WAKISO -KAMPALA TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (WAKATA)

WAKATA EXAMINATIONS COMMITTEE

“Affordable Quality Assessment”
Tel: 0702019043/ 0200905486/ 0782685163
UCE PHYSICS 535/1 PRE-MOCK GUIDE 2024

SECTION A

Item 1

(a) Explanation of Difficulty in Lifting the Cooler:

 The difficulty in lifting the cooler back up after it tipped over is due to the increased moment of
force; or torque acting on the cooler. When the cooler tips over, its center of mass shifts away; from
the pivot point (the point where it rests on the ground). This increased distance from the pivot point
results in a greater torque exerted by the weight of the cooler, making it harder to lift;
03 scores

(b) Advice on Proper Positioning to Lift the Cooler More Easily:

 To lift the cooler more easily, the students should have positioned themselves closer to the cooler;
and used proper lifting techniques. By getting closer to the cooler, they would have reduced the
moment arm; (distance between the pivot point and the force applied), thereby reducing the torque
required to lift it. Additionally, they should have bent their knees and used the strength of their leg
muscles; instead of relying solely on their back muscles, which can help distribute the weight; more
effectively and reduce strain.
04 score

(c) Sensitization on Considering Weight Distribution When Lifting Heavy Objects:

 It is important to consider the distribution of weight when lifting heavy objects to prevent accidents;
and injuries. Improper lifting techniques, such as lifting with the back instead of the legs or failing to
account for uneven weight distribution, can lead to muscle strains, back injuries; or even more
serious accidents. By being mindful of weight distribution and using proper lifting techniques; the
risk of injury can be significantly reduced.
03 scores

Total score (10 scores)

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Item 2

(a) Explanation of Difference in Sound Perception Based on Distance from Water:

 Some students heard the waves crashing loudly while others heard them faintly due to the principles
of wave propagation; Sound waves spread out as they travel through a medium, and their intensity
decreases with distance from the source; Students closer to the water experience higher sound
intensity because they are within closer proximity to the source of the sound waves; while those
farther away perceive the sound more faintly as the waves spread out over a larger area;
02 scores

(b) Advice on Conducting an Experiment to Investigate Relationship Between Distance and Sound Intensity:

 To investigate the relationship between distance from the water and sound intensity, students can
conduct an experiment where they measure the sound intensity (in decibels); at different distances
from the shoreline. They can set up a fixed point near the water and then measure sound intensity
using a decibel meter at various distances away from the water, ensuring that other factors affecting
sound intensity remain constant; By repeating the measurements at different distances, they can
establish a trend and determine how sound intensity changes with distance from the source;
03 scores

(c) Sensitization on Properties of Sound Waves and Mediums:

 Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air; water, or solids, to propagate.
They travel through these mediums by causing particles to vibrate, transferring energy from one
particle to another. The properties of the medium, such as density and elasticity, affect the speed and
propagation of sound waves. For example, sound travels faster in denser mediums like water;
compared to less dense mediums like air. Understanding these properties is crucial for understanding
how sound behaves and how it can be manipulated. Properties of sound waves like reflection,
refraction, diffraction, interference;
03 scores

(d) Calculation of Approximate Wavelength of Sound Waves:

 Wavelength (λ) can be calculated using the formula: , where v is the speed of sound and f is
the frequency of the sound wave.
 Given: Speed of sound in air (v) = 340 m/s Frequency of sound waves (f) = 20 Hz
 Plugging in the values: λ = = 17 meters
 Therefore, the approximate wavelength of the sound waves produced by the crashing waves is 17
meters.
02 scores

Total score (10 scores)

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Item 3

(a) Explanation of Why Stars Appear to Twinkle:

 Stars appear to twinkle when observed from Earth's surface due to atmospheric turbulence. As
starlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, it encounters variations in air density. These fluctuations
in density cause the light to refract or bend in different directions. Consequently, the apparent
position of the star appears to fluctuate rapidly, causing it to twinkle. This effect is particularly
noticeable when observing stars low on the horizon, where atmospheric turbulence is more
pronounced.
03 scores

(b) Advice on Distinguishing Between Planets and Stars Without a Telescope:

 To distinguish between planets and stars without a telescope, students can look for certain
characteristics:
 Planets typically have a steady, non-twinkling appearance compared to stars, which twinkle due to
atmospheric effects.
 Planets may exhibit noticeable coloration due to reflected sunlight, while stars generally appear white
or bluish-white.
 Planets often appear brighter than stars, especially when they are in close proximity to Earth and
reflect more sunlight.
02 scores

(c) Sensitization on Concept of Light-years and Its Relation to Distance Measurement:

