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 PHYSICS COMPETENCE QUES TIONS WITH ANSWER FORM 3&4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WAVES ............................................................................................................................................ 4
RADIOACTIVITY ....................................................................................................................... 17
THERMIONIC EMISSION ........................................................................................................ 25
GEOPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY ........................................................................................... 28
CURRENT ELECTRICITY ....................................................................................................... 33
THERMAL EXPANSION, MEASUREMENT OF HEAT AND HEAT TRANSIFER ........ 41

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 TOPICS TO BE COVERED

1. WAVES
2. ELECTROMAGNETISM
3. ELECTRONICS
4. RADIOACTIVITY
5. THERNMIONIC EMISSION
6. GEOPHYSICS
7. ASTRONOMY
8. CURRENT ELECTRICITY
9. OPTICAL INSRUMENT
10. THERMA EXPANSION
11. TRANSFER OF THERMAL ENERFGY AND HEAT TRAMSFER
12. LIGHT F3&F1
13. PRESSURE
14. FORFCE AND EQUILIBRFUM
15. VECTORF AND FRFICTION
16. MEASUREMENT

1. WAVES
1. A bat can fly in the dark during the night
without hitting an obstacle. Explain
 A bat can fly in the dark during the night
because they are guided by ultrasonic
waves produced by them which is
reflected back
2. Why are all the string instruments
provided with hollow boxes?
 This is because when the strings are
set into vibrations, forced
vibrations are produced in the
sound box. This produces a loud
sound of the same frequency as that
of the string
3. During the day sound from distant
sources are not very clear unlike
during the night
 During the day sound waves are
refracted upwards from the hot
earth, while at night, sound waves
are refracted downwards, hence are
much louder.
4. Give reason why the amplitude of the
wave does not change as it crosses the
boundary?
 Because there is no LOSS of
energy therefore amplitude does
not change
5. Explain briefly why a sound produced
in hall with many people is heard more
clearly than when the hall has few
people.
 When a hall has many people most
of sound including echoes is
absorbed by clothes and skins of
audience, thus echoes do not occur
6. Why it’s not advisable for solder to
match along the bridge with the same
rhythm
 This is because the solders produce
vibration which is equal to natural
frequency of bridge called
resonance, that cause the bridge to
collapse before solders reach on it

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7. Explain why a musician must re-tune a 12. Explain why television reception in a
stringed instrument if its temperature place surrounded by hills is poor.
changes  Television waves are shorter and so
 When temperatures change, it not easily diffracted by hills.
varies the length of the string, this 13. State how the pitch of a sound wave is
cause frequency produced by a affected by the frequency.
string to change. Therefore,  The pitch increase with increase in
musician retunes adjust length for frequency
the getting appropriate frequency of 14. Explain on how does the size of the gap
sound and hence obtain a desirable in the barrier affect the diffraction of
tone waves?
8. Explain why a duck remains floating  The diffraction is the process of
at the same place as wave passes by the spreading out of wave when go
water in a lake through a gap. Thus when across
 This is because waves move energy the wide gap, the waves emerge
through a medium but do not almost straight or spread at a small
transfer particles. So when the degrees as shown in figure below
waves pass by duck floating on a
lake, the duck just bobs up and
down, but remains in its place
9. Explain why notes of the same pitch
p0layed on a violin and the flutes
sound differently?
 This is because each fundamental
notes its accompanied with its
overtone and always overtone for
string instrument are different but
for wind instrument are the same.
10. Guitar have a strings of varying
thickness, which of string (thicker or
thinner) produce the highest And when a waves either sound
frequency of musical notes? Explain wave or water wave crossing the
your answer. narrow gap , the waves spread at
 Thicker, because the frequency of high degree due to the higher
the sound produced by vibrating frequency of the wave as shown
string is inversely proportional to below
mass per unity length
11. State the reason why television and FM
radio waves have a shorter range than
medium waves (MW).
 Television and FM radio waves
have shorter wavelengths and are
not easily reflected by the
ionosphere but the Medium waves
have longer wavelengths and are
reflected by the ionosphere, thereby
increasing their range.
15. Briefly explain how the fundamental 𝑑 𝑑
Thus 𝑡𝑠 − 𝑡𝑐 = ( − ) = 7 =
𝑣 𝑐
frequency may alter during the day? 𝑠

 the fundamental frequency may 𝑑 𝑑

(343 − 3×108) = 2437.40𝑚
alter during a day due to the heat
supplied by sun that cause the The distance from the storm is
expansion of string or pipe, which 2437.40m
lead to alter the fundamental 19.How an echo differs from the
frequency reverberation?
16. Sound of explosions taking place on
 Echo occurs when long
other planets is not heard by a person
distances are considered
on the earth .explain.
 This is because between the other WHILE reverberation is
planets and earth surface there is multiple of reflected sound
a vacuum ,which restrict the which was considered a
sound wave to penetrate hence short distances
sound wave cannot be travelled in
20. Briefly explain when resonance
a vacuum
17. A sonar device on a submarine send
is said to occur
 A resonance occur when the
out a signal and receives an echo 5s
frequency produced by an object
later. Calculate the speed of sound in
is equal to the natural frequency
water if the distance of the object from
21. The diagram below shows the
a submarine is 3625m.
electromagnetic spectrum. Region D
Solution
represents visible light
Data given
Distance (d) =3625m
Time taken (t) =5sec
Velocity of sound in water (Vw) =?
2𝑑 2×3625
From V= 𝑡 = 5
V=1450m/s (a) Which region contains
The velocity of sound n water is 450m/s radiation produced in
18. During a storm, thunder is heard 7s nuclear reactors?
later after the lightning is seen. If the  Letter G-which represent
temperature of the air at the time of gamma ray
the storm is 28℃ , how far away is the
(b) Which region represents
storm cloud?
Solution radiation capable of
Data given promoting the production
Distance (d) =? of vitamin D in the skin?
Time taken (t) =7sec  Region E-Ultra-vi0lent
Velocity of sound in air at 28℃ (Vs) radiation
=343m/s
(c) Which region is contains
Velocity of light in air (C) =3 × 108 m/s
𝑑 𝑑
radiation used in radar
From Vs= and C=𝑡 system?
𝑡𝑠 𝑐
 B-represent micro wave

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22. Student carried out an experiment to
measure the speed of sound in air very
early in the morning and found the
speed to be 320 m/s. She repeated the
same experiment at noon and found
the speed to be 335 m/s. Give a possible
explanation for the differences
 This is because the speed of
sound is affected by temperature
In a very early morning the
temperature was low therefore
the speed of sound in air was low
At noon, the temperature of the
air had increased, leading to the
increase in the speed of sound in
air
23. How does resonance occur in an
acoustic guitar?
 Energy is transferred from the
strings to the hollow body and
both vibrate at the same
frequency.
24. Explain clearly with the diagrams, the
difference between a transverse and a
longitudinal wave.
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25. Mr. Jafari’s turning fork is labeled
512HZ, and most of students confuses
this statement. As form four student
how can you help them as physics
compe4te4nt learner?
 512HZ is a lowest frequency
produced by turning fork which is
known as fundamental
note/frequency
26. Describe how echo sounding is used to
locate a shoal of fish under a fishing
trawler?
 A sound pulse is sent directly
down into the water. The sound
wave is reflected off the fish and
received on board the trawlers. If
the speed of sound in water and
the time for the pulse to return are
known, the depth of the shoal of
fish can be calculated using speed
= 2×distance/time.
27. Explain why an empty vessel produce
more sound than a filled one?
 This is because the air molecules
in empty vessel have greater
amplitude and hence greater
intensity than liquid molecules in
the filled vessel
28.Differentiate between music and
noise

