WAEC SSCE - Physics - 2014 (Objective)
Question 1 Report
The circuit above illustrates a standard resistor R, voltage source E and a lamp L connected in series. If the temperature of R is increased, the brightness of the lamp will
Answer Details
When the temperature of the resistor R is increased, its resistance increases. Since the resistor R and the lamp L are connected in series, the total resistance of the circuit also increases. This causes a decrease in the current passing through the circuit since current is inversely proportional to resistance (Ohm's law). As a result, the brightness of the lamp L decreases slightly. Therefore, the correct answer is "decrease slightly."
Question 2 Report
Which of the following relations about the focal length fo of the objective and focal length fe of the eye piece of a compound is correct?
Answer Details
A compound microscope is an optical instrument that uses two lenses (the objective lens and the eyepiece lens) to produce magnified images of small objects. The objective lens forms a real image of the object that is located inside the focal point of the eyepiece. The eyepiece lens then acts as a magnifying glass to produce a virtual image of the real image formed by the objective lens. The magnification produced by the compound microscope is the product of the magnification produced by each lens. The formula for calculating the magnification of a compound microscope is given as: M = - (fo / fe) Where M is the magnification produced by the microscope, fo is the focal length of the objective lens, and fe is the focal length of the eyepiece lens. From the formula, we can see that the focal length of the objective lens and the focal length of the eyepiece lens are inversely proportional to the magnification produced by the microscope. As the magnification of the microscope increases, the focal length of the objective lens decreases, and the focal length of the eyepiece lens increases. Therefore, the correct relation between the focal length of the objective lens and the focal length of the eyepiece lens is: fo < fe This is because the objective lens is designed to produce a real image of the object, and the eyepiece lens is designed to magnify that image. To achieve a higher magnification, the eyepiece lens must have a shorter focal length than the objective lens.
Question 3 Report
an observer hears an echo 1.26 seconds after blowing a whistle near a cliff. calculate the distance of the observer from the cliff. [speed of sound in air = 330ms-1]
Answer Details
When a sound wave is produced, it travels through the air with a certain speed. When it reaches a surface such as a wall, a portion of the sound energy is reflected back to the source as an echo. To calculate the distance of the observer from the cliff, we need to first determine the distance travelled by the sound wave. Since the sound wave travels to the cliff and then back to the observer, the total distance travelled is twice the distance from the observer to the cliff. We can use the formula: distance = speed x time where speed is the speed of sound in air and time is the time between the sound wave being produced and the echo being heard. In this case, the time is given as 1.26 seconds and the speed of sound in air is given as 330 m/s. Therefore, the distance travelled by the sound wave is: distance = speed x time distance = 330 m/s x 1.26 s distance = 415.8 m Since the sound wave travels twice the distance from the observer to the cliff, we need to divide the distance travelled by 2 to find the distance from the observer to the cliff: distance from observer to cliff = 415.8 m / 2 distance from observer to cliff = 207.9 m Therefore, the distance of the observer from the cliff is 207.9 meters. The correct option is: 207.9m
Question 4 Report
An object of mass m moves with a uniform speed v round a circular path of radius r. If its angular speed is \(\omega\), the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on it is
Answer Details
When an object of mass m moves in a circular path of radius r with uniform speed v, it experiences a force towards the center of the circle known as the centripetal force. The magnitude of the centripetal force is given by the formula F = ma, where a is the centripetal acceleration. The centripetal acceleration can be expressed in terms of the angular speed \(\omega\), as a = r\(\omega^2\). Therefore, the magnitude of the centripetal force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the centripetal acceleration. So, F = ma = m(r\(\omega^2\)) = m\(\omega^2\)r Hence, the correct option is: - \(m \omega^2 r\)
Question 5 Report
A ball falling through a viscous liquid is acted upon by
Answer Details
When a ball falls through a viscous liquid, it is acted upon by three main forces: upthrust, weight, and viscous force. Upthrust is the upward force that acts on an object when it is partially or completely submerged in a liquid. The ball's weight is the force with which the ball is pulled down by gravity. The viscous force is a force that opposes the motion of an object through a fluid, such as air or a liquid. Therefore, the correct answer is "upthrust, the ball's weight and viscous force".
