SP025 FLIPBOOK 1 OF 4

PHYSICS UNIT PHYSICS UNIT

Physics Unit KMNS 2021/2022

PHYSICS UNIT, SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
NEGERI SEMBILAN MATRICULATION COLLEGE
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MALAYSIA
72000 KUALA PILAH, NEGERI SEMBILAN

SP025 PHYSICS 2nd SEMESTER
SESSION 2021/2022

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This physics syllabus was specially prepared for Matriculation Programme as a preparation for students to achieve a
standard basic level of physics. The physics knowledge obtained will enable the students to pursue education at
university level in the various fields of sciences, engineering, ICT and other related fields.

2.0 COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
2.1 Explain basic concepts of electric current, electronics, magnetism, optics, quantization of light, wave properties
of particles and nuclear physics.
(C2, PLO 1, MQF LOD 1)
2.2 Demonstrate manipulate skills during experiments in capacitors, electric current and direct current, magnetic
field, geometrical optics and physical optics.
(P3, PLO 2, MQF LOD 2)
2.3 Solve problems of electric current, electronics, magnetism, optics, quantization of light, wave properties of
particles and nuclear physics.
(C4, PLO 4, CTPS 3, MQF LOD 6)

3.0 ORGANIZATION

Head of Science Department : En. Mohd Anis Suryady bin Mustafha
Head of Physics Unit : En. Mohd Hafiz bin Mohd Yosop

Physics Lecturers:

1. En. Amir-Ul Mahadi Ahmad Maulana 14. Pn. Nadia Asyikin Abdul Rahman
2. Pn. Rusnah Mat Juri 15. Pn. Zahasnida Zahari
3. En. Abd. Kadir Sulaiman 16. Cik Sali Azuin Zulkefli
4. En. Zulkefli Hashim 17. Pn. Maznon Mohd Mokhtar
5. Pn. Nun Mohd Noh 18. Pn. Ema Azura Abd. Kadir
6. En. Ng Soon Lai 19. Pn. Jannatul Ar Rayan Mohd Azmi
7. Pn. Nur Baizura Zainal Abidin 20. Pn. Nurul Shaiedah Roslan
8. En. Shamsuhanizul Shamsudin 21. Cik Nur Khuzaida Kamarudin
9. Pn. Norul Huda Alias 22. Cik Azwin Adzmi
10. Pn. Sitinorsham Shamsudin 23. Pn. Nor Fatimah Az-Zahra Othman
11. Pn. Mazlinda Mazlan 24. Pn. Noor Adilah Ab Aziz
12. Pn. Heiryah Othman 25. Pn. Nurul Adibah Zainal
13. Pn Muszalinda Mustapha 26. Pn. Fitri Norshakila Muhamad

4.0 TOTAL LEARNING TIME

Total Learning Time Face-to-Face Non Face-to-Face Total
LTP A 205
L = Lecture L TPA 18 66 0 19.5
T = Tutorial
P = Practical 18 66 12 5.5
A = Assessment 5

Credit Value

5.0 ASSESSMENT STRATEGY T&L Strategy Assessment
5.1 Assessment divided into 2 parts: Lecture Ujian Penilaian
5.1.1 Continuous assessment (60%) Sumatif (UPS)
5.1.2 Examination (40%) Practical
Practical Test
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Tutorial
CLO 1 – Explain basic concepts of electric current, Lab Report Test
electronics, magnetism, optics, quantization of Assignment
light, wave properties of particles and nuclear
physics. Final Examination
CLO 2 – Demonstrate manipulate skills during
experiments in capacitors, electric current and
direct current, magnetic field, geometrical optics
and physical optics.
CLO 3 – Solve problems of electric current,
electronics, magnetism, optics, quantization of
light, wave properties of particles and nuclear
physics.