29.How is it possible to recognize a
person by his voice without
seeing him?
 It is possible because the
vibrations produced by the
vocal chords of each person
have a characteristic
waveform which is different
for different persons
30.How are electromagnetic waves
produced? What is the source of
the energy carried by a
propagating electromagnetic
wave?
 Electromagnetic waves are
produced by oscillating
charges which produce
oscillating electric field and
magnetic field. Source of the
energy carried by a
propagating electromagnetic
wave is the energy of the
accelerated charge
31.State the conditions for hearing
the echo distinctly
i. The minimum distance in
air between the source of
8
sound and the reflector
must be 17 m. It is
different in different
medium depending upon
the speed of sound in that
medium.
ii. The size of the reflector
must be large enough as
compared to the
wavelength of sound
wave.
iii. The intensity of sound
should be sufficient so that
the reflected sound
reaching the ear is audible.
32.Why are micro wave considered
suitable for radar systems used in
aircraft navigation?
 Micro waves are considered
suitable for radar systems
used in aircraft navigation
because they have a short
wavelength range (10-3 m –
0.3 m), which makes them
suitable for long – distance
communication.
33.The echo of a sound made by us
is not heard in a small room,
but it is heard distinctly in a big
hall or explain why are echoes
not heard in a small room?
 For an echo to be heard, the
minimum distance between
source of sound and the
reflector should be 17m, In a
small room the distance must
be less than 17m. So you
can't hear the echo in a small
room
34.Name three radiations in the 36.Illustrate how plane water wave
electromagnetic spectrum, and fronts are diffracted on passing
state three properties that are through a narrow gap or How
common to all electromagnetic does the size of the gap in the
waves. barrier affect the diffraction of
 Three radiation of waves?
electromagnetic wave are  Diffraction is the spreading
(a) Gamma ray out of water wave as it pass
(b) X-ray through a gap either narrow
(c) Ultra-violet radiation gap or thicker gap
 Properties which The diffraction at narrow
gap
are common are When a water waves crossing
i. They do not require material the narrow gap, the waves
medium to travel through spread at high degree due to
ii. They undergoes reflection, the higher frequency of the
refraction, interference and wave as shown below
diffraction
iii. They travel at the speed of
light (i.e. C = 3 x108 m/s in
vacuum)
iv. They carry no electric
charge
35.Why do we express the laws of
physics in mathematical form?
 We express the laws of The diffraction at wide gap
physics in mathematical Thus when across the wide
form because the laws of gap, the waves emerge almost
physics are generally straight or spread at a small
expressed as mathematics degrees as shown in figure
which are then used to make below
prediction about other
phenomenon. When physics
law is expressed in
mathematical form, it as far
preferable to the quantitative
statement. Moreover,
mathematics form permits us
to verify the various laws
experimentally.
37.How can diffraction through
opening cause interference?
 When a wave passes through
two slits, it diffracts at both
opening, thus the circular
wave emitted by one
opening can then interfere
with the circular waves
coming out the other
opening.
38.How does a sound from the disco
hall transmitted into your room?
Briefly explain
 Sound from a disco hall is
transmitted is transmitted
into the room by diffraction
of sound wave through the
small opening such As holes,
door and window, this
happen when sound from the
source is diffracted out of a
disco hall will reach the next
room easily.
Room (sound
Disco spread
speaker throughout in
all direction)
39.How is the destructive
interference used in noise
reduction system? Briefly
describe
 When two wave of the same
amplitude are travelling
different direction meet ,it
cause the crest and through
to meet at the same point and
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cause destructive
interference which lead
noise reduction to the
environment as shown in
figure below
40.How are micro waves used in
cooking?
 Micro wave are absorbed by
food molecules, this energy
absorbed cause the
molecules to vibrate rapidly
producing thermal energy
that cooks the food.
41.It possible for light to be
diffracted on passing through an
open window? explain your
answer
 No, light does not diffract
when it passes through the
window because for
diffraction of light to occur
must the width of slit or
opening be the order of
wavelength of light
42.Why don’t observe it when we
see light passing through doors
and windows?
 In everyday life you don’t
notice diffraction of light
around object or when
passes through open door or
window because the
wavelength of light is very
small and the slits like door
and windows are quite large.
43.A stretched taut string of length
40cm and mass 𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝒌𝒈 is
pulled with a tension of 100N.
determine the frequency of the
first and second harmonics when
is plucked at its middle
Solution
Data given
Length (L) =40cm=0.4m
Mass (m) =2 × 10−3 𝑘𝑔
Tension (T) =100N
Frequency for first harmonic (fo)
=?
1 𝑚𝑙
From 𝐹0 = √ =
2𝐿
1 0.4×100
√ =176.8HZ
2(0.4) 2×10−3
The first harmonic (𝐹0 ) =
176.8𝐻𝑍
Also from relation 𝐹1 =
2𝐹0 =2×176.8=353.6HZ
The second harmonic is 353.6HZ
44.A turning fork produces
resonance in a tube at 40cm and
85cm respectively. Calculate the
wavelength of the turning fork.
Solution
Data given
Length (𝐿1 ) =40cm
Length (𝐿2 ) =85cm
Wavelength =𝐿2 − 𝐿1 = 85 −
40 = 45𝑐𝑚
The wave length is 45cm
45.Why a ship cannot overturn
when hit by a strong or heavy
wave on one side?
 Ship have long and wide
projecting plates extending
from their bases into water to
increase stability. This is
because the projection meets
a lot of resistance and it tend
to sweep the large mass of
water wave caused by
opposing moment about the
Centre of gravity, that help a
ship to be safe from an
overturning.
SHIP
Ship
projection
Strong
𝑇
water
wave
Strong
46.Explain
water why a duck remains
wave
floating at the same place as a
wave passes by the water in a
lake.
 This is because waves move
energy through a medium
but do not transfer particles.
So when the waves pass by
duck floating on a lake, the
duck just bobs up and down,
but remains in its place
47.Explain how sound waves from
the barking dog spreads in your
room through window in the
night?
 Sound waves spreads in the
room by diffraction in which
the sound waves spreads
around the house and
through the openings of the
window.
 very little energy to
ELECTROMAGNETISM magnetize and demagnetize
48.Large transformers, when used 51.Explain what would happen if
for some time, become very hot the armature is made of steel in
and are cooled by circulating oil. electric bell.
The heating of the transformer is  If the armature is made of
due to: steel the hammer hits the
A. The heating effect of gong and remains there/ the
current bell rings once this is because
B. Hysteresis loss steel acquires permanent
( C) magnetism
C. Both heating effect of 52.Why is the electricity transmitted
current and hysteresis at very high voltage and low
D. Intense sunlight at noon current
E. High voltage supplied by  High voltage transmission of
transformer electricity minimizes power
loss during the
49.High voltage is used for transmission
transmitting electricity on the 53.Why are alluminium cables are
National Grid. This is because preferred than copper for long
high voltage distance transmission of
A. Is needed everywhere electricity
B. Means high current would be  Alluminium has lower
used density than copper. (It is
C. Needs transformers for lighter than copper, therefore
conversion (D) easy to support. Use of
D. Would minimize electrical copper wires will require very
energy losses by using low strong poles to support since
current. copper wires are fairly heavy)
E. Would facilitate power  Alluminium is a better
distribution to customers conductor of electricity than
50.Why the core of the copper
electromagnet of an electric bell  Alluminium does not corrode
is made of soft iron and not steel? easily, unlike copper
 Because iron gains and loses 54.Explain the function of the
magnetisms easily. It is only commutator in a DC electric
magnetized if there is a generator
magnetic field around it and  To convert AC voltage to DC
losses its magnetism voltage
immediately when the field
is removed. It also requires

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55.Explain how transformers are used to improve the efficiency of
power transmission in the national Grid
 In the national grid, a step –up transformer is used to increase
the voltage and reduce the current. The voltage is increased from
about 25,000volts to 400,00volts causing the current to
decrease. Less current means energy is lost through heating the
wire.
56.Explain why the coil in an electric motor is usually wound on a
laminated soft iron core.
 Iron causes the magnetic field to be concentrated, thus
increasing the force.
 Lamination reduces the effect of eddy currents
57.The coil in the ammeter (moving coil ammeter) is wound on a soft
iron cylinder that is not laminated. Explain why the cylinder is
not laminated.
 When the source of current is disconnected, the coil would
oscillate in the field. The eddy currents in the unlaminated core
would damp these oscillations
58.When a piece of metal, whether magnetic or non-magnetic, is
placed inside a solenoid and an alternating current is passed
through the solenoid, the metal gets hot although the solenoid
remains cool. Explain this observation
 The alternating current creates a changing magnetic flux
through the conductor, which induces eddy currents. Heat is
produced because of the resistance of the piece of metal to the
eddy currents
59.When a potential difference of 60V is applied across a primary
circuit of a transformer, a current of 3.7A flows. Find the
potential difference across the secondary circuit if there is a
current of 0.15A flowing in it. Take the efficiency of the
transformer to be 95%.
Solution
Data given
Voltage at primary coil (Vp)=60V
Current in primary coil (Ip)=3.5A
Current in Secondary coil (Is)=0.15A
Efficiency ( eff)=95%
 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑡
From eff= × 100%
𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝑉𝑠 × 𝐼𝑠
𝑒𝑓𝑓 = × 100%
𝑉𝑝 × 𝐼𝑃
0.15 × 𝑉𝑠
90% = × 100%
3.7 × 60
𝑉𝑠 = 1406 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
60. Explain why moving coil galvanometer is unsuitable for measuring alternating
currents.
61. Explain why a wonder wheel which was rotating becomes hot after a sudden stop.
 It is because of transformation of kinetic energy to heat energy.
62. Give a reason why the solenoids are wound in opposite directions around the soft
iron pole pieces.
 So that opposite poles that will not repel each other are created.
63. Briefly explain how simple a.c dynamo can be converted to simple d.c dynamo
 Replacing the slip rings with split rings. The electromotive force (e.m.f)
produced at the brushes, although varying in value will not change in direction
64.A simple a.c generator produces a low e.m.f. Explain any three
design alterations that you would make to the generation I order
to convert it into one of higher e.m.f.
 Using soft iron core
Since soft iron core it is easy to be magnetized therefore it
increase the E.m.f induced
 The Strength of magnetic field
When strong magnet is used, it results strong magnetic field
which produce high magnitude of induced e.m.f and vice versa
 The rate of change of magnetic flux
Increasing the speed results of the magnet high rate at which
magnetic flux change in which produces high magnitude of
induced e.m.f
65.You are given a chance of buying an electronic device that can
be used to convert the generator in (63) above into one of higher
e.m.f. Describe one device which you will choose to buy for the
purpose.
 The step up transformer can be used to convert a low e.m.f into
higher e.m.f and its diagram are shown below

14
  The device consist few number of turn in primary coil while in
secondary coil it have many number of turns. Thus the voltage
in primary coil is less than the output voltage
 And this device are made up with soft iron core and several
number of turns in primary and secondary coil so as to increase
e.m.f produced under principle of mutual induction.
66.A transformer is designed to work from 240V a.c mains and to
give a supply at 8V to ring house bells. The primary coil has 4800
turns.
(a) Would you expect the secondary coil to be of thicker or of
thinner wire than the primary?
 Thicker
(b) About how many turns would you expect it to have?
From
𝑁𝑃 𝑉𝑃 4800×8
= =𝑁𝑠 = = 600𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠
𝑁𝑠 𝑉𝑆 240
(c) Why is the iron core made of laminations (or sheets) of iron
instead of being in one solid piece?
 Due to eddy current which cause energy to lose in term of heat
energy
(d) Do you think the primary current will increase or decrease
when a bell is being rung?
 Will increase
(e) What would happen if the transformer were connected to
240V d.c mains? Give reasons for your answers.
 They will burn out and can’t perform any work
67.Why does a transformer work with alternating current (a.c) only?
Explain this.
 A transformer requires an a.c that forms a changing magnetic
fields, this also includes a varying voltage in a coil. Therefore,
d.c currents won’t work at all because constant fields will be
produced
68.Explain how an a.c potential across the primary coil in a
transformer causes a potential difference across the secondary
coli.
 An a.c potential creates a flux change in the core which is linked
to the primary core. This changing flux creates an a.c voltage
across the secondary coil.

