# Physical Sciences Grade 10 P1 2017 QP (Eng)

> Grade 10 Physical Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the Mpumalanga National Exemplar Exam (NSC) 2017 (English). Read online or download the free PDF.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/physical-sciences-p1-grade-10-nov-2017-eng/b4524888-df1d-47b2-b2d5-dcd39ff3ebd4
- Updated: 2026-09-27
- Subject: Physical Sciences
- Grade: Grade 10
- Language: English
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2017
- Exam period: Mpumalanga National Exemplar Exam (NSC)
- Paper: 1
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 16

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## About this document

Physical Sciences · Grade 10 · Mpumalanga National Exemplar Exam (NSC) · 2017 · English. Question paper, 16 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

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## Document text

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### Page 1

NATIONAL
                           SENIOR CERTIFICATE

                                   GRADE 10

                     PHYSICAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS (P1)

                                NOVEMBER 2017

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2 hours

      This question paper consists of 14 pages, 1 data sheet and 1 answer sheet.

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### Page 2

Physical Sciences/P1                         2                            DBE/November 2017
                                      CAPS – Grade 10

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1.        Write your name and class (for example 10A) in the appropriate spaces on
          the ANSWER BOOK.

2.        This question paper consists of TEN questions. Answer ALL the questions in
          the ANSWER BOOK, except QUESTION 3.3 which has to be answered on
          the attached ANSWER SHEET.

3.        Hand in the ANSWER SHEET together with the ANSWER BOOK.

4.        Start EACH question on a NEW page in the ANSWER BOOK.

5.        Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
          question paper.

6.        Leave ONE line between two subquestions, for example between
          QUESTION 2.1 and QUESTION 2.2.

7.        You may use a non-programmable calculator.

8.        You may use appropriate mathematical instruments.

9.        You are advised to use the attached DATA SHEET.

10.       Show ALL formulae and substitutions in ALL calculations.

11.       Round off your final numerical answers to a minimum of TWO decimal places.

12.       Give brief motivations, discussions et cetera where required.

13.       Write neatly and legibly.

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### Page 3

Physical Sciences/P1                            3                           DBE/November 2017
                                         CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each
question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the
letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.1–1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for
example 1.11 E.

1.1        Which ONE of the following pairs of physical quantities consists of one scalar
           and one vector quantity?

           A     Distance and speed
           B     Speed and acceleration
           C     Displacement and velocity
           D     Velocity and acceleration                                                         (2)

1.2        A car is travelling at a constant velocity along a straight road. It then slows
           down uniformly. Which ONE of the velocity-time graphs below best represents
           the motion of the car?

       v                     v                     v                    v

                        t                    t                   t                       t
                A                    B                     C                     D                 (2)

1.3        Oil dripping from a truck at equal time intervals leaves the pattern below on
           the road.

           If the truck is moving eastwards, which ONE of the combinations below best
           describes the speed of the truck during the intervals M to Q,
           Q to V and V to Z?

                         M TO Q                 Q TO V                    V TO Z
            A          Decreases            Remains constant            Increases
            B           Increases           Remains constant           Decreases
            C        Remains constant          Increases                Increases
            D           Increases             Decreases              Remains constant              (2)

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### Page 4

Physical Sciences/P1                           4                       DBE/November 2017
                                        CAPS – Grade 10

1.4       A motorbike moving at a speed v, has a kinetic energy E. If the speed of the
          motorbike increases to 3v, the kinetic energy will be …

          A      3E
          B      ⅓E
          C      6E
          D      9E                                                                             (2)

1.5       The SI unit for gravitational potential energy is …

          A      kg∙m∙s-1
          B      kg∙m∙s-2
          C      kg∙m2∙s-2
          D      kg∙m-1∙s-1                                                                     (2)

1.6       The amplitude of a sound wave is increased without changing the frequency.
          How does this change affect the loudness and pitch of the sound?

                              LOUDNESS                             PITCH
           A                   Decreases                        Decreases
           B                   Decreases                         Increases
           C                   Increases                        Unchanged
           D                   Increases                         Increases                      (2)

1.7       Which ONE of the combinations below is the CORRECT order of
          electromagnetic waves in INCREASING WAVELENGTHS?

          A      Gamma ray → X-ray → ultraviolet → visible light → infrared →
                 microwave
          B      Radio wave → microwave → infrared → visible light→ ultraviolet →
                 X- ray
          C      X-ray → ultraviolet → infrared → visible light → radio wave →
                 microwave
          D      Gamma ray → X-ray → visible light → ultraviolet → infrared →
                 microwave                                                                      (2)

1.8       The force between two magnets decreases when …

          A      two like poles come closer together.
          B      two unlike poles come closer together.
          C      the distance between them increases.
          D      the distance between them decreases.                                           (2)

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### Page 5

Physical Sciences/P1                            5                             DBE/November 2017
                                         CAPS – Grade 10

1.9       Two identical spheres, X and Y, on insulated stands, carry charges of 3 µC
          and -5 µC respectively. The spheres are brought into contact with each other
          and returned to their original positions. The charge on EACH sphere after
          contact is …

          A      8 µC
          B      -4 µC
          C      -2 µC
          D      -1 µC                                                                               (2)

1.10      The energy transferred per unit electric charge in a circuit is …

          A      current.
          B      charge.
          C      power.
          D      potential difference.                                                               (2)
                                                                                                     [20]

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### Page 6

Physical Sciences/P1                         6                          DBE/November 2017
                                      CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 2 (Start on a new page.)

A brother and sister walk home from school. After walking 500 m eastwards, the
brother realises that he has left a book at school and he returns to school. His sister
continues walking another 800 m to their home. She arrives home 30 minutes after
leaving school.