Page 1 of 4

6.0 COURSE EVALUATION

6.1 Final examination in each semester:

Physics Paper SP025 : 80 marks

Contribution to the evaluation of subject is 40%

6.2 Course work which are carried out during the whole semester: 60%
……….
Assignment : 10%
100%
Ujian Penilaian Sumatif (UPS) : 20%

Practical Test : 15%

Lab Report Test : 15%

Contribution to the evaluation of subject is

TOTAL

7.0 MARKS EVALUATION Grade Point Status
A 4.00 Excellent
Range of marks (%) A- 3.67
80 – 100 B+ 3.33 Credit
75 – 79 B 3.00 Pass
70 – 74
65 – 69 B- 2.67 Fail
C+ 2.33
60 – 64 C 2.00
55 – 59 C- 1.67
50 – 54 D+ 1.33
45 – 49 D 1.00
40 – 44 F 0.00
35 – 39
0 – 34

8.0 REFERENCE BOOKS
8.1 Cutnell J.D.Johnson k.w, “Introduction to Physics”,10th Edition, John Wiley & Sons,Inc

9.0 ADDITIONAL REFERENCE BOOKS
9.1 Serway, R. A. & Jewett, J. A. (2014). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (9th ed.). International Student
Edition. USA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
9.2 Giordano, N. J. (2013). College Physics – Reasoning & Relationships (2nded.). USA: Brook/Cole Cengage
Learning. Giancoli, D. C. (2009). Physics - Principles with Application (6th ed.). Prentice Hall.
9.3 Haliday, D. & Resnick, R. Walker, J. (2009). Fundamental of Physics, Extended (8th ed.). Tear Walker Johs
Wiley & Sons Inc.
9.4 Hewitt, P.G. (2009). Conceptual Physics (1 1th ed.). Addison-Wesley.

10.0 STUDY GUIDELINES
10.1 Maintain a positive attitude towards the subject matter
10.2 Understand the basic concepts and principles before attempting to solve assigned problems.
10.3 Read the text book and jot down points that are unclear before attending lecture on the covered material.
10.4 During class, take careful notes and ask questions about ideas that are unclear.
10.5 Set up a regular study schedule.
10.6 Read the syllabus for the course and adhere to the schedule set by the lecturer.
10.7 Devote about two hours of study time for every hour you are in class.
10.8 Seek the advice of the lecturer if you are having trouble with the course.
10.9 Avoid the practice of delaying study until a day or two before an exam.

Page 2 of 4





CONTENTS i
ii
THE GREEK ALPHABET iii
LIST OF SELECTED CONSTANT VALUES
LIST OF SELECTED FORMULAE 1
6
TOPIC 1: ELECTOSTATICS 11
TOPIC 2: CAPACITORS
TOPIC 3: ELECTRIC CURRENT AND DIRECT-CURRENT CIRCUIT 18
25
TOPIC 4: MAGNETISM 31
TOPIC 5: ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
TOPIC 6: ALTERNATING CURRENT 37
41
TOPIC 7: GEOMETRICAL OPTICS
TOPIC 8: PHYSICAL OPTICS 48
54
TOPIC 9: QUANTIZATION OF LIGHT 58
TOPIC 10: WAVE PROPERTIES OF PARTICLE
TOPIC 11: NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS

THE GREEK ALPHABET

A  Alpha

B  Beta

 Gamma

  Delta

  Epsilon

  Zeta

  Eta

 Theta

  Iota

  Kappa

  Lambda

 Mu

 Nu.