15
69.Explain why aluminium is a suitable metal in making motor
engines pistons and cylinders.
 Because aluminium has low density and high thermal
conductivity (means heat is easily transferred away from
engine)
70.Which common devices works on the basis of the principle of
mutual induction? Transformer
71.A generator producing a varying current from 0 to 10A was
allowed to flow in a coil of magnetic field. After a time interval
the current was observed to be 4A. Describe how back e.m.f was
induced in a self-induction.
 Self-induction is the production of induced emf as result of
changing magnetic fluxin the same coil’
 Back emf is the voltage induced in the coil due to variation of
electric current flowing in the same coil.
 According to Lenz’s Law which States that: "the direction of the
induced electromotive force is such that it tends to oppose the effect
(change) producing it”
 Thus the rate change of magnetic flux is directly proportional
to the emf produced but produce a back back emf that oppose it
on the direction
72.Explain the working principle of a transformer
 .MECHANISM OF TRANSFORMER
Transformer work under principle of mutual induction, when the
current is applied in primary coil which cause the emf to be induced
in secondary coil, the voltage produced it can be high or low
depending on the number of turns in secondary coil. Thus when
there is too many number of turn the voltage produced was very
large and vase verse.

16
 RADIOACTIVITY
73.Why is uranium very important in a nuclear
power plants?
 Uranium is very important because a small amount of it is used
to produce a large amount of electricity in nuclear power
plants.
74.What is four heath effect of nuclear radiation?
 Skin burning and Redding when exposed in radiation
 Death by killing human body cells
 Cancerous tumors
 Genetic mutation
75.Explain why long half –life of nuclear waste products presents a
health hazard
 If the half –life is long/large, the activity remains at a very
high level for a very long time resulting in a health hazard
76.With exception of hydrogen, the nuclei of all atoms contain two
or more positively charged (Protons).According to the law of
charge like charge repel and unlike charge attract to each other,
the electric force of repulsion between the like positively charge
should cause the nucleus to break apart, but it does not . Why?
 The nucleus does not break because there is a strong nuclear
force of attraction that holds the nucleons together. This force
is greater than repulsive forces that occur between protons.
77.Why are 𝜸-ray not affected by electric and magnetic field?
 Because gamma radiation have no charge.

78.The ionization power of 𝜷 –particles is less than 𝜶-particlesbut

their penetration power is more, why?
 This is because alpha particles has large mass (it’s very
heavy) that cause high ionization power and less penetration
power.
79.The nucleus of an atom does not contain electrons, how are beta
(𝜷 ) particles emitted from the nucleus. Explain.
 A nucleus emits beta particles if it contain too many number
of neutrons than protons. When this happen a neutrons is split

17
 into a proton and an electron, thus the electron is emitted as
beta particles while proton the remains in the nucleus.
80.How do 𝜷-particles differ from the electrons obtained by
thermionic emission? Explain
 The beta particles originate in the nucleus while electrons
originate outside of the nucleus.
81.Explain how stable and unstable atom differ?
 Stable atom are the atoms whose binding energies are strong
enough to hold protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
 Unstable atom are the atoms whose binding energy are not
strong enough to hold protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
82.Briefly explain why the radioactive sources is kept inside a lead
box having only a small hole
 In order to avoid biological damage caused by radiation
83.Describe how Geiger-Muller tube detect the nuclear radiation by
identifying if its alpha, gamma or beta particles
 Geiger Muller tube are device which are used to detect
radiation by showing the capacity of ionization, thus when
there is high ionization the radiation detected is alpha (𝛼 −
𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠), the moderate ionization are beta particles and if
there is few ionizing power or no it indicate that the type of
ration is gamma ray.

84.Explain why Geiger Muller tube is considered as best Device of

detecting nuclear radiation than other instrument
 The Geiger Muller tube is mostly preferred than other device
because it detect al type of ration which are alpha particles, beta
particles, gamma ray and neutrons

18
85.Why is neutrons most effective as bombarding particles in
nuclear reaction?
 Because the neutrons do not need to be accelerated to high
energies before they can undergo a nuclear reaction.
86.Give two similarities and one different between nuclear fission
and nuclear fusion
 Similarities
(a) Both fission and fusion create release of neutrons
(b) Both produce large amount of energy.
 Nuclear fission: A heavy nucleus splits in two nearly equal
light fragments when bombarded with neutrons. Also it is
possible at very ordinary temperature and pressure. While
nuclear fusion: Two light nuclei combine to form a heavy
nucleus at very high temperature and high pressure. It is
Possible only at a very high temperature (≈107 K) and a very
high pressure
87.. Why nuclear fusion is called Thermal nuclear reaction
 Nuclear fusion is called Thermal nuclear reaction as it not
occurs at ordinary temperature. It needs about 107K Kelvin
temperature
88.Is it possible for hydrogen atom isotope to emit alpha particle?
Explain
 No, it is not possible. It is because alpha particle consists of two
protons and two neutrons. However, none of the isotopes of
hydrogen has the same number or more protons and neutrons
in its nuclei. Thus, they cannot emit an alpha particle
89.When does the nucleus of an atom become radioactive?
 When the number of neutrons exceeds much than the number
of protons in a nuclei, it become unstable or radioactive
90.Briefly outline two uses of radioactivity.
(a) Gamma rays from cobalt 60 are used to sterilize surgical
equipment
(b) Radioactive sodium is used to monitor blood circulation
(c) Used to trace and treat maligned growth. E.g. cancer and tumors
(d) Used to measure correct patient dosages of radioactive
pharmaceuticals
(e) Used in molecular biology and genetics research.

19
 (f) Radioactive iodine 131 is used to monitor the function of
thyroid gland
(g) Used to measure and control the thickness or density of metal
and plastic sheets
(h) Used in preservation of food by killing microorganisms that
cause spoilage
(i) It is used to kill weeds
(j) It is used to check cracking in pipes used for irrigation purpose
(k) It is used to measure the moisture of materials stored in soils
(l) It is used to inspect passenger’s luggage before boarding the
planet
(m) It is used for carbon – dating to determine the age of ancient
remains
91.. Explain why ionizing radiations can be dangerous if the dose
becomes high.
 A high dose can lead to mutations in cells of the body or
damage to DNA. This can result in cancer caused by damaged
genes
92.Explain what happen inside a nuclear reactor if neutron speeds
are not controlled.
 If the neutrons become too fast moving, the reaction will slow
down. This is because there are fewer Fissions because Fission
is more likely with slower neutrons.
93.Explain briefly what changes take place within the nuclei when
beta particles are emitted by a radioactive substance.
 The mass number remains unchanged but atomic number
increases by 1 of the nuclei undergoing such a change.
94. It is advisable not to touch a radioactive substance by hand. Give
reason.
 It is because the radiations (𝛼 , 𝛾 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽) emitted by a
radioactive substance have large penetrating power
95.Why would beta radiation not be used for use in a smoke
detector?
 radiation is less easily absorbed than - 𝛼 radiation
96.Explain briefly the condition in the nucleus that gives raise to te
emission of the following radiation.
(a) 𝜶 − 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔 (𝒃) 𝜸-ray and (c) 𝜷 − 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔.

20
 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬
(a) A nucleus emits an 𝛼 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 if it contain too many
number of protons than neutrons. When a nucleus contain
many number of proton than neutrons, it become unstable.
So such nucleus attain their stability by emitting an 𝛼 −
𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
(b) A nucleus emits a 𝛾-ray when it is left in excited state after
the emission of 𝛼 or𝛽 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠. Such nucleus return to
the ground state by emitting gamma ray
(c) A nucleus emits beta particles if it contain too many number
of neutrons than protons. When this happen a neutrons is
split into a proton and an electron, thus the electron is
emitted as beta particles while proton the remains in the
nucleus.
97.When does the nucleus of an atom become radioactive?
 When the number of neutrons and protons get unbalance.(i.e
when the number of neutrons exceeds much than the number
of protons in a nuclei, it become unstable or radioactive)
98.State two safety measures to be taken while establishing a nuclear
power plant?
 The following safety measures must be taken in a nuclear
power plant:
(a) The nuclear reactor must be shielded with lead and steel walls so
as to stop radiations from escaping out to the environment during
its normal operation.
(b) The nuclear reactor must be housed in an air tight building of
strong concrete structure which can with stand earthquakes, fires
and explosion.
(c) There must be back up cooling system for the reactor core
99.The isotope of uranium 𝟐𝟑𝟖 𝟗𝟐𝐔 decay successively to
form 𝟗𝟎𝐓𝐡, 𝟗𝟏𝐏𝐚, 𝟗𝟐𝐔, 𝟐𝟑𝟎
𝟐𝟑𝟒 𝟐𝟑𝟒 𝟐𝟑𝟒 𝟐𝟐𝟔 𝟐𝟐𝟐
𝟗𝟎𝐓𝐡, 𝟖𝟖𝐑𝐚, and 𝟖𝟔𝐓𝐡. Write down the
radiation emitted in each decay process.
 Given that;
238 4 234
92U → 2He + 90Th
234 0 234
90𝑇ℎ → −1e + 91Pa
234 0 234
91Pa → −1e + 92U

21
 234
92U → 42He + 230
90𝑇ℎ
230
90Th → 42He + 226
88𝑅𝑎
226
88𝑅𝑎 → 42He + 222
86Th
Thus
𝛼 𝛽 𝛽 𝛼 𝛼 𝛼
238 234 234 234 230 226 222
92U → 90Th → 91Pa → 92U → 90𝑇ℎ → 88𝑅𝑎 → 86Th

100. Describe with aid diagram the effect of alpha, beta and gamma rays
in term of ionization power, electric field and magnetic field and power
of penetration.
 The effect of alpha, beta and gamma ray on ionization power is th
at, alpha as high ionization power than beta and gamma because al
pha its heave interim of masses.
Also Alpha has low penetration power than beta and gamma ray that is w
hy can be stopped with thin piece of paper while beta has moderate penet
ration power and it’s stopped by aluminum, and Gamma has high penetra
tion power and it’s stopped by lead as shown in figure below.

 The effect of α, β 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛾 on electric and magnetic field are shown

below
101.
102.
103.

