Central Exam — General Science — Physics
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Showing 1–10 of 19 questions in Physics
Q.1 Hard Physics
Which quantum number determines the shape of an orbital?
A Principal quantum number (n)
B Azimuthal quantum number (l)
C Magnetic quantum number (m)
D Spin quantum number (s)
Correct Answer:  B. Azimuthal quantum number (l)
Explanation:

The azimuthal quantum number (l) determines the shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f)

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Q.2 Hard Physics
A wire of resistance R is stretched to double its length. What is the new resistance?
A R
B 2R
C 4R
D R/2
Correct Answer:  C. 4R
Explanation:

Resistance R = ρL/A. When length doubles, L becomes 2L and area becomes A/2 (volume constant). New R = ρ(2L)/(A/2) = 4ρL/A = 4R

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Q.3 Hard Physics
Which phenomenon causes the sky to appear blue during daytime?
A Reflection of light
B Refraction of light
C Rayleigh scattering
D Total internal reflection
Correct Answer:  C. Rayleigh scattering
Explanation:

Blue light has shorter wavelength and is scattered more by atmospheric molecules (Rayleigh scattering)

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Q.4 Hard Physics
A charged particle moves in a magnetic field. Under what condition does it move in a straight line?
A Velocity is parallel to magnetic field
B Velocity is perpendicular to magnetic field
C Magnetic field is very strong
D Particle has positive charge
Correct Answer:  A. Velocity is parallel to magnetic field
Explanation:

Lorentz force F = q(v × B). When v is parallel to B, the cross product is zero, so no force acts

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Q.5 Hard Physics
A projectile is launched at an angle of 45° with initial velocity 20 m/s. What is the maximum height reached? (g = 10 m/s²)
A 5 m
B 10 m
C 15 m
D 20 m
Correct Answer:  B. 10 m
Explanation:

Vertical component of velocity: u_y = 20 sin(45°) = 20/√2 = 10√2 m/s. Maximum height h = u_y²/(2g) = (10√2)²/(2×10) = 200/20 = 10 m.

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Q.6 Hard Physics
The first law of thermodynamics relates to which principle?
A Conservation of energy
B Conservation of momentum
C Conservation of angular momentum
D Conservation of charge
Correct Answer:  A. Conservation of energy
Explanation:

The first law of thermodynamics (ΔU = Q - W) states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. It is based on conservation of energy.

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Q.7 Hard Physics
A transformer has a primary coil with 500 turns and secondary coil with 100 turns. If the primary voltage is 220V, what is the secondary voltage?
A 22 V
B 44 V
C 110 V
D 220 V
Correct Answer:  B. 44 V
Explanation:

# Transformer Voltage Calculation

A transformer changes voltage based on the ratio of turns in its primary and secondary coils.

Step 1: Identify the Transformer Equation

For an ideal transformer, the voltage ratio equals the turns ratio between the primary and secondary coils.

\[\frac{V_{\text{primary}}}{V_{\text{secondary}}} = \frac{N_{\text{primary}}}{N_{\text{secondary}}}\]

Step 2: Substitute Given Values and Solve

We have: \(N_{\text{primary}} = 500\) turns, \(N_{\text{secondary}} = 100\) turns, and \(V_{\text{primary}} = 220\text{ V}\)

\[\frac{220}{V_{\text{secondary}}} = \frac{500}{100}\]
\[V_{\text{secondary}} = 220 \times \frac{100}{500} = 220 \times \frac{1}{5} = 44\text{ V}\]

The secondary voltage is 44 V.

Answer: (B) 44 V

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Q.8 Hard Physics
Which of the following pairs correctly represents the SI units of momentum and impulse respectively?
A kg·m/s
B N/s and kg·m/s²
C kg·m/s and N·s
D kg·m/s² and N·s
Correct Answer:  C. kg·m/s and N·s
Explanation:

# SI Units of Momentum and Impulse

Momentum and impulse are related concepts in physics, but they represent different physical quantities with distinct SI units.

Step 1: Determine the SI Unit of Momentum

Momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity. Using the fundamental SI units of mass (kg) and velocity (m/s), we can derive momentum's unit:

\[\text{Momentum} = m \times v = \text{kg} \times \frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}} = \text{kg·m/s}\]
Step 2: Determine the SI Unit of Impulse

Impulse is defined as the product of force and time, or equivalently, the change in momentum. Using the SI unit of force (Newton = N = kg·m/s²) and time (seconds = s):

\[\text{Impulse} = F \times t = \text{N} \times \text{s} = \text{kg·m/s}^2 \times \text{s} = \text{N·s}\]

Alternatively, since impulse equals change in momentum: \[\text{Impulse} = \Delta p = \text{kg·m/s (same as momentum)}\]

Both perspectives confirm that impulse is measured in N·s, which is equivalent to kg·m/s.

The correct answer is (C): kg·m/s and N·s — momentum is measured in kg·m/s and impulse is measured in N·s.

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Q.9 Hard Physics
Which phenomenon explains why stars twinkle but planets do not?
A Refraction of light in Earth's atmosphere
B Point sources vs extended sources in atmospheric turbulence
C Dispersion of light
D Diffraction by dust particles
Correct Answer:  B. Point sources vs extended sources in atmospheric turbulence
Explanation:

Stars appear as point sources. Turbulent layers in the atmosphere refract starlight randomly, causing intensity variations (twinkling). Planets appear as extended sources, so refraction averaging effect minimizes visible twinkling.

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Q.10 Hard Physics
A Carnot engine operates between temperatures 400 K and 300 K. What is its maximum efficiency?
A 0.25 or 25%
B 0.33 or 33%
C 0.75 or 75%
D 0.50 or 50%
Correct Answer:  A. 0.25 or 25%
Explanation:

Carnot efficiency: η = 1 - (T_cold/T_hot) = 1 - (300/400) = 1 - 0.75 = 0.25 = 25%. This is the theoretical maximum for any heat engine.

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