  Xi

  Omicron

 Pi

  Rho

  Sigma

  Tau

  Upsilon

  ,  Phi

  Chi

  Psi

  Omega

i

LIST OF SELECTED CONSTANT VALUES
SENARAI NILAI PEMALAR TERPILIH

Speed of light in a vacuum c = 3.00 x 108 m s-1
Permeability constant 0 = 4 x 10−7 H m-1
Permittivity constant 0 = 8.85 x 10-12 F m-1
Elementary charge e = 1.60 x 10-19 C
Planck's constant h = 6.63 x 10−34 J s
Electron mass me = 9.11 x 10-31 kg
= 5.49 x 10−4 u
Neutron mass mn = 1.674 x 10-27 kg
= 1.008665 u
Proton mass mp = 1.672 x 10−27 kg
= 1.007277 u
Deuteron mass md = 3.34 x 10-27 kg
= 2.014102 u
Universal gas constant R = 8.31 J K−1 mol−1
Rydberg's constant RH = 1.097 x 107 m-1
Avogadro constant NA = 6.02 x 1023 mol−1
Boltzmann's constant k = 1.38 x 10-23 J K-1
Gravitational constant G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2
Free-fall acceleration g = 9.81 m s−2
Atomic mass constant 1u = 1.66 x 10-27 kg
= 931.5 MeV
Electron Volt 1 ev
c2
Constant of proportionality for Coulomb's law, k = 1 = 1.6 x 10−19 J
4π
0 = 9.0 x 109 m2 C-2

Atmospheric Pressure 1 atm = 1.013 x 105 Pa
= 1000 kg m−3
Density of water W

ii

LIST OF SELECTED FORMULAE
SENARAI RUMUS TERPILIH

1. F = Qq = kQq 17. C =  rC0
40r 2 r2 18. I = dQ

 dt
F
2.  =
E q0

19. Q = ne

3. E = kQ 20.  = RA
r2 l

4. V = W 21. R = R01+  (T − T0 )
q0
22. V =  − Ir
5. V = kQ 23. P = IV
r

6. V = Vfinal −Vinitial 24. P = I 2R
25. P = V 2
7. V = W
q0 R
26. W = IVt

8. U = qV  V

 q1q2 q1q3 q2q3  27. V1 = R1 + R2 R1
r12 r13 r23 + ........Rn
9. U = k + +

10. E = V 28. 1 = l1
d  2 l2

11. C = Q 29. B = 0I
V 2r

12. U = 1 CV 2 = 1 QV = 1 Q2 30. B = 0I
2 2 2C 2r

− 31. B = 0nI

13. Q = Q0e RC 32. B = 1 0nI
2
1 −   
14. Q = Q0 − e RC F =   B
qv
33.

15. r =  34. FB = Fc
0 

16. C0 = 0A 35. F = Il  B
d
36. F = 0I1I2
l 2d

iii

 58. Z = R2 + (X L − XC )2
37.  = NIA B 59.  = tan−1 (X L − XC )

38. v = E R
B 60. Pav = IrmsVrms cos


39.  = B • A = BAcos

40.  = N 61. cos = Pr = Pav
Pa I rmsVrms
41.  = − d
dt 62. R = 2 f

42.  = Blvsin 63. 1 = 1 + 1
f uv
43.  = −NA dB
dt 64. m = hi = − v
h0 u
44. ε = -NB dA
dt 65. n1 + n2 = n2 − n1
uv R
45.  = NAB sin t
46. L = −  66. 1 =  nm aterial − 1 1 − 1 
f nm edium R1 R2
 dI 
 dt 

47. L = N 67. ym = mD
I d

48. Lcoil = 0N 2 A  m + 1 D
2r 68. ym =  2
d
0N 2 A
49. Lsolenoid = l 69. y = D
d
50. U = 1 LI 2
2 70. 2nt = m

51. M = 0N1N2 A 71. 2nt =  m + 1 
l  2

52. V = V0 sin t 72. yn = nD
53. I = I0 sin t a

73. yn = (n + 1 )D
2

54. Irms = I0 a
2
74. d sin = n

55. Vrm s = V0 75. d = 1
2 N

56. XC = 1 76. E = hf = hc
2fC 

57. X L = 2fL

iv

77. 1 mvmax2 = eVs = hf − hf0 83. dN = −N
2 dt

78. W0 = hf0 84. N = N0e−t

79. Kmax = eVs = hf −W0 85. A = A0e−t

80.  = h 86. T1 = ln 2
p 
2
( )81. m = Zmp + Nmn − mnucleus

82. EB = mc2

v

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

TOPIC 1
ELECTROSTATIC

1.1 Coulomb's law

(a) State Coulomb's law, = =
4 0 2 2

(b) Sketch the electric force diagram

(c) Apply Coulomb's law for a system of point charges.

