2016 Physics WAEC SSCE (School Candidates) May/June

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Physics 1 - Objective Test Questions

The dimensions of momentum are
1. MLT
2. ML^-1T^-1.
3. MLT^-1.
4. ML^-1T.
A student measures the volume of a liquid using a measuring cylinder. What else needs to be measured by the student in order to determine the density of liquid?
1. Depth of the liquid in the cylinder
2. Mass of the cylinder
3. Mass of the liquid
4. Temperature of the liquid
The diagram above represents the graph of stress against strain for an elastic wire. The point Q on the graph is the (insert image)
1. elastic limit
2. breaking point
3. yield point
4. proportional limit
A ball is dropped from the top of a tower. Due to air resistance, it reaches terminal velocity. Which of the following statement(s) about its motion is/are correct? I. The acceleration of the ball is zero II. The net force on the ball is zero II. The velocity of the ball increases
1. I only
2. I and II only
3. II and III only
4. I, II and III
Which of the following substances lowers the surface tension of water?
1. Metal
2. Sand
3. Detergent
4. Paper
An object of volume 400cm³ and density 2.5gcm^-3 is suspended from a spring balance with half its volume immersed in water. Determine the reading on the spring balance. (Density of water = 1gcm^-3)
1. 1200g
2. 1000g
3. 800g
4. 400g
The diagram above illustrates a force distance graph for the motion of a wooden block. Determine the work done on the block when moved through a distance of 5 m.
1. 4J
2. 15J
3. 25 J
4. 100J
The two positions of a body undergoing a uniformly accelerated motion are (10s, 10 ms^-1) and (30s, 50 ms^-1) on the velocity-time graph. Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of the body.
1. 0.5 ms^-2
2. 2.0 ms^-2
3. 10.0 ms^-2
4. 40.0 ms^-2
At a birthday party, the celebrant pops a corked fruit wine. If the cork shoots out of the bottle at an angle of 40° to the horizontal and travels a horizontal of 4.50 m in 1.25 s, calculate the initial speed of the cork.
1. 4.2 ms^-1
2. 4.7 ms^-1
3. 5.6 ms^-1
4. 7.1ms^-1
A uniform metre rule is balanced on a fulcrum placed at the 35 cm mark by suspending a mass of 120 g at the 10cm mark. Calculate the mass of the metre rule.
1. 60g
2. 80g
3. 120g
4. 200g
A plank is placed along the path on which a wheel barrow containing sand is pushed at a construction site to prevent it from sticking as illustrated in the diagram above. The large area of the plank prevents the wheel barrow from getting stuck by (insert image)
1. increasing the reaction on the ground,
2. increasing the pressure on the ground.
3. decreasing the pressure on the ground,
4. decreasing the weight on the ground.
When a body is thrown vertically upwards, its velocity at the maximum height is
1. maximum.
2. zero.
3. double its initial value.
4. half its initial value
Resonance occurs when one vibrating object causes a second object to vibrate at its own natural
1. amplitude
2. speed
3. frequency
4. intensity
The mouth piece of a telephone handset converts
1. electrical energy to sound energy
2. sound energy to electrical energy
3. sound energy to radiowave
4. radiowave to sound energy
Four identical trolleys are loaded with different masses and move along a straight road at the same speed. Which of the trolleys has the greatest inertia. (all options are images)
1. Option a
2. Option b
3. Option c
4. Option d
In the clinical thermometer, the function of the kink is to I. prevent the back flow of mercury after use. II. ensure the back flow of mercury after use. Ill. maintain. the thermometric property of mercury. IV. allow the temperature attained to be read.
1. I only
2. I and II only
3. I and IV only
4. III and IV only
Which of the following statements correctly defines the boiling point of a liquid? The temperature at which the
1. saturated vapour pressure equals the atmospheric pressure.
2. molecules leave the liquid at a rate equal to the rate at which they return.
3. molecules leave the liquid at a rate higher than that at which they return.
4. molecules leave the liquid at a rate lower than the rate at which they return.
The diagram above is used to determine the
1. boiling point of water
2. atmospheric pressure
3. upper fixed point of a thermometer
4. amount of water in the atmosphere
An aluminium rod of length 1.8 m at 10°C is heated to produce a difference in length of 0.007 m. Calculate the temperature to which it is heated. (Linear expansivity of aluminium = 2.3 x 10^-3 K^-1)
1. 155°C
2. 160°C
3. 169°C
4. .179°C
A mercury-in-glass thermometer reads 4 cm at ice point and 29 cm at steam point. Calculate the temperature when the mercury level is at 9 cm.
1. 13°C
2. 20°C
3. 33°C
4. 38°C
The continuous stirring in the method of mixtures to determine the specific thermal capacity of a substance ensures
1. continuous dissipation of heat to the room
2. uniform distribution of thermal energy to all parts of the mixture.
3. that thermal energy is confined to the mixture
4. that there is rapid heat exchange
Which of the following statements is correct about the effect of dissolved salt on the freezing point of water?
1. The freezing point is lowered
2. The freezing point is increased
3. There is no change in the freezing point
4. The change in the freezing point depends on the temperature of the surrounding
A pressurized perfume bottle is left on the window pane of a room. What happens to the gas molecules of the perfume on a sunny day? They
1. expand
2. collide less often
3. move more rapidly
4. contract
