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dotpoint_hscphysicsmultiplechoice

The document is a physics study guide published by Science Press in 2008, focusing on multiple-choice questions aligned with the HSC syllabus. It includes sections on key topics such as Space, Motors and Generators, and From Ideas to Implementation, along with corresponding questions, summaries, and answers. Additionally, it provides a list of verbs to watch for in exam questions and guidance on how to effectively use the book for study purposes.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

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dotpoint_hscphysicsmultiplechoice

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HSC PHYSICS MULTIPLE

CHOICE

Brian Shadwick
© Science Press 2008
First published 2008
All rights reserved. No part of this publication
Science Press may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
Private Bag 7023 Marrickville NSW 1475 Australia or transmitted in any form or by any means,
Tel: (02) 9516 1122 Fax: (02) 9550 1915 electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording
[email protected] or otherwise, without the prior permission of
www.sciencepress.com.au Science Press. ABN 98 000 073 861
Contents

Introduction v
Verbs to Watch vi

Dot Points

Space vii
Motors and Generators ix
From Ideas to Implementation xi
From Quanta to Quarks xiii

Questions and Summaries

Space 1
Motors and Generators 111
From Ideas to Implementation 221
From Quanta to Quarks 333

Answers

Space 421
Motors and Generators 433
From Ideas to Implementation 445
From Quanta to Quarks 457

Appendix

Data Sheet 466

Formula Sheet 467
Periodic Table 468

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice iii Contents

Notes

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

Science Press

Contents iv Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Introduction
What the book includes

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Questions follow the dot points in the Board of Studies syllabus and focus on the three core topics plus the
option topic From Quanta to Quarks:
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0RWRUVDQG*HQHUDWRUV
)URP,GHDVWR,PSOHPHQWDWLRQ
)URP4XDQWDWR4XDUNV
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7KHH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQVDUHGHVLJQHGWRWHVWDQGGHYHORS\RXUXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIWKHDQVZHUV\RXJLYHWRWKH
PXOWLSOHFKRLFHTXHVWLRQV0DQ\RIWKHTXHVWLRQVDOVRWHVWYDULRXVVNLOOV\RXDUHUHTXLUHGWRGHYHORSDV\RXVWXG\
HDFKWRSLFIRUH[DPSOHDQDO\VLQJH[SHULPHQWDOUHVXOWVIURP¿UVWKDQGLQYHVWLJDWLRQV

Format of the book

The book has been formatted in the following way:

1. Main topic statement (column 1 of syllabus)

1.1etc Syllabus requirement from columns 2 and 3.

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EXOOHWHG±KHQFHRXUXVHRIµGRWSRLQWV¶ZKHQZHUHIHUWRWKHP

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UHTXLUHPHQW
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UHTXLUHPHQWHWF
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How to use the book

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:KHQZRUNLQJWKURXJKWKHTXHVWLRQVZULWHWKHDQVZHUV\RXKDYHWRORRNXSLQDGLIIHUHQWFRORXUWRWKRVH\RX
NQRZZLWKRXWKDYLQJWRUHVHDUFKWKHZRUN7KLVZLOOSURYLGH\RXZLWKDTXLFNUHIHUHQFHWRZRUN\RXVKRXOG
spend more time revising later, and allow you to spend your study time more productively.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice v Introduction

Verbs to Watch
account/account for distinguish
State reasons for, report on, give an account of, Recognise or note/indicate as being distinct or
narrate a series of events or transactions. different from, note difference between things.
analyse evaluate
Identify components and the relationships among Make a judgement based on criteria.
them, draw out and relate implications.
examine
apply ,QTXLUHLQWR
Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation.
explain
appreciate Relate cause and effect, make the relationship
Make a judgement about the value of something. between things evident, provide why and/or how.

assess extract
0DNHDMXGJHPHQWRIYDOXHTXDOLW\RXWFRPHV &KRRVHUHOHYDQWDQGRUDSSURSULDWHGHWDLOV
results or size. extrapolate
calculate Infer from what is known.
'HWHUPLQHIURPJLYHQIDFWV¿JXUHVRULQIRUPDWLRQ identify
clarify Recognise and name.
Make clear or plain. interpret
classify Draw meaning from.
Arrange into classes, groups or categories. investigate
compare 3ODQLQTXLUHLQWRDQGGUDZFRQFOXVLRQVDERXW
Show how things are similar and different. justify
construct Support an argument or conclusion.
Make, build, put together items or arguments. outline
contrast Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features.
Show how things are different or opposite. predict
critically (analyse/evaluate) Suggest what may happen based on available data.
Add a degree or level of accuracy, depth, knowledge propose
DQGXQGHUVWDQGLQJORJLFTXHVWLRQLQJUHÀHFWLRQDQG Put forward (a point of view, idea, argument,
TXDOLW\WRDQDQDO\VLVRUHYDOXDWLRQ suggestion etc) for consideration or action.
deduce recall
Draw conclusions. Present remembered ideas, facts or experiences.
GH¿QH recommend
6WDWHWKHPHDQLQJRIDQGLGHQWLI\HVVHQWLDOTXDOLWLHV Provide reasons in favour.
demonstrate recount
Show by example. Retell a series of events.
describe summarise
Provide characteristics and features. Express concisely the relevant details.
discuss synthesise
Identify issues and provide points for and against. Put together various elements to make a whole.

Science Press

Verbs to Watch vi Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Space

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

1. *UDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG 2 2.10 Analyse forces involved in uniform

'H¿QHZHLJKWDVWKHIRUFHDFWLQJRQ circular motion for a range of objects,
DQREMHFWGXHWRDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG including satellites orbiting Earth. 45
1.2 Use F = mg to determine the weight 2.11 Solve problems about the centripetal
force of bodies on Earth and other force on a satellite in Earth orbit using:
planets. 3 47
1.3 Predict the acceleration due to gravity &RPSDUHTXDOLWDWLYHO\ORZ(DUWKDQG
on other planets. 6 geostationary orbits. 48
1.4 Perform an experiment to determine 2XWOLQHWKHFRQWULEXWLRQWRVSDFHRI
the acceleration due to gravity and RQHRI7VLRONRYVN\2EHUWK*RGGDUG
identify reasons for possible variations (VQDXOW3HOWHULH2¶1HLOORUYRQ%UDXQ
from 9.8 m s–2. 8 'H¿QHRUELWDOYHORFLW\DQGLWV
1.5 Explain that a change in gravitational relationship with G, the mass of the
potential energy is related to work done. 9 planet and satellite, and the radius
RIWKHRUELWTXDOLWDWLYHO\DQG
'H¿QH*3(DVWKHZRUNGRQHWRPRYH
TXDQWLWDWLYHO\
DQREMHFWIURPLQ¿QLW\WRDSRLQWLQD
JUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG 6ROYHSUREOHPVXVLQJ.HSOHU¶V/DZ
of Periods. 54
2. Rocket launches and gravity 17
2.16 Account for the orbital decay of satellites
2.1 Describe the trajectory of a projectile
LQ/(2
ZLWKLQWKH(DUWK¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG
2.17 Discuss issues associated with safe
'HVFULEH*DOLOHR¶VDQDO\VLVRISURMHFWLOH
UHHQWU\LQWRWKH(DUWK¶VDWPRVSKHUH
motion. 22
and landing on the surface. 57
2.3 Solve projectile motion problems using
2.18 Identify that there is an optimum angle
horizontal and vertical components
IRUUHHQWU\LQWRWKH(DUWK¶VDWPRVSKHUH
DQG1HZWRQ¶VHTXDWLRQVRIPRWLRQ
DQGWKHFRQVHTXHQFHVRIIDLOLQJWR
2.4 Explain escape velocity in terms of achieve this. 59
the gravitational constant, and the
3. The Solar System and gravity 61
mass and radius of the planet. 29
'HVFULEHDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGQHDUD
2XWOLQH1HZWRQ¶VFRQFHSWRIHVFDSH
massive object in terms of its effects
velocity. 31
on other masses. 61
,GHQWLI\ZK\WKHWHUPµJIRUFHV¶LV
'H¿QH1HZWRQ¶V/DZRI8QLYHUVDO
used to explain the forces on an
Gravitation. 62
astronaut. 32
3.3 Solve problems and analyse information
2.7 Perform an experiment to calculate
using:
WKHLQLWLDODQG¿QDOYHORFLWLHVUDQJH
DQGWLPHRIÀLJKWRIDSURMHFWLOH 63
2.8 Analyse the changing acceleration of 3.4 Discuss factors affecting the strength
a rocket during launch in terms of the of the gravitational force. 65
/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP 'LVFXVVWKHLPSRUWDQFHRI1HZWRQ¶V
and the forces experienced by astronauts. 38 Law of Universal Gravitation in
'LVFXVVWKHHIIHFWRIWKH(DUWK¶VRUELWDO understanding and calculating the
and rotational motion on rocket launches. 43 motion of satellites. 68

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice vii Space

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

3.6 Identify that a slingshot effect can be 4.12 Discuss the relationship between
provided by planets for space probes. 70 theory and the evidence supporting
4. Understanding time and space 73 LWXVLQJ(LQVWHLQ¶VSUHGLFWLRQVEDVHG
on relativity that were made many
2XWOLQHWKHIHDWXUHVRIWKHDHWKHU
years before evidence was available
model for the transmission of light. 73
to support it. 90
4.2 Describe and evaluate the
([SODLQTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHFRQVHTXHQFH
0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQW
of special relativity in relation to the
4.3 Interpret the results of the relativity of simultaneity. 91
0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQW
([SODLQTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHFRQVHTXHQFH
4.4 Discuss the role of the RIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\WRWKHHTXLYDOHQFH
0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWLQ of mass and energy. 94
making determinations about
4.15 Solve problems using: 95
competing theories. 77
([SODLQTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHFRQVHTXHQFH
2XWOLQHWKHQDWXUHRILQHUWLDOIUDPHV
of special relativity in relation to mass. 96
of reference. 78
4.17 Solve problems using the relativistic
4.6 Perform an investigation to distinguish
PDVVHTXDWLRQ
EHWZHHQQRQLQHUWLDODQGLQHUWLDO
frames of reference. 80 ([SODLQTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHFRQVHTXHQFH
of special relativity in relation to
4.7 Discuss the principle of relativity. 81
length contraction. 100
'HVFULEHWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRIWKH
4.19 Solve problems using the relativistic
DVVXPSWLRQRI(LQVWHLQ¶VDVVXPSWLRQ
OHQJWKHTXDWLRQ
of the constancy of the speed of light. 84
([SODLQTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHFRQVHTXHQFH
$QDO\VHDQGLQWHUSUHWVRPHRI(LQVWHLQ¶V
of special relativity in relation to time
thought experiments about mirrors
dilation. 104
and trains and discuss the relationship
between thought and reality. 85 4.21 Solve problems using the time
GLODWLRQHTXDWLRQ
4.10 Identify that if c is constant, then
space and time become relative. 87 4.22 Discuss implications of mass increase,
time dilation, length contraction for
4.11 Discuss the concept that length standards
space travel. 108
DUHGH¿QHGLQWHUPVRIWLPHLQFRQWUDVW
to the original metre standard. 89 Answers to Space 421

Science Press

Space viii Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Motors and Generators

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

1. Current-carrying conductors 112 ,GHQWLI\WKDWWKHPDJQHWLF¿HOGLQ

1.1 Discuss the effect, on the force on a '&PRWRUVFDQEHSURGXFHGE\FXUUHQW
FXUUHQWFDUU\LQJFRQGXFWRURI carrying coils or permanent magnets. 146
variations in: 2. Generating electricity 149
WKHPDJQHWLF¿HOGLQZKLFKLWLVORFDWHG 2XWOLQH)DUDGD\¶VGLVFRYHU\RIWKH
WKHFXUUHQWLQWKHFRQGXFWRU generation of electricity by a moving
WKHOHQJWKRIWKHFRQGXFWRULQWKH¿HOG magnet. 149
WKHDQJOHEHWZHHQWKHPDJQHWLF¿HOG
2.2 Perform an investigation to model
and conductor. 112
the generation of an electric current
1.2 Solve problems and analyse by moving a magnet in a coil or a
information about the force on coil near a magnet. 151
FXUUHQWFDUU\LQJFRQGXFWRUVLQ
2.3 Plan and perform an experiment to
PDJQHWLF¿HOGVXVLQJ
predict and verify the effect on a
115 generated current of the distance
'HVFULEHTXDOLWDWLYHO\DQGTXDQWLWDWLYHO\ between the coil and the magnet,
the force between long, parallel the strength of the magnet, and the
FXUUHQWFDUU\LQJFRQGXFWRUVXVLQJ relative motion between the coil and
the magnet. 155
118 'H¿QHPDJQHWLF¿HOGVWUHQJWK%DV
1.4 Solve problems using: PDJQHWLFÀX[GHQVLW\

122 'HVFULEHPDJQHWLFÀX[LQWHUPVRI

PDJQHWLFÀX[GHQVLW\DQGVXUIDFHDUHD
1.5 Describe the forces experienced by a
FXUUHQWFDUU\LQJORRSLQDPDJQHWLF 2.6 Describe generated potential difference
¿HOGDQGGHVFULEHWKHQHWUHVXOWRI DVWKHUDWHRIFKDQJHRIPDJQHWLFÀX[
the forces. 125 $FFRXQWIRU/HQ]¶V/DZLQWHUPVRI
1.6 Perform an experiment to demonstrate conservation of energy. 170
the motor effect. 128 5HODWH/HQ]¶V/DZWRWKHSURGXFWLRQ
'H¿QHWRUTXHDVWKHWXUQLQJPRPHQW of back emf in motors and that this
of a force using: T 132 opposes the supply emf. 172

1.8 Solve problems and analyse information 2.9 Explain production of eddy currents
about simple motors using: LQWHUPVRI/HQ]¶V/DZ
T 134 2.10 Explain how induction is used in
1.9 Identify the motor effect is due to the cooktops. 177
IRUFHDFWLQJRQDFXUUHQWFDUU\LQJ 2.11 Explain how eddy currents are used
FRQGXFWRULQDPDJQHWLF¿HOG in electromagnetic braking. 179
1.10 Describe the application of the motor 3. Generators 183
effect in a galvanometer. 140 3.1 Describe the main components of a
1.11 Describe the application of the motor generator. 183
effect in a loudspeaker. 142 'HVFULEHWKHGLIIHUHQFHVEHWZHHQ'&
'HVFULEHWKHPDLQIHDWXUHVRID'& DQG$&JHQHUDWRUV
electric motor and the role of each feature. 144

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice ix Motors and Generators

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

&RPSDUHWKHVWUXFWXUHDQGIXQFWLRQ 4.4 Solve problems using:

of a motor and a generator. 187
3.4 Discuss advantages and disadvantages 203
RI$&DQG'&JHQHUDWRUVDQGUHODWH 4.5 Discuss how the heating effects of
these to their use. 189 eddy currents are minimised in
3.5 Perform an experiment to demonstrate transformers. 205
the production of an alternating current. 190 4.6 Perform an experiment to model the
3.6 Discuss energy losses that occur in structure and working of a transformer. 206
transmission lines. 192 4.7 Discuss the need for transformers in
3.7 Assess the effects of the development electricity transmission from source
RI$&JHQHUDWRUVRQVRFLHW\ to point of use. 207
3.8 Assess the effects of the development 4.8 Explain why voltage transformations
RI$&JHQHUDWRUVRQWKHHQYLURQPHQW are related to conservation of energy. 209
3.9 Analyse the competition between 4.9 Discuss why some electrical appliances
Edison and Westinghouse to supply in the home use transformers. 210
electricity to cities. 194 4.10 Discuss the impact of the development
3.10 Identify how transmission lines are of transformers on society. 212
insulated from supporting structures 5. Motors and energy changes 213
and protected from lightning. 196 'HVFULEHWKHPDLQIHDWXUHVRIDQ$&
4. Transformers 199 electric motor. 213
4.1 Describe the purpose of transformers 5.2 Perform an investigation to demonstrate
in electrical circuits. 199 WKHSULQFLSOHRIDQ$&LQGXFWLRQPRWRU
&RPSDUHVWHSXSDQGVWHSGRZQ 5.3 Identify some of the energy
transformers. 200 transformations involving the
4.3 Identify the relationship between the conversion of electrical energy that
ratio of the number of turns in the occur in homes and industry. 219
primary and secondary coils and the Answers to Motors and Generators 433
ratio of the primary to secondary
voltage. 202

Science Press

Motors and Generators x Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

From Ideas to Implementation

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

1. Cathode rays 222 1.11 For cathode ray tubes, outline the role of:
1.1 Explain that cathode ray tubes allowed WKHHOHFWURGHVLQWKHHOHFWURQJXQ
the manipulation of charged particles. 222 WKHGHÀHFWLRQSODWHVRUFRLOV
WKHÀXRUHVFHQWVFUHHQ
1.2 Explain why the apparent behaviour
of cathode rays caused debate as to 2. The photoelectric effect and black
whether they were charged particles body radiation 253
or electromagnetic waves. 223 2XWOLQH+HUW]¶VH[SHULPHQWLQ
1.3 Perform an investigation to identify measuring the speed of radio waves
properties of cathode rays using and how they relate to light waves. 253
discharge tubes containing: 'HVFULEH+HUW]¶VREVHUYDWLRQRIWKH
D0DOWHVHFURVV effect of a radio wave on a receiver
HOHFWULFSODWHV and the photoelectric effect he
DÀXRUHVFHQWVFUHHQ produced but failed to investigate. 257
DJODVVZKHHO
2.3 Perform an experiment to show the
and analyse the information to production and reception of radio waves. 258
determine the sign of the charge on
,GHQWLI\3ODQFN¶VK\SRWKHVLVWKDW
cathode rays. 225
radiation emitted and absorbed by the
1.4 Perform an investigation to observe ZDOOVRIDEODFNERG\LVTXDQWLVHG
the different patterns of striations in
,GHQWLI\(LQVWHLQ¶VFRQWULEXWLRQWR
cathode ray tubes at different pressures. 230
TXDQWXPWKHRU\DQGLWVUHODWLRQWR
1.5 Identify that moving charged particles black body radiation. 262
LQDPDJQHWLF¿HOGH[SHULHQFHDIRUFH
$VVHVV(LQVWHLQ¶VFRQWULEXWLRQWR
'LVFXVVTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHHOHFWULF¿HOG TXDQWXPWKHRU\DQGLWVUHODWLRQWR
strength due to point, positive and black body radiation. 265
negative charges. 234
2.7 Explain the particle model of light in
1.7 Identify that charged plates produce terms of photons with particular energy
DQHOHFWULF¿HOG DQGIUHTXHQF\
'LVFXVVTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHHOHFWULF¿HOG 2.8 Identify the relationships between
strength due to oppositely charged SKRWRQHQHUJ\IUHTXHQF\VSHHGRI
parallel plates. 237 light and wavelength using:
'HVFULEHTXDQWLWDWLYHO\WKHIRUFHRQ and 268
a moving charged particle in a
2.9 Solve problems using:
PDJQHWLF¿HOGDQGVROYHSUREOHPV
and 273
using:
F = qE 2.10 Summarise the use of the photoelectric
effect in solar cells and photocells. 279
'LVFXVV(LQVWHLQDQG3ODQFN¶V
F = qvBsin ș 238
GLIIHULQJYLHZVDERXWZKHWKHUVFLHQWL¿F
2XWOLQHWKHH[SHULPHQWE\7KRPVRQ research is removed from social and
to measure the charge/mass ratio of political forces. 285
an electron. 245

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice xi From Ideas to Implementation

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

3. Transistors 287 4. Superconductors 313

3.1 Identify that some electrons in solids are 2XWOLQHWKHPHWKRGVXVHGE\WKH
shared between atoms and move freely. 287 Braggs to determine crystal structure. 313
3.2 Describe, in terms of band structures 4.2 Identify that metals possess a crystal
and relative electrical resistance, lattice structure. 315
the differences in conductors, 4.3 Describe conduction in metals as a
insulators, semiconductors. 288 movement of free electrons
3.3 Identify absences of electrons in unimpeded by the lattice. 316
nearly full bands as positive holes, 4.4 Identify that resistance in metals is
and recognise that electrons and holes increased by the presence of impurities
help to carry current. 292 and scattering of electrons by lattice
&RPSDUHTXDOLWDWLYHO\WKHUHODWLYH vibrations. 317
number of free electrons in conductors, 4.5 Describe the occurrence in superconductors
semiconductors and insulators. 293 below their critical temperature of a
3.5 Perform an experiment to model the population of electron pairs unaffected
behaviour of semiconductors. 295 by electrical resistance. 319
3.6 Identify that the use of germanium in 4.6 Identify some of the metals, alloys
early transistors was related to the DQGFRPSRXQGVLGHQWL¿HGDVH[KLELWLQJ
inability to produce other materials superconductivity and their critical
of suitable purity. 297 temperatures. 321
3.7 Describe how doping a semiconductor 'LVFXVVWKH%&6WKHRU\
can change its electrical properties. 298 'LVFXVVWKHDGYDQWDJHVRIXVLQJVXSHU
,GHQWLI\GLIIHUHQFHVLQSDQGQW\SH conductors and identify limitations to
semiconductors in terms of their their use. 324
relative numbers of negative charge 4.9 Explain why a magnet is able to hover
carriers and positive holes. 300 above a superconducting material
3.9 Describe differences between solid below its critical temperature. 326
state and thermionic devices and why 4.10 Perform an investigation to
solid state replaced thermionic devices. 303 demonstrate magnetic levitation. 329
3.10 Discuss how shortcomings in 4.11 Describe how superconductors and
communications technology led to WKHHIIHFWVRIPDJQHWLF¿HOGVKDYH
an increased knowledge of the properties been applied to develop a maglev train. 329
of materials with reference to the 4.12 Discuss possible applications of
invention of transistors. 304 superconductivity and the effects of
3.11 Assess the impact of transistors on those applications on computers,
society with particular reference to their generators, motors and the transmission
use in microchips and microprocessors. 305 of electricity through transmission grids. 331
3.12 Identify data sources, gather, process Answers to From Ideas to Implementation 445
and present information to summarise
the effect of light on semiconductors
in solar cells. 307

Science Press

From Ideas to Implementation xii Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice
From Quanta to Quarks

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

1. Models of the atom 334 2.5 Explain the stability of the electron
1.1 Discuss the Rutherford model of the atom. 334 orbits in the Bohr atom using
GH%URJOLH¶VK\SRWKHVLV
$QDO\VHWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRIWKH
hydrogen spectrum in the 2.6 Assess the contribution made by
development of the Bohr model. 336 +HLVHQEHUJDQG3DXOLWRDWRPLFWKHRU\
1.3 Perform an experiment to observe 3. Development of nuclear physics 365
the visible components of the 'H¿QHWKHFRPSRQHQWVRIWKHQXFOHXV
hydrogen spectrum. 337 and contrast their properties. 365
'LVFXVV3ODQFN¶VFRQWULEXWLRQWRWKH 3.2 Discuss the importance of the
FRQFHSWRITXDQWLVHGHQHUJ\ FRQVHUYDWLRQODZVWR&KDGZLFN¶V
'H¿QH%RKU¶VSRVWXODWHV discovery of the neutron. 366
'HVFULEHKRZ%RKU¶VSRVWXODWHVOHG 'H¿QHWKHWHUPQXFOHDUWUDQVPXWDWLRQ
to a mathematical model to account 3.4 Describe nuclear transmutations due
for the hydrogen spectrum. 343 to natural radioactivity. 370
1.7 Solve problems and analyse 'HVFULEH)HUPL¶VLQLWLDOH[SHULPHQWDO
information using: REVHUYDWLRQRIQXFOHDU¿VVLRQ
3.6 Perform an experiment to observe
345 radiation emitted from a nucleus
using a Wilson cloud chamber or
1.8 Process and present diagrams to show
similar device. 376
%RKU¶VH[SODQDWLRQRIWKH%DOPHUVHULHV
'LVFXVV3DXOL¶VLGHDRIWKHWKH
1.9 Discuss the limitations of the Bohr
neutrino and the need to account for
model of the hydrogen atom. 351
WKHHQHUJ\HOHFWURQVHPLWWHGLQȕGHFD\
,GHQWLI\GLI¿FXOWLHVZLWKWKH%RKU
3.8 Evaluate the relative contribution of
model, including its inability to
electrostatic and gravitational forces
explain spectra of larger atoms,
between nucleons. 381
LQWHQVLW\RIDQGK\SHU¿QHVSHFWUDO
lines and the Zeeman effect. 353 3.9 Account for the need for the strong
nuclear force and describe its properties. 383
2. Development of quantum physics 355
3.10 Explain the concept of mass defect
'HVFULEHWKHLPSDFWRIGH%URJOLH¶V
XVLQJ(LQVWHLQ¶VHTXLYDOHQFHEHWZHHQ
proposal that any kind of particle has
mass and energy. 385
both wave and particle properties. 355
3.11 Solve problems to calculate the mass
2.2 Solve problems and analyse
defect and energy released in natural
information using:
WUDQVPXWDWLRQDQG¿VVLRQUHDFWLRQV
356 'HVFULEH)HUPL¶VGHPRQVWUDWLRQVRI
'H¿QHGLIIUDFWLRQDQGLGHQWLI\WKDW a nuclear chain reaction in 1942. 389
interference occurs between waves &RPSDUHUHTXLUHPHQWVIRUFRQWUROOHG
that have been diffracted. 358 and uncontrolled chain reactions. 391
'HVFULEHWKHFRQ¿UPDWLRQRIGH%URJOLH¶V
proposal by Davisson and Germer. 360

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice xiii From Quanta to Quarks
Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

4. Applications of nuclear physics 395 4.5 Describe how neutron scattering is

4.1 Explain the basic principles of a used as a probe by referring to the
¿VVLRQUHDFWRU properties of neutrons. 407

$VVHVVWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRIWKH 4.6 Identify ways by which physicists

Manhattan Project to society. 399 continue to develop their
understanding of matter using
4.3 Describe some medical and industrial accelerators as a probe to investigate
applications of radioisotopes. 401 the structure of matter. 410
4.4 Describe the use of a named isotope 4.7 Discuss the key features and
in medicine, agriculture, and components of the standard model
engineering. 405 RIPDWWHULQFOXGLQJTXDUNVDQGOHSWRQV
Answers to From Quanta to Quarks 457

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From Quanta to Quarks xiv Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice
DOT POINT
Space

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 1 Space

1. The Earth has a gravitational ﬁeld that exerts a force on objects both on it and around it.

'H¿QHZHLJKW
Weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on a body and is given by: W = mg
HLJKWGHSHQGVRQWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\VRWKHZHLJKWRIDQREMHFWYDULHV
:
depending on its position in the Universe. Weight can be zero if the gravitational force
acting on an object is zero.
1.1.1 What is weight?
(A) A measure of the amount of matter in an object.
% $PHDVXUHRIWKHVWUHQJWKRIWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGWKHREMHFWLVSODFHGLQ
& $PHDVXUHRIWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDODFFHOHUDWLRQRIWKHSODQHW
(D) A measure of the force of gravity acting on an object.

Extension:6WDWHWKHFRQGLWLRQVXQGHUZKLFKFKRLFH & ZRXOGEHFRUUHFW

1.1.2 Which statement about the weight of an object is correct?

(A) If gravitational acceleration is zero, then weight is zero.
(B) The weight of a particular object is constant on a particular planet.
& 7KHZHLJKWRIDQREMHFWZLOOFKDQJHZKHQLWLVWDNHQWRDGLIIHUHQWSODQHW
(D) Weight is independent of the value of the acceleration due to gravity.

Extension: State two ways in which mass and weight differ.

1.1.3 :KLFKHTXDWLRQFRXOGEHXVHGWRGHWHUPLQHWKHZHLJKWRIDQREMHFW"
(A) m= F a
(B) F = mt
& m= F g
(D) F = mg

Extension: What units are used to measure mass and weight?

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Space 2 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.1.4 A traveller weighs herself at sea level and on top of a high mountain using the same set of
scales. Which statement about her weight is correct?
(A) Weight will be the same at both locations because weight is independent of position.
% HLJKWZLOOEHJUHDWHURQWKHPRXQWDLQVLQFHZHLJKWLVSURSRUWLRQDOWRGLVWDQFHIURP(DUWK¶V
:
centre.
& :HLJKWZLOOEHPRUHDWVHDOHYHOEHFDXVHZHLJKWLVLQYHUVHO\SURSRUWLRQDOWRGLVWDQFHDERYH
(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH
' :HLJKWZLOOEHOHVVDWVHDOHYHOEHFDXVHZHLJKWLVGHSHQGHQWRQSRVLWLRQDERYH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH

Extension:/LVWIDFWRUVZKLFKFDXVHWKHZHLJKWRIDVSHFL¿FREMHFWWRYDU\DWGLIIHUHQWSRVLWLRQVRQ(DUWK

1.1.5 Which statement about weight is correct?

$ 9HFWRUTXDQWLW\FKDQJHVDVJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHFKDQJHVPHDVXUHGLQQHZWRQ
% 6FDODUTXDQWLW\FKDQJHVDVJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHFKDQJHVPHDVXUHGLQQHZWRQ
& 9HFWRUTXDQWLW\FRQVWDQWLQPDJQLWXGHPHDVXUHGLQQHZWRQ
' 9HFWRUTXDQWLW\FKDQJHVDVJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHFKDQJHVPHDVXUHGLQNLORJUDP

Extension: An astronaut in an orbiting space station is said to be weightless. Is this correct? Explain
your answer.

1.2 Use F = mg to determine the weight force of bodies on Earth and other planets.
7KHZHLJKWRIDQREMHFWLVIRXQGXVLQJW = mg
where W = weight force in newton (N)
m = mass of object in kilogram (kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity of planet in metres per second squared (m s–2)
)RU(DUWKDWVHDOHYHOg = 9.8 m s–2
HFDXVHZHLJKWLVWKHIRUFHRIJUDYLW\DFWLQJRQDQREMHFWLWFDQDOVREHIRXQGXVLQJ
%
1HZWRQ¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHHTXDWLRQVR
Gm1m2
W mg Fg
r2
where G = the universal gravitational constant = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2
r = the distance between the centres of the two (distance apart plus radii)
m1 = mass of the object
m2 = mass of planet

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 3 Space

1.2.1 An object has a mass of 15 kg on Earth. What would be its mass on Mars where the
acceleration due to gravity is 0.38 that of Earth?
(A) 5.7 kg
(B) 15 kg
& 1
(D) 147 N

Extension:,GHQWLI\WKHFRQFHSWLQSK\VLFV\RXXVHGWRDQVZHUWKLVTXHVWLRQ

1.2.2 An object has a weight of 35.93 N on the Moon where the gravitational acceleration is about
one sixth that of Earth. What would be the mass of the object on Earth?
(A) 3.67 kg
(B) 6.0 kg
& NJ
(D) 35.93 kg

Extension:&DOFXODWHWKHYDOXHRIWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\RQWKH0RRQ

1.2.3 An object is placed on a set of scales on Earth and the scales read 8.0 kg. The mass and the
scales are taken to the Mars by astronauts. When they arrive, the astronauts place the mass on
the scales. The gravitational acceleration on Mars is 3.72 m s–2. What will the scales read?
(A) 3.0 kg
(B) 8.0 kg
& 1
(D) 29.76 N

Extension: Explain how you arrived at your answer.

