Term 2 Focused Informal Practice Questions

(Term 2 Focused IPQs)

PHYSICS | PHY51
Grade 10 | Advanced

Key Concept 8: Electromagnetic Forces

KPI 8.1 Describe the pattern and direction of the magnetic field due to currents in straight
wires and in solenoids.

1. A straight wire is perpendicular to the paper. It carries a current into the paper. What is the
magnetic field pattern and its direction near the wire?

A.

B.

√ C.

D.

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KPI 8.3 State the qualitative variation of the strength of the magnetic field around straight
wires and solenoids.

2. The strength of the magnetic field around a long, straight current-carrying wire _____.

A. Increases with distance from the wire.

√ B. Decreases with distance from the wire.
C. Remains constant at all points.
D. Is zero at all points.

KPI 8.4 Describe how the magnetic effect of a current is used in relays and loudspeakers
and give examples of their application.

3. In a loudspeaker, the magnetic effect of a current is used to:

A. Store energy in a battery.

B. Heat the air to produce sound.

√ C. Move a coil attached to a cone, creating sound waves.

D. Magnetize metal parts in an audio amplifier.

KPI 8.5 Describe the effect on the magnetic field around straight wires and solenoids of
changing the magnitude and direction of the current.

4. There is a current of 3.0 A in a conductor. The current is changed to 6.0 A in the opposite
direction. Which effect does this have on the magnetic field around the conductor?

A. It decreases and it acts in the opposite direction

B. It decreases and it acts in the same direction

√ C. It increases and it acts in the opposite direction

D. It increases and it acts in the same direction

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KPI 8.6 Describe an experiment to show that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor
in a magnetic field, including the effect of reversing:
(a) the current
(b) the direction of the field
KPI 8.7 Recall and use the relative directions of force, magnetic field and current.
KPI 8.8 Determine the direction of the force on beams of charged particles in a magnetic
field.
KPI 8.9 Know that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field may experience a turning
effect and that the turning effect is increased by increasing:
(a) the number of turns on the coil
(b) the current
(c) the strength of the magnetic field

5. A positively charged particle enters a magnetic field as shown below. What is the direction of
the force on the particle?

A. Into the page

B. Out of the page
√ C. Toward the top of the page
D. Toward the bottom of the page

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6. The coil in the d.c. motor in Fig. 9.1 is rotating as shown.

a. On Fig. 9.1, clearly label the coil.

The rectangular shape between the magnetic poles

b. State two things that could be done to the apparatus shown in Fig. 9.1 in order to make
the coil rotate more rapidly.
• Increase strength/power of magnet
• increase current/voltage/energy from battery
• increase number of turns in the coil

c. Suggest how the coil could be made to rotate in the opposite direction.
Reverse current by reversing the connections to the battery
OR
Reverse the direction of the magnetic field by reversing the poles

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7.Fig. 9.1 shows a wire, held between the poles of a magnet, carrying a current in the direction of
the arrow.
i. On Fig. 9.1, draw an arrow, labelled F, to show the
direction of the force acting on the wire.
arrow pointing vertically downwards.

ii. Explain why the force F acts on the wire.

The current produces a magnetic field which
interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet.

iii. The directions of the current and the magnetic

field are both reversed. State the effect on the force F.
Direction of the force is unchanged.

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Key Concept 9: Electromagnetic Induction

KPI 9.2 Know that the direction of an induced e.m.f. opposes the change causing it.

8. If a magnet is moved towards a coil, the induced current in the coil will create a magnetic field
that ______.

A. aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.

B. has no effect on the magnet’s motion.
C. attracts the magnet towards the coil.

√ D. repels the magnet to oppose the motion.

KPI 9.1 Know that a conductor moving across a magnetic field or a changing magnetic field
linking with a conductor can induce an e.m.f. in the conductor.
KPI 9.3 Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction.
KPI 9.4 State and use the relative directions of force, field and induced current.

9. A wire connected to a resistor is moved in a magnetic field. A current is induced in the

direction shown. In which direction is the wire moved?

A. A
B. B
√ C. C
D. D

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10. A metal wire is placed between the poles of a magnet. The wire can be moved in each of three
directions OP, QR and ST.

In which direction or directions must the wire be moved to induce an e.m.f. across the ends of the
wire?

√ A. OP only
B. OP or ST
C. QR only
D. ST only

KPI 9.6 Define potential energy as the energy stored due to interactions between objects
in a system.

11. In an a.c. generator, a coil is rotated in a magnetic field and an electromotive force (e.m.f.) is
induced in the coil. In which position of the coil does the e.m.f. have the largest value?

√ A.

B.

C.

D.