Given that v, f and λ are the velocity, frequency and wavelength of a wave respectively. Which of the following equations is correct?
1. v = f ²λ
2. $f={\tfrac {v}{\lambda }}$
3. $f={\tfrac {v}{\lambda ^{2}}}$
4. $\lambda ={\tfrac {f}{v^{2}}}$
Three letters are placed in front of a plane mirror as illustrated in the diagram below. The image formed is illustrated by (insert Image)
1. JEJ.
2. JEL
3. ᒧƎᒐ
4. ᒐƎᒧ
The distance between two successive troughs of a wave is 0.4 m. If the frequency of the source is 825 Hz, calculate the speed of the wave.
1. 165.0 ms^-1
2. 330.0 ms^-1
3. 412.5 ms^-1
4. 825.0 ms^-1
X-rays and infra-red rays are both electromagnetic. Which common property do the waves have? Both waves
1. are longitudinal
2. have the same frequency
3. have the same wavelength
4. travel at the same speed in a vacuum
The image formed by a concave mirror is real, inverted and magnified, when the object is placed
1. at the focus
2. at the centre of curvature
3. beyond the centre of curvature.
4. between the centre of curvature and the focus.
Total internal reflection 1. is a phenomenon of refraction of light. II. occurs when light rays travel into a denser medium. III. occurs when the critical angle is just exceeded. IV. is a phenomenon of reflection of light. Which of the statements above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. I, II and III only
4. I, III and IV only
Complementary colours are those which
1. have the same refractive index
2. have the same wavelength
3. add-up to produce black light
4. add-up to produce white light
The diagram above illustrates the waveform of a note produced by vibrations in an air column of length L. If the speed of sound in air is V, derive an expression for the frequency of the note. (Insert Image)
1. ${\frac {V}{L}}$
2. ${\frac {5VL}{2}}$
3. ${\frac {5L}{4V}}$
4. ${\frac {5V}{4L}}$
The pair of musical instruments that works on the vibration of air in pipes is
1. piano and the organ
2. guitar and the flute
3. trumpet and the violin
4. flute and the trumpet
An astronomical telescope has objective and eye-piece lenses of focal lengths 3.5 m and 5 cm respectively. Determine the magnifying power of the telescope when in normal adjustment.
1. 70.0
2. 17.5
3. 7.0
4. 0.7
An aluminium cable of diameter 4 x 10^-3m and resistivity 3.0 x 10⁸ Ωm has a resistance of 21 Ω. Calculate the length of the cable. (π = 3.14)
1. 8.0 x 10² m
2. 8.8 x 10³ m
3. 8.0 x 10⁴ m
4. 8.8 x 10⁴ m
The ammeter A₂ shown in the circuit diagram above reads 3.0 A. Determine the reading of the ammeter A.
1. 12A
2. 9A
3. 7A
4. 2A
The electricity meters in houses measure energy units consumed in
1. kilowatt-hour
2. volt
3. ampere
4. coulomb
A man and his friend have masses 70 kg and 60 kg respectively. If they are seated 1.0 m apart, calculate the gravitational force of attraction between them. (G = 6.67 x 10^-11 Nm² kg²)
1. 1.59 x 10^-14 N
2. 2.80 x 10^-7 N
3. 1.30 x 10² N
4. 6.30 x 10¹³N
The p.d. across a parallel-plate capacitor is 10³ V. If the distance between the two plates is 10 cm, calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength between the plates.
1. 1.0 x 10⁴ Vm^-1
2. 1.0 x 10⁵ Vm^-1
3. 1.5 x 10⁵ Vm^-1
4. 2.0 x 10⁵ Vm^-1
Two different materials, rubbed against each other, acquire opposite charges when separated. This is an example of charging by
1. induction
2. friction
3. conduction
4. convection
Which of the following factors does not affect the e.m_f of a primary cell? Its
1. size
2. internal resistance
3. operating temperature
4. duration of usage
Two magnets are used to magnetize a soft iron bar PQ as illustrated in the diagram above. The correct polarity at P and Q respectively are
1. S and N
2. N and S
3. S and S
4. N and N
In storing magnets, keepers are used to
1. reduce self-demagnetization
2. cancel the effect of the earth’s magnetic field
3. protect the magnet from stray electric fields
4. increase the strength of the magnets
10 μC charge moves with a velocity of 1.0 x 10⁵ m^-1 at right angle to a uniform magnetic field of flux density 5.0 x 10^-4 T. Calculate the force on the charge.
1. 5.0 x 10^-5N
2. 5.0 x 10^-4N
3. 5.0 x 10⁵N
4. 5.0 x 10⁶N
Which of the following statements is not correct about steel and soft iron?
1. Steel is more readily magnetized than soft iron
2. Permanent magnets are usually made of steel
3. Soft iron is more readily magnetized than steel
4. Soft iron more readily loses its magnetism than steel
What determines the polarity at the ends of an electromagnet? The
1. magnitude of the current passing through the wire
2. material of the core of the magnet
3. material of the coil
4. direction of current in the wire
How many beta particle(s) are emitted in the radioactive decay of (insert chemical formula)?
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 5
The phenomenon by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavy nuclide with the release of energy is known as
1. radioactivity
2. nuclear fusion
3. nuclear fission
4. chain reaction
Which of the following graphs is correct for the decay of a radioactive substance with a half-life of 2 years? (all the options are images)
1. Option a
2. Option b
3. Option c
4. Option d
In a p-type semiconductor, the
1. number of holes are equal to the number of electrons
2. electrical resistivity increases
3. electrons are the majority charge carriers
4. holes are the majority charge carriers
Let Δx be the uncertainty in the measurements of position and Δp the uncertainty in measurement of momentum. The uncertainty principle relation is given as
1. Δx . Δp = h.
2. Δx . Δp ≤ h.
3. Δx . Δp ≥ h
4. Δx . Δp > h.