* Simple configuration of charges with a maximum of four charges in 2D.

1.2 Electric field →

(a) Define and use electric field strength, =


2
(b) Use = for point charge.

(c) Sketch the electric field strength diagram.

* Simple configuration of charges with a maximum of four charges in 2D.

(d) Determine electric field strength E for a system of charges.

* Simple configuration of charges with a maximum of four charges in 2D.

1.3 Electric potential

(a) Define electric potential, =



(b) Define and explain equipotential lines and surfaces of an isolated charge

in a uniform electric field.

(c) Use = for a point charge and a system of charges. Maximum four


charges in 2D

(d) Calculate potential difference between two points:

∆ = − , ∆ =



(e) Deduce the change in potential energy, ∆ between two points in electric

field: ∆ = ∆

(f) Calculate potential energy of a system of point charges:

= ( 1 2 + 1 3 + 2 2 3 3)up to maximum three charges.
13
12

1.4 Charge in a uniform electric field

(a) Explain quantitatively with the aid of a diagram the motion of a charge in a

uniform electric field.

(b) Use = ∆ for uniform E in:


(i) stationary charge

(ii) charge moving perpendicularly to the field

(iii) charge moving parallel to the field

(iv) charge in dynamic equilibrium

1

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (C2, PLO 1, MQF LOD 1)

1. Which one of the following statement about electrostatics is CORRECT?
A Coulomb force is the electric potential difference.
B Force per unit charge is equivalent to volt per meter.
C The unit of electric potential energy is volt per meter.
D The potential gradient is an electric field strength per unit length.

2. Coulomb's law states that the electrostatics force between two point charges is
directly proportional to the
A squared distance between the charges
B distance between the charges
C product between the charges
D permittivity of medium

3. Electric field strength at a point in space is defined as electric force experienced
by
A one coulomb positive charge at that point
B one coulomb negative charge at that point
C one proton at that point
D one electron at that point

4. Three pith balls supported by insulating threads hang from a support. We know
that ball X is positively charged. When ball X is brought near balls Y and Z
without touching them, it attracts Y and repels Z. We can conclude that
A Y is negatively charged
B Z is negatively charged
C Y has a positive charged
D Z is neutral (has no net charge)

5. Which of the following statements is true about electrically equipotential
surfaces?
A The charge density is uniform.
B The electric field at any point on the equipotential surface is zero.
C There is no electric potential difference between 2 nearby electrically
equipotential surfaces
D No work is done to move a charge along an equipotential surface.

ANSWERS:
1. B 2. C 3. A 4. A 5. D

2

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (C4, PLO 4, CTPS 3, MQF LOD 6)

1.

20 cm 15 cm

q2 q1 q3

FIGURE 1.1

Three point charges, q1 = +3.0 μC, q2 = −4.0 μC and q3 = –7.0 μC are placed 20
cm and 15 cm apart on a straight line in air as shown in FIGURE 1.1. What is the
magnitude and direction of the net electrostatic force acting on charge q1?

2. Two equal positive point charges q1 = q2 = 2.0 μC are located at x = 0, y = 0.3 m and
x = 0, y = −0.3 m respectively.
(a) What is the magnitude and direction of the total electric force that these
charges exert on a third positive point charge Q = 4.0 μC at x = 0.4 m,y = 0?
(b) By sketching the electric force diagram, show the direction of total electric force
exert on the third charge.

3. A –3 µC charge lies on the straight line between a 2 µC charge and a 4 µC
charge. The separation between the 2 µC and 4 µC is 0.06 m.
(a) Sketch the position of the three charges and show the forces acting on the –3
µC charge.
(b) Calculate the distance of the 2 µC charge from –3 µC charge where net force
acting on –3µC charge is zero.

4. When a test charge q = 2 nC is placed at the origin, it experiences a force of 8.0 
10−4 N. Calculate the magnitude of electric field strength at the origin.

