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PHYSICS, M2 2018 HSC 23a

The diagram shows a cathode ray tube in a television.
 

Outline energy changes associated with the electrons passing through the gun, and when they strike the screen.   (2 marks)

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→ As the electrons pass through the gun, they experience an acceleration and so have their kinetic energy increased and the electrical potential energy decreased.

→ When the electrons hit the screen, their kinetic energy is converted into light and heat energy by the law of conservation of energy.

Show Worked Solution

→ As the electrons pass through the gun, they experience an acceleration and so have their kinetic energy increased and the electrical potential energy decreased.

→ When the electrons hit the screen, their kinetic energy is converted into light and heat energy by the law of conservation of energy.

Mean mark 54%.

PHYSICS, M2 2018 HSC 14 MC

A pendulum can be used to determine the acceleration due to gravity using the relationship

where is the period and is the length of the pendulum.

The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Mars is less than that on Earth.

Which graph relates the variables for the pendulum correctly for both planets?
 

 
 

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Show Worked Solution

→ Rearranging the equation given 

→ Thus .

→ It will be a nonlinear graph between and .

→ As the value of for Mars is less than that of Earth, the data line for Mars must be below that of Earth.

♦ Mean mark 478%.

CHEMISTRY, M8 2023 HSC 36

An organic reaction pathway involving compounds and is shown in the flow chart.
 

The molar mass of is 84.156 g mol.

A chemist obtained some spectral data for the compounds as shown.
 

 
 δ
 
 

Identify the functional group present in each of compounds to and draw the structure of each compound. Justify your answer with reference to the information provided.  (9 marks) 

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Compound : Alkene
 

Compound : Secondary alcohol
 

Compound : Ketone
 

Reasoning as follows:

→ Compound is able to undergo an addition reaction to add water across a bond    Alkene

→ Compound is the product of the above hydration reaction and is therefore an alcohol.

→ The spectrum of Compound confirms it is an alkene (132 ppm peak corresponding to the atoms). 3 spectrum peaks indicate 3 carbon environments. The molar mass of compound is 84.156 g mol which suggests symmetry within the molecule.

→ The Infrared Spectrum of Compound has a broad peak at approximately 3400 cm. This indicates the presence of an hydroxyl group and confirms is an alcohol.

→ Compound is produced by the oxidation of Compound with acidified potassium permanganate.

→ Compound is a carboxylic acid if is a primary alcohol or a ketone if is a secondary alcohol.

→ Since the spectrum of does not show any peaks between 9.0 − 13.0 ppm, it cannot be a carboxylic acid. Compound is therefore a ketone and Compound is a secondary alcohol.

→ The spectrum shows 5 peaks 5 hydrogen environments.

→ Chemical shift and splitting patterns information indicate:

1.01 ppm – 1.05 ppm: (next to a )

1.65 ppm: (with multiple neighbouring hydrogens)

2.42 ppm: (next to the ketone and a )

2.46 ppm: (next to the ketone and a )

Show Worked Solution

Compound : Alkene
 

Compound : Secondary alcohol
 

Compound : Ketone
 

Reasoning as follows:

→ Compound is able to undergo an addition reaction to add water across a bond    Alkene

→ Compound is the product of the above hydration reaction and is therefore an alcohol.

→ The spectrum of Compound confirms it is an alkene (132 ppm peak corresponding to the atoms). 3 spectrum peaks indicate 3 carbon environments. The molar mass of compound is 84.156 g mol which suggests symmetry within the molecule.

→ The Infrared Spectrum of Compound has a broad peak at approximately 3400 cm. This indicates the presence of an hydroxyl group and confirms is an alcohol.

→ Compound is produced by the oxidation of Compound with acidified potassium permanganate.

→ Compound is a carboxylic acid if is a primary alcohol or a ketone if is a secondary alcohol.

→ Since the spectrum of does not show any peaks between 9.0 − 13.0 ppm, it cannot be a carboxylic acid. Compound is therefore a ketone and Compound is a secondary alcohol.

→ The spectrum shows 5 peaks 5 hydrogen environments.

→ Chemical shift and splitting patterns information indicate:

1.01 ppm – 1.05 ppm: (next to a )

1.65 ppm: (with multiple neighbouring hydrogens)

2.42 ppm: (next to the ketone and a )

2.46 ppm: (next to the ketone and a )

PHYSICS, M8 2023 HSC 33

Consider the following statement.

The interaction of subatomic particles with fields, as well as with other types of particles and matter, has increased our understanding of processes that occur in the physical world and of the properties of the subatomic particles themselves.

Justify this statement with reference to observations that have been made and experiments that scientists have carried out.  (9 marks)

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Thomson’s Experiment:

→ Thomson’s experiment tested the interaction of cathode rays (which he discovered were negatively charged subatomic particles and named them electrons) with electric and magnetic fields to determine the charge to mass ratio () of the electrons.

→ Using both the electric and magnetic fields, Thomson balanced the forces to ensure the cathode rays travelled through undeflected. Thus:

→ Using the magnetic field and known velocity, the cathode rays travelled in a circular path due to their negative charges interacting with the magnetic field. Thus:

→ The charge to mass ratio was determined to be 0.77 10 Ckg and was times smaller than the charge to mass ratio of the proton. The number was also the same regardless of the metal cathode used, thus Thomson determined this particle was a fundamental constitute of all matter. 

→ Therefore, the statement is true as the observations and experiment undertaken by Thomson using the interactions of particles and fields led to a greater understanding of the electrons.
 

Chadwick’s Experiment:

→ In Chadwick’s experiment, he irradiated beryllium with alpha particles which emitted a deeply penetrating radiation with neutral charge. When this particle was directed into paraffin wax, protons were emitted and detected on a screen. 

→ Using the Laws of conservation of energy and momentum, Chadwick proposed the idea of a neutral particle and named it the neutron. He determined that the mass of this particle must be slightly greater than the mass of the proton.

→ Therefore, Chadwick’s observations of the neutrons led to a greater understanding of the properties of the particle, thus justifying the statement above.
  

Observations using particle accelerators:

→ Particle accelerators have led to many new scientific discoveries as a result of the interaction of particles with fields and particle-particle interactions.

→ Scientists have come to a greater understanding of quarks and other subatomic particles within the standard model of matter and processes of the physical world including decay trails and momentum dilation.

→ The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can accelerate particles close to the speed of light using electric and magnetic fields. When particles collide, the kinetic energy is converted into mass using Einstein’s equation  .

→ The new particles formed as a result of these collisions led to the development of the standard model and increased scientific understanding of subatomic particles including up and down quarks, W/Z bosons and the Higgs Boson.

→ These subatomic particles have very short lifetimes before decaying into more stable particles. Our knowledge of them is primarily from studying their decay properties which has led to a greater understanding of particle decay trails.

→ Observations of interactions within particles accelerators has also increased the scientific understanding of momentum dilation. As particles reach relativistic speeds, a greater force is required to accelerate them than classical physics predicts which is due to mass and momentum dilation.
 

Other Answers could include:

→ Millikan’s Oil drop experiment.

→ The photoelectric effect.

→ Geiger Marsden experiment.

→ Davisson Germer experiment.

→ Observations of Muons.

Show Worked Solution

One (of many) exemplar responses.

Thomson’s Experiment:

→ Thomson’s experiment tested the interaction of cathode rays (which he discovered were negatively charged subatomic particles and named them electrons) with electric and magnetic fields to determine the charge to mass ratio () of the electrons.

→ Using both the electric and magnetic fields, Thomson balanced the forces to ensure the cathode rays travelled through undeflected. Thus:

→ Using the magnetic field and known velocity, the cathode rays travelled in a circular path due to their negative charges interacting with the magnetic field. Thus:

♦♦ Mean mark 45%.

→ The charge to mass ratio was determined to be 0.77 10 Ckg and was times smaller than the charge to mass ratio of the proton. The number was also the same regardless of the metal cathode used, thus Thomson determined this particle was a fundamental constitute of all matter. 

→ Therefore, the statement is true as the observations and experiment undertaken by Thomson using the interactions of particles and fields led to a greater understanding of the electrons.
 

Chadwick’s Experiment:

→ In Chadwick’s experiment, he irradiated beryllium with alpha particles which emitted a deeply penetrating radiation with neutral charge. When this particle was directed into paraffin wax, protons were emitted and detected on a screen. 

→ Using the Laws of conservation of energy and momentum, Chadwick proposed the idea of a neutral particle and named it the neutron. He determined that the mass of this particle must be slightly greater than the mass of the proton.

→ Therefore, Chadwick’s observations of the neutrons led to a greater understanding of the properties of the particle, thus justifying the statement above.
  