1.2.4 An object has a mass of 9.0 kg on Earth and a weight of 101.43 N on Saturn. According to
this data, what is the value of the acceleration due to gravity on Saturn?
(A) 0.87
(B) 10.35 m s–2
& PV–2
(D) 88.2 N

Extension: What would be the mass of the object on Saturn?

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Space 4 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.2.5 An object weighs 147 N on Earth and 84 N on planet X. What is the magnitude of the
acceleration due to gravity on planet X?
(A) 0.86
(B) 2.7
&
(D) 15

Extension:+RZZRXOGWKHDQVZHUWRWKLVTXHVWLRQEHGLIIHUHQWLIWKHTXHVWLRQZDVµ:KDWLVWKH
DFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\RQSODQHW;"¶

1.2.6 KHDFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\RQSODQHW<LVWZLFHWKDWRISODQHW;:KDWZRXOGEHWKH
7
ZHLJKWRIDPDVVRQSODQHW;FRPSDUHGWRLWVZHLJKWRQSODQHW<"
(A) 1:1
(B) 1:2
&
(D) Need to know the mass to determine this.

Extension::KDWZRXOGEHWKHUDWLRRIWKHPDVVRIDQREMHFWRQSODQHW;FRPSDUHGWRSODQHW<"

1.2.7 KHDFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\RQ0HUFXU\LVWKDWRI(DUWK2Q8UDQXVLWLVWKDWRI
7
(DUWK$QREMHFWZHLJKV1RQ8UDQXV+RZPXFKZRXOGLWZHLJKRQ0HUFXU\"
(A) 21 N
(B) 233 N
& 1
(D) 1195 N

Extension: Explain your answer.

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 5 Space

1.3 Predict the acceleration due to gravity on other planets.
QREMHFWPDVVZLWKLQDJUDYLWDWLRQDOILHOGKDVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\ EP)
$
GXHWRLWVPDVVDQGLWVSRVLWLRQLQWKHILHOG2Q(DUWKWKHEP the object has is equal
to the work done to move the object from ground level to that position. This is
converted to kinetic energy as the mass falls through the field back to the ground.
2Q(DUWKZHarbitrarily take the zero EP position as being ground level.
DWKHPDWLFDOO\ not required by HSC syllabus, but shown to help understanding of work
0
below):
EP = work done = force × change in vertical displacement of the object = Fs = mgh
KLVHTXDWLRQRQO\KROGVLIWKHGLVWDQFHWKHREMHFWPRYHVLVVPDOOHQRXJKIRUWKHYDOXHRI
7
the acceleration due to gravity at the position involved to be constant. If large distances
DUHLQYROYHGWKHHTXDWLRQLVQRWDSSOLFDEOH$OVRLIWKHREMHFWLVQRWFORVHWRWKH(DUWK¶V
surface then the value 9.8 cannot be used.
)XUWKHUDZD\IURP(DUWKZHQHHGWRFRQVLGHUEP differently (see next dot point).
, IDQREMHFWPRYHVWRDKLJKHUDOWLWXGHZLWKLQDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGWKHQLWVEP increases
so work has to be done on the object by an external force (e.g. rocket engines).
, IDQREMHFWPRYHVWRDORZHUSRVLWLRQLQDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGWKHQLWVEPGHFUHDVHVVR
work is done on the object by gravity.
1.3.1 $QREMHFWKDVDPDVVRINJ2QZKLFKSODQHWZRXOGLWVZHLJKWEHJUHDWHVW"
(A) Saturn
(B) Jupiter
& 0HUFXU\
(D) Mars

Extension: Explain your choice of answer.

1.3.2 An astronaut weighs W on Earth. What would the astronaut weigh on a planet which had
twice the mass of Earth and half its radius?
(A) W
(B) 2W
& W
(D) 8W

Extension::KLFKVFLHQWLVWGHULYHGWKHODZV\RXDUHXVLQJWRDQVZHUWKLVTXHVWLRQ"

Science Press

Space 6 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.3.3 An object of mass 12 kg weighs 156 N on planet X. What is the magnitude of the acceleration
due to gravity on planet X?
(A) 15.9
(B) 13
&
(D) 9.8

Extension:+RZPLJKWWKLVSODQHWGLIIHUIURP(DUWK"

1.3.4 &RQVLGHUWKHWZRSODQHWVVKRZQULJKW7KHLUPDVVHVDQGGLDPHWHUVDUHJLYHQ7KH
gravitational acceleration at the surface of planet X is
X
8 m s–2. What is the gravitational acceleration at the
Y
VXUIDFHRISODQHW<"
2d d
(A) 4.0 m s–2
(B) 4.0 m s–2
& PV–2
(D) 16.0 m s–2 Mass = 4 M Mass = M

Extension:8VH1HZWRQ¶VHTXDWLRQWRGHULYHDQHTXDWLRQIRUWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\RQWKH
surface of a planet.

1.3.5 An astronaut weights 813 N on Earth and 739 N on Venus. Which statement below is correct?
Mass of astronaut (kg) Acceleration due to gravity on Venus (m s–2)
(A) 75.4 8.9
(B) 75.4 9.8
& 83 8.9
(D) 83 9.8

Extension: 7KHGLDPHWHURI9HQXVLVNPFRPSDUHGWR(DUWK¶V:KDWFRQFOXVLRQFDQZH
draw about the mass of Venus?

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 7 Space

HUIRUPD¿UVWKDQGLQYHVWLJDWLRQWRGHWHUPLQHWKHYDOXHRIWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQGXHWRJUDYLW\DQG
3
identify reasons for possible variations from 9.8 m s–2.
The two most common experiments done in schools are:
6ZLQJLQJSHQGXOXPDQDO\VLQJUHVXOWVXVLQJ

T = 2π
g

'URSSLQJDQREMHFWIURPYDULRXVKHLJKWVDQGXVLQJ1HZWRQ¶VHTXDWLRQVWRDQDO\VH
results:
v = u + gt
v2 = u2 + 2gr
r = ut + ½gt2
DNHVXUH\RXFDQUHFDOOKRZRQHRIWKHVHZDVGRQHDVLWFRXOGEHWKHIRFXVRIDQXSWR
0
7 mark question in the HSC.

1.4.1 The mathematical formula for the period of a pendulum is: T = 2 l . Which two variables,
g
when plotted, would produce a straight line graph?
(A) T versus l
(B) T versus l
& T versus l 2
(D) T 2 versus l

Extension: Explain why a straight line graph is needed before you can make a conclusion for an
experiment.

1.4.2 A student set up a pendulum to measure Length of pendulum Time for 20 swings
the acceleration due to gravity and string (m) (s)
recorded the measurements in the table. 0.25 20.0
Which variables must be kept constant in 0.50 28.2
this experiment if it is to be a fair test?
0.75 38.6
(A) The length of the string and the mass
hanging on the string.
(B) The mass hanging on the string and the angle of swing.
& 7KHDQJOHRIVZLQJDQGWKHSHULRGRIWKHVZLQJ
(D) The number of swings timed and the mass hanging on the string.

Extension: Identify the dependent and independent variables for this experiment.

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Space 8 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.4.3 A pendulum on Earth has a swing of 1.0 second. Predict the value for the swing of the same
pendulum on a planet where the acceleration due to gravity is about half that of Earth.
(A) 0.5 T
(B) 0.7 T
& T
(D) 2.0 T

Extension: 7ZRDQVZHUVWRWKLVTXHVWLRQVKRXOGEHLGHQWL¿HGDVLQFRUUHFWZLWKRXWDVHFRQGWKRXJKW
Which ones and why?

1.4.4 A pendulum on a space station which is orbiting Earth is hung from the ceiling of the station
and the bob is pulled to one side and then released. Which choice correctly describes what
happens to the bob?
(A) It remains where it is.
(B) It swings slower than it would on Earth.
& ,WVZLQJVIDVWHUWKDQLWZRXOGRQ(DUWK
(D) It slowly returns to its lowest position.

Extension: Explain your answer.

1.5 Explain that a change in gravitational potential energy is related to work done.
7KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHRQDQREMHFWRQDQRWKHUSODQHW RUPRRQ LVJLYHQE\
*PREMHFW 0 SODQHW
)J =
= PREMHFW JSODQHW
USODQHW

From this we get:

*0 SODQHW
J SODQHW =
USODQHW

URPWKLVH[WHQGLQJLWWRWZRGLIIHUHQWKHDYHQO\REMHFWV IRUH[DPSOHFRPSDULQJ
)
JUDYLWDWLRQDODFFHOHUDWLRQRQ(DUWKZLWKWKDWRQDQ\RWKHUSODQHWRUPRRQ ZHJHW
*0 (DUWK GM planet
J(DUWK = g planet
=
U(DUWK (rplanet )2
and
5HDUUDQJLQJWKHVHZHJHW
g Earth MEarth ( rplanet )
2

=
g planet M planet ( rEarth) 2

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 9 Space

1.5.1 A satellite of mass 500 kg is raised from an orbital radius of 7.3 × 106 m to a geostationary
orbit of orbital radius 4.2 × 107 m. What is the change in its gravitational potential energy?
(A) + 3641.5 J
(B) – 3641.5 J
& î10 J
(D) – 2.26 × 1010 J

Extension:([SODLQWKHµ¶RUWKHµ±¶RI\RXUFKRLFH

1.5.2 The gravitational potential energy between two objects is E. The distance between the objects
LVKDOYHG+RZPXFKZRUNZDVGRQHLQPRYLQJWKHREMHFWVFORVHUWRJHWKHU"
(A) 0.5 E
(B) 1.0 E
& E
(D) 4.0 E

Extension: Explain your answer.

1.5.3 What is the relationship between the work done on an object and its gravitational potential
energy?
$ 7KHZRUNGRQHRQWKHREMHFWHTXDOVLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\
% 7KHZRUNGRQHRQWKHREMHFWHTXDOVWKHFKDQJHLQLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\
& 7KHZRUNGRQHRQWKHREMHFWHTXDOVWKHLQFUHDVHLQLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\
' 7KHZRUNGRQHRQWKHREMHFWHTXDOVWKHGHFUHDVHLQLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\

Extension: Identify the source of the work done when the orbit of a satellite decays.

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Space 10 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.5.4 KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\RIDVDWHOOLWHLQFUHDVHV:KLFKFKRLFHFRUUHFWO\LGHQWL¿HV
7
the source of the work done on the satellite and what happens to it?
Source of work What happens to satellite
(A) Gravity Altitude decreases
(B) Gravity Altitude increases
& Satellite engines Altitude decreases
(D) Satellite engines Altitude increases

Extension:7ZRRIWKHDQVZHUVLQWKHTXHVWLRQDERYHDUHPRUHREYLRXVO\LQFRUUHFWWKDQWKHRWKHU
Identify them and explain why they must be incorrect.

H¿QHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\DVWKHZRUNGRQHWRPRYHDQ
' íGm1m2
REMHFWIURPLQ¿QLW\WRDSRLQWLQDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG EP =
r
KHQFRQVLGHULQJJUDYLWDWLRQDO
:
potential energy as a quantity
WKURXJKRXWWKH8QLYHUVHZH
need to consider a real position
of zero Ep rather than an Work done
arbitrary one at the Earth’s by gravity

surface. Work done against gravity

URP1HZWRQ¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO
) Planet centre Point x Ep at = 0
equation we know that the Ep at surface < Ep at x
force of gravity decreases with
increasing distance from the
(DUWK,WLVRQO\DWLQ¿QLW\WKDW
the gravitational force on a
mass is zero. It follows that the
Ep of a mass in space is zero at
LQ¿QLW\
HFDXVHJUDYLW\LVDIRUFHRIDWWUDFWLRQZRUNKDVWREHGRQHRQDQREMHFWWRPRYHLW
%
IURPDQ\SRLQWLQVSDFHWRLQ¿QLW\&RQYHUVHO\ZKHQDQREMHFWPRYHVIURPLQ¿QLW\WR
DQ\SRLQWEHFDXVHLWLVPRYLQJZLWKDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGLWJDLQVKE and must lose Ep.
, WIROORZVWKDWWKHEp of an object anywhere in space is a negative value compared to Ep
]HURDWLQ¿QLW\6R
KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\Ep (joules) of a mass m1 distance r (metres) from the
7
centre of a larger mass m2 kg is equal to the work done (in joules) in moving the mass
IURPLQ¿QLW\WRWKDWSRLQW
6LQFHWKHZRUNLVGRQHE\WKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGEp is negative compared to zero value at
LQ¿QLW\
0DWKHPDWLFDOO\
−Gm1m2 r −Gm1m2
Ep = − Fs = =
r 2 r

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 11 Space

1.6.1 When will the gravitational potential energy of an object be zero?
$ :KHQLWLVDWLQ¿QLW\
(B) When it is on the surface of a planet.
& :KHQLWLVLQRXWHUVSDFH
(D) When its acceleration is 9.8 m s–2.

Extension: Explain why the EP of an object is negative.

1.6.2 Which of the graphs (below) best shows the relationship between the gravitational potential
energy of an object and its distance from the centre of the Earth?
(A) EP Distance
(B) EP & EP Distance
(D) EP

Distance Distance

Extension: Explain your answer.

1.6.3 A satellite is moved into a higher altitude orbit. Which statement about this satellite is
correct?
(A) Work is done by the satellite engines and its EP increases.
(B) Work is done by the satellite engines and its EP decreases.
& :RUNLVGRQHE\JUDYLW\DQGLWVEP increases.
(D) Work is done by gravity and its EP decreases.

Extension: What would happen to the orbital speed and period of this satellite?

1.6.4 What is the gravitational potential energy of a 200 kg satellite 300 km above the surface of
the Earth? The diameter of the Earth is 12 756 km.
(A) –1.79 × 103 J
(B) –8.59 × 109 J
& ±î10 J
(D) –2.00 × 1013 J

Extension: Would the EP of this satellite be greater or less if it was at an altitude of 600 km? Explain.

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Space 12 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.6.5 A rocket is in orbit distance R from the centre of the Earth. At this height it has gravitational
SRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\HTXDOWRE joules. The rocket is then boosted to a higher orbit, orbital radius
3 R+RZKDVLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\FKDQJHG"
(A) Increased by one third.
(B) Decreased by one third.
& ,QFUHDVHGE\WZRWKLUGV
(D) Decreased by two thirds.

Extension: Justify your answer.

1.6.6 A rocket is in orbit distance R from the centre of the Earth. At this height it has gravitational
potential energy (EP HTXDOWRE joules. The rocket is then boosted to an orbit where its EP is
3 E. Which statement about this rocket is correct?
(A) It is in a higher orbit and 2 E work has been done on it by its engines.
(B) It is in a higher orbit and 2 E work has been done on it by gravity.
& ,WLVLQDORZHURUELWDQGE work has been done on it by its engines.
(D) It is in a lower orbit and 2 E work has been done on it by gravity.

Extension: Justify your answer.

1.6.7 SURMHFWLOHLV¿UHGIURPDFDQQRQYHUWLFDOO\LQWRWKHDLU,WULVHVXQWLOLWHVFDSHVIURPWKH
$
(DUWK¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG:KLFKJUDSKVKRZVKRZLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\ EP) and
kinetic energy (KE FKDQJHGXULQJLWVÀLJKW"
(A) (B) & (D)
KE KE KE KE

EP EP EP EP

Extension: Justify your answer.

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 13 Space

1.6.8 A rocket takes off from the launch pad and rises under constant thrust until it escapes the
(DUWK¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG:KLFKJUDSKEHVWVKRZVKRZLWVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\ EP)
and kinetic energy (KE FKDQJHGXULQJLWVÀLJKW
(A) (B) & (D)
KE KE KE KE

EP
EP EP EP

Extension: Justify your answer.

1.6.9 What is the gravitational potential energy of a 200 kg satellite on the surface of the Earth?
The diameter of the Earth is 12 756 km.
(A) –1.96 × 103 J
(B) –1.25 × 1010 J
& ±î12 J
(D) –1.25 × 1013 J

Extension: Would the EP of this satellite be greater or less if the satellite had a mass of 400 kg? Explain.

1.6.10 What is the gravitational potential energy of a 200 kg satellite 3000 km above the surface of
the Earth? The diameter of the Earth is 12 756 km.
(A) –9.06 × 102 J
(B) –8.50 × 109 J
& ±î10 J
(D) –8.50 × 1012 J

Extension: Would the EP of this satellite be greater or less if it was at an altitude of 3000 km above
the Moon? Explain.

Science Press

Space 14 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.6.11 What work needs to be done against gravity to lift a 200 kg satellite to an altitude of 3000 m?
(A) +1.05 × 103 J
(B) –4.00 × 109 J
& î9 J
(D) +8.48 × 1012 J

Extension: Would the extra work be greater for a satellite of mass 400 kg? Explain.

1.6.12 0
XFKPRUHZRUNWKDQWKLV DQVZHUWRODVWTXHVWLRQ QHHGVWREHGRQHWRSXWDNJVDWHOOLWH
into orbit at an altitude of 3000 m. Which choice best explains this?
(A) Extra energy is needed to overcome air resistance.
(B) The satellite also needs to be given orbital velocity.
& 7RJRLQWRRUELWWKHFHQWULSHWDOIRUFHQHHGVWREHRYHUFRPHDVZHOODVWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFH
' 2UELWDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\LVPHDVXUHGUHODWLYHWRWKH(DUWK¶VFHQWUHQRWWKHVXUIDFH

Extension::RXOGHYHQPRUHZRUNEHUHTXLUHGWRSXWDNJVDWHOOLWHLQWRWKHVDPHRUELW"([SODLQ

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 15 Space

Notes

Science Press

Space 16 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2. Many factors have to be taken into account to achieve a successful rocket launch, to
maintain a stable orbit and to return to Earth.

2.1 Describe the trajectory of an object undergoing projectile motion within the Earth’s
JUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG
SURMHFWLOHZLWKLQDQ\SODQHW¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGLVVXEMHFWWRLWVRZQLQHUWLDDQGWRWKH
$
gravitational force of the planet.
, QHUWLDRIWKHREMHFWZLOOFDXVHLWWRFRQWLQXHWRPRYHLQWKHGLUHFWLRQRILWVPRWLRQLQD
straight line.
7KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHZLOODWWUDFWWKHREMHFWWRZDUGVWKHVXUIDFHRIWKHSODQHW
7KHFRPELQDWLRQRIWKHVHWZRIRUFHVUHVXOWVLQWKHREMHFWIROORZLQJDSDUDEROLFSDWK
7KLVLVDSDWKZKHUHWKHKRUL]RQWDOPRWLRQRIWKHSURMHFWLOHLVFRQVWDQWYHORFLW\DQGWKH
vertical component is uniformly accelerated (see next dot point).
7KHGLDJUDPVXPPDULVHVWKHVHLGHDV

Horizontal velocity is constant

Vertical velocity is
uniformly accelerated

Projectile follows a parabolic path

Path

2.1.1 A tennis ball is hit into the air and

follows the path shown. Which
VWDWHPHQWUHJDUGLQJWKHÀLJKWRI
the ball is correct?
(A) The velocity of the ball at its
highest point is zero.
(B) The velocity of the ball is always
Ground
changing.
& 7KHGLUHFWLRQRIWKHEDOO¶V
acceleration changes when it
reaches the highest point.
(D) The acceleration of the ball at its highest point is zero.

Extension:7KH¿QDOGLVSODFHPHQWRIWKLVSURMHFWLOHFRXOGEHGHVFULEHGDVEHLQJQHJDWLYH([SODLQWKLV

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 17 Space

2.1.2 The diagram shows the paths of the
ÀLJKWVRIWZRSURMHFWLOHV;DQG<
Which of the following is different
IRU;DQG<"
(A) Their accelerations.
% 7KHLUWLPHVRIÀLJKW
& 7KHLUPD[LPXPyGLVSODFHPHQWV
(D) Their initial velocities.
X Y

Extension: Identify two other properties of these projectiles which are different.

2.1.3 The diagram shows the apparatus used

W
to do an experiment where a ball is X
rolled down the ramp from point X,
across the benchtop to the edge Y, then Y
DOORZHGWRIDOORQWRWKHÀRRUODQGLQJDW
point Z. What would the ball do if it was
released from point W? h

(A) Take a shorter time to fall from Y to the

ÀRRUEXWODQGIXUWKHURXWIURPWKHWDEOH Z
(B) Take the same time to fall from Y to the
ÀRRUEXWODQGIXUWKHURXWIURPWKHWDEOH
& 7DNHDVKRUWHUWLPHWRIDOOIURPYWRWKHÀRRUEXWVWLOOODQGDWZ.
(D) Take a longer time to fall from YWRWKHÀRRUEXWODQGIXUWKHURXWIURPWKHWDEOH

Extension: In terms of the projectile motion of the ball, what remains constant and what is different
when it is rolled from W instead of X ?

Science Press

Space 18 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.1.4 FDQQRQEDOOLV¿UHGLQWRWKHDLUWRZDUGVDGLVWDQWFDVWOH:KLFKJUDSKVEHORZFRUUHFWO\
$
GHVFULEHWKHKRUL]RQWDODQGYHUWLFDOFRPSRQHQWVRIWKHFDQQRQEDOO¶VYHORFLW\"
(A) (B)
Vx Vy Vx Vy

& (D)
Vx Vy
Vx Vy

Extension: Describe the motion of an object which would produce a yFRPSRQHQWYHORFLW\JUDSKOLNH

the one in choice (D) above.

2.1.5 The diagram shows the path of a projectile. Which

choice correctly shows the directions of the X

velocity and acceleration of the projectile at points Y

X and Y?

Velocity at X Acceleration at X Velocity at Y Acceleration at Y

(A)

(B)

(D)

Extension: Two choices should be more obviously incorrect than the others. Which two, and why?

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 19 Space

2.1.6 A projectile is launched into the air at 60º to the horizontal. Which statement about the
projectile is true when it is at its maximum height?
(A) ax = 0
(B) ay = 0
& vx = 0
' ǻx = 0

Extension: At what angle should a projectile be launched so that its range is maximum?

2.1.7 RQVLGHUWKUHHSRVLWLRQVX, Y and Z, in the

&
X
path of a projectile as shown by the darkened
circles in the diagram. Which statement about
the acceleration of the projectile at these three Y Z
positions is correct?
(A) The acceleration at Y is less than the
acceleration at X.
(B) The acceleration at X is the same as the acceleration at Z.
& 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQDWX is greater than the acceleration at Y.
(D) The acceleration at Y is in the opposite direction to the acceleration at Z.

Extension: Three projectiles are launched at 20º, 40º and 60º to the horizontal at 20, 30 and 40 m s–1
LQWKDWRUGHU &DOFXODWHWKHUDWLRRIWKHLUDFFHOHUDWLRQV

2.1.8 A ball is thrown upwards from point P and follows a parabolic path. Its highest point is point
X. Which statement about the acceleration of the ball is correct?
(A) It is zero at X.
(B) It is maximum at X.
& ,WLVPD[LPXPDWP and minimum at X.
(D) It is the same at X as it is at P.

Extension::KDWSURSHUW\RISURMHFWLOHPRWLRQDUH\RXXVLQJWRDQVZHUWKLVTXHVWLRQ"

Science Press

Space 20 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.1.9 Some photographs are taken of a ball moving in a parabolic path in front of a grid. The time
LQWHUYDOEHWZHHQSKRWRJUDSKVLVLGHQWLFDO7KHGLDJUDPVVKRZWKH¿UVWWKUHHSKRWRJUDSKVRI
WKHEDOO¶VÀLJKW

Which choice correctly shows the next photograph in the series?

(A) (B) & (D)

Extension: Why are the other three choices incorrect?

2.1.10 &
RQVLGHUWKHSDWKRIDSURMHFWLOHDVVKRZQ
in the diagram. Which statement about the X
projectile is correct?
(A) The speed at X is the same as the speed at Z. Y Z
(B) The speed at Y is zero.
& 7KHYHORFLW\DWXLVHTXDOWRWKHYHORFLW\DW
Z but in the opposite direction.
(D) The velocity at X, Y and Z is constant.

Extension:6XJJHVWDTXHVWLRQZKLFKZRXOGPDNHFKRLFH ' FRUUHFW

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 21 Space

2.2 Describe Galileo’s analysis of projectile motion.
DOLOHRZDVRQHRIWKH¿UVWVFLHQWLVWVWRVWXG\PRYLQJREMHFWV+HUHSXWHGO\GURSSHG
*
masses from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to show that all objects fall at the same rate.
HDOVRVWXGLHGWKHUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQWKHYHUWLFDODQGKRUL]RQWDOFRPSRQHQWVRIWKH
+
velocity of a projectile by dropping a cannonball from the mast of a moving ship. The
ball landed at the base of the mast and was not ‘left behind’ as those who supported
Aristotle’s ideas believed.
,QHVVHQFH*DOLOHR¶VZRUNVKRZHGWKDW
1. The horizontal and vertical components of projectile motion are independent of
each other.
7
KHKRUL]RQWDOPRWLRQRIDPRYLQJREMHFWLVQRWVXEMHFWWRJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHVDQG
therefore experiences no acceleration.
3. The vertical motion of an object near the surface of the Earth at sea level is affected
by the downward force of gravity which gives it an acceleration of 9.8 m s–2 (slightly
varying depending on where the object is).
2.2.1 Which of the following statements about projectile motion is correct?
$ 7KHKRUL]RQWDOGLVWDQFHDSURMHFWLOHWUDYHOVLVSURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHWLPHRIWUDYHOVTXDUHG
(B) The rate at which a projectile rises and falls is proportional to its mass.
& 7KHVTXDUHRIWKHGLVWDQFHDSURMHFWLOHWUDYHOVLVSURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHWLPHRIÀLJKW
(D) The rate at which a projectile rises and falls is independent of its velocity.

Extension: Justify your answer.

2.2.2 Which of the following graphs about the components of projectile motion is correct?
(A) V (B) V & VY (D) V
X X Y

Time Time Time Time

Extension:5HFDOO*DOLOHR¶VWKUHHVWDWHPHQWVDERXWSURMHFWLOHPRWLRQ

Science Press

Space 22 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.2.3 KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJVWDWHPHQWVLVLQDJUHHPHQWZLWK*DOLOHR¶VDQDO\VLVRISURMHFWLOH
:
motion?
(A) The rate at which a projectile falls is proportional to its mass.
(B) The range of the projectile is proportional to the time elapsed.
& 7KHUDQJHRIWKHSURMHFWLOHLVSURSRUWLRQDOWRLWVLQLWLDOYHUWLFDOVSHHG
(D) The speed of the projectile is the vector sum of the vertical and horizontal components of that
speed.

Extension:([SODLQKRZ\RXUFKRLFHUHODWHVWR*DOLOHR¶VDQDO\VLV

2.2.4 KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJVWDWHPHQWVZDV127RQHRI*DOLOHR¶VGHVFULSWLRQVRISURMHFWLOH
:
motion?
$ +RUL]RQWDOPRWLRQLVFRQVWDQW
% +RUL]RQWDODFFHOHUDWLRQLV]HUR
& 9HUWLFDOPRWLRQLVDFFHOHUDWHG
(D) Vertical acceleration is negative.

Extension: Explain the concept of positive and negative velocity in physics.

2.2.5 A rocket is drifting through space in a C

direction at right angles to its orientation. A B
At point XLW¿UHVLWVURFNHWV:KLFK D
dotted line shows the path it will take?
Rocket
(A) A
(B) B Direction of drift X
& &
(D) D

Extension: Justify your answer.

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 23 Space

2.2.6 A ball is rolled at constant speed along a horizontal benchtop until it falls over the edge
WRZDUGVWKHÀRRU:KLFKJUDSKEHVWVKRZVWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQRIWKHEDOODVLWIDOOVWRWKHÀRRU"
(A) (B) & (D)

a a a a

t t t t

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.2.7 A ball is rolled at different speeds along a horizontal benchtop until it falls over the edge
WRZDUGVWKHÀRRU:KLFKJUDSKEHVWVKRZVWKHYHORFLW\RIWKHEDOODVLWIDOOVWRWKHÀRRU"
(A) (B) & (D)

v v v v

t t t t

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.2.8 Several balls are rolled at different speed along a benchtop until they fall over the edge
WRZDUGVWKHÀRRU:KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXWWKHVHEDOOVLVFRUUHFW"
$ $OOIRXUEDOOVZLOOKLWWKHÀRRUDWWKHVDPHWLPH
% 7KHVORZHVWEDOOZLOOKLWWKHÀRRU¿UVWWKHIDVWHVWZLOOKLWLWODVW
& 7KHIDVWHVWEDOOZLOOKLWWKHÀRRU¿UVWWKHVORZHVWZLOOKLWLWODVW
(D) All balls will land in the same position at the same time.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 24 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.3 Solve projectile motion problems using horizontal and vertical components and Newton’s
equations of motion.
7KUHHGLIIHUHQWW\SHVRISURMHFWLOHVLWXDWLRQVDUHGHWDLOHGEHORZ(DFKW\SHKDVVSHFL¿F
GDWDWKDWDVVLVWVLQVROYLQJSUREOHPVFHQWUHGRQWKDWW\SH)RUDOOW\SHVWKHEDVLF
equations used are derived from Newton’s equations of linear motion.
KHQDSSOLHGWRSURMHFWLOHPRWLRQHDFKHTXDWLRQLVDGDSWHGWRVXLWWKHFKDUDFWHULVWLFV
:
of the horizontal and vertical components of the motion. The table summarises these:
Equation used in straight line
Horizontal component of motion Vertical component of motion
motion
s ux = u cos θ s uy = u sin θ
s v = u + at s vx = ux (ax = 0) s vy = uy + ayt
s v2 = u2 + 2ar s vx2 = ux2 s vy2 = uy2 + 2ayΔy
s r = ut + ½ at 2
s Δx = uxt s Δy = uyt + ½ayt2

Projectiles which are projected horizontally.