Effect of electric field Effect of magnetic

field
98. The half-life of radioactive is 8day. Calculate the time taken for 80%

22
of the mass of an element to decay.
Data given
Half-life (𝑡1 ) =8 days
2
The percentage decayed (𝑁𝑜 − 𝑁) = 80%
Initial percentage (𝑁𝑜 ) = 100%
Percentage remained after decay (N) =20%
Time taken (t) =?
From
𝑡
𝑁 1 𝑡1
=( )2
𝑁0 2
20% 1 𝑡
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 = ( )8
100% 2
1 1 𝑡
= ( )8
5 2
𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 log 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
1 1 𝑡
log( ) = log( )8
5 2
𝑡 log 0.2
=
8 log 0.5
T=18.58 days

Time taken for radioactive to decay was 18.58days.

23
99. Why is there a repulsion force between the nuclei of atoms?
 because; nuclei have the same charge (nuclei are positive
charged or protons have the same charges
100. Where does nuclear fusion happen naturally?
 In stars or Sun
101.

102.

24
 THERMIONIC EMISSION.
103. Explain why cathode ray tube (CRT) are evacuated
 In order to avoid collision between electrons and air particles
104. Explain with the aid of a labelled diagram how X-rays are
produced.
 X-rays are produced whenever fast moving electrons are
sopped suddenly by metallic targets

Thus, an electrons are emitted from the hot cathode due to

thermionic emission. They get accelerated across the vacuum
due to the very high voltage and smash into the high-density
anode (usually tungsten) or target metallic anode. Hence some
inner electrons in the tungsten get bumped up to a high orbital,
then quickly fall back down to a lower level that emitting X-
rays

105. When electrons hit the target in an X-ray tube, only a small
percentage of their energy is converted into X-rays. What
happens to the rest of their energy?
 Other energy are converted into heat energy.
106. How can the intensity of X-rays in an X –ray tube be increased
 The intensity of x-ray is controlled by the heating current .thus
the higher the heating current , the more the electrons emitted
and hence the higher the intensity of the X-rays
107. X – Rays are said to have harmful effect to human beings when
used for a long time. Explain the effect that X – rays cause to
human beings
 Destroy body cells and can cause cancer
 It cause mutation due to destroy of genitals

25
108. X – Rays are said to have harmful effect to human beings when
used for a long time but still used while we are in advanced science
and technology, as a form four student explain why?
 We are still using X-ray because of the following reason
(a) To detect broken or fractured bones or some disease in soft
tissue
(b) Treatment of cancer
(c) It is used to inspect metal-casting and welded joints for
hidden faults
(d) They are used to sterilize surgical equipment before
packing
(e) To detect growth inside the body
(f) They are used in security for searching drugs and weapons
at airports and seaports.
109. Matching item

26
110. The diagram shows a simple form of cathode-ray tube (known as
a Maltese-Cross tube) which produces a sharp shadow of a cross on a
fluorescent screen.

(i) Explain what is meant by cathode rays and how they are
produced.
 Cathode rays are streams of electrons.
(ii) State the properties of cathode rays, mentioning
similarities and differences compared with light.
 Both travel in straight lines Cathode rays are negatively
charged particles, light is an electromagnetic wave. Cathode
rays may be deflected by electric and magnetic fields. They are
detected in different ways. Cathode rays have mass
(iii) Describe two ways by which the brightness of the screen
around the deflected shadow could be increased, and
explain what effect each would have on the size of the
deflection.
 Increase the anode voltage or apply a positive potential to the
cross. Both would decrease the size of the deflection
111. Explain how X – rays are produced?
 X – rays are produced when a very high voltage is applied
between electrodes. Such a high voltage will accelerate
electrons to very high kinetic energy, which upon hitting the
target, the target will produce very strong X – rays
112. Explain why people are advised against exposing themselves
to X-rays unless it is absolutely unavoidable
 Because it cause mutation of cell and body cancer.
113. State ways which X-rays differ from visible light.

27
114. Explain why x-ray tube are surrounded with lead sheet?
 The x-ray tube is surrounded with lead sheet so as to be
absorbed and to prevent father discharge of radiation to the
environment.
115. State the different between hard X-ray and soft x- ray
Hard X-ray Soft X-ray
(i) produced by high accelerating potential produced by low accelerating potential
(ii) Have shorter wavelength but high Have longer wavelength but low frequency
frequency They have low penetration power
(iii) They have high penetration power

116. What would happen if CRT not vacuums?

 If gas is maintained in the tube (at atmospheric or high pressure),
the tube will behave like an open circuit (insulator), when p.d
across it is strong enough it will cause an electric spark which will
ionize the air and make it conduct electricity . Therefore if the gas
is maintained in the tube there is no production of cathode rays
thus the fluoroscope screen will not form image.

GEOPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

117. Mercury is the closest planet to the sun but not hotter than
Venus, Why?
 This is because any heat that mercury receives from the sun is
quickly lost back into space because it does not have any
atmosphere to trap and hold heat.
118. The sun is the head of the solar system’ Explain.
 The Sun keeps an important place in the solar system because
of the: -
(i) It is the ultimate source of heat and light for the solar family.
(ii) The planets, their satellites and other celestial bodies remain
within the solar system due to the sun’s gravitational power.
(iii) The Sun is at the center of a huge rotating system.
119. How does the moon appear different each night?
 The moon revolves around the Earth. Its position in relation to the
sun changes every day as it has no light of its own, it is only
reflects the light of the sun.

28
  The moon neither decreases nor increases in reality, it only
appears changed its shape because of difference in light falling
on it every day.
120. Thin ozone layer on top of stratosphere is crucial for human
survival. Why?
 Ozone layer absorbs the ultraviolet radiations from the sun and
prevents it from reaching the earth’s surface.
121. Do all the stars in the sky move? Explain.
 No, all the stars do not move in the sky, Due to the rotation of
the Earth on its own axis stars seem to move in the sky
122. Explain why the moon is not pulled away from the Earth by
the Sun.
 The force of gravity decreases very rapidly with distance, since
force is inversely proportional to distance. The Sun is much
further away from the Moon than the Earth, so its gravitational
attraction isn't strong enough to overcome the pull of the Earth's
gravity, despite the Sun having greater mass
123. Why does the Sun appear to be bigger and brighter than all other
stars?
 The Sun is the nearest star which is continuously emitting a
huge amount of heat and light. Hence, the Sun appears to be
bigger and brighter than all the planets.
124. How will our Earth look when seen from a space-ship or
Moon?
 When seen from a space-ship or Moon, the Earth appears blue-
green. It is due to the reflection of light from the water and
landmass on its surface.
125. Explain why the moon does not have an atmosphere
 Because gravity is less on the moon
126. Outline any four sources of greenhouse effect
(a) Carbon dioxide,
(b) Methane
(c) Chlorofluorocarbons,
(d) Nitrous Oxide (Dinitrogen Oxide)
127. Explain how global warming occurs?
 Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other
air pollutants collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and

29
 solar radiation that have bounced off the earth’s surface.
Normally this radiation would escape into space, but these
pollutants, which can last for years to centuries in the
atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the planet to get hotter.
 These heat-trapping pollutants—specifically carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and synthetic fluorinated
gases—are known as greenhouse gases, and their impact is
called the greenhouse effect
128. Explain how earthquake occurs.
 An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. The
tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at
their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge
overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases
energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust and cause
the shaking that we feel.
129. Explain why the inner core of the earth is solid while the outer
core is liquid even though the temperature is high.
 The inner core of the earth is solid because it is subjected with
high pressure. Due to this pressure make materials in the inner
core to be in sold form. Also the outer core is liquid in nature
because the low pressure and the high temperature that cause
the rock to melt and become liquid.
130. Explain how the concentrated ozone layer above Earth’s
surface is beneficial to humans.
 The ozone layer absorbs some of the harmful ultraviolet
radiation from the Sun. The layer decreases the amount of
ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth.
 The ozone protects humans from skin cancer and eye damage.
131. Describe how human activities have contributed to the
greenhouse effect?
 Burning fossil fuels used for heating, transport and industry
has led to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(along with other greenhouse gases).
132. Why is the atmosphere essential for life?
 The atmosphere is constituted of various main gases like O2,
N2, and CO2 which are the basis of living of
microorganisms, plants and animals.

30
  Photosynthesis is due to earth’s atmosphere.
 The constant temperature of the earth is the cause of the
earth’s atmosphere.
 Processes like respiration, burning, and combustion are due
to the atmosphere
 The atmosphere is the main reason to restrict UV rays into
the earth.
133. Explain why a bubble of air increases in volume as it rises from
the bottom of the pond of water to the surface.
A bubble of air increase in volume as it rises from the bottom of a pond
of water to the surface because pressure at the bottom of a pond is
greater than pressure at the surface of water, thus according to boyle’s
law , always varies inversely proportional to volume at constant
temperature. Hence as the bubble of air rises to the surface pressure is
reduced and cause the volume to increase.
134. explain one importance f each layer of atmosphere
 The troposphere-it is place which support climate
-it support living organism to survive
 Stratosphere-to prevent harmful ultraviolent radiation from
the sun.
 The mesosphere-it used to burn the cosmic ray like meteoroid
that reach on the earth surface
 Ionosphere-it support in radio communication due t the huge
discharge of charged particles and free electrons
 Exosphere- its place for launching satellite especially satellite
used in communication and stationary satellite to record
different weather change
135. Briefly explain four effects of global warming.
 Increase in the temperature of the ocean
 Raise in sea level due to the melting of ice
 Change in the world climatic pattern
 Extreme weather events occur like drought, heat wave, flood
etc
 It cause the acidification of oceans
136. Suggest five ways on how to overcome global warming to our
atmosphere.
 To reduce the use of fossil fuel.