Observations using particle accelerators:

→ Particle accelerators have led to many new scientific discoveries as a result of the interaction of particles with fields and particle-particle interactions.

→ Scientists have come to a greater understanding of quarks and other subatomic particles within the standard model of matter and processes of the physical world including decay trails and momentum dilation.

→ The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can accelerate particles close to the speed of light using electric and magnetic fields. When particles collide, the kinetic energy is converted into mass using Einstein’s equation  .

→ The new particles formed as a result of these collisions led to the development of the standard model and increased scientific understanding of subatomic particles including up and down quarks, W/Z bosons and the Higgs Boson.

→ These subatomic particles have very short lifetimes before decaying into more stable particles. Our knowledge of them is primarily from studying their decay properties which has led to a greater understanding of particle decay trails.

→ Observations of interactions within particles accelerators has also increased the scientific understanding of momentum dilation. As particles reach relativistic speeds, a greater force is required to accelerate them than classical physics predicts which is due to mass and momentum dilation.
 

Other Answers could include:

→ Millikan’s Oil drop experiment.

→ The photoelectric effect.

→ Geiger Marsden experiment.

→ Davisson Germer experiment.

→ Observations of Muons.

PHYSICS, M5 2023 HSC 34

A 400 kg satellite is travelling in a circular orbit of radius 6.700 × 10 m around Earth. Its potential energy is –2.389 × 10 and its total energy is –1.195 × 10.
 

At point , the satellite's engines are fired, increasing the satellite's velocity in the direction of travel and causing its kinetic energy to increase by 5.232 × 10. Assume that this happens instantaneously and that the engine is then shut down.

The satellite follows the trajectory shown, which passes through , 6.850 × 10 m from Earth's centre.

  1. Analyse qualitatively the energy changes as the satellite moves from to .  (2 marks)
  1. Show that the kinetic energy of the satellite at is 1.194 × 10.  (4 marks)
  1. Explain the motion of the satellite after it passes through .  (3 marks)

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a.   Energy changes from to :

→ As the engine is shut down immediately after increasing the kinetic energy, the total energy of the system will remain the same.

→ As a result of the Law of Conservation of Energy, as the distance of the satellite from the Earth increases, the gravitational potential energy of the satellite increases and the kinetic energy of the satellite decreases.

 

b.   Using the Law of Conservation of Energy:
 
 
   
   

 

 
   
   

 

c.   The orbital velocity at is:

 
   
   

 

The velocity of the satellite at is:

   
 
   
   

 

→ As the velocity of the satellite at is greater than the orbital velocity at  = 6.85 × 10 m, the satellite will continue to move further away from the Earth.

→ Using the Law of Conservation of Energy, the kinetic energy of the satellite will decrease as the gravitational potential energy of the satellite increases. Hence the satellite will increase its distance from the Earth and slow down until the velocity of the satellite is equal to the orbital velocity at its new distance from the Earth.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Energy changes from to :

→ As the engine is shut down immediately after increasing the kinetic energy, the total energy of the system will remain the same.

→ As a result of the Law of Conservation of Energy, as the distance of the satellite from the Earth increases, the gravitational potential energy of the satellite increases and the kinetic energy of the satellite decreases.
 

♦ Mean mark (a) 47%.

b.   Using the Law of Conservation of Energy:
 
 
   
   

 

 
   
   
♦ Mean mark (b) 55%.

c.   The orbital velocity at is:

 
   
   

 

The velocity of the satellite at is:

   
 
   
   

♦♦ Mean mark (c) 35%.

→ As the velocity of the satellite at is greater than the orbital velocity at  = 6.85 × 10 m, the satellite will continue to move further away from the Earth.

→ Using the Law of Conservation of Energy, the kinetic energy of the satellite will decrease as the gravitational potential energy of the satellite increases. Hence the satellite will increase its distance from the Earth and slow down until the velocity of the satellite is equal to the orbital velocity at its new distance from the Earth.

CHEMISTRY, M3 2022 VCE 14 MC

The discharge reaction in a vanadium redox battery is represented by the following equation.

When the vanadium redox battery is recharging

  1. is the reducing agent.
  2. is the oxidising agent.
  3. is the reducing agent.
  4. is the oxidising agent.
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Show Worked Solution

Recharging equation:

→ Only atom that changes oxidation numbers is (eliminate A and B)

→ is a product of the recharging equation and cannot be the oxidising agent (eliminate D)

→ is oxidised to with the oxidation number of increasing from +4 to +5, making the reducing agent.

♦ Mean mark 53%.

CHEMISTRY, M6 2023 HSC 35

  1. A 0.2000 mol L solution of dichloroacetic acid has a pH of 1.107. Dichloroacetic acid is monoprotic.
  2. Calculate the for dichloroacetic acid.  (3 marks)
  1. The following data apply to the ionisation of acetic acid and trichloroacetic acid .  
 
  1.  
    Explain the relative strength of these acids with reference to the data. (3 marks)
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a.   

b.    Relative strength of acids:

→ The of trichloroacetic acid is lower than the of acetic acid, so trichloroacetic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid.

→ The term for acetic acid is a significantly lower number than for the trichloroacetic acid (noting they are both negative).

→ In both cases, this value will contribute unfavourably to each acid’s value, with the effect much larger for acetic acid than for trichloroacetic acid.

→ It follows from this result that the ionisation of acetic acid is less favourable than it is for trichloroacetic acid, making the latter the stronger acid.

Show Worked Solution

a.   

♦ Mean mark (a) 54%.

 
   
   

 
b.    Relative strength of acids:

→ The of trichloroacetic acid is lower than the of acetic acid, so trichloroacetic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid.

→ The term for acetic acid is a significantly lower number than for the trichloroacetic acid (noting they are both negative).

→ In both cases, this value will contribute unfavourably to each acid’s value, with the effect much larger for acetic acid than for trichloroacetic acid.

→ It follows from this result that the ionisation of acetic acid is less favourable than it is for trichloroacetic acid, making the latter the stronger acid.

♦ Mean mark (b) 52%.

CHEMISTRY, M5 2023 HSC 34

When 125 mL of a magnesium nitrate solution is mixed with 175 mL of a 1.50 mol L sodium fluoride solution, 0.6231 g of magnesium fluoride (MM = 62.31 g mol) precipitates. The of magnesium fluoride is 5.16 × 10.

Calculate the equilibrium concentration of magnesium ions in this solution.  (5 marks)

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Show Worked Solution

 

♦ Mean mark 45%.

CHEMISTRY, M5 2023 HSC 31

Copper() ions form a complex with lactic acid , as shown in the equation.

This complex can be detected by measuring its absorbance at 730 nm. A series of solutions containing known concentrations of were prepared, and their absorbances measured.
 

0.000 0.00
0.010 0.13
0.020 0.28
0.030 0.43
0.040 0.57
0.050 0.72
 
Two solutions containing were mixed. The initial concentrations of each in the resulting solution are shown in the table.
 
0.056
0.111

 
When the solution reached equilibrium, its absorbance at 730 nm was 0.66.

You may assume that under the conditions of this experiment, the only species present in the solution are those present in the equation above, and that is the only species that absorbs at 730 nm.

With the support of a line graph, calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction.   (7 marks)
 

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Show Worked Solution

 
   
   

CHEMISTRY, M6 2023 HSC 32

The ammonium ion content of mixtures can be determined by boiling the mixture with a known excess of sodium hydroxide. This converts the ammonium ions into gaseous ammonia, which is removed from the system.

The excess sodium hydroxide can then be titrated with an acid solution of known concentration.

A fertiliser containing ammonium ions was analysed as follows.

  • A sample of fertiliser was treated with 50.00 mL of 1.124 mol L sodium hydroxide solution and the solution boiled.
  • After all of the ammonia was removed, the resulting solution was transferred to a 250.0 mL volumetric flask and made up to the mark with deionised water.
  • 20.00 mL aliquots of this solution were titrated with 0.1102 mol L hydrochloric acid, giving the following results.
1 22.65
2 22.05
3 22.00
4 21.95

Calculate the mass of ammonium ions in the sample of fertiliser.   (5 marks)

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Show Worked Solution

Mean mark 56%.

CHEMISTRY, M8 2023 HSC 30

A water sample contains at least one of the following anions at concentrations of 1.0 mol L.

