Examination Answers – Semester 1, 2009

640-131 Physics 1

These are answers to the exam questions, not complete solutions. Answers provided to
questions requiring explanations do not represent complete solutions, and would not
necessarily receive the full marks allocated on the exam paper. Many marks are given on the
exam for ‘working’ (i.e. for showing that you understand the relevant physics), and a
numerical answer alone is not always sufficient to gain full marks.

1.
(a)
(i) The particle initial slides up the ramp with decreasing speed. At 0.5 s it stops
momentarily, then slides back down the ramp with increasing speed.
(ii) 0.5 m.
(iii) Graph required. (Note: the acceleration is negative at all times.)
(iv) µk = 0.17. (Angle of the slope is 14.2°.)

(b)
(i) 13 m/s.
(ii) v = 13iˆ − 7.8 ˆj .

2.
(a) 59 N.

(b) 68°.

(c) 80 N.

3.
(a)
(i) N/s, or kg m/s3.
(ii) a(t) = 4.71t m/s2.
b 2
(iii) v(t ) = v0 − t
2m
(iv) 2.7 s.
(v) 30 m.

(b) The normal force is larger than the force due to gravity. Explanation required.

(c)
(i) 4.4 m/s.
(ii) The vine will break. (Tension in the vine at the lowest point of the swing
is 1100 N.)

4. Essay question.

640-131 Physics 1 Exam Answers, 2009 Page 1 of 3

5.
(a)
(i) 1.5 ms.
(ii) 1.3 × 105 N to the left on the diagram.
(iii) 1.3 × 105 N to the right on the diagram.

(b)
(i) 3.5 J.
(ii) 3.5 m/s.
(iii) 88 rad/s.
(iv) 2.9 m/s2.

6.
(a) The firing is not simultaneous in the frame of the duck. In that frame, Billy’s pulse
was fired first. Explanation required.

(b) In Billy and Wyatt’s frame, the pulses will hit them simultaneously. Explanation
required.

(c)
(i) E1: (x’, t’) = (0, 0) E2: (x’, t’) = (600 m, 0)
(ii) E1: (x, t) = (0, 0) E2: (x, t) = (1630 m, +5.1 × 10-6 s).
(iii) 2 µs.
(iv) 5.4 µs.

7.
(a) The bug could not reach escape velocity. (Its takeoff speed is 3.4 m/s and the escape
velocity is 4.5 m/s.)

(b) 2.6 × 1010 m.

(c) 1.4 × 107 m.

8.
(a) As sand is added, the period of oscillation increases. Explanation required.

(b)
(i) 1.26 s.
(ii) 0.39 m.

9.
(a)
(i) 0.01 m.
(ii) 0.63 m.
(iii) 0.016 s.
(iv) 40 m/s.
(v) 16 N.

(b)
(i) 190 Hz, 380 Hz.
(ii) Explanation required.

(c) Essay question.

640-131 Physics 1 Exam Answers, 2009 Page 2 of 3

10.
(a) You would see an evenly illuminated lens. Explanation required.

(b) Explanation required.

(c)
(i) 464 nm.
(ii) 0.90 mm.

(d)
(i) +50 cm.
(ii) Virtual. Explanation required.
(iii) Image is formed 21 cm to the left of the lens.
(iv) +1.4 (i.e. the image is upright.)

640-131 Physics 1 Exam Answers, 2009 Page 3 of 3