,QLWLDOYHUWLFDOYHORFLW\
θ = 0º
Projectiles which are projected upwards and return
to land at the same horizontal level.
7RWDOYHUWLFDOGLVSODFHPHQW
9HUWLFDOYHORFLW\DWWRSRIÀLJKW
7LPHWRULVH WLPHWRIDOO
7LPHWRULVH KDOIWLPHRIÀLJKW
6SHHGDWODXQFK VSHHGDWODQG
$QJOHθ = angle ɮ Maximum height
7ZRKDOYHVRIÀLJKWDUHV\PPHWULFDO
0D[LPXPKHLJKWRFFXUVZKHQYHUWLFDO Q ɮ

velocity = 0
Projectiles projected upwards to land either higher
or lower than their projection point.
7RWDOYHUWLFDOGLVSODFHPHQW GLIIHUHQFHLQKHLJKWEHWZHHQWKHWZROHYHOV
,IWDUJHWORZHUWKHQYHUWLFDOGLVSODFHPHQWLVQHJDWLYH DVVXPHXSZDUGGLUHFWLRQSRVLWLYH
,IWDUJHWKLJKHUYHUWLFDOGLVSODFHPHQW
positive Height
above
9HUWLFDOYHORFLW\DWWRSRIÀLJKW launch
position
7LPHWRULVHdoes not equal time to fall
7LPHWRULVHis not KDOIWLPHRIÀLJKW
6SHHGDWODXQFKdoes not equal speed ata Maximum altitude

land
$QJOHRIODXQFKdoes not equal angle of
landing
7ZRKDOYHVRIÀLJKWDUHnot symmetrical
0D[LPXPKHLJKWRFFXUVZKHQYHUWLFDO
velocity = 0

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 25 Space

2.3.1 Four model rockets are launched with the velocity components shown in the table. Which
rocket was launched at 30º to the horizontal?
Rocket Horizontal component of velocity (m s –1) Vertical component of velocity (m s–1)
(A) 20 50
(B) 30 40
& 40 20
(D) 50 30

Extension::KDWZRXOGEHWKHWLPHRIÀLJKWRIURFNHW $ "

2.3.2 A ball is hit into the air at 45 m s–1 30º to the horizontal. What is its speed 2 s later?
(A) 2.9 m s–1
(B) 19.6 m s–1
& PV–1
(D) 39.1 m s–1

Extension: Which two answers are more obviously incorrect than the third incorrect answer? Explain
your reasoning.

2.3.3 The velocity of a projectile 2.0 s after its y

launch can be found from the vector diagram VV = 19.6 m s–1
(right). What was the launch velocity of the
projectile? Vh = 39.2 m s–1
(A) 39.2 m s–1 at 45º to the horizontal.
(B) 43.8 m s–1 at 30º to the horizontal.
& PV–1 at 45º to the horizontal.
(D) 55.4 m s–1 at 30º to the horizontal.

Extension: Which two answers should be recognised as being incorrect without doing any
calculations? Explain why.

Science Press

Space 26 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.3.4 VWXGHQWUROOVWZREDOOV;DQG<;ZLWKPDVVmDQG<ZLWKPDVVm across a benchtop
$
so that they leave the edge at the same time and with the same speed. Four students made
VWDWHPHQWVDERXWWKHÀLJKWRIWKHWZREDOOV
-DFLQWD<KLWVWKHJURXQGEHIRUH;
&KLQ;DQG<KLWWKHJURXQGDWWKHVDPHWLPH
0DULR;KLWVWKHJURXQGWZLFHDVIDUDZD\IURPWKHWDEOHFRPSDUHGWR<
3DVTXDO;KLWVWKHJURXQGWKHVDPHGLVWDQFHIURPWKHWDEOHDV<
Whose statement about the two balls is correct?
$ 3DVTXDODQG-DFLQWD Mass m
% 3DVTXDODQG&KLQ X Mass 2 m
& 0DULRDQG-DFLQWD Y
' 0DULRDQG&KLQ

Extension: Justify your answer.

2.3.5 The diagram shows a stroboscopic

photograph of a projectile which has
DWLPHRIÀLJKWRIV:KDWZDVLWV
initial vertical speed?
(A) 49 m s–1
(B) 98 m s–1
& PV–1 Ground
' $GGLWLRQDOLQIRUPDWLRQLVUHTXLUHGWR
determine this.

Extension:&DOFXODWHWKHIUHTXHQF\RIWKHVWURERVFRSHXVHGWRSURGXFHWKLVGLDJUDP

2.3.6 FDQQRQZDV¿UHGDWDQHOHYDWLRQRI,WZDVWKHQORDGHGZLWKDQLGHQWLFDOFKDUJHDQGEDOO
$
DQG¿UHGDJDLQDWDQHOHYDWLRQRI:KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXWWKHWZRFDQQRQEDOOVLVFRUUHFW"
$ KH¿UVWFDQQRQEDOOZLOOKDYHWKHORQJHUUDQJH
7
% 7KH¿UVWFDQQRQEDOOZLOOKDYHWKHVKRUWHUUDQJH
& 7KH¿UVWFDQQRQEDOOZLOOKDYHDORQJHUWLPHRIÀLJKW
' 7KH¿UVWFDQQRQEDOOZLOOKDYHDVKRUWHUWLPHRIÀLJKW

Extension:&RPSDUHWKHUDQJHVRIWKHWZRFDQQRQEDOOV

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 27 Space

2.3.7 A projectile follows the pathway Q
shown in the diagram. Which
statement about this projectile is
correct?
P
$ KHWLPHRIÀLJKWIURPP to R is
7
twice the time from P to Q.
(B) The acceleration of the projectile is
independent of its launch velocity.
R
& 7KHYHUWLFDOFRPSRQHQWRIWKH
velocity is the same at P, Q and R.
(D) The horizontal component of the velocity is greatest at Q.

Extension:&RPSDUHWKHKRUL]RQWDOYHUWLFDODQGRYHUDOOYHORFLWLHVRIWKHSURMHFWLOHDWP and R.

2.3.8 Ball X is projected horizontally from a Ball X

1.2 m high table at 2.6 m s–1%DOO<LV
projected vertically out from the edge of the Ball Y
table at 1.5 m s–1+RZPXFKIXUWKHURXWIURP
WKHHGJHRIWKHWDEOHGRHVEDOO<ODQG"$ERXW
(A) 0.5 m
(B) 0.7 m
& P
(D) 1.25 m

Extension::LWKZKDWYHORFLW\ZLOO;KLWWKHÀRRU"

Science Press

Space 28 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

[SODLQHVFDSHYHORFLW\LQWHUPVRIWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOFRQVWDQWDQGWKHPDVVDQGUDGLXVRIWKH
(
planet.
7RHVFDSHWKH(DUWK¶V RUDQ\RWKHUSODQHW¶V JUDYLWDWLRQDOSXOODSURMHFWLOH¿UHGIURP
the surface of the Earth needs to be given kinetic energy equal to its gravitational
potential energy.
:HFDQXVHWKLVFRQFHSWWRGHULYHDQHTXDWLRQIRUHVFDSH:HJHW
GmE m
KE = 1
2 mv
2
= ΔGPE =
rE
2Gmplanet
2GmEarth v=
)URPWKLVv = rE RU rplanet

XEVWLWXWLQJYDOXHVIRU(DUWKZHFDQFDOFXODWHWKHHVFDSHYHORFLW\IRU(DUWKDV
6
11 200 m s–1.
Note: Escape velocity depends only on the mass of the planet and its radius. It is independent of
the mass of the projectile.
2.4.1 KHGLDJUDPVVKRZWKHVL]HVDQGPDVVHVRIIRXUSODQHWV$%&DQG')RUZKLFKSODQHW
7
would the escape velocity be greatest?
(A) d (B) d & (D)
2d 2d
M 2M

M 2M

Extension: For which two planets is the escape velocity the same?

2.4.2 KHHVFDSHYHORFLW\IRUSODQHW;LVJUHDWHUWKDQWKHHVFDSHYHORFLW\IRUSODQHW<:KLFK
7
VWDWHPHQWDERXWSODQHWV;DQG<LVFRUUHFW"
$ ,IWKHPDVVRI;WKHPDVVRI<WKHQWKHGLDPHWHURI;PXVWEH!WKHGLDPHWHURI<
% ,IWKHPDVVRI;!WKHPDVVRI<WKHQWKHGLDPHWHURI;PXVWEH!WKHGLDPHWHURI<
& ,IWKHPDVVRI;WKHPDVVRI<WKHQWKHGLDPHWHURI;PXVWEHWKHGLDPHWHURI<
' ,IWKHPDVVRI;!WKHPDVVRI<WKHQWKHGLDPHWHURI;PXVWEHWKHGLDPHWHURI<

Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 29 Space

2.4.3 The diagrams show the sizes and X
PDVVHVRIIRXUSODQHWV$%&DQG
W 2d
D. Which statement about the escape Y
velocities of these planets is correct? d

(A) Escape velocity is largest for planet Z. M 2M

4d
% (VFDSHYHORFLW\IRUSODQHW=!SODQHW<
Z
!SODQHW= SODQHW;
& (VFDSHYHORFLW\LVODUJHVWIRUSODQHW:
3d
(D) Escape velocity is the same for each
planet. 4M

Extension: A planet has a mass of 6 × 1023 kg 3M

and a diameter of 10 000 km. What is its escape
velocity?

2.4.4 :KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJIDFWRUVGRHV127DIIHFWWKHPDJQLWXGHRIHVFDSHYHORFLW\"
(A) The mass of the rocket.
(B) The mass of the planet.
& 7KHGLDPHWHURIWKHSODQHW
(D) The universal gravitational constant.

Extension: Demonstrate that your answer is correct.

2.4.5 The escape velocity of a particular planet is 2500 m s–1. Which of the following statements is
correct?
(A) A rocket needs to accelerate to 2500 m s–1EHIRUHLWFDQEUHDNDZD\IURPWKHSODQHW¶V
JUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG
(B) A rocket moving more slowly than 2500 m s–1 can only go into orbit around the planet.
& $SURMHFWLOHZLWKRXWLWVRZQURFNHWVZRXOGKDYHWREH¿UHGDWPV–1 from the surface of
WKHSODQHWLILWLVWRHVFDSHWKHSODQHW¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG
(D) A rocket moving at 1000 m s–1ZRXOGEHXQDEOHWREUHDNDZD\IURPWKHSODQHW¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO
¿HOG

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 30 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.5 Outline Newton’s concept of escape velocity.
LU,VDDF1HZWRQUHDVRQHGWKDWJLYHQWKHIDVWHUDSURMHFWLOHZDV¿UHGWKHIXUWKHULW
6
ZRXOGJREHIRUHLWKLWWKHJURXQGWKHQWKHUHPXVWEHD¿ULQJVSHHGZKLFKZRXOGFDXVH
LWWRRUELWWKH(DUWKEDFNWRLWVVWDUWLQJSRLQW+HIXUWKHUUHDVRQHGWKDWLILWZDV¿UHG
IDVWHUWKDQWKLVYDOXHWKHQSHUKDSVLWZRXOGOHDYHWKH(DUWK
:KLOH1HZWRQKDGQRZD\RIWHVWLQJKLVLGHDVZHQRZNQRZWKDWWKHKHDWLQJHIIHFWV
RIIULFWLRQZLWKWKHDWPRVSKHUHZRXOGFDXVHDQ\SURMHFWLOH¿UHGIDVWHQRXJKWRJRLQWR
RUELWWREXUQXSVKRUWO\DIWHU¿ULQJ,QDGGLWLRQWKHµJIRUFHV¶UHTXLUHGWRDFFHOHUDWH
the projectile to the required launch speed would kill any passengers.
2.5.1 KHGLDJUDPLOOXVWUDWHV1HZWRQ¶VWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQWDERXWDQ
7
REMHFWWKURZQRU¿UHGKRUL]RQWDOO\:KDWFRQFOXVLRQGLG1HZWRQ
make from this thought experiment?
(A) A thrown object will eventually fall back to Earth.
(B) Gravitational forces pull thrown objects back to Earth.
& $QREMHFWWKURZQIDVWHQRXJKZLOORUELWWKH(DUWK
(D) Thrown objects follow a parabolic path.

Extension:+RZGRHVHVFDSHYHORFLW\¿WLQWRWKLVWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQW"

2.5.2 , PDJLQHWKDWWKHREMHFWLQ1HZWRQ¶VWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQWZDVWKURZQDWDYHORFLW\VOLJKWO\
JUHDWHUWKDQWKDWUHTXLUHGWRJRLQWRDFLUFXODURUELWDURXQGWKH(DUWK:KDWZRXOGLWGR"
$ 7DNHORQJHUWRIDOOEDFNWRWKH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH
% (VFDSHWKH(DUWK¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGDQGKHDGRIILQWRGHHSVSDFH
& *RLQWRDVOLJKWO\KLJKHUDOWLWXGHRUELW
' 2UELWWKH(DUWKPRUHWKDQRQFH

Extension:+RZZRXOGWKHUHVXOWVRIWKLVWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQWEHGLIIHUHQWLI1HZWRQKDGFRQVLGHUHG
objects of different masses?

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Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 31 Space

2.5.3 - XOHV9HUQHZURWHDVFLHQFH¿FWLRQQRYHOThe First Men on the Moon, in which the rocket
ZDV¿UHGIURPDODUJHFDQQRQ:KDWLVDPDMRUSUREOHPZLWKWKLVLGHD"
(A) The rocket would burn up because of atmospheric friction.
(B) The rocket would slow down due to gravitational forces.
& *UDYLW\ZRXOGSXOOWKHURFNHWLQWRDFLUFXODURUELWUDWKHUWKDQDOORZLQJLWWRWUDYHOWRWKH
Moon.
' 7KHURFNHWZRXOGWDNHWRRORQJWRJHWWRWKH0RRQVRDVWURQDXWV¶VDIHW\ZRXOGEH
compromised.

Extension:2XWOLQHDQRWKHUPDMRUSUREOHPZLWKWKLVPHWKRGRIODXQFKLQJDURFNHW

2.6 Identify why the term ‘g-forces’ is used to explain the forces acting on an astronaut.
:KHQ\RXJRXSLQDOLIW\RXIHHODOLWWOHµKHDYLHU¶$VWURQDXWVH[SHULHQFHWKHVDPH
feeling as their rocket takes off – except that the forces involved are much greater.
, IWKHURFNHWLVDWUHVWRQWKHODXQFKSDGWKHDVWURQDXWH[SHULHQFHVRQO\DZHLJKWIRUFH
We call this a 1 g-force (F = mg).
$VDURFNHWDFFHOHUDWHVXSZDUGVWKHGRZQZDUGIRUFH JUDYLW\LQHUWLDOUHDFWLRQWRWKH
upward acceleration) on the astronaut increases (F = mg + ma).
HPHDVXUHWKHIRUFHVDVWURQDXWVH[SHULHQFHDVg-forces – multiples of the weight of the
:
astronaut.
5HPHPEHUWKDWWKHJIRUFHVFDOHLVVLPSO\WKDW±DGLIIHUHQWVFDOHRIPHDVXUHPHQW,W
makes it easier to communicate the force on astronauts. Astronauts will have different
PDVVHVVRWKHWRWDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQWKHPZLOOEHGLIIHUHQWEXWUHJDUGOHVVRIWKHLUPDVV
they will be experiencing the same g-force.
, WLVHDVLHUMXVWWRFDOFXODWHWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQRIWKHURFNHWLQWHUPVRIPXOWLSOHVRIDV
WKLVHIIHFWLYHO\JLYHVWKHVDPHDQVZHU5HPHPEHUZHVWLOOQHHGWRDGGWRRXUDQVZHU
KHUH±DVVXPLQJWKHURFNHWLVVWLOOLQWKH(DUWK¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGVR
rocket acceleration + 9.8
g-force =
9.8

2.6.1 :KDWDUHJIRUFHV"
(A) A measure of the force of gravity acting on an object.
(B) The ratio of the weight force of an object to the gravitational force.
& 7KHIRUFHDFWLQJRQDQREMHFWGXHWRWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQRIDURFNHW
' 7KHIRUFHGXHWRDQDFFHOHUDWLRQH[SUHVVHGDVDPXOWLSOHRIDQREMHFW¶VZHLJKWIRUFH

Extension:*LYHRQHUHDVRQZK\ZHXVHWKHFRQFHSWRIJIRUFHV

Science Press

Space 32 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.6.2 A rocket accelerates upwards from the launch pad at 4.9 m s–2:KDWLVWKHJIRUFHDFWLQJRQD
60 kg astronaut inside the rocket?
(A) 0.5
(B) 1.5
& 1
(D) 882 N

Extension:*LYHDQRWKHUUHDVRQZK\ZHXVHWKHFRQFHSWRIJIRUFHV

2.6.3 Three astronauts of masses 60, 70 and 80 kg are in the same rocket accelerating in outer
VSDFH:KDWLVWKHUDWLRRIWKHJIRUFHVDFWLQJRQWKHDVWURQDXWV"
(A) 1:1:1
(B) 6:7:8
& =HURJIRUFHVDFWRQDVWURQDXWVLQDURFNHWDFFHOHUDWLQJLQVSDFH
(D) Unable to be calculated unless the value of the acceleration is known.

Extension: Would the ratio be different if the rocket was launching from Earth? Explain.

2.6.4 An astronaut is at rest in a rocket waiting for it to be launched. Four students made statements
about this situation. Which statements are correct?
Adele: The net force acting on the astronaut is zero.
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$ $GHOH¶VRQO\
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Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 33 Space

HUIRUPDQH[SHULPHQWWRFDOFXODWHWKHLQLWLDODQG¿QDOYHORFLWLHVUDQJHDQGWLPHRIÀLJKWRID
3
projectile.
LIIHUHQWVFKRROVZLOOGRGLIIHUHQWH[SHULPHQWVKHUH5HPHPEHUWKH+6&H[DPLQDWLRQ
'
often has a 6 or 7 mark question that asks you to describe or discuss an experiment
\RXKDYHGRQH7KLVH[SHULPHQWOLNHDQ\RWKHUVVSHFL¿FDOO\PHQWLRQHGLQWKHV\OODEXV
could be the subject of that question. Ensure that you can recall how you did it and
KRZ\RXDQDO\VHG\RXUUHVXOWVDVZHOODVVDIHW\
precautions and ways to improve it.
Use the following information to answer the next FOUR
questions.
Students studying projectile motion rolled a ball down a
curved track from various positions and photographed its
ÀLJKWXVLQJDVWURERVFRSLFFDPHUDZKLFKSKRWRJUDSKHGWKH
position of the ball every 0.1 s. Their results are shown in the
diagram (right).
2.7.1 :KDWZDVWKHWLPHRIÀLJKWRIWKHEDOO"
(A) 0.8 s
(B) 0.9 s
& V
(D) 9.0 s

Extension:&DOFXODWHWKHIUHTXHQF\RIWKHVWURERVFRSLFFDPHUD

2.7.2 :KLFKFKRLFHEHVWLGHQWL¿HVWKHGHSHQGHQWDQGLQGHSHQGHQWYDULDEOHVLQWKLVH[SHULPHQW"
Dependent variable Independent variable
(A) Time of flight Launch velocity
(B) Time of flight Range
& Maximum height Range
(D) Maximum height Time of flight

Extension:&ODULI\WKHFRQFHSWRIGHSHQGHQWDQGLQGHSHQGHQWYDULDEOHV

Science Press

Space 34 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.7.3 What is the maximum height reached by this projectile?
(A) 2.75 cm
(B) 0.49 m
& P
(D) 2.75 m

Extension:&DOFXODWHWKHVFDOHWRZKLFKWKHJULGKDVEHHQGUDZQ

2.7.4 What was the range of the projectile?

(A) 4.0 cm
(B) 0.56 m
& P
(D) 4.0 m

Extension: Explain how you calculated this.

Use the following information to answer the next SIX questions.

Some students wanted to determine the relationship between the launch speed of a projectile and its
range. They rolled a ball down a ramp from different heights and then let it roll across a benchtop
IRUDGLVWDQFHRIP,WODXQFKHGIURPWKHHQGRIWKHEHQFKZKLFKZDVPDERYHWKHÀRRUDQG
measured the horizontal range of each ball. The table shows the results of their experiment.
Height of ball up the Time to roll 1.0 metre Time of ﬂight (s) Launch velocity Horizontal range
ramp (m) across the bench (s) (m s–1) (m)
0.25 0.64 X
0.50 0.45 Y
0.75 0.37 Z
1.00 0.32

2.7.5 What is the independent variable in this experiment?

(A) Launch velocity.
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Extension:&ODVVLI\WKHRWKHUYDULDEOHVLQWKHFKRLFHV

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 35 Space

2.7.6 What is the best value for X ?
(A) 0.42 s
(B) 0.64 s
& V
(D) 2.38 s

Extension:&DOFXODWHWKHWLPHRIÀLJKWIRUWKHRWKHUWKUHHEDOOV

2.7.7 What is the best value for Y ?

(A) Zero
(B) 1.56 m s–1
& PV–1
(D) 2.70 m s–1

Extension: What is the source of the energy providing the speed for the balls?

2.7.8 What is the best value for Z ?

(A) 0.85 m
(B) 0.93 m
& P
(D) 1.31 m

Extension: What determines the horizontal range of a projectile?

2.7.9 :KLFKJUDSKEHVWVKRZVWKHUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQWKHWLPHRIÀLJKW t) and launch velocity

(u)?
(A) u (B) u & u (D) u

t (s) t (s) t (s) t (s)

Extension: Which of these graphs shows an inverse relationship?

Science Press

Space 36 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.7.10 :
KLFKJUDSKEHVWVKRZVWKHUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQWKHKRUL]RQWDOUDQJH ǻx) and launch
velocity (u)?
(A) u (B) u & u (D) u

ǻx (m) ǻx (m) ǻx (m) ǻx (m)

Extension: Which graph best shows the relationship between the vertical displacement of the balls
DQGWKHLUWLPHRIÀLJKW"

Use the following information to answer the next 2

Distance from X (m)

FOUR questions QRH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQV 1.5

Some students rolled a ball across a horizontal table 1

from position X to the edge of the table (position Y), 0.5
exactly 1.5 m from X. They used a data logger to record 0
the time and its distance from X as it rolled across the 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
table. Their results for one run of the experiment are Time (s)
shown in the graph.

2.7.11 What was the speed of the ball as it left the table in this run?
(A) 0.54 m s–1
(B) 1.50 m s–1
& PV–1
(D) 2.78 m s–1

2.7.12 If the ball landed 0.75 m from the edge of the table as a result of this run, what was the time
RIÀLJKW"
(A) 2.47 s
(B) 1.0 s
& V
(D) 0.4 s

2.7.13 If the ball landed 0.75 m from the edge of the table as a result of this run, what was the height
of the table?
(A) 0.4 m
(B) 0.5 m
& P
(D) 0.8 m

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 37 Space

2.7.14 Which graph best shows the relationship between the speed of the ball as it leaves the table
and its range?
(A) v (B) v & v (D) v

Range Range Range Range

2.7.15 7KHVDPHH[SHULPHQWZDVGRQHRQWKH0RRQ+RZZRXOGWKHUDQJHRIWKHSURMHFWLOHFRPSDUH"
(A) The range would be the same on Earth and the Moon.
(B) The range on Earth would be smaller.
& 7KHUDQJHRQ(DUWKZRXOGEHJUHDWHU
(D) It would still depend on the horizontal speed of the ball.

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.8 Analyse the changing acceleration of a rocket during launch in terms of the Law of
Conservation of Momentum and the forces experienced by astronauts.
XULQJODXQFKURFNHWVZLOOEHVXEMHFWHGWRWZRIRUFHV±WKDWRIJUDYLW\DQGWKDWGXHWR
'
WKHWKUXVWRIWKHURFNHWHQJLQHV0DWKHPDWLFDOO\ZHDSSO\1HZWRQ¶VVHFRQGODZ
∑F = ma = thrust – weight = T – mg
VRDFFHOHUDWLRQRIURFNHW
T − mg
a=
m

VIXHOLVEXUQWWKHPDVVRIWKHURFNHWEHFRPHVVPDOOHUZKLOHWKHWKUXVWUHPDLQVWKH
$
VDPHVRDFFHOHUDWLRQDQGWKHUHIRUHWKHIRUFHRQWKHDVWURQDXWZLOOLQFUHDVHGXULQJ
lift-off.
HFDQDOVRORRNDWWKLVXVLQJWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP,WLVWKH
:
downward momentum of the exhaust gases that provides the upward impulse to propel
the rocket.
0DWKHPDWLFDOO\
¨pgases ¨procket
¨ mv)gases ±¨ mv)rocket
6R
Δ(mv)gases
vrocket = (minus indicates opposite direction)
−Δmrocket

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1
WKHQXPHUDWRURIWKLVH[SUHVVLRQGRHVQRWFKDQJH+RZHYHUWKHGHQRPLQDWRUGHFUHDVHV
DVIXHOLVEXUQWVRWKHYHORFLW\RIWKHURFNHWLQFUHDVHV

Science Press

Space 38 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

HFDXVHWKHPDVVGHFUHDVHVDQGWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQLQFUHDVHVLWLVGLI¿FXOWWRDQDO\VH
%
acceleration during lift-off. The best we can do with the maths we have is to calculate
LQLWLDODFFHOHUDWLRQRULQVWDQWDQHRXVDFFHOHUDWLRQDWDVSHFL¿FWLPHGXULQJOLIWRII
RWLFHDOVRUHPHPEHULQJWKDWWKHFKDQJHLQPRPHQWXPRIDQREMHFWLVHTXDOWRWKH
1
LPSXOVHRIDQDSSOLHGIRUFHWKDWWKHLPSXOVHRIWKHH[KDXVWJDVHVGRZQZLOOEHHTXDOWR
the impulse applied to the rocket upwards.
Ftgases = –Ftrocket
$QGJLYHQHTXDOWLPHFgases = –Frocket (Newton’s third law)
RVWDLUIRUFHSLORWVH[SHULHQFHYLVLRQSUREOHPVDWDERXWJ&HQWULIXJHH[SHULPHQWV
0
conducted in the 1950s and 60s showed that 8 g caused chest pains and loss of
consciousness. Doctors doing these tests decided that 3 g was ‘safe’. Unfortunately
g-forces predicted for astronauts were far greater than this. Researchers later found
that astronauts could survive forces up to 20 g if:
(a) they are lying down (stops blood draining from head)
E WKHLUIDFH VSHFL¿FDOO\H\HV LVORRNLQJXSZDUGV H\HVFDQSRSRXW
(c) they are on a body contoured couch (maximum body support)

2.8.1 What is the main reason the acceleration of a rocket increases as its altitude increases?
(A) The thrust acting on it increases as its mass decreases.
(B) While thrust remains constant, its mass decreases.
& 7KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQLWGHFUHDVHVDVDOWLWXGHLQFUHDVHV
' ,WVZHLJKWIRUFHGHFUHDVHVWR]HURDIWHUWDNHRII

Extension: Which other choice contributes (in a very minor way) to the acceleration increase? Explain.

2.8.2 :K\GRHVDURFNHWDFFHOHUDWHGXULQJWDNHRII"
(A) The thrust provided by the burning fuel is greater than the weight force.
% 7KHDFWLRQRIWKHH[KDXVWJDVHVGRZQHTXDOVWKHUHDFWLRQRQWKHURFNHWXS
& 7KHH[KDXVWURFNHWVSURYLGHDQLPSXOVHWRWKHURFNHWHTXDOWRLWVZHLJKWIRUFH
(D) The mass of the rocket decreases as its altitude increases.

Extension:+RZGRHVWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXPDSSO\WRDURFNHWODXQFK"

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 39 Space

2.8.3 A 500 kg rocket develops a thrust of 12 000 N. What is its initial acceleration?
(A) 13.2 m s–2
(B) 14.2 m s–2
& PV–2
(D) 24.0 m s–2

Extension:&DOFXODWHWKHJIRUFHDFWLQJRQWKHDVWURQDXWVLQWKHURFNHWDVLWWDNHVRII

2.8.4 What will be the maximum acceleration of the rocket in Question 2.8.3 if 60% of its initial
mass was fuel?
(A) 18.1 m s–2
(B) 21.1 m s–2
& PV–2
(D) 52.2 m s–2

Extension::KDWDVVXPSWLRQGR\RXPDNHLQRUGHUWRDQVZHUWKLVTXHVWLRQ"

2.8.5 Which of the following principles of physics explain the launch of a rocket?
$ 1HZWRQ¶V¿UVWODZRIPRWLRQDQGWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP
% 1HZWRQ¶VVHFRQGODZRIPRWLRQDQGWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP
& 1HZWRQ¶VWKLUGODZRIPRWLRQDQGWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP
' 1HZWRQ¶VVHFRQGDQGWKLUGODZVRIPRWLRQDQGWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP

Extension:5HFDOO1HZWRQ¶VODZVRIPRWLRQ

2.8.6 A 60 kg astronaut stands on a set of scales on Mars where gravitational acceleration is

3.7 m s–2 as his rocket takes off at 14.7 m s–2. What do the scales read?
(A) 161.7 N
(B) 882 N
& 1
(D) 1470 N

Extension: Explain how you calculated this.

Science Press

Space 40 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.8.7 &DOFXODWHWKH0DUVJIRUFHWKHDVWURQDXWLQ4XHVWLRQH[SHULHQFHV
(A) 2
(B) 3
&
(D) 5

Extension:+RZGRHV0DUVJIRUFHGLIIHUIURP(DUWKJIRUFH"

2.8.8 As a rocket is launched, the fuel burns to give a constant vertical thrust. As the rocket rises,
which of the statements is correct?
(A) The acceleration of the rocket remains constant.
(B) The downwards acceleration due to gravity remains constant.
& 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRIWKHURFNHWGHFUHDVHVDVLWVDOWLWXGHLQFUHDVHV
' 7KHURFNHW¶VDFFHOHUDWLRQLQFUHDVHVDVLWVDOWLWXGHLQFUHDVHV

Extension: Justify your answer.

The next THREE questions refer to the graph

on the right.
KHJUDSKVKRZVWKHJIRUFHVH[SHULHQFHGE\DQ
7 G-force
experienced
astronaut during launch into a stable orbit. by astronaut

Time

P Q R S T

2.8.9 :KDWJIRUFHLVH[SHULHQFHGE\WKHDVWURQDXWDWWLPHP, just before rocket ignition?

(A) 0
(B) 1
&
(D) Unable to be determined without additional data.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 41 Space

2.8.10 During which period of time is velocity increasing most rapidly?
(A) Between P and Q.
(B) Between Q and R.
& %HWZHHQR and S.
(D) Between S and T.

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.8.11 At which point in time does the rocket leave the launch pad?
(A) Just after P.
(B) Just before Q.
& -XVWDIWHUQ.
(D) Just after R.

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.8.12 At which point in time does the astronaut turn off the rocket engines?
(A) Between R and S.
(B) At time S.
& %HWZHHQS and T.
(D) At time T.

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.8.13 Which graph best describes the motion of a rocket as it takes off with constant thrust?
(A) v (B) v & v (D) v

Time Time Time Time

Extension: Explain your choice.

Science Press

Space 42 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.8.14 Which graph best represents the change in momentum of a rocket as it takes off from its
launch pad?
(A) (B)
Momentum Momentum

Time Time

& (D)
Momentum Momentum

Time Time

Extension:'RHVWKLVFRQWUDYHQHWKH/DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI0RPHQWXP"([SODLQ

2.8.15 A rocket in deep space has total momentum P,W¿UHVLWVURFNHWVWRGRXEOHLWVYHORFLW\:KDW

will be the new total momentum of the rocket and the exhaust gases?
(A) 0
(B) P
& P
(D) 4P

Extension: Justify your answer.

