First Edition: December, 2023

STUDENT PRACTICE AND REVISION QUESTIONS

Incorporating Cognitive Domains of CD 2020
DSPGS Faculty & Team CAD

Subject: …………………………….
Grade: ……………………………...
 A Note to Students
Dear Students,

Your journey of learning is an exciting and enriching phenomenon. Hope you are enjoying it! Learning and
assessment are not just the two sides of a coin, but are the integral component of achieving desired
performance. With an aim to prepare you well for examination, we are introducing Student Practice and
Revision Questions (SPARQ).

What is SPARQ?
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How SPARQ will benefit you?

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How to use SPARQ?

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Wish you happy practising!

~Principal

SPARQ 2023
 Blueprint of Questions Types

GRADES: 6 - 9 & 11
Cognitive Domains Type of Questions No. of Questions on each Topic
Knowledge & Concepts MCQs upto 5 questions
(refers to theories & infor-
mation which the students
Very Short/Short Answer
learn in the class mainly upto 5 questions
Questions
through reading, listening,
writing & experiencing)

Skills & Competencies MCQs upto 5 - 6 questions

(refers to potential that Short Answer Questions (SAQ) upto 5 - 6 questions
enables students to use/
apply knowledge effective- Long Answer Questions (LAQ) upto 5 - 6 questions
ly in doing a task)

Problem Solving
(refers to potential that
enables students to use/
apply knowledge & skill in Long Answer Questions (LAQ) upto 5 - 10 questions
identifying and analyzing
a problem and solving it
creatively)

Cognitive Domains (CD 2020) Weightages (CD 2020)

Knowledge and Concepts 45%
Skills and Competencies 35%
Problem Solving Skills 20%

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Knowledge & Concepts

Chapter 10 Gravitation
1. Introduction to the concept of gravitation and the universal law of gravitation.
2. Motion of objects under the influence of gravitational force on the earth.
3. How the weight of a body varies from place to place.
4. Conditions for objects to float in liquids.

MCQ Exemplar # 01

Assessment Objective: You will be assessed to explain the concept of gravitation and the universal
law of gravitation, the motion of objects under the influence of gravitational force on the earth. how the
weight of a body varies from place to place and the conditions for objects to float in liquids.

Q1: What does the concept of gravitation primarily explain? (1)

(a) The behavior of light
(b) The interaction between charged particles
(c) The attraction between masses
(d) The transmission of sound waves

Answer: (c) The attraction between masses

Q2: According to the universal law of gravitation, how does the force of gravity between two objects
change if the distance between them is thrice? (1)
(a) It becomes 1/9
(b) It becomes four times
(c) It remains the same
(d) It becomes twice

Answer: (a) It becomes half

Q3: What term is used to describe the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth? (1)
(a) Centrifugal force
(b) Frictional force
(c) Gravitational force
(d) Magnetic force

Answer: (c) Gravitational force

Q4: How does the mass of an object affect the gravitational force it experiences? (1)
(a) Gravitational force is not influenced by mass
(b) Gravitational force decreases with increasing mass
(c) Gravitational force increases with increasing mass
(d) Gravitational force is inversely proportional to mass

Answer: (c) Gravitational force increases with increasing mass

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Knowledge & Concepts
Q5: What is the velocity of an object in free fall after 2 seconds of falling? (1)
(a) 19.6 m/s
(b) 14.7 m/s
(c) 9.8 m/s
(d) 4.9 m/s

Answer: (c) 9.8 m/s

Q 6: In the absence of air resistance, how does the mass of an object affect its rate of fall? (1)
(a) Mass has no effect on the rate of fall
(b) Heavier objects fall faster
(c) Lighter objects fall faster
(d) Mass increases the time of fall

Answer: (a) Mass has no effect on the rate of fall

Q 7: What is the relationship between weight and gravitational acceleration? (1)

(a) Weight is inversely proportional to gravitational acceleration
(b) Weight is directly proportional to gravitational acceleration
(c) Weight and gravitational acceleration are unrelated
(d) Weight decreases with increasing gravitational acceleration

Answer: (b) Weight is directly proportional to gravitational acceleration

Q 8: How does the weight of an object change as it moves to a location with a weaker gravitational
field? (1)
(a) It decreases
(b) It increases
(c) It remains the same
(d) It becomes zero

