GRAAD 12

NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS (P1)

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

MARKS: 150

TIME: 3 hours

This question paper consists of 16 pages and 3 data sheets.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 2 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Write your centre number and examination number in the appropriate spaces
on the ANSWER BOOK.

2. This question paper consists of TWO sections:

SECTION A (25)
SECTION B (125)

3. Answer ALL the questions in the ANSWER BOOK.

4. You may use a non-programmable calculator.

5. You may use appropriate mathematical instruments.

6. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.

7. YOU ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ATTACHED DATA SHEETS.

8. Give brief motivations, discussions, et cetera where required.

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 3 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

SECTION A

QUESTION 1: ONE-WORD ITEMS

Give ONE word/term for EACH of the following descriptions. Write only the word/term
next to the question number (1.1 – 1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.1 The product of the mass and velocity of a body (1)

1.2 The term used to describe two sources that emit waves which maintain a
constant phase relation with each other (1)

1.3 The type of spectrum formed when light is passed through a cold gas at low
pressure (1)

1.4 The property of a conductor given by the ratio of the applied potential
difference to the current through the conductor (1)

1.5 The 'packets of energy' (quanta) of which light consists (1)

[5]

QUESTION 2: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each
question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter
(A – D) next to the question number (2.1 – 2.10) in the ANSWER BOOK.

2.1 Which ONE of the following physical quantities represents the RATE OF
CHANGE OF MOMENTUM of an object?

A Force

B Kinetic energy

C Impulse

D Acceleration (2)

2.2 The kinetic energy of a car moving at constant velocity v is K. The velocity of
the car changes to 2v. What is the new kinetic energy of the car?

1
A K
4
1
B K
2
C 2K

D 4K (2)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 4 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

2.3 The graph below represents a constant force F acting on an object over a
displacement x. The force and displacement are in the same direction.

force (N)

0 x displacement (m)

Which ONE of the following statements can be deduced from the graph?

A The gradient of the graph represents the work done by the force.

B The gradient of the graph represents the change in kinetic energy of the
object.

C The area under the graph represents the net work done by the force.

D The area under the graph represents the power dissipated by the force. (2)

2.4 Which ONE of the following is the main principle applied when measuring the
rate of blood flow or the heartbeat of a foetus in the womb?

A Doppler effect

B Photoelectric effect

C Huygens' principle

D Diffraction (2)

2.5 The pattern observed in single-slit diffraction is best explained by ...

A reflection.

B Huygens' principle.

C scattering.

D refraction. (2)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 5 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

2.6 The sketch below shows two small metal spheres, A and B, on insulated
stands carrying charges of magnitude q and 2q respectively. The distance
between the centres of the two spheres is r.
r

A q 2q B

Sphere A exerts a force of magnitude F on sphere B. What is the magnitude

of the force that sphere B exerts on sphere A?

A 1
F
2

B F

C 2F

D 4F (2)

2.7 Which ONE of the following is the unit of measurement for the rate of flow of
charge?

A watt

B coulomb

C volt

D ampere (2)

2.8 Which ONE of the following changes to the design of an AC generator will
increase its maximum emf?

A Change the polarity of the magnets

B Use larger slip rings

C Use larger brushes

D Increase the number of turns on the coil (2)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 6 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

2.9 The cross () in the diagram below represents a conductor carrying
conventional current INTO THE PAGE in the uniform field between the two
bar magnets. The conductor is placed between the north (N) pole and south
(S) pole of the magnets, as shown.
A

S N
B
⊗ D
S N

In which ONE of the directions A, B, C or D (all lying in the plane of the page)
will this conductor experience a force?

A A

B B

C C

D D (2)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 7 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

2.10 A 6 V battery, a resistor, a capacitor and a switch S are connected in a circuit

as shown in the diagram below. Switch S can be closed at either position M
or position N.

6V

M N
 
S

Switch S is initially at position N. After a while it is moved to position M.

Which ONE of the following statements is correct when the switch is moved to
position M?