    • bromide
    • carbonate

Outline a sequence of tests that could be performed in a school laboratory to confirm the identity of the anion or anions present. Include expected observations and TWO balanced chemical equations in your answer.   (4 marks)

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Test 1: Add aqueous nitric acid

→ Bubbles indicate carbonate present. Acid removes carbonate for further testing of sample

Test 2: Add silver nitrate solution

→ Creamy precipitate indicates bromide present

 
Answer could include:

→ Add excess silver nitrate solution – precipitate produced

→ Add dilute nitric acid to the precipitate

    • If bubbles are formed and a brown precipitate dissolves then carbonate was present
    • If a creamy precipitate remains then bromide was present
Show Worked Solution

Test 1: Add aqueous nitric acid

→ Bubbles indicate carbonate present. Acid removes carbonate for further testing of sample

Test 2: Add silver nitrate solution

→ Creamy precipitate indicates bromide present

♦ Mean mark 53%.

Answer could include:

→ Add excess silver nitrate solution – precipitate produced

→ Add dilute nitric acid to the precipitate

    • If bubbles are formed and a brown precipitate dissolves then carbonate was present
    • If a creamy precipitate remains then bromide was present

CHEMISTRY, M8 2023 HSC 28

Alkene undergoes an addition reaction with chlorine gas to form compound .

  1. Describe a chemical test that could be done in a school laboratory to confirm that is an alkene. Include expected observations in your answer.  (2 marks)
  1. Compound was analysed and found to contain approximately 32% carbon by mass. The mass spectrum of compound is shown. 

  1. Provide a structural formula for compound . Support your answer with calculations.  (3 marks)
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a.    Chemical test for an alkene

→ Prepare a sample of alkene in a clean test tube.

→ Add a few drops of bromine water to the sample.

→ The bromine water will be decolourised if is an alkene.

Other correct answers could include:

→ The addition of potassium permanganate will also be decolourised by if it is an alkene.

 
b.   Molecular ion is present at m/z = 114

Atomic mass of (in compound ) = 32% × 114 = 36

atoms in 1 molecule of R = 36 ÷ 12 = 3

Mass (non-) = 114 – 36 = 78

Two atoms of are in compound

has the formula , and structure:
 

Show Worked Solution

a.    Chemical test for an alkene

→ Prepare a sample of alkene in a clean test tube.

→ Add a few drops of bromine water to the sample.

→ The bromine water will be decolourised if is an alkene.

Other correct answers could include:

→ The addition of potassium permanganate will also be decolourised by if it is an alkene.

 
b.   Molecular ion is present at m/z = 114

Atomic mass of (in compound ) = 32% × 114 = 36

atoms in 1 molecule of R = 36 ÷ 12 = 3

Mass (non-) = 114 – 36 = 78

Two atoms of are in compound

has the formula , and structure:
 

♦ Mean mark (b) 53%.

PHYSICS, M5 2023 HSC 32

A horizontal disc rotates at 3 revolutions per second around its centre, with the top of the disc at ground level.

At 2 m from the centre of the disc, a ball is held in place at ground level on the top of the disc by a spring-loaded projectile launcher. At position , the launcher fires the ball vertically upward with a velocity of 5.72 m s.
 


 

Calculate the ball's position relative to the launcher's new position, at the instant the ball hits the ground.  (7 marks)

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The position of the ball relative to the launcher’s new position is 44.19 m, 5.2 below the horizontal line of the launcher.

Show Worked Solution

Find horizontal velocity of the ball, :

 
   
   
♦ Mean mark 53%.

Calculating the time of flight, :

→ Let  = time to max height

 
 
   
   

 

→ Time of flight () = 2 × () = 1.167 s
 

Range of the ball from launch position:

   
   
   

 

Position of the launcher (L) when the ball hits the ground:

→ Revolutions (before ball lands) = 3 × 1.167 = 3.5 revolutions

→ The Launcher (L) is a revolution past its starting point.

→ Thus, the positions of both the ball and the launcher at the time when the ball hits the ground can be demonstrated in the diagram below.
 

 

 
   
 
   

 
→ The final position of the ball relative to is 44.18 m, 5.2 below the horizontal line at .

CHEMISTRY, M8 2023 HSC 26

Nitric acid can be produced industrially using the process shown.
 

  1. A mixture of and enters Reactor 3 , where only is consumed by the reaction with water.
  2. Explain, with respect to Le Chatelier's principle, what happens to the .  (2 marks)
  1. Explain TWO improvements that can be made to the design of the process shown.  (3 marks)
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a.    Consider the equilibrium system in reactor 2:

→ is a reactant in Reactor 3 and is consumed by the reaction in Reactor 3, disrupting the equilibrium.

→ Le Chatelier’s Principle states that the position of equilibrium will shift to the left (as per the equilibrium equation above) to counter the depletion of .

→ This shift results in the further depletion of . This process will eventually see all of the decomposing to form .

 
b.   Design improvements:

→ A catalyst could be used in Reactor 1 to lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This would decrease the required temperature, making the process more energy efficient.

→ Water is disposed of in Separator 3 and is required as a reactant in Reactor 3. A design improvement would be to recycle (rather than dispose) this water for use in Reactor 3. 

Other answers could include:

→ Capture the heat energy released from the cooler/condenser step between the processes in Reactor 1 and Reactor 2. This should be engineered so it can then be used in the Emissions control step, thus reducing the energy consumption of the overall nitric acid production.

→ The produced in Reactor 3 that is then further processed for safe release into the atmosphere as and could be recycled and used as a reactant in Reactor 2, helping conserve resources.

Show Worked Solution

a.    Consider the equilibrium system in reactor 2:

→ is a reactant in Reactor 3 and is consumed by the reaction in Reactor 3, disrupting the equilibrium.

→ Le Chatelier’s Principle states that the position of equilibrium will shift to the left (as per the equilibrium equation above) to counter the depletion of .

→ This shift results in the further depletion of . This process will eventually see all of the decomposing to form .

♦♦ Mean mark (a) 37%.

b.   Design improvements:

→ A catalyst could be used in Reactor 1 to lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This would decrease the required temperature, making the process more energy efficient.

→ Water is disposed of in Separator 3 and is required as a reactant in Reactor 3. A design improvement would be to recycle (rather than dispose) this water for use in Reactor 3. 

Other answers could include:

→ Capture the heat energy released from the cooler/condenser step between the processes in Reactor 1 and Reactor 2. This should be engineered so it can then be used in the Emissions control step, thus reducing the energy consumption of the overall nitric acid production.

→ The produced in Reactor 3 that is then further processed for safe release into the atmosphere as and could be recycled and used as a reactant in Reactor 2, helping conserve resources.

♦ Mean mark (b) 49%.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 31

A roller coaster uses a braking system represented by the diagrams.
 

When the roller coaster car reaches the end of the ride, the two rows of permanent magnets on the car pass on either side of a thick aluminium conductor called a braking fin.

The graph shows the acceleration of the roller coaster reaching the braking fin at two different speeds.
 


Explain the similarities and differences between these two sets of data.  (5 marks)

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Similarities:

→ Both graphs have similar shapes that show a peak in negative acceleration at approximately 0.8 seconds.

→ The negative acceleration curves become almost identical in the 3 – 4 second range, which is consistent with both roller coaster cars coming to a stop at the same time.

→ As the braking fin passes through the two rows of permanent magnets, the braking fin experiences a change which results in an EMF being induced in the braking fin (Faraday’s Law).

→ This EMF results in the formation of eddy currents which flow to reduce the change in flux that created it (Lenz’s Law) and therefore act to reduce the relative motion between the permanent magnets and braking fin.

→ In this way, the roller coaster car experiences a negative acceleration in both data sets.

→ After maximum negative acceleration, both cars experience a reduction in the effects of the magnetic braking. This is due to the speed of the cars slowing down and hence reducing the change in flux which in turn reduces the magnitude of the eddy currents in the braking fin. 

→ The KE of the roller coaster cars is continuously being converted into electrical resistive heating through the formation of the eddy currents.
 

Differences: 

→ The cart with = 12 ms experiences a greater magnitude of (negative) acceleration as the braking fin experiences a greater rate of change of flux than the = 10 ms case.

→ This leads to a greater induced EMF across the breaking fin and therefore stronger eddy currents are produced.

→ As the repulsive force is proportional to the strength of the eddy currents, the 12 ms cart will experience a greater repulsive force and greater negative acceleration.

Show Worked Solution

Similarities:

→ Both graphs have similar shapes that show a peak in negative acceleration at approximately 0.8 seconds.

→ The negative acceleration curves become almost identical in the 3 – 4 second range, which is consistent with both roller coaster cars coming to a stop at the same time.

→ As the braking fin passes through the two rows of permanent magnets, the braking fin experiences a change which results in an EMF being induced in the braking fin (Faraday’s Law).

→ This EMF results in the formation of eddy currents which flow to reduce the change in flux that created it (Lenz’s Law) and therefore act to reduce the relative motion between the permanent magnets and braking fin.

→ In this way, the roller coaster car experiences a negative acceleration in both data sets.