5. Two point charges of +2 μC and -5.0 μC are separated by a distance of 6.0 cm. Find
the electric field strength at the midpoint between the charges.

6.

q1 q2

q3 q4

20 cm
FIGURE 1.2

3

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

FIGURE 1.2 shows four charges, q1, q2, q3, and q4, each of magnitude 4 µC are
placed at the respective corners of a square with sides 20 cm. Calculate the
(a) Electric field strength at the center of the square.
(b) Electric force acting on another charge of magnitude – 4 µC placed at the

center of the square.

7. Two point charges of 4 µC and 16 µC are separated by a distance of 10 mm. A point
P is at a distance of 8 mm from the 4 µC charge and 6 mm from the 16 µC charge.
Calculate
(a) the electric potential at P.
(b) the electric potential energy of a charge of 10 µC at P.

8. Sketch the equipotential lines of
(a) a positive charge.
(b) a uniform electric field.
State the shape of the surfaces.

9. (a) What is the work required to transfer a charge of 6 µC against a potential
difference of 110 V?

(b) +q

a

−3q +2q
a

FIGURE 1.3

Three point charges of +q, +2q and −3q are arranged as shown in FIGURE 1.3.
Calculate the electric potential energy of the system of three charges in terms of
k, q and a.

10. Two parallel metal plates separated by a distance of 1.5 mm are charged until the
potential difference between the plates is 6 V. What is the electric field between
the plates?

11.

e

FIGURE 1.4

4

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

A beam of electrons enters a uniform electric field between two parallel plates as
shown in FIGURE 1.4.
(a) Sketch the path of the electron beam in the electric field and after emerging

from the electric field.
(b) State the shape of the path and explain why.

12.

e 20 mm

60 mm

FIGURE 1.5

FIGURE 1.5 shows a section of the deflection system of a cathode ray
oscilloscope. An electron travelling at a speed of 1.5 × 107 m s−1 enter the space
between two parallel metal plates 60 mm long. The electric field between the
plates is 4.0 × 103 V m−1.
(a) Copy the FIGURE 1.5 and sketch the path of the electron in between the

plates and after emerging from the space between the plates.
(b) Calculate the vertical component of velocity as it leaves the region between

the plates.

ANSWERS:

1. 5.7 N to the right

2. 0.461 N to the right

3. 0.025 m
4. 4.0 105 N C−1

5. 7.0 x 107 N C-1

6. 0, 0

7. 2.85 107 V, 285 J

7.59 kq 2 
a
9. (a) 6.6 10−4 J (b) − J

10. 4 103 V m−1
12. 2.81106 m s−1

5

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

TOPIC 2
CAPACITOR AND DIELECTRICS

2.1 Capacitance and capacitors in series and parallel

(a) Define and use capacitance,


=

(b) Derive and determine the effective capacitance of capacitors in series and

parallel.

(c) Derive and use energy stored in a capacitor,

= 1 2 = 1 = 1 2
2 2 2

2.2 Charging and discharging of capacitors

(a) State physical meaning of time constant and use =
(b) Sketch and explain the characteristics of Q-t and I-t graph for charging and

discharging of a capacitor.
(c) Use

−

i) = for discharging

−

ii) = (1 − ) for charging

(d) Determine the time constant of an RC circuit.
(Experiment 1: Capacitor)

(e) Determine the capacitance of a capacitor using an RC circuit.
(Experiment 1: Capacitor)

2.3 Capacitors with dielectrics

(a) Define dielectric constant, =


(b) Describe the effect of dielectric on a parallel plate capacitor.

(c) Calculate capacitance of air-filled parallel plate capacitor, =

=
(d) Use dielectric constant,


(e) Use capacitance with dielectric, =

6

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (C2, PLO 1, MQF LOD 1)

1. What is the meaning of capacitance of 1 μF?
A. 1 µC of charges from emf.
B. ratio of 1 µC of charges to 2 V of potential difference.
C. ratio of 1 µC of charges to 1 V of potential difference.
D. ratio of 1 V of potential difference to 1 µC of charges.