31
  Use renewable source of energy such s solar, wind and
hydroelectric power
 Avoiding deforestation.
 Planting trees that will absorb carbon dioxide
 Use strong policy on how to minimize the emission of
greenhouse gases into atmosphere like Kyoto protocol.
137. Explain how Deforestation contribute to global warming
 Deforestation causes the atmosphere to contain more carbon
dioxide, which absorbs infrared radiation that lead to increase
of temperature in the atmosphere.
138. Analyze five effect of volcanoes eruption on the earth’s
surface.
 Environmental pollution
 Land scape formation such as mountain and rift valley
 Destruction of our properties
 Bring valuable minerals
 Loss of human life.
139. Differentiate between planet and star
Difference between Stars and Planets
 Stars emit their own light while planets do not emit their own light
 Stars twinkle at night while planets donot twinkle at night
 Stars appear to be moving from east to west while planets move
around the sun from west to east
 The temperatures of stars (eg sun) usually very high while that
of planetsdepend on their distances from the sun
 Stars are countless in number while theplanets are eight in number
in the solarsystem
 Stars are very big in size but appear small because they are very
far awaywhile planets are very small in size ascompared to star
 Star is in gaseous form while planets is insolid form
140. Why stars twinkle at night?
 A Stars are so distant such that they appear as pinpoints of light
in the night sky, even when viewed through a telescope.
141. Why Pluto is known as dwarf planet?
 Pluto is said to be dwarf planet because does not meet the third
characteristics of planet that is, it has no cleared the
neighborhood around its orbit.
142. Give different between Gravitation force and acceleration due to
gravity
 Gravitational force is the attraction force existing between two

32
 bodies that have mass. While force of gravity is the force that
pull any object toward the center of the earth.
143. What is importance of astronomy
 Measurement of time Duration of the day, month and year
were determined by using position and phases of the sun,
moon and stars
 Development of calendars. Thus it used to predict seasons for
agriculture by studying position of stars in space
 Navigation on land and sea uses the knowledge of astronomy
 To study the origin of the earth and life
 Used in space exploration
144. Show clearly the characteristics of planet
 It is a celestial body that orbits a star.
 It is massive enough so that its own gravity causes it to assume
a spherical shape.
 It has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
145. Give importance of force of gravity and gravitation fore also state
the newton’s law of universal gravitation.
 Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that ‘Any two
bodies in the universe attract each other with a force that is
directly proportional to the product of their masses and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between
them’
 IMPORTANCE OF GRAVITATION FORCE
 It hold to gather the eight planets of the solar system to
remain on its path or orbits.
 It enable natural satellite like moon and artificial satellite
to remain on its axis of rotation.
 Importance of force of gravity
 It help use to determine the weight of an object
 It help to pull any object toward the center of the earth
CURRENT ELECTRICITY.
146. How do the component of dry cell differ from those of the leclanche
cell?
 Leclanché Cell contain ammonium chloride solution while
dry cell contain ammonium chloride jelly
 Leclanché Cell contain manganese dioxide as depolarizer
while dry cell consist manganese (IV) oxide.

33
147. Draw a well diagram of a dry cell
148. Explain why it is not advisable to
fix the switch of a light bulb inside a
bathroom.
 Water splashing in the bathroom
can reach the switch and conduct
current which can lead to shock
if one gets in contact with it.
149 Explain why Leclanché cell is not
suitable for use as a continuous
source of energy.
 This is because cannot be
recharged once it loses its
electrical
150 . Explain why a fuse is always
connected to the live wire in an
electrical appliance.
 A fuse is fitted on the live cable
or wire so that in case an
electrical fault develops, the fuse
cuts off the circuit and the live
wire ceases to be live (no current
flows).
151 Explain why fuse are made up
with thin wire?
Fuse are made up with thin wire so
as to bne easy melted
34
152 Give two defect of simple cell
and state ways to be used so as to
eliminate this defect.
 Two defect of simple cell are
Local action and Polarization
 Polarization can be
minimized using depolarizers
such as potassium dichromate
or manganese oxide
 Local action can be reduced
by using pure zinc or by
rubbing mercury on the zinc
plate to form amalgam.
153 Explain four factor affecting the
resistance of a conductor.
 Length of the conductor
 The longer the wire the
higher the resistance and
vice versa i.e R ∝ 𝑳
 Temperature
 The higher the temperature,
the higher the resistance and
vice versa For semiconductors
increase in temperature
decreases the resistance and
vice versa
 Nature of material
 Resistance depends on the type
of material used for making
conductor For example,
Nichrome wire has more
resistance than a copper wire
of the same dimensions.
 Cross-section area
A thin wire has more resistance
than a thick wire.
 153. Why it is preferable to connect bulbs in parallel than in series
 When the bulbs are arranged in parallel have the same
amount of voltage supplied and cause the high brightness
than when its connected n series since brightness of bulbs
depend on the voltage supplies in a circuit
154. Distinguish between primary and secondary cells
Primary cell Secondary cell
(i) It cannot be used after use It can be useful after use
(ii) It cannot be recharged It can be recharged
(iii) Example are dry cell Example are lead acid accumulat
or
(iv) Have low voltage
Have high voltage

155. Explain the term internal resistance of a cell .How does it

arise?
 Are resistance in a cell which cause the opposition flowing
of current and potential drop in a circuit.
156. A car battery is 12V, eight dry cells of 1.5V connected in
series can give 12V but such cells are not suitable in starting
a car. Why?
 To start a car, a very high current is required. When eight dry
cells are joined in series the internal resistance of the
combination of the cells becomes very high. Due to high
value of internal resistance, the current that can be drawn
from the cells is very small to start the car.
157. State Joule’s Law and how this law is applied on electric circuit.
 State that “The rate at which heat is produced in a resistor
is proportional to the square of the current flowing through
it, if the resistance is constant.” It tells us the relationship
between resistance, current and heat generated also show
how power are consumed by electric appliance and the
energy lost due to heat, thus P=It and E=ItV where E-
energy consumed, P-power disported ,t-time consumed
V-the amount of voltage supplied to the circuit
158. An electric ion have 500W,250V.what this means
 This means that the electric iron use the power about 500W
and the amount of voltage allowed to pass through the circuit
is 250V

35
159. Explain how accumulator can be properly maintained
 By adding distilled water when necessary.
160. Four cell each of e.m.f 1.48 V and internal resistance 0.51 Ω
are connected in parallel across an external resistor of 2.6 Ω.
Determine the current supplied by the battery
Solution.
e.m.f =1.48v (since the cell are connected in series have the same
emf) thus the total e.m.f a four cell are 1.456V
Internal resistance(r) =0.51 Ω
External resistance (R) = 2.6 Ω
The current supplied (I) =?
From
E.m.f=I(r+R)
1.48=I (0.51+2.6)
I=0.48A
The current supplied is equal to 0.48A
161. Differentiate between electromotive force (e.m.f) and
potential difference (p.d) of a cell
 The Emf is the total voltage measured between two
terminal of a circuit when a switch is open while potential
difference (P.d) is the voltage measured between terminal
of a circuit when a switch is closed
162. The p.d across the terminals of a cell is 1.1V when a current of 0
.80A is being drawn from the cell, if the p.d across the cell is 1.3
V when a current of 0.40A is being drawn. Determine the intern
al resistance and Emf of the cell.
Solution.
Potential difference (V1)=1.1v
Current (I) =0.80A
Potential difference (V2) = 1.3V
Current (I2) =0.40A
Required to find EMF and internal resistance, r
Thus, from Emf =Ir+V
Then
E=I1 r + V1
E=0.80r+1.1v…………………………. (i)
Also
E=0.40r+1.3………………………….. (ii)

36
 Solve equation (i) and (ii) simultaneously
E = 0.80r + 1.1
{
E = 0.40r + 1.3
Then the value of E=1.5v and internal resistance .r=0.5Ω
163. Explain why resistance cannot be accurately measured
using just a voltmeter and an ammeter.
 This is because the voltage drop across the ammetr and the
shunting effect of the voltmeter

164.

37
165. What are two device used to detect electrical fault in
electrical appliance
 Testor
 Multimeter
166. Explain why the earth pin is thicker and longer in three pin
hole?
 Earthed pin is thicker because it is very difficult to enter
into live or neutral sockets, and its longer so that to be
connected to the earth terminal earlier than live and
neutral pin, so as to ensure safety of the user.
167. Explain briefly why most plugs have three pins
 So as to ensure safely electric current supplied to the
electrical appliance
168. Explain with the aid of a diagram how electricity from a fuse
box is distributed to other parts of a house
 The fuse distribution box serve as load center and
distributor of electrical power.

169. Explain the function of a fuse in an electrical appliance with

the aid of a diagram.
 The main function of fuse in electrical appliance is to
disconnect the circuit by melting when high amount of
current is passed through it before interring on the
appliances Hence the melting of fuse tend to protect

38
 electric appliance from high amount of current which
could cause the damage and over fire outbreak.

170. How resistivity, conductance and conductivity differ?

 Resistivity is the ability of a material to oppose the
flow of an electric current and Its SI unit is Ohm metre
(Ωm).
 Conductance(G) is the reciprocal of resistance of a
conductor and Its SI unit is siemen (S) while
 Conductivity(𝝈) is the reciprocal of the resistivity of
a conductor Its SI unit is siemen per metre ( Sm-1)

39
171. (a) Omary observed that as the current flows through the circuit,
it encounters some opposition. This opposition determines the
amount of current flowing in electric device depending to the
particular material.
(i) State the law that Mr. omary formulate
Ohms law states that ‘at constant temperature and other physical
factor the current passing through the conduct is direct
proportional to the potential difference across it end’
(ii) Briefly explain factors affecting the opposition of flowing
current in a circuit
 Length of the conductor
 Cross section area
 Nature of materials
 Temperature

40
 THERMAL EXPANSION, MEASUREMENT OF
HEAT AND HEAT TRANSFER

172. Explain why a bubble of air increases in volume as it rises

from the bottom of the pond of water to the surface.
 A bubble of air increase in volume as it rises from the bottom
of a pond of water to the surface because pressure at the
bottom of a pond is greater than pressure at the surface of
water, thus according to boyle’s law , always varies inversely
proportional to volume at constant temperature. Hence as the
bubble of air rises to the surface pressure is reduced and
cause the volume to increase
173. Why electrical cable and overhead telephone left sagging
during installation.
 So as to allow thermal expansion to take place, thus during a
day the expansion occur due to high temperature and during
night and morning the contraction occur due to lower
temptation, so in order the contraction and expansion to take
place they must be left sagging.
174. The expansion occur when temperature of a matter change,
briefly explain the experiment that illustrate the expansion of
solid body.
 The experiment that show the expansion in solid body are
ball and ring experiment as shown below

41
 Thus, the metal ball can just pass through the ring at room
temperature, on heating, the metal ball expands. There is an
increase in volume and the ball cannot pass through the ring then
on cooling, contraction occurs and the original volume is
regained .The ball can now pass through the ring
175. Explain why when heating a liquid, its level initially
decreases and then it Increases to become larger than the
original level?
 The liquid level drops due to the expansion of its container
which initially absorbed all the heat. The level of the water
will then keep rising as the container due to the expansion of
the water, its density decreases.
176. With aid of a sketch graph explain the importance of the
anomalous expansion of water
 Anomalous expansion of Water: Is the decrease in the
density of water as cooled from 4°C to 0°C.
 The application of anomalous expansion of water
It supports the life of aquatic organism. When water
freezes, the ice floats to the top. This creates an insulating
layer, which allows liquid water to remain underneath.
This allows aquatic life to survive in freezing
environments.