→ After maximum negative acceleration, both cars experience a reduction in the effects of the magnetic braking. This is due to the speed of the cars slowing down and hence reducing the change in flux which in turn reduces the magnitude of the eddy currents in the braking fin. 

→ The KE of the roller coaster cars is continuously being converted into electrical resistive heating through the formation of the eddy currents.
 

Differences: 

→ The cart with = 12 ms experiences a greater magnitude of (negative) acceleration as the braking fin experiences a greater rate of change of flux than the = 10 ms case.

→ This leads to a greater induced EMF across the breaking fin and therefore stronger eddy currents are produced.

→ As the repulsive force is proportional to the strength of the eddy currents, the 12 ms cart will experience a greater repulsive force and greater negative acceleration.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 30

The diagram shows apparatus that is used to investigate the interaction between the magnetic field produced by a coil and two copper rings and , when each is placed at position , as shown.
 

 

Ring is a complete circular ring, and a small gap has been cut in ring . Each of the rings has a cross-sectional area of  4 × 10 m².

The power supply connected to the coil produces an increasing current through the coil in the direction shown, when the switch is turned on. This produces a magnetic field at that varies as shown in the graph.
 

  1. In the first part of the investigation, ring is held near the end of the electromagnet at position .
  2. Account for the force acting on the ring from 0 to 0.05 seconds after the power supply is turned on.  (4 marks)
  1. i.  In the second part of the investigation, ring is placed at , and the power supply is turned on.  (2 marks)
  1. ii. Explain the behaviour of the ring.
  2.     Calculate the maximum induced emf in ring .  (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.   Between 0 – 0.03 seconds:

→ The magnetic field strength at point is increasing at a constant rate.

→ Thus, ring experiences a change in flux, which causes an EMF to be induced across the ring (Faraday’s Law) 

→ This induced EMF causes a current to flow through ring that will interact in the external magnetic field to reduce the change in flux that created it (Lenz’s Law).

→ Thus, a clockwise current will run through the ring, creating a north pole towards the solenoid, causing the ring to have a repulsive force away from the solenoid acting on it.
 

Between 0.03 – 0.05 seconds: 

→ There is no change in flux through the ring due to there being a constant magnetic field.

→ Therefore, there is no induced EMF or induced current.

→ Therefore, there is no force acting on the ring.

 

b.i.  Ring behaviour when placed at :

→ Ring will experience the same change in flux and hence the same induced EMF as ring within 0 – 0.03 seconds.

→ However, due to the gap in ring (i.e. there is no closed circuit), no induced current will be able to flow through the ring.

→ Hence, there is no force exerted on ring .
 

ii. 

Show Worked Solution

a.   Between 0 – 0.03 seconds:

→ The magnetic field strength at point is increasing at a constant rate.

→ Thus, ring experiences a change in flux, which causes an EMF to be induced across the ring (Faraday’s Law) 

→ This induced EMF causes a current to flow through ring that will interact in the external magnetic field to reduce the change in flux that created it (Lenz’s Law).

→ Thus, a clockwise current will run through the ring, creating a north pole towards the solenoid, causing the ring to have a repulsive force away from the solenoid acting on it.
 

Between 0.03 – 0.05 seconds: 

→ There is no change in flux through the ring due to there being a constant magnetic field.

→ Therefore, there is no induced EMF or induced current.

→ Therefore, there is no force acting on the ring.
 

♦ Mean mark (a) 44%.

b.i.  Ring behaviour when placed at :

→ Ring will experience the same change in flux and hence the same induced EMF as ring within 0 – 0.03 seconds.

→ However, due to the gap in ring (i.e. there is no closed circuit), no induced current will be able to flow through the ring.

→ Hence, there is no force exerted on ring .

 

b.ii.
   
   
   
♦♦ Mean mark (b)(i) 38%.
♦ Mean mark (b)(ii) 49%.

PHYSICS, M7 2023 HSC 29

When light from an incandescent lamp is passed through a plane polarising filter, the intensity of the light is reduced.

Explain this phenomenon.  (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ Light from an incandescent lamp is unpolarised meaning it is composed of many different planes of light waves as defined by the plane of oscillation of the electric fields of the EM waves.

→ The different planes of light can be resolved into components that are perpendicular and parallel to the plane of the polarising filter.

→ Plane polarising filters are commonly made up of long iodine molecular chains that only allow light waves with oscillating electric fields parallel to the plane of polarisation to pass through them.

→ The component of light with oscillating electric fields perpendicular to the plane of polarisation will be absorbed by the filter and so completely blocked from passing through the filter.

→ Therefore, the intensity of the light measured after passing through the polarising filter is reduced to around 50% of the original intensity of the light.

Show Worked Solution

→ Light from an incandescent lamp is unpolarised meaning it is composed of many different planes of light waves as defined by the plane of oscillation of the electric fields of the EM waves.

→ The different planes of light can be resolved into components that are perpendicular and parallel to the plane of the polarising filter.

→ Plane polarising filters are commonly made up of long iodine molecular chains that only allow light waves with oscillating electric fields parallel to the plane of polarisation to pass through them.

→ The component of light with oscillating electric fields perpendicular to the plane of polarisation will be absorbed by the filter and so completely blocked from passing through the filter.

→ Therefore, the intensity of the light measured after passing through the polarising filter is reduced to around 50% of the original intensity of the light.

♦ Mean mark 54%.

BIOLOGY, M6 2023 HSC 18 MC

The graph shows the increase in the global yield of wheat from 1800-2020. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not currently used to grow wheat commercially.
 

What row in the table correctly identifies biotechnologies that have contributed to the increase in wheat yields and could be adapted to enhance commercial production in the future?

Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ Wheat does not have an embryo and only animals can be artificially inseminated.

♦ Mean mark 44%.

BIOLOGY, M6 2023 HSC 35

5-Bromouracil (bU) is a synthetic chemical mutagen. It bonds with adenine in place of thymine in DNA. During replication, it then binds with guanine.

This will then make a guanine-cytosine pair on one strand of DNA instead of an adenine-thymine pair.
 

  1. Identify the type of mutation that is caused by bU.  (1 mark)

  2. Describe the possible effects on a protein if this mutation occurred within a gene.  (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.   Point mutation or substitution mutation

b.   Protein effects if mutation within gene:

→ If this mutation occurred within coding DNA, then the RNA produced would be G–C instead of A–T (depending on the strand).

→ As a result, when it is read by a ribosome a different codon will be read, which may or may not code for the same amino-acid.

→ If the mutation codes for a different amino-acid, a different polypeptide chain will form. 

→ This mutation process could cause the protein to fold differently which can alter it’s function or render it completely dysfunctional.

→ Alternatively, the new codon could also be interpreted as a stop codon, pre-emptively stopping production of the rest of the polypeptide chain. 

Show Worked Solution

a.   Point mutation or substitution mutation
 

b.   Protein effects if mutation within gene:

→ If this mutation occurred within coding DNA, then the RNA produced would be G-C instead of A-T (depending on the strand).

→ As a result, when it is read by a ribosome a different codon will be read, which may or may not code for the same amino-acid.

→ If the mutation codes for a different amino-acid, a different polypeptide chain will form. 

→ This mutation process could cause the protein to fold differently which can alter it’s function or render it completely dysfunctional.

→ Alternatively, the new codon could also be interpreted as a stop codon, pre-emptively stopping production of the rest of the polypeptide chain. 

♦ Mean mark (b) 46%.

BIOLOGY, M6 2023 HSC 34

Cattle have been domesticated by humans for approximately 10 000 years. Many biotechnologies have been employed in the farming of cattle.

The table shows examples of the application of these biotechnologies.

With reference to the table, evaluate the effect of biotechnologies on the biodiversity of cattle.  (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ Biotechnologies can increase, decrease or maintain the size of the gene pool in populations and species, particularly in the case of cattle which have been subject to a range of biotechnologies.

→ Selective breeding, which decreases biodiversity, has been used for hundreds of years by farmers who oversee the reproduction of cattle with favourable characteristics, such as females who produce the most milk.

→ Artificial insemination, which typically reduces biodiversity, allows a single bull to sire many offspring. This process breeds out certain characteristics of cattle, reducing the diversity of the species. However, in certain circumstances, the gene pool of specific communities can be diversified through the introduction of new alleles.

→ Whole cattle cloning reduces biodiversity by making cloned organisms that are identical genotypes to the parent. As the success rate is low and cloned animals are infertile, this does not have the potential to have a large impact on biodiversity.

→ Hybridisation generally increases biodiversity by naturally mating two different cattle species and in the process, introducing genes not originally present. 

→ Hybridisation can however also reduce biodiversity if cattle hybrids are then selectively bred in preference to the original breeds.

