HSC Physics Sample Exams
Transcript of HSC Physics Sample Exams
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2001H I G H E R S C H O O L C E R T I F I C A T E
E X A M I N A T I O N
General Instructions
Reading time 5 minutes
Working time 3 hours
Write using black or blue pen
Draw diagrams using pencil
Board-approved calculators may
be used
A data sheet, formulae sheets and
Periodic Table are provided at
the back of this paper
Write your Centre Number and
Student Number at the top of
pages 13, 15, 17 and 21
Total marks 100
Pages 223
75 marks
This section has two parts, Part A and Part B
Part A 15 marks Attempt Questions 115
Allow about 30 minutes for this part
Part B 60 marks
Attempt Questions 1626
Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part
Pages 2531
25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 2731
Allow about 45 minutes for this section
Section II
Section I
Physics
433
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2
Section I75 marks
Part A 15 marks
Attempt Questions 115
Allow about 30 minutes for this part
Use the multiple-choice answer sheet.
Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval
completely.
Sample: 2 + 4 = (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 9
A B C D
If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the
new answer.
A B C D
If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer, then
indicate the correct answer by writing the word correctand drawing an arrow as follows.
correct
A B C D
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1 A person has a mass of 70.0 kg. What is the weight of the person at the Earths surface?
(A) 70.0 kg
(B) 70.0 N
(C) 686 kg
(D) 686 N
2 At a particular moment, a positively charged particle is moving with velocity v in a
magnetic field as shown.
At this moment, what is the direction of the force on the positively charged particle?
(A) To the right
(B) To the left
(C) Into the page
(D) Out of the page
Magnetic field
out of page
v
3
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3 The resistance of mercury at various temperatures is shown in the graph.
Between which two temperatures does mercury always act as a superconductor?
(A) 0 K and 4.2 K
(B) 4.2 K and 4.5 K
(C) 4.5 K and 8.0 K
(D) 0 K and 8.0 K
4 Two types of generator are shown.
What type of current is produced by each generator when connected to an external
resistance?
(A) Both produce d.c.
(B) Both produce a.c.
(C) Generator 1 produces d.c. and Generator 2 produces a.c.
(D) Generator 1 produces a.c. and Generator 2 produces d.c.
Generator 1 Generator 2
N N
S S
Resistance
Resistance
Temperature (K)
2
0.08
0.00
0.16
4 6 80
Resistance()
4
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5 The graph shows the forces experienced by an astronaut during a rocket launch into a
stable orbit.
In which time interval was the acceleration of the rocket the greatest?
(A) ST
(B) TU
(C) U V
(D) VW
6 The signal from a microwave transmitter can be thought of as a beam of photons.
The photons from a particular transmitter have a wavelength of 3.5 102 m.
What is the approximate energy of each photon?
(A) 7.73 1044 J
(B) 5.68 1024 J
(C) 2.32 1035 J
(D) 1.89 1032 J
S T U V W
Forcesonastronaut
Time
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7 An astronaut is standing on Mars. The astronaut throws an object of mass 0.30 kg
vertically upward at an initial speed of 9.0 m s1. It reaches a maximum height of
11 metres.
What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the object?
(A) 1.4 m s2
(B) 3.7 m s2
(C) 9.0 m s2
(D) 9.8 m s2
8 A light rod has a coil of insulated copper wire fixed at one end and is pivoted at the other
end. The result is a pendulum which is free to swing back and forth. A magnet is placed
underneath this pendulum. The arrangement is shown in the diagram.
The pendulum is pulled back and then allowed to swing. Which of the following would
cause the pendulum to come to rest most quickly?
(A) Replacing the magnet with a stronger one
(B) Shortening the pendulum
(C) Replacing the rod with a heavier one
(D) Connecting the ends of the coil by a piece of copper wire
Coil
Pivot
Magnet
Rod
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9 Which is the most suitable means of reliable and continuous communication between an
orbiting satellite and Earth?
(A) Light from a green laser
(B) Microwaves
(C) Radio waves
(D) Sound waves
10 An electric motor is connected to a power supply of constant voltage. The motor is
allowed to run at different speeds by adjusting a brake.
Which graph best shows how the current through the motor varies with speed?
11 A transformer has a primary coil with 60 turns and a secondary coil with 2300 turns.
If the primary voltage to the transformer is 110 V, what is the secondary voltage?
(A) 2.4 104 V
(B) 2.4 102 V
(C) 1.3 103 V
(D) 4.2 103 V
Speed0
Current
(B)
Current
Speed0
(A)
Current
Speed0
(C)
Current
Speed0
(D)
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12 Which of the following statements best describes the reason why some materials become
superconducting at very low temperatures?
(A) The ions in the superconductor form a regular crystal lattice. There are long
channels through the lattice along which the electrons can pass without colliding
with the lattice.
(B) Vibrations of the crystal lattice are so small that they do not interfere with the
motion of the electrons.