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KPI 9.8 Describe the construction of a simple transformer with a soft iron core, as used for
voltage transformations.
KPI 9.9 Use the terms primary, secondary, step-up and step-down.
KPI 9.11 Recall and use the equation
𝑽𝒑 𝑵𝒑
=
𝑽𝒔 𝑵𝒔
where 𝑝 and 𝑠 refer to primary and secondary.

12. The diagram shows a simple step-down transformer used to decrease a voltage. Which part is
the primary coil?

A. A
B. B
C. C
√ D. D

13. A transformer is a device for changing voltages. Fig. 10.1 shows a transformer that has a
primary coil with 1000 turns and a secondary coil with 50 turns.

a. State the material from which the core of the transformer is made.
Iron

b. The primary coil is connected to a 240V alternating current supply. Calculate the voltage
across the secondary coil.
𝑉𝑠 𝑁𝑠
=
𝑉𝑝 𝑁𝑝
𝑁𝑠 × 𝑉𝑝 (50)(240 𝑉)
𝑉𝑠 = = = 12 𝑉
𝑁𝑝 1000
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KPI 9.13 Describe the use of transformers in high-voltage transmission of electricity.
KPI 9.14 State the advantages of high-voltage transmission.
KPI 9.15 Recall and use the equation 𝑃 = 𝐼2𝑅 to explain why power losses in cables are
smaller when the voltage is greater.

14. A step-up transformer is used before electricity is transmitted by overhead cables. Which
statement explains why the step-up transformer is used?

It increases the current to increase

A. the speed at which the electricity
travels
It increases the current to reduce
B.
energy loss in the cables
It increases the voltage to increase
C. the speed at which the electricity
travels
It increases the voltage to reduce
√ D.
energy loss in the cables

15. The diagram shows cables used in the transmission of electrical energy. High voltages are
used for the transmission.

Why are high voltages used for the transmission of electrical energy?

Fear of high voltages stops people

A.
from interfering with the cables.
Heat loss in the cables is smaller
√ B.
than if low voltages are used.
High voltages increase the current
C.
in the cables.
High voltages produce large
D. magnetic fields, so less insulation
is needed.

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16. What is an advantage of transmitting electricity at a high voltage?

A. It is faster
B. It is safer
√ C. Less energy is wasted
D. Less equipment is needed

17. Fig. 8.1 represents the system of transmission of electrical energy from a power station to a
home that is a long distance away.

a. State the difference between transformer X and transformer Y.

X is step-up (transformer) Y: is step-down (transformer)

b. Explain why a very high voltage is used for transmission over large distances.
High voltage means low current (𝑃 = 𝐼 2 𝑅)
Power / heat / energy / voltage loss is less
Thinner cables / wires suitable for low current

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Key Concept 10: The Nuclear Atom

KPI 10.1 Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a positively charged nucleus and
negatively charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus.

18. In the atomic model, an atom consists of a central mass, orbited by much smaller particles.

What is the name of the central mass and of the orbiting particles?

Central mass Orbiting particle

A Neutron α particle
B Neutron electron
C Nucleus α particle
√ D Nucleus electron

KPI 10.5 State the relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and –1
respectively.

19. Which row gives the relative charge of an electron, a neutron and a proton?

electron neutron proton

A -1 0 -1
√ B -1 0 +1
C +1 -1 0
D +1 0 +1

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KPI 10.6 Define the terms proton number (atomic number): Z and nucleon number (mass
number): A and be able to calculate the number of neutrons in a nucleus.
KPI 10.9 Use the nuclide notation 𝑨𝒁𝑿.
KPI 10.10 Explain what is meant by an isotope and state that an element may have more
than one isotope.

20. 146𝐶 is a nuclide of carbon. What is the composition of one nucleus of this nuclide?

neutrons protons
A. 6 8
B. 6 14
√ C. 8 6
D. 14 6
21. There are three naturally occurring isotopes of hydrogen: hydrogen-1, hydrogen-2 and
hydrogen-3.
The nuclide notation for hydrogen-1 is 11𝐻. Write down the symbol, using nuclide notation, for:

hydrogen-2 ................................... 21𝐻

hydrogen-3. .................................. 31𝐻

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Key Concept 11: Radioactivity.

KPI 11.2 Know the sources that make a significant contribution to background radiation
including:
(a) radon gas (in the air)
(b) rocks and buildings
(c) food and drink
(d) cosmic rays

22. Which of the following sources is the largest contributor to background radiation in many
regions?

A. Cosmic rays
B. Food and drink
√ C. Radon gas in the air
D. Rocks and buildings

KPI 11.3 Know that ionizing nuclear radiation can be measured using a detector
connected to a counter.