A The capacitor discharges.

B The capacitor charges.

C The battery discharges.

D The battery charges. (2)

[20]

TOTAL SECTION A: 25

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 8 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

SECTION B

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Start EACH question on a NEW page.

2. Leave ONE line between two subquestions, for example between

QUESTION 3.1 and QUESTION 3.2.

3. Show the formulae and substitutions in ALL calculations.

4. Round off your numerical answers to TWO decimal places.

QUESTION 3 (Start on a new page.)

The velocity-time graph shown below represents the motion of two objects, A and B,
released from the same height. Object A is released from REST and at the same
instant object B is PROJECTED vertically upwards. (Ignore the effects of friction.)

20

10
B
velocity (m·s-1)

0
1 2 3 4 time (s)
5 6 7
- 10
A

- 20

- 30

- 40

3.1 Object A undergoes a constant acceleration. Give a reason for this statement
by referring to the graph. (No calculations are required.) (2)

3.2 At what time/times is the SPEED of object B equal to 10 m∙s-1? (2)

3.3 What is the velocity of object A relative to object B at t = 1 s? (3)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 9 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

3.4 Object A strikes the ground after 4 s. USE EQUATIONS OF MOTION to

calculate the height from which the objects were released. (3)

3.5 What physical quantity is represented by the area between the graph and the
time axis for each of the graphs A and B? (2)

3.6 Calculate, WITHOUT USING EQUATIONS OF MOTION, the distance

between objects A and B at t = 1 s. (5)
[17]

QUESTION 4 (Start on a new page.)

Two shopping trolleys, X and Y, are both moving to the right along the same straight
line. The mass of trolley Y is 12 kg and its kinetic energy is 37,5 J.

4.1 Calculate the speed of trolley Y. (3)

Trolley X of mass 30 kg collides with trolley Y and they stick together on impact. After
the collision, the combined speed of the trolleys is 3,2 m∙s-1. (Ignore the effects of
friction.)

X Y

Before the collision After the collision

4.2 Write down the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words. (2)

4.3 Calculate the speed of trolley X before the collision. (5)

During the collision, trolley X exerts a force on trolley Y. The collision time is 0,2 s.

4.4 Calculate the magnitude of the force that trolley X exerts on trolley Y. (4)
[14]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 10 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

QUESTION 5 (Start on a new page.)

A crate of mass 70 kg slides down a rough incline that makes an angle of 20° with the
horizontal, as shown in the diagram below. The crate experiences a constant frictional
force of magnitude 190 N during its motion down the incline. The forces acting on the
crate are represented by R, S and T.

R T

S
12 m 
A

B
20°

5.1 Label the forces R, S and T. (3)

5.2 Give a reason why force R does no work on the crate. (2)

The crate passes point A at a speed of 2 m∙s-1 and moves a distance of 12 m before
reaching point B lower down on the incline.

5.3 Calculate the net work done on the crate during its motion from point A to
point B. (5)

5.4 Write down the work-energy theorem in words. (2)

5.5 Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the speed of the crate at point B. (4)
[16]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 11 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

QUESTION 6 (Start on a new page.)

The whistle of a train emits sound waves of frequency 2 000 Hz. A stationary listener
measures the frequency of these emitted sound waves as 2 080 Hz. The speed of
sound in air is 340 m·s-1.

6.1 Name the phenomenon responsible for the observed change in frequency. (1)

6.2 Is the train moving AWAY FROM or TOWARDS the stationary listener? (1)

6.3 Calculate the speed of the train. (4)

6.4 Will the frequency observed by a passenger, sitting in the train, be GREATER
THAN, EQUAL TO or SMALLER THAN 2 000 Hz? Explain the answer. (2)
[8]

QUESTION 7 (Start on a new page.)

Learners perform an experiment with monochromatic light. They pass the light through
a single slit. The distance between the screen and the slit is kept constant.

The diagram below represents the pattern observed during the experiment.

