PHYSICS P1 – 6 MARK QUESTIONS
Q1. Another way of producing electricity from a renewable source is tidal power.
A dam is built across the mouth of a river.
Tidal water gets trapped behind the dam.
The trapped water is used to generate electricity.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using tidal power rather than other methods of generating
electricity.
Q2. Ultrasound and X-rays are used for medical scans.
Compare and contrast the advantages of using ultrasound and X-rays for medical scans.
Q3. Scientists believe that the Universe is expanding.
Describe how careful observation of electromagnetic radiation from distant galaxies as well as from the
whole of space gave evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory.
Q4.
The device shown in the picture was invented not long after the discovery of X-rays.
It emitted X-rays through the window.
In the 1920s, it was used to remove unwanted hair from the arm.
The patient placed her arm in front of the window.
The X-rays destroyed the hair roots.
There is a hair removal device which is currently available in some specialist clinics.
It uses a low energy infrared laser beam. The makers say that this is much less dangerous than the X-ray
device.
By considering the dangers associated with both devices, discuss whether the infrared laser device should
be put on general sale to the public.
Q5.
Not all electromagnetic radiation coming from space reaches the Earth's surface.
The diagram shows how far radiation from each part of the electromagnetic spectrum travels down
through the atmosphere.
Scientists are using a variety of methods to search for life beyond Earth.
Discuss the problems involved in using these methods.
Q6.
The photograph shows a small generator.
When the handle is turned the current produced lights a lamp.
The National Grid is supplied with electricity from large-scale electrical generators.
These generators may be driven using different energy sources.
Compare the use of a non-renewable energy source with the use of a renewable energy source to produce
electricity for the National Grid.
Q7. Ultrasound has many different applications.
Explain how sonar is used by deep sea fishermen to detect the depth of a shoal of fish below the
surface of the sea.
Q8. While the origin of stars is well understood, there is still much debate about the origin of the Universe.
Two major theories about the origin of the Universe are the Big Bang and the Steady State theories.
Some evidence supports both theories. Other evidence supports only one theory.
By considering the evidence, discuss why one of these theories is preferred by most scientists.
Q9. Some students found this information about an energy saving lamp and a filament lamp that give out
almost the same amount of light.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lamp.
Q11.
The electromagnetic spectrum is continuous.
Different regions of the spectrum have different properties.
Radiation from different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum can affect the human body in many
ways.
Discuss the different ways in which excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiations of various
frequencies may cause damage to the human body.
Q12. The diagram shows how some of the energy released by the Sun is converted into electrical energy.
A student boils some water using energy which came from the Sun.
Using the information in the diagram, describe the energy transfers involved in producing the
electrical energy he used.
For many years scientists have searched for evidence of intelligent life in our Solar System and in the
rest of the Universe.
Describe the methods scientists have used to help with this search in both our Solar System and the
rest of the
Universe.
Q14. The diagram shows three identical thermometers placed in a spectrum of visible light.
There is a pattern in the temperature readings shown in the diagram.
The scientist Herschel did a similar experiment and discovered the infrared part of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
Describe how Herschel used the pattern to make his discovery.
Q15.
There are several large-scale energy resources which are suitable alternatives to fossil fuels in some
situations.
Two of these alternatives are hydro-electric power and solar power.
Compare hydro-electric power with solar power as energy resources for the large-scale generation of
electricity.
Q16.
Describe how modern telescopes have contributed to our understanding of the Universe.