Answer: (a) It decreases

Q 9: What is the relationship between weight and mass? (1)

(a) They are the same quantity
(b) Weight is a measure of volume, while mass is a measure of force
(c) Weight is inversely proportional to mass
(d) Weight is directly proportional to mass

Answer: (d) Weight is directly proportional to mass

Q10: How does altitude affect the weight of an object? (1)

(a) Weight increases with altitude
(b) Weight remains the same at all altitudes
(c) Weight decreases with altitude
(d) Weight becomes zero at high altitudes

Answer: (c) Weight decreases with altitude

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Knowledge & Concepts

Q11: According to Archimedes' principle, what does the buoyant force depend on? (1)
(a) The volume of the liquid displaced
(b) The density of the object
(c) The mass of the object
(d) The shape of the object

Answer: (a) The volume of the liquid displaced

Q12: What is the condition for an object to float in a liquid? (1)

(a) The weight of the object is greater than the buoyant force
(b) The density of the object is greater than the density of the liquid
(c) The weight of the object is equal to the buoyant force
(d) The density of the object is equal to the density of the liquid

Answer: (c) The weight of the object is equal to the buoyant force

Q13: In which situation will an object sink in a liquid? (1)

(a) When its density is less than the density of the liquid
(b) When its density is greater than the density of the liquid
(c) When its weight is less than the buoyant force
(d) When its weight is greater than the buoyant force

Answer: (b) When its density is greater than the density of the liquid

SAQ Exemplars # 1

Q1: Briefly describe the universal law of gravitation formulated by Isaac Newton. (2)

Answer:
Isaac Newton's universal law of gravitation states that every point mass in the universe
attracts every other point mass with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their
masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
Mathematically, it can be expressed as F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the gravitational
force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses, and r is the distance between
their centers.

Q2: Discuss the importance of the concept of gravitation in understanding phenomena like tides on
Earth. (2)

Answer:
Gravitation is crucial in explaining tidal phenomena on Earth. The gravitational pull exerted
by the moon and the sun on Earth's oceans results in the formation of tides. The gravitational
force causes a bulge in the water on the side facing the moon and the side opposite it. As the
Earth rotates, two high tides and two low tides occur daily. Understanding gravitation is
essential to comprehend the regularity and patterns of tides.

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Knowledge & Concepts
Q3: Describe the impact of air resistance on the motion of falling objects. How does it affect their
acceleration? (2)

Answer:
Air resistance opposes the motion of falling objects and acts in the opposite direction to their
velocity. It decreases the net force acting on the object, leading to a reduction in acceleration.
As a result, the object experiences a slower rate of descent compared to the idealized case of a
vacuum where there is no air resistance.

Q4: How does the motion of an object differ when air resistance is considered versus when it is
neglected? (2)

Answer:
When air resistance is neglected, objects experience a constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s² in free
fall. However, when air resistance is considered, the force opposing motion increases with
speed, leading to a terminal velocity. The object reaches a constant speed where air resistance
equals the gravitational force, resulting in a balanced and constant net force.

Q5: Explain why the weight of an object is different on the moon compared to the Earth. (2)

Answer:
The weight of an object is different on the moon compared to the Earth because the moon has
a smaller mass and weaker gravitational field. Weight is directly proportional to the
gravitational acceleration and mass of the celestial body. Since the moon has less mass than the
Earth, the gravitational acceleration on the moon is weaker, leading to a lower weight for the
same object.

Q6: How does the weight of an object change with increasing altitude? Explain the relationship. (2)

Answer:
As altitude increases, the weight of an object decreases. This is because weight is directly
proportional to the gravitational acceleration. At higher altitudes, the distance from the center
of the Earth increases, and the gravitational acceleration weakens. Consequently, the weight of
the object decreases in accordance with the inverse square law.

Q7: State Archimedes' principle and describe how it explains the buoyancy of objects in liquids. (2)

Answer:
Archimedes' principle states that an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward
buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle explains the buoyancy
of objects in liquids: if the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, the object will
float; if it is less, the object will sink.

Q8: How does the shape of an object influence its ability to float in a liquid? (2)

Answer:
The shape of an object influences its ability to float in a liquid by affecting the volume of liquid
it displaces. Objects with larger surface areas or shapes that trap more air can displace more

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Knowledge & Concepts
liquid, increasing the buoyant force. This is why objects with streamlined shapes or hollow
structures are more likely to float compared to denser or irregularly shaped objects.