Question 6 Report
The energy stored in a simple cell is
Answer Details
The energy stored in a simple cell is chemical energy. A simple cell is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The chemical reactions taking place within the cell create a potential difference between the electrodes, and when a circuit is completed between the electrodes, electrons flow through the circuit, producing an electrical current. The chemical energy is stored in the reactants of the cell, which are typically stored in separate compartments within the cell until the cell is activated by connecting the electrodes. As the chemical reactions proceed, the reactants are converted into products, and the energy difference between the reactants and products is released as electrical energy.
Question 7 Report
A fish inside a pond appears to be at a depth of 1.5m when viewed vertically from above. The refractive index of the water in the pound is 1.3. Calculate the apparent displacement of the fish
Question 8 Report
The mass of an empty density bottle is 30g. When filled with a liquid, the mass reduces to 38g. Calculate the apparent cubic expansivity of the liquid
Answer Details
The apparent cubic expansivity (α) of a liquid is defined as the increase in volume per unit volume per degree rise in temperature. It is given by the formula: α = (1/V) (ΔV/ΔT) where V is the volume of the liquid and ΔV/ΔT is the rate of change of volume with temperature. In this problem, the density bottle has a mass of 30g when empty and 38g when filled with the liquid. Therefore, the mass of the liquid is: mass of liquid = 38g - 30g = 8g Let the volume of the liquid be V. The density of the liquid is given by: density = mass/volume or ρ = m/V The mass and volume of the liquid both change with temperature. However, since the density bottle is made of a material with a negligible expansivity, the change in its volume can be ignored. Therefore, the change in the volume of the liquid is equal to the change in the volume of the density bottle. Let ΔV be the change in volume of the density bottle for a temperature rise of ΔT. Then: α = (1/V) (ΔV/ΔT) = (ΔV/VΔT) The apparent cubic expansivity can be calculated as: α = (ΔV/V) / ΔT To find ΔV/V, we can use the fact that the density of the liquid is equal to its mass per unit volume. Let ρ₀ be the density of the liquid at a temperature of T₀, and let ρ be its density at a temperature of T₀ + ΔT. Then: ΔV/V = (V₂ - V₁)/V₁ = (ρ₁ - ρ₀)/ρ₀ where V₁ and V₂ are the volumes of the liquid at temperatures T₀ and T₀ + ΔT, respectively. Substituting the values given in the problem, we get: ΔV/V = [(8g/V) - (30g/V)] / (30g/V) = -22/30 α = (-22/30) / ΔT We are not given the value of ΔT, so we cannot calculate the exact value of α. However, we can simplify the expression for α as follows: α = (-22/30) / ΔT = (-11/15) / (ΔT/2) Since the answer choices are given in terms of powers of 10, we can rewrite this as: α = (-1.1) x 10-1 / (ΔT/2) = (-2.2) x 10-1 / ΔT Comparing this with the answer choices, we see that the correct option is: 6.25 x 10-3K-1 Therefore, the apparent cubic expansivity of the liquid is 6.25 x 10-3K-1.
Question 9 Report
The diagram above illustrates a uniform metre rule which is balanced on a pivot by some masses. Calculate the value of M
Answer Details
Question 10 Report
An aluminum foil is placed across a beam of radiation from a radioactive source. Which of the following types of radiation will be stopped by it?
Answer Details
An aluminum foil is not thick enough to stop alpha and beta particles as they have high energy and mass, and can penetrate thin materials. However, gamma particles have high energy but no mass, and can only be stopped by thick and dense materials such as lead or concrete. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) gamma particles only, as they will not be stopped by the aluminum foil.