2.9 Discuss the effect of the Earth’s orbital and rotational motion on the launch of a rocket.
RFNHWODXQFKSODQQHUVXVHWKHURWDWLRQDOVSHHGRIWKH(DUWKDERXWNSKWRDVVLVW
5
the launch of their rockets. To reach a low Earth orbit (the minimum height needed to
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VSHHGRIDERXWNSK:KLOHLWPLJKWQRWVHHPOLNHPXFKODXQFKLQJWRWKHHDVW
gives the spacecraft an orbital speed of 1700 kph (0.472 kps) for free – it costs no fuel.
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0
NSKWRLQFUHDVHWKHVWDUWLQJYHORFLW\RIDQLQWUD6RODU6\VWHPURFNHW+RZHYHU
the Earth must be in the right position to take advantage of this orbital speed. For this
reason there are ‘launch windows’ during which a rocket must be launched. If it is
ODXQFKHGRXWVLGHWKHVHZLQGRZVWKHURFNHWZLOOVWDUWLWVMRXUQH\LQWKHZURQJGLUHFWLRQ
or at the wrong time.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 43 Space

2.9.1 KDWLVWKHPRVWORJLFDOUHDVRQIRU86URFNHWODXQFKHVRFFXUULQJIURP&DSH&DQDYHUDOLQ
:
Florida?
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% &DSH&DQDYHUDOLVFORVHWRWKHHTXDWRU
& &DSH&DQDYHUDOLVDWDKLJKDOWLWXGH
(D) Florida contains large areas of open desert suitable for a shuttle landing.

Extension:([SODLQZK\DODXQFKDWWKHHTXDWRULVPRUHHI¿FLHQWWKDWODXQFKHVHOVHZKHUH

2.9.2 The diagrams all show the relative positions of the Earth and Moon as a rocket is launched
from Earth for a trip to the Moon. The direction of the rotation of the Moon around Earth is
also shown. Which best shows the path the rocket should take?
(A) Moon (B) Moon
Earth

Rotation
of Moon
around Earth

& (D)

Extension: In January 2006, NASA launched a space probe to Pluto. It will take 10 years to get there,
passing by the Moon, 400 000 km away, nine hours after launch. According to this data, how far will
the space probe travel on its journey to Pluto?

Science Press

Space 44 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.9.3 A rocket is to be launched
from Earth to a stationary Earth’s orbit
Earth and its
point P in space. The
rotation on its
diagram shows the relative axis
positions of the Earth, the
Sun and point P (not to Sun
scale). April October

What is the optimum

time for the rocket to be P
launched? Destination point

(A) Midday during September.

(B) Midnight during September.
& 0LGGD\GXULQJ-XO\
(D) Midnight during July.

Extension::KDWFRQFHSWLVWKLVTXHVWLRQWHVWLQJ"

$
QDO\VHWKHIRUFHVLQYROYHGLQXQLIRUPFLUFXODUPRWLRQIRUDUDQJHRIREMHFWVLQFOXGLQJ
satellites orbiting Earth.
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:
towards Earth all the time. The result is that it follows a curved path – the orbital path.
%HFDXVHLWVGLUHFWLRQRIWUDYHOLVDOZD\VFKDQJLQJDIRUFHPXVWEHDFWLQJRQLW7KHIRUFH
involved in causing any object to move in a circular path is called a centripetal force.
LWKRXWDFHQWULSHWDOIRUFHREMHFWVWUDYHOOLQJLQDFLUFXODUSDWKZRXOGPRYHLQDVWUDLJKW
:
path. Centripetal forces act in all sorts of common situations:
String tension T Road friction force Fc Coulombic force FE Gravity force FG Magnetic force FB

-Q1
x x x x
Magnetic +q
+Q 2 field B x x x x
into page
x x x x
mv 2 mv 2 mv 2 kQ1 Q 2 mv 2 Gmme mv 2
Fc = =T Fc = = ma c Fc = = Fc = = Fc = = Bqv
r r r d2 r r2 r

2.10.1 Which statement correctly describes the forces acting on a satellite in a stable orbit?
(A) No forces act on the satellite.
(B) The net force on the satellite is zero.
& 7KHQHWIRUFHRQWKHVDWHOOLWHLVWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFH
(D) Two forces act, the gravitational force and the force causing forward motion.

Extension: Explain the difference between answers (A) and (B).

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 45 Space

2.10.2 $QDVWURQDXWLQDQRUELWLQJVDWHOOLWHDSSHDUVµZHLJKWOHVV¶:KDWIRUFHLVDFWLQJRQKHU"
(A) No forces act on her.
(B) Gravitational force only.
& *UDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHDQGDLUUHVLVWDQFHRQO\
(D) Gravitational force and the force of inertia only.

Extension::K\LVWKHZRUGµZHLJKWOHVV¶LQLQYHUWHGFRPPDV"

2.10.3 Which diagram correctly shows the net force acting on a A

satellite in orbit?
(A) A
B
(B) B C
& & D
(D) D

Extension: This force could have two names. What are they? Earth

2.10.4 :KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJGRHV127VKRZDFHQWULSHWDOIRUFH"
(A) Moon (B)
Car

FC
FC Road
Earth

& (D) FC
Electron
Nucleus
FC Clothes
spin dryer

Extension: Explain the real situation in your chosen answer.

Science Press

Space 46 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.10.5 Which of the following must be true if a satellite is in a stable orbit around Earth?
$ 7KHSHULRGRIWKH(DUWK¶VURWDWLRQPXVWHTXDOWKHSHULRGRIWKHVDWHOOLWH
(B) The centripetal force acting on the satellite will be the gravitational force.
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Extension:2QHRIWKHLQFRUUHFWFKRLFHVZRXOGEHFRUUHFWLQVSHFL¿FFLUFXPVWDQFHV:KLFKRQHDQG
why?

2.10.6 A satellite is in a stable orbit around Earth. What would happen to this satellite if gravity was
VXGGHQO\µVZLWFKHGRII¶"
(A) It would move away from the Earth in the direction of its tangential motion at the time
gravity was switched off.
(B) It would continue to orbit until an unbalanced force acted on it.
& ,WZRXOGVSLUDOLQWR(DUWKDVWKHDWPRVSKHUHFDXVHVRUELWDOGHFD\
(D) It would move directly away from the Earth on a radial path.

Extension:1DPHDQGVWDWHWKHSULQFLSOHLQSK\VLFVWKDWDSSOLHVWRWKLVTXHVWLRQ

2.11 Solve problems to calculate the centripetal force acting on a satellite in orbit about Earth using:

mv2
F= r

mv 2
The equation we use to calculate the centripetal force acting on an object is: Fc =
r
where Fc = centripetal force
m = mass of object in orbit
v = orbital speed of object
r = radius of orbit
v2
From this we get the equation for the centripetal acceleration of an object in orbit: ac = r
where v = orbital speed of object
r = radius of orbit
ac = centripetal acceleration

2.11.1 A student is swinging a rubber stopper of mass 200 g around his head on a string. The stopper
makes one revolution each second. What is the tension in the string?
(A) 2.01 N
0.8 m
(B) 5.05 N
& 1
(D) 6316 N

Extension: Give two alternate names for the force you are calculating here.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 47 Space

2.11.2 What is the centripetal force acting on a satellite of mass 200 kg orbiting at an altitude of
1000 km above planet X. The orbital speed of the satellite is 18 000 kph and planet X has a
diameter of 8000 km.
(A) 720 N
(B) 1.0 × 106 N
& î6 N
(D) 1.3 × 107 N

Extension:+RZZRXOGWKLVIRUFHFKDQJHLIWKHPDVVRISODQHW;ZDVGRXEOHGDQGDOORWKHUYDULDEOHV
were the same?

2.11.3 An astronaut is in a 5000 kg spaceship which is orbiting planet Z at an altitude of 36 000 km.
The acceleration due to gravity at that altitude is 4.0 m s–2+RZIDVWLVWKHVSDFHVKLSPRYLQJ"
(A) 0.01 m s–1
(B) 9.6 × 10–5 m s–1
& î–6 m s–1
(D) Unable to be calculated without additional data.

Extension: If your answer was (D), what additional data do you think you need?

2.11.4 Which statement about a satellite in a stable orbit is correct?

(A) The gravitational force acting on the satellite is cancelled by the centripetal force.
(B) There is zero net force acting on the satellite.
& 7KHUHLVQRFHQWULSHWDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQWKHVDWHOOLWHRQO\WKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFH
(D) The centripetal force acting on the satellite is the gravitational force.

Extension: Identify two other situations in which there is a centripetal force.

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KH9DQ$OOHQEHOWVRILRQLVDWLRQDERYHWKH(DUWKOLPLWWKHUHJLRQRIVSDFHWKDWVDWHOOLWHV
7
can use because of the threat the ionisation poses to humans and electronic equipment.
This places some restrictions on the type of satellites that can be placed in orbit between
DQGNP+RZHYHUJLYHQWKDWWKHPLQLPXPDOWLWXGHUHTXLUHGWRDYRLG
VLJQL¿FDQWDWPRVSKHULFIULFWLRQLVNPWKHUHJLRQEHWZHHQWKLVDQGNPFDQEH
used quite safely. This is known as the low Earth orbit region.
KHVSDFHVKXWWOHXVXDOO\RUELWVEHWZHHQNPDQGNPDVGRDQ\VDWHOOLWHVWKDW
7
may need occasional repairs by space shuttle crew. The Hubble telescope orbits a little
KLJKHUDWNP6S\VDWHOOLWHVDOVRRUELWLQWKLVUHJLRQDOWKRXJKWKH\XVXDOO\RFFXS\D
north-south orbit so they can cover the entire surface of the Earth every 24 hours.

Science Press

Space 48 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

GeostationaryVDWHOOLWHVRUELWWKH(DUWKRYHUWKHHTXDWRUZLWKDSHULRGRIKRXUV
minutes and 4 seconds – 86 164 seconds – one sidereal day. This is the time for the Earth
to rotate once on its axis. A geostationary satellite will occupy the same position in space
above the Earth. Geostationary orbits are useful for communications and weather
satellites.
Polar orbits are used mostly by spy satellites because they cover the whole surface of the
Earth at least once per day.
2.12.1 Which choice correctly compares low Earth orbit and geostationary satellites?
LEO altitude (km) LEO orbit Geo altitude (km) Geo orbit
(A) 35 000 equatorial 300-1000 polar
(B) 35 000 polar 300-1000 equatorial
& 300-1000 equatorial 35 000 polar
(D) 300-1000 polar 35 000 equatorial

Extension: Explain why each type of satellite has the particular type of orbit it has.

2.12.2 Which choice gives correct information about geostationary satellites?

(A) Altitude 35 000 km, used for communications.
(B) Altitude 35 000 km, used as spy satellites.
& $OWLWXGHEHWZHHQDQGNPXVHGDVVS\VDWHOOLWHV
(D) Altitude between 300 and 1000 km, used in weather forecasting.

Extension::KDWLVµWUDFNLQJ¶DVLWLVDSSOLHGWRFRPPXQLFDWLRQVVDWHOOLWHV"

2.12.3 $
JHRVWDWLRQDU\VDWHOOLWHRUELWVWKH(DUWKIURPZHVWWRHDVWLQWKHHTXDWRULDOSODQH:KLFK
statement about this satellite is correct?
$ 7KHVDWHOOLWHZLOODOZD\VEHDERYHWKHVDPHSRVLWLRQRQWKH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH
% 7KHVDWHOOLWHZLOORUELWLQWKHRSSRVLWHGLUHFWLRQWRWKH(DUWK¶VPRWLRQ
& 7KHVDWHOOLWHZLOOFRQWLQXDOO\PRYHRYHUGLIIHUHQWSDUWVRIWKH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH
' 7KHVDWHOOLWHZLOOPRYHRYHUGLIIHUHQWSDUWVRIWKH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFHEXWRQO\DORQJWKHHTXDWRU

Extension:2QZKDWGR\RXEDVH\RXUDQVZHU"

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 49 Space

2.12.4 &RPSDUHGWRDJHRVWDWLRQDU\VDWHOOLWHDORZ(DUWKRUELWVDWHOOLWHZLOOKDYHDSHULRGZKLFKLV
(A) The same.
(B) Faster.
& 6ORZHU
(D) Up to 32 times faster.

Extension:2QZKDWGR\RXEDVH\RXUDQVZHU"

2.12.5 6
DWHOOLWH;KDVDQRUELWDOSHULRGZKLFKLVWZLFHWKDWRIVDWHOOLWH<:KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXW
these satellites is correct?
$ ;LVPRYLQJVORZHUDQGDWDORZHUDOWLWXGHWKDQ<
% ;LVPRYLQJIDVWHUDQGDWDORZHUDOWLWXGHWKDQ<
& ;LVPRYLQJVORZHUDQGDWDKLJKHUDOWLWXGHWKDQ<
' ;LVPRYLQJIDVWHUDQGDWDKLJKHUDOWLWXGHWKDQ<

Extension:$VDWHOOLWHZLWKWZLFHWKHPDVVRI;LVSODFHGLQWRWKHVDPHRUELWDV;&RPSDUHLWVRUELWDO
speed with that of X and explain your answer.

2.13 Outline the contribution of one of the following to the development of space exploration:
7VLRONRYVN\2EHUWK*RGGDUG(VQDXOW3HOWHULH2¶1HLOORUYRQ%UDXQ
The syllabus states that you should research the contribution of one of six suggested space
scientists. If a question is asked then it will probably be worth about 6 marks or so. The table
summarises the achievements of three of the six as examples.
Scientist Contribution
s 3UGGESTED PROPULSION BY REACTION
s #ALCULATED ESCAPE VELOCITY
s $ESIGNED DID NOT BUILD MULTISTAGE ROCKETS
s ,OOKED AT POSSIBLE MEDICAL PROBLEMS FOR ASTRONAUTS
Tsiolkovsky
s &IRST TO SUGGEST USING LIQUID OXYGEN AND HYDROGEN AS FUEL ARTIlCIAL SATELLITES AND SPACE
stations.
s 7ROTE MANY ARTICLES ON ASTRONAUTICS
s -ADE NUMEROUS SCALE MODELS BUT DID NOT TEST THEM PRACTICALLY
s 3UGGESTED LIQUID HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN AS IDEAL ROCKET FUELS
s 4ESTED POWDER ROCKETS
Goddard s ,AUNCHED THE WORLDS lRST LIQUID FUEL ROCKET
s #ONDUCTED OVER PRIVATE ROCKET TESTS
s 3TUDIED FUEL VALVES GUIDANCE SYSTEMS PARACHUTE RECOVERY AND PRESSURISED FUEL RESERVOIRS
s $EVELOPED HIGH THRUST ROCKET ENGINES USING LIQUID FUELS
s 0ROVED THAT GYROSCOPES COULD BE USED TO STABILISE LARGE ROCKETS
s $EVELOPED THE 6 ROCKET ANTI AIRCRAFT MISSILES AND OTHER ROCKET WEAPONS FOR (ITLERS
war effort.
von Braun s $EVELOPED A STAGE *UPITER # LIQUID FUEL MISSILE WHICH WITH A FOURTH STAGE ADDED
BECAME *UNO THE ROCKET THAT CARRIED %XPLORE !MERICAS lRST SATELLITE INTO SPACE
s "Y COMBINING SECTIONS OF THE 2EDSTONE AND *UPITER ROCKETS CONSTRUCTED THE lRST
Saturn rocket. Saturn rockets would eventually launch astronauts to the Moon, put
3KYLAB INTO SPACE AND LAUNCH THE !MERICAN PART OF THE !POLLO 3OYUZ MISSION

Science Press

Space 50 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.13.1 , WLVXQOLNHO\WKDWPXOWLSOHFKRLFHTXHVWLRQVZRXOGEHDVNHGLQWKLVWRSLFLQWKH+6&
H[DPLQDWLRQ<RXFRXOGKRZHYHUEHJLYHQRQHE\\RXUFODVVURRPWHDFKHULQWRSLFWHVWVRU
your trial as he/she will know which scientist you have studied.
Extension: List six contributions of the scientist you studied to the development of space exploration.

'
H¿QHRUELWDOYHORFLW\DQGWKHUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQRUELWDOYHORFLW\WKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOFRQVWDQW
WKHPDVVRIWKHSODQHWWKHPDVVRIWKHVDWHOOLWHDQGWKHUDGLXVRIWKHRUELWTXDOLWDWLYHO\DQG
quantitatively.
HKDYHWZRHTXDWLRQVWRGHVFULEHWKHIRUFHWKDWDWWUDFWVDQRUELWLQJVDWHOOLWHWR(DUWK±
:
Newton’s gravitation equation and the equation for centripetal force. Equating these we get:

msatellitev 2 Gmsatellite mEarth

Fc = = Fg = r UDGLXVRI(DUWKDOWLWXGH
r r2
= 6.38 × 106PDOWLWXGH
GmEarth mEarth = 5.97 × 1024 kg
5HDUUDQJLQJ v = G = 6.67 × 10-11 N m2 kg–1
r

Notice that the orbital speed does not depend on the mass of the satellite. From this
equation we can see that the orbital speed of a satellite is inversely proportional to the
VTXDUHURRWRILWVGLVWDQFHIURPWKHFHQWUHRIWKH(DUWK RUDSSURSULDWHSODQHW ±WKDWLV
WKHORZHUWKHRUELWWKHIDVWHUWKHVDWHOOLWHQHHGVWRJRWRVWD\LQDVWDEOHRUELW
2.14.1 :KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJGRHV127DIIHFWWKHRUELWDOYHORFLW\RIDVDWHOOLWH"
(A) Its altitude.
(B) Its mass.
& 7KHPDVVRIWKHSODQHWLWRUELWV
(D) The gravitational force of the planet.

Extension: In what way does gravitational force affect orbital velocity?

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 51 Space

2.14.2 Jupiter has a mass of 1.9 × 1027 kg and a diameter of 142 984 km. Saturn has a mass of
5.7 × 1026 kg and a diameter of 120 000 km. Which statement about the velocity of a satellite
orbiting each planet at the same altitude is correct?
(A) The velocity of the satellite orbiting Jupiter will be greater than that of the satellite orbiting
Saturn.
(B) The velocity of the satellite orbiting Jupiter will be less than that of the satellite orbiting Saturn.
& 7KHYHORFLW\RIWKHVDWHOOLWHRUELWLQJ-XSLWHUZLOOEHHTXDOWRWKDWRIWKHVDWHOOLWHRUELWLQJ6DWXUQ
(D) Additional information is needed before this can be determined.

Extension:$FFRXQWIRUWKHFRUUHFWQHVVRULQFRUUHFWQHVVRIFKRLFH &

2.14.3 Three moons around planet P have masses M, 4 M and 16 M. They all have the same orbital
radius. What is the ratio of their orbital speeds?
(A) 1:1:1
(B) 1:2:4
&
(D) 4:2:1

Extension: Explain your choice of answer.

2.14.4 7
ZRVDWHOOLWHVDUHLQWKHVDPH/(26DWHOOLWH;KDVWKUHHWLPHVWKHPDVVRIVDWHOOLWH<:KDWLV
the ratio of their orbital speeds?
$ ;<
% ;<
& ;<
' ;<

Extension: Explain the difference in your answer if the satellites were in geostationary orbits.

2.14.5 Which statement about the orbits of satellites is correct?

(A) The greater the mass and altitude, the slower the satellite travels.
(B) The greater the mass and altitude, the faster the satellite travels.
& 7KHKLJKHUWKHDOWLWXGHRIWKHRUELWWKHIDVWHUWKHVDWHOOLWHWUDYHOV
(D) The higher the altitude of the orbit, the slower the satellite travels.

Extension: Which two choices are you able to eliminate straightaway and why?

Science Press

Space 52 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.14.6 Three identical moons orbit planet P, Q and R which have masses M, 4 M and 16 M. The
moons all have the same orbital velocity. What is the ratio of their orbital radii?
(A) 1:1:1
(B) 1:2:4
&
(D) 4:2:1

Extension: If the moons had the same orbital radii, what would be the ratio of their orbital velocities?

2.14.7 6
DWHOOLWH;LVLQDNPORZ(DUWKRUELWZKLOHLGHQWLFDOVDWHOOLWH<LVLQDNPORZ(DUWK
orbit. Which statement about these two satellites is correct?
$ ;LVPRYLQJIDVWHUDQGKDVPRUHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\WKDQ<
% ;LVPRYLQJIDVWHUEXWKDVOHVVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\WKDQ<
& ;LVPRYLQJVORZHUEXWKDVOHVVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\WKDQ<
' ;LVPRYLQJVORZHUEXWKDVOHVVJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\WKDQ<

Extension: Justify both parts of your answer.

2.14.8 7
ZRVDWHOOLWHV;PDVVNJDQG<PDVVNJDUHSODFHGLQWRRUELWVDERYH0DUV7KH
altitude of these orbits is two and three times the radius of Mars respectively. What is the
ratio of their orbital speeds?
$ ;<
% ;<
& ;<
' ;<

Extension: Justify your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 53 Space

r3 GM
2.15 Solve problems using Kepler’s Law of Periods: 2
=
T 42

URPRXUHTXDWLRQIRU¿QGLQJWKHDYHUDJHYHORFLW\RIDPRYLQJREMHFWDQG1HZWRQ¶V
)
HTXDWLRQIRUWKHRUELWDOVSHHGRIDQREMHFWZHJHWWKHYHORFLW\RIDQREMHFWLQ(DUWKRUELWDV
s orbit circumference 2πr GmEarth
v= = = =
t orbital period T r
4π2 r 2 GmEarth
squaring: =
T2 r
r 3 GmEarth
on rearranging: T 2 = 4π2
7KLVHTXDWLRQRIWHQUHIHUUHGWRDVKepler’s Law of PeriodsFDQEHJHQHUDOLVHGWR¿QG
WKHRUELWDOSHULRGTRIDQ\RUELWLQJPDVVDURXQGDQ\SODQHWPDVVM and radius rWR
r 3 Gm
= = constant
T 2 4π 2
$QRWKHUZD\WRXVHWKLVFRQFHSWLVWRHTXDWHWKHUDWLRIRUGLIIHUHQWRUELWLQJERGLHVHJ
(rEarth )3 (rMars )3 (rJupiter )3
= = = etc
(T )2 (TMars )2 (TJupiter ) 2

r = distance between the centres of the object in orbit and the heavenly body it is orbiting.

2.15.1 Mercury has a mass of 3.58 × 1023 kg. Pluto has a mass of 1.27 × 1022 kg. What is the
r3
.HSOHU¶V/DZUDWLRRI 2 for Mercury compared to Pluto?
T
(A) 1 : 1.
(B) About 3 : 1.
& $ERXW
(D) Need period data to determine this ratio.
r3
Extension: Would the ratio be the same for our Moon? Explain.
T2
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2.15.2 Planet P has a mass of 4 × 1024 kg and a diameter of 10 000 km. A satellite orbits planet P at
an altitude of 2000 km. What is the period of the satellite?
(A) 1.98 hours
(B) 1.61 days
& GD\V
(D) 1.61 years

Extension: Would the period be doubled if the altitude of the satellite was 4000 km? Explain.

Science Press

Space 54 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.15.3 Planet Q has a mass of 6 × 1024 kg and a diameter of 12 000 km. A satellite orbits planet Q in
90 minutes. What is the orbital altitude of the satellite?
(A) 6.61 × 102 km
(B) 6.66 × 106 km
& î17 m
(D) 2.96 × 1020 km

Extension:+RZGRHVRUELWDODOWLWXGHGLIIHUIURPRUELWDOUDGLXV"

2.15.4 The table gives information about two of the moons orbiting planet R. What is the orbital
SHULRGRIPRRQ<"
Orbital period
Moon Radius of orbit (km)
(days)
X 100 000 2.0
Y 400 000 T

(A) 1.4 days

(B) 4.0 days
& GD\V
(D) 32 days

Extension:,VWKHDOWLWXGHRIPRRQ<IRXUWLPHVWKDWRIPRRQ;"([SODLQ

2.15.5 7
ZRSODQHWV;DQG<RUELWWKHVDPHVWDUDVVKRZQ
Planet X completes one orbit around the star in time Planet Y
T7KHUDGLLRIWKHRUELWVDUHLQWKHUDWLR+RZ 4R
PDQ\RUELWVGRHVSODQHW<PDNHLQWLPHT ? Planet X
$ ǩ R
(B) ¼
& ò
(D) 8

Extension: The four choices give a clue to the correct answer. What is that clue?

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 55 Space

2.15.6 .
HSOHU¶V/DZRISHULRGVVXPPDULVHGLQWKHHTXDWLRQT 2 = kR 3 , shows the relationship
between the orbital period and radius of a planet orbiting a star. Which of the following
would result in a change in the value of the constant, k?
(A) A planet of different mass orbiting the same star.
(B) A planet of grater orbital radius.
& $SODQHWRIJUHDWHURUELWDOSHULRG
(D) An identical planet orbiting a different star.

Extension: What has this law enabled astronomers to do with greater accuracy than before?

2.16 Account for the orbital decay of satellites in LEO.

Orbital decay refers to the loss of altitude of a spacecraft or satellite and is caused
by opposing forces of friction between it and the (albeit thin) atmosphere at the orbit
altitude.
, IDVSDFHFUDIWORVHVIRUZDUGVYHORFLW\JUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHVSXOOLWWRORZHUDOWLWXGHV
Increased atmospheric friction will further slow the craft and orbital decay occurs.
UDIWLQORZ(DUWKRUELWVDUHVXEMHFWWRDWPRVSKHULFIULFWLRQDQGQHHGDSHULRGLFERRVW
&
to stabilise their orbit if they are to stay in orbit for many years. Unexpected slowing
FDQRFFXULIH[FHVVLYHUDGLDWLRQIURPVRODUÀDUHVZDUPVWKHDWPRVSKHUHDQGFDXVHVLWWR
expand to a higher altitude than normal.
2UELWDOGHFD\DOVRRFFXUVZKHQVSDFHFUDIWDUHGHOLEHUDWHO\UHWXUQHGWR(DUWK
2.16.1 What forces cause orbital decay?
(A) Air resistance only.
(B) Gravity only.
& $LUUHVLVWDQFHDQGJUDYLW\RQO\
(D) Air resistance, gravity and the forward motion of the satellite.

Extension:+RZGRHV1$6$FRPEDWWKHRUELWDOGHFD\RILWVVDWHOOLWHV"

2.16.2 Which statement about orbital decay of a satellite is correct?

(A) When the speed of the satellite increases due to air resistance.
(B) When the speed of the satellite increases due to gravity.
& :KHQWKHVSHHGRIWKHVDWHOOLWHGHFUHDVHVGXHWRJUDYLW\
(D) When the speed of the satellite decreases due to air resistance.

Extension: Explain the relationship between orbital speed, air resistance and orbital decay.

Science Press

Space 56 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.16.3 :
K\LVDVDWHOOLWHLQD/(2PRUHOLNHO\WRVXIIHURUELWDOGHFD\WKDQDVDWHOOLWHLQD
geostationary orbit.
$ 7KH/(2VDWHOOLWHLVPRYLQJIDVWHU
% 7KH/(2VDWHOOLWHLVLQGHQVHUDLU
& 7KH/(2VDWHOOLWHKDVVWURQJHUJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQLW
' 7KH/(2VDWHOOLWHLVPRYLQJPRUHVORZO\

Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ
2.17 Discuss issues associated with safe re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere and landing on the
Earth’s surface.
5HWXUQLQJVSDFHFUDIWDUHVXEMHFWHGWRLQWHQVHKHDWGXHWRDWPRVSKHULFIULFWLRQDQGWR
g-forces due to deceleration. Forces involved in re-entry used to be more intense than those
in lift-off because of the rapid deceleration that occurred at an altitude of about 120 km as
spacecraft hit the top of the atmosphere. The forces in lift-off occur over a longer time and
VRDUHVPDOOHU6KHSKHUGIRUH[DPSOHH[SHULHQFHGJRQOLIWRIIEXWRQUHHQWU\
RGHUQVSDFHFUDIWVXFKDVWKHVSDFHVKXWWOHDQGWKH9HQWXUH6WDUDSRZHUHGVKXWWOHWKDW
0
LVGHVLJQHGWRUHSODFHFXUUHQWPRGHOVKDYHZLQJVDQGFRQWUROVWKDWJLYHSLORWVVRPHFRQWURO
over re-entry. Space shuttle pilots seldom experience forces greater than 3 g on re-entry.
IPRUHFRQFHUQLVWKHKHDWEXLOGXSDVVRFLDWHGZLWKUHHQWU\ UHPHPEHU±WKH
2
spacecraft is moving at around 11 000 m s–1!!). Early research showed that a blunt
QRVHZDVQHHGHGWRVORZVSDFHFUDIWHQRXJKIRUUHHQWU\6WUHDPOLQHGFUDIWZKLOHQRW
being subjected to the same frictional forces so quickly still became hot enough (up
WR& WRYDSRULVHRQUHHQWU\%OXQWFUDIWSURGXFHGDVKRFNZDYHRIDLULQIURQW
of them and this absorbed much of the frictional heat. Space shuttles still re-enter the
DWPRVSKHUHµEHOO\¿UVW¶IRUWKLVUHDVRQ
WKHUVWUDWHJLHVXVHGWRPLQLPLVHKHDWEXLOGXSLQVLGHUHHQWU\FDSVXOHVKDYHLQFOXGHG
2
VDFUL¿FLDOVNLQVLQLWLDOO\PHWDODOOR\VWKHQPRUHHI¿FLHQW¿EUHJODVVRUKHDWUHVLVWDQWFHUDPLFV
WKDWDEVRUEPXFKRIWKHKHDWHQHUJ\DVWKH\YDSRULVH6DFUL¿FLDOVNLQVZHUHXVHGE\DOOWKH
Mercury and Gemini (Earth orbital missions) and Apollo (to the Moon) re-entry capsules.
HFDXVHWKH\FRXOGEHXVHGRQO\RQFHVDFUL¿FLDOOD\HUVZHUHUHSODFHGZLWKVSRQJLIRDP
%
¿EUHJODVVWLOHVRQWKHVSDFHVKXWWOHV7KHVHDUHDLU DQH[FHOOHQWLQVXODWRU DQGDUH
SDLQWHGZLWKDZDWHUSURRIVLOLFRQVHDODQWEHWZHHQHDFKÀLJKW7KHVHDODQWSUHYHQWVWKH
tiles from absorbing atmospheric moisture (that would increase the mass of the craft
VLJQL¿FDQWO\ DQGEXUQVRIIGXULQJWKH¿UVWVWDJHVRIUHHQWU\
HZ9HQWXUH6WDUVKXWWOHVZLOOEHFRYHUHGZLWKDYHU\KLJKPHOWLQJSRLQWDOOR\VNLQWKDW
1
EHFDXVHRIWKHJUHDWHUFRQWURODVWURQDXWVZLOOKDYHRYHUUHHQWU\VSHHGVZLOOSURWHFW
without burning away.
DYLQJVXUYLYHGUHHQWU\DVWURQDXWVKDYHWRVXUYLYHODQGLQJ(DUO\5XVVLDQFDSVXOHV
+
had parachutes to slow the capsule to speeds where the astronaut could eject and
SDUDFKXWHWR(DUWK(DUO\$PHULFDQFUDIWDOVRVORZHGDWWKHODVWVWDJHVZLWKSDUDFKXWHV
EXWVRIWODQGHGLQWKHRFHDQDQGZHUHUHWULHYHGE\VKLSV7KHVSDFHVKXWWOHODQGVLWVHOI
although being unpowered it has limited manoeuvrability and only one chance at each
ODQGLQJ9HQWXUH6WDUZLWKLWVRZQHQJLQHVZLOOKDYHJUHDWHUODQGLQJRSWLRQV
IXUWKHUSUREOHPRQUHHQWU\LVionisation blackout. This is caused as heat build-up due
$
to atmospheric friction ionises air around the re-entry capsule and stops radio signals
IURPHQWHULQJRUOHDYLQJWKHFDSVXOH,QHDUO\FDSVXOHVEHFDXVHRIWKHLUIDVWHUUHHQWU\
WKHRQLVDWLRQEODFNRXWZDVWRPLQXWHV:LWKWKHVSDFHVKXWWOHLWLVXSWRPLQXWHV
Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 57 Space

2.17.1 :
KDWLVWKHPDMRUSUREOHPDVVRFLDWHGZLWKWKHUHHQWU\RIDVSDFHVKLSWKURXJKWKH(DUWK¶V
atmosphere?
$ 7KHJIRUFHVGXHWRGHFHOHUDWLRQ
% +HDWEXLOGXSGXHWRDWPRVSKHULFIULFWLRQ
& 7KHLQFUHDVHLQVSHHGGXHWRJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHV
(D) The use of ceramic tiles to minimise heat transfer.