2. Which one of the following statements about time constant, is NOT TRUE?
A. time taken for the current to increase to 37% of its initial value.
B. time taken for the charge to decrease to 37% of its initial value.
C. time taken for the charge to attain 63% of its full value.
D. time taken for the current to drop to 37% of its initial value.

3. An initially uncharged parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to
potential V by a battery. The battery is then disconnected. Which statement is
CORRECT?
A. There is no charge on either plate of the capacitor.
B. The capacitor can be discharged by grounding any one of its two plates.
C. The capacitance increases when the distance between the plates increases.
D. The potential difference between the plate is equal to V of the battery.

4. A parallel plate capacitor is charged in air. It is then electrically isolated and lowered
into a liquid dielectric. Which of the following sets of changes is CORRECT?
A. Both the capacitance and the charges on the plates increase.
B. Both the capacitance and the charges on the plates decrease.
C. The capacitance increases and the potential difference across the plates
decreases.
D. The capacitance decreases and the potential difference across the plates
increases.

5. The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor does not depend on…….
A potential difference across the capacitor.
B. distance between the plate.
C. dielectric between the plate.
D. cross-sectional area of the plate.

ANSWERS:
1. C 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. A

7

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (C4, PLO 4, CTPS 3, MQF LOD 6)

1. (a) Two conductors having net charges of +10.0 μC and –10.0 μC have a
potential difference of 10.0 V between them. What is the potential difference
between the two conductors if the charge on each conductor is increased
to +100 μC and –100 μC?

(b) Two capacitors, C1 = 5.0 μF and C2 = 12.0 μF, are connected in parallel,
and the resulting combination is connected to a 9.0 V battery. Calculate:
(i) the equivalent capacitance of the combination.
(ii) the potential differences across each capacitor.
(iii) the charge stored on each capacitor.

2. (a) Calculate the effective capacitance between a and b as shown in FIGURE
2.1.

C2=1 µF

C1= 4 µF

C3=3 µF

C4=6 µF b
a

C6=8 µF FIGURE 2.1

C5=2 µF

(b) Find the equivalent capacitance between points a and b for the group of

capacitors connected as shown in FIGURE 2.2. If C1 = 5.0 μF, C2 = 10.0 μF

and C3 = 2.0 μF. a
C1
C1

C3 FIGURE 2.2
C2 C2

C2 C2

b
8

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

3. A 3.0 μF capacitor which is fully charged of 36.0 μC, is connected to a battery.
Calculate energy stored in the capacitor.

4. A parallel-plate capacitor has 2.0 cm2 plates that are separated by 5.0 mm with air
between them. If a 12.0 V battery is connected to the capacitor, calculate the
energy stored.

5. A fully charged capacitor has 12.0 µF and 6.0 mC charge. The capacitor has been
discharged through a resistor of 100 Ω. Determine:

(a) the potential difference across the capacitor.
(b) the time constant for charging circuit.
(c) the time taken if just 20% charge left in the capacitor.

6. Sketch I-t graph to show the:
(a) charging and,
(b) discharging process of a capacitor.

7. The capacitance of an empty capacitor is 1.2 µF. The capacitor is then connected
to a 12 V battery and charged up. With the capacitor connected to the battery, a
slab of dielectric material is inserted between the plates. As a result, 2.6 × 10−5 C
of additional charges flow from one plate, through the battery, and on to the other
plate. Calculate the dielectric constant, r of the material.

8. A fully charged parallel-plate capacitor remains connected to a battery while you
slide a dielectric between the plates. Do the following quantities increase,
decrease, or stay the same?

(a) The capacitance in the capacitor, C.
(b) The charge in the capacitor, Q.
(c) The potential difference across each capacitor, V

9. A parallel-plate capacitor has plates of area 280 cm2 are separated by distance of
0.55 mm. The plates are in vacuum. If a potential difference of 20.1 V is supplied
to the capacitor, calculate:
(a) capacitance of the capacitor.
(b) amount of charge on each plate.