Q9: Explain why an object may sink in a liquid despite being made of materials that typically float. (2)

Answer:
An object may sink in a liquid despite being made of materials that typically float if its density
is greater than the density of the liquid. Even if the materials are buoyant, the overall density
of the object determines its ability to displace enough liquid to counteract its weight. If the
object is too dense, it will sink.

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies

MCQ Exemplar # 02
Assessment Objective: You will be assessed on the learning outcomes of the concept of gravitation and the
universal law of gravitation, the motion of objects under the influence of gravitational force on the earth, how the
weight of a body varies from place to place, and conditions for objects to float in liquids.
Q1: Assertion (A): The force of gravity between two objects decreases as the distance between them increases.
Reason (R): Gravity follows an inverse square law. (1)
Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Gravity follows an inverse square law, meaning that the force between two objects is
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. As the distance increases, the
force of gravity decreases.

Q2: Assertion (A): Satellites in orbit around the Earth experience microgravity. Reason (R): The gravitational
force acting on satellites in orbit is nearly zero. (1)
Options: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: While satellites in orbit experience a weaker gravitational force, it is not nearly zero. The
primary reason for the apparent weightlessness of satellites is that they are in free fall, creating the
sensation of microgravity.

Q3: Assertion (A): If an object is in free fall, it experiences an apparent weightlessness. Reason (R): In free
fall, both the object and the observer are accelerating at the same rate.
Options: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In free fall, both the object and the observer are accelerating at the same rate, creating the
sensation of weightlessness. This is correctly explained in option (a).

Q4: Assertion (A): The force of gravity is always attractive. Reason (R): Gravitational force depends on the
masses of the objects and the distance between them. (1)
Options: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Gravitational force is always attractive, and it depends on the masses of the objects and the
distance between them, as correctly explained in option (a).

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies

Q5: Assertion (A): A person weighs less at the equator than at the poles. Reason (R): The Earth's rotation
causes a bulge at the equator, reducing the gravitational force. (1)
Options: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: While it's true that a person weighs slightly less at the equator due to the Earth's rotation,
the reduction in weight is not primarily caused by a bulge. The Earth's rotation causes a centrifugal force
that counteracts gravity, but the explanation in option (b) is not entirely accurate.

Q6: Assertion (A): Gravitational force is a conservative force. Reason (R): The work done against gravity is
independent of the path taken. (1)
Options: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Gravitational force is a conservative force, and the work done against gravity is indeed
independent of the path taken, as correctly explained in option (a).

Q7: Which pair of objects will have the strongest force of gravity between them? (1)

Answer: (c)

Q8: Four different objects are placed in a tumbler of water. Which object will displace more water than its

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies
own weight? (1)

Answer: (b) Steel bowl

Q9: What competency is developed through experiments illustrating gravitation principles? (1)
(a) Linguistic skills
(b) Analytical and observational skills
(c) Musical skills
(d) Social skills

Answer: (b) Analytical and observational skills

Q10: Ayesha has four solid boxes. The handles of the boxes are of different thickness and size. All the
boxes along with their handles have the same mass. Ayesha tries to lift the four boxes one by one. Which
box will be the most difficult to lift? (1)

(a) box 1
(b) box 2

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies
(c) box 3
(d) box 4

Answer: (d) box 4

Q11: What competency is crucial for predicting the trajectory of a projectile under the influence of
gravity? (1)
(a) Artistic skills
(b) Mathematical skills
(c) Memorization skills
(d) Social skills

Answer: (b) Mathematical skills

Q12: How does knowledge of weight variation with location contribute to global awareness? (1)
(a) It has no relevance to global awareness
(b) By fostering an understanding of Earth's diverse environments
(c) By emphasizing isolation from global issues
(d) By limiting knowledge to local perspectives

Answer: (b) By fostering an understanding of Earth's diverse environments

Q13: A rectangular wooden block has the length, breadth and height of 40 cm, 35 cm and 10 cm,
respectively. This wooden block is kept on ground in three different ways, turn by turn. (1)