Question 11 Report
A car starts from rest and covers a distance of 40m in 10s. Calculate the magnitude of its acceleration
Answer Details
The acceleration of an object can be calculated using the equation: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity)/time Since the car starts from rest, its initial velocity is 0. Therefore, we can simplify the equation to: acceleration = final velocity/time We are given that the car covers a distance of 40m in 10s. To find the final velocity, we can use the following equation of motion: distance = (initial velocity * time) + (0.5 * acceleration * time^2) Since the car starts from rest, its initial velocity is 0. Therefore, we can simplify the equation to: distance = 0.5 * acceleration * time^2 Rearranging the equation, we get: acceleration = 2 * distance/time^2 Substituting the given values, we get: acceleration = 2 * 40m / (10s)^2 Simplifying the expression, we get: acceleration = 0.8 m/s^2 Therefore, the magnitude of the car's acceleration is 0.80ms^-2. Answer is the correct answer.
Question 12 Report
Which of the following types of thermometers can be used to measure a range of temperature from -50°C to 50°? i. Clinical ii. Mercury iii. Alcohol-in-glass
Answer Details
The thermometer that can be used to measure a range of temperature from -50°C to 50°C is the alcohol-in-glass thermometer. Therefore, the correct answer is (iii) only. Clinical thermometers are used to measure body temperature and usually have a range of 35°C to 42°C. Mercury thermometers, on the other hand, have a range of -38°C to 356°C but are not suitable for measuring temperatures below -38°C. Alcohol-in-glass thermometers, with their low freezing point, are suitable for measuring a wider range of temperatures, including those below -38°C.
Question 13 Report
Which of the following statements is the major advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission?
Question 14 Report
The temperature at which the water vapor in the air saturates the air and begins to condense is known as
Answer Details
The temperature at which the water vapor in the air saturates the air and begins to condense is known as the "dew point". When air is cooled down to its dew point temperature, the air is no longer able to hold all the water vapor it contains and some of it condenses into water droplets, forming dew. Therefore, the dew point is the temperature at which the relative humidity of the air reaches 100%, and further cooling will result in the formation of dew, fog, or clouds.
Question 15 Report
The period of a simple pendulum X is 5s. What is the period of a simple pendulum Y which makes 50 vibrations in the same time it takes X to make 20 vibrations?
Answer Details
Question 16 Report
Two identical charges situated 20cm apart in vacuum repel each other with a force of 1.0N.Calculate the value of each other with a force of 1.0N. Calculate the value of each charge. [(14 \(\pi \varepsilon_o)^{-1}\) = 9 x 109Nm2C-2]
Answer Details
Question 17 Report
A body is projected vertically upwards with a speed of 10 ms-1 from a point 2m above the ground. Calculate the total time taken for the body to reach the ground. [g = 10ms-2]
Question 18 Report
A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is
Answer Details
A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is a dynamo. A dynamo works by using a rotating coil of wire that is placed between the poles of a magnet. When the coil rotates, it cuts through the magnetic field lines, which induces an electrical current in the coil. The amount of electrical energy produced by the dynamo depends on factors such as the strength of the magnetic field, the speed at which the coil rotates, and the number of turns in the coil. Dynamos are commonly used in bicycles to generate electrical power to power lights, and in power plants to generate electricity on a large scale.
Question 19 Report
When an elastic material is stretched by a force, the energy stored in it is
Answer Details
When an elastic material is stretched by a force, it stores potential energy. The potential energy is stored in the material due to its ability to return to its original shape when the force is removed. The energy is stored as a result of the deformation of the material from its original shape. The more the material is stretched, the more potential energy it stores. This stored energy can be released when the material returns to its original shape, such as when the force is removed.
Question 20 Report
An element of nucleon number P and atomic number Q emits an alpha particle from its nucleus. The resultant numbers of the new element formed are respectively
Answer Details
An alpha particle is a helium nucleus that contains two protons and two neutrons. When an alpha particle is emitted from a nucleus, the nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, the atomic number of the new element formed will be reduced by two and the nucleon number will be reduced by four. So, the resultant numbers of the new element formed are P - 4 and Q - 2. Therefore, the correct option is (b) P - 4 and Q - 2.
Question 22 Report
A transverse wave can be distinguished from a longitudinal wave by
Answer Details
Transverse waves can be distinguished from longitudinal waves based on their direction of oscillation. In a transverse wave, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Examples of transverse waves include water waves, light waves, and electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, in a longitudinal wave, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and seismic waves. Therefore, the correct answer is polarization, which is a phenomenon that occurs only in transverse waves, as they can be polarized by passing them through certain filters that allow only waves oscillating in a particular direction to pass through.