KEY
Dark band

Bright band x
-

The slit has a width of 0,02 mm and the SECOND dark band is formed on the screen
at an angle of 3° from the centre of the slit.

7.1 Define the term diffraction. (2)

7.2 Calculate the wavelength of this light. (4)

7.3 The light used is either green or red. Given that yellow light has a wavelength
of 577 nm, which colour is used? Give a reason for your answer. (2)

7.4 Using the same light as in QUESTION 7.2, write down TWO experimental
changes that can be made to decrease the distance x in the diagram above. (2)

7.5 Describe the pattern that will be observed if the single slit is now replaced with
a double slit. (2)
[12]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 12 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

The diagram below shows a small metal sphere P on an insulated stand. The sphere
carries a charge of -4 x 10-9 C, as shown in the diagram.

-4 x 10-9 C - P

8.1 Draw the electric field pattern around sphere P. Assume that no other
charges affect this pattern. (2)

8.2 Calculate the number of electrons in excess on sphere P. (2)

A second metal sphere T carrying a charge of +2 x 10-9 C is placed 1 cm from

sphere P, as shown in the diagram below.

1 cm

-4 x 10-9 C - P +2 x 10-9 C + T

8.3 Calculate the magnitude of the electrostatic force that sphere P exerts on
sphere T. (4)

The spheres are now brought into contact with each other and returned to their original
positions.

8.4 Calculate the electric potential energy of the system of two charges. (6)
[14]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 13 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

The circuit diagram below represents a combination of resistors in series and parallel.
The battery has an emf of 12 V and an unknown internal resistance r.

 = 12 V

A
P•

S
• • 8 

6  •Q 3,6 

With switch S OPEN, ammeter A gives a reading of 1,2 A.

9.1 Calculate the total resistance of the circuit. (3)

9.2 Calculate the internal resistance of the battery. (4)

9.3 Calculate the energy dissipated in the 6  resistor in 3 minutes. (3)

Switch S is now CLOSED.

9.4 How will EACH of the following be affected? Write down only INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.

9.4.1 The total resistance of the circuit (1)

9.4.2 The reading on ammeter A (1)

9.5 A conducting wire of negligible resistance is now connected between points P

and Q. What effect will this have on the temperature of the battery?

Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.

Explain how you arrived at the answer. (4)
[16]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

QUESTION 10 (Start on a new page.)

AC generators at coal-fired power stations supply most of the electrical energy needed
in our country.

10.1 State ONE structural difference between an AC and a DC generator. (2)

A certain AC generator (alternator) produces a peak current (Imax) of 6,43 A when

connected to an electrical heater of resistance 48,4 Ω.

10.2 Calculate the rms current (Irms) produced by the generator. (3)

10.3 Calculate the peak voltage (Vmax) output of the generator. (5)

10.4 Draw a sketch graph of potential difference versus time for this AC generator.
Clearly label the axes and indicate Vmax on the potential difference axis. (2)

10.5 To meet energy demands in the country, the government plans building
nuclear power stations. State ONE environmental advantage of the
generation of electricity in nuclear power stations over coal-fired power (1)
stations. [13]

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 15 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

QUESTION 11 (Start on a new page.)

11.1 A group of learners performs an investigation to compare the effect of two

types of radiation on the emission of photoelectrons from zinc. They place a
zinc plate on top of the disc of a negatively charged electroscope. Ultraviolet
and red light are shone alternately onto the zinc plate as shown below, with
the electroscope fully charged in each case.

radiation

zinc plate
disc

-
- - gold leaves
- -
- -
electroscope

They record the following observations:

RADIATION OBSERVATION
Ultraviolet light Gold leaves collapse
Red light No effect on the deflection of gold leaves

11.1.1 Write down an INVESTIGATIVE QUESTION for this investigation. (2)

11.1.2 Explain the observation made for ultraviolet light. (3)

11.1.3 What conclusion can be drawn from this investigation? (2)

11.1.4 The following safety precaution is printed on the ultraviolet light

source:

OVEREXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IS A HEALTH RISK

Name ONE health risk associated with overexposure to ultraviolet

light. (1)