→ Transgenic organisms are produced where new alleles are artificially introduced into the species, increasing biodiversity. As this process is expensive and not widespread, it will not have a large effect on biodiversity.

→ In summary, the most wide spread and influential biotechnologies have the overall effect of decreasing the biodiversity of cattle.

Show Worked Solution

→ Biotechnologies can increase, decrease or maintain the size of the gene pool in populations and species, particularly in the case of cattle which have been subject to a range of biotechnologies.

→ Selective breeding, which decreases biodiversity, has been used for hundreds of years by farmers who oversee the reproduction of cattle with favourable characteristics, such as females who produce the most milk.

→ Artificial insemination, which typically reduces biodiversity, allows a single bull to sire many offspring. This process breeds out certain characteristics of cattle, reducing the diversity of the species. However, in certain circumstances, the gene pool of specific communities can be diversified through the introduction of new alleles.

→ Whole cattle cloning reduces biodiversity by making cloned organisms that are identical genotypes to the parent. As the success rate is low and cloned animals are infertile, this does not have the potential to have a large impact on biodiversity.

→ Hybridisation generally increases biodiversity by naturally mating two different cattle species and in the process, introducing genes not originally present. 

→ Hybridisation can however also reduce biodiversity if cattle hybrids are then selectively bred in preference to the original breeds.

→ Transgenic organisms are produced where new alleles are artificially introduced into the species, increasing biodiversity. As this process is expensive and not widespread, it will not have a large effect on biodiversity.

→ In summary, the most wide spread and influential biotechnologies have the overall effect of decreasing the biodiversity of cattle.

BIOLOGY, M5 2023 HSC 33

Mechanisms of reproduction for both humans and generalised fungi are shown in the diagrams.

 


 

Describe the similarities and differences of reproduction in humans and generalised fungi.  (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Similarities

→ Both human and fungi reproduction use mitosis and meiosis.

→ Both human and fungi reproduction form zygotes with chromosomes from two different individuals.

Differences

→ Humans reproduce through sexual reproduction while fungi use asexual spores or sexual reproduction.

→ Humans produce egg and sperm cells which fuse to form a zygote, while fungi produce spores which germinate to produce mycelium which can be formed sexually or asexually.

Show Worked Solution

Similarities

→ Both human and fungi reproduction use mitosis and meiosis.

→ Both human and fungi reproduction form zygotes with chromosomes from two different individuals.

Differences

→ Humans reproduce through sexual reproduction while fungi use asexual spores or sexual reproduction.

→ Humans produce egg and sperm cells which fuse to form a zygote, while fungi produce spores which germinate to produce mycelium which can be formed sexually or asexually.

Mean mark 56%.

BIOLOGY, M6 2023 HSC 32

The mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) is restricted to four regions in Australia's alpine zone. The species is listed as critically endangered with less than 2000 adults remaining. The range of the mountain pygmy possum has contracted due to a gradually warming climate.
 

Loss and degradation of these habitats have affected local populations. The graph shows changes in the Mt Buller population following recent bushfires and the introduction of male pygmy possums from Mt Bogong.
 

Evaluate how bushfires and the introduction of males from other locations have affected the population size and gene pool of the Mt Buller pygmy possum population.  (7 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ Environmental factors can play extremely large roles in the population and hence gene pool of the pygmy possums in Mt Buller.

→ This can be seen especially between 1996-2007, where three bushfires throughout those years caused the population to drop from 90 to less than 10. This is because bushfires not only kill individual possums, but also destroy their habitat, reducing shelter, food and water sources for the survivors.

→ This catastrophic drop in population significantly reduced the alleles present in the Mt Buller gene pool. The “new” survivor gene pool would see some alleles potentially disappear while others appear more frequently in individuals.

→ This may have led to genetic drift (bottleneck effect) in this population where the low diversity of alleles in the population led to a further reduction in the population between 2002–2007.

→ To counteract this reduction in population and gene pool size, 6 male possums were introduced from a nearby population in 2007. This was done again in 2012, and despite there being another bushfire in 2011, the population increased to 150 by 2015.

→ The introduction of these males in 2007 almost doubled the known population at the time, but just as importantly diversified the gene pool, an effect helped by the isolation of the two populations.

→ This increase in genetic diversity also improves a species’ ability to adapt to the drier and hotter climates being experienced.

→ It is evident that both the bushfires and the introduction of males played different but very important roles in the population size and gene pool of the Mt Buller pygmy possum population.

Show Worked Solution

→ Environmental factors can play extremely large roles in the population and hence gene pool of the pygmy possums in Mt Buller.

→ This can be seen especially between 1996-2007, where three bushfires throughout those years caused the population to drop from 90 to less than 10. This is because bushfires not only kill individual possums, but also destroy their habitat, reducing shelter, food and water sources for the survivors.

→ This catastrophic drop in population significantly reduced the alleles present in the Mt Buller gene pool. The “new” survivor gene pool would see some alleles potentially disappear while others appear more frequently in individuals.

→ This may have led to genetic drift (bottleneck effect) in this population where the low diversity of alleles in the population led to a further reduction in the population between 2002–2007.

→ To counteract this reduction in population and gene pool size, 6 male possums were introduced from a nearby population in 2007. This was done again in 2012, and despite there being another bushfire in 2011, the population increased to 150 by 2015.

→ The introduction of these males in 2007 almost doubled the known population at the time, but just as importantly diversified the gene pool, an effect helped by the isolation of the two populations.

→ This increase in genetic diversity also improves a species’ ability to adapt to the drier and hotter climates being experienced.

→ It is evident that both the bushfires and the introduction of males played different but very important roles in the population size and gene pool of the Mt Buller pygmy possum population.

BIOLOGY, M6 2023 HSC 31

Describe a named genetic technology and its use in a medical application.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process which allows scientists to replicate billions of copies of a specific gene.

→ The PCR process involves denaturing a DNA sample by heating it to around 98°C. The sample is then cooled to 60°C where DNA primers, polymerase enzymes and free nucleotides are added, making a copy of the original sample.

→ By repeating this process, the amount of copies acquired will increase exponentially.

→ This process is used in COVID-19 testing centres.

→ An individual’s DNA is swabbed and a PCR test is used to multiply it for COVID testing. PCR can also be used in other medical scenarios where gene cloning is required, such as in the production of mRNA vaccines.
 

Other answers could include

→ IVF.

→ Recombinant DNA in bacteria to produce insulin.

Show Worked Solution

→ A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process which allows scientists to replicate billions of copies of a specific gene.

→ The PCR process involves denaturing a DNA sample by heating it to around 98°C. The sample is then cooled to 60°C where DNA primers, polymerase enzymes and free nucleotides are added, making a copy of the original sample.

→ By repeating this process, the amount of copies acquired will increase exponentially.

→ This process is used in COVID-19 testing centres.

→ An individual’s DNA is swabbed and a PCR test is used to multiply it for COVID testing. PCR can also be used in other medical scenarios where gene cloning is required, such as in the production of mRNA vaccines.
 

Other answers could include

→ IVF.

→ Recombinant DNA in bacteria to produce insulin.

♦ Mean mark 48%.

BIOLOGY, M8 2023 HSC 27

Air pollution has been linked to a variety of non-infectious neurological (brain) disorders. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, cognitive decline and impaired movement and coordination.

500 people from each of three major cities were surveyed and were monitored and tested for a period of 12 months. Each group included males and females aged between 20 and 50 years of age.

The results after 12 months were as follows:
 

Evaluate the method used in this epidemiological study in determining a link between air pollution and the symptoms.  (7 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ This study is not an effective study for validating a link between air pollution and cognitive disorders due to a variety of issues with the study’s reliability, validity and accuracy.

→ While the study does have a reasonable sample size and uses 3 different cities, numerous important factors are not specified. These include risk factors such as age, sex, ethnicity and occupation of the participants in each city.

→ The 12 month timeframe of the study may not be long enough for symptoms to develop.

→ The study also does not signify the type and degree of symptoms that were experienced.

→ A non-city comparison where air pollution is low would provide good baseline data against which the data from city participants could be compared.

→ The study does also not take into account other important demographic factors, such as socioeconomic status and geography within a city. The proximity to industry of an individual’s workplace or residence would be a particularly important risk factor to consider.

→ Cities should be chosen that have different levels of air pollution in order to look for general trends in the data, such as more exposure to air pollution corresponds to a greater number of symptoms. There is no evidence that this is part of the study design.

→ This is not a valid nor reliable test in determining a link between air pollution and neurological disorders. Adding prior medical/family history and data relating to the testing centres/cities as well as controlling more variables will lead to a fairer test.