Which of the following is the correct statement about the pressure exerted by this block on the ground?
(a) The maximum pressure is exerted when the length and breadth form the base
(b) The maximum pressure is exerted when the length and height form the base
(c) The maximum pressure is exerted when the breadth and height form the base
(d) The maximum pressure is exerted when the length and height form the base
Answer: (c) The maximum pressure is exerted when the breadth and height form the base

Q14: Peter pours the same amount of four different liquids in separate cylinders. The cylinders are of the
same size. He then drops a glass marble in each of the four cylinders. (1)

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies

Peter notes the time the marble takes to reach the bottom of each cylinder. The table shows the results.
Liquid Time taken by the marble to reach the bottom of the cylinder (in seconds)
Liquid 1 1.8 sec
Liquid 2 1.5 sec
Liquid 3 0.8 sec
Liquid 4 1.0 sec

Which liquid exerted the most upward force on the marble?

(a) Liquid 1
(b) Liquid 2
(c) Liquid 3
(d) Liquid 4

Answer: (a) Liquid 1

Q15: How does understanding buoyancy contribute to critical thinking when designing objects that float in
specific liquids? (1)
(a) By limiting design options
(b) By excluding considerations of buoyancy
(c) By aiding in optimizing buoyant forces for desired outcomes
(d) By discouraging the application of critical thinking

Answer: (c) By aiding in optimizing buoyant forces for desired outcomes

Q16: How does the density of an object relate to its ability to float in a liquid? (1)
(a) Greater density increases buoyancy
(b) Density has no effect
(c) Less density increases buoyancy
(d) Density determines the color of the object

Answer: (c) Less density increases buoyancy

SAQ Exemplar # 02

Q1: Why is it essential for deep-sea diving vessels to be built of thick sheets of steel? (1)

Answer: Deep sea has very high-water pressure. Thick sheets of steel can resist high water pressures.

Q2: The formula for calculating the force of gravity between two objects is as follows: (1)

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies

What does G stand for in the formula?

Answer: G stands for universal gravitation constant.
Q3. What is gravitation, and how does it affect objects on Earth? (2)
Answer: Gravitation is the force of attraction between two masses. On Earth, it causes objects to fall
towards the ground.

Q4. Describe the factors that influence the strength of gravitational force between two objects. (2)
Answer: The strength of gravitational force depends on the masses of the objects and the distance
between their centers.

Q5. How would the absence of gravity impact everyday life on Earth? (2)
Answer: Without gravity, objects wouldn't have weight, and they would float freely. Everyday
activities like walking, sitting, and driving would be significantly different.

Q6. Describe how the gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon influences tides. (2)
Answer: The gravitational force causes ocean tides. When the gravitational pull is stronger on one
side, it creates a high tide, and on the opposite side, it creates a low tide.

Q7. Explain why astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS) experience apparent weightlessness.
(2)
Answer: Astronauts in the ISS are in continuous free fall towards Earth, creating a sensation of
weightlessness due to the balance of gravitational and inertial forces.

Q8. Discuss the factors that determine the time it takes for an object to fall freely from a certain height. (2)
Answer: The time of free fall depends on the object's initial velocity, acceleration due to gravity, and
the height from which it falls.
The formula t=√2h
g
relates time (t), height (h), and gravitational acceleration (g).

Q9. How does the shape of a parachute influence its descent when dropped from a height? (2)
Answer: The larger the surface area of the parachute, the more air resistance it encounters,
reducing the speed of descent. The shape and size of a parachute influence its descent rate.

Q10. Define weight and mass. How are they different from each other? (2)
Answer: Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, while mass is the amount of matter in an
object. Weight depends on gravity, while mass does not.

Q11. Explain why an object weighs less at the top of a mountain compared to sea level. (2)
Answer: At higher altitudes, the gravitational acceleration is slightly less, resulting in a reduction in
weight.

Q12. How does the weight of an object change when taken to the Moon? (2)
Answer: The weight of an object on the Moon is less than its weight on Earth due to the Moon's
weaker gravitational acceleration.

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies

Q13. How would the weight of an object change if taken to a planet with stronger gravity than Earth? (2)
Answer: The weight would increase on a planet with stronger gravity, as weight is directly
proportional to gravitational acceleration.

Q14. Describe an experiment to demonstrate Archimedes' principle. (3)

Answer: Submerge an object in water, and measure the volume of water displaced. The buoyant
force acting upward is equal to the weight of the water displaced.

