Introduction to Physics

14 Grade 10 Physics questions on Introduction to Physics, with worked marking schemes. 14 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   3 marks

   Outline three precautions that a learner should take when using mains-powered electrical apparatus in the physics laboratory.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three of the following, 1 mark each: keep water and wet hands well away from sockets and from the apparatus; inspect cables and plugs for cracks or bare wires before switching on; switch off at the socket before connecting or disconnecting apparatus; avoid overloading one socket with many appliances; do not run cables across a walkway where they may be tripped over; report any sparking, buzzing or burning smell to the teacher immediately. Maximum 3 marks.

2. Question 2

   1 mark

   Which one of the following physical quantities is correctly matched with its SI unit?

   A. Time - second

   B. Area - square centimetre

   C. Density - gram per cubic centimetre

   D. Weight - kilogram

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   4 marks

   In a practical report a learner wrote: 'The mass of the stone is 250 Gms and its length is 15 Cm.' State the error in the way each of these two units has been written and, in each case, write the unit correctly.

   (4 marks)

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4. Question 4

   3 marks

   State the branch of physics under which each of the following is studied: (a) the formation of an image by a camera lens; (b) the behaviour of charges during a lightning strike; (c) the decay of a radioactive substance used in a hospital.

   (3 marks)

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5. Question 5

   4 marks

   Describe two ways in which knowledge of physics is applied in farming in Kenya.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Award 1 mark for each correctly named application and 1 mark for the explanation of the physics involved, to a maximum of two applications (2 x 2 = 4 marks). Accept any two of: solar grain or coffee dryers - radiant energy from the sun is absorbed and warms the air, which carries away moisture from the produce; solar-powered water pumps - panels convert light energy into electrical energy that drives the pump; brooder thermometers in poultry houses - temperature is measured and controlled so that chicks are kept warm; a wheelbarrow or a jembe - these act as simple machines (levers) so that a smaller effort moves a large load; milk coolers in a dairy - heat energy is removed from the milk so that it does not spoil; electric fencing - a high-voltage pulse is used to keep livestock and wildlife apart.

6. Question 6

   6 marks

   Identify three careers, other than teaching, that a learner who studies physics could pursue, and for each career outline one way in which physics is applied.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Award 1 mark for each correctly named career and 1 mark for a correct application, to a maximum of three careers (3 x 2 = 6 marks). Accept any three of: Electrical engineer - designs and installs circuits so that power is supplied and used safely; Radiographer - uses X-rays or ultrasound to form images of the inside of the body; Pilot - applies forces, lift and instrument readings to fly and navigate an aircraft; Civil engineer - calculates the forces and pressures that keep bridges and buildings stable; Meteorologist - measures atmospheric pressure, temperature and wind to forecast weather; Solar installation technician - fits panels that convert light energy into electrical energy; Motor vehicle mechanic - applies forces, moments and hydraulics when servicing braking and lifting systems.

7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which one of the following is a basic (fundamental) physical quantity?

   A. Speed

   B. Length

   C. Density

   D. Volume

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   3 marks

   Outline three safety precautions that a learner should observe when heating water with a Bunsen burner in the physics laboratory.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three of the following, 1 mark each: tie back long hair and keep loose clothing away from the flame; point the mouth of the test tube or flask away from yourself and from other learners; use tongs, a clamp or a heat-proof mat when handling hot apparatus; keep the burner on a luminous (yellow) flame or turn it off when it is not in use; never leave a lit burner unattended on the bench; keep flammable liquids such as paraffin and spirit away from the flame. Maximum 3 marks.

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   A technician at the geothermal power station in Olkaria studies how steam from underground transfers energy to the turbines. Which branch of physics is the technician mainly applying?

   A. Nuclear physics

   B. Thermal physics

   C. Electronics

   D. Optics

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    An expectant mother at a health centre is given an ultrasound scan. The scan works by applying the physics of

    A. light waves

    B. X-rays

    C. sound waves

    D. radio waves

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    A county hospital in Kakamega needs a specialist to operate its X-ray machine and to keep patients' exposure to radiation as low as possible. Which physics-related career is being described?

    A. Laboratory technologist

    B. Pharmacist

    C. Physiotherapist

    D. Radiographer

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    4 marks

    Distinguish between a basic physical quantity and a derived physical quantity, giving one example of each.

    (4 marks)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Learners are told never to eat or drink while in the physics laboratory. The main reason for this rule is that

    A. crumbs of food make the apparatus dirty

    B. harmful chemicals may be swallowed with the food

    C. the smell of food distracts other learners

    D. eating wastes the time set aside for the lesson

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    During a practical lesson, a few drops of paraffin catch fire on the bench top. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the learner to take?

    A. Open all the windows so that the smoke escapes

    B. Cover the flame with a fire blanket or dry sand

    C. Pour a beaker of water onto the burning paraffin

    D. Blow hard on the flame until it goes out

    (1 mark)

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