Show Worked Solution

→ This study is not an effective study for validating a link between air pollution and cognitive disorders due to a variety of issues with the study’s reliability, validity and accuracy.

→ While the study does have a reasonable sample size and uses 3 different cities, numerous important factors are not specified. These include risk factors such as age, sex, ethnicity and occupation of the participants in each city.

→ The 12 month timeframe of the study may not be long enough for symptoms to develop.

→ The study also does not signify the type and degree of symptoms that were experienced.

→ A non-city comparison where air pollution is low would provide good baseline data against which the data from city participants could be compared.

→ The study does also not take into account other important demographic factors, such as socioeconomic status and geography within a city. The proximity to industry of an individual’s workplace or residence would be a particularly important risk factor to consider.

→ Cities should be chosen that have different levels of air pollution in order to look for general trends in the data, such as more exposure to air pollution corresponds to a greater number of symptoms. There is no evidence that this is part of the study design.

→ This is not a valid nor reliable test in determining a link between air pollution and neurological disorders. Adding prior medical/family history and data relating to the testing centres/cities as well as controlling more variables will lead to a fairer test.

Mean mark 57%.

BIOLOGY, M7 2023 HSC 26

Malaria is a potentially fatal infectious disease that is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. Scientists investigated the behaviour of 20 mosquitoes for an hour in each of the four containers shown.

Aim: To determine if wearing clean clothing reduces the transmission of malaria.
 

Assume infected mosquitoes that land on clothing transmit malaria.

  1. Identify the dependent variable and a controlled variable in this investigation.   (2 marks)

  2. The results of the investigation showing the number of times mosquitoes landed on the clothing in an hour are provided.
     

  1.  Justify a suitable conclusion for this investigation.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.   Dependant Variable: Number of mosquitos that land on the clothing.

Controlled Variable: Number of mosquitos in each container.

Alternative controlled variable: size of container
 

b.   Data results show:

→ Wearing clean clothing, on average, reduces the number of mosquitos that land on clothes.

→ This effect occurs for both infected and uninfected mosquitos.

→ Conclusion: wearing clean clothing will reduce the transmission of malaria, as infected mosquitos will land on clean clothing less often than on clothing already worn for a day.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Dependant Variable: Number of mosquitos that land on the clothing.

Controlled Variable: Number of mosquitos in each container.

Alternative controlled variable: size of container
 

♦ Mean mark 51%.

b.   Data results show:

→ Wearing clean clothing, on average, reduces the number of mosquitos that land on clothes.

→ This effect occurs for both infected and uninfected mosquitos.

→ Conclusion: wearing clean clothing will reduce the transmission of malaria, as infected mosquitos will land on clean clothing less often than on clothing already worn for a day.

BIOLOGY, M8 2023 HSC 25c

The normal Huntingtin protein has 10–26 repeats of CAG. In Huntington's disease there are 37–80 repeats. This leads to an alteration in the structure of the protein. The graph shows the relationship between the age of onset of Huntington's disease and the number of CAG repeats.
 

Explain the relationship between the number of CAG repeats and the age of onset of Huntington's disease.  (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ The graph shows that as the number of CAG repeats is increased, the age of the onset of Huntington’s decreases.

→ For example, someone that has 40 repeats will experience the onset of Huntington’s at 60 years old, but someone with 120 repeats will experience symptoms and/or exhibit signs shortly after their birth.

Show Worked Solution

→ The graph shows that as the number of CAG repeats is increased, the age of the onset of Huntington’s decreases.

→ For example, someone that has 40 repeats will experience the onset of Huntington’s at 60 years old, but someone with 120 repeats will experience symptoms and/or exhibit signs shortly after their birth.

♦ Mean mark 49%.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 28

An ideal transformer is connected to a 240 V AC supply. It has 300 turns on the primary coil and 50 turns on the secondary coil.

It is connected in the circuit with two identical light globes, and , as shown.
 

  1. Calculate the voltage across light globe when the switch is open. (2 marks)
  1. Explain why, after the switch has been closed, the current in the primary coil is different from when the switch is open.  (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.     40 V

b.    Closed switch    globe and are connected in a parallel circuit.

→ Once the switch is closed, the total resistance through the circuit is less than when only light globe is in the circuit. 

→ Since  . Therefore, a decrease in resistance through the circuit leads to an increase in the current.

→ Transformer is ideal, so Power in = Power out ( ). Hence, an increase in corresponds to an increase in .

→ Therefore, the current in the primary coil is greater when the switch is closed.

Show Worked Solution

a.     
   
     
     

 
→ The voltage across light globe is 40 V.
 

b.    Closed switch    globe and are connected in a parallel circuit.

→ Once the switch is closed, the total resistance through the circuit is less than when only light globe is in the circuit. 

→ Since  . Therefore, a decrease in resistance through the circuit leads to an increase in the current.

→ Transformer is ideal, so Power in = Power out ( ). Hence, an increase in corresponds to an increase in .

→ Therefore, the current in the primary coil is greater when the switch is closed.

♦ Mean mark (b) 39%.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 25b

Explain why the torque of a DC motor decreases as its rotational speed increases.  (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ Torque in a simple DC motor can be calculated using  .

→ Intially, the current through the coil of the motor is a maximum as the motor is stationary.

→ As the rotational speed of the motor begins to increase, there is a change of flux experienced through the coil of the motor which will induce an EMF in the coil (Faraday’s Law).

→ This induced back EMF will act to oppose the original EMF that produced it (Lenz’s Law).

→ Thus, the voltage through the coil will decrease which will decrease the current through the coil and the torque (). 

Show Worked Solution

→ Torque in a simple DC motor can be calculated using  .

→ Intially, the current through the coil of the motor is a maximum as the motor is stationary.

→ As the rotational speed of the motor begins to increase, there is a change of flux experienced through the coil of the motor which will induce an EMF in the coil (Faraday’s Law).

→ This induced back EMF will act to oppose the original EMF that produced it (Lenz’s Law).

→ Thus, the voltage through the coil will decrease which will decrease the current through the coil and the torque (). 

♦ Mean mark 49%.

PHYSICS, M7 2023 HSC 19 MC

The diagram represents the distribution of positive charges in identical wires when no current is flowing.
 

   

Equal currents then flow in each wire, but in opposite directions. These currents are considered conventionally as the flow of positive charge.

Which diagram represents the charge distribution in the wires, from the frame of reference of a positive charge in wire ?
 


 

Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ The currents flowing through Wire are all travelling in the same direction and at the same speed, thus they are all within the same inertial frame of reference and will not experience any relativistic effects when viewed from the frame of reference of a positive charge in .

→ Therefore, the separation of the charges in from the frame of reference of will not change.

→ As the positive charges in are moving in the opposite direction to the positive charges in , from the frame of reference of a positive charge in , length contraction will be observed in .

→ Therefore, the separation of the positive charges in from the frame of reference of will be shorter so the charges appear closer together.

♦ Mean mark 44%.

PHYSICS, M5 2023 HSC 17 MC

A mass attached to a lightweight, rigid arm hanging from point , oscillates freely between and .
 

Which statement best describes the torque acting on the arm as it oscillates?

  1. It is constant in magnitude and direction.
  2. It is zero at and a maximum at and .
  3. It is zero at and and a maximum at .
  4. It is constant in magnitude but its direction changes.
Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ In the scenario above, the only force acting the on the oscillating arm is the force due to gravity which acts vertically downwards.

→ The torque can be calculated by 

→ The angle between the arm and force of gravity at is as they are parallel, therefore  0 .

→ At and , the magnitude of the force of gravity perpendicular to the arm is a maximum, thus the magnitude of the torque at and is a maximum.
 

♦ Mean mark 50%.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 16 MC

In a thought experiment, two identical parallel aluminium rods, and , are carrying electric currents of equal magnitude. Rod rests on a table. Rod remains stationary, vertically above , as a result of the magnetic interaction. The masses of the connecting wires are negligible.
 


 

Which statement must be correct if rod is stationary?

  1. The magnetic force acting on is upward.
  2. The currents through and are in the same direction.
  3. The force the table exerts on is equal and opposite to the total weight of and .
  4. The force the table exerts on is equal and opposite to the force of gravity acting on .
Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ As rod and rod exert repulsive forces on one another, the current running through the wires must be in opposite directions and the magnetic force of is equal and opposite to the weight force of .

→ The force the table exerts on , is equal and opposite to the magnetic force of on and the weight force of .

→   as a result of Newton’s third law of motion.

→  
   

→ Therefore, the force the table exerts on is equal and opposite to the weight force of and .

♦♦ Mean mark 35%.

PHYSICS, M7 2023 HSC 15 MC

What evidence resulting from investigations into the photoelectric effect is consistent with the model of light subsequently proposed by Einstein?