(C) Electrons in a superconductor have very low energy. Their energy is so low that
they cannot transfer energy to the crystal lattice in a collision.
(D) Electrons pair up. These electron pairs pass through the crystal lattice of the
superconductor without losing energy in collisions with the lattice.
13 A rocket car moves on a straight horizontal track. Half of the initial mass of the rocketcar is propellant. During the run, propellant is consumed at a constant rate and ejected at
a constant nozzle velocity.
Which of the following best describes the force propelling the rocket car, and the
magnitude of the acceleration of the rocket car while the propellant is being ejected?
Acceleration
constant
constant
increasing
increasing
Force
constant
increasing
constant
increasing
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
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14 Two straight metal rods, P and Q, have the same length. They are each pivoted at one end
and rotated with the same angular velocity so that they sweep out horizontal circular
paths as shown in diagramsXand Y. A constant currentI is flowing along each rod, as
shown.
In diagram X, a constant magnetic field is applied at right angles to the plane of thecircular path. In diagram Y, a uniform magnetic field of the same magnitude is applied
in the plane of the circular path.
Which of the following statements about the forces acting on rod P and rod Q is correct?
(A) The magnitude of the force on P is exactly the same as the magnitude of the force
on Q at all times.
(B) The magnitude of the force on P is constant and the magnitude of the force
on Q is zero.
(C) The magnitude of the force on P is constant and the magnitude of the force
on Q varies with time.
(D) The magnitude of the force on P varies with time and the magnitude of the force
on Q is constant.
I
P
IQ
DiagramX Diagram Y
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15 A student releases a ball from eye level. The ball bounces several times.
Which velocity vs time graph best represents the balls motion?
Velocity
Time
Velocit
yTime
Velocity
Time
Velocity
Time
(B)
(C)
(D)
(A)
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Section I (continued)
Part B 60 marksAttempt Questions 1626
Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part
Answer the questions in the spaces provided.
Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.
Marks
Question 16 (4 marks)
Muons are very short-lived particles that are created when energetic protons collide
with each other. A beam of muons can be produced by very-high-energy particle
accelerators.
The high-speed muons produced for an experiment by the Fermilab accelerator are
measured to have a lifetime of 5.0 microseconds. When these muons are brought to
rest, their lifetime is measured to be 2.2 microseconds.
(a) Name the effect demonstrated by these observations of the lifetimes of the
muons.
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(b) Calculate the velocity of the muons as they leave the accelerator.
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2001 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
Physics
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Question 17 (6 marks)
A rocket was launched vertically to probe the upper atmosphere. The vertical velocity
of the rocket as a function of time is shown in the graph.
(a) Using either words or calculations, compare the acceleration of the rocket at
t = 20 s with its acceleration at t = 100 s.
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(b) Account for the shape of the graph over the range of time shown.
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2
Velocity(kms
1)
Time after lift-off (s)
0 40 80 120 160 200 240
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0
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Marks
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Section I Part B (continued)
Marks
Question 18 (6 marks)
A 30 kg object,A, was fired from a cannon in projectile motion. When the projectile
was at its maximum height of 25 m, its speed was 20 m s1.
An identical object, B, was attached to a mechanical arm and moved at a constant
speed of 20 m s1 in a vertical half-circle. The length of the arm was 25 m.
Ignore air resistance.
(a) Calculate the force acting on objectA at its maximum height.
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(b) Calculate the time it would take objectA to reach the ground from its position
of maximum height.
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(c) Describe and compare the vertical forces acting on objects A and B at their
maximum heights.
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3
2
1
25 m
20 m s1
25 m
20 m s1
PivotGround Ground
A B
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Physics
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Question 19 (4 marks)
How does Einsteins Theory of Special Relativity explain the result of the
MichelsonMorley experiment?
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Question 20 (4 marks)
The electrical supply network uses a.c. and a variety of transformers between the
generating stations and the final consumer.
Explain why transformers are used at various points in the network.
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Section I Part B (continued)
Marks
Question 21 (3 marks)
A fan that ventilates an underground mine is run by a very large d.c. electric motor.
This motor is connected in series with a variable resistor to protect the windings in the
coil.
When the motor is starting up, the variable resistor is adjusted to have a largeresistance. The resistance is then lowered slowly as the motor increases to its
operating speed.
Explain why no resistance is required when the motor is running at high speed, but a
substantial resistance is needed when the motor is starting up.
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Question 22 (7 marks)
Two parallel wires are separated by a distance of 0.75 m. WireX is 3.0 m long and
carries a current of 2.0 A. Wire Ycan be considered to be infinitely long and carries a
current of 5.0 A. Both currents flow in the same direction along the wires.
(a) What is the direction of the force that exists between the two wires?
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(b) On the axes, sketch a graph that shows how the force between the two wires
would vary if the length of WireXwas increased.
