Physics 2016 HSC exam pack (archive)

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• linking atmospheric drag to low-Earth orbit satellites (Q21a)
• calculating the force due to gravity and using the correct units for force (Q21b)
• understanding that motion was required to create induction (Q22a)
• understanding that the magnet was falling under gravity (Q22b)
• understanding that a voltage or an electric field has an effect on the direction of an electric charge within the deflection plates (Q23a)
• equating the force of a charge in an electric field to the force of a charge in a magnetic field and determining the magnetic field strength (Q23b)
• identifying the increased lattice vibrations with increasing temperature (Q24)
• recognising that force decreases as distance increases (Q25a)
• realising that the broader range produced a more comprehensive view of the curve (Q25b)
• understanding the purpose of a transformer (Q26)
• stating Hertz’s basic experiment involving the discovery of radio waves as well as using labelled diagrams to supplement responses (Q27a)
• demonstrating some understanding of the photoelectric effect (Q27b)
• identifying light as a photon (Q27b)
• recalling the results of investigations regarding the photoelectric effect (Q27b)
• describing the acceleration of the rocket and how the acceleration was affected by fuel and rocket thrust (Q28)
• demonstrating a sound knowledge of Physics discoveries, especially superconductors and semiconductors. (Q29)
• articulating the multiple steps required to achieve the correct calculation (Q30a)
• understanding the role of the conservation of energy in explaining the energy available to the falling mass (Q30b).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• explaining the effect of atmospheric drag (Q21a)
• converting units of distance (Q21b)
• identifying the in and out motion of the magnet in the coil and its relationship to alternating current (Q22a)
• interpreting velocity-time graphs, especially when the gradient is acceleration (Q22b)
• explaining that a change of input voltage can create a change of electric field between the deflection plates (Q23a)
• relating input voltage to an electric field (Q23a)
• determining the direction of the magnetic field (Q23b)
• understanding that lattice vibrations do not stop completely below critical temperature (Q24)
• answering the question rather than discussing BCS theory in detail (Q24)
• comparing the actual curves presented rather than theoretical ones (Q25a)
• using correct Mathematical terms to compare the graphs (Q25a)
• understanding that a sufficient number of measurements over a sufficient range of distances is required to deduce a valid relationship (Q25b)
• understanding the terms ‘accurate’, ‘valid’ and ‘reliable’ (Q25b)
• understanding the implications of using transformers (Q26)
• including equipment that was essential for Hertz’s observations (Q27a)
• providing observations made by Hertz that were consistent with the photoelectric effect (Q27a)
• stating the understanding before and after the change (Q27b)
• linking the results of the investigation to the change in understanding (Q27b)
• understanding momentum and acceleration of the rocket (Q28)
• understanding induced current for generators (Q29)
• not confusing the interactions of a generator with those of a motor (Q30b).

Question 31

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• understanding that seismic methods were used in monitoring the nuclear test ban (part a i)
• identifying one geophysical method or an economic benefit (part a ii)
• describing a model of Earth’s magnetic field (part b i)
• describing one feature of a magnetic field other than the variation of its inclination with latitude (part b ii)
• naming two corrections that must be made when gravimetric data is being analysed (part c)
• interpreting the diagram (part d)
• interpreting the diagram, identifying P and S waves from the sample seismograms and describing features of both types of waves (part e).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• understanding the concept of using earthquakes to locate the position of a nuclear test (part a i)
• linking the geophysical method with its economic benefit (part a ii)
• relating the inclination of Earth’s magnetic field and latitude (part b i)
• reading the question carefully and describing features rather than just one feature (part b ii)
• explaining gravimetric corrections (part c)
• providing valid inferences rather than just one inference, and justifying the answer (part d)
• relating features on the seismograms to the behaviour of different types of earthquake waves and Earth’s internal structure (part e).