Extension: Explain how atmospheric friction and gravity act against each other in this situation.

2.17.2 What is the cause of the period of loss of communications that occurs as a spaceship descends
through the atmosphere?
(A) The high speed of the spaceship.
% $EXLOGXSRIDGHQVHµFXVKLRQ¶RIDLUXQGHUWKHVSDFHFUDIW
& +HDWGXHWRDWPRVSKHULFIULFWLRQDIIHFWLQJHOHFWURQLFVHTXLSPHQW
' +HDWGXHWRDWPRVSKHULFIULFWLRQLRQLVLQJDLUDURXQGWKHVSDFHVKLS

Extension: Explain how the speed of the spaceship is a contributing factor to this problem.

2.17.3 :KDWLVWKHPRVWHIIHFWLYHVWUDWHJ\XVHGWRPLQLPLVHIULFWLRQDOKHDWRQUHHQWU\"
(A) The cushion of compressed air under the spaceship.
(B) The porous ceramic tiles covering the spaceship.
& 7KHVDFUL¿FLDOFRYHULQJRYHUWKHFHUDPLFWLOHV
(D) The blunt nose of the spaceship.

Extension: Explain your answer.

2.17.4 What would be different about approaching and landing a spacecraft on Mars?
$ 7KHDQJOHRIUHHQWU\ZRXOGEHGLIIHUHQW
% 5HHQWU\VSHHGZRXOGKDYHWREHORZHU
& 7KHUHZRXOGEHQRKHDWEXLOGXSSUREOHPV
(D) The spacecraft would take longer to land.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 58 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.18 Identify that there is an optimum angle for re-entry of a spacecraft into the Earth’s atmosphere
and the consequences of failing to achieve this.
7KH¿UVWSUREOHPDVWURQDXWVIDFHRQUHHQWU\LVKLWWLQJWKHWRSRIWKHDWPRVSKHUHDWWKHULJKW
DQJOH7RRVKDOORZDQGWKHFUDIWZLOOµVNLSRII¶EDFNLQWRVSDFHWRRGHHSDQGWKHIRUFHVDQGKHDW
involved will be too large for survival of the astronauts or the craft. The re-entry angle varies
depending on the shape of the craft and its re-entry speed. For the Apollo mission re-entry craft
this angle was between 5.2º and 7.2º.
2.18.1 :KDWZDVWKHDSSUR[LPDWHDQJOHIRUUHHQWU\IRUWKH$SROOR0RRQPLVVLRQVSDFHFUDIW"
(A) 3.2° to 4.2°
(B) 4.2° to 6.2°
& WR
(D) 6.2° to 8.2°

Extension: What would happen to the spaceship if it hit the atmosphere at an angle less than this?

2.18.2 :KLFKWZRIDFWRUVPRVWDIIHFWWKHUHHQWU\DQJOHRIDVSDFHFUDIW"
(A) Its speed and shape.
% ,WVVSHHGDQGGLUHFWLRQRIUHHQWU\
& ,WVPDVVDQGWKHGLUHFWLRQRIUHHQWU\
' ,WVPDVVDQGVSHHGRIUHHQWU\

Extension:([SODLQZK\DµEHOO\¿UVW¶UHHQWU\LVSUHIHUDEOHWRDµQRVH¿UVW¶UHHQWU\

2.18.3 )RXUVWXGHQWVPDGHVWDWHPHQWVDERXWWKHUHHQWU\RIDVSDFHFUDIWLQWR(DUWK¶VDWPRVSKHUH
(VWKHU,IWKHUHHQWU\DQJOHLVWRRVPDOOLWZLOOERXQFHRIIWKHDWPRVSKHUHLQWRVSDFH
6LPPL,IWKHUHHQWU\DQJOHLVWRRVPDOOLWZLOOEXUQXSLQWKHDWPRVSKHUH
9LFQDHVK,IWKHUHHQWU\DQJOHLVWRRODUJHLWZLOOERXQFHRIIWKHDWPRVSKHUHLQWRVSDFH
:DUUHQ,IWKHUHHQWU\DQJOHLVWRRODUJHLWZLOOEXUQXSLQWKHDWPRVSKHUH

Which students made correct statements?

(A) Esther and Simmi
(B) Simmi and Vicnaesh
& 9LFQDHVKDQG:DUUHQ
(D) Warren and Esther

Extension: Bouncing off the atmosphere would not kill astronauts immediately, but would be just as
disastrous. Why?

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 59 Space

Notes

Science Press

Space 60 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4HE 3OLAR 3YSTEM IS HELD TOGETHER BY GRAVITY

'HVFULEHDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGQHDUDPDVVLYHREMHFWLQWHUPVRILWVDIIHFWVRQRWKHUPDVVHV
,QSK\VLFVD¿HOG is a region in which something experiences a force.
QHOHFWULF¿HOGLVDUHJLRQLQZKLFKDFKDUJHGSDUWLFOHZLOOH[SHULHQFHDIRUFH:H¿QG
$
HOHFWULF¿HOGVDURXQGRWKHUFKDUJHVDQGEHWZHHQFKDUJHGSODWHV
PDJQHWLF¿HOGLVDUHJLRQLQZKLFKDPDJQHWLFVXEVWDQFHZLOOH[SHULHQFHDIRUFH:H
$
¿QGPDJQHWLF¿HOGVDURXQGPDJQHWVDQGHOHFWULFFXUUHQWV0RYLQJFKDUJHVDOVRSURGXFH
PDJQHWLF¿HOGV
JUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGLVDUHJLRQLQZKLFKDPDVVH[SHULHQFHVDIRUFH*UDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGV
$
are found around masses.

3.1.1 ,QSK\VLFVZKDWLVD¿HOG"
(A) The immediate space around a charge, mass or magnet.
(B) A region in which something experiences a force.
& 7KHVSDFHLQZKLFKREMHFWVDUHDEOHWRPRYH
(D) The region between two charges, masses or magnets.

Extension: :KDWLVµXQL¿HG¿HOGWKHRU\¶"

3.1.2 :KDWLVDJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG"
(A) The space around a planet.
(B) The force holding the planets in orbit around the Sun.
& 7KHIRUFHRIDWWUDFWLRQEHWZHHQDQ\WZRPDVVHV
(D) The region in which a mass experiences a force.

Extension::KDWZRXOGEHWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGDWWKHPLGSRLQWEHWZHHQDQGGXHWRWZRLGHQWLFDO
planets? Explain.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 61 Space

3.1.3 KHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGOLQHVDUHVKRZQIRUSODQHW;
7
3ODQHW<LVODUJHUDQGPRUHPDVVLYHWKDQSODQHW;:KLFK
VWDWHPHQWDERXWDVLPLODUGLDJUDPIRUSODQHW<LVFRUUHFW"
$ ,WZRXOGKDYHPRUH¿HOGOLQHV
Planet
% ,WZRXOGKDYHIHZHU¿HOGOLQHV X
& ,WZRXOGKDYHWKHVDPHQXPEHURI¿HOGOLQHV
' 0RUHLQIRUPDWLRQLVUHTXLUHG

Extension: Explain your answer.

'H¿QH1HZWRQ¶V/DZRI8QLYHUVDO*UDYLWDWLRQ
Every object in the Universe attracts every other object with a gravitational force.
7KLVIRUFHLVGLUHFWO\SURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHPDVVHVRIWKHREMHFWVDQG
,QYHUVHO\SURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHVTXDUHRIWKHGLVWDQFHEHWZHHQWKHP

3.2.1 :KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJVWDWHPHQWVGRHV127UHODWHWR1HZWRQ¶VODZVRIJUDYLWDWLRQ"
(A) A gravitational force exists between all masses.
(B) This gravitational force depends on the masses of the objects.
& 7KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHGHSHQGVLQYHUVHO\RQWKHVTXDUHRIWKHGLVWDQFHEHWZHHQWKHREMHFWV
(D) The gravitational force depends on the universal gravitational constant.

Extension: Explain your choice of answer.

3.2.2 Which graph best shows the relationship between gravitational force and distance from the
centre of a planet?
(A) (B) & (D)

Extension: Using the space provided above, sketch a

graph for the relationship between the gravitational force
and distance from the surface of the planet. Explain its
shape.

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

Science Press

Space 62 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

3.2.3 Which graph best shows the relationship between gravitational force and the mass of a
planet?
(A) (B) & (D)

Extension: Using the space provided above, draw the

graph for the relationship between the gravitational force
and mass of another object. Explain its shape.

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

3.3 Solve problems and analyse information using: Gm 1m 2

F=
d2
0DWKHPDWLFDOO\1HZWRQ¶VODZVRIJUDYLWDWLRQDUHUHSUHVHQWHGE\
*PP
)J =
U

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

r = the distance between the centres of the two (distance apart plus radii)
m½ = masses of the two objects
Acceleration due to gravity
,IZHDSSO\WKLVLGHDWRDPDVVFORVHWRWKHVXUIDFHRIWKH(DUWKWKHQ1HZWRQ¶V
gravitational force equation can be equated to his weight force equation and so we get:
*P0 (DUWK
)J = = P J
U

r = radius of Earth plus height object is above the surface (average radius = 6.378 × 106 m)
Gravitational acceleration on other planets
The gravitational force on an object on the surface of another planet (or moon) is given by:
Gmobject M planet
Fg = = mobject gplanet
(rplanet )2

From this we get:

GMplanet
gplanet =
(rplanet )2

Ratio of accelerations on heavenly objects

)URPWKHODVWHTXDWLRQH[WHQGLQJLWWRWZRGLIIHUHQWKHDYHQO\REMHFWV IRUH[DPSOH
FRPSDULQJJUDYLWDWLRQDODFFHOHUDWLRQRQ(DUWKZLWKWKDWRQDQRWKHUSODQHWRUPRRQ ZHJHW
GM Earth GM planet
g Earth = g planet =
(rEart h ) 2 and (rplanet )2
g Earth M Earth( rplanet )
2

5HDUUDQJLQJWKHVHZHJHW g =
planet M planet ( rEarth) 2

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 63 Space

3.3.1 What is the gravitational force between two objects, each of mass 40 kg when they are 6 m
apart?
(A) 1.78 × 10–8 N
(B) 2.96 × 10–9 N
& î–10 N
(D) 7.41 × 10–11 N

Extension: What would the new force be if both masses and the distance between them were doubled?

3.3.2 The mass of Mars is 6.43 × 1023 kg, and its diameter is 6794 km. What is the weight of a
5 kg object on Mars?
(A) 3.72 N
(B) 18.58 N
& î7 N
(D) 1.86 × 107 N

Extension:&KRRVHRQHRIWKHLQFRUUHFWDQVZHUVDQGH[SODLQWKHPLVWDNHLQLW

3.3.3 ZRSODQHWV;DQG<KDYHPDVVHVM and 9 M and diameters 8 R and 18 R respectively.

7
What is the ratio of their gravitational forces on their surfaces?
(A) 2:9
(B) 4:9
&
(D) 16 : 81

Extension: Two choices must be wrong. Which two and why?

3.3.4 An astronaut has weight WRQSODQHW;:KDWZRXOGEHKLVZHLJKWRQSODQHW<ZKLFKKDVKDOI

the mass and half the diameter of X?
(A) 0.25 W
(B) 0.5 W
& W
(D) 4W

Extension: Explain how you arrived at your answer.

Science Press

Space 64 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

3.3.5 The Earth has a mass
Earth
about 80 times that of
WKH0RRQ&RQVLGHU
the diagram which Moon
shows four points in E F G H
space between the
Earth and the Moon.
Point F is halfway
between them.
WZKLFKSRLQWZRXOGWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGVGXHWRWKH(DUWKDQGWKH0RRQEHFORVHVWWR
$
HTXDO"
(A) E
(B) F
& G
(D) H

Extension: Justify your answer.

3.4 Discuss factors affecting the strength of the gravitational force.

The factors which affect the strength of the gravitational force on Earth are:
$OWLWXGH±WKHKLJKHUWKHDOWLWXGHWKHOHVVWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFH F1/d2)
RVLWLRQRQWKH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH7KLVLVDOVRGHSHQGHQWRQWKHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH(DUWK¶V
3
FHQWUH%HLQJRQWRSRIDPRXQWDLQLQFUHDVHVWKLVGLVWDQFHDQGVRPDNHVWKHIRUFHOHVV
%XWLQDGGLWLRQEHFDXVHWKH(DUWKLVQRWDSHUIHFWVSKHUHd will be maximum at the
equator and decrease towards the poles. The gravitational force will change accordingly.
\SHRIPDWHULDOXQGHUQHDWKWKHVXUIDFH7KLVLVDPLQRUIDFWRUEXWWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO
7
force will be larger for the same distance from the centre of the Earth if you are on land
WKDQRQDVKLSRYHUGHHSZDWHU ZDWHULVOHVVGHQVHWKDQODQGVRWKHPDVVXQGHU\RXLV
less than if it was land).
3.4.1 A gravitational force of F Newton exists between two objects. What would be the new
gravitational force between them if the mass of one object was doubled, and the distance
between them was halved?
(A) 0.5 F
(B) 2F
& F
(D) 8F

Extension: What would be the new value if one mass was halved and the distance doubled?

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 65 Space

3.4.2 An astronaut in orbit 6000 km above the Earth experiences a gravitational force of F+LV
spaceship moves to a 12 000 km orbit. What is the new gravitational force the astronaut
experiences?
(A) 0.25 F
(B) 0.44 F
& F
(D) 2.25 F

Extension: The correct answer is only approximately correct. Explain why.

3.4.3 RQVLGHUWKHWZRSODQHWV;DQG<VKRZQ7KH
& X Y
JUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHRQ;GXHWR<LVF. What is the d d
JUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHRQ<GXHWR;"
(A) 0.25 F Mass = M Mass = 4 M
(B) 0.5 F
& F
(D) 4.0 F

Extension:5HFDOODQGVWDWHWKHSULQFLSOHRISK\VLFV\RXXVHGWRDQVZHUWKLVTXHVWLRQ

3.4.4 , Q+HQU\&DYHQGLVKGLGDQ
experiment to measure the value of Torsion fibre

µ*¶XVLQJWKHHTXLSPHQWVKRZQLQ
Mirror
the diagram. Which of the following Light ray
HTXDWLRQVLVWKHDSSURSULDWHRQHWRXVH
deflection Lamp
to analyse his results?
(A) GM
F=
r
m
3
r GM
(B) = m
T2 4P2 Centre of gravity
& F = mG M M

(D) GMm F m
F=
r2 r m

Extension: Whose work, and what was the Scale

ZRUN&DYHQGLVKZDVDWWHPSWLQJWRYHULI\"

Science Press

Space 66 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

3.4.5 , PDJLQHDKROHGULOOHGWKURXJKWKH(DUWK+RZZRXOGWKHPDVVDQGZHLJKWRIDQREMHFW
placed in the hole at the centre of the Earth compare to its mass and weight on the surface?
(A) Its mass and weight would both be zero at the centre.
(B) Its mass and weight would be unchanged.
& ,WVPDVVZRXOGEH]HURDQGLWVZHLJKWXQFKDQJHG
(D) Its mass would be unchanged and its weight would be zero.

Extension: Justify your answer.

3.4.6 KH¿HOGGLDJUDPVUHSUHVHQWWKHUHODWLYHVWUHQJWKVRIWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGVRIWZRSODQHWV;
7
DQG<7KHSODQHWVKDYHWKHVDPHUDGLXV:KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXWWKHVHWZRSODQHWVLVFRUUHFW"

Planet Planet
X Y

(A) The acceleration due to gravity at the surface of each planet is the same.
% 7KHPDVVRISODQHW;PXVWEHJUHDWHUWKDQWKHPDVVRISODQHW<
& 7KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQDQREMHFWDERYHWKHVXUIDFHRI;ZLOOEHOHVVWKDQWKH
JUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQWKHVDPHREMHFWWKHVDPHGLVWDQFHDERYHWKHVXUIDFHRI<
(D) The gravitational potential energy of an object above the surface of X will be less than the
JUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\RIWKHVDPHREMHFWWKHVDPHGLVWDQFHDERYHWKHVXUIDFHRI<

Extension:&RUUHFWWKHLQFRUUHFWFKRLFHV

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 67 Space

3.5 Discuss the importance of Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation in understanding and
calculating the motion of satellites.
Newton’s law of gravitation is important in understanding motion of satellites for these reasons:
:HXVHLWWRGHULYHWKHHTXDWLRQWKDWHQDEOHVXVWRFDOFXODWHRUSUHGLFWWKHRUELWDO
YHORFLWLHVRISODQHWVPRRQVDQGDUWL¿FLDOVDWHOOLWHV
:HXVHLWWRGHULYHWKHIRUPXODIRUWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\RIREMHFWVLQVSDFH
KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHLVWKHRQO\IRUFHDFWLQJRQDQREMHFWLQDVWDEOHRUELWDQGLV
7
therefore responsible for the feeling of ‘weightlessness’.
UDYLWDWLRQDODWWUDFWLRQLVUHVSRQVLEOHIRULQLWLDWLQJWKHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWDQGVRHQDEOLQJ
*
a faster exploration of distant planets.
KHVWDELOLW\RIWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHHQDEOHVDFFXUDWHFDOFXODWLRQVRIODXQFKZLQGRZV
7
to ensure spacecraft launching from stable orbits arrive at their destination at the
appropriate time.
KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHLVWKHUHDVRQURFNHWODXQFKHVDUHVRH[SHQVLYHDQGUHTXLUHVXFK
7
massive engines to overcome it.
3.5.1 Which of the following states the relationship between the orbital speed and the mass of a
satellite?
(A) vm
(B) v¥m
& vm
(D) v is independent of the mass of the satellite.

Extension:2QZKDWGRHVWKHRUELWDOVSHHGRIDVDWHOOLWHGHSHQG"

3.5.2 The Earth has a mass of 6 × 1024 kg and a diameter of 12 756 km. A 500 kg satellite experiences a
gravitational acceleration of 0.4 m s–2 in its orbit. What is the altitude of the satellite?
(A) 2.53 × 107 m
(B) 3.16 × 107 m
& î8 m
(D) 2.86 × 108 m

Extension: At what altitude would a 1000 kg satellite be to experience the same gravitational
acceleration? Explain.

Science Press

Space 68 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

3.5.3 Two satellites have masses M and 4 M. They orbit Earth at the orbital speed. What is the ratio
of their altitudes?
(A) 1:1
(B) 1:2
&
(D) 4:1

Extension: Explain your answer.

3.5.4 Two identical satellites are orbiting at distances R and 4 R from the centre of the same planet.
What is the ratio of the gravitational accelerations they experience?
(A) 1:4
(B) 1 : 16
&
(D) 16 : 1

Extension: Explain your answer.

3.5.5 7KHRUELWDOYHORFLW\RIDVDWHOOLWHFDQEHGHULYHGIURP1HZWRQ¶VJUDYLWDWLRQDOHTXDWLRQDQG
ZKLFKRWKHUHTXDWLRQ"
$ *UDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\HTXDWLRQ
% &HQWULSHWDOIRUFHHTXDWLRQ
& .HSOHU¶VODZHTXDWLRQ
' (TXDWLRQIRUNLQHWLFHQHUJ\

Extension: Show this derivation.

3.5.6 , QZKDWZD\GLG1HZWRQ¶VODZVRIJUDYLWDWLRQFRQWULEXWHWRGHYHORSLQJLGHDVDERXWWKH
motion of satellites?
(A) They described the force of gravity mathematically.
% 7KH\YHUL¿HG.HSOHU¶VODZVRISODQHWDU\PRWLRQ
& 7KH\H[SODLQHGHVFDSHYHORFLW\
(D) They applied to all objects in the Universe.

Extension: Show how they did this.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 69 Space

3.6 Identify that a slingshot effect can be provided by planets for space probes.
KHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWDOVRUHIHUUHGWRDVWKHJUDYLW\DVVLVWHIIHFWRUWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO
7
VOLQJVKRWHIIHFWUHIHUVWRWKHLQFUHDVHLQYHORFLW\JLYHQWRDVSDFHFUDIWEHFDXVHLWHQWHUV
WKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOGRIDSODQHWDVLWÀLHVSDVWLW
, WLVWKHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWWKDWFDXVHVFRPHWVWRWUDYHOPXFKIDVWHUDVWKH\DSSURDFKDQGJR
around the Sun before travelling deep back into the Solar System for the rest of their orbit.
, WLVDOVRWKHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWWKDWFDXVHVWKHRUELWDOVSHHGRISODQHWVWRYDU\DOLWWOH
%HFDXVHWKHLURUELWVDUHHOOLSWLFDOUDWKHUWKDQFLUFXODUWKH\JDLQDVPDOODPRXQWRI
VSHHGDVWKH\DSSURDFKWKHLUFORVHVWSRLQWWRWKH6XQ$VWKH\PRYHDZD\IURPWKH6XQ
gravitational effects slow them down.
KHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWZRUNVEHFDXVHWKHFORVHUDVSDFHFDSVXOHJHWVWRDSODQHWWKH
7
stronger its gravitational force attracts it and increases its speed. The effect is described
mathematically by the Laws of Conservation of Momentum and Energy.
QDO\VLVRIWKHHTXDWLRQVLQYROYHGLQGLFDWHVWKDWWKHPD[LPXPVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWRFFXUV
$
when the spacecraft and planet approach each other head-on and the spacecraft passes
EHKLQGWKHSODQHWWKHYHORFLW\JDLQWRWKHVSDFHFUDIWLVWZLFHWKHRUELWDOVSHHGRIWKH
SODQHWLH
vmaximum = 2 × orbital speed of planet
6Rv¿QDO = vinitial îRUELWDOVSHHGRISODQHW
, IWKHVSDFHFUDIWDSSURDFKHVWKHSODQHWIURPDQ\RWKHUGLUHFWLRQWKHUHZLOOVWLOOEHD
JDLQLQVSHHGEXWLWZLOOEHOHVVWKDQWZLFHWKHRUELWDOVSHHGRIWKHSODQHW
,IWKHVSDFHFUDIWSDVVHVLQIURQWRIWKHSODQHWDµUHYHUVH¶VOLQJVKRWRFFXUV±LWVORZVGRZQ
RWHWKDWWKHVSHHGRIWKHVSDFHFUDIWUHODWLYHWRWKHSODQHWGRHVQRWFKDQJHLQDVOLQJVKRW
1
PDQRHXYUHEXWLWVVSHHGUHODWLYHWRWKH6XQRURWKHUREMHFWLQWKH6RODU6\VWHPGRHV
KHDFWXDOFDXVHRIWKHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFWLVWKDWDµQRQFRQWDFWHODVWLFFROOLVLRQRFFXUV
7
between the spacecraft and the planet’. This results in the transfer of rotational kinetic
energy from the planet to the spacecraft as translational (straight line) kinetic energy.
RWDOKE is conserved as there is no actual collision between the spacecraft and the
7
SODQHWVRWKHSODQHWPXVWORVHKEDQGRUELWDOVSHHG+RZHYHUWKHKE lost by a planet
is only about is about 2 million billion billionths of its original KE. Not enough to cause
any noticeable change in its orbital speed.

3.6.1 Which statement correctly describes the role of gravity in the slingshot effect?
(A) Gravity is responsible for the slingshot effect.
(B) Gravity plays a minor role additional to the slingshot effect.
& *UDYLW\SOD\VQRSDUWLQLQFUHDVLQJWKHVSHHGRIDVSDFHFUDIWDVLWVOLQJVKRWVDURXQGDSODQHW
(D) Gravity increases the velocity of the spacecraft almost as much as the slingshot effect.

Extension: Explain the role of gravity in increasing the speed of a space craft as it passes a planet.

Science Press

Space 70 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

3.6.2 The slingshot effect is used to increase the speed of a spacecraft as it approaches, swings
around and leaves a planet. Which statement about the slingshot effect is correct?
(A) The momentum of the planet increases.
(B) The momentum of the planet/spacecraft system increases.
& 7KHUHLVQRHQHUJ\FKDQJHIRUWKHSODQHWVSDFHFUDIWV\VWHP
(D) The kinetic energy of the planet /spacecraft system increases.

Extension::KDWSULQFLSOHLQSK\VLFVDUH\RXXVLQJWRDQVZHUWKLVTXHVWLRQ"

3.6.3 +RZGRHVWKHVSHHGRIWKHVSDFHFUDIWUHODWLYHWRWKHSODQHWFKDQJHLQWKHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFW"
(A) It remains the same.
(B) It increases.
& ,WGHFUHDVHV
(D) It could increase or decrease.

Extension: Explain your answer.

3.6.4 +RZGRHVWKHVSHHGRIWKHVSDFHFUDIWUHODWLYHWRWKH6XQFKDQJHLQWKHVOLQJVKRWHIIHFW"
(A) It remains the same.
(B) It increases.
& ,WGHFUHDVHV
(D) It could increase or decrease.

Extension: Explain your answer.

3.6.5 What is the main reason for using the slingshot effect?
(A) To reduce the mass and cost of launching deep space probes.
% 7RPDLQWDLQWKHTXDOLW\RIFRPPXQLFDWLRQVUHFHLYHGIURPGHHSVSDFHSUREHV
& 7RUHGXFHWKHGDQJHUVWRDVWURQDXWVRQGHHSVSDFHSUREHV
(D) To eliminate the need to send astronauts into deep space.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 71 Space

3.6.6 Which statement about the following two slingshot diagrams is correct?

VPlanet
Planet
Spacecraft Y VPlanet
Planet

Spacecraft X

$ 7KHHIIHFWRQ;DQG<ZLOOEHWKHVDPH
% ;ZLOOVSHHGXSPRUHWKDQ<
& <ZLOOVSHHGXSPRUHWKDQ;
' ;ZLOOVSHHGXS<ZLOOVORZGRZQ

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 72 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4. Current and emerging understanding about time and space has been dependent upon
earlier models of the transmission of light.

4.1 Outline the features of the aether model for the transmission of light.
, QWKHHDUO\VVFLHQWLVWVH[SHULPHQWLQJZLWKOLJKWGLGQRWNQRZLILWZDVSDUWLFOHLQ
nature or wave motion.
, Q7KRPDV<RXQJGLGVRPHH[SHULPHQWVWKDWVKRZHGWKDWOLJKWUD\VFRXOGLQWHUIHUH
ZLWKHDFKRWKHU,QWHUIHUHQFHLVVSHFL¿FDOO\DSURSHUW\RIZDYHPRWLRQVRLWZDVREYLRXV
from this that light must be some type of waves.
OORWKHUZDYHVWKDWVFLHQWLVWVRIWKHWLPHVWXGLHGQHHGHGDPHGLXPWRWUDYHOLQ:DWHU
$
ZDYHVQHHGHGZDWHUHDUWKTXDNHZDYHVQHHGHGURFNVVRXQGQHHGHGDLU7RWKHPOLJKW
also needed something to travel through.
7KLVVRPHWKLQJZDVWKHaether/RRNLQJDWWKHSURSHUWLHVRIOLJKWDQGWKHSURSHUWLHVRI
WKHPHGLDWKDWFDUULHGRWKHUZDYHVVFLHQWLVWVK\SRWKHVLVHGWKDWWKHDHWKHUPXVW
¿OOVSDFH – light travels everywhere
be transparent – we cannot see it
permeate all matter – light travels everywhere
have an extremely low density – it cannot be detected
have great elasticity – transfer of energy over long distances requires the medium
WUDQVPLWWLQJWKHZDYHWREHKLJKO\HODVWLFRWKHUZLVHVLJQL¿FDQWDPRXQWVRIHQHUJ\
will be ‘lost’ to the particles of the medium.

4.1.1 QHSURSHUW\RIWKHSURSRVHGDHWKHUZDVWKDWLWSHUPHDWHGDOOVSDFH:KDWZDVWKH
2
MXVWL¿FDWLRQIRUWKLV"
(A) Light travels in straight lines.
(B) Light travels everywhere.
& 7KHDHWKHUFDQQRWEHVHHQ
(D) The aether has an extremely low density.

Extension: Why must the aether have an extremely low density?

4.1.2 Why did scientists of the 1800s predict the need for an aether?
(A) Because light travelled much faster than any other known wave.
% 7R¿OOWKHVSDFHEHWZHHQWKH(DUWKDQGWKHVWDUV
& %HFDXVHOLJKWUHTXLUHVDPHGLXPWRWUDYHOWKURXJK
(D) Because all known waves were matter waves.

Extension::DVWKHSUHGLFWLRQRIWKHDHWKHUµJRRGVFLHQFH¶"([SODLQ

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 73 Space

4.1.3 Which two proposed properties of the aether are LEAST consistent with each other?
(A) It is invisible and permeates all space.
(B) It is stationary and exists everywhere.
& ,WKDVH[WUHPHO\ORZGHQVLW\DQGLVKLJKO\HODVWLF
(D) It is invisible and exists everywhere.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.2 Describe and evaluate the Michelson-Morley experiment.