(c) In your Physics course you have performed a first-hand investigation to
demonstrate the motor effect. Explain how your results demonstrated that effect.
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Length of WireX
Force
2
1
WireX
Wire Y
2.0 A
5.0 A
0.75 m
3.0 m
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Question 23 (6 marks)
Discuss the effects of the development of electrical generators on society and the
environment.
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Section I Part B (continued)
Marks
Question 24 (6 marks)
Sir William Bragg and his son Sir Lawrence Bragg shared the Nobel prize for physics
in 1915 for their work on X-ray diffraction and crystal structure analysis.
(a) Describe ONE way in which an understanding of crystal structure has impacted
on science.
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(b) Outline the methods of X-ray diffraction used by the Braggs to determine the
structure of crystals.
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Question 25 (6 marks)
A student carried out an experiment on the photoelectric effect. The frequency of the
incident radiation and the energy of the photoelectrons were both determined from
measurements taken during the experiment.
The results obtained are shown in the table:
(a) Graph these results on the grid, including the line of best fit.
Question 25 continues on page 23
4
Energy of photoelectrons
( 1019 J)
1.22
1.70
3.70
3.053.38
3.91
Frequency of incident radiation
( 1014 Hz)
6.9
8.2
9.1
9.910.6
11.8
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Question 25 (continued)
(b) How could the reliability of the experiment be improved?
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Question 26 (8 marks)
In the context of semiconductors, explain the concept of electrons and holes.
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Section II
25 marksAttempt ONE question from Questions 2731
Allow about 45 minutes for this section
Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available.
Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.
Pages
Question 27 Geophysics ..................................................................... 26
Question 28 Medical Physics ............................................................. 27
Question 29 Astrophysics ............................................................. 2829
Question 30 From Quanta to Quarks .................................................. 30
Question 31 The Age of Silicon ......................................................... 31
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Question 27 Geophysics (25 marks)
(a) (i) Name the instrument used in local gravity surveys.
(ii) Describe how that instrument is used in resource exploration.
(b) The diagram shows a map of the part of an ocean that includes two chains of
features, a chain of islands and a chain of seamounts.
(i) Name the geophysical phenomenon that accounts for the shape of the
chain of islands.
(ii) Account for the formation and alignment of the chain of islands and the
chain of seamounts.
(c) Describe how you carried out a first-hand investigation to determine the
relationship between the nature of a surface and the radiation reflected from it.
(d) When the theory of plate tectonics was first proposed, some parts of the
scientific community were reluctant to accept it.
Discuss the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence leading to its acceptance.
(e) Discuss how information gathered from seismic observations has led to greater
understanding of the structure of the Earth.
8
6
4
3
1
Ocean
Chainofislands
Age
(Ma)
Chain
ofse
amounts
Continent
5447
4328
2212
7 5 4 20
56
63
N
2
1
26
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Question 28 Medical Physics (25 marks)
(a) (i) Identify the purpose of a coherent bundle of optical fibres in an
endoscope.
(ii) An optical fibre consists of a central core surrounded by cladding.
Describe the role of the core and cladding.
(b) The table shows information relating to the transmission of sound through some
types of body tissue.
(i) Identify ONE property of ultrasound.
(ii) Justify why, in an ultrasound scan, a boundary between muscle and bone
would show up more clearly than would a boundary between muscle
and fat.
(c) You have conducted a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the Doppler effect.
Describe your investigation and conclusions.
(d) CAT scans provide more information than X-rays, so they should be used
whenever possible. Discuss this statement.
(e) Explain why MRI can be used to detect cancerous tissues. 8
6
4
3
1
Velocity of sound
(m s1)
1630
1460
3050
Density
(kg m3)
1040
945
2560
Acoustic impedance
( 106 kg m2 s1)
1.70
1.38
7.80
Tissue
Muscle
Fat
Bone
2
1
27
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Question 29 Astrophysics (25 marks)
(a) (i) Define the term binary stars.
(ii) Describe the characteristics of its spectrum that identify a spectroscopicbinary.
(b) The table shows information about three stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
(i) Identify which of the stars has the greatest surface temperature.
(ii) If Deneb and Betelgeuse were viewed from the same distance, which
would appear brighter? Justify your answer.
Question 29 continues on page 29
3
1
Apparent
magnitude
+0.41
+0.47
+1.24
Distance from
Sun (parsecs)
184
20
429
Spectral
class
M2
B5
A2
Name
Betelgeuse
Achernar
Deneb
2
1
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Question 29 (continued)
(c) A student carried out an experiment to examine the spectra of various light
sources through spectroscopes as shown in the diagram. The student observed
three different spectra.
Account for the differences in the three observed spectra.
(d) A new generation of Earth-based optical telescopes is advancing optical
astronomy. Describe the advances in design that have been incorporated in large
telescopes over recent years.
(e) Explain how the data presented in HertzsprungRussell diagrams may be used
to understand the evolution of stars.