Physics 2 - Theory Questions

Part 1

State the dimensions of:
1. impulse;
2. acceleration;
3. work.
A projectile is fired with a velocity of 20 ms^-1 at an angle of 40° to the horizontal. Determine the components of the velocity of the projectile at its maximum height.
State three different materials that can be used to demonstrate Brownian motion.
An electron enters perpendicularly into a uniform magnetic field which has a flux density of 0.12 T. This results in a magnetic force of 9.6 x 10^-12 N on the electron. Calculate the speed of the electron as it enters the magnetic field. (e =1.6 x 10^-19 C)
List three uses of rockets.
1. What is doping?
2. Explain how doping improves the conductivity of a semiconductor.
The diagram above illustrates a cathode ray tube. Identify the components X, Y, and Z. (Insert image)

Part 2

1. Explain the term net force.
2. Define the principle of conservation of linear momentum and state one example of it.
3. A ball of mass 200 g released from a height of 2.0 m hits a horizontal floor and rebounds to a height of 1.8 m. Calculate the impulse received by the floor. (g = 10 ms^-2).
4. A body of mass 20g performs a simple harmonic motion at a frequency of 5 Hz. At a distance of 10 cm from the mean position, its velocity is 200 cms^-1. Calculate its:
  1. maximum displacement from the mean position;
  2. maximum velocity;
  3. maximum potential energy. (g= 10 ms²; π = 3.14)
1. Explain the terms:
  1. thermal equilibrium;
  2. fundamental interval
2. List two uses of the hydraulic press.
3. Name the material used to reset the steel index in the Six’s maximum and minimum thermometer.
4. 1. A nursing mother prepared her baby’s milk mixture at 85°C, in a feeding bottle. In order to cool it to 40°C, she immersed the bottle in an aluminium bowl of heat capacity 90 J K^-1 containing 500 g of water at 26°C. If the mass of the mixture is 300 g, calculate the specific heat capacity of the mixture. [Neglect heat losses and heat capacity of the bottle; specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg^-1K^-1]
  2. (α) Name two ways through which the bottle losses heat. (β) Name two industrial processes in which heat exchanger is used.
1. Define critical angle.
2. How are anti-nodes created in & stationary wave?
3. The angle of minimum deviation of an equilateral triangular glass prism is 45.2°. Calculate the refractive index of the glass.
4. An illuminated object is placed in front of a concave mirror and the position of a screen is adjusted in front of the mirror but no image is obtained on the screen. Give two possible reasons for this observation.
5. An illuminated object is placed at a distance of 75 cm from a converging lens of focal length 30 cm,
  1. Determine the image distance,
  2. the lens is replaced by another converging lens, the object has to be moved 25cm further away to have its sharp image on the screen. Determine the focal length of the second lens.
1. Explain briefly dielectric strength.
2. An electromagnetic wave has its wavelength shorter than those of radiowave and microwave but longer than that of visible light.
  1. Identify the wave.
  2. Name one suitable detector for the wave.
  3. Name one source of the wave.
3. An oil drop carrying a charge of 1.0 x 1o^-19 Cis found to remain at rest in a uniform electric field of intensity 1200 NC^-1. Calculate the weight of the oil drop.
4. An RLC series circuit consists of a 100 Ω resistor, 0.05 H inductor and a 25 μF capacitor. A 220 V, 50 Hz mains Voltage applied across the circuit. Calculate the:
  1. impedance;
  2. current. (π =3.14)
1. Explain the following terms:
  1. mass defect.
  2. binding energy of a nucleus.
2. 1. Assuming the wave nature of an electron, what is the effect of decreasing the speed of a photoelectron on its; (α) wavelength? (β)energy?
  2. A particle of mass 4.4 × 10^-21kg moves with a velocity of 10⁵ ms^-1, Calculate its wavelength (h = 6.6 x 10^-34 Js)
3. The diagram above shows part of a radioactive decay series. Use it to answer the following questions. (Insert Image)
  1. Name a pair of isotopes.
  2. Name the isotopes with which the series starts.
  3. Write down a nuclear equation for two examples of each of: (α) alpha decay; (β) beta decay.