LFKHOVRQDQG0RUOH\¶VLGHDLQ
0
1887 was that if the Earth was
WUDYHOOLQJWKURXJKWKLVDHWKHU
then the speed of light travelling
Beam A Beam B
with the aether would be (it takes tA seconds D (it takes tB seconds
different (relative to the Earth) for the return journey) for the return journey)
when measured from different
directions. Observer O
45o
KHLUHTXLSPHQW DQ
7
M
interferometer) was designed D
WRUHÀHFWOLJKWIURPDFRPPRQ
V (the aether wind)
source in two directions and
Interference
then back to an observation pattern seen
SRLQW,IWKHDHWKHUH[LVWHG -V (the Earth’s movement
then the light rays travelling in through space) Source S
different directions relative to
the Earth’s should be travelling
DWGLIIHUHQWVSHHGV GXHWRWKHLQÀXHQFHRIWKHDHWKHU DQGZRXOGWKHUHIRUHSURGXFH
interference patterns when superimposed.
LFKHOVRQDQG0RUOH\H[SHFWHGWRVHHDQLQWHUIHUHQFHSDWWHUQDVDUHVXOW7KH\VHWXS
0
WKHLUDSSDUDWXVRQDODUJHKHDY\URFNZKLFKWKH\ÀRDWHGRQPHUFXU\7KHODUJHURFN
was an attempt to eliminate vibrations from external sources. Floating the apparatus
on mercury enabled them to rotate it to try to detect the expected interference patterns
from different directions.
7KH\DFKLHYHGDQXOOUHVXOW
RZHYHUPDQ\RWKHUVFLHQWLVWVDFFHSWHG0LFKHOVRQDQG0RUOH\¶VH[SHULPHQWDV
+
accurate enough to have found the aether if it existed and interpreted their null result as
a negative result.
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VRPHWKLQJWKDWGRHVQRWH[LVWDQGPD\EHZHQWRQWRGLVFRYHUQXPHURXVRWKHUYHU\
YDOXDEOHVFLHQWL¿FWKLQJV

Science Press

Space 74 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.2.1 :KDWZDVWKHSXUSRVHRIWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQW"
(A) To discover the aether.
(B) To measure the speed of the Earth through space from different directions.
& 7RPHDVXUHWKHVSHHGRIOLJKWUHODWLYHWRWKH(DUWKLQGLIIHUHQWGLUHFWLRQV
(D) To measure the speed of light relative to the aether in different directions.

Extension: Explain how this related to the aether.

4.2.2 :K\ZDVLWLPSRVVLEOHWRJHWDQHJDWLYHUHVXOWLQWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQW"
(A) If the aether had existed, a positive result would have been obtained.
(B) Negative results cannot be obtained in experiments.
& 7KHVSHHGRIOLJKWLVFRQVWDQWUHJDUGOHVVRIWKHPRWLRQRIWKHREVHUYHU
' ,IWKHDHWKHUGLGQ¶WH[LVWWKHQQRUHVXOWZDVWKHRQO\ORJLFDOUHVXOW

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.2.3 :KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXWWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWLVFRUUHFW"
(A) The outcome of the experiment was that no motion of the Earth relative to the aether was
detected.
(B) The half silvered mirrors were used to split the beams of light to allow possible interference
patterns to occur.
& 7KHVSHHGRIOLJKWZDVIRXQGWREHGHSHQGHQWRQWKHPRWLRQRIWKHREVHUYHUWKURXJKWKH
aether.
(D) The experiment attempted to measure the velocity of the Earth relative to the aether.

Extension:&ODULI\WKHLGHDRIinterference.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 75 Space

4.3 Interpret the results of the Michelson-Morley experiment.
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'
DHWKHULQWKHH\HVRIPDQ\VFLHQWLVWVPDQ\RWKHUVVWLOOUHJDUGHGWKHH[SHULPHQWDVDIDLOXUH
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7
VRPHWKLQJGRHVQRWH[LVW %HFDXVHVFLHQWLVWVZHUHFRQYLQFHGWKDWWKHDHWKHUPXVWH[LVW
all null results were explained on the basis of equipment not being sensitive enough to
detect it.
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1
was too insensitive or there were errors with the model and the experiments were not
looking for the right evidence.

4.3.1 What is a null result?

(A) A result that does not support the hypothesis of the experiment.
(B) A result that supports the hypothesis of the experiment.
& $UHVXOWWKDWSURYHVWKDWWKHK\SRWKHVLVRIWKHH[SHULPHQWLVLQFRUUHFW
(D) A result that neither supports nor contradicts the hypothesis of the experiment.

Extension:&ODULI\WKHWHUPµK\SRWKHVLV¶

4.3.2 :KDWFRQFOXVLRQFRXOGEHGUDZQIURPWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQW"
(A) None.
(B) The speed of light is constant.
& 7KHVSHHGRIOLJKWUHODWLYHWR(DUWKGHSHQGVRQWKHGLUHFWLRQRIWUDYHORIWKH(DUWK
(D) The speed of light relative to Earth depends on the direction of travel of both the Earth and
light.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.3.3 What evidence did the scientists of the 1800s have for the existence of the aether?
(A) All known waves except light waves were matter waves.
(B) Light was an electromagnetic wave.
& 7KHDHWKHUZDVQHHGHGWRWUDQVPLWOLJKWWKURXJKVSDFH
(D) They had no evidence for the existence of the aether.

Extension: What evidence did scientists have for the aether afterWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQW"

Science Press

Space 76 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.3.4 :KDWGLGWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWVKRZ"
$ 2EMHFWVWUDYHOOLQJUHODWLYHWRWKH(DUWKFRQWUDFWDORQJWKHLUGLUHFWLRQRIPRWLRQ
% 2EMHFWVWUDYHOOLQJUHODWLYHWRWKHDHWKHUVKRZDWLPHGLODWLRQ
& 7KHDHWKHUGRHVQRWH[LVW
(D) No change in the speed of light relative to Earth was detected.

Extension: Two answers should be obviously incorrect. Which ones and why?

4.3.5 KH0LFKDHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWZDVGRRPHGWR¿QGDQXOOUHVXOWIURPWKHVWDUW1RRWKHU
7
result is possible. Why not?
(A) The speed of light is constant regardless of the frame of reference of the observer.
(B) Light travels at a constant speed in a vacuum.
& 7KHDHWKHUGRHVQRWH[LVW
(D) Two events happening at the same time in one frame of reference may not be seen to happen
at the same time in another frame of reference.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.4 Discuss the role of the Michelson-Morley experiment in making determinations about
competing theories.
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7
ZD\V6RPHPDLQWDLQHGWKHLUEHOLHIRWKHUUHMHFWHGWKHDHWKHU7KHODWWHUKRZHYHUKDG
QRDOWHUQDWHWKHRU\IRUOLJKWVRWKHSUREOHPRIKRZOLJKWZDVWUDQVPLWWHGVWLOOUHPDLQHG
OEHUW(LQVWHLQKDGEHHQWU\LQJWRVROYHWKLVSUREOHPIRUPDQ\\HDUVSURSRVLQJWKH
$
HOHFWURPDJQHWLFZDYHPRGHOZHDFFHSWWRGD\(LQVWHLQ¶VLGHDVKRZHYHUZHUHQRWDWDOO
DFFHSWHGE\WKHVFLHQWL¿FFRPPXQLW\LQJHQHUDOXQWLOKLVSDSHUVRQVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\
were produced.
SHFLDOUHODWLYLW\UHFHLYHGDFRROZHOFRPHLQWKHVFLHQWL¿FZRUOGPDLQO\EHFDXVHRILWV
6
FRQVHTXHQFHVIRUOLJKWEXWSHUKDSVEHFDXVHWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\UHVXOWVFKDQJHG
PDQ\VFLHQWLVWV¶PLQGVDERXWWKHDHWKHUVFLHQWLVWVZHUHUHDG\WRJLYH(LQVWHLQ¶VLGHDV
some consideration.
HUKDSVWKHÀH[LELOLW\DQGRSHQPLQGHGQHVVRIVFLHQWLVWVZDVLQFUHDVHGE\LVVXHVZLWK
3
the aether.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 77 Space

4.4.1 KDWZDVWKHPDLQHIIHFWRIWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWRQVFLHQWLVWV¶LGHDVDERXWWKH
:
aether?
(A) They accepted the results as proving the existence of the aether.
(B) They accepted the results as disproving the existence of the aether.
& 6RPHDFFHSWHGWKHUHVXOWDVGLVSURYLQJWKHH[LVWHQFHRIWKHDHWKHUVRPHGLGQ¶W
' 7KH\ZHUHFRQFHUQHGWKDWWKHHTXLSPHQWZDVQRWVHQVLWLYHHQRXJKWRJLYHDQDFFXUDWHUHVXOW

Extension:+RZGLGWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWLPSDFWRQVFLHQWLVWV¶DFWLYLWLHV"

4.4.2 K\ZDVWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWFRQVLGHUHGVRLPSRUWDQWE\WKHVFLHQWLVWVRIWKH
:
time?
(A) It proved that the aether did not exist.
(B) It demonstrated that there was no need for an aether.
& ,WZDVFRQVLGHUHGDFFXUDWHHQRXJKWRSURYHWKHH[LVWHQFHRIWKHDHWKHU
(D) It was considered accurate enough to disprove the existence of the aether.

Extension::K\LQWHUPVRIZKDWZHNQRZQRZZDVDSRVLWLYHUHVXOWLQWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\
experiment, or any experiment like it, impossible?

4.5 Outline the nature of inertial frames of reference.

, I\RXDUHLQDVSDFHVKLSDQGWKHPRWLRQLVFRQVWDQW\RXFDQQRWWHOOLI\RXDUHPRYLQJRU
not unless you look out a window and see something changing outside. As you read this
you cannot feel that you are moving through space at 30 kps – the orbital speed of the
Earth – because you have no frame of reference to judge that motion by.
IUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHWKDWLVQRWDFFHOHUDWLQJLVNQRZQDVDQinertial frame of reference.
$
Motion cannot be detected in an inertial frame of reference.
0RWLRQis detectable in a non-inertial frame of reference – one which is accelerating.
, IDSODQHLVDFFHOHUDWLQJ\RXFDQIHHOUHDFWLRQIRUFHV,IDFDUDFFHOHUDWHVDKHDGRUWXUQV
DFRUQHU\RXIHHOLW,IDVSDFHFUDIWLVDFFHOHUDWLQJWKHDVWURQDXWVZLOOIHHOJIRUFHVGXH
to the acceleration.

Science Press

Space 78 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.5.1 KLOHWHFKQLFDOO\LWLVQ¶WPDQ\SHRSOHDFFHSWWKH(DUWKDVDQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
:
Why?
(A) It is moving through space at a constant speed.
(B) It is moving in an almost circular orbit.
& ,WVOLQHDUDFFHOHUDWLRQLV]HUR
(D) The effects of the centripetal acceleration due to its rotation are negligible.

Extension: Why is the Earth not an inertial frame of reference?

4.5.2 Which of the following is an inertial frame of reference?

(A) The Earth.
(B) A rocket during launch.
& $URFNHWPRYLQJDWFRQVWDQWYHORFLW\LQRXWHUVSDFH
(D) A bus which is slowing down.

Extension::KLFKFKRLFHLVDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH":K\"

4.5.3 What best summarises the characteristics of an inertial frame of reference?

(A) It is stationary.
(B) It is moving with constant velocity.
& ,WLVQRWWXUQLQJDFRUQHU
(D) It is accelerating.

Extension::KDWLVWKHFKDUDFWHULVWLFRIDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH"

4.5.4 A spaceship in a stable orbit around a planet is an inertial frame of reference despite the fact
that it is travelling in a circular path and therefore has an acceleration towards the centre of
the orbit. Why?
(A) Its acceleration is negligible.
(B) The centripetal force is balanced by the gravitational force.
& ,WLVLQµIUHHIDOO¶XVXDOO\UHIHUUHGWRDVµIUHHÀRDW¶
(D) It is moving with constant velocity.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 79 Space

4.6 Perform an investigation to distinguish between non-inertial and inertial frames of reference.
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KHQVWDWLRQDU\WKHOLTXLGLQWKHDFFHOHURPHWHUKDVDKRUL]RQWDOVXUIDFHLQGLFDWLQJ
:
zero acceleration. The trolley is an inertial frame of reference (diagram A).
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:
the liquid in the accelerometer is no longer horizontal. Inertial forces cause it to angle
backwards as the trolley accelerates forwards. The trolley is a non-inertial frame of
UHIHUHQFH GLDJUDP%

A B Liquid surface
slows acceleration

Acceleration
force

A Stationary trolley is an inertial frame of reference.

B Accelerating trolley is a non-inertial frame of reference.

4.6.1 The diagrams show tennis balls hanging on light strings from the ceilings of three different
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LVDUHQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHVRIUHIHUHQFH" X Y Z

(A) X only.
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& =RQO\
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Extension: Explain your answer.

4.6.2 Which of the following is a correct statement?

(A) A net force cannot exist in an inertial frame of reference.
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& $QLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHFDQEHGHWHFWHGE\DQREVHUYHULQVLGHWKHV\VWHP
' $QRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHFDQQRWEHGHWHFWHGE\DQREVHUYHULQVLGHWKHV\VWHP

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 80 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.6.3 A ball rolls across the horizontal deck of a ship. Which path taken by the ball would indicate
WKDWLWLVLQDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH"
(A) (B) & (D)

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.7 Discuss the principle of relativity.

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$
cannot be detected unless we have a frame of reference to compare it to.
KLVLGHDLVNQRZQDVWKHprinciple of relativity and it holds true for any frame of
7
reference that is not accelerating.
The principle of relativity does not hold in a non-inertial frame of reference.
XULQJWKHWKFHQWXU\ZKLOHWKHSULQFLSOHRIUHODWLYLW\ZDVDFFHSWHGIRUPRVWHYHQWV
'
WKHDHWKHUWKHRU\PHDQWWKDWLWGLGQRWKROGIRUOLJKW,IWKHDHWKHUSHUPHDWHGDOOPDWWHU
then measurements of the speed of light made from an object moving with constant
YHORFLW\ZRXOGJLYHGLIIHUHQWYDOXHVGHSHQGLQJRQZKLFKZD\WKHREMHFWZDVPRYLQJ
relative to the aether. These measurements would enable the observer to determine that
they were in an inertial frame of reference.
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7
ZLWKRXWUHIHUHQFHWRD¿[HGSRVLWLRQRXWVLGHWKHIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
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7
He started thinking about a model for motion that would also be applicable to light.
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theory of relativityWHQ\HDUVODWHU+RZHYHU(LQVWHLQ¶VWKHRULHVGLGQRWSURYHRU
disprove the existence of the aether either – they simply made its existence unnecessary.
2YHUWLPHVFLHQWLVWVJUDGXDOO\GLVPLVVHGLWDVDQLGHD

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 81 Space

4.7.1 RXUHJDLQFRQVFLRXVQHVVVRPHWLPHDIWHUDQDVWHURLGKLW\RXUVSDFHVKLS<RXDUHXQDZDUH
<
RIDQ\PRYHPHQWRIWKHFUDIW<RXZRQGHULI\RXDUHVWLOORQFRXUVHDQGPRYLQJWRZDUGV
Andromeda galaxy. Suddenly a comet shoots past you, seemingly parallel to your path and
moving straight ahead.Which of the following interpretations of this observation is not
possible?
(A) Both you and the comet are travelling towards Andromeda, but the comet is moving faster
than you.
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& <RXDUHPRYLQJEDFNZDUGVDQGWKHFRPHWLVPRYLQJWRZDUGV$QGURPHGD
' <RXDUHPRYLQJWRZDUGV$QGURPHGDDQGWKHFRPHWLVPRYLQJDZD\IURP$QGURPHGD

Extension: Give two other possible interpretations of this observation.

4.7.2 A student in a bus that is moving at constant velocity from the left to the right throws a ball
straight up into the air. The path the ball follows is observed be Abdul inside the bus and by
Dimitri outside the bus. Which diagrams show what each sees?
Abdul sees: Dimitri sees:
(A)

(B)

(D)

Extension: What type of frame of reference is each observer in?

Science Press

Space 82 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.7.3 Which statement best summarises the principle of relativity?
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0
of reference is constant motion.
(B) Motion cannot be detected in an inertial frame of reference without reference to an outside
point.
& 1RH[SHULPHQWFDQEHGRQHLQDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHWRSURYHWKDWLWLVPRYLQJ
(D) No experiment can be done in an inertial frame of reference to prove that it is accelerating.
Extension:([SODLQWKHPHDQLQJRIWKHVWDWHPHQWµDOOPRWLRQLVUHODWLYH¶

Use the following information to answer the next TWO questions.

$ER\GURSVDEDOORXWRIWKHZLQGRZRIDFDUWKDWLVDFFHOHUDWLQJDZD\IURPDVHWRIWUDI¿FOLJKWV

4.7.4 Which diagram best represents the path taken by the ball as seen by the boy in the car?
Direction of acceleration of car

(A) (B) & (D)

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.7.5 Which diagram represents the motion of the ball as observed by a stationary person on the
footpath?
(A) A
(B) B
& &
(D) D

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 83 Space

HVFULEHWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRIWKHDVVXPSWLRQRI(LQVWHLQ¶VDVVXPSWLRQRIWKHFRQVWDQF\RIWKH
'
speed of light.
QHRI(LQVWHLQ¶VSRVWXODWHVLQKLVIDPRXVSDSHUµOn the Electrodynamics of
2
Moving Bodies’ was that the speed of light is constant (in a particular medium – the
speed of light does change if it changes medium – refraction) regardless of the state of
motion of an observer.
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7
DOVRPDGHE\(LQVWHLQ,IWUXHLWFHUWDLQO\PHDQWWKDWQRH[SHULPHQWZKRVHUHVXOWVUHOLHG
on a difference in the speed of light could get positive results.
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fundamental (unchanging) quantities. Only the speed of light is constant.
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7
LQVSDFHDQGDIRXUWKLQWLPHLQRUGHUWRGH¿QHLWVSRVLWLRQLQLWVIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
accurately.
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simultaneity in which he states that two events which are seen to be simultaneous in one
frame of reference may not be seen to be simultaneous in a different frame of reference.

4.8.1 ,QZKDWZD\ZRXOGDSRVLWLYHUHVXOWLQWKH0LFKHOVRQ0RUOH\H[SHULPHQWKDYHYLRODWHGWKH
principle of relativity?
(A) It would prove that the Earth was moving through space.
(B) It would have supported the existence of the aether.
& ,WZRXOGVKRZWKDWWKHVSHHGRIOLJKWZDVQRWFRQVWDQW
(D) It would have produced an interference pattern of light in the detector.

Extension:7KHUHDUHDOZD\VµH[FHSWLRQVWRWKHUXOH¶VRZK\FDQ¶WWKHSULQFLSOHRIUHODWLYLW\EH
violated?

4.8.2 :KDWZDVWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRI(LQVWHLQ¶VDVVXPSWLRQRQWKHFRQVWDQF\RIWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW"
(A) Light will reach an observer at the speed of light regardless of the speed of the observer.
% /HQJWKDQGWLPHFDQQRORQJHUEHUHJDUGHGDVFRQVWDQWTXDQWLWLHV
& 7KHUHLVQRQHHGIRUDQDHWKHU
(D) The aether did not exist.

Extension: Two spaceships approach each other, each moving at 0.5 c2QHVHQGVDUDGLRVLJQDOWRWKH
other. At what speed does the signal reach the other? Explain why.

Science Press

Space 84 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.8.3 QDVWURQRPHUPHDVXUHVWKHµUHGVKLIW¶RIDGLVWDQWJDOD[\DQGFDOFXODWHVLWWREHWUDYHOOLQJ
$
towards Earth at 1.3 × 108 m s–1. At what speed will light rays from this galaxy reach us?
(A) 1.3 × 108 m s–1
(B) 1.7 × 108 m s–1
& î8 m s–1
(D) 4.3 × 108 m s–1

Extension: Which answer must be incorrect? Explain.

4.8.4 Earth sends a microwave message to a spaceship which is travelling directly away from Earth
at 0.4 c. At what speed is the message received by the spaceship?
(A) 0.4 c
(B) 0.6 c
& c
(D) 1.4 c

Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ

4.9 Analyse and interpret some of Einstein’s thought experiments involving mirrors and trains and
discuss the relationship between thought and reality.
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(
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No,IWKHWUDLQLVWUDYHOOLQJDWWKHVSHHGRIOLJKWOLJKWIURPKLVIDFHZRXOGQRWUHDFKWKH
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know that the train was travelling at the speed of light without having to refer to an
outside point. This violates the principle of relativity.
Yes. This means that light would travel at its normal speed relative to the train. This does
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REVHUYHURXWVLGHWKHWUDLQOLJKWZRXOGEHWUDYHOOLQJDWWZLFHLWVXVXDOVSHHG
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$
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The aether model must be wrong.
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The speed of light is constant regardless of the motion of the observer.
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All motion is relative – the principle of relativity holds in all situations.
The speed of light is constant regardless of the observer’s frame of reference.
7KHDHWKHULVQRWQHHGHGWRH[SODLQOLJKWDQGLQIDFWGRHVQRWH[LVW

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 85 Space

Einstein’s second thought experiment
In his second thought experiment Einstein imagined a light on the ceiling of a train moving at
the speed of light (c VKLQLQJRQWRDPLUURURQWKHÀRRU7KHOLJKWUHÀHFWVIURPWKHPLUURUDQG
travels back to the ceiling to a detector that records the time of its arrival. Two observers watch
ZKDWKDSSHQV±RQHLQVLGHWKHWUDLQWKHRWKHURXWVLGHWKHWUDLQ
The observer inside the train sees the beam of light
Train moving at c
WUDYHOIURPWKHÀRRUWRWKHFHLOLQJDQGEDFNDJDLQD
distance of (say) 2 L at speed c. This makes the time
of travel equal to:
Time for observer inside train moving at:
L
L
c = distance/speed = 2 L/c
A stationary observer outside the train sees the train
move forwards during the time it takes the
OLJKWWRWUDYHOIURPWKHFHLOLQJWRWKHÀRRU
DQGEDFNDJDLQVRKHVHHVWKHSRVLWLRQVRI Train moving at c
the mirror and the light detector change
and so sees the light take a longer route
as shown in the diagram. The distance
travelled by the light beam from this
>L >L
observer’s frame of reference is obviously
longer than 2 LVRIURPWKHVDPH
equation:
Time for stationary observer outside train:
t = distance/time = > 2 L/c
The obvious conclusion is that time for the
observer inside the train is passing more slowly than
time for the observer outside the train.

4.9.1 :KDWFRQFOXVLRQGLG(LQVWHLQPDNHIURPKLV¿UVWWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQW"
$ +HZRXOGVHHKLPVHOILQWKHPLUURU
(B) Both doors of the carriage would open at the same time.
& 7KHEDFNGRRURIWKHFDUULDJHZRXOGRSHQ¿UVW
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Extension: The three incorrect answers are wrong for the same reason. What is this?

Science Press

Space 86 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.9.2 2QZKDWEDVLVGLG(LQVWHLQPDNHKLVFRQFOXVLRQLQKLV¿UVWWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQW"
$ 1RWVHHLQJKLVUHÀHFWLRQZRXOGYLRODWHWKHSULQFLSOHRIUHODWLYLW\
(B) If he saw himself in the mirror the speed of light would have to be constant.
& /LJKWVSHHGUHODWLYHWRWKHREVHUYHURXWVLGHWKHWUDLQZDVWZLFHWKHQRUPDOVSHHGRIOLJKW
' 5HÀHFWHGOLJKWIURPKLVIDFHZDVWUDYHOOLQJDZD\IURPKLVIDFHDWWKHVDPHVSHHGWKHPLUURU
was travelling away from his face.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.9.3 KDWZRXOGEHDFRQVHTXHQFHRI(LQVWHLQnotVHHLQJKLPVHOILQWKHPLUURULQKLV¿UVWWKRXJKW
:
experiment?
$ +HZRXOGNQRZKHZDVWUDYHOOLQJDWWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW
% +HZRXOGNQRZKHZDVLQDQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
& 6SHHGVIDVWHUWKDQOLJKWZRXOGEHSRVVLEOH
(D) The speed of light would depend on the motion of the observer.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.9.4 (LQVWHLQ¶VVHFRQGWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQWLQYROYHGWKHGRRUVRSHQLQJRQDWUDLQWUDYHOOLQJDWRU
QHDUWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW:K\ZRXOGWKHREVHUYHURQWKHSODWIRUPVHHWKHUHDUGRRURSHQ¿UVW"
(A) Because of the motion of the train forwards.
% %HFDXVHKHLVLQDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
& %HFDXVHKHLVLQDQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
(D) Because the speed of light relative to the rear door is slower.

Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ

4.10 Identify that if cLVFRQVWDQWWKHQVSDFHDQGWLPHEHFRPHUHODWLYH

, QSUHVHQWLQJKLVSDSHU(LQVWHLQPDGHDUHYROXWLRQDU\VWDWHPHQWLWLVQRWWKH
VSHHGRIOLJKWWKDWLVFKDQJLQJEXWtime.
7KHVWDWLRQDU\REVHUYHUDQGWKHPRYLQJREVHUYHUSHUFHLYHVSDFHDQGWLPHGLIIHUHQWO\
, QFODVVLFDOSK\VLFVVSDFHDQGWLPHDUHFRQVWDQWVDQGPRWLRQLVGH¿QHGE\WKHP,Q
Einstein’s physics the speed of light that is constant and space and time change to
accommodate this.
KHOHQJWKRIDQREMHFWDQGWKHWLPHWDNHQWRGRVRPHWKLQJGHSHQGVRQWKHPRWLRQRI
7
the observer. Length and time can no longer be regarded as separate concepts.
, QRUGHUWRGH¿QHDQREMHFW¶VSRVLWLRQZHPXVWFRQVLGHUfour coordinates in the space-
WLPHFRQWLQXXP±WKUHHGLPHQVLRQVRIVSDFHand time.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 87 Space

4.10.1 :KDWDFFRUGLQJWR(LQVWHLQZHUHWKHLPSOLFDWLRQVRIKLV¿UVWWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQW"
(A) The speed of light is constant regardless of the frame of reference of the observer.
(B) Length and time could no longer be regarded as constants.
& 7KHUHZDVQRQHHGIRUWKHH[LVWHQFHRIWKHDHWKHU
(D) All of the above.

Extension:([SODLQ &

4.10.2 :K\GRQ¶WZHQRWLFHUHODWLYLVWLFHIIHFWVLQWKHQRUPDOPRWLRQLQRXUOLYHV"
(A) They only apply at speeds approaching the speed of light.
(B) They apply only at the speed of light.
& 7KH\RQO\DSSO\LIWKHREVHUYHULVWUDYHOOLQJQHDUWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW
(D) They are too small to notice at normal speeds.

Extension: What is the size of the relativistic effect at normal speeds?

4.10.3 $
FFRUGLQJWRWKHVSHFLDOWKHRU\RIUHODWLYLW\DQREMHFWWUDYHOOLQJDWDVLJQL¿FDQWSURSRUWLRQRI
the speed of light, as viewed by a stationary observer:
(A) Gets longer and time passes more slowly.
(B) Gets shorter and time passes more slowly.
& *HWVORQJHUDQGWLPHSDVVHVPRUHTXLFNO\
' *HWVVKRUWHUDQGWLPHSDVVHVPRUHTXLFNO\

Extension:&ODULI\WKHGLIIHUHQFHEHWZHHQWLPHdilation and length contraction.

4.10.4 :KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJLVDFRQVHTXHQFHRIWKHFRQVWDQF\RIWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW"
(A) Faster than light speeds are not possible.
(B) The mass of an object increases as its speed increases.
& 2EMHFWVWUDYHOOLQJDWQHDUOLJKWVSHHGVDSSHDUVKRUWHUWKDQWKHLUUHVWOHQJWK
' 6SDFHWUDYHOOHUVZLOODJHPRUHTXLFNO\WKDQSHRSOHVWLOORQ(DUWK

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 88 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

'
LVFXVVWKHFRQFHSWWKDWOHQJWKVWDQGDUGVDUHGH¿QHGLQWKHUPVRIWLPHLQFRQWUDVWWRWKH
original metre standard.
KHVWDQGDUGRIOHQJWK XVHGWREHWKHGLVWDQFHEHWZHHQWZROLQHVRQHPHWUH
7
apart on a platinum-iridium alloy bar. With the realisation that the length of an object
FKDQJHVDVLWVVSHHGFKDQJHVDQHZGH¿QLWLRQZDVQHHGHG
HFDXVHWKHVSHHGRIOLJKWLVFRQVWDQWRXUQHZGH¿QLWLRQRIRQHPHWUHLVWDNHQDVWKH
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distance light travels in 1/299 792 458 second in a vacuum (the speed of light being
299 792 458 m s–1 DQG
2QHVHFRQGLVWDNHQDVWKHWLPHIRURVFLOODWLRQVRIDFDHVLXPDWRP

4.11.1 Why did the length standard change from being the length of an alloy bar to the distance light
travels in a particular period of time?
(A) The measurements based on the distance light travels are more accurate.
(B) The measurements based on the distance light travels are not affected by temperature
changes.
& 7KHGLVWDQFHOLJKWWUDYHOVLVQRWDIIHFWHGE\WKHIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHRIWKHREVHUYHU
(D) The length of the alloy bar would be different if it was in a different frame of reference.

Extension: Given that relativistic effects are negligible at normal speeds, why did scientists change
the standard for length?

4.11.2 2
QHPHWUHLVQRZGH¿QHGDVWKHGLVWDQFHOLJKWWUDYHOVLQWKRIDVHFRQG2QH
VHFRQGLVWKHWLPHWDNHQIRURVFLOODWLRQVRIDFDHVLXPDWRP:K\GR
VFLHQWLVWVIHHOWKHQHHGWRGH¿QHOHQJWKDQGWLPHVRDFFXUDWHO\"
(A) So they can measure length and time more accurately.
(B) To keep up with advances in science and technology.
& 7RDOORZIRU(LQVWHLQ¶VWKHRU\RIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\
' 6RWKHTXDQWLWLHVDUHFRQVWDQWLQDQ\IUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH

Extension:&ODULI\WKHIUDFWLRQXVHGWRGH¿QHRQHPHWUH

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 89 Space

4.11.3 Which of the following most relies on the accuracy of measurement of time?
(A) Navigation by planes.
(B) GPS operations.
& 5RFNHWODXQFKZLQGRZV
' &ORFNV

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.12 Analyse information to discuss the relationship between theory and the evidence supporting it
using Einstein’s predictions based on relativity that were made many years before evidence was
available to support it.
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science (the so-called ‘classical’ science) developed by scientists like Newton.
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:
QRWMXVWLI\WKHPWKURXJKH[SHULPHQWV,WZDVQRWXQWLOMXVWDIHZPRQWKVDIWHU
(LQVWHLQ¶VGHDWKWKDWWHFKQRORJ\KDGDGYDQFHGVXI¿FLHQWO\WRSURYLGHWKH¿UVWSUDFWLFDO
evidence for time dilation.
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7
plane. Its clock ran slower than the clock left at the airport.
KHUHDUHPDQ\PRGHUQLGHDVWKDWDUHQRWVXSSRUWHGE\SUDFWLFDOHYLGHQFH7KH\
7
are considered and not dismissed out of hand partly because scientists realise that
developing technologies might provide the evidence they seek in the future.
KHVXSSRUWLQJHYLGHQFHIRU(LQVWHLQ¶VZRUNVRIDULQWLPHIURPKLVWKHRUHWLFDO
7
SURSRVDOVKDVFHUWDLQO\LQÀXHQFHGWKLVWKLQNLQJ

4.12.1 :KLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJVXSSRUWV(LQVWHLQ¶VWKHRU\RIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\"
(A) Mesons travel through the atmosphere at 0.99 c.
(B) The mass of an electron in a particle accelerator increases as its speed increases.
& 7LPHPHDVXUHGE\DQDWRPLFFORFNLQDSODQHSDVVHVPRUHVORZO\WKDQWLPHRQDQLGHQWLFDO
clock on the ground.
(D) The velocity of light is found to be constant regardless of the frame of reference of the
observer.