Question 23 Report
A 15 \(\mu F\) capacitor is connected to a 240V, 50Hz ac. source. Calculate the reactance of the capacitance [\(\pi = 3.142\)]
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Question 24 Report
The diagram above illustrates an electromagnetic wave travelling with speed 3.0 x 108ms-1. Calculate the wave length of the wave
Answer Details
The formula for the speed of a wave is given as: speed = wavelength x frequency Since we are given the speed of the electromagnetic wave as 3.0 x 10^8 ms^-1, we can find the wavelength of the wave using the formula: wavelength = speed / frequency However, the frequency of the wave is not given in the question, so we cannot directly calculate the wavelength. Therefore, we need to use the information in the diagram to find the frequency. The diagram shows that the wave has 6 complete cycles in a distance of 0.96 meters. The distance of 6 complete cycles is equal to the wavelength of the wave. Therefore, we can find the wavelength by dividing the distance of 6 complete cycles by 6: wavelength = 0.96 m / 6 = 0.16 m Therefore, the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave is 0.16 meters. Answer: 0.16m
Question 25 Report
A quantity of water at 20oC is mixed with another quantity of water at 70oC. The final steady temperature of the mixture is 40oC. Determine the ratio of the mass of the cold water to that of the hot water
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Question 26 Report
The functional difference between a lens and a mirror is that a lens
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A lens and a mirror are both optical devices that are used to manipulate the path of light. The functional difference between a lens and a mirror is that a lens refracts a beam of light while a mirror reflects it. A lens is a piece of glass or other transparent material that bends light as it passes through it, while a mirror is a surface that reflects light. When light passes through a lens, it is bent in such a way that the image formed is either magnified or diminished, depending on the shape of the lens. In contrast, when light hits a mirror, it is reflected back in the opposite direction, producing a virtual image of the object being reflected.
Question 27 Report
A body of mass M kg rests on a plane inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal. The component of the weight of the body parallel to the plane is
Answer Details
When a body rests on an inclined plane, its weight can be resolved into two components: one perpendicular to the plane, and the other parallel to the plane. The component of weight parallel to the inclined plane is given by Mg sin \(\theta\), where M is the mass of the body, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(\theta\) is the angle of inclination. This is because the weight acts vertically downwards and the component parallel to the plane is given by the weight multiplied by the sine of the angle of inclination. So, the correct option is Mg sin \(\theta\).
Question 28 Report
When the linear momentum of a body is constant, the net force acting on it
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Question 29 Report
The S.I unit of power is
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The SI unit of power is W, which stands for Watt. Power is a measure of how much energy is used or transferred per unit time. One watt is equivalent to one joule of energy per second. Therefore, power is usually measured in watts, which provides an indication of how much energy is being used or transferred per unit time.
Question 30 Report
Refraction of lights differs from reflection in that, in refraction i. at least two media are involved ii. there is a change in the direction of the ray iii. the speed of the ray changes. Which of the statements above is/are correct?
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Question 31 Report
An electric motor converts
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An electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. The motor uses an electromagnetic field to create rotational motion in its output shaft. When an electric current passes through the wire coils of the motor, a magnetic field is generated. The magnetic field interacts with the field generated by a stationary component of the motor, causing the rotor to rotate. This rotation creates mechanical energy in the form of rotational motion, which can be used to power various machines or devices. Therefore, the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy is the main function of an electric motor.
Question 32 Report
If no net force acts on an object, the object maintains a state of rest or constant speed in a straight line. The above is a statement of Newton's
Answer Details
The statement "If no net force acts on an object, the object maintains a state of rest or constant speed in a straight line" is a statement of Newton's first law of motion. The first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with a constant speed and in a straight line, unless acted upon by a net external force.
