PHYSICS FORM FOUR

MARKING SCHEME.
1.

i ii iii iv v vi vii viii ix x

E B C A C B C A C B
2.

i ii iii iv v vi
C B F G H D
3.(a)

To find the refractive index, we'll use Snell's Law:

Snell's Law: n1x sin(θ1) = n2 x sin(θ2)
Where:
 n1 is the refractive index of the first medium (air in this case)
 θ1 is the angle of incidence (30°)
 n2 is the refractive index of the second medium (the unknown medium)
 θ2 is the angle of refraction (22°)
Let's plug in the values:
 n1 (refractive index of air) is approximately 1.00
 θ1 = 30°
 θ2 = 22°
1.00 x sin(30°) = n2 x sin(22°)
Now, solve for n2:
n2 = (1.00 x sin(30°)) / sin(22°) n2 ≈ 1.34
Therefore, the refractive index of the medium is approximately 1.34.
(b) Solution
Diagram (03 marks)

i. Image distance = 0.8 cm × 10 = 8 cm. 01 marks

ii. Image height = 0.4 cm × 10 = 4 cm. 01 marks
iii. Magnification = 4 cm =0.4 or v = 8 cm = 0.4 01 marks
10 cm u 20 cm
5.(a) How human eye resembles the Camera
Focusing Light:
o Human Eye: The cornea and the lens work together to bend and focus light rays onto the retina
at the back of the eye. The lens can change shape to adjust focus for objects at different
distances.
o Camera: A camera lens similarly gathers and focuses light. Its shape, often with multiple
elements, bends the light rays to land precisely on the image sensor (similar to the retina).
Controlling Light Intensity:
o Human Eye: The pupil, the circular opening in the center of the iris, widens or narrows to control
the amount of light entering the eye. This protects the eye from overly bright light and helps it
adapt to dim conditions.
o Camera: The aperture, a set of blades within the lens, functions like the pupil. By adjusting the
aperture's size, the camera controls the amount of light entering, affecting exposure and depth
of field.
Image Formation:
o Human Eye: The focused light creates an inverted image on the retina, which contains
photoreceptor cells. These cells convert the light into electrical signals sent to the brain via the
optic nerve for interpretation.
o Camera: The focused light forms an inverted image on the image sensor. The sensor, made up of
millions of pixels, converts the light into digital signals processed by the camera to create the
final image.

(b) Application of heat conduction in daily life:

 Cooking: When you place a pan on a hot stove burner, the heat from the burner (higher
temperature) conducts directly to the pan (lower temperature). This transferred heat then cooks
your food. Different materials conduct heat at varying rates. For example, copper pots heat up
quickly due to high thermal conductivity, while wooden spoons stay cool because they are poor
conductors.
 Feeling Hot or Cold: When you touch a hot object, the heat conducts from the object (higher
temperature) to your skin (lower temperature). This rapid transfer of thermal energy triggers
nerve signals in your skin, making you feel hot. Conversely, touching a cold object conducts heat
away from your skin (higher temperature) to the object (lower temperature), making you feel
cold.
 Ironing Clothes: When you iron clothes, the hot metal soleplate of the iron conducts heat
directly to the fabric (lower temperature). This heat helps smooth out wrinkles and creates crisp
creases. The thermostat on the iron regulates the temperature of the soleplate, allowing you to
adjust the heat based on the fabric type.
5. (a) The sharp hoe cuts well because it has a very small surface area hence high pressure, while blunt
one cuts with difficult because it has large surface area. The pressure exerted is dependent on surface
area.
(b)
Difference in pressure
 Formula: Pressure difference = ρgh
o ρ (rho) = density of water = 1000 kg/m³
o g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
o h = difference in depth = 0.02 m (since the cube has a side of 2cm)
 Calculation: Pressure difference = (1000 kg/m³) x (9.8 m/s²) x (0.02 m) = 196 Pa (Pascals)
Difference in force
 Formula: Force difference = Pressure difference x Area
o Area of one face of the cube = side² = (0.02m)² = 0.0004 m²
 Calculation: Force difference = (196 Pa) x (0.0004 m²) = 0.0784 N (Newtons)
Therefore:
 The difference in pressure between the bottom and top of the cube is 196 Pa.
 The difference in force between the bottom and top of the cube is 0.0784 N.