Extension::KDWLVWKHHVVHQWLDOGLIIHUHQFHEHWZHHQ(LQVWHLQ¶VVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\DQG1HZWRQ¶V
concept of relative motion?

Science Press

Space 90 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.12.2 It has been said that a theory is useless unless it has supporting evidence. This statement is:
(A) True, because a theory should not be proposed unless there is evidence to support it.
(B) True, because a theory without supporting evidence in invalid.
& )DOVHEHFDXVHWKHRULHVGRQRWKDYHWREHVXSSRUWHGE\HYLGHQFH
(D) False, because the existence of the theory can provide direction to research that can discover
supporting evidence.

Extension:6WDWHDSLHFHRIHYLGHQFHWKDWVXSSRUWV(LQVWHLQ¶VVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\

4.12.3 7
KHWLPHGLIIHUHQFHEHWZHHQWKHFORFNV RQHLQDSODQHÀ\LQJDURXQGWKHZRUOGWKHRWKHUDW
WKHDLUSRUW XVHGLQWKHH[SHULPHQWWRWHVWWLPHGLODWLRQZDVDERXWELOOLRQWKVRIDVHFRQG
What conclusion should we make from a result which is so small?
(A) It is too small to allow a reasonable conclusion to be made.
(B) If this is within the accuracy of the clocks then the experiment is valid.
& $GLIIHUHQFHZDVIRXQGVRWKHH[SHULPHQWSURYHVWLPHGLODWLRQ
' 5HJDUGOHVVRIWKHDFFXUDF\RIWKHFORFNVWKHUHVXOWLVWRRVPDOOWREHVLJQL¿FDQW

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.13 Explain qualitatively the consequence of

Train moving at c
special relativity in relation to the relativity of
simultaneity.
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6
different things happen at the same time.
LQVWHLQ¶VUHODWLYLW\FRPSOLFDWHVWKLV
(
simple idea. At speeds approaching that
RIOLJKWevents that are simultaneous Observer inside train sees both doors
open at the same time.
in one frame of reference, may not
be simultaneous in another frame of
Train moving at c
reference.
KLVLVNQRZQDVWKHprinciple of
7
simultaneity.
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(
thought experiment:
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doors. The light is in the middle of the
Train move forwards
FDUULDJH:KHQWKHOLJKWLVVZLWFKHGRQ while light travels
it travels equal distances to each door
and opens them at the same time. Stationary observer outside train
sees back door open first.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 91 Space

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relative to this observer.
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WUDYHOVRXWWRZDUGVHDFKGRRUEXWDWWKHVDPHWLPHWKHWUDLQPRYHVIRUZDUG6RWKH
light reaches the back door sooner than it reaches the front door because the back of the
train has moved closer to the light rays approaching it.
KHIURQWGRRULVPRYLQJLQWKHVDPHGLUHFWLRQDVWKHOLJKWVRWKHOLJKWKDVWRWUDYHO
7
IXUWKHUWRUHDFKLW±LWWDNHVORQJHUWRJHWWKHUH7KHEDFNGRRURSHQV¿UVW7KHWZR
events (the doors opening) do not occur simultaneously in this observer’s frame of
reference.

4.13.1 Events which occur at the same time in one frame of reference may not be seen to occur at
the same time in another frame of reference. What is this idea known as?
(A) The principle of relativity.
(B) The relativity of simultaneity.
& 7KHRU\RIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\
(D) The relativity of time.

Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ

4.13.2 An astronomer observes two supernova explosions of stars through his telescope. They
appear to be simultaneous. These explosions are simultaneous only:
(A) If they are in the same frame of reference as the Earth.
(B) If they are observed from a frame of reference outside the Earth.
& ,IWKH\DUHLQDGLIIHUHQWIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHWRWKH(DUWK
(D) If they are the same distance from Earth.

Extension:&ODULI\WKHUHODWLYLW\RIVLPXOWDQHLW\

v
4.13.3 6
SDFHVKLS<¿UHVLWVWZRODVHUFDQQRQVVLPXOWDQHRXVO\ Captain of X

DWUHEHOVSDFHVKLS;DVLWÀLHVSDVWDWc. Which
statement about this event is correct?
$ &DSWDLQRI;VHHVODVHUKLWEHIRUHODVHU
% &DSWDLQRI;VHHVERWKODVHUVKLWDWWKHVDPHWLPH
& &DSWDLQRI<VHHVODVHUKLWEHIRUHODVHU Captain of Y
' &DSWDLQRI<VHHVODVHUKLWEHIRUHODVHU
Laser 1 Laser 2

Extension: What would be the situation if the captain of X

sees both lasers hitting his ship at the same time?

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

Science Press

Space 92 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.13.4 ,Q(LQVWHLQ¶VVSHFLDOWKHRU\RIUHODWLYLW\ZKDWLVWKHPHDQLQJRIWKHZRUGµVSHFLDO¶"
(A) Limited.
(B) Restricted.
& 6SHFLDOLVHG
(D) All of the above.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.13.5 ,Q(LQVWHLQ¶VVSHFLDOWKHRU\RIUHODWLYLW\ZKDWLVµVSHFLDO¶"
$ 7KHWKHRU\LVDQLPSRUWDQWDGYDQFHLQVFLHQWL¿FWKLQNLQJ
(B) It involves complicated ideas like time dilation and length contraction.
& ,WRQO\ZRUNVIRUREMHFWVZKLFKDUHLQXQLIRUPPRWLRQ
(D) It applies to all objects in the Universe.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.13.6 :KLFKVWDWHPHQWEHVWVXPPDULVHVDEDVLFLGHDLQ(LQVWHLQ¶VWKHRU\RIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\"
(A) The laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion.
(B) Motion does not appear the same when viewed from different frames of reference.
& 7KHUHDUHWZRW\SHVRIIUDPHVRIUHIHUHQFHLQHUWLDODQGQRQLQHUWLDO
(D) The speed of light is constant regardless of the medium through which it travels.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.13.7 Which statement best summarises a basic idea in the concept of relativity?
(A) The laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion.
(B) The laws of physics apply to all moving objects.
& 0RWLRQPD\DSSHDUGLIIHUHQWZKHQYLHZHGIURPGLIIHUHQWIUDPHVRIUHIHUHQFH
(D) Every event is relative to other events.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 93 Space

4.14 Explain qualitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to the equivalence between
mass and energy.
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, WKDVEHHQIRXQG WKURXJKSDUWLFOHDFFHOHUDWRUH[SHULPHQWV WKDWWKHHQHUJ\SXWLQWR
accelerate masses to high speeds does not all appear as increased kinetic energy. Some
of it goes into increasing the mass of the particle.
7KLVSURGXFHVDQHZFRQFHSWIRUWKHHQHUJ\RIDQREMHFW
E = KEmoc2
RUDQREMHFWDWUHVWKELV]HUREXWLWVWLOOKDVrest energy equal to moc2GXHWRLWVrest
)
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7
and mass are interconvertible – energy can be converted into mass and mass into energy).

4.14.1 &ODULI\WKHLGHDVRIWKHµHTXLYDOHQFHEHWZHHQPDVVDQGHQHUJ\¶
(A) Mass and energy are interchangeable.
(B) Mass is simply another form of energy.
& 0DVVDQGHQHUJ\DUHWKHVDPHW\SHRITXDQWLW\
' 5HVWPDVVDQGHQHUJ\DUHHTXLYDOHQWTXDQWLWLHV

Extension: Imagine an experiment in which various masses were converted to energy and the results
graphed. Describe the gradient of the graph.

4.14.2 (
LQVWHLQGHULYHGWKHHTXDWLRQE = mc2 to show the relationship between mass and energy.
What observation do we make in support of this idea?
(A) The mass of moving particles increases as their speed increases.
(B) An object which is stationary has zero energy.
& 7KHPDVVGHIHFWGXULQJDQXFOHDUUHDFWLRQSURYLGHVWKHQXFOHDUHQHUJ\
(D) The rest mass of an object can never be zero.

Extension:+RZGRHVWKLVHTXDWLRQJLYHULVHWRWKHFRQFHSWRIUHVWHQHUJ\"

4.14.3 (LQVWHLQ¶VIDPRXVHTXDWLRQVWDWHVWKDWE = mc2. This indicates that:

(A) Mass and time both change according to the speed of the object.
(B) Mass and energy are directly related to each other.
& 0DVVDSSURDFKHVLQ¿QLW\DVWKHVSHHGRIWKHREMHFWDSSURDFKHVWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW
(D) Time dilation occurs at high speeds.

Extension: If an object is moving, what is its total energy?

Science Press

Space 94 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.14.4 If an object is moving at near light speed then more energy than is obvious from its increase
in velocity needs to be used to accelerate it further. Where does the extra energy go?
(A) Into the surroundings as wasted heat.
(B) Into the object as kinetic energy.
& ,QWRWKHREMHFWDVLQFUHDVHGPDVV
(D) Into the object as momentum.

Extension: What experimental evidence do we have for this?

4.15 Solve problems using: E = mc2

KHPDVVHQHUJ\HTXDWLRQE = mc2DOORZVXVWRFDOFXODWHWKHHTXLYDOHQWHQHUJ\YDOXHV
7
of masses and the equivalent mass values of energy.
Note that the rest energy of a mass is only available during nuclear processes.

4.15.1 An electron has a mass of 9.11 × 10–31 kg when it is at rest. What is its rest energy?
(A) 8.2 × 10–11 J
(B) 8.2 × 10–14 J
& î–19 J
(D) 2.7 × 10–22 J

Extension: When will the rest energy of the electron be zero? Explain.

4.15.2 The rest energy of a particle is 1.8 × 10–14 joules. What is the mass of the particle?
(A) 2.0 × 10–31 kg
(B) 3.0 × 10–32 kg
& î–24 kg
(D) 5.0 × 1023 kg

Extension: Is a particle of this mass possible? Explain.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 95 Space

4.15.3 What mass needs to be converted into energy to produce 1.8 × 1016 joules?
(A) 6.0 × 107 kg
(B) 6.0 × 104 kg
& î–1 kg
(D) 2.0 × 10–4 kg

Extension: Explain the errors in the incorrect answers.

4.15.4 +
RZPXFKHQHUJ\ZRXOGEHUHOHDVHGLINJRIXUDQLXP PDVVQXPEHU ZDVFRQYHUWHG
into pure energy during a nuclear reaction?
(A) 2.5 × 1015 J
(B) 4.5 × 1016 J
& î16 J
(D) 9.0 × 1019 J

Extension: Would more or less energy be released from 1 kg of plutonium (mass number 239)?
Explain your answer.

4.16 Explain qualitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to mass.

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WVSHHGVDSSURDFKLQJWKHVSHHGRIOLJKWWKHPDVVLQFUHDVHLVH[SRQHQWLDOLQWKHVDPH
$
ZD\DVWLPHDQGOHQJWKDSSURDFKLQJLQ¿QLW\DWWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW2EVHUYDWLRQVRIWKH
masses of particles in nuclear reactions as early as 1909 showed this mass increase.
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2
DSSURDFKHVLQ¿QLW\WKHIRUFHQHHGHGWRDFFHOHUDWHLWIXUWKHUDSSURDFKHVLQ¿QLW\7KH
consequence of this is that speeds beyond the speed of light are impossible.

4.16.1 What is the rest mass of an object?

(A) The total mass of the object when its velocity is considered.
(B) The mass of the object in an inertial frame of reference.
& 7KHLQFUHDVHLQPDVVRIDQREMHFWDVLWVVSHHGLQFUHDVHV
(D) The mass of an object when it is stationary.

Extension: Is it possible for the rest mass of a particle to be zero? Explain.

Science Press

Space 96 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.16.2 Why do we need the concept of a rest mass?
(A) Because the mass of an object changes as its position changes.
(B) Because the mass of an object changes as its speed changes.
& %HFDXVHWKHIDVWHUDQREMHFWPRYHVWKHPRUHLWVUHVWPDVVLQFUHDVHV
(D) Because part of the energy used to accelerate an object is converted to rest mass.

Extension: Is it possible for the mass of a particle to be less than its rest mass? Explain.

4.16.3 :KDWLVDFRQVHTXHQFHRIWKHHTXLYDOHQFHEHWZHHQPDVVDQGHQHUJ\"
(A) The speed of light cannot be exceeded.
(B) Masses become heavier at light speeds.
& 7KHPDVVRIDQREMHFWFDQQHYHUFKDQJH
(D) Mass cannot convert into pure energy.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.16.4 :KDWLVDFRQVHTXHQFHRIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\IRUPDVV"
(A) Mass is zero only when an object is stationary.
(B) The mass of the object in an inertial frame of reference is zero.
& 7KHPDVVRIDQREMHFWLVFRQVWDQWWKURXJKRXWWKH8QLYHUVH
' :HFDQQRORQJHUUHJDUGPDVVDVDFRQVWDQWTXDQWLW\

Extension: When will the mass of an object be zero?

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 97 Space

4.17 Solve problems using:
m
m = V
O

1 v
2

c 2

$WDOOVSHHGVPDVVLQFUHDVHVDFFRUGLQJWRWKHUHODWLYLVWLFPDVVHTXDWLRQ
P
PY =
Y
−
F

4.17.1 A mass is moving at 0.6 c+RZGRHV

its mass change?
(A) 20% increase.
(B) 25% increase.
& LQFUHDVH
(D) 125% increase.

Extension: Sketch a graph in the space

provided to show how the mass of a particle changes as its speed increases.

4.17.2 A proton, rest mass of 1.673 × 10–27 kg is moving at 0.5 c. What is its mass at this speed?
(A) 1.255 × 10–27 kg
(B) 1.449 × 10–27 kg
& î–27 kg
(D) 2.231 × 10–27 kg

Extension: Which two choices are obviously incorrect? Why?

4.17.3 The mass of a charged particle, X, in a linear accelerator is 40% greater than its rest mass.
+RZIDVWLVWKHSDUWLFOHPRYLQJ"
(A) 0.49 c
(B) 0.70 c
& c
(D) 0.98 c

Extension: By what percentage would the mass of a particle which had a rest mass double that of X
increase if it was travelling at the same speed?

Science Press

Space 98 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.17.4 The mass of a charged particle in a linear accelerator is 2.5 × 10–26 kg. It is moving at
2 × 108 m s–1. What is its rest mass?
(A) 1.11 × 10–26 kg
(B) 1.86 × 10–26 kg
& î–26 kg
(D) 5.63 × 10–26 kg

Extension: Which two answers are more obviously incorrect than the other incorrect one? Explain why.

4.17.5 An observer on Earth noticed a passing spaceship X accelerate from 0.6 c to 0.7 c using a
FRQVWDQWWKUXVW7/DWHUDQLGHQWLFDOVSDFHVKLS<DFFHOHUDWHGIURPc to 0.9 c using an
identical, constant thrust. If we consider only relativistic mass effects, which statement about
the acceleration of the two ships is correct?
$ 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;DQG<LVHTXDO
% 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;ZLOOEHJUHDWHUWKDQWKDWRI<
& 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;ZLOOEHOHVVWKDQWKDWRI<
' 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;ZLOOWDNHORQJHUWKDQWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI<

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 99 Space

4.18 Explain qualitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to length contraction.
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7
affected by its speed relative to observers.
EVHUYHUVRQ(DUWKZDWFKLQJDVSDFHVKLS]RRPSDVWZLOOVHHWKHVSDFHVKLSDVVKRUWHU
2
than its real length. This effect is known as length contraction.
KHOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQHIIHFWZRUNVERWKZD\V7KDWLVDQREVHUYHULQVLGHWKHPRYLQJ
7
spaceship will observe the diameter of the Earth as shorter than it really is.
7KLVLVEHFDXVHLQSK\VLFVboth observers are moving relative to one another.
RWHWKDWOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQLVRQO\REVHUYHGLQWKHGLUHFWLRQRIWKHVSHHG,QWKH
1
H[DPSOHDERYHWKHGLDPHWHURIWKH(DUWKSHUSHQGLFXODUWRWKHGLUHFWLRQRIWUDYHOZLOO
appear normal.
Use the diagrams below to answer the next FOUR questions.
7KHGLDJUDPVVKRZWZRGLIIHUHQWREVHUYHUV¶YLHZVRIWKHVDPHHYHQW

Diagram X Diagram Y

Observer X Observer Y

4.18.1 Which statement about these two observers is correct?

(A) Both observers are in stationary frames of reference.
(B) Both observers are in a moving frame of reference.
& 2EVHUYHU;LVLQDVWDWLRQDU\IUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHDQG<LVLQDPRYLQJIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
' 2EVHUYHU<LVLQDVWDWLRQDU\IUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHDQG;LVLQDPRYLQJIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH

Extension:1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ

Science Press

Space 100 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.18.2 :KDWLVWKHVL]HRIWKHOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQLQGLDJUDP<"
(A) About 20%
(B) About 40%
& $ERXW
(D) About 80%

Extension: Explain how you arrived at this answer.

4.18.3 3UHGLFWWKHVSHHGRIWKHELF\FOHULGHULQGLDJUDP<
(A) About 0.4 c
(B) About 0.5 c
& $ERXWc
(D) About 0.9 c

Extension::KRLVWKHIDWWHUWKHEDOGPDQLQGLDJUDP<RUWKHELF\FOHULGHULQGLDJUDP<"([SODLQ

4.18.4 Which statement best describes the frame of reference of the observers?
$ 2EVHUYHUV;DQG<DUHERWKLQLQHUWLDOIUDPHVRIUHIHUHQFH
% 2EVHUYHUV;DQG<DUHERWKLQQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHVRIUHIHUHQFH
& 2EVHUYHU;LVLQDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHDQGREVHUYHU<LVLQDQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRI
reference.
' 2EVHUYHU;LVLQDQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHDQGREVHUYHU<LVLQDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRI
reference.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 101 Space

4.18.5 :KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXWDVSDFHVKLSÀ\LQJSDVW(DUWKLVFRUUHFW"
(A) It will contract in length, breadth and height.
(B) It will contract in length and breadth only.
& ,WZLOOFRQWUDFWLQOHQJWKDQGKHLJKWRQO\
(D) It will contract in length only.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.19 Solve problems using:

l = l
V O
1 v 2

c 2

WDOOVSHHGVOHQJWKLVFRQWUDFWHGLQWKHGLUHFWLRQRIPRWLRQDFFRUGLQJWRWKHUHODWLYLVWLF
$
length equation:
Y
/Y = / −
F

4.19.1 A transparent spaceship passes a stationary asteroid at near light speed. The passengers in the
ship and the visitors on the asteroid surface are both having a dance party. Which statement
about what each sees is correct?
(A) Everyone appears to be normal to everyone else.
(B) Dancers on the ship appear thinner to observers on the asteroid and dancers on the asteroid
appear thinner to observers on the spaceship.
& 'DQFHUVRQWKHVKLSDSSHDUQRUPDOWRREVHUYHUVRQWKHDVWHURLGDQGGDQFHUVRQWKHDVWHURLG
appear thinner to observers on the spaceship.
(D) Dancers on the ship appear thinner to observers on the asteroid and dancers on the asteroid
appear normal to observers on the spaceship.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 102 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.19.2 The diagram shows the positions of three observers X,
<DQG=;LVVWDWLRQDU\RQ(DUWK<LVLQDVSDFHVKLS 0.6 c
heading towards Earth at 0.6 c. Z is in a spaceship Y
heading across, and away from Earth at 0.6 c. Which Z
VWDWHPHQWEHVWDJUHHVZLWK(LQVWHLQ¶VWKHRU\RIVSHFLDO 0.6 c
relativity?
$ ;REVHUYHVPRUHOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQLQ=WKDQLQ<
X (at rest)
EHFDXVH=LVPRYLQJDZD\IURP(DUWKZKLOH<LV
approaching Earth.
% %RWK<DQG=QRWLFHWKHVDPHOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQ
in their ships because they are moving at the same
speeds.
& %HFDXVHRIWKHGLUHFWLRQVRIWKHLUUHODWLYHPRWLRQV;DQG<QRWLFHQROHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQLQ
each other, but both observe length contraction in Z.
' %HFDXVH;LVDWUHVW<DQG=REVHUYHQROHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQRI;

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.19.3 $PORQJVSDFHVKLSÀLHVSDVWWKH(DUWKDWc. What is its apparent length as observed

by an astronomer on Earth?
(A) 72 m
(B) 96 m
& P
(D) 200 m
Extension:$PFXEHÀLHVSDVW(DUWKDWc. What are its dimensions as observed from Earth?
Explain.

4.19.4 $
VSDFHVKLSÀ\LQJSDVW(DUWKDWc appears to be 100 m long. What would be its length if it
was stationary?
(A) 80 m
(B) 125 m
& P
(D) 167.7 m

Extension: It the diameter of the spaceship appeared to be 50 m, what would its stationary diameter
be? Explain.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 103 Space

4.19.5 $
VDVSDFHVKLSÀLHVSDVW-XSLWHUD-RYLDQQRWLFHGWKDWLWVOHQJWKFRQWUDFWHGE\+RZIDVW
was it going?
(A) 0.51 c
(B) 0.55 c
& c
(D) 0.95 c

Extension: Jupiter has a diameter of 142 984 km. What is its diameter as observed by the astronauts?

4.20 Explain qualitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to time dilation.
KHLGHDWKDWVLPXOWDQHRXVHYHQWVPD\QRWEHVLPXOWDQHRXVLIYLHZHGIURPGLIIHUHQW
7
frames of reference led Einstein to another thought experiment and to equations to
explain his ideas.
KHWKRXJKWH[SHULPHQWRXWOLQHGLQVHFWLRQDERYHOHGWRWKHLGHDRItime dilation.
7
7LPHPHDVXUHGE\REVHUYHUVLQIUDPHVRIUHIHUHQFHWKDWDUHLQUHODWLYHPRWLRQWRHDFK
RWKHULVGLIIHUHQW
KLVLGHDSURSRVHVWKDWDQREVHUYHURQ(DUWKORRNLQJDWWKHFORFNLQVLGHDPRYLQJ
7
spaceship would observe time passing on that clock more slowly than on the clock next
to him on Earth.
+RZHYHUEHFDXVHWKH(DUWKFDQEHFRQVLGHUHGDVLQPRWLRQUHODWLYHWRWKHVSDFHVKLSWKH
DVWURQDXWLQWKHVSDFHVKLSORRNLQJDWWKHFORFNRQ(DUWKZRXOGREVHUYHWLPHSDVVLQJRQ
the Earth clock more slowly than on the clock next to him inside the spaceship.
7KHH[SODQDWLRQIRUWKLVDSSDUHQWSDUDGR[LVEH\RQGWKHVFRSHRIWKLVFRXUVH<RX
VLPSO\QHHGWRXQGHUVWDQGWKHLGHDVDQGWRDSSO\WKHPWRVSHFL¿FVLWXDWLRQV

4.20.1 $
VSDFHVKLSÀLHVSDVW(DUWKDWc. The pilot observes a clock on Earth and an observer on
Earth observes a clock on the spaceship (do we ever wonder how they can do this?). Which
statement about their observations is correct?
(A) Neither observer will notice a change in the clock of the other observer.
% %RWKREVHUYHUVZLOOQRWLFHWKHRWKHUSHUVRQ¶VFORFNUXQQLQJPRUHVORZO\WKDQWKHLURZQ
& 7KHREVHUYHULQWKHVSDFHVKLSZLOOQRWLFHWKHFORFNRQ(DUWKUXQQLQJPRUHVORZO\WKDQWKHLU
own, and the observer on Earth will notice the clock on the spaceship running faster than their
own.
(D) The observer on Earth will notice the clock on the spaceship running more slowly than their
own, and the observer on the spaceship will notice the clock on the spaceship running faster
than their own.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Space 104 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.20.2 :KDWLVDFRQVHTXHQFHRIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\RQWLPH"
(A) Time passes more slowly in a stationary frame of reference.
% 7LPHSDVVHVPRUHTXLFNO\LQDQRQLQHUWLDOIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFH
& 7LPHSDVVHVPRUHTXLFNO\LQDIUDPHRIUHIHUHQFHZKLFKLVPRYLQJ
(D) The rate at which time passes depends on the speed of the frame of reference.

Extension: Imagine a stationary observer outside the Solar System watching Earth and a spaceship
WUDYHOOLQJDZD\IURP(DUWK+RZZRXOGWKLVREVHUYHUSHUFHLYHWLPHRQ(DUWKDQGWKHVSDFHVKLS"
Explain.

4.20.3 $\HDUROGPRWKHUKDVDQDWXUDOELUWK\HDUROGGDXJKWHU+RZFRXOGWKLVEHSRVVLEOH"
(A) The mother has gone on a long space journey at near light speed while the daughter stayed on
Earth.
(B) The daughter has gone on a long space journey at near light speed while the mother stayed on
Earth.
& 7KH\ERWKZHQWRQDORQJVSDFHWULSDWQHDUOLJKWVSHHGEXWLQGLIIHUHQWGLUHFWLRQV
(D) They both went on a long space trip at near light speed, but the daughter travelled further and
faster than the mother.

Extension: Would an observer in mission control on Earth notice any differences in the pulse rate and
KHDUWEHDWRIDVWURQDXWVWUDYHOOLQJDWDVLJQL¿FDQWSURSRUWLRQRIWKHVSHHGRIOLJKW"([SODLQ

4.20.4 7
ZRWUDLQV;DQG<SDVVHDFKRWKHUDWc. Which statement about the time on each train as
observed by a person on the other train is correct?
(A) Neither observer will notice a change in the clocks of the other observer.
% %RWKREVHUYHUVZLOOQRWLFHWKHRWKHUSHUVRQ¶VFORFNUXQQLQJPRUHVORZO\WKDQWKHLURZQ
& 7KHREVHUYHULQWUDLQ;ZLOOQRWLFHWKHFORFNLQWUDLQ<UXQQLQJPRUHVORZO\WKDQKLVRZQDQG
WKHREVHUYHULQWUDLQ<ZLOOQRWLFHWKHFORFNRQWUDLQ;UXQQLQJIDVWHUWKDQKLVRZQ
' 7KHREVHUYHULQWUDLQ<ZLOOQRWLFHWKHFORFNLQWUDLQ;UXQQLQJPRUHVORZO\WKDQKLVRZQDQG
WKHREVHUYHULQWUDLQ;ZLOOQRWLFHWKHFORFNLQWUDLQ<UXQQLQJIDVWHUWKDQKLVRZQ

Extension: Explain your answer.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 105 Space

t0
4.21 Solve problems using: tv =
v2
(1 − )
c2

$WDOOVSHHGVWLPHDVPHDVXUHGE\REVHUYHUVPRYLQJDWFRQVWDQWYHORFLW\UHODWLYHWRHDFK
other is dilated according to the relativistic time equation:
t0
tv
v2
(1 )
c2

4.21.1 $
QDVWURQDXWVWDQGVD¿YHKRXUZDWFK
on his spaceship which is moving
through space at 0.4 c+RZPXFKWLPH
passes on Earth?
(A) 4.20 hours
(B) 4.58 hours
& KRXUV
(D) 5.95 hours

Extension: Sketch a graph to show the

relationship between the time dilation effect and
the speed at which something is travelling.

4.21.2 As mission control personnel anxiously await the return of the ship, they record that 7 days
have passed since they lost contact with the 0.75 cH[SORUHU+RZORQJLVLWVLQFHWKHDVWURQDXW
lost contact with mission control?
(A) 3.06 days
(B) 3.50 days
& GD\V
(D) 6.06 days

Extension:&KRRVHDQRWKHUDQVZHUDQGFDOFXODWHKRZIDVWWKHVSDFHVKLSZRXOGQHHGWREHJRLQJIRULW
to be correct.

Science Press

Space 106 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.21.3 An observer on Earth noticed a passing spaceship X accelerate from 0.6 c to 0.7 c using a
FRQVWDQWWKUXVW7/DWHUDQLGHQWLFDOVSDFHVKLS<DFFHOHUDWHGIURPc to 0.9 c using an
identical, constant thrust. If we consider only relativistic time effects, which statement about
the acceleration of the two ships as observed by the Earth observer is correct?
$ 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;DQG<LVHTXDO
% 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;ZLOOEHJUHDWHUWKDQWKDWRI<
& 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;ZLOOEHOHVVWKDQWKDWRI<
' 7KHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI;ZLOOWDNHORQJHUWKDQWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQRI<

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.21.4 An astronaut in a spaceship moving at 0.2 c, and her friend on Earth each wave at each other
for what they measure to be 5.0 s. What statement about this it correct?
(A) Each will notice the other waving for longer than 5 s.
(B) The astronaut will notice her friend waving for longer than 5 s.
& 7KHIULHQGZLOOQRWLFHWKHDVWURQDXWZDYLQJIRUORQJHUWKDQV
(D) They will each notice the other waving for less than 5 s.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.21.5 $
VSDFHVKLSWUDYHOOLQJWKURXJKVSDFHH[SHULHQFHVDWLPHGLODWLRQ+RZIDVWLVLW
travelling?
(A) 0.036 c
(B) 0.32 c
& c
(D) 0.91 c

Extension:&KRRVHDQLQFRUUHFWDQVZHUDQGLGHQWLI\WKHHUURULQLW

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 107 Space

4.21.6 An person on Earth notices that a passing spaceship is 25 m long. Its rest length is 100 m.
:KLFKVWDWHPHQWDERXWWKLVSHUVRQ¶VREVHUYDWLRQRIWLPHRQWKLVVSDFHVKLSLVFRUUHFW"
(A) Four seconds on Earth is one second on the spaceship.
% 2QHVHFRQGRQ(DUWKLVIRXUVHFRQGVRQWKHVSDFHVKLS
& )RXUVHFRQGVRQ(DUWKLVWZRVHFRQGVRQWKHVSDFHVKLS
(D) Two second on Earth is four seconds on the spaceship.

Extension: Explain your answer.

4.21.7 A spaceship travels through space at 2 × 108 m s–1IRUGD\VDVPHDVXUHGRQWKHVKLS+RZ

much time has passed on Earth?
(A) 5.3 days
(B) 11.9 days
& GD\V
(D) 48.0 days

Extension: Which two answers are obviously incorrect. Why?