10. A capacitor with air between its plates is charged to 100 V and then disconnected
from the battery. When a piece of glass is placed between the plates, the voltage
across the capacitor drops to 25 V. Calculate the dielectric constant of this glass.
(Assume the glass completely fills the space between the plates)

9

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

ANSWERS: (b) (i) 17 μF (ii) 9 V (iii) 45 μC & 108 μC
(b) 6.04 μF
1. (a) 100 V (c) 1.93 ms
2. (a) 6 μF (b) 1.2 ms
3. 2.16×10−4 J (b) 9.07×10−9 C
4. 2.55×10−11 J

5. (a) 500 V

7. 2.8
9. (a) 4.51×10−10 F

10. 4

10

Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

TOPIC 3
ELECTRIC CURRENT AND DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS

3.1 Electrical Conduction
(a) Describe microscopic model of current.
* Emphasise on the flow of free electrons in a metal. Include concept of drift
velocity.
(b) Define electric current , =



(c) Use electric current, = , =



3.2 Ohm's law and Resistivity
(a) State and use Ohm's law.
(b) Define and use resistivity, =



(c) Sketch V-I graph (Experiment 2: Ohm's Law)
(d) Verify Ohm's Law (Experiment 2: Ohm's Law)
(e) Determine effective resistance of resistors in series and parallel by

graphing method (Experiment 2: Ohm's Law)

3.3 Variation of resistance with temperature
(a) Explain the effect of temperature on electrical resistance in metals.
(b) Use = [1 + ( − 0)]. α is at temperature 20°C.

3.4 Electromotive force (emf), internal resistance and potential difference

(a) Define emf, ε and internal resistance, r of a battery.

(b) State factors that influence internal resistance.
(c) Describe the relationship between emf of a battery and potential difference

across the battery terminals.
(d) Use terminal voltage, = ℰ −

3.5 Resistors in series and parallel
(a) Derive and determine effective resistance of resistors in series and
parallel.

3.6 Kirchhoff's Rules
(a) State and describe Kirchhoff's Rules.
(b) Use Kirchhoff's Rules.
* (i) Maximum two closed circuit loops.
(ii) Use scientific calculator to solve the simultaneous equations.

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Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

3.7 Electrical energy and power
(a) Use power, = , = 2 and P= 2 . (Known as power loss)



(b) Use electrical energy, =

3.8 Potential divider

(a) Explain principle of potential divider.

(b) Use equation of potential divider, 1 = ( 1 )

1+ 2+⋯

3.9 Potentiometer

(a) Explain principles of potentiometer and its applications.
(b) Use related equations for potentiometer, 1 = 1

2 2

(c) Determine internal resistance, r of a dry cell by using potentiometer.

(Experiment 3: Potentiometer)

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Physics Unit, KMNS SP025
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (C2, PLO 1, MQF LOD 1)

1. A body contains electrons more than its normal number has
A. Positive charge
B. Negative charge
C. No charge
D. None of the above

2. The SI unit for measurement of electric charge is
A. Volt
B. Coulomb
C. Ohm
D. Farad

3. The ____________ is responsible for the current to flow in a closed circuit.
A. Electric charge
B. Potential difference
C. Resistance
D. All of the above

4. Any charged conductor, which receives electricity from the earth, when
connected to it, is said to be
A. Zero potential
B. Negative potential
C. Positive potential
D. None of the above

5. Resistance of a wire is directly proportional to its
A. Length
B. Diameter
C. Area
D. All of the above

ANSWERS:
1. B 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. .A

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Physics Unit, KMNS SP025
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (C4, PLO 4, CTPS 3, MQF LOD 6)

1. A current of 4 A flow in the circuit for 3 hours. What is the total charges flow during
this time?

2. (a) A potential difference 24 V is applied to 15 Ω resistor. Calculate the
magnitude current flows through the resistor.