 A light-year is a unit of distance equal to the distance that light travels in one year, approximately
9.46 trillion kilometers (or about 5.88 trillion miles). It is used to measure vast distances in space,
especially when discussing distances between celestial objects like stars and galaxies. For example,
when we say a star is "10 light-years away," we mean that the light from that star takes 10 years to
travel to Earth.
 Understanding light-years is crucial for comprehending the immense scales of the universe and the
vast distances between celestial objects.
02 scores

(d) Calculation of Approximate Distance to Alpha Centauri in Kilometers:

 Given:
 Distance to Alpha Centauri = 4.37 light years
 Speed of light (c) = meters per second (or kilometers per second)
 To calculate the distance to Alpha Centauri in kilometers:
 Distance = (Speed of light) (Time)
 Convert light years to years: 4.37 light years 9.46 trillion kilometers/light-year ≈ 41.31 trillion
kilometers.
03 scores

Total score (10 scores)

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 SECTION B
PART 1

Item 4

(a) Explanation of Why Larger Pot Takes Longer to Boil Considering Heat Capacity:

 The larger pot of water takes longer to boil than the smaller pot due to differences in heat capacity.
Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a
certain amount. Since the larger pot contains more water, it has a higher heat capacity compared to
the smaller pot. Therefore, even though both pots receive the same amount of heat from the stove, the
larger pot requires more heat energy to raise the temperature of its contents to the boiling point. As a
result, it takes longer for the larger pot of water to reach the boiling point compared to the smaller
pot.
05 scores

(b) Advice on Calculating Heat Capacity of Different Materials:

 The heat capacity of a material can be calculated using the formula:

To calculate the heat capacity of a pot or any

other material, one needs to measure the amount of heat energy supplied to the material (usually in
joules), the mass of the material (usually in kilograms), and the change in temperature experienced by
the material (usually in degrees Celsius or Kelvin). Then, plug these values into the formula to obtain
the heat capacity.
03 scores

(c) Sensitization on Importance of Considering Heat Capacity in Energy-Efficient Cooking Appliances:

 Considering heat capacity is crucial when designing energy-efficient cooking appliances. Appliances
that efficiently transfer heat to cooking vessels with higher heat capacities can minimize energy waste
and reduce cooking times. By understanding the heat capacities of different materials and designing
appliances that optimize heat transfer, manufacturers can improve the efficiency of cooking processes
and reduce energy consumption.
03 scores

(d) Calculation of Amount of Heat Required to Raise Temperature of 1 kg of Water by 10°C:

 Given: Specific heat capacity of water (c) = 4200 J/kg°C Mass of water (m) = 1 kg Change in
temperature (ΔT) = 10°C
 To calculate the amount of heat required: Heat Energy = Mass Specific Heat Capacity Change in
Temperature = (1 kg) (4200 J/kg°C) (10°C) = 42,000 joules
04 scores

Total score (15 scores)

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Item 5

(a) Explanation of Why Hot Water Takes Longer to Reach Tap During Winter Considering Heat Transfer
and Insulation:

 During winter, it takes longer for hot water to reach the tap due to differences in ambient temperature
and heat loss. In colder weather, the surrounding environment, including the pipes carrying hot water,
is cooler. As a result, more heat is lost from the hot water as it travels through the pipes to reach the
tap. Additionally, if the pipes are poorly insulated or exposed to colder outdoor temperatures, more
heat is lost through conduction and convection, further slowing down the heating process. Therefore,
despite the boiler settings remaining unchanged, the colder conditions of winter lead to increased heat
loss and longer time for hot water to reach the tap.
04 scores

(b) Advice on How to Improve Efficiency of Hot Water System, Particularly During Colder Months:

 To improve the efficiency of their hot water system during colder months, the family can consider the
following measures:
 Insulating hot water pipes: Adding insulation to the pipes carrying hot water can reduce heat loss
during transit, allowing hot water to reach the tap more quickly.
 Using a recirculation system: Installing a hot water recirculation system can keep hot water
circulating through the pipes, reducing the wait time for hot water at the tap.
 Setting a timer: Programming the boiler to turn on at specific times, such as before peak demand
periods, can ensure that hot water is readily available when needed without continuous operation,
thereby reducing energy consumption.
 Maintaining the hot water tank: Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank to remove
sediment buildup and checking for leaks in pipes or fittings, can help optimize the performance of
the hot water system. Any two
04 scores

(c) Sensitization on Importance of Maintaining Temperature of Hot Water Tank to Reduce Heat Loss:

 Maintaining the temperature of the hot water tank is essential for reducing heat loss and ensuring
efficient operation of the hot water system. Heat loss occurs when hot water sits in the tank for
extended periods, especially if the tank is poorly insulated or if the temperature settings are too high.
By keeping the hot water tank well-insulated and setting the temperature to an appropriate level, the
family can minimize heat loss and ensure that hot water remains readily available while reducing
energy consumption and operating costs.
03 scores