  1. Photoelectrons were only ejected from a metal if the light was less than a specific wavelength.
  2. Increasing the intensity of light on a metal increased the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.
  3. If photons had sufficient energy to eject photoelectrons from a metal, the maximum kinetic energy was independent of the type of metal used.
  4. The probability of photoelectrons being emitted from a metal was proportional to the duration of exposure to light for any given wavelength used.
Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ A photoelectron will be ejected from a metal if the energy of the photoelectron transferred from the photon is greater than the work function of the metal surface where

→ By decreasing the wavelength of the light, the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectron increases, thus it has enough energy to overcome the work function of the metal and be ejected from the surface of the metal.

→ Increasing the intensity of the light increases the number of photons but has no effect on the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.

♦ Mean mark 46%.

PHYSICS, M8 2023 HSC 13 MC

Nucleus has a greater binding energy than nucleus .

What can be deduced about and ?

  1. is more stable than .
  2. is more stable than .
  3. has a greater mass defect than .
  4. has a greater mass defect than .
Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ Binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus into its nucleons. 

→ The mass of the nucleus is less than the sum of the nucleons. The mass equivalent of the binding energy is equal to the mass defect.

→ As nucleus has a greater binding energy than nucleus , it can be deduced that it also has a greater mass defect.

♦ Mean mark 43%.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 12 MC

Figure shows a positively charged particle accelerating freely from to , between oppositely charged plates. The change in the particle's kinetic energy is .

The distance between the plates is then doubled as shown in Figure . The same charge accelerates from rest over the same distance from to .
 

What is the change in kinetic energy of the positively charged particle shown in Figure ?

Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

In Figure :    and 

In Figure :    and 

♦ Mean mark 55%.

PHYSICS, M7 2023 HSC 6 MC

An electron would produce an electromagnetic wave when it is

  1. stationary.
  2. in a stable hydrogen atom.
  3. moving at a constant velocity.
  4. moving at a constant speed in a circular path.
Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

→ Maxwell predicted that an accelerating charge will produce an electromagnetic wave.

→ As the electron moves at a constant speed in a circular path it must be experiencing an acceleration.

♦ Mean mark 52%.

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 25

The charts below show data compiled from ice core drilling sites located in Greenland and Antarctica.
 

How does the data provide evidence that the drastic change in gas concentration is NOT part of a natural cycle?   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ The concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane remained stable until around 1750. From 1750 to the present, methane levels increased by 200% and carbon dioxide by 40%.

→ This rise is mainly due to the Industrial Revolution, which began in 1760 and brought significant advances in manufacturing and agriculture.

→ Deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, both of which have accelerated over time, have driven the increase in these gases.

→ While methane is partly linked to human activities like farming, it also originates from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and organic matter breakdown.

→ The growing global population has intensified these processes, further contributing to methane emissions.

Show Worked Solution

→ The concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane remained stable until around 1750. From 1750 to the present, methane levels increased by 200% and carbon dioxide by 40%.

→ This rise is mainly due to the Industrial Revolution, which began in 1760 and brought significant advances in manufacturing and agriculture.

→ Deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, both of which have accelerated over time, have driven the increase in these gases.

→ While methane is partly linked to human activities like farming, it also originates from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and organic matter breakdown.

→ The growing global population has intensified these processes, further contributing to methane emissions.

BIOLOGY, M7 2023 HSC 22b

Explain how antibodies are produced in response to the entry of a pathogen.  (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

→ Antigens (foreign proteins) are detected by B cells as “non-self” foreign bodies.

→ Plasma B cells have associated antibodies with a specific shape that allows them to bind to antigens.

→ Once an antigen binds to the receptor of a B cell, it activates the B cell which replicates to form plasma cells.

→ These plasma cells produce an antibody that is specific to the antigen.

→ After the immune response, some B cells can remain dormant as memory cells, which can be activated upon recognition of the same antigen.

Show Worked Solution

→ Antigens (foreign proteins) are detected by B cells as “non-self” foreign bodies.

→ Plasma B cells have associated antibodies with a specific shape that allows them to bind to antigens.

→ Once an antigen binds to the receptor of a B cell, it activates the B cell which replicates to form plasma cells.

→ These plasma cells produce an antibody that is specific to the antigen.

→ After the immune response, some B cells can remain dormant as memory cells, which can be activated upon recognition of the same antigen.

♦ Mean mark 47%.

BIOLOGY, M7 2023 HSC 13 MC

Australian native plants can be infected by fungal and viral pathogens.

Which of the following is an active plant response to infection by pathogens?

  1. Phagocytosis
  2. Programmed cell death
  3. Formation of powdery spots
  4. Development of small stomata
Show Answers Only

Show Worked Solution

By Elimination:

→ Phagocytosis is a response in animals, not plants (Eliminate A).

→ The formation of powdery spots (commonly called powdery mildew) is a sign of fungal infection, not a response (Eliminate C).

→ Small stomata are an evolutionary adaptation to reduce water loss, not a response to infection (Eliminate D).

♦ Mean mark 48%.

Vectors, EXT2 V1 2023 HSC 15b

On the triangular pyramid is the midpoint of is the midpoint of is the midpoint of is the midpoint of is the midpoint of and is the midpoint of .
 

Let    and  .

  1. Show that .  (1 mark)

  2. It can be shown that

  and

.   (Do NOT prove these.) 

  1. Prove that

 

  (3 marks)

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i.    
   
   
   
   

 

ii.   

.

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 34%.

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 18 MC

The diagrams show the trajectories of two particles with the same mass and charge and which initially have the same velocity , as shown. The subsequent motion of each particle is determined by its properties and by its interaction with the field in which it is moving.
 

and represent the landing points in Figures and .

Which row of the table shows the correct paths of the particles if the mass of each is increased by the same amount and they are given the same initial velocity ?
 

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→ The motion of a projectile within a gravitational field is independent of the mass of the projectile as all projectiles accelerate the same under gravity.

→ Increasing the mass of the particle within the gravitational field will have no effect on the range of the projectile, hence it will still land at .

→ However, in an electric field the force on a charged particle is given by and using Newton’s second law of motion, the equation can be rewritten as

→ By increasing the mass of the particle, the acceleration of the particle in the electric field decreases.

→ It takes a greater time to reach the ground, therefore the range of the particle is increased.

♦ Mean mark 45%.

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 22

Explain how cane toads in Australia have evolved to develop longer legs and an ability to travel faster over greater distances.   (3 marks)

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→ Cane toads have rapidly multiplied to 200 million since there introduction in Australia in 1935. This is largely due to their ability to produce large amounts of offspring all year round and have no predators, as they are extremely poisonous and toxic.

→ As a result, they have not needed to rapidly evolve as there are no significant pressures, but they have been shown to exhibit traits which allow them to travel faster.

→ This trait allows those which exist on the front-line of cane toad communities to outcompete their peers as well as travel further than cane toads at the back, leading to higher reproduction rates and hence a more commonly exhibited trait.

Show Worked Solution

→ Cane toads have rapidly multiplied to 200 million since there introduction in Australia in 1935. This is largely due to their ability to produce large amounts of offspring all year round and have no predators, as they are extremely poisonous and toxic.

→ As a result, they have not needed to rapidly evolve as there are no significant pressures, but they have been shown to exhibit traits which allow them to travel faster.

→ This trait allows those which exist on the front-line of cane toad communities to outcompete their peers as well as travel further than cane toads at the back, leading to higher reproduction rates and hence a more commonly exhibited trait.

Calculus, EXT2 C1 2023 HSC 15a

  1. Let    where is an integer. 
  2. Show that    for all integers .  (3 marks)

  3. Let    where   is a positive integer.
  4. By using the substitution  , or otherwise,
  5. show that  .  (4 marks)

  6. Hence, or otherwise, show that  , for all integers  .   (2 marks)
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i.     
     

 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 

 

ii.   

 
   
   
   

 

 

 
   

 


 

♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 34%.
iii.   
   
   
   
   
   
♦♦ Mean mark (iii) 28%.

Mechanics, EXT2 M1 2023 HSC 14c

A projectile of mass kg is launched vertically upwards from the origin with an initial speed m s. The acceleration due to gravity is ms.

The projectile experiences a resistive force of magnitude newtons, where is a positive constant and is the speed of the projectile at time seconds.

  1. The maximum height reached by the particle is metres.
  2. Show that  .  (3 marks)

  3. When the projectile lands on the ground, its speed is , where is less than the magnitude of the terminal velocity.
  4. Show that  .  (3 marks)

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i.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
   

 

 
   

 


  

ii.   

 
 
 
 
 
   

 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 31%.

