waec model questions vol1 2020 physics | Practical

Are you preparing for waec model questions vol1 exams? Reviewing past questions is one of the most effective ways to guarantee a high score. This practice hub features authentic 2020 physics (Practical) questions designed to simulate the real exam environment.

Practice these randomly selected questions to test your readiness.

Question 1 View Details
A metal rod is to be measured for its length using two different instruments. The measurements obtained are: - Metre rule reading: 1.02 m (instrument has a zero error of –0.2 cm) - Vernier caliper reading: 101.5 cm (instrument has a zero error of +0.1 mm) Using the data provided, answer the following:
Question Parts
(a)
Correct each reading for its zero error and give the corrected length in metres.
(b)
Calculate the average length of the rod from the two corrected measurements.
(c)
Determine the percentage discrepancy between the two corrected measurements using the average length as the reference.
(d)
List two possible sources of error in the measurements and suggest one way to minimise each.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Question 2 View Details
A force table is used to determine the resultant of two forces acting on a small wooden block. The forces applied are: - Force A: 5.0 N directed due east. - Force B: 8.0 N directed 60° north of east. The resultant force measured directly on the table is 10.2 N at 53° north of east. Using the given data, answer the following:
Question Parts
(a)
Resolve each force into its east (x) and north (y) components (in newtons).
(b)
Obtain the resultant components by adding the corresponding components of Forces A and B.
(c)
Calculate the magnitude and direction (angle north of east) of the resultant from the components obtained in part (b).
(d)
Compare the calculated resultant with the directly measured resultant. State the percentage error in magnitude and the absolute error in direction.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Question 3 View Details
A smooth horizontal air‑track is fitted with a photogate and a ticker timer. A cart of mass 0.250 kg is released from rest and passes through the photogate, which triggers the ticker timer to mark dots on a moving tape at a constant rate of 50 dots s⁻¹. The following spacing (in cm) between successive dots is recorded for the first ten intervals after the cart leaves the photogate. | Interval (n) | Spacing sₙ (cm) | |--------------|-----------------| | 1 | 2.0 | | 2 | 2.4 | | 3 | 2.9 | | 4 | 3.5 | | 5 | 4.2 | | 6 | 5.0 | | 7 | 5.9 | | 8 | 6.9 | | 9 | 8.0 | |10 | 9.2 | Using the data, determine the cart’s acceleration, the distance travelled after the 10th interval, and comment on the reliability of the result compared with the theoretical value obtained from the equation of motion for uniformly accelerated motion.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the instantaneous speed of the cart at the end of each interval (n = 1 to 10).
(b)
Using the speeds obtained in (a), determine the cart’s constant acceleration by applying the method of successive differences of speed.
(c)
Calculate the theoretical distance travelled after the 10th interval using the equation s = ut + ½at², where u = 0 and t = 10/50 s.
(d)
Compare the experimental distance (sum of the ten spacings) with the theoretical distance from (c) and discuss at least two possible sources of error that could affect the result.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Question 4 View Details
A wooden block of mass 0.500 kg is placed on a long wooden plank that can be inclined. The coefficient of static friction between the block and the plank is to be determined experimentally. The experiment is performed in two stages: 1. The plank is slowly raised until the block just begins to slide. The angle of inclination at this instant is recorded as θ₁. 2. The plank is then set at a fixed angle θ₂ (greater than θ₁) and the block is released from rest. The time taken for the block to travel a measured distance of 1.00 m down the incline is recorded as t. Given the following data: θ₁ = 22.0° (to the nearest 0.1°)\nθ₂ = 30.0° (to the nearest 0.1°)\nt = 1.85 s (average of three trials).
Question Parts
(a)
Determine the coefficient of static friction (μₛ) from the angle θ₁.
(b)
From the data in stage 2, calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction (μₖ) using the measured time t.
(c)
Predict the time required for the block to travel the same 1.00 m distance if the plank were set at an angle of 35.0° (still using the kinetic friction coefficient found in part b). Show all steps.
(d)
Discuss two reasons why the experimentally obtained μₖ (from part b) might differ from the true kinetic friction coefficient of the block‑plank pair.
Detailed Essay Solution & Marking Scheme Available

Get the step-by-step mathematical proofs, key points required by examiners, and a comprehensive breakdown from our AI Tutor.

Master the Exam!

You've seen a preview, but there are thousands more questions plus AI tutor to break down complex solutions.

Unlock Full Access Available for Android & Windows
Help others prepare! Share this practice hub:
Chat with Support