(d) Calculation of Amount of Energy Required to Raise Temperature of 20 Liters of Water from 10°C to
60°C:
Given:
 Mass of water (m) = 20 kg (since 1 liter of water ≈ 1 kg)
 Specific heat capacity of water (c) = 4200 J/kg°C
 Change in temperature (ΔT) = (60°C - 10°C) = 50°C
 To calculate the amount of energy required: Heat Energy = Mass × Specific Heat Capacity × Change
in Temperature = (20 kg) × (4200 J/kg°C) × (50°C) = 42,000,000 joules
 Converting joules to kilojoules: Heat Energy = 42,000,000 joules / 1000 = 42,000 kilojoules
04 scores

Total score (15 scores)

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 Part II

Item 6

(a) Instructions for Making a Simple Magnet and Using It to Pull Out Metal Pieces:

 To make a simple electromagnet, Alex can follow these steps:

 Wrap the wire tightly around the nail several times, forming a coil. Leave enough wire at both
ends to connect to the batteries.
 Connect one end of the wire to the positive terminal of one battery and the other end to the
negative terminal of the second battery, creating a circuit.
 Ensure that the batteries are connected in series, so the current flows continuously through the
wire coil.
 When the circuit is complete, the electric current flowing through the wire coil generates a
magnetic field, magnetizing the nail and turning it into an electromagnet.
 Place the electromagnet near the mixture of nuts, bolts, screws, and metal pieces. The
electromagnet will attract the metal pieces due to the magnetic field, allowing Alex to easily
separate them from the non-metallic items.
10 scores

(b) Evaluation of the Feasibility and Effectiveness of the Simple Electromagnet:

 While Alex's idea of creating a simple electromagnet using a nail, wires, and batteries is feasible,
there are some limitations to consider:
 Strength of the electromagnet: The strength of the electromagnet depends on factors such as the
number of wire coils, the current passing through the wire, and the type of nail used. With only
two batteries, Alex may not be able to generate a strong enough magnetic field to efficiently
attract all the metal pieces in his collection.
 Duration of magnetization: The electromagnet will only be magnetized as long as the batteries are
connected and supplying current to the wire coil. Once Alex disconnects the batteries, the
magnetic field dissipates, and the nail loses its magnetism.
 Selectivity in attracting metal pieces: The electromagnet will attract any ferromagnetic metal
pieces, including nuts, bolts, screws, and any other small metal objects. Alex may need to
manually sort through the attracted items to separate the desired metal pieces from the unwanted
ones.
05 scores

Total score (15 scores)

Item 7

(a) Instructions for Designing a Simple Circuit Using Motor, Wires, and Light Bulb:

 Maria can design a simple circuit using the motor, wires, and light bulb as follows:
 Connect one end of a wire to one terminal of the motor and the other end to one terminal of the
light bulb.
 Attach another wire to the remaining terminal of the motor and the other terminal of the light
bulb.
 Ensure that the wires are securely connected to the terminals of the motor and light bulb, forming
a closed loop circuit.
 When Maria cranks the motor by hand, it generates electricity, which flows through the wires and
illuminates the light bulb, demonstrating the power of electricity.

05 scores

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(b) Discussion of Electrical Energy Conversion:

 In this scenario, mechanical energy from cranking the generator is converted into electrical energy to
light up the bulb. When Maria rotates the hand-cranked generator, she applies mechanical force to
turn the motor's rotor. Inside the motor, this mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy
through electromagnetic induction. As the rotor spins, it creates a changing magnetic field, which
induces an electric current to flow in the wires connected to the motor terminals. This electric current
then travels through the wires to the light bulb, where it encounters resistance, causing the filament to
heat up and emit light. Thus, the mechanical energy from cranking the generator is transformed into
electrical energy, which powers the light bulb.
05 scores

(c) Advice on Improving Efficiency of Hand-Cranked Generator:

 Maria can improve the efficiency of her hand-cranked generator to produce more electrical energy for
brighter light by considering the following measures:
 Increasing the number of wire coils in the motor: More wire coils in the motor's stator can
enhance electromagnetic induction and increase the amount of electricity generated for a given
rotation of the rotor.
 Using stronger magnets: Upgrading the magnets inside the motor can create a stronger magnetic
field, resulting in higher induced currents and improved electrical output.
 Reducing friction: Minimizing friction between moving parts of the generator, such as the rotor
and bearings, can help Maria crank the generator more easily, allowing for smoother operation
and greater efficiency in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
 Optimize gear ratio: Adjusting the gear ratio between the hand crank and the generator can
optimize the rotational speed of the generator, ensuring maximum power output without excessive
effort from Maria.
Any 3 06 scores

Total score (15 scores)

****END****

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