BIOLOGY, M8 2023 HSC 16 MC

Mesothelioma is a non-infectious environmental disease caused by exposure to asbestos. The table shows the number of new cases, existing cases and deaths caused by Mesothelioma in Australia in 2020.
 

  New Cases Existing cases -
five year survival		 Deaths
Males 499 801 590
Females 143 239 206
Total 642 1040 796

 
In 2020 the Australian population was 26 million.

What is the incidence rate for Mesothelioma in 2020 as a percentage?

  1. 0.000025%
  2. 0.000040%
  3. 0.0025%
  4. 0.0040%
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Show Worked Solution
 
   
   
   

 

♦ Mean mark 52%.

Mechanics, EXT2 M1 2023 HSC 14b

The point is 4 metres to the right of the origin on a straight line.

A particle is released from rest at and moves along the straight line in simple harmonic motion about , with period seconds.

After seconds, another particle is released from rest at and also moves along this straight line in simple harmonic motion about , with period seconds.

Find when and where the two particles first collide.  (3 marks)

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♦ Mean mark 39%.

Complex Numbers, EXT2 N2 2023 14a

Let be the complex number    and be the complex number  .

  1. By first writing and in Cartesian form, or otherwise, show that
  2.    .  (3 marks)

  3. The complex numbers and are represented in the complex plane by the vectors and respectively, where is the origin.
  4. Show that  .  (2 marks)

  5. Deduce that  .  (1 mark)

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i.   

 
   
   
   
   
   
   

 
ii.   


  

iii.   


 

 
   
   
   
   
♦♦ Mean mark (iii) 26%.

Mechanics, EXT2 M1 2023 HSC 13c

A particle of mass 1 kg is projected from the origin with speed 40 m s at an angle 30° to the horizontal plane.

  1. Use the information above to show that the initial velocity of the particle is
  2.     .   (1 mark)

The forces acting on the particle are gravity and air resistance. The air resistance is proportional to the velocity vector with a constant of proportionality 4 . Let the acceleration due to gravity be 10 m s .

The position vector of the particle, at time seconds after the particle is projected, is and the velocity vector is .
 

  1. Show that    (3 marks)

  2. Show that    (2 marks)

  3. The graphs    and  are given in the diagram below.
     
     
  4. Using the diagram, find the horizontal range of the particle, giving your answer rounded to one decimal place.  (2 marks)

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i. 


 

ii.   

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
iii.   

 
   
   

 

 
   

 

 
   
   

 

 
   

 

 

iv.   

 
 
 

 

 
   
   

♦ Mean mark (iv) 43%.
 

Mechanics, EXT2 M1 2023 HSC 12c

An object with mass kilograms slides down a smooth inclined plane with velocity , where is the time in seconds after the object started sliding down the plane. The inclined plane makes an angle with the horizontal, as shown in the diagram. The normal reaction force is . The acceleration due to gravity is and has magnitude . No other forces act on the object.

The vectors and are unit vectors parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the plane, as shown in the diagram.
 

  1. Show that the resultant force on the object is  .  (2 marks)

  2. Given that the object is initially at rest, find its velocity in terms of , and .  (2 marks)

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i.   

ii.   

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i.       
         


 

♦ Mean mark (i) 50%.

ii.   

 
 
 
   

 

PHYSICS, M6 2023 HSC 10 MC

Figure shows a current flowing through a loop of wire that is in a uniform magnetic field.
 

 

 

The loop is then rotated to the position shown in Figure .

The magnitude of the force on the side and the magnitude of the torque on the loop in Figure are compared to those in Figure .

Which row of the table correctly describes the comparison?

 

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→ The magnitude of the force on side can be calculated by 

→ As side is always perpendicular to the magnetic field,  and Force = Force

→ The magnitude of the torque on side can be calculated by 

→ In Figure , and in Figure , → Torque > Torque

♦ Mean mark 52%.

Financial Maths, STD1 F3 2023 HSC 30

A plumber leases equipment which is valued at $60 000.

The salvage value of the equipment at any time can be calculated using either of the two methods of depreciation shown in the table.

Under which method of depreciation would the salvage value of the equipment be lower at the end of 3 years? Justify your answer with appropriate mathematical calculations.  (3 marks)

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Show Worked Solution

 
   
   

 

 
   
   
   

 


♦ Mean mark 48%.

Measurement, STD1 M4 2023 HSC 28

The nutrition label for a food item is shown.

Based on the information on this label, what is the daily recommended intake of carbohydrates, to the nearest gram?   (2 marks)

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♦ Mean mark 42%.

Measurement, STD1 M3 2023 HSC 29

The diagram shows the location of three places , and .

is on a bearing of 120° and 15 km from .

is 40 km from and lies due west of .

lies on the line joining and and is due south of .
  

  1. Find the distance from to .  (2 marks)

  2. What is the bearing of from , to the nearest degree?  (2 marks)

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a.   

 
 
   

♦♦ Mean mark (a) 24%.

b.   

 
 
   
   

 

 
   

♦♦♦♦ Mean mark (b) 9%.

Calculus, EXT1 C2 2023 HSC 14a

Let  , for .

  1. Explain why the inverse of is a function.  (1 mark)

  2. Let  . By considering the value of , or otherwise, evaluate .  (2 mark)

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i.    


 

ii.   

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i.    

Mean mark (i) 54%.

 
ii.   

 
 
 

 

 
   
   
♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 32%.

Vectors, EXT1 V1 2023 HSC 13b

Particle is projected from the origin with initial speed m s at an angle with the horizontal plane. At the same time, particle is projected horizontally with initial speed ms from a point that is metres above the origin, as shown in the diagram.
  

The position vector of particle seconds after it is projected, is given by

The position vector of particle seconds after it is projected, is given by

The angle is chosen so that  .

The two particles collide.

  1. By first showing that  , verify that  .   (2 marks)

  2. Show that the particles collide at time  .   (1 mark)

When the particles collide, their velocity vectors are perpendicular.

  1. Show that  .   (3 marks)

  2. Prior to the collision, the trajectory of particle was a parabola. (Do NOT prove this.)  
  3. Find the height of the vertex of that parabola above the horizontal plane. Give your answer in terms of .   (2 marks)

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i.    

 
 
 


ii.   

 
 
   
 

 
iii. 

♦♦ Mean mark (iii) 37%.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
iv.   

 
 

 

 
   
   
   
   
   
♦♦ Mean mark (iv) 34%.

Calculus, EXT1 C3 2023 HSC 13a

A hemispherical water tank has radius cm. The tank has a hole at the bottom which allows water to drain out.

Initially the tank is empty. Water is poured into the tank at a constant rate of  cm³ s, where is a positive constant.

After seconds, the height of the water in the tank is cm, as shown in the diagram, and the volume of water in the tank is cm³.
  

It is known that      (Do NOT prove this.)

While water flows into the tank and also drains out of the bottom, the rate of change of the volume of water in the tank is given by  .

  1. Show that  .  (2 marks)

  2. Show that the tank is full of water after  seconds.  (2 marks)

  3. The instant the tank is full, water stops flowing into the tank, but it continues to drain out of the hole at the bottom as before.
  4. Show that the tank takes 3 times as long to empty as it did to fill.  (3 marks)

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i.   

 
   
   

 
ii.   

 
   
   

 

 

♦ Mean mark (ii) 41%.

iii.   


 

♦♦♦ Mean mark (iii) 20%.
 

 
 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
   

 

Algebra, STD1 A3 2023 HSC 26

Electricity provider charges 25 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity, plus a fixed monthly charge of $40.

  1. Complete the table showing Provider 's monthly charges for different levels of electricity usage.  (1 mark)

Provider charges 35 cents per kWh, with no fixed monthly charge. The graph shows how Provider 's charges vary with the amount of electricity used in a month.

  1. On the grid on above, graph Provider A's charges from the table in part (a).  (1 mark)
  2. Use the two graphs to determine the number of kilowatt hours per month for which Provider and Provider charge the same amount.  (1 mark)

  3. A customer uses an average of 800 kWh per month.
  4. Which provider, or , would be the cheaper option and by how much?  (2 marks)

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a.   

b.

c.   

d.   

Show Worked Solution

a.   

b.   


♦♦ Mean mark (b) 40%.

c.   

d.   

Financial Maths, STD1 F2 2023 HSC 24

Bobby invested $5000.

The table shows the progress of his investment over the first 4 months.

 

  1. What are the values of and ?  (2 marks)

  2. Bobby could have earned simple interest on the investment at 0.62% per month.
  3. How much interest would Bobby have earned over 4 months by choosing this option?  (2 marks)

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a.   

b.   

Show Worked Solution

a.   
   
     
 
   

b.   

 
 


♦♦ Mean mark (b) 31%.