6.(a)
Buoyant Force:
When an object is submerged in a fluid (liquid or gas), it experiences an upward force called the
buoyant force. This force arises because the fluid exerts pressure in all directions. The pressure at the
bottom of the object is greater than the pressure at the top. This net upward push opposes the
object's weight, effectively reducing the weight measured when submerged.
(b)
Same Direction Current:

Two parallel wires with current flowing in the same direction

Magnetic Field: When current flows through a conductor, it creates a magnetic field around it. In this
case, both conductors generate magnetic fields that circle each conductor outwards (represented by
the concentric circles).
Magnetic Field Interaction: The magnetic field lines from each conductor interact. According to the
right-hand rule (for magnetism), the magnetic field lines due to current in the same direction tend
to reinforce each other. This creates a stronger magnetic field region between the two conductors.
Force: Due to this stronger magnetic field concentration, the conductors experience a magnetic
force of attraction. This force pulls the conductors closer together.
Opposite Direction Current:
Two parallel wires with current flowing in the opposite direction
Magnetic Field: Similar to the previous case, both conductors generate magnetic fields circling
outwards.
Magnetic Field Interaction: Here, the magnetic field lines from each conductor interact according to
the right-hand rule. The magnetic field lines due to opposite currents tend to cancel each other out
between the conductors.
Force: The cancellation of magnetic field lines results in a weaker magnetic field region between the
two conductors compared to when the currents flow in the same direction.
Force: Due to this weaker magnetic field interaction, the conductors experience a magnetic force of
repulsion. This force pushes the conductors away from each other.

(c)
Identify the Forces:
 Weight (mg): Acts downwards due to gravity, where m (mass) is 5kg and g (acceleration due
to gravity) is 9.8 m/s². We can resolve this weight into two components:
o mg * sin(60°): Acting down the plane (causing the block to slide down)
o mg * cos(60°): Acting perpendicular to the plane (normal force)
 Normal Force (N): Exerted by the plane on the block, perpendicular to the slope.
 Friction Force (Ff): Caused by the roughness between the block and the plane, acting upwards
and parallel to the slope. It opposes the motion of the block. The friction force is calculated
using: Ff = μ * N, where μ (mu) is the coefficient of kinetic friction (0.3 in this case).
Apply Newton's Second Law:
ΣF = ma (sum of forces equals mass times acceleration)
Resolve Forces along the Plane:
Since we're interested in the acceleration down the plane, consider only the forces acting in that
direction:
 mg x sin(60°) - Ff = ma
Substitute and Solve:
 Substitute the expressions for Ff and N: mg x sin(60°) - (μ x N) = ma
 We know mg * cos(60°) = N (normal force due to weight component perpendicular to the
plane)
 Substitute again: mg x sin(60°) - (μ * mg * cos(60°)) = ma
 Plug in the values: (5kg x 9.8 m/s²) * sin(60°) - (0.3 x 5kg x 9.8 m/s² x cos(60°)) = 5kg x a
 Solve for a: a ≈ 5.29 m/s² (approximately)
Therefore, the acceleration of the wood down the plane is approximately 5.29 m/s².
7.
a) Calculate the linear expansivity of the metal.
 Formula: Linear expansivity (α) = (change in length) / (original length * change in temperature)
o ΔL = change in length = 1.6 mm = 0.0016 m
o L₀ = original length = 2.00 m
o ΔT = change in temperature = 100°C - 20°C = 80°C
 Calculation: α = (0.0016 m) / (2.00 m * 80°C) = 1 x 10^-5 /°C
b) Predict the length of the rod if it is cooled down to -10°C.
 Formula: ΔL = α * L₀ * ΔT
o α = 1 x 10^-5 /°C (from previous calculation)
o L₀ = 2.00 m
o ΔT = -10°C - 20°C = -30°C
 Calculation: ΔL = (1 x 10^-5 /°C) * (2.00 m) * (-30°C) = -0.0006 m
 New Length: L = L₀ + ΔL = 2 m - 0.0006m = 1.9994 m
c) Explain why bridges often have expansion joints built into their structure.
Bridges have expansion joints for these reasons:
 Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Just like this metal rod, bridge materials expand with
heat and contract in cold weather.
 Preventing Damage: Without expansion joints, these changes in length could cause
significant stress on the bridge structure. Forces resulting from thermal expansion or contraction
could lead to buckling, cracking, or even collapse.
 Accommodating Movement: Expansion joints provide gaps between segments of the bridge,
allowing the structure to expand and contract safely without creating excessive stress on the
materials.