End of Question 29
8
6
Incandescentlamp
Spectroscope
X
Full rangeof colours
Sodium vapourlamp
Spectroscope
Y
Two yellow lines on a dark
background
Incandescent
lamp
Spectroscope
Z
Sodium
vapour
Range of colours with two
black lines
4
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Question 30 From Quanta to Quarks (25 marks)
(a) (i) Define nucleon.
(ii) Contrast ONE property of nucleons.
(b) The table shows the quantum numbers of the four lowest states of the hydrogen
atom, together with the energies of those states.
(i) What is the energy of the photon emitted when an electron in the n = 4
level makes a transition to the n = 3 level?
(ii) Use the data to draw the energy level diagram for hydrogen, and indicate
on this diagram where the energy levels lie for quantum numbers greater
than 4.
(c) Describe how you carried out a first-hand investigation to determine the
penetrating power of alpha, beta and gamma radiation on a range of materials.
(d) The Manhattan Project is the codename given to the development of atomic
(nuclear fission) bombs during World War II.
Discuss the significance of this project for society.
(e) Analyse how Chadwicks and Fermis work resulted in a greater understanding
of the atom.
8
6
4
3
1
Energy (joule)
0
1.63 1018
1.94 1018
2.04 1018
Quantum number, n
1 (Ground state)
2
3
4
2
1
30
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Question 31 The Age of Silicon (25 marks)
(a) (i) State the name of the transducer that is commonly used in a light meter
of a camera.
(ii) Describe the relationship between the amount of light incident on the
transducer referred to in part (i), and its resistance.
(b) An ideal differential-input operational amplifier is connected into the following
circuit.
(i) Explain the function of the 500 k resistor in this circuit.
(ii) Determine the output voltage, Vout.
(c) A student constructed the following circuit in which four different logic gates
were used. The circuit had two inputs,A andB, and one output, S.
For each of the possible input states ofA andB, construct a truth table showing
the output of Gate 1 at P, Gate 2 at Q, Gate 3 atR and Gate 4 at S.
(d) Discuss the possibility that there may be a limit on the growth of computer
power.
(e) Discuss the impact that developments in electronics have had on society.
End of paper
8
6
A
B
PGate 1
Gate 3
Gate 2 Gate 4Q
R S
Key
Gate
1
2
3
4
Function
NAND
NOT
NOR
OR
4
3
1
500 k
25 k
+
Vout
Vin=+0.4 V Op. amp.
2
1
31
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33
DATA SHEET
Charge on the electron, qe 1.602 1019 C
Mass of electron,me 9.109 1031 kg
Mass of neutron,mn 1.675 1027 kg
Mass of proton,mp 1.673 1027 kg
Speed of sound in air 340 m s1
Earths gravitational acceleration,g 9.8 m s2
Speed of light, c 3.00 108 m s1
Magnetic force constant, 2.0 107 N A2
Universal gravitational constant,G 6.67 1011 N m2 kg2
Mass of Earth 6.0 1024 kg
Plancks constant, h 6.626 1034 J s
Rydbergs constant, RH 1.097 107 m1
Atomic mass unit,u 1.661 1027 kg
931.5 MeV/c2
1 eV 1.602 1019 J
Density of water, 1.00 103 kg m3
Specific heat capacity of water 4.18 103 J kg1 K1
k
0
2
2001 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
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35
FORMULAE SHEET
F qvB
E V
d
E h f
Z v
I
I
Z Z
Z Z
Rn n
h
mv
V
V
AV
V V
r
H
f i
=
=
=
=
=
[ ]
+[ ]
=
=
=
=+
sin
o
out
in
o
o
Amplifier gain
2 1
2
2 1
2
2 2
1 1 1
EGm m
r
v u at
v u
v u a y
x u t
y u t a t
s
t
u v
l l v
c
tt
v
c
p
x x
y y y
x
y y
v
v
=
= +
=
= +
=
= +
= +
=
=
1 2
2 2
2 2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
o
o
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1179F
19.00
Fluorine
17Cl
35.45
Chlorine
35Br
79.90
Bromine
53I126.9
Iodine
85At
[210.0]
Astatine
1157N
14.01
Nitrogen
15P30.97
Phosphorus
33As
74.92
Arsenic
51Sb121.8
Antimony
83Bi
209.0
Bismuth
113
5B10.81
Boron
13Al
26.98
Aluminium
31Ga69.72
Gallium
49In114.8
Indium
81Tl
204.4
Thallium
107Bh
[264.1]