Physics 3 - Practical Questions

Alternative A

1. You are provided with a uniform metre rule, a knife edge, some massed and other necessary materials.
  1. Determine and record the centre of gravity of the metre rule.
  2. Fix the 100g mass marked N at a point Y, the 80cm mark of the rule using a sellotape.
  3. Suspend another 50g mass marked M, at X, a distance A = 10cm from the 0cm mark of the rule.
  4. Balance the arrangement horizontally on the knife edge as illustrated in the diagram above.
  5. Measure and record the distance B of the knife edge from the 0cm mark of the rule.
  6. Repeat the procedure for four other valued of A = 15cm, 20cm, 25cm and 30cm.
  7. Tabulate your readings.
  8. Plot a graph with B on the vertical axis and A on the horizontal axis.
  9. Determine the slope, s, of the graph.
  10. Also determine the intercept, c, on the vertical axis.
  11. Evaluate: (α) $k_{1}=({\frac {1-2s}{s}})100;$ (β) $k_{2}={\frac {2c}{s}}-160$
  12. State two precautions taken to obtain accurate results.
2. 1. Define moment of a force about a point.
  2. State two condition under which a rigid body at rest remains in equilibrium when acted upon by non-parallel coplanar forces.
1. You are provided with a beaker, a thermometer, a stirrer, a measuring cylinder, bunsen burner, a wire gauze, a 50g mass, a pair of tongs, water, tripod stand and other necessary materials. (Insert image above)
  1. Using the measuring cylinder, measure 150 cm³ of water into the beaker.
  2. Record the volume v of the water in the beaker.
  3. Calculate the mass m of the water, given that m = ρv and; ρ = 1gcm^-3.
  4. Measure and record the initial temperature 0_o of the water in the beaker.
  5. Hold the 50g mass with the pair of tongs in the flame of the bunsen burner for 2 minutes.
  6. Quickly transfer the 50g mass to the water in the beaker.
  7. Stir gently and record the highest temperature θ₁ attained.
  8. Evaluate θ = (θ₁ - θ_o).
  9. Empty the content of the beaker and repeat the procedure above for other values of v = 200cm³, 250cm³, 300cm³ and 350cm³.
  10. Tabulate your readings.
  11. Plot a graph with m on the vertical axis and θ on the horizontal axis.
  12. Determine the slope, s, of the graph.
  13. Evaluate $k={\frac {50}{s}}$ .
  14. State two precautions taken to obtain accurate results.
2. 1. Define heat capacity.
  2. An electric kettle rated 1.2 KW is used to heat 800g of water initially at a temperature of 20°C. Neglecting heat losses, calculate the time taken for the kettle to heat the water to its boiling point. [Take boiling point of water = 101°C, specific heat capacity of water = 4200 Jkg^-1K^-1]
1. You are provided with a variable d.c. power supply E, a 2Ω standard resistor, a key, an ammeter, a voltmeter and other necessary materials. (Insert Image above)
  1. Set-up a circuit as shown in the diagram above with E =1.5 V
  2. Close the key K
  3. Take and record the voltmeter reading V
  4. Take and record the corresponding ammeter reading I
  5. Evaluate V^-1 and I^-1.
  6. Repeat the procedure for four other values of E = 3.0V, 4.5V, 6.0V and 7.5V
  7. Tabulate your readings.
  8. Plot a graph with V^-1 on the vertical axis and I^-1 on the horizontal axis starting both axes from the origin (0,0).
  9. Determine the slope, s, of the graph
  10. Also determine the intercept, c, on the vertical axis.
  11. State two precautions taken to obtain accurate results.
2. 1. State two methods by which an electric current can be produced.
  2. Calculate the value R in the circuit diagram shown above, given that the effective resistance of the circuit is 4.0Ω and the internal resistance of the cell is negligible. (Insert Image above)