Q15. Explain why ice cubes float in water. (3)

Answer: Ice cubes float because their density is less than that of water. The buoyant force is greater
than the weight of the ice cube, causing it to float.

LAQ Exemplar # 1

Case Study

Q1: During a mission to explore a distant planet, scientists observe that the gravitational acceleration on
the planet is significantly different from that on Earth. Analyze the implications of this difference in
gravitational acceleration on the weight and motion of objects on the planet's surface. (4)

Answer: The gravitational acceleration on a planet determines the weight of objects on its surface. If
the gravitational acceleration is greater than Earth's, objects will weigh more, and if it is less,
objects will weigh less. The motion of objects is also affected; a higher gravitational
acceleration requires more force to move objects, while a lower gravitational acceleration
allows objects to move more easily. This impacts vehicle design, human activities, and the
behavior of projectiles on the planet.

Q2: A group of students is conducting an experiment to explore how the weight of an object changes as it
moves away from the surface of the Earth. Describe the steps they should follow and the
observations they might make during this experiment. (4)

Answer: Steps:
1. Select different heights above the Earth’s surface.
2. Measure the weight of an object at each height using a spring balance or a weighing scale.
3. Record the distance of the object from the Earth’s surface at each height.
4. Analyze the data to observe any patterns or changes in weight with increasing distance.

Observations:
1. As the object moves away from the Earth's surface, its weight decreases.
2. The relationship between weight and distance follows the inverse square law, indicating
that weight is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the center of the
Earth.

Q3: Imagine a scenario where an astronaut is on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies
Discuss how the absence of significant gravity in space affects the astronaut's motion and activities
during the spacewalk. (4)

Answer: The absence of significant gravity in space affects the astronaut in the following ways:
1. Free Float: The astronaut experiences a state of free float, where there is no gravitational
force to pull them down. They can move in any direction with a slight push.
2. Tools and Equipment: Tools and equipment must be handled carefully, as they can float
away if not secured. Tethers and handrails are used to prevent accidental drifting.
3. Body Movements: Movements are more fluid, and astronauts often use handrails and
footholds to anchor themselves while working.
4. Orientation: Without gravity, there is no up or down. Astronauts rely on their training and
visual cues to maintain the correct orientation relative to the spacecraft or station.

Q4: In a fictional story, a group of explorers land on a distant planet where the gravitational acceleration is
stronger than on Earth. Explore the challenges they might face in terms of mobility, equipment, and
daily activities due to the increased gravity. (4)

Answer: Challenges:
1. Mobility: Movement becomes more difficult, and explorers may experience fatigue quickly
due to the increased effort required.
2. Equipment: Equipment designed for Earth's gravity may be too heavy or may not function
optimally in the stronger gravitational field.
3. Daily Activities: Simple tasks, such as carrying objects or walking, become more strenuous.
The explorers may need to adapt their daily routines to conserve energy.

Q5. Explore the role of gravitation in the formation and evolution of stars. How does gravity contribute to
stellar processes? (4)
Answer: Gravity plays a central role in the formation and evolution of stars. Nebulae collapse under
gravitational forces, initiating star formation. Gravity then causes stellar cores to contract and
temperatures to rise, leading to nuclear fusion. Throughout a star's life, gravity balances the
outward pressure from nuclear reactions, determining its size, luminosity, and eventual fate.

Q6. Explore how our understanding of gravitation has contributed to space exploration. How are
spacecraft trajectories influenced by gravitational forces from celestial bodies? (4)
Answer: Gravitational principles guide spacecraft trajectories. Gravity assists, where a spacecraft
gains or loses energy by interacting with celestial bodies, are common. For instance, a
spacecraft can slingshot around a planet to increase speed or alter its trajectory. Gravitational
assists maximize fuel efficiency and contribute to the success of space exploration missions.

Q7. Describe the factors affecting the motion of an object in free fall, considering both theoretical
principles and real-world influences. (4)
Answer: In free fall, theoretical principles include a constant acceleration of approximately 9.8 m/s²
due to gravity. Real-world influences, however, introduce air resistance. As an object
accelerates, air resistance increases, eventually balancing gravitational force and leading to a
terminal velocity. Understanding free fall requires integrating these theoretical and real-world
factors.