(b) A potential difference of 8 V is applied across metal wire with uniform cross
sectional area of 0.08 mm2 and length of 0.5 m. Determine the resistivity of
the wire if the electric current flow is 1.2 A.

3. (a) Explain the effect of temperature on electrical resistance in metals.

(b) A platinum wire has a resistance of 0.5 Ω at 0°C. It is placed in a water bath
where its resistance rises to a final value of 0.6 Ω. Calculate the temperature
of the water bath. The temperature coefficient of resistivity for platinum is
3.93 x 10-3 C−1.

(c) A toaster has a heating element made of nichrome wire and connected to
a 220 V source. The wire is initially at 20 C with current 1.8 A. When the
toaster reaches its final operating temperature, the current is 1.53 A.
Calculate the final temperature of the heating element if the temperature
coefficient of resistivity for nichrome wire is 4  10−4 C−1.

V

ℇ = 15 V
4.

r=4Ω

A

R=6Ω

FIGURE 3.1
FIGURE 3.1 shows a battery with ℰ = 15 and internal resistance, = 4 is
connected to resistance = 6 .
(a) What is the reading of the ammeter and voltmeter in the circuit above?
(b) Explain why the voltmeter reading is different from the battery emf.

5. The emf of a cell is 1.8 V. When the cell is connected to a 5 Ω resistor, the
voltage across the resistor is 1.5 V. What is the internal resistance of the cell.

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Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

6. (a) 5Ω (b) 4Ω 3Ω
6Ω
15 V 6Ω 4Ω

(c) 7Ω (d) 12 V
30 V 30 V 5Ω

15 Ω 4Ω 1Ω 10 Ω 5Ω

20 Ω

FIGURE 3.2 15 Ω

FIGURE 3.2 shows an identical resistors are connected to a battery. Calculate the
equivalent resistance and total current flow for each circuit.

7.

FIGURE 3.3

(a) FIGURE 3.3 shows a circuit with the current flow through resistor, R3 is 1.0
A and internal resistance, r2 is 2.05 Ω. Determine the internal resistance, r1
and current I1 and I2.

FIGURE 3.4
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Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

(b) FIGURE 3.4 shows an identical resistor in a circuit. Calculate the current
flows through each resistor.

8. A battery with an emf of 12 V is connected to a 545 Ω resistor. How much energy
dissipated in the resistor in 65 s?

9. Three equal resistors connected in series across a source of emf together dissipate
10 of power. What would be the power dissipated in the same resistors when
they are connected in parallel across the same source of emf.

10.

12 V R1= 3 Ω

R2= 2 Ω V

FIGURE 3.5

(a) FIGURE 3.5 shows an arrangement of resistance R1= 3 Ω and R2 = 2 Ω
which are arranged in series to a 12 V driver source. Determine the potential
difference across resistance R2.

1.5 V, 2 .0 Ω 2.0 Ω

AB

D
CE

ℰ1

F
G

FIGURE 3.6

(b) FIGURE 3.6 shows a potentiometer consists of a wire CE of 100 cm in
length and 4.0 Ω resistance. A cell of emf 1.5 V and 2.0 Ω internal resistance
is connected in series with 2.0 Ω external resistor. When a cell with emf ℰ1
is connected to the potentiometer, the balance length CD is 45.5 cm.
Determine ℰ1.

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Physics Unit, KMNS SP025

ANSWERS:

1. 4 ⋅ 32 × 104 (b) 1.067 × 10−6
2. (a) 1.6

3. (b) 50.89 ⁰ (c) 461 ⁰

4. (a) 9 V, 1.5 A

5. 1

6. (a) 7.4 , 2.03 (b) 6 , 2 (c) 5.13 , 5.85 (d) 10 , 3

7. (a) ₁ = 0.512 , I₂= 0.488 , r₁= 0.76

(b) ₁ = 13.196 , I₂= −4.845 , ₃ = 18.041

8. 17.17

9. 90

10. (a) 4.8 (b) 0.341

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