23. Which device is commonly used to measure ionizing nuclear radiation?

A. Microscope
√ B. Geiger-Müller detector
C. Voltmeter
D. Thermometer

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KPI 11.7 Identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions from the nucleus by
recalling:
(a) their nature.
(b) their relative ionizing effects.
(c) their relative penetrating abilities (β+ are not included, β-particles will be taken to
refer to β–).

24. A thin sheet of paper is placed between a radioactive source and a radiation detector. The
count rate falls to a very low reading.

From this result, which type of radiation is the source emitting?

√ A. α-particles
B. β-particles
C. γ-rays
D. X-rays

KPI 11.8 Describe the deflection of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation in electric
fields and magnetic fields.

25. The diagram shows emissions from a source passing into the electric field between two
charged plates.

What is emitted by this source?

A. neutrons and γ-rays only

B. α-particles and β-particles only
√ C. α-particles and γ-rays only
D. β-particles and γ-rays only

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KPI 11.14 Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-
particles, β-particles, and γ-radiation.

26. A nucleus of strontium-90 consists of 38 protons and 52 neutrons. Strontium-90 is radioactive

and decays by β-emission to an isotope of yttrium. The symbol for strontium is Sr and the
symbol for yttrium is Y.
Write down the nuclide equation of this decay.

90 90
38𝑆𝑟 → 39𝑌 + −10𝛽

27. A smoke detector contains a source of ionizing radiation.

The radioactive source in the smoke detector contains americium-241.
An americium-241 nucleus emits an α-particle to become a neptunium nucleus. Complete the
equation to show the nucleon number and proton number of neptunium.

241 ……
95𝐴𝑚 → ……𝑁𝑝 + 𝐴𝑍𝑋
237, 93

KPI 11.15 Define the half-life of a particular isotope as the time taken for half the nuclei of
that isotope in any sample to decay; recall and use this definition in simple calculations,
which might involve information in tables or decay curves (calculations will not include
background radiation).

28. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 120 minutes. It emits radiation at a rate of 100
particles per second. How long does it take for the rate of emission to fall to 25 particles per
second?

A. 30 minutes
B. 45 minutes
C. 90 minutes
√ D. 240 minutes

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KPI 11.19 Describe how radioactive materials are moved, used and stored in a safe way.
KPI 11.20 Explain safety precautions for all ionizing radiation in terms of reducing
exposure time, increasing distance between source and living tissue and using shielding
to absorb radiation.

29. People handling radioactive substances need to take certain safety precautions.

a. Explain why safety precautions are necessary.

• Emissions from radioactive substances are ionizing
• Ionizing radiation can damage cells / body tissue / burns
• Risk of cancer
• Risk of radiation sickness
• Risk of mutations / damage to offspring

b. State two safety precautions used by people handling radioactive substances.

Use of gloves
tweezers
lead/ concrete
maintain distance
minimise exposure time

c. Radioactive materials are stored in a cupboard.Which of the symbols shown in the figure
below is used on the door of the cupboard to warn of the radiation hazard? Tick one

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Key Concept 12: Refraction of Light

KPI 12.2 Describe an experiment to show refraction of light by transparent blocks of

different shapes.

30. Which diagram correctly shows a ray of light passing through a rectangular glass block?

√ A.

B.

C.

D.

KPI 12.3 Define refractive index, n, as the ratio of the speeds of a wave in two different
regions.

31. Light has a speed of 1.24 × 108 𝑚/𝑠 in diamond. What is the refractive index of diamond?

A. 0.41
B. 1.54
√ C. 2.42
D. 3.72

KPI 12.4 Describe the passage of light through a transparent material (limited to the
boundaries between two media only).
32. What causes the change in direction when light travels from air into glass?

A. The amplitude of the light changes.

B. The colour of the light changes.
C. The frequency of the light changes.
√ D. The speed of the light changes.

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33. Light waves pass from air into glass and are refracted. What always remains constant when
this happens?

A. direction
√ B. frequency
C. speed
D. wavelength

𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒊
KPI 12.5 Recall and use the equation: 𝒏 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒓

34. For blue light, the refractive index of a particular type of transparent plastic is 1.5. A block is
made of this type of plastic. Blue light travelling in a vacuum is incident on the side of the block at
point P. The figure below shows that the angle of incidence is 45°.

At P, some of the light is refracted into the block and some of the
light is reflected.

a. Calculate the angle of refraction of the light in the block.

sin 𝑖 sin 45˚
sin 𝑟 = = = 0.47
𝑛 1.5
−1 (0.47)
𝑟 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 28˚

b. On figure, draw the path taken by the light that passes into
the block and the path of the light that is reflected at P.

KPI 12.6 State the meaning of critical angle.

35. The diagram shows a ray of light passing from glass to air, at the critical angle.

Which angles are the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction?

Angle of Angle of
incidence refraction
A W Y
B W Z
C X Y
√ D X Z

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