Question 33 Report
In an ac circuit when the supply voltage frequency is equal to the resonant frequency, the current
Answer Details
In an AC circuit, when the supply voltage frequency is equal to the resonant frequency, the current is in phase with the supply voltage. This means that the current and voltage signals reach their maximum and minimum values at the same time and change direction at the same time. There is no phase shift between them. This is because at resonant frequency, the inductive reactance of the inductor and the capacitive reactance of the capacitor are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign. This results in cancelling out each other's effect and hence the circuit impedance becomes purely resistive. Therefore, the current flowing in the circuit is limited by the resistance of the circuit alone and is in phase with the voltage across the circuit.
Question 34 Report
A wire of length 100 cm has a resistance of 10\(\Omega\). If its cross-sectional area is 0.005cm2, determine its resistivity
Answer Details
The resistivity (\(\rho\)) of a material is a measure of how resistant the material is to the flow of an electric current through it. It is defined as the resistance (\(R\)) of a conductor of unit length (\(l\)) and unit cross-sectional area (\(A\)). The formula for resistivity is: \(\rho = RA/l\). We are given the length (\(l\)) of the wire as 100 cm, its resistance (\(R\)) as 10\(\Omega\), and its cross-sectional area (\(A\)) as 0.005cm2. To find the resistivity (\(\rho\)), we rearrange the formula as \(\rho = RA/l\). Substituting the values we have, we get: \(\rho = (10\Omega)(0.005cm^2)/100cm = 0.0005\Omega cm\). Therefore, the resistivity of the wire is 0.0005\(\Omega\)cm. The correct option is (a).
Question 35 Report
A car traveling at 30ms\(^{-1}\) overcomes a frictional resistance of 100N while moving. Calculate the power developed by the engine. [1 hp = 0.75 kW]
Answer Details
Power is the rate at which work is done or the rate at which energy is transferred. In this question, the power developed by the car's engine can be calculated using the formula: Power = force x velocity The force in this case is the frictional resistance, which is 100N, and the velocity is 30ms\(^{-1}\). Therefore, Power = 100N x 30ms\(^{-1}\) = 3000W = 3kW To convert kW to hp, we use the conversion factor 1 hp = 0.75 kW. 3 kW = 3/0.75 hp = 4 hp Therefore, the power developed by the engine is 4 hp, which corresponds to the.
Question 36 Report
Which of the following pairs of physical quantities is made up of vectors?
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Question 37 Report
An ammeter can be adapted to measure potential difference by using a
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Question 38 Report
A transformer has 400 turns of wire in the primary coil and 40 turns in the secondary col. If the input voltage is 150 volts. Calculate the magnitude of the output voltage
Answer Details
A transformer is an electrical device used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another by means of electromagnetic induction. It works on the principle that a changing magnetic field in a coil of wire induces a voltage in another coil of wire placed close to it. The ratio of the number of turns in the primary coil to the number of turns in the secondary coil is called the turns ratio. In this case, the turns ratio is 400:40, which reduces to 10:1. This means that the voltage in the secondary coil is one-tenth of the voltage in the primary coil. So, if the input voltage is 150 volts, the output voltage will be 15 volts. Therefore, the correct option is: - 15V
Question 39 Report
Which of the following conditions occur at resonance in a series RLC circuit? i. Impedance equal resistance ii. Current is maximum iii. Reactance are maximum iv. Current and voltage are 90o out of phase
Answer Details
At resonance in a series RLC circuit, the reactance of the inductor and capacitor cancel each other out, leaving only the resistance. This means the impedance of the circuit is equal to the resistance (i.e., i). At the same time, the current in the circuit is at its maximum (i.e., ii). Since the reactance of the inductor and capacitor cancel each other out, there is no phase difference between the current and voltage (i.e., iv is not true), so iii is not applicable. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) i and ii only.
Question 40 Report
The knowledge of surface tension is applied in the following areas except in
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Surface tension is a property of liquids that describes the ability of the surface of a liquid to resist an external force due to the cohesive nature of its molecules. It has many applications in various fields such as engineering, physics, and chemistry. However, the production of palm oil does not require the application of surface tension. The process of producing palm oil involves the extraction of oil from palm fruit using mechanical pressing or solvent extraction methods, which do not rely on the surface tension of liquids. Therefore, the correct answer is "production of palm oil."