177. Explain why a compound metal bar made up of two strips,

one of iron and another of brass, bends when heated
 When a bimetallic strip heated it tend to expand differently
at the same temperature since its made up with two metal
which have different coefficient of expansion, thus the
brass expand faster than iron since brass has high thermal
expansivity than iron that lead the bimetallic strip to bend
as shown in figure below

42
 Or because iron and bras has different coefficient of
thermal expansion

178. A compound strip of brass and iron is straight at room

temperature. Give a labelled diagram to show its appearance
when it is cooled.
 On cooling, brass contracts faster than steel. The
bimetallic strip therefore bends towards the brass side. In
this case brass will acquire concave shape and steel will
acquire convex shape

179. A compound strip of brass and iron 10cm long at 20℃ is held
horizontally with the iron uppermost. When heated from
below with a Bunsen burner the temperature of the brass is
820℃ and of the iron 770℃. Calculate the difference in
lengths of the iron and the brass. (Given, αb = 0.000019/K
and α of Fe = 0.000012/K)

43
 Solution
Original length of brass (𝑙0𝑏 ) = 10𝑐𝑚
Original length of iron (𝑙0𝐹𝑒 ) = 10𝑐𝑚
Original temperature=20℃
Final temperature of brass =820℃
Final temperature of iron=770℃.
New length of brass (𝑙𝑏 ) =?
New length of iron (𝑙𝐹𝑒 ) =?
Linear expansivity of brass (αb) = 0.000019𝐾 −1
Linear expansivity of iron (αFe) =0.000012𝐾 −1

𝑙1 −𝑙0
From 𝛼 = for brass we have
∆𝜃

𝑙1 −10𝑐𝑚
0.000019𝐾 −1 = =1
820℃−20℃

the new length0.0152cm

of brass was 10.015cm

For iron
𝑙1 −10𝑐𝑚
. 000012𝐾 −1 = =10.009cm
770℃−20℃
the new length of iron is 10.008cm

180. The temperature of the air in contact with a thin layer of ice
which has formed on the surface of a pond is just below
𝟎℃why will it take a long time for the pond to freeze even if
the air temperature falls well below 0℃?
181. Explain the working principle of a fire alarm and bimetallic
thermometer
182. A figure below show a bimetallic thermostat used to regulate
a cooler and a heater in a classroom. The metal on top
expands less than the metal below. To keep the temperature

44
 in the room constant, which of the two devices, A or B, should
be the heater? Explain your answer

Answer.
A is the heater because brass expand more than iron. At high
temperature ,it bend to ward B to cool the room by cooler and at
lower temperature the bimetallic bend to ward A to heat the room
by heater.
183. Use kinetic theory to explain why solids expand when heated.
 When a solid is heated, its molecules gain kinetic energy
and vibrate more vigorously. As the vibration become
larger, the molecules are pushed further apart and the solid
expands slightly in all directions
184. Explain why most of heater are made up with coiled wire?
 Because a coiled wire is too long to increase its resistance
when current is passing through it ,so that heating effect
can be high.
185. Why do you feel cold when you touch cold objects?
 Because the heat transfer from the cold object to your body
since the body and cold object have different temperature
that lead heat to transfer from your b body to cold object
and feel cold.
186. Suppose you are sitting near burning charcoal. You
immediately start feeling warm. Is the warmth you feel
caused by heat or temperature? Explain

45
  The warmth you feel are caused by heat because heat can
be transferred from one point to another but temperature
can’t be transferred.
187. Explain how fish and other aquatic organisms are able to
survive in a frozen lake.
 This is due to the anomalous expansion of water, thus
when water freezes, the ice floats to the top. This creates
an insulating layer, which allows liquid water to remain
underneath. This allows aquatic life to survive in freezing
environments. (see the fig below)

188. Explain why A lid on a metal container can be unscrewed

easily if the can is immersed in hot water for a few minute
 When a lid is placed in hot water it tend to expand that help
us to use few minutes to unscrew it than at normal
temperature or cold one.
189. Explain why it’s difficult to unscrew wheel nuts in the
morning, while it is relatively easy to unscrew them on a hot
day.
 Because during morning there is lower temperature that
cause the wheel nut to contract (tight) while during a day
the temperature increase that cause the wheel nut to
expand that lead to be unscrewed easy than during
morning.
190. The figure below shows a circuit diagram for controlling the
temperature of a room.

46
 (a) Explain the function of the bimetallic strip.
(b) Describe how the circuit controls the temperature when
the switch is closed.
 The function of bimetallic strip it act as temperature
regulator since it switch on or off depend on the
temperature from heating element.
 When the witch is closed current start to flow to the
heating element as well as the whole circuit causing
thermal energy to flow and heat the copper strip, where
the bimetallic strip having two metal which expand
differently at the same temperature. This lead the brass
to expand more than iron causing bimetallic strip to
bend and complete the circuit. When this appen the
stead temperature is reached.
191. Have you ever heard someone say that one of the advantages
of the short and stocky is that you’re less likely to get knocked
over? Explain your answer.
 Yes. I have heard that one of the advantage of the short
and stock is that you’re less likely to get knocked over this
is because a short parson has low center of gravity then he
became more stable therefore he is likely less to get
knocked over
192. A hole at the bottom of a ship is more dangerous than one
near the surface. Explain why?
 Because pressure is greater at the bottom than at the surface.
193. Explain why hitting an inflated balloon with a hammer will
not cause it to burst, but sticking it with a pin will.
 It is because of high pressure exerted by the pin.
194. Why are dams constructed thicker at the bottom than at the
top?
 So as to withstand the greater pressure exerted; the greater
pressure is at the bottom of the dam than at the top.
195. If you stand near the back of a refrigerator, you feel warm.
Explain.

47
  The heat from the volatile liquid is lost to the cooling fins
causing heating.
196. Why is water used as a coolant in a car engines? Explain.
 Because it has got high specific heat capacity compared
to the other liquids in the engine.
197. Latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporization are
“hidden”. Explain this.
 Are hidden because substance change phases while the
temperature remains the same, which cannot be measured
by the thermometer.
198. Why bare feet feel warmer on the carpet than on the floor
early in the morning?
 The floor (colder) is a good conductor of heat and it
moves heat rapidly away from your feet, while the carpet
(acts as insulator) slows down the flow of the heat which
would make feel warm
199. If a body loses half of its velocity on penetrating a 4cm wooden
block, how much more will it penetrate before coming to rest.
Solution
1
The initial energy `(𝐸1 )= mv 2 ,
2
1 1 2 1 1
The final energy `(𝐸2 )= m ( v) = m ( v 2 )
2 2 2 4
Thus ,energy loss=final energy-initial energy =4cm
1 1 1 1 1
Thus E= m ( v 2 ) − mv 2 = mv 2 ( − 1)
2 4 2 2 4
3 1
= − ( mv 2 ) The negative sign means energy lost
4 2
3 1
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑓 ( mv 2 ) =4cm, the remaining energy will
4 2
1 1
be ( mv 2 ) their penetration will be 1.33cm
4 2

200. Explain why a glass container with thick walls is more likely
to crack than one with thin walls when a very hot liquid is
poured in each of the glasses
 Because the inside of the glass is heated and expands,
while the outside remains cold and the same size. The
force of expansion usually breaks the glass.

48
201. Explain why Gases expand much more than solids and
liquids when heated?
 This is because the particles in gases are not held closely
together, as they are in solids and liquids, but are instead
free to move in all directions.
202. Explain why inflated balloon swells up and even bursts when
in the open on a hot day?
203. explains water boils at a higher temperature at sea level than
at the top of a high mountain
 Water boils faster at the top of mountain than at the
bottom, this is because the higher the altitude, the lower
the pressure. Thus at the top water will boil at lower
temperature than it does at sea level (bottom)
204. Why steam is hotter (dangerous) than boiling water (liquid)?
 Steam is hotter than boiling water because it has enough
energy (Latent heat of vaporization) to escape the boiling
water.
205. Why does spirit poured on the skin feel much colder than
water at the same temperature?
 This is because spirit evaporates much faster than water
due to its lower boiling point. This allows more heat to be
transferred faster, which makes it feel colder to the touch
206. Explain the three modes of transfer of heat?
 (i) Conduction involves the transfer of heat from the hot
end to the cold end from particle to particle of the medium.
(ii) Convection is the transfer of heat from one body to
another by actual movement of the particles of the medium
(iii) Radiation is the transfer of heat from one body to
another without the need of an intervening material
medium
207. Why it takes longer to boil a tea on top of high mountains
than at the sea level?
 Boiling point is directly proportional to the atmospheric
pressure/Pressure. At higher altitudes atmospheric
pressure decreases as compared to the sea level. So the
boiling point of water also reduced. We know water boils

49
 at 100°C at atmospheric pressure. Now the pressure gets
reduced. So water boils at below 100°C.
208. . Explain why, A house with thick walls is likely to be cooler
during hot seasons.
 A thick wall conducts less heat interior than a thinner wall
209. The following figure shows two air – filled bulbs connected
by a U – tube partly filled alcohol. What happens to the levels
of alcohol in the limbs X and Y when an electric bulb is placed
midway between the bulbs is lighted