Bohrium
108Hs
[265.1]
Hassium
1
09Mt
[2
68]
Meitnerium
110Uun
Ununnilium
111Uuu
Unununium
112UubUnunbium
114Uuq
Ununquadium
1
16
U
uhUnunhexium
118Uuo
Ununoctium
87Fr
[223.0]
Francium
88Ra
[22
6.0]
Radium
89103
Actinides
104Rf
[261.1]
Rutherfordium
105Db
[262.1]
Dubnium
106Sg
[263.1]
Seaborgium
57La138.9
Lanthanum
89Ac
[227.0]
Actinium
1H1.008
Hydrogen
Symbolofelement
Nameofelement
PERIODIC
TABL
E
OFTHE
ELEMENTS
K
EY
2He
4.003
Helium
3Li
6.941
Lithium
4Be
9.012
Beryllium
AtomicNumber
AtomicWeight
79Au
197.0
Gold
6C12.01
Carbon
8O
16.00
Oxygen
10Ne
20.18
Neon
11Na
22.99
Sodium
12
M
g
24
.31
Mag
nesium
14Si
28.09
Silicon
16S
32.07
S
ulfur
18Ar
39.95
Argon
19K39.10
Potassium
20Ca
40
.08
Ca
lcium
21Sc44.96
Scandium
22Ti
47.87
Titanium
23V50.94
Vanadium
24Cr
52.00
Chromium
25Mn
54.94
Manganese
26Fe55.85
Iron
27Co
58.93
C
obalt
28Ni
58.69
Nickel
29Cu63.55
Copper
30Zn65.39
Zinc
32Ge
72.61
Germanium
34Se
78.96
Selenium
36Kr
83.80
Krypton
37Rb85.47
Rubidium
38Sr
87
.62
Strontium
39Y88.91
Yttrium
40Zr
91.22
Zirconium
41Nb92.91
Niobium
42Mo
95.94
Molybdenum
43Tc
[98.91]
Technetium
44Ru101.1
Ruthenium
45Rh
102.9
Rh
odium
46Pd106.4
Palladium
47Ag107.9
Silver
48Cd112.4
Cadmium
50Sn118.7
Tin
52Te
127.6
Tellurium
54Xe
131.3
Xenon
55Cs
132.9
Caesium
56Ba
13
7.3
Barium
5771
Lanthanides
72Hf
178.5
Hafnium
73Ta180.9
Tantalum
74W183.8
Tungsten
75Re186.2
Rhenium
76Os
190.2
Osmium
77Ir
192.2
Iridium
78Pt
195.1
Platinum
79Au197.0
Gold
80Hg200.6
Mercury
82Pb207.2
Lead
84Po
[210.0]
Polonium
86Rn
[222.0]
Radon
58Ce140.1
Cerium
59Pr140.9
Praseodymium
60Nd144.2
Neodymium
61Pm
[146.9]
Promethium
62Sm150.4
Samarium
63Eu
152.0
Europium
64Gd157.3
Gadolinium
65Tb158.9
Terbium
66Dy162.5
Dysprosium
67Ho164.9
Holmium
68Er167.3
Erbium
69Tm168.9
Thulium
70Yb
173.0
Ytterbium
71Lu175.0
Lutetium
90Th232.0
Thorium
91Pa231.0
Protactinium
92U238.0
Uranium
93Np
[237.0]
Neptunium
94Pu
[239.1]
Plutonium
95
A
m
[241.1]
Americium
96Cm
[244.1]
Curium
97Bk
[249.1]
Berkelium
98Cf
[252.1]
Californium
99Es
[252.1]
Einsteinium
100Fm
[257.1]
Fermium
101Md
[258.1]
Mendelevium
102No
[259.1]
No
belium
103Lr
[262.1]
Lawrencium
Actinides
Lanthanides
Wheretheatom
icweightisnotknown,therelativeatomicmassofthemostcommonradioactiveisotopeisshowninbrackets.
TheatomicweightsofNpandTcaregivenfortheisotopes237Npand99Tc.
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General Instructions
Reading time 5 minutes
Working time 3 hours
Write using black or blue pen
Draw diagrams using pencil
Board-approved calculators may
be used
A data sheet, formulae sheets and
Periodic Table are provided at
the back of this paper
Write your Centre Number and
Student Number at the top of
pages 13, 17, 21 and 23
Total marks 100
Pages 225
75 marks
This section has two parts, Part A and Part B
Part A 15 marks Attempt Questions 115
Allow about 30 minutes for this part
Part B 60 marks
Attempt Questions 1627
Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part
Pages 2737
25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 2832
Allow about 45 minutes for this section
Section II
Section I
Physics
433
2002H I G H E R S C H O O L C E R T I F I C A T E
E X A M I N A T I O N
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2
Section I75 marks
Part A 15 marks
Attempt Questions 115
Allow about 30 minutes for this part
Use the multiple-choice answer sheet.
Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval
completely.
Sample: 2 + 4 = (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 9
A B C D
If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the
new answer.
A B C D
If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer, then
indicate the correct answer by writing the word correctand drawing an arrow as follows.
correct
A B C D
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1 The diagram shows the trajectory of a golf ball.
Which set of arrows shows the direction of the acceleration of the ball at points P and Q
respectively?
