fig. 7.2.

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newton meter
initial reading 0.563 N &

coil (viewed from the side)

poles of magnet ~ Force

top-pan balance
initial reading 0.00 g
V
Fig. 7.2
Force

The magnetic field in the region between the poles is uniform.

The lower edge of the coil is entirely within the uniform magnetic field.

A current of 3.94 A is now passed through the coil. This causes the reading on the top-pan
balance to change to 2.16 g. -

(i) Explain why the current causes a vertical force to act on the coil.
currentin conductor
produces a magnetic field
...........................................................................................................................................
which interacts with magnetsmagnetic field. Conductor
...........................................................................................................................................
is
perpendicular to
field so
force exacted.
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Determine, to three significant figures, the flux density B of the uniform magnetic field.
wire
one
-> F BIL
=
F W mg
=
=

0.00216 x9.81 1 x 3.94 x

0.03 =

40
-
3
B 4.5x18
=

4.5 x 10-
B = ...................................................... T [3]

(iii) Determine what is now the reading on the newton meter. Explain your reasoning.

-im
0.563 -

10.00216 x9.81) T+F N =

0.54

0.54
reading = ..................................................... N [2]
[Total: 10]
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8 (a) State Lenz’s law of electromagnetic induction.

ENFinduced in the conductor is such thatit
opposes
...................................................................................................................................................
The change which it.
produces
...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Two coils of insulated wire are wound on an iron bar, as shown in Fig. 8.1.

coil 1 coil 2
iron bar

I1
V

V2

Fig. 8.1

There is a current I1 in coil 1 that varies with time t as shown in Fig. 8.2.

1.0
0.85-
I1 / A

0.5

0
0 0.02 o
0.04 0.06
t/s
0.08

– 0.5

– 1.0

Fig. 8.2

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(i) The variation with t of I1 can be represented by the equation

I Iosincot
=

I1 = X sin Yt

where X and Y are constants.

Use Fig. 8.2 to determine the values of X and Y. Give units with your answers.

w
F e
=

0.85 A
X = ........................................... unit ...................
I
168 vads
-

Y = ........................................... unit ...................

[3]

MoTe
(ii) The current in coil 1 gives rise to a magnetic field in the iron bar. kB
=

Assume that the flux density of this magnetic field is proportional to I1.

An alternating electromotive force (e.m.f.) is induced across coil 2. The p.d. across coil 2
is measured using the voltmeter and has a root-mean-square (r.m.s.) value of 4.6 V.

On Fig. 8.3, sketch a line to show the variation with t of V2 between t = 0 and t = 0.08 s.
I
10 -
vcp
V2 / V At

p
1.
·

Omax 0
- =

Imax ->

0
Vrms
=
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08
t/s 4.6
=
Vo 6.5V =

–5
· &

– 10

Fig. 8.3
[3]

(iii) Use the laws of electromagnetic induction to explain the shape of your line in (b)(ii).
EMFinduced is
directly proportional the rate
to
of
...........................................................................................................................................

change
of magneticflux linkage. When currentis
...........................................................................................................................................
max DI and hence 10:0 so U =0. When current
...........................................................................................................................................
Tt
is 0. AIand hence : max so V:max.
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
Dt At
[Total: 11]
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9 (a) Fig. 9.1 shows the visible part of the emission spectrum from hydrogen gas in a laboratory on
the Earth. The numbers indicate the wavelength, in nm, represented by each line. -

411 435 488 658

>
-

Fig. 9.1

(i) Explain how the emission spectrum provides evidence for the existence of discrete
energy levels for the electron in a hydrogen atom.
Each wavelength corresponds to a particular energy of
...........................................................................................................................................

photon. Energy released when electron de-excitefrom

...........................................................................................................................................

higher tolower energy level. As photon energies are

...........................................................................................................................................
discrete, levels are also discrete.
energy
..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) Fig. 9.2 shows five of the energy levels in the hydrogen atom. The wavelengths of
radiation shown in Fig. 9.1 relate to transitions to the – 3.400 eV level in Fig. 9.2.

↑E – 0.378 eV
1y
=

E nc =

– 0.544 eV x
– 0.850 eV E 6.63x1534
=
x 3x108
9
658x18
-

energy
E 3.02 x10 195
-

X
3.4 -
x 1.889
=

1.6x10-19-12V
1889 longest 9
+

x
X 3.4=
-

3.02x10 -

X 1.512V
=

x 1.8892V
=

vvvv
– 3.400 eV
- -

- -

Fig. 9.2 (not to scale)

Show that the energy level X is –1.51 eV.

[3]

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(b) The same part of the emission spectrum from hydrogen as in (a), observed in light from stars
in a distant galaxy, is shown in Fig. 9.3. The numbers indicate the wavelengths in nm.

429 454 509 686

->
-

Fig. 9.3

The spectrum shows the same pattern as Fig. 9.1 but with different wavelengths.

(i) State the name of the phenomenon that gives rise to the change in the wavelengths.

Dopphas effect / Redshift

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) State what this phenomenon shows about the motion of the galaxy.

Galaxy is
moving away from observes.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Use one of the lines in Fig. 9.1, and the corresponding line in Fig. 9.3, to determine the
speed of the distant galaxy relative to the observer.

1 vT =

7
1.3x10 m/s
-658 v5 x100
46 v =

speed = ................................................ m s–1 [3]

(c) The galaxy in (b) is known to be a distance of 5.7 × 1024 m from the Earth.

Use your answer in (b)(iii) to determine a value for the Hubble constant H0.

V Hd
=

XIn
=

H 2.3x1000
=

2.3x10-10
H0 = ................................................... s–1 [2]

[Total: 13]

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10 Positron emission tomography (PET scanning) involves the detection of gamma-radiation in order
to identify the position of origin of positrons in the body.

(a) (i) Positrons are not naturally present in the body.

Explain how positrons come to be present in the body during PET scanning.
A trace molecules is injected into a human body
...........................................................................................................................................
thathas a radioactive atom attached, which is a
...........................................................................................................................................
encittor
position
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Explain how positrons cause the emission of gamma-radiation from the body during PET
scanning.
Positions collides with electrons and annhialate one
...........................................................................................................................................
another producing Gamma radiation. Its
photons of
...........................................................................................................................................

mass conventing to energy.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) Show that the wavelength of the gamma-radiation that is detected during PET scanning is

nation
approximately 2.4 pm. Explain your reasoning.

I
particles
-
photons E = ha
x
E mc

6
=
-

2 3x100
x2)(3.0 100)
3 8.2 x 10 =

(9.11
-

10 x
E x
=

135
-

E 1.64x10 X 2.4 10-1m

=

x
=

2.4pm
[4]

[Total: 9]

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