 The black color being a better absorber of heat, bulb X gets

more heated due to heat radiated by the electric bulb
resulting in the expansion of air inside it. The expanded air
requires more space and thus pushes the alcohol towards
limb Y
210. Why are cooking vessels made of aluminium and not iron.
 because the thermal conductivity of aluminium is larger
than that of iron
211. Given two ways through which heat losses by convection be
prevented?
 It can be minimized by keeping the place vacuum,
 It can also be reduced by filling air cavities with insulating
materials
212. ‘The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is
𝟐. 𝟐𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝑱𝒌𝒈’the statement above confused some students
at a certain school. As a form four student, help them by
giving of this statement.
 Is the quantity of heat energy required to change
completely a unit mass (1kg) of the water to vapour at its
boiling point is 𝟐. 𝟐𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐉𝐤𝐠

50
213. How does the density of water change as temperature is
lowered from 15℃ to the freezing point
 The density of water tend to change according to
temperature since water at 4℃ its density reach at
maximum point which is equal to 1g/cm3 and at below ℃4
the density decrease with decrease with temperature and
above 4℃ to 15℃ the density of water also decrease, this
phenomenon is called anomalous expansion of water as
shown in figure below

214. Explain why The boiling point of water in Dar es salaam is

higher than at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro
 This is because the higher the altitude, the lower the
pressure.
215. Why food cooked in a pressure cooker takes less time to get
ready than food cooked in common cooking pots?
 This is because the high pressure created in the cooker

216. Explain the factors that affecting evaporation

 Temperature ,Temperature is directly proportional to the
rate of evaporation Surface Area
 Surface area is directly proportional to the evaporation
increase in Surface area increases the rate of evaporation
Concentration of Vapour Liquid

51
  Concentration of vapour liquid (the same or different
molecules) is inversely proportional to the evaporation.
Because the surrounding air has little space for the
escaping gaseous molecules comes from evaporation
217. Briefly explain hot soup is tastier than cold soup?
 Because hot soup has high temperature which reduced the
surface tension.
218. Explain how AC generator can be converted to a DC
generator?
 The ac generator can simply be converted by replacing the
slip-rings with commutators so that the current induced
takes only direction of flow
219. Explain the significance of using laminated soft irons in
transformer cores
 The laminated soft irons helps to reduce power loss in the
transformer. They reduce magnetic flux leakage and eddy
currents in the core of the transformer and therefore the
efficiency of a transformer is maintained maximum.
220. Figure below shows a simple electronic circuit designed by a
student. Explain why when the switch S is closed, the
voltmeter reading is zero

 When the switch is closed the voltmeter registers zero

current still, this is because the diode is reverse biased.
When the diode is reverse biased it does not allow current
to flow through it and therefore it acts as an open switch

ELECTRONICS
221. Briefly explain with two (2) strong reasons to why 𝑁𝑃𝑁
transistor is most preferred rather than 𝑃𝑁𝑃 transistor
 In the 𝑁𝑃𝑁 transistor the current conduction is mainly by
free electrons where as in the 𝑃𝑁𝑃 transistor is by holes.

52
 Since electrons are more mobile than holes the conduction
is high in 𝑁𝑃𝑁 transistor than in the 𝑃𝑁𝑃 transistor.
 𝑁𝑃𝑁 transistor have ability to with stand high temperature
and voltage
 𝑁𝑃𝑁 transistor have low leakage current
222. Explain briefly the effect of applying a forward bias and
reverse bias to the junction diode
 Forward bias is the connection across a 𝑃 − 𝑁 𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
in which the𝑃 − 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 Piece is connected to the to the
positive terminal of the battery and the 𝑁 − 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 piece is
connected to the negative terminal of the battery
Its effect
 To narrow the depletion layer, thus causing the majority
carrier to flow through the junction and so conduction
become easier. Reverse bias is the connection across a 𝑃
− 𝑁 𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 in which the 𝑃 − 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 Piece is connected to
the to the negative terminal of the battery and the 𝑁 − 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒
piece is connected to the positive terminal of the battery
Its effect To widen the depletion layer, thus causing the
minority carrier to flow (Leakage current) through the
junction and so conduction becomes low
223. Describe the meaning and mechanism of a half wave
rectifier
 Half wave rectifier: is the type of rectifier which consists
one diode connected in series with a load resistor. This
rectifier conducts the current only in positive half circle of
a.c supply. During negative half circle no current is
conducted and hence no voltage appears across the load.
Mechanism The a.c voltage across the secondary windings
changes the polarities after every half cycle. During the
positive half cycle of the input voltage, end A becomes
positive with respect to end. This makes the diode forward
biased and hence it conducts current.

53
224. Describe the meaning of the term “Single-stage amplifier”

225. how can you distinguish between insulator, semiconductor

and conductor interim of energy gap and temperature
According to energy level and temperature
(i) Conductor: The valence band and conduction band are overla
pped to each other and the free electron are available in conduc
tion band as shown in figure below.

 When temperature increase in a conductor the rate of condu

ctivity decrease due to the increase of resistance in a condu
ctor
(ii) Semi-conductor; Valence band and conduction band are separ
ated by a small energy gap called forbidden gap.

54
  When temperature increase in a semi-conductor the rate of
conductivity increase since the electron get excited from lo
w level called valence band to high level ( conduction band
) which are free charge carrier to conduct electricity.
(iii) Insulator.
The valence band and conduction band are separated by wide e
nergy level called forbidden gap as shown in figure below

 When temperature increase in insulator the rate of

conductivity also increase but we need large amount of
energy to excite electrons from valence band to conduction
band in order to be a conductor.

226. Describe, how you will connect semiconductor diode as

forward bias
 A semiconductor diode is said to be forward biased when
the p–type region is connected to the positive terminal
while the n–type region is connected to the negative
terminal of an external cell or battery

55
227. Why zener diode always connected reversed bias to the power
supply?
 Because zener diode
228. I
229.

56
 PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE, SIMPLE MACHINE &
EQUILIBRIUM
230. When a car goes out of control the driver tend to hit soft
materials. How can you explain this concept
 When car hit a soft materials that act as spongy like structure
which tend to increase the time of reaction that cause low
damage of car since momentum reduce force of reaction
between car and soft materials
231. Explain why racing cars should have wide wheel tracks?
 Racing cars have wide wheel tracks resulting to a low centre
of gravity for stability (more stable) in going round bends.
232. State why a bus carrying standing passengers has a higher chance
of overturning than one carrying seated passengers.
 With standing passengers, the bus is less stable because the
centre of gravity is higher, hence can easily overturn
233. Why should a mechanic choose a long spanner to undo a tight nut?
 It is easier to undo a tight nut with longer spanner because,
longer spanner (longer moment arm) produce/provides a great
force
234. Explain why hitting an inflated balloon with a hammer will not
because it to burst, but sticking it with a pin will.
 It is because of high pressure exerted by the pin.
235. It is more difficult to balance a nail on its tip than on its base.
Explain
 Because the tip area is too small and the base area is large.
Thus, large base area increase stability hence it is more
difficult to balance a nail on its tip.
236. Does an object have to be at rest to be in a state of equilibrium?
Explain your answer.
 Not necessary, because equilibrium is a state of balance of a
body.
237. The efficiency of a simple machine is never 100%. Why?
 Because some of the energy is transformed into heat due to
friction in the moving parts.
238. Why a cyclist does often drives in zigzag motion when going up a
hill?

57
  So as to use less effort since the angle of incline will be smaller
hence it is easier to go up the hill.
239. Explain why an elephant walk over a soft ground or muddy soil
without much sinking in the ground? OR
Explain briefly why it is easy to cut meat using a sharp knife than
to use a blunt knife?
 Since pressure increase with the decrease of an area, then
sharp knife provides greater pressure than the blunt knife to
cut the meat.
240. The sinking of the wheels of a lorry into soft sand may be
prevented by letting off some air from the tyres. Explain this
observation.
 This increase the area of contact with the ground and in effect
reduces the pressure exerted by the tyres on the ground
241. Explain why trucks which carry heavy loads have many wheels.
 The load is distributed to all the tyres. This means that the
pressure exerted on the road by each tyre is drastically
reduced.
242. Explain why the temperature of methylated spirit decreases when
air is blown over it.
 Blowing air increase the rate of evaporation. The latent heat of
vaporization required is taken from the methylated spirit, this
causes cooling.
243. Why water is not used as a thermometric liquid?
a) Its expansion is not linear
b) It has high freezing point and low boiling point
c) It has high specific heat capacity
d) It is transparent (colorless)
e) It is poor conductor of heat
f) It wets glass and sticks to the sides of the glass
244. With reasons, explain why mercury is more preferred to alcohol
in liquid – in – glass thermometers
 Because mercury in glass thermometer It does not wet and
stick to the wall of glass
245. Heat and temperature are closely related but they are different.
State how they are related and how they differ

58
  Is a form of energy possessed by a body due to its temperature
change and its Si unit is joule while temperature is the degree
of hotness or coldness of a body and its Si unit is Kelvin (K)
246. With the help of a well diagram explain how a bicycle pump work
why does it get hot when is used to inflate a bicycle tire?
 When the piston is pulled out, a low pressure is created in a
region just below the leather washer. Atmospheric pressure
then force air into the pump through inlet valves. When the
piston is pushed forward, the trapped air is compressed and the
tube of bicycle can be inflated using a valve.