2 A spaceship is travelling at a very high speed. What effects would be noted by a
stationary observer?
(A) Time runs slower on the spaceship and it contracts in length.
(B) Time runs faster on the spaceship and it contracts in length.
(C) Time runs slower on the spaceship and it increases in length.
(D) Time runs faster on the spaceship and it increases in length.
3 The table shows the value of the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Earth and
on the surface of Mercury.
A person has a weight of 550 N on the surface of Earth.
What would be the persons weight on the surface of Mercury?
(A) 56.1 N
(B) 213 N
(C) 550 N
(D) 1420 N
Acceleration due to gravity(ms2)
Earth
Mercury
9.8
3.8
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
At P At Q
P Q
3
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6 What is the role of a transformer at an electrical power station?
(A) To reduce heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the voltage
(B) To reduce heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the current
(C) To increase heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the voltage
(D) To increase heating in the transmission lines by stepping up the current
7 A student performed an experiment to measure the force on a long current-carrying
conductor placed perpendicular to an external magnetic field.
The graph shows how the force on a 1.0 m length of the conductor varied as the current
through the conductor was changed.
What was the magnitude of the external magnetic field in this experiment?
(A) 0.23 T
(B) 1.1 T
(C) 2.1 T
(D) 4.3 T
Current (A)3.0
0.7
Force (N)
5
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8 A single-turn coil of wire is placed in a uniform magnetic fieldB, so that the plane of the
coil is parallel to the field, as shown in the diagrams. The coil can move freely.
An electric currentIflows around the coil in the direction shown.
In which direction does the coil begin to move as a consequence of the interactionbetween the external magnetic field and the current?
IB B
BB
(A)
I
(B)
I
(C)
I
(D)
6
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9 In a student experiment, a bar magnet is dropped through a long plastic tube of length l
and diameter d. The time taken for it to hit the floor is recorded.
The experiment is repeated using a copper tube of the same length and diameter.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(A) The magnet will take the same time to hit the floor in both cases.
(B) The magnet will come to rest in the middle of the copper tube.
(C) The magnet will take longer to fall through the copper tube.
(D) The magnet will take longer to fall through the plastic tube.
Plastic Copper
d dl
N
S
N
S
7
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10 The coil of an AC generator rotates at a constant rate in a magnetic field as shown.
Which of the following diagrams represents the curve of induced emf against position?
PositionInduced
emf
(A)
P
R T
Q
S
PositionInduced
emf
(B)
P
R
T
Q S
PositionInduced
emf
(C)
P R
TQ S
PositionInduced
emf
(D)
P R T
Q S
P
B B B B B
Q R S T
8
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11 Which of the following describes an n-type semiconductor?
(A) A semiconductor doped to produce extra free electrons
(B) A semiconductor doped to remove free electrons
(C) A semiconductor doped to produce extra holes
(D) An undoped semiconductor
12 Which of the following graphs shows the behaviour of a superconducting material?
Resistance
()
(A)
Temperature (K)
Resistance
()
(B)
Temperature (K)
Resistance()
(C)
Temperature (K)
Resistance()
(D)
Temperature (K)
0
0
0
0
9
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13 The diagram shows the side view of a simple cathode ray tube.
What is the function of the components labelledR?
(A) To produce cathode rays
(B) To stop cathode rays striking the screen
(C) To deflect the cathode rays vertically
(D) To deflect the cathode rays horizontally
14 During the early 1950s most transistors were manufactured using germanium.
Why was germanium used instead of silicon?
(A) Silicon is more brittle than germanium.(B) Germanium could be more easily produced in a purified form.
(C) Germanium is a more abundant raw material.
(D) Silicon does not retain its semiconductor properties at high temperatures.
+ R
R
Fluorescent
screen
10
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15 A student carried out an experiment during which light of different frequencies was
shone onto a metal surface to produce photoelectrons.
The student measured the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons as the
frequency of light was altered.
The relationship between the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons and the
frequency of the light incident on the metal surface is given by:
Ek(max) = hf
where
Ek(max) = maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons
f = frequency of light used
h = Plancks constant
= a constant dependent on the metal used.
How could the student best analyse the data to determine a value for Plancks constant?
(A) Plot Ek(max) againstfand find the gradient of the line of best fit.
(B) Plot Ek(max) against and find the gradient of the line of best fit.
(C) Plot Ek(max) againstfand find the intercept of the line of best fit.
(D) Plot Ek(max) against and find the intercept of the line of best fit.
11
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BLANK PAGE
Board of Studies NSW 2002
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Section I (continued)
Part B 60 marksAttempt Questions 1627
Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part
Answer the questions in the spaces provided.
Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.