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies

Q8. Define weight and discuss how it differs from mass. Explore the relationship between mass, weight,
and gravitational acceleration. (4)
Answer: Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, while mass is the amount of matter
in an object. Weight is directly proportional to both mass and gravitational acceleration, as
described by the formula: Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration. Understanding these
relationships is crucial for accurate measurements and predictions in physics.

Q9. Explore the impact of altitude on weight variations. How does gravitational acceleration change with
altitude, and how does this affect the weight of an object? (4)
Answer: Gravitational acceleration decreases with altitude. As an object moves to higher altitudes,
the gravitational force acting on it weakens, leading to a reduction in weight. This relationship
is inversely proportional, with weight diminishing as altitude increases. Understanding
altitude-related weight variations is crucial for applications such as aviation and satellite
launches.

Q10. Investigate the concept of weightlessness in microgravity environments. How do spacecraft and
astronauts experience weightlessness, and what are the implications for human physiology and space
missions? (4)
Answer: Weightlessness in microgravity occurs when gravitational forces are balanced by the
continuous free fall of a spacecraft and its occupants. While gravity is still present, the
sensation of weightlessness allows astronauts to experience a unique environment. The effects
on human physiology, such as muscle atrophy and fluid distribution changes, pose challenges
for prolonged space missions, emphasizing the need to understand gravitational aspects in
space exploration.

Q11. Define Archimedes' principle and elaborate on its significance in explaining the buoyancy of objects
in liquids. Provide examples illustrating the application of Archimedes' principle. (4)
Answer: Archimedes' principle states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward
buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle explains why objects
float or sink in liquids. For instance, a ship displaces a volume of water equal to its weight,
experiencing an upward buoyant force that prevents sinking. Similarly, when an ice cube
floats in water, the buoyant force counteracts the weight, maintaining equilibrium.

Q12. Discuss the factors influencing the buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid. How does the
density of the object and the density of the fluid contribute to whether an object floats or sinks? (4)
Answer: The buoyant force on an object depends on its volume, shape, and the density of the fluid.
If the object's density is less than the fluid's density, it floats; if greater, it sinks. This is because
the buoyant force is determined by the displaced fluid's weight. Understanding how these
factors interact is crucial for predicting the behavior of objects in liquids.

Q13. Discuss practical applications of Archimedes' principle in everyday life. Provide examples where an
understanding of buoyancy is essential for design or functionality. (4)
Answer: Archimedes' principle finds applications in various aspects of everyday life. For example,
in designing hot air balloons, the buoyant force generated by heated air determines the
balloon's lift. Similarly, understanding buoyancy is crucial in designing boats and ships,

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Skills & Competencies
ensuring they float and remain stable in water. The principle is foundational in fields ranging
from engineering to transportation.

SPARQ 2023
 Cognitive Domain: Problem Solving

LAQ Exemplar #2

Assessment Objective: You will be assessed on their problem solving skill about the concept of
gravitation and the universal law of gravitation, the motion of objects under the influence of
gravitational force on the earth, how the weight of a body varies from place to place, and the
conditions for objects to float in liquids.

Q1: A satellite of mass 500 kg is in orbit around the Earth at a height of 500 km above the surface.
Calculate the gravitational force acting on the satellite. (5)

Answer: The gravitational force (F) acting on the satellite in orbit can be calculated using the
formula: F=G⋅mEarth⋅msatellite
r2
Here, r is the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite, which is the sum of the
radius of the Earth and the height of the satellite above the surface.

The mass of the Earth (mEarth) is approximately 5.97×1024 kg.

r=Radius of Earth + Height of satellite

r=(6.37×106m) + (5.00×105m)

r=6.87×106 m

Now, substitute the values into the formula:

F = (6.67×10−11Nm2/kg2)⋅(5.97×1024kg)⋅(500kg)
(6.87×106m)2

After calculation, F is approximately 432 N.

So, the gravitational force on the satellite is approximately 432 N.

Q2: A spacecraft is in deep space, far from any celestial body. If the mass of the spacecraft is 1000 kg,
calculate its weight. (5)

Answer: Weight (W) can be calculated using the formula:

W=m⋅g

In deep space, far from any celestial body, the acceleration due to gravity (g) is negligible.

Therefore, g≈0.

W=(1000kg)⋅(0m/s2)

So, the weight of the spacecraft is 0 N.

SPARQ 2023