8.
(a) How the Acceleration Changes Over Time:
 Upward Slope: If the graph shows a positive slope (force increasing with time), it indicates the
car's acceleration is increasing. This is because a positive force acting on the car in the direction
of motion causes it to speed up. The steeper the slope, the greater the rate of acceleration.
 Flat Line: If the graph shows a flat line (constant force), it indicates the car's acceleration is
constant. A constant force implies a constant change in speed (maintaining a specific
acceleration).
 Downward Slope: If the graph shows a downward slope (force decreasing with time), it
indicates the car's acceleration is decreasing. This could be due to opposing forces acting on the
car (like air resistance) or the force applied being reduced. A steeper downward slope signifies a
more rapid decrease in acceleration.
(b) Acceleration When Force is 3000 N:
To calculate the acceleration when the force is 3000 N, we'd need additional information (which might
be on the graph):
 Mass of the Car (m): We are given that the mass is 1200 kg.
 Force (F): We are given that the force at a specific point is 3000 N.
 Formula: Acceleration (a) = Force (F) / Mass (m)
 Calculation (if the graph shows the force at 3000 N): a = 3000 N / 1200 kg = 2.5 m/s²
(assuming positive force for acceleration)
(c) Why Force Increases Over Time:
There are two main reasons why the force needed to accelerate the car might increase over time
according to the graph (assuming a positive slope):
Overcoming Inertia: Initially, a larger force might be needed to overcome the car's inertia, the
resistance to any change in motion. Once the car starts moving, less force might be required to
maintain the same acceleration.
Opposing Forces: As the car speeds up, air resistance (drag) also increases. This opposing force
needs to be counteracted by a higher applied force to maintain or increase acceleration.
9. a(i) State the law that Mr. George formulated.
Ohm's Law states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly
proportional to the voltage across the two points, provided the temperature and other physical
conditions remain constant.
Mathematically, it's represented as: V = I * R
Where:
 V = voltage (volts)
 I = current (amperes)
 R = resistance (ohms)
a(ii) Briefly explain factors affecting resistance of a conductor observed by Mr. George Ohm to
sum up his observation.
Here are the main factors that affect the resistance of a conductor:
Material: Different materials have different inherent resistivities. Conductors like copper have low
resistivity and allow current to flow easily. Insulators like rubber have high resistivity and resist the
flow of current.
Length: Longer conductors have higher resistance compared to shorter ones. Imagine this like
pushing water through a pipe – the longer the pipe, the more difficult it is.
Cross-sectional Area: Conductors with a larger cross-sectional area have lower resistance. Think of it
as a wider pipe allowing more water (current) to flow through easily.
Temperature: For most conductors, resistance increases with an increase in temperature. Atoms
within the conductor vibrate more at higher temperatures, making it more difficult for electrons to
flow.