Question 16 (8 marks)
Please turn over
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Question 16 (continued)
(a) Outline TWO changes that could be made to the experimental procedure that
would improve its accuracy.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) Compare Kims and Alis methods of calculating g and identify the better
approach.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(c) Calculate the value of g from the line of best fit on Alis graph.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
End of Question 16
3
3
2
15
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Question 17 (4 marks)
Describe TWO difficulties associated with effective or reliable communications
between satellites and Earth.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
4
16
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Section I Part B (continued)
Marks
Question 18 (3 marks)
The graph shows the percentage transmission of electromagnetic radiation of various
wavelengths through the Earths atmosphere.
The Voyager II spacecraft transmits electromagnetic radiation to Earth at a frequency
of 2295 MHz.
Use the graph to justify the use of this transmission frequency.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
100
80
60
40
20
01010 109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 101 102
%t
ransmission
throughatmosphere
Wavelength (m)
3
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Question 19 (4 marks)
In one of Einsteins famous thought experiments, a passenger travels on a train that
passes through a station at 60% of the speed of light. According to the passenger, the
length of the train carriage is 22 m from front to rear.
(a) A light in the train carriage is switched on. Compare the velocity of the light
beam as seen by the passenger on the train and a rail worker standing on the
station platform.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) Calculate the length of the carriage as observed by the rail worker on the station
platform.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
3
1
18
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Question 20 (3 marks)
A student is investigating inertial and non-inertial frames of reference. The student
carries out a series of activities on a boat floating on a large, calm lake. The boat
remained level during these activities.
Each activity and the students observed results are recorded in the table.
Justify the students conclusion that: The boat can be regarded as an inertial frame of
reference.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
Observation
Ball fell vertically with increasing
velocity
Ball rolled across the floor with a
constant velocity
Ball rolled across the floor with aconstant velocity
Activity
Dropped a ball from a set height
Rolled a ball from one side of the
boat to the other
Rolled a ball from the back of theboat towards the front of the boat
3
19
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Question 21 (4 marks)
In his science fiction novel From the Earth to the Moon, Jules Verne describes how to
launch a capsule from a cannon to land on the moon. To reach the moon, the capsule
must leave the cannon with a speed of 1.06 104
m s1
. The cannon has a length of215 m, over which the capsule can be assumed to accelerate constantly.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration required to achieve this speed using
this cannon.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) Referring to your answer in part (a), explain why Jules Vernes method is
unsuitable for sending a living person to the moon.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
2
2
20
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Question 23 (7 marks)
(a) State Lenzs law.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) When the metal rod is moved upwards through the magnetic field as shown in
the diagram, an emf is induced between the two ends.
(i) Which end of the rod is negative?
...................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain how the emf is produced in the rod.
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
(c) Explain how the principle of induction can be used to heat a conductor.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
2
3
1
NS NS
EndX
End Y
Direction of motion
1
22
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Section I Part B (continued)
Marks
Question 24 (8 marks)
In terms of band structures and relative electrical resistance, describe the differences
between a conductor, an insulator and a semiconductor.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
8
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Question 25 (6 marks)
A pair of parallel metal plates, placed in a vacuum, are separated by a distance
of 5.00 103 m and have a potential difference of 1000 V applied to them.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength between the plates.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) Calculate the magnitude of the electrostatic force acting on an electron between
the plates.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(c) A beam of electrons is fired with a velocity of 3.00 106 m s1 between the
plates as shown. A magnetic field is applied between the plates, sufficient to
cancel the force on the electron beam due to the electric field.
Calculate the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field required between
the plates to stop the deflection of the electron beam.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
+
Beam of electrons 1000 V
4
1
1
24
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Question 26 (3 marks)
Some materials become superconductors when cooled to extremely low temperatures.
Identify THREE properties of superconductors.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
Question 27 (4 marks)
There are two areas in which energy savings can be made by the use of superconductors.
These are:
electricity generation and transmission;
transportation.
Discuss how energy savings can be achieved in each of these two areas.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
4
3
25
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BLANK PAGE
Board of Studies NSW 2002
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Section II
25 marksAttempt ONE question from Questions 2832
Allow about 45 minutes for this section
Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available.
Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.
Pages
Question 28 Geophysics ........................................................................... 2829
Question 29 Medical Physics ................................................................... 3031
Question 30 Astrophysics ......................................................................... 3233
Question 31 From Quanta to Quarks ....................................................... 3435
Question 32 The Age of Silicon ............................................................... 3637
2002 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
Physics
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Question 28 (continued)
(c) The graph shows the travel time for P waves and Swaves at different surface
distances from an earthquake epicentre.
(i) Contrast the properties of P waves and Swaves.
(ii) Account for the absence of Swaves at distances greater than 11 000 km
from the earthquake epicentre.
(iii) Identify how this graph supports the existence of a solid inner core
of Earth.
(d) Assess the application and advantages of TWO geophysical methods in mineral
exploration.
End of Question 28
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2
2
2
Surface distance from epicentre (km)
10
5
15
20
25
05000 10 000 15 000 20 000
S
P
P''
P'
P''
Traveltime(minutes)
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Question 29 Medical Physics (25 marks)
(a) (i) Briefly describe how an endoscope works.