Copyright reserved Please turn over

Physical Sciences/P1 16 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

11.2 The learners have access to the following information:

Work function of zinc 6,88 x 10-19 J

Frequency of ultraviolet light 7,89 x 1014 Hz
Frequency of red light 4,29 x 1014 Hz

11.2.1 Define the term work function of a metal. (2)

11.2.2 Name ONE type of electromagnetic radiation with a higher

frequency than that of ultraviolet light. (1)

11.2.3 Use a calculation to explain why red light fails to emit

photoelectrons from the surface of the zinc plate. (4)
[15]

TOTAL SECTION B: 125

GRAND TOTAL: 150

Copyright reserved
Physical Sciences/P1 1 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

DATA FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 12

PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)

GEGEWENS VIR FISIESE WETENSKAPPE GRAAD 12

VRAESTEL 1 (FISIKA)

TABLE 1: PHYSICAL CONSTANTS/TABEL 1: FISIESE KONSTANTES

NAME/NAAM SYMBOL/SIMBOOL VALUE/WAARDE

Acceleration due to gravity
g 9,8 m·s-2
Swaartekragversnelling
Speed of light in a vacuum
c 3,0 x 108 m·s-1
Spoed van lig in 'n vakuum
Planck's constant
h 6,63 x 10-34 J·s
Planck se konstante
Coulomb's constant
k 9,0 x 109 N·m2·C-2
Coulomb se konstante
Charge on electron
e -1,6 x 10-19 C
Lading op elektron
Electron mass
me 9,11 x 10-31 kg
Elektronmassa
Permittivity of free space 0 8,85 x 10-12 F·m-1
Permittiwiteit van vry ruimte

Copyright reserved
Physical Sciences/P1 2 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

TABLE 2: FORMULAE/TABEL 2: FORMULES

MOTION/BEWEGING

v f  vi  a t x  v i t  21 at 2 or/of y  v i t  21 at 2

 v  vi   v  vi 
v f 2  vi2  2ax or/of v f  v i  2ay
2 2
x   f  t or/of y   f  t
 2   2 

FORCE/KRAG

Fnet  ma p  mv
Fnet t  p  mv f  mvi w  mg

WORK, ENERGY AND POWER/ARBEID, ENERGIE EN DRYWING

W  Fx cos  U mgh or/of E P  mgh

1 1 Wnet  K  K f  K i
K  mv 2 or/of E k  mv 2
2 2 Wnet  E k  E kf  E ki
W
P P  Fv
t

WAVES, SOUND AND LIGHT/GOLWE, KLANK EN LIG

1
vf T
f
v  vL c
fL  fs E hf or/of E  h
v  vs 
1
hf  W0  mv 2
m 2
sin  
a 1
hf  hf 0  mv 2
2

ELECTROSTATICS/ELEKTROSTATIKA

kQ1Q2 kQ
F  E
r2 r2
V F
E E
d q
kQ1Q 2 W
U V
r q
Q ε A
C= C= 0
V d

Copyright reserved
Physical Sciences/P1 3 DBE/Feb. – Mar. 2011
NSC

ELECTRIC CIRCUITS/ELEKTRIESE STROOMBANE

V 1 1 1
R    ...
I Rp R1 R 2

R s  R1  R 2  ... emf ( ε ) = I(R + r)

emk ( ε ) = I(R + r)
q I t

W W = Vq
P
Δt W = VI  t
P  VI
W = I2R  t
P I R 2

V 2 Δt
V2 W=
P R
R

ALTERNATING CURRENT/WISSELSTROOM

Pav erage  VrmsIrms or/of Pgemiddeld  Vwgk I wgk

Imax I
I rms  / I wgk  maks Pav erage  I 2rms R or/of Pgemiddeld  I 2wgk R
2 2
2
V V
2
Vrms Vwgk
Vrms  max / Vwgk  maks Pav erage  or/of Pgemiddeld 
2 2 R R

Copyright reserved