(b) (i)
Conductors:
 Energy Bands: In conductors, the valence band (where electrons involved in bonding reside)
and the conduction band (where electrons can move freely) either overlap or have a very narrow
gap between them.
 Electron Behavior: Electrons can easily transition from the valence band to the conduction
band with minimal energy input. This means there are always free electrons available for
conduction.
 Conductivity: Conductors exhibit high electrical conductivity due to the abundance of freely
moving electrons.
Semiconductors:
 Energy Bands: Semiconductors have a small but measurable energy gap between the valence
band and conduction band.
 Electron Behavior: At room temperature, some electrons have sufficient energy to jump the
gap into the conduction band. This creates a small number of free electrons and leaves behind
positively charged "holes" in the valence band. Both contribute to conduction.
 Conductivity: Semiconductors have moderate conductivity, falling between that of conductors
and insulators. Their conductivity can be significantly increased by adding impurities (doping),
light, or heat.
Insulators:
 Energy Bands: Insulators have a large energy gap between the valence and conduction bands.
 Electron Behavior: It takes a tremendous amount of energy for an electron to jump the gap
into the conduction band. Therefore, practically no free electrons exist for conduction.
 Conductivity: Insulators have extremely low conductivity. They are used to stop the flow of
electricity.

(ii)
The key structural difference between AC and DC generators lies in their commutator design:
 AC Generators (Alternators): AC generators use slip rings. These are continuous rings
connected to the ends of the armature coil. Brushes ride on these slip rings, maintaining contact
as the coil rotates. This allows the current to flow out while still allowing the coil to rotate,
ensuring the direction of the current reverses with each half rotation of the coil to produce
alternating current.
 DC Generators: DC generators use a split-ring commutator. This ring is split into segments,
with gaps between them. The brushes make contact with this commutator, and as the coil
rotates, the brushes switch contact between the segments. This switching action reverses the
direction of current flow externally twice per rotation, ensuring a unidirectional output (direct
current) despite the internal alternating current in the coil.
10.

During the first half circle D1 is forwarded biased while D2 is reverse biased. Hence path taken by
current is AD1BCA. 01 mark
During the next half-circle, D2 is forwarded biased and the path of the current is DD 2BCD. Notice that
during both half-cycles, current flows through the Load in the same direction. 01 mark
(b) (i) The voltage of the power generated at a power station should be stepped up to a high voltage
at the beginning of the transmission line. 01mark
This is achieved by using a step-up transformer which works on a.c only that process a varying
magnetic field. 01 mark
With d.c, it is not possible to induce a continuous e.m.f in the secondary circuit of the transformer.
(ii)

= 3 x 3.3V
= 10.2V
p.d. across the lamp = IR1 = 3 x 2 = 6V 01 mark
A voltmeter connected across the battery = IR 0 1 ½ marks
R = 1.4 + R1 = (1.4 + 2) Ω
3.4Ω
The total circuit resistance = (6 x 0.1) + 1.4 + R 1
= (2 + R1)

11.
9.(a)

(2 marks)
At point A (1 mark)
P.E is maximum
K.E is minimum (zero since v = 0)
When a bob move from A to B (1 mark)
P.E decreases due to decrease in height
K.E increases due to increase in velocity
At point B (1 mark)
P.E is minimum (zero since h = 0)
K.E is maximum due to highest speed
When a bob move from B to C (1 mark)
P.E increases due to increase in height
K.E decreases due to decrease in speed (Total 8.5 marks)
At point C (1 mark)
P.E is maximum
K.E is minimum (zero since v = 0)
When a bob moves from C to B P.E decreases and K.E increases $ when a bob moves from B to A P.E
increases and K,E decreases. (1 mark)
NB: At any point the total energy (mechanical energy) is equal to the sum of kinetic energy and
potential energy
E = P.E + K.E (0.5 mark)
(b) Data given
Mass, m = 50kg
Steps, n = 50
Height of each step, h = 15cm = 0.015m
Total Height, d = n x s = 50 x 0.015m
Total Height, d = 0.75m
Time taken, t = 10s
Gravitation force, g = 10N/kg Work done, w.d = ?
Power, p = ? (1 mark)
Solution
i. Work done, w.d = ?
From:
w.d = F x d (1 mark)
= 0.75 x 50
w.d = 0.75 x 50 = 37.5
w.d = 37.5J (1 mark) ii. Power, p = ? Then: P = w.d/t
P = (37.5)/5
P = 7.5W (1 mark)