(ii) Explain how a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan is produced.
(b) Technetium 99m is an artificial isotope which is frequently used to obtain a scan
of the human body.
(i) Using the graph, determine the half life of technetium 99m.
(ii) A patient is given an injection containing 6.0 1018 kg of
technetium 99m. The scan is taken four hours after the injection.
How much technetium 99m remains undecayed when the scan is taken?
(Give your answer in kilograms.)
(iii) Propose reasons why scans are best taken between two and five hours
after injection of this radioisotope.
Question 29 continues on page 31
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2
100
75
50
25
04 6 8 10 1 2 14 1 6 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 3 2 34 3620
Time (hours)
%o
ftechnetium9
9m
remaininginsample
1
4
2
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Question 29 (continued)
(c) The diagrams shown are an MRI of the human upper arm, an X-ray of a human
hand and a CAT scan of the human pelvis (hip bone) as seen in cross-section
from above.
MRI of human X-ray of human CAT scan of human pelvis (hipbone)
upper arm hand
Procedure time: Procedure time: Procedure time:
3060 minutes 5 minutes 40 minutes
(i) Identify TWO advantages of MRI scans over CAT scans.
(ii) A patient is brought into a hospital out-patients ward complaining of a
severe headache. He explains that he hit his head while playing football.The doctor thinks that the patient may be suffering from a fractured
skull.
Explain why the doctor would order an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis
of a fractured skull.
(iii) The patient, now diagnosed with a fractured skull, complains of other
symptoms that may indicate that he is suffering from brain damage.
Suggest ONE additional scan which may be required to confirm thisdiagnosis. Justify your choice.
(d) Assess the impact of medical applications based on ultrasound and the magnetic
field of particles within the body on modern society.
End of Question 29
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Question 30 Astrophysics (25 marks)
(a) (i) The star Algol is an eclipsing binary as viewed from Earth.
Describe the observations made by astronomers to identify a star as aneclipsing binary.
(ii) Binary stars are important in determining stellar masses.
Explain how the total mass of a binary star system can be calculated.
(b) The table gives information about various nearby stars.
(i) Which star from the table is the most blue in colour?
(ii) Calculate how much brighter Ross 154 is than Proxima Centauri when
viewed from Earth.
(iii) Sketch a labelled diagram indicating the information required to use the
trigonometric parallax method to determine the distance to Barnards
Star.
Question 30 continues on page 33
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1
ColourIndex
1.90
1.74
1.51
1.75
Apparentvisual magnitude
11.01
9.54
7.49
10.37
Distance(parsecs)
1.29
1.82
2.55
2.97
Star
Proxima Centauri
Barnards Star
Lalande 21185
Ross 154
4
2
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Question 31 From Quanta to Quarks (25 marks)
(a) (i) Describe Davisson and Germers experiment that confirmed the
de Broglie hypothesis of wave-particle duality.
(ii) Explain the stability of the electron orbits in the Bohr atom, using
de Broglies hypothesis.
(b) The diagram shows the kinetic energy distribution of the electrons emitted in the
-decay of 21083Bi into21084Po. The energy released during -decay depends on the
mass defect in the transmutation, as it does in nuclear fission.
(i) Identify the scientist who suggested that the existence of the neutrino
relates to the need to account for the energy distribution of electrons
emitted in -decay.
(ii) Use the data to calculate the mass defect in the -decay of210
83Bi.(Assume that the neutrino is a massless particle.)
(iii) Account for the energy distribution of electrons emitted in this -decay.
Question 31 continues on page 35
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0.1
9
8
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5
4
3
2
1
00 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3
Relativenumberofelectrons
Kinetic energy of electrons, Ek(MeV)
Nucleusor particle Mass(amu)
210Bi
210Po
e
209.938 57
209.936 78
0.000 55
End-point Ek(max)
4
2
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Question 31 (continued)
(c) The diagram represents the four spectral lines in the visible region of the
hydrogen spectrum known as the Balmer Series.
(i) Explain how the Balmer Series provides strong experimental evidence in
support of Bohrs model of the hydrogen atom.
(ii) Calculate the wavelength of the next line in the Balmer Series.
(d) Discuss how neutron scattering and ONE other process have been used to
increase our understanding of the structure of matter.
End of Question 31
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3
410 434 486 656
H H H H
Wavelength (nm)
NOT TO
SCALE
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Question 32 (continued)
(c) The table gives the output voltage of an amplifier as a function of the input
voltage.
(i) Describe the properties of an ideal amplifier.
(ii) Calculate the gain of this amplifier.
(iii) Propose why this amplifier is not suitable for input signals that vary
from250 microvolt to +250 microvolt.
(d) Early computers used thermionic devices. Later computers used transistors and
today computers use integrated circuits. Discuss the impact and limitations of
these developments.
End of paper
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