Question 32

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• identifying the difference between the two types of X-rays, especially in terms of properties such as wavelength, energy and image resolution (part a i)
• providing reasons for the widespread use of X-rays (part a ii)
• describing the application of the piezoelectric effect (part b i)
• calculating the Ir/Io ratio (part b ii)
• outlining key aspects of Doppler or CAT imaging, and providing examples for their use (part c)
• describing the annihilation process (part d)
• describing principles, especially nuclear spin and resonance (part e).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• not confusing soft X-rays and soft tissue imaging (part a i)
• reading the question carefully and referring to limbs (part a ii)
• describing the piezoelectric effect (part b i)
• using the calculated value to describe what happens at the boundary (part b ii)
• contrasting the use of the two techniques rather than the two techniques (part c)
• not confusing PET scans and bone scans (part d)
• relating the answer to diagnosis (part d)
• explaining how the principles are applied and linking larmor frequency to resonance (part e).

Question 33

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• identifying the meaning of the terms (part a i)
• identifying several ways of improving resolution (part a ii)
• demonstrating an understanding of how trigonometric parallax works (part b i)
• substituting into the distance modulus equation (part b ii)
• relating absorption spectra of stars to the corresponding spectra of elements (part c)
• recalling that the peak wavelength of the spectra gives temperature using Wien’s law (part c)
• identifying that eclipsing binaries can be used to determine the mass of stars (part d)
• understanding that Cepheid variables can be used to determine distances (part d)
• identifying key regions of the HR diagram and describing nuclear processes that occur throughout the lifecycle of a star (part e).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• outlining the ways of improving resolution rather than just identifying them (part a ii)
• not confusing adaptive and active optics (part a ii)
• explaining how trigonometric parallax is used (part b i)
• using distance equation (d=1/p) before substituting the parallax angle into the distance modulus (part b ii)
• providing specific reference to deriving temperature and composition (part c)
• clearly explaining how variables such as light curves, graphs or equations are used (part d)
• discussing why stars are not evenly distributed on the HR diagram (part e).

Question 34

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• identifying the two types of nucleon and a difference between them (part a i)
• identifying relevant forces (part a ii)
• identifying the Zeeman effect, relative intensity or hyperfine lines (part b i)
• identifying the Rydberg Equation (part b ii)
• manipulating equations to identify the initial shell (part b ii)
• describing Pauli’s exclusion principle or Heisenberg's uncertainty principle (part c)
• understanding the role of particle accelerators in detecting particles (part d)
• recalling the major features of the standard model of matter (part d)
• recognising that Fermi’s work is associated with nuclear fission (part e)
• identifying applications of Fermi’s work (part e).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• explaining how the forces operated in the nucleus (part a ii)
• outlining the features, rather than just identifying them (part b i)
• converting energy to a wavelength (part b ii)
• linking Heisenberg and Pauli’s work to changes in Bohr’s model of the atom (part c)
• linking the new particles with the development of the standard model of matter in a way that showed how the discoveries supported the theory (part d)
• knowing how the accelerators identified the various particles. (part d)
• not confusing neutron diffraction with particle accelerators (part d)
• linking Fermi’s work in controlled nuclear fission to the nuclear reactor and its applications (part e)
• identifying effects that are related to society (part e).

Question 35

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• recognising analogue and digital signals (part a i)
• identifying the advantages of electrical and electronic circuits (part a ii)
• stating two features of an operational amplifier (part b i)
• identifying that resistors are important to the function of an operational amplifier (part b ii)
• demonstrating some understanding of constructing a truth table (part c)
• identifying features of an integrated circuits (part d)
• recognising that resistors had an effect on the output (part e)
• recognising the function of the thermistor (part e).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• describing the advantages of electrical and electronic circuits (part a ii)
• comparing all the listed features of an operational amplifier with those of an ideal amplifier (part b i)
• drawing a correct circuit diagram (part b ii)
• interpreting graphs to determine how to calculate the gain of an operational amplifier (part b ii)
• applying a relevant equation to determine the value of the feedback resistor (part b ii)
• completing a truth table and determining the possible input voltages (part c)
• explaining the advantage of an integrated circuit over individual transistors (part d)
• obtaining the reference voltage and voltage value using the voltage dividing equation (part e)
• recognising the function of the comparator and the function of the transistor (part e).