Question 41 Report
The quality of a note depends on its
Answer Details
The quality of a note, also known as timbre, depends on its overtones. Overtones are the additional frequencies produced by an object when it vibrates. While the fundamental frequency of a note determines its pitch, it is the presence and relative strength of overtones that give the note its distinctive timbre. Different instruments or voices playing or singing the same note will sound different because of the unique combination of overtones they produce. Amplitude refers to the loudness of a sound, while frequency is the number of vibrations per second and determines the pitch of the sound.
Question 42 Report
An object is placed in front of two plane mirrors inclined at 60o to each other. Determine the number of the images formed
Answer Details
When an object is placed in front of two plane mirrors inclined at an angle to each other, multiple images are formed. The number of images formed can be determined using the formula: N = 360o / θ - 1 where N is the number of images formed and θ is the angle between the mirrors. In this case, the angle between the mirrors is 60o, so: N = 360o / 60o - 1 N = 6 - 1 N = 5 Therefore, the number of images formed is 5. So, the correct option is (c) 5.
Question 43 Report
A screw-jack has the distance between its successive threads as P and the length of its tommy bar as r. Its velocity ratio is given by the expression
Answer Details
A screw jack is a simple machine used for lifting heavy loads. The velocity ratio of a machine is defined as the ratio of the distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load. In the case of a screw jack, the effort is applied through a tommy bar, which is used to turn the screw. The distance moved by the effort is the circumference of the circle described by the end of the tommy bar, which is 2πr. The load is lifted by the screw, which has a thread pitch of P, which is the distance between successive threads. The distance moved by the load is equal to the pitch of the screw. Therefore, the velocity ratio of a screw jack is given by the expression: velocity ratio = distance moved by effort / distance moved by load velocity ratio = 2πr / P Thus, the correct option is: \(\frac{2 \pi r}{P}\)
Question 45 Report
Alcohol of mass 21g and density 0.7g cm-3 is mixed with 10g of water. Determine the density of the mixture [density of water = 1.0gcm-3]
Answer Details
The density of a substance is defined as its mass per unit volume. In this question, we are given the mass and density of alcohol and the mass and density of water. We can find the total volume of the mixture by adding the volumes of alcohol and water. The volume of alcohol is calculated as follows: Volume of alcohol = mass of alcohol/density of alcohol Volume of alcohol = 21g/0.7gcm-3 Volume of alcohol = 30cm3 The volume of water is equal to its mass, which is 10g. The total volume of the mixture is: Total volume = volume of alcohol + volume of water Total volume = 30cm3 + 10cm3 Total volume = 40cm3 The mass of the mixture is the sum of the mass of alcohol and water: Mass of mixture = mass of alcohol + mass of water Mass of mixture = 21g + 10g Mass of mixture = 31g The density of the mixture is therefore: Density of mixture = mass of mixture/total volume Density of mixture = 31g/40cm3 Density of mixture = 0.775gcm-3 Therefore, the density of the mixture is 0.775gcm-3. Option A is the correct answer.
Question 46 Report
The energy required to separate the nucleus in an atom completely is known as
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The correct answer is "nuclear binding energy". The energy required to separate the nucleus in an atom completely is called the nuclear binding energy. It is the energy needed to overcome the strong force, which is the force that holds the nucleus together. This energy is released when the nucleus is formed, and it is also released in nuclear reactions such as fusion and fission. The other options listed, mass defect of the atom, electron binding energy, and excitation energy, are all different concepts that are not directly related to the energy required to completely separate a nucleus.
Question 47 Report
The region around a magnet in which magnetic force can be expressed is known as
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The region around a magnet in which magnetic force can be expressed is known as a magnetic field. Magnetic field lines are used to represent the magnetic field, and the direction of the lines shows the direction of the magnetic force at any point in the field. The strength of the magnetic field is measured in terms of its flux density, which is the amount of magnetic flux passing through a unit area perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. The other options listed are not correct definitions of the region around a magnet in which magnetic force can be expressed.
Question 48 Report
In the circuit diagram above, E is a battery of negligible internal resistance. If its emf is 9.0V. Calculate the current in the circuit ``
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