247. Explain why a car with cambered wheels cannot overturn when it
is tilted to the side?
 A car with cambered wheels cannot overturn instead it will
only skids because the cambered wheels makes it very stable.
248.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, MOTION IN STRAIGHT LINE &

NEWTON’S LAW OF MOTION
249. When a car goes out of control the driver tend to hit soft
materials. How can you explain this concept
 When car hit a soft materials that act as spongy like structure
which tend to increase the time of reaction that cause low
damage of car since momentum reduce force of reaction
between car and soft materials
250. Explain why petrol road tankers usually have a length of metal
chain hanging down touching the ground
 The chain is for earthing, means used to allow the escape of
excess charges (electrons) to the ground

59
251. Explain why a wonder wheel which was rotating becomes hot
after a sudden stop.
 It is because of transformation of kinetic energy to heat
energy.
252. Why television screens are dusty after a while? Discuss.
 because the dust particles are attracted by the charged
television screens
253. Suppose that a ball is dropped from a tower, now use concept of
conservation of energy to explain the rebounds of the ball.
 When a ball is dropped from a tower, energy changes occurs
from potential energy to kinetic energy, once it strike the
ground some energy is lost in form of sound and heat, the
remaining energy makes a ball to rebound due to elastic
potential energy, it does so repeatedly until all energy is lost
into other forms where it will come to rest.
254. Advice a laboratory technician three proper ways of storing
magnets so that they can last longer.
 Ways of storing magnet
 Do not place magnet in too hot place
 Do not place magnets near a place with magnetic fields
 Arrange magnets with opposite poles facing each
255. Why does astronauts weigh more on earth than on the moon?
 Astronauts weighs more on the earth than on the moon
because the acceleration due to gravity of the earth is larger
than the gravitational acceleration of the moon. Comparatively
the gravitational acceleration of the earth is greater six times
the gravitational acceleration of the moon

60
 FORM ONE TOPICS

256. Why it is necessary to wear gloves when giving First Aid to a

bleeding person?
 So as to avoid direct contact with an injured person
257. On the way from school suddenly you find your uncle fainted
near your home place about two minutes ago and the hospital
is about twenty kilometers from home. What will you do to
help him before you decide to take him to the hospital?
Provide six (6) points
 Steps to Help a Victim suffering by fainting are:
(i) Take the person to a cool place or under a shade
(ii) Let him lie on his back with his legs raised higher
than the head.
(iii) Loosen his clothes and ensure sufficient supply of
air
(iv) Dip a clean handkerchief in water and press on his
forehead.
(v) Give him/her clean water to drink when he regains
consciousness
(vi) If not, take the victim to the nearest hospital
258. Fire is very important in everyday life but also does not lac
harm, but those harms also are avoidable. Basing on
dangerous area, what education will you provide so as to
avoid harms caused by fire? Four(4) points
 Basic principle of preventing fire are:
(i) Do not start opening fire near the building
(ii) All electrical appliance must be turned OFF
immediate after use or before leaving in the
laboratory

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 (iii) All source of heat should not be kept near the bench
edge to prevent them from falling down easily
(iv) No smoking in prohibited areas
259. Why a large ship floats in seas, while the coin sinks into
water?
 This is because water displaced by its immersed portion
(of a ship/submarine) equal to its weight.
260. Explain how a steel needle is made to float on water.
 The needle is placed gently on the water surface in a
horizontal position due to the Surface tension of the water
makes it float
261. State conditions for a body to float.
 Conditions for floating are:
(i) The object’s submerged volume must be large
enough so as to displace a lot of fluid.
(ii) The density of the body must be less than the
density of the surrounding fluid.
(iii) The upthrust due to the liquid must be equal to the
total weight of the object.
262. Juma graduate from ST.methew high school was inverted by
a headmaster of Mwandiga secondary school, they want to
build a laboratory, and they want advice from him. What are
the consideration and you think juma addressed to the owner
of school give five point.
263. Your young sister who is form one student at Mwembeni
secondary school, opting physics subject.as form two student
how would advise her continue taking physics subject?
Importance of physics
 It help to acquire skill that are required in different
professional like doctor, engineer and teachers
 It help to answer fundamental question about physics like
how rainbow is formed
 It help to improve our technologies
 It help to know sources of energy like solar energy
 It help to manufacture and designing different equipment’s
that are used in transport and other activities like car,
ship, house etc.

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264. You are designing a barbershop with two plane mirror .what
can be done in order to form five images of the customers
using those two mirrors?
 In order to form five image by using two plane mirror we
must place the two mirror with angle of 90° between them

265. Both plane, concave and convex mirror produce virtual

image, how this virtual image formed differ? Or what is
difference between virtual image produced by concave,
convex and plane mirror
 In plan mirror the virtual image forms is of same size as
object
 In concave mirror the virtual image formed is magnified
and its only formed when n object is placed between the
principal focus and the pole of the mirror while
 Virtual image formed in convex mirror is always
diminished in size
266. Explain why it is extremely so easy to raise car in water but
extremely very difficult to raise the same car in air?
 It is easy to raise or lift anything in water because some
weight is lost due to the presence of considerably upthrust
in water, but in air it is not easy because the upthrust of air
is very small, nearly negligible
267. Suppose that your friend get an injury by cutting himself
with a razor blade. Explain how you will give him first aid
 Wash hands with clean water and soap
 Wear sterile gloves
 Wash the cut using spirit or salty water
 Cover the cut using adhesive bandage
268. Your teacher may advice you on things you should never do
in the laboratory. For each of the rules below, write what
might happen if you never followed instructions:
i. Never enter the laboratory in absence of a teacher
 If one enters in the laboratory without permission, s/he
may start doing experiments improperly and cause
accidents or even damage apparatus
ii. Never run around in the laboratory.

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  If one run in the laboratory it is easy to slide and fall or
drops apparatuses
269. How does Physics help in everyday life of an individual?
 Physics helps an individual in the following areas
(i) In industrial activities the use of machines made
from knowledge of physics is highly used
(ii) At home, various communication system is made
by knowledge of physics
(iii) In transportation system
(iv) In agriculture activities
(v) At hospital diagnostic machines are all made using
knowledge of physics
270. Explain how parallax error occurs and substantiate how you
will avoid it during Measurement?
 Parallax error occurs when one take the measurement at
an angle which is not perpendicular from the reading.

Positions 1 and 3 are wrong, and will have a reading of

3.4 cm and 2.6 cm respectively. Position 2 is right and
the reading is 3.0 cm
271. Suppose that the school laboratory is made of slippery tiles,
convince the headmaster to replace them by advising him
as to why slippery floor is dangerous in the laboratory.
 Slippery floor are not good in laboratory for it may
causes the user to slide and fall. This may cause serious
injuries or break apparatuses.

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272. The laboratory technician wanted to produce three images of
a pen using two plane mirrors. Advise him how he should
arrange the two plane mirrors in order to achieve his goal?

273. Explain how bad smell from dirty toilets reach you in your
class?
 Bad smell from toilets travel through air by a process
called diffusion. Air particles and the odour particles
within the air, move freely in all directions

274. A body dipped in a liquid experiences an upthrust. Explain three

factors on which the upthrust depends.
ANSWER
i. The volume of liquid displaced
ii. The density of the fluid
iii. The volume of immersed body

275. Two identical free running trolleys are on a smooth horizontal

runway. One trolley is at rest and the other approaches it at
constant speed of 20m/s.
i. Use the principle of conservation of momentum find the
common speed of two trolleys after the collision. (3.5
marks)
ii. Why the kinetic energies before and after the collision are
different? (2 marks
ANSWER

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 i.
ii. Because some of the kinetic energy is lost as heat and sound
during collision.
276. A screw jack has a screw pitch of 5mm and the effort arm of
16cm.
(a) State two forms of energy in which the energy supplied to
the screw jack is finally converted to.
 Kinetic energy (due to the motion of the effort arm)
 Potential energy (due to the position of the Load)
(b) Determine the percentage efficiency of this screw jack, if
it needs an effort of 30N to lift a load of 750N.
Answer

277. State one example of the use of a convex mirror and indicate
why it is preferred to a plane mirror.
Answer
 It is used as a driving mirror
 It is preferred to a plane mirror because it forms a smaller
image (diminished image) or it has a wide range of view
278. An object is set 20cm in front of a lens and the real, inverted,
magnified and at great distance image was formed. State the type
of the lens used and determine the value of focal length
 The type of the lens is a convex lens (since the image
formed is real)

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  To the image at large distance the object must be placed at
principal focus. So the value of focal length is 20cm
279. Describe how a lens camera operates the same as human eye.
Give three points
Answer
 Both consists convex lens which focus an inverted image.
In camera focused onto film while human eye focused on
retina.
 Both adjust the quantity of light entering.
 Both capture the image through an important element,
retina for human eyes and film in a camera
280. Explain why it is easy to cut a meat with a sharp knife than a
blunt knife?
Answer
 It is easy to cut a meat with a sharp knife because of small
area in the contact part that cause large pressure to exert
from the knife to the meat where as a blunt knife has large
area at the contact that cause small pressure to exert from
the knife to the meat.
281. Explain any two (2) applications of hydraulic press in a daily life
 Uses of hydraulic press
 It used to lift heavy loads, a heavy load to be lifted
is placed in one side and the force is applied to the
other side, therefore a load will raise up
 It used to make hydraulic brakes, when a piston of
one side is pressed, it will
282. The pistons of hydraulic press have their areas given as 0.0003
m2 and 0.02m2 respectively. The 120N is required to push down
the small piston, find the force required to push a large piston
283. Explain why the freezing compartment of a refrigerator is located
near the top of the cabinet
ANSWER
The air in the refrigerator cabinet in contact with the freezer at the top
is colder than the air below. It is therefore denser and sinks to the
bottom. The less cold air rises to the top and becomes colder hence
sinks. Therefore the air in the refrigerator cabinet is thus kept cold
with help of the freezer

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284. A hollow metal sphere of mass 5kg is tied to the bottom of the sea-
bed by rope. The tension in the rope is 60N. Calculate the volume of
the sphere
ANSWER

285. With the aid of diagram, explain how rainbow is formed

ANSWER
 Rain bow are formed when sunlight is scattered from the rain
drops into the eye of the observer. This is caused by dispersion
of sunlight as it refracted and reflected by rain drops. The rain
drop must be in front of the viewer

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286. A 2.0m long resistance wire of cross section 0.5mm2 has a
resistance of 2.2. Find the; Resistivity of a material
Solution

287. Explain the observation that the level of liquid being heated in a
vessel first falls before starting to rise
Answer
 The level of the liquid being heated in a vessel first falls before
starting to rise because the vessel expands first before the liquid.
288. Briefly explain, why does an object appear coloured when light falls
onto it?
Answer

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 Object appear coloured when light falls onto it because coloured
objects tend to reflect light of its colour falling onto it and absorb
the rest
289.

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