'LVFXVVLPSOLFDWLRQVRIPDVVLQFUHDVHWLPHGLODWLRQOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQIRUVSDFHWUDYHO
KHQHDUHVWVWDUWRXV3UR[LPD&HQWDXULLVDERXWOLJKW\HDUVDZD\,IZHFRXOG
7
travel at the speed of light it would take us 4.3 years to get there. Travelling at the
IDVWHVWVSHHGDQ\VSDFHSUREHKDVHYHUJRQHLWZRXOGWDNHXV\HDUVWRUHDFKLW
UDYHOOLQJDWWKHVHVSHHGVLWZRXOGWDNHDERXWPLOOLRQ\HDUVWRUHDFKWKHFHQWUHRIRXU
7
JDOD[\WKH0LON\:D\7UDYHOEH\RQGRXUJDOD[\ZRXOGWDNHLQFRQFHLYDEOHDPRXQWVRI
time.
KHODUJHVWFRVWLQDFKLHYLQJKLJKHUVSHHGVLVWKHHQHUJ\FRVW7KHIXHOQHHGHG
7
is prohibitive even without the relativistic mass effects that escalate the amount
dramatically. Currently it costs about A$40 000 per kilogram to put matter into orbit.
Given an empty space shuttle has a mass of 75 000 kg and typically carries a payload
(such as the Hubble telescope) of 11 000 kg – that’s expensive!
6SDFHWHFKQRORJLVWVKRZHYHUKDYHQRWJLYHQXS6FRRSHQJLQHVZKLFKIXQQHODWRPVRI
hydrogen in space into nuclear engines might work. Huge sails using light pressure or
the solar wind might enable us reach 0.1 c. This would get us to Alpha Centauri and
back in 50 years or so.
EYLRXVO\LIZHFRXOGJRIDVWHUWKHWLPHGLODWLRQDQGOHQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQHIIHFWVZRXOG
2
ZRUNLQRXUIDYRXU7KHUHZRXOGQRWEHDVIDUWRWUDYHODQGLWZRXOGWDNHOHVVWLPHWR
JHWWKHUH±ZHOOOHVVWLPHDVIDUDVWKHDVWURQDXWVDUHFRQFHUQHGEXWVWLOODORQJWLPH
from an Earth perspective.

Science Press

Space 108 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.22.1 :
KDWLVWKHPDLQFRQVHTXHQFHRIVSHFLDOUHODWLYLW\WRRXUKRSHVIRUWUDYHOOLQJWRWKHVWDUVZLWK
our current technology?
$ ,IZHWUDYHODWYHU\KLJKVSHHGLWZRQ¶WWDNHQHDUO\DVORQJDVPHDVXUHGRQ(DUWK
% ,WLVLPSRVVLEOHWRDFFHOHUDWHWRWKHVSHHGVWKDWZRXOGEHUHTXLUHG
& (YHQDWWKHVSHHGRIOLJKWWKHWULSZLOOWDNHPDQ\\HDUV
(D) The mass of the spaceship would increase as its speed increased.

Extension: Recall a strategy that has been proposed as a possible solution to this problem.

4.22.2 A spaceship is approaching light speed. Which statement about it is true?

$ ,WVPDVVLVLQ¿QLWH
% $QHDULQ¿QLWHIRUFHLVQHHGHGWRPDNHLWJRIDVWHU
& ,WVOHQJWKZLOOEHDOPRVWLQ¿QLWH
' 7LPHRQWKHVSDFHVKLSLVSDVVLQJYHU\TXLFNO\UHODWLYHWR(DUWK

Extension: What are the implications of this for space travel beyond the Solar System?

4.22.3 A spaceship is capable of travelling at 0.99999 c. What effect will this have on its ability to
travel into deep space.
(A) Journeys will be under 0.5% of their length as measured from Earth.
(B) Journeys will be about 5% of their length as measured from Earth.
& 8QDEOHWRFDOFXODWHZLWKRXWNQRZLQJWKHOHQJWKRIWKHMRXUQH\
(D) Zero.

Extension: What are the implications of this for space travel beyond the Solar System?

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 109 Space

Notes

Science Press

Space 110 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

DOT POINT
Answers

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice Answers

Notes

Science Press

Answers Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Space

1.1.1 ' & LVUHIHUULQJRQO\WRWKHDFFHOHUDWLRQSURGXFHGE\WKHJUDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG±ZHLJKWLVDIRUFH

1.1.2 (A) Mass is constant; weight varies according to the gravity it is in. Mass can never be zero, weight can be zero. Mass is a
VFDODUTXDQWLW\ZHLJKWLVDYHFWRUTXDQWLW\0DVVLVPHDVXUHGLQNJZHLJKWLVPHDVXUHGLQ1
1.1.3 (D) Mass = kg, weight = N.
1.1.4 & +HLJKWDERYH(DUWK¶VVXUIDFH DFWXDOO\LWLVWKHGLVWDQFHIURPWKHFHQWUHRIWKH(DUWK (DUWKLVQRWDSHUIHFWVSKHUHVR
position will cause variation in distance from centre, density of rocks in crust can cause very minor differences.
1.1.5 (A) No. The astronaut will be experiencing a gravitational force towards the Earth, so will therefore have weight.
+RZHYHUEHFDXVHKHVKHLVLQIUHHIDOOWKHUHLVQRUHDFWLRQIRUFHWRFRXQWHUWKHZHLJKWIRUFHVRWKHDVWURQDXWµDSSHDUV¶
to be weightless.
1.2.1 (B) The mass of an object is constant regardless of position in the Universe.
1.2.2 & PV–2
1.2.3 (A) While the mass of the object would still be 8 kg, the scales that measure it rely on the compression of a spring and
this relies on the value of the acceleration due to gravity – the scales are calibrated in kg, but actually work because
of the weight of the object. Therefore, on Mars, the scale spring will only be compressed 0.38 times as far as on Earth
– hence 0.38 × 8 = 3.04 kg.
1.2.4 & NJ
1.2.5 & 8QLWVZRXOGQHHGWREHJLYHQ0DJQLWXGHDVNVIRUWKHVL]HRIWKHTXDQWLW\RQO\ZLWKRXWXQLWVRUGLUHFWLRQV
1.2.6 (B) 1:1
1.2.7 (B) Mass of object = 500/(0.88 × 9.8), so weight on mercury = mass × 9.8 × 0.41 = 233 N
1.3.1 (B) Jupiter is (by far) the largest and most massive planet in the Solar System and therefore has a gravitational force larger
than any other planet.
1.3.2 (D) Newton
1.3.3 (B) Since gravity is greater, planet is either more massive than Earth or has smaller radius than Earth, or some
combination of these two variables which results in larger acceleration due to gravity.
1.3.4 & 8VLQJF = moa = mog = Gmomp/r2, we get g = Gmo/r2 where mo = mass of object and mp = mass of planet.
1.3.5 & 0DVVRI9HQXVZLOOEHVOLJKWO\OHVVWKDQPDVVRI(DUWK
1.4.1 (A) It is only from a straight line graph that we can identify the relationship between the plotted variables (they are directly
SURSRUWLRQDO :HGRQRWNQRZWKHHTXDWLRQVIRURWKHUFXUYHVVRFDQQRWGHWHUPLQHWKHUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQWKHYDULDEOHV
1.4.2 (B) Dependent variable is the time of the swing; independent variable is the length of the string.
1.4.3 & $ DQG % EHFDXVHLIWKHJUDYLWDWLRQDODFFHOHUDWLRQLVOHVVWKDQWKDWRI(DUWKWKHQWKHSHULRGRIVZLQJRIWKH
pendulum must be greater than the period on Earth.
1.4.4 (A) Because the whole system (the space station and everything in it) is in free fall towards the Earth, there is no net force
on the bob that is not on everything else, so the bob will stay where it is.
1.5.1 & 6
DWHOOLWHLVJRLQJWRKLJKHUDOWLWXGHRUELWVRZRUNPXVWEHGRQHRQLWDJDLQVWWKHSXOORIJUDYLW\7KHUHIRUHLWVEP must increase.
−Gm1m2
1.5.2 % )URPWKHHTXDWLRQ ( E p = ) new gravitational potential energy between the objects will be 2.0 E, so an
r
additional 1.0 E of work has been done.
1.5.3 (B) The force of friction will work to reduce the speed of the satellite and then the force of gravity will pull it closer to the
Earth, so, while both forces are needed to result in the orbital decay of the satellite, technically, it is the gravitational
force which lowers the altitude of the orbit.
1.5.4 ' <RXFRXOGFKRRVH $ DQG % EHFDXVHLIWKHEP of the satellite increases, the work must be done by the satellite
engines, not gravity.
$OWHUQDWLYHO\\RXFRXOGFKRRVH $ DQG & RQWKHEDVLVWKDWLIEP increases, then altitude must increase.
1.6.1 (A) EPLV]HURDWLQ¿QLW\DQGDVDQREMHFWµIDOOV¶IURPLQ¿QLW\WRZDUGVDSODQHWLWVEP decreases (changes into increased
KE). EP can only become negative if it decreases from zero.
Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 421 Space

1.6.2 (A) The EPRIDQREMHFWLV]HURDWLQ¿QLW\DQGLVDQHJDWLYHTXDQWLW\DQ\ZKHUHHOVHEHLQJLQ¿QLWHDWWKHFHQWUHRIWKH(DUWK
1.6.3 $ 2UELWDOSHULRGZRXOGLQFUHDVHDVRUELWDOVSHHGGHFUHDVHV
1.6.4 & EP would be greater as object is further from Earth, so energy has to be put into it to increase its altitude.
−GMm −GMm
1.6.5 & ,QLWLDOEP is = ¿QDOEP is , which is one third of the original amount, but because of the negative
R 3R
sign represents an increase rather than a decrease, so EP has been increased by two thirds. (It must be an increase since
work has to be done on the satellite to boost it to a higher orbit.)
1.6.6 (A) If its gravitational potential energy has been increased, then it must be in a higher orbit and so work has been done on
it by its engines rather than gravity.
1.6.7 (A) Projectile will be subject to gravitational acceleration so its KE will decreases as a function of v2. As it increases in
altitude, the EP of the projectile must increase in the same way as the KEGHFUHDVHV /DZRI&RQVHUYDWLRQRI(QHUJ\
Since EPLVDQHJDWLYHTXDQWLW\DVLWLQFUHDVHVLWZLOOEHFRPHOHVVQHJDWLYHDSSURDFKLQJ]HUR
1.6.8 (D) Since thrust is constant, applied force will be constant and because mass is decreasing as fuel is used, acceleration will
increase, so velocity will increase exponentially as will KE, so KE graph must rise. Since work is being done on the
rocket continually, its EP will also increase, again exponentially as altitude increases proportional to v2.
1.6.9 % <HV±GRXEOHVLQFHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\GHSHQGVRQWKHPDVVRIWKHVDWHOOLWH
1.6.10 (B) Less since the gravitational force of attraction of the Moon is only one sixth that of the Earth.
1.6.11 & <HVGRXEOHVLQFHJUDYLWDWLRQDOSRWHQWLDOHQHUJ\GHSHQGVRQWKHPDVVRIWKHVDWHOOLWH
1.6.12 % <HV'RXEOH$OWKRXJKWKHRUELWDOYHORFLW\ZRXOGEHWKHVDPH RUELWDOYHORFLW\LVLQGHSHQGHQWRIWKHPDVVRIWKH
satellite), its kinetic energy at this velocity also depends on its mass.
2.1.1 % 7DNLQJWKHXSZDUGVGLUHFWLRQDVSRVLWLYHWKHQEHFDXVHWKHEDOOKDVODQGHGYHUWLFDOO\EHORZLWVODXQFKSRLQWLWV¿QDO
vertical displacement, and therefore its overall displacement is negative.
2.1.2 (D) Their angles of elevation at launch and their ranges.
2.1.3 (B) Vertical component of the velocity, vertical and horizontal components of acceleration and vertical displacement
remain constant, horizontal component of velocity and horizontal displacement are greater.
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the same uniform rate until it is stationary again.
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2.1.6 (A) 45º
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2.1.8 (D) Vertical component of the motion is constant (= gravitational acceleration).
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2.1.10 (A) Which statement about the horizontal velocity of the projectile is correct?
2.2.1 (D) Rate of rise or fall depends on acceleration due to gravity, not speed.
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components are independent of each other.
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2.2.4 (D) Positive and negative velocities refer to velocities in opposite directions to each other. Which one is taken as positive
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2.2.5 (D) Rocket becomes a projectile with constant velocity to the right and acceleration upwards – this is represented by the
parabolic pathway D.
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2.2.7 (A) Ball accelerated uniformly under gravity, so velocity increases in direct proportion to time, hence (A).
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2.3.1 (D) 4.08 s

Science Press

Space 422 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.3.2 (D) (A) and (B). The horizontal component of the projectile is 38.97 m s–1 and the resultant speed must be greater than this
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horizontal component).
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(D) should be disregarded immediately.
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2.3.5 $ +]
2.3.6 (D) They will both have a range of 251.2 m.
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velocity at R will be greater and in a different direction.
2.3.8 (A) 5.5 m s–1 at 62º down from the horizontal.
2.4.1 (B) A and D.
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2.4.3 (D) 3.464 kps
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as it is moving away from the planet.
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a larger force is needed to accelerate a larger object to the same speed.
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2.6.2 (B) See 2.6.1.
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2.7.2 (A) The independent variable is the one you vary deliberately during the experiment. The dependent variable is one of the
variables which changes as the value of the independent variable changes.
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2.7.3 and 2.7.4 were (A) or (B) or (D) then you at least have the concept correct – you just failed to calculate the grid
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Launch velocity – dependent variable – depends on distance up the ramp.
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all four.
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Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 423 Space

2.7.12 ' 1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ
2.7.13 ' 1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ
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2.7.15 (B) Because gravitational acceleration on the Moon is less than that on Earth, the ball will take longer to fall although
its horizontal speed of launch will not be affected. Therefore its range on the Moon will be greater than its range on
Earth.
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2.8.3 (B) 2.45
2.8.4 (D) Thrust remains constant.
2.8.5 (D) First: An object will remain at rest or in uniform straight line motion unless an unbalanced force acts on it.
Second: The acceleration produced by an unbalanced force acting on a mass it directly proportional to that force.
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2.8.6 & 5HDGLQJ î 1
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2.8.8 (D) As the rocket rises its mass decreases due to the fuel burnt. If the thrust remains constant, then from F = ma,
acceleration must increase as mass decreases.
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to rise.
2.8.12 (D) (D) is the best answer because it is only at time T that the force being applied to the rocket is zero. If the graph
between S and T was vertical (indicating an instantaneous decrease in force to zero) then the best answer would be
(B).
2.8.13 (A) As mass decreases due to fuel being used, the constant thrust causes an increased acceleration, so velocity increases
exponentially, not linearly.
2.8.14 (A) No – Momentum will be conserved if we consider the whole system – that is, if we include the momentum of the
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would not expect the momentum of the rocket to remain constant in this situation.
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momentum of the exhaust gases, so the total momentum change will be zero.
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2.9.2 & î9 km
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2.10.2 (B) Weightlessness in this situation, is only an apparent state – the astronaut is actually in free fall towards the Earth, and
so has gravity acting on him. The astronaut can only be truly weightless when no forces act on him – as in deep outer
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2.10.3 (B) Gravitational force, centripetal force.
2.10.4 (D) Force shown is the reaction to the centripetal force – i.e. is the force the clothes apply to the inside walls of the spin
dryer as it spins.
2.10.5 (B) (A) would be correct for a geostationary satellite.
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acts on it.

Science Press

Space 424 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

2.11.1 & 7HQVLRQFHQWULSHWDOIRUFH
2.11.2 (B) It would not change – the centripetal force is independent of the mass of the planet.
2.11.3 (D) The mass and radius of the planet.
2.11.4 (D) Any object in circular motion or turning through a curve – e.g. car going around a corner, electron in orbit around a
nucleus, Earth in orbit around the Sun.
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2.12.2 (A) Tracking refers to the movement of a satellite signalling or receiving dish to follow the path of the satellite across the
sky if it is not in a geostationary orbit.
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1
Use your textbook to correct your answer.
2.14.1 (B) The gravitational force of the planet is incorporated into the value of the universal gravitational constant and the use
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velocity needed to maintain a particular altitude orbit.
2.14.2 (A) Given the different masses and radii of the planets, the orbital velocities cannot be the same.
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2.14.4 (A) There would be no difference in the ratio if they are still at the same altitude, although the speed of the satellites
would be slower.
2.14.5 (D) (A) and (B) because orbital speed is independent of the mass of the satellite.
2.14.6 &
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radius. Gravitational potential energy increases with height above the Earth, so higher orbit satellite has more E.
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2.15.1 (A) No. The Moon orbits the Earth not the Sun. The ratio is the same for all bodies orbiting the same primary.
2.15.2 (A) No. Period is not directly related to altitude.
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this example.
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than 1, so answer could be, and is, (A).
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the satellite back into its higher, stable orbit, or, they may send up a space shuttle to physically reposition the satellite
back into its stable orbit.
2.16.2 (D) Air resistance slows the satellite and allows gravity to pull the satellite closer to the Earth – this is orbital decay.
2.16.3 % 1RH[WHQVLRQTXHVWLRQ
2.17.1 (B) Air resistance acts to slow the spacecraft down, gravity acts to increase its rate of fall.
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ionisation occurs.

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 425 Space

2.17.3 (A) The cushion of air is a dense layer under the spacecraft and it is here that friction with the rest of the air occurs as the
spacecraft falls. Air is one of the best heat insulators and the cushion of air under the spacecraft partially insulates the
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would be irrelevant.
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curved, the nose would suffer greater frictional forces and possibly be unable to withstand the heat.
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atmosphere again – the craft would be lost into space.
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discovered yet.
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experience identical forces in opposite directions (towards each of the planets). The net force on the object would be
zero.
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g = GM/R2 before an answer can be worked out here.
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gravity he proposed except as part of the mathematics.
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value at the surface, hence the graph is not asymptotic to both axes.

Force

Distance from surface

3.2.3 (A) Graph is the same as choice (A) – Gravitational force is directly proportional to the masses of the two objects
concerned.
3.3.1 (B) The same.
3.3.2 (B) (A) Forgot to multiply by mass of the object (5 kg).
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(D) Forgot to convert radius to metres.
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3.3.4 & 6LQFHZHLJKW mg = Gm1m2/r2 taking a ratio of m/r2 for each planet arrives at the answer.
3.3.5 (D) If we consider an object of mass 1 kg placed at each point, then for the gravitational force on it due to Earth to be
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This places the object much closer (about 0.9 of the distance) to the Moon than it is to Earth. (D) is the best answer.
3.4.1 (A) F/8
3.4.2 % 7KHDOWLWXGHVJLYHQDUHDOPRVWWZLFHDQGWKUHHWLPHVWKH(DUWK¶VUDGLXVDQGZRUNLQJWKLVRXWXVLQJR = 2 and R = 3
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answer 0.45.
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Science Press

Space 426 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

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(radially outwards) in all directions, so the net force on it would be zero.
3.4.6 (B) (A) The acceleration due to gravity at the surface of X is greaterWKDQWKDWRI<
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& 7KHJUDYLWDWLRQDOIRUFHDFWLQJRQDQREMHFWDERYHWKHVXUIDFHRI;ZLOOEHgreater than the gravitational force
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(D) The gravitational potential energy of an object above the surface of X will be greater than the gravitational
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3.5.1 (B) The mass of the primary (the object being orbited), the distance of the satellite from the centre of the primary
(inversely) and the universal gravitational constant.
3.5.2 (A) Same height – gravitational acceleration is due to the mass and size of the planet and independent of the mass of the
satellite. Gravitational force includes the mass of the satellite (W = ms g).
3.5.3 $ 2UELWDOYHORFLW\LVLQGHSHQGHQWRIPDVV
3.5.4 (D) Gravitational acceleration is given by g = M/R2, hence that experienced by closer satellite is 16 times larger than that
experienced by distant satellite.
3.5.5 (B) GMmo/r2 = mov2/r and rearranging after cancelling mo and one r, we get Y ¥*0U.
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Y ¥*0U 2π/T
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3.6.1 (B) Some texts refer to the slingshot effect as the gravity-assist manoeuvre. In other words, gravity assists the effect, but
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close to the planet involved, the slingshot effect could not occur – does this account as gravity being responsible for
the effect? Perhaps yes, but I think a better answer is no, and that we place credit for the slingshot effect itself in the
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the craft will take less time to recede from the planet than to approach it. Therefore any decrease in speed due to
gravity as the spacecraft recedes from the planet will be much less than its increase due to the slingshot effect.
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A spacecraft approaches a planet head on at 5000 kph. The planet is moving towards it at 8000 kph. The speed of the
spacecraft relative to the planet is 13 000 kph. Because it is approaching head on, the spacecraft will gain a maximum
value increase in speed, that is, 16 000 kph.
After the slingshot manoeuvre, the speed of the spacecraft will be 21 000 kph (its original 5000 + the 16 000 gain).
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increased from 5000 kph to 13 000 kph. It is all a matter of frames of reference.
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behind the planet its speed will increase, if it swings in front of the planet, its speed will decrease (both relative to the
Sun – remember its speed relative to the planet does not change.)
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the probe the same extent as the slingshot does not have to be carried on the rocket. This will decrease its launch mass
and cost.
3.6.6 (D) As for 3.6.4.
4.1.1 (B) The aether cannot be detected.
4.1.2 (D) Answer should be yes because its prediction was based on previous observations and was therefore an extension of
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Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 427 Space

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to their original positions (oscillating back and forth) in the medium until the next energy pulse comes along. This
could only occur if the forces between adjacent particles were large enough to cause this to happen. This is extremely
unlikely if the particles are far apart (extremely low density).
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speed of light travelling through the aether in different directions relative to the Earth would be different.
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4.2.3 (B) Interference occurs when two waves travelling through the same medium meet and superimpose on each other.
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4.3.3 (D) None.
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4.3.5 (A) Einstein had shown that the speed of light is constant regardless of the frame of reference of the observer, so,
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not change its relative speed. Therefore, a null result was the only result possible.
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the diversion of activity.
4.4.2 (D) A positive result would have violated the principle of relativity.
4.5.1 (D) While the Earth has an acceleration towards the Sun – a centripetal acceleration because it is travelling on a curved
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reference otherwise the principle of relativity is violated.
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4.5.3 (B) This is the best answer as it covers both stationary and constant velocity.
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forces acting, there is no way its movement can be detected without reference to an outside point. It is therefore an
inertial frame of reference.
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be accelerating.
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of any inertial forces acting on suspended objects will indicate that the system is not accelerating and is therefore, an
inertial frame of reference.
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reference.
4.7.1 (D) The comet is stationary and you are moving away from Andromeda.
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4.7.2 (A) Both observers are in different inertial frames of reference.
4.7.3 (B) The crucial concept here is that we cannot detect constant motion without reference to an outside point or other object.
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object in space, the Earth will be seen to be moving.
4.7.4 (B) Because the car is accelerating, the motion of the ball relative to the car will involve uniform acceleration both
horizontally and vertically. From Δr = ut+òat2 the ratio of the displacement of the ball in each direction will be
1 : 3 : 5 : 7 ... This will result in relative motion in a straight line relative to the car and the boy inside it.
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will be that of a typical projectile.

Science Press

Space 428 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

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they will be directly opposed.
4.8.2 (B) At the speed of light – the speed of light is constant regardless of the frame of reference or motion of the observer.
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4.9.1 (A) They all refer to his second thought experiment.
4.9.2 (A) This would have been an experiment which proved that the train was moving, and according to the principle of
relativity, we cannot do any experiment to prove that an inertial frame of reference is moving.
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be rethought.
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4.10.2 (D) At 100 kph, v2/c2 is 8.57 × 10–156RWKHHIIHFWZRXOGRQO\EHQRWLFHDEOHLQWKHWKGHFLPDOSODFH
4.10.3 (B) Dilation means to get bigger – time dilation refers to the fact that time for the stationary observer is longer than time for
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observer noticed about the moving frame of reference – a shorter object than the observer inside that object would measure.
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standard which does change in different situations – this is one of the crucial properties of a standard – otherwise it is
simply not a standard.
4.11.2 (B) It is the inverse of the speed of light expressed more accurately than the 3 × 108 approximation we are used to using.
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accurately time is measured, the closer GPS technology can come to pinpointing the position of an object on the
surface of the Earth.
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4.12.3 (B) Any experimental result is only good if it is within the accuracy of the measuring instruments. The validity of the
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variables that affect it, not an indication of its validity.
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4.13.2 (D) Refers to the ideas that events which appear simultaneous in one frame of reference may not be simultaneous in a
different frame of reference.
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frame of reference of the observer, the concept of motion itself is a comparative idea. For example, you might think
you are stationary. Well, relative to Earth you may well be, but remember that the Earth is rotating on its axis, orbiting
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Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 429 Space

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4.15.1 (B) The rest mass of an object can never be zero – mass can never be zero.
4.15.2 (A) This mass is smaller than that of an electron, so only possible if there is some subatomic particle smaller than the
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(B) Divided by c and then again by 1000 as incorrect conversion to kg (already in kg).
(D) Incorrect conversion to kg.
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4.16.1 (D) No. Mass is the amount of matter in an object – this cannot be zero.
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4.16.3 (A) As the speed of an object increases, its mass increases, and so does the force needed to accelerate it. At speeds
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beyond the speed of light.
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4.17.1 (B)

% mass
change

Speed (c)

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4.17.3 (B) By the same amount – 40%.
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4.17.5 (B) Relativistic mass effects are greater at higher speeds, so the increase in mass of the spaceship will be larger from 0.8 c
to 0.9 c than from 0.6 c to 0.7 c (it will be larger at 0.8 c than at either 0.6 c and 0.7 c anyway), so the constant thrust
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4.18.2 (D) The vertical diameter of the wheel on the bike is about four times that of the horizontal diameter. Given that length
contraction does not occur in the vertical direction because there is no component of the motion in that direction,
then the vertical diameter is the real diameter. Therefore the wheel has been contracted about 80% in the horizontal
direction.
4.18.3 (D) Note that if you answered the same answer in 4.18.3 as you did in 4.18.2, then your reasoning for 4.18.3 is correct
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same frame of reference as the bike rider, and we assume he is riding at a constant speed – therefore also an inertial
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choice.
4.18.5 (D) Length contraction only occurs in the direction of the motion.
4.19.1 (B) Length contraction works both ways – the ship is moving relative to the asteroids and the asteroid is moving relative
to the ship.
4.19.2 & /HQJWKFRQWUDFWLRQRFFXUVRQO\ZKHQWKHUHLVVRPHFRPSRQHQWRIWKHYHORFLW\RIWKHREMHFWDWWRWKHREVHUYHU

Science Press

Space 430 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

4.19.3 (A) 120 m high by 120 m deep by 72 m long – the length contraction is only in the direction of the motion of the object.
4.19.4 (B) 50 m – the length contraction is only in the direction of the motion.
4.19.5 & OHVV±P
4.20.1 (B) Both observers are in inertial frames of reference and are moving relative to each other, so both observers will detect a
time dilation effect in the clocks of the other person.
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moving since all parts of the Universe are moving as it expands. In addition there is the rotation of our galaxy,
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observer to be stationary relative to the Solar System, then he would notice a small time dilation for Earth (due to its
orbital motion) and a larger time dilation effect for time on the spaceship as the spaceship would also be moving faster
relative to this observer.
4.20.3 (A) Both pulse rate and heartbeat would be slower due to the time dilation effect.
4.20.4 (B) Both observers are in inertial frames of reference and are moving relative to each other, so both observers will detect a
time dilation effect in the clocks of the other person.
4.21.1 &

Time
dilation
(%)

Speed (c)

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(B) 0.87 c
(D) 0.50 c
4.21.3 (A) At the higher speeds the time dilation effect will be greater, so the Earth observer will observe time passing more
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4.21.4 (D) Because they are both moving relative to each other they will both notice a time dilation effect. Each person will
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reference will be observed to be less than 5 seconds in the other frame of reference.
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4.22.1 (B) Light sails propelled by light pressure or nuclear powered rockets which are fuelled by the hydrogen in space.
4.22.2 (B) To travel outside the Solar System without the journey taking many many, years, we need to travel at speeds which
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2
for them. For observers on Earth, the time dilation effect would be enormous (1 year ship time would be about 224
years Earth time).

Science Press

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 431 Space

Notes

Science Press

Space 432 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

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HSC PHYSICS MULTIPLE

Questions and Summaries

Data Sheet 466

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice iii Contents

Contents iv Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Format of the book

The book has been formatted in the following way:

1. Main topic statement (column 1 of syllabus)

1.1etc Syllabus requirement from columns 2 and 3.

How to use the book

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice v Introduction

Verbs to Watch vi Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

1. *UDYLWDWLRQDO¿HOG 2 2.10 Analyse forces involved in uniform

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice vii Space

Space viii Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

1. Current-carrying conductors 112  ,GHQWLI\WKDWWKHPDJQHWLF¿HOGLQ

122  'HVFULEHPDJQHWLFÀX[LQWHUPVRI

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice ix Motors and Generators

 &RPSDUHWKHVWUXFWXUHDQGIXQFWLRQ 4.4 Solve problems using:

Motors and Generators x Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice xi From Ideas to Implementation

3. Transistors 287 4. Superconductors 313

Dot Point Page Dot Point Page

4. Applications of nuclear physics 395 4.5 Describe how neutron scattering is

 $VVHVVWKHVLJQL¿FDQFHRIWKH 4.6 Identify ways by which physicists

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 1 Space

Extension:6WDWHWKHFRQGLWLRQVXQGHUZKLFKFKRLFH & ZRXOGEHFRUUHFW

1.1.2 Which statement about the weight of an object is correct?

Extension: State two ways in which mass and weight differ.

Extension: What units are used to measure mass and weight?

Space 2 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

1.1.5 Which statement about weight is correct?

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 3 Space

Extension: Explain how you arrived at your answer.

Extension: What would be the mass of the object on Saturn?

Space 4 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Extension: Explain your answer.

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 5 Space

Extension: Explain your choice of answer.

Space 6 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 7 Space

Space 8 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Extension: Explain your answer.

From this we get:

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 9 Space

Extension: Explain your answer.

Space 10 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

surface. Work done against gravity

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 11 Space

Extension: Explain why the EP of an object is negative.

Extension: Explain your answer.

Space 12 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Extension: Justify your answer.

Extension: Justify your answer.

Extension: Justify your answer.

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 13 Space

Extension: Justify your answer.

Space 14 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 15 Space

Space 16 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Horizontal velocity is constant

Projectile follows a parabolic path

2.1.1 A tennis ball is hit into the air and

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 17 Space

2.1.3 The diagram shows the apparatus used

(A) Take a shorter time to fall from Y to the

Space 18 Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice

Extension: Describe the motion of an object which would produce a yFRPSRQHQWYHORFLW\JUDSKOLNH

2.1.5 The diagram shows the path of a projectile. Which

velocity and acceleration of the projectile at points Y

Velocity at X Acceleration at X Velocity at Y Acceleration at Y

Dot Point HSC Physics Multiple Choice 19 Space

2.1.7 RQVLGHUWKUHHSRVLWLRQVX, Y and Z, in the

1. Current-carrying conductors 112 ,GHQWLI\WKDWWKHPDJQHWLF¿HOGLQ

122 'HVFULEHPDJQHWLFÀX[LQWHUPVRI

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2.8.9 :KDWJIRUFHLVH[SHULHQFHGE\WKHDVWURQDXWDWWLPHP, just before rocket ignition?