                                                                                 N

                                                                        W            E

                                                                                 S

                             500 m                       800 m
          School                                                            Home

2.1       Define the term average speed.                                                        (2)

2.2       Calculate the average speed of the girl from the school to her home.                  (4)

2.3       Use a vector scale diagram and represent the displacement of the boy from
          the time he realised he left his book at school until he reached home. Include
          ALL relevant information in the diagram.

          Use scale 1 cm = 100 m for the diagram.                                               (3)

2.4       If the average speed of the boy is the same as that of the girl, calculate how
          long it would take the boy to reach home from the time they both left the
          school together.                                                                      (4)
                                                                                                [13]

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### Page 7

Physical Sciences/P1                              7                     DBE/November 2017
                                           CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 3 (Start on a new page.)

The engineers at a car company conduct various tests on their cars. During one of the
tests they measure the change in position during equal time intervals. The results
obtained are recorded in the table below.

                               TIME (s)            POSITION (m)
                                  0                      0
                                  1                      5
                                  2                     10
                                  3                     15
                                  4                     20

3.1       Give the correct term for change of position per unit time.                          (1)

3.2       For this test, write down the:

          3.2.1        Independent variable                                                    (1)

          3.2.2        Dependent variable                                                      (1)

3.3       Use the information in the table above and draw an accurate position-time
          graph on the graph paper on the attached ANSWER SHEET.                               (5)

3.4       Calculate the gradient of the graph.                                                 (4)

3.5       Draw (NOT to scale) a corresponding velocity-time graph for the motion of the
          car. Labels the axes.                                                                (2)

3.6       Hence, deduce the magnitude of the acceleration of the car.                          (2)
                                                                                               [16]

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### Page 8

Physical Sciences/P1                                8                     DBE/November 2017
                                             CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 4 (Start on a new page.)

A car accelerates from rest at 15 m∙s-2 for 2 s on a horizontal road.

4.1       Define the term acceleration.                                                          (2)

4.2       Calculate the:

          4.2.1        Distance covered by the car                                               (3)

          4.2.2        Velocity of the car                                                       (3)

While travelling at a constant velocity of 108 km∙h-1, the driver of a car notices a sign
warning motorists to keep a safe 2-second following distance. At that instant the car is
80 m behind a truck that is travelling at a constant velocity of 90 km∙h-1.

                                                                        90 km·h-1
              108 km·h-1

                                               80 m

4.3       Explain the meaning of a safe 2-second following distance.                             (2)

4.4       Calculate the safe 2-second following distance behind the truck.                       (6)

4.5       Calculate how long it will take the motorist to get to a safe 2-second following
          distance behind the truck.                                                             (5)
                                                                                                 [21]

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### Page 9

Physical Sciences/P1                          9                               DBE/November 2017
                                       CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 5 (Start on a new page.)

A lift takes a man to a sky bridge, which is 100 m above the ground, as shown below.
He makes a bungee jump from the sky bridge. Ignore the effects of air resistance.

                                                                        Sky bridge

                                       100 m

                                               [Source: myjozi.co.za]

5.1       Define the term kinetic energy.                                                               (2)

5.2       The man and his gear have a mass of 72 kg. Calculate the gravitational
          potential energy of the man just before he jumps from the sky bridge.                         (3)

5.3       State the law of conservation of mechanical energy.                                           (2)

5.4       Use the law in QUESTION 5.3 to calculate the velocity of the man at a height
          of 50 m above the ground.                                                                     (5)

5.5       Draw a graph of E p versus E k for the motion of the man from the instant he
          jumps until he reaches the ground.                                                            (3)
                                                                                                        [15]

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### Page 10

Physical Sciences/P1                           10                        DBE/November 2017
                                         CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 6 (Start on a new page.)

Two girls, standing at opposite ends of a rope, each makes a pulse of the same speed.
Pulse A, with an amplitude of 4 cm, moves to the right and pulse B, with an amplitude
of -6 cm, moves to the left. The pulses meet at point C.

                         A
                                              C
                                              •
                                                                 B

6.1       State the phenomenon observed when the two pulses meet at point C.                    (3)

6.2       Draw a labelled diagram to show the resultant pulse when the two pulses
          meet at point C. Label the pulses clearly.                                            (2)

6.3       Name the type of interference that takes place when the pulses meet.                  (1)

6.4       Determine the resultant amplitude of the pulses at point C.                           (2)

6.5       How will the amplitude of pulse A be affected after passing point C? Write
          down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.                                   (1)
                                                                                                [9]

QUESTION 7 (Start on a new page.)

Dolphins communicate through the emission and reception of sounds. A young dolphin
was separated from its mother and started whistling at a frequency of 130 kHz to call
her. The speed of sound in seawater is 1 480 m∙s-1.

7.1       Explain the term ultrasound.                                                          (2)

7.2       Calculate the wavelength of the young dolphin's whistle.                              (4)

7.3       Another dolphin hears the distress call of the young dolphin 2 s later. How far
          apart are the two dolphins from each other?                                           (4)

7.4       The speed of sound in air is 340 m∙s-1. Briefly explain why the speed of sound
          in air is different from the speed of sound in seawater.                              (2)

7.5       Describe how dolphins use echolocation to hunt their prey.                            (3)
                                                                                                [15]

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### Page 11

Physical Sciences/P1                           11                            DBE/November 2017
                                         CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

Consider a laser pointer and cellphone, as shown below.

                  Laser pointer                                  Cellphone

8.1       State the type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the:

          8.1.1        Laser pointer                                                                (1)

          8.1.2        Cellphone                                                                    (1)

8.2       A laser pointer uses red light photons with a wavelength of 620 nm.

          8.2.1        Define the term photon.                                                      (2)

          8.2.2        Calculate the energy of a red light photon.                                  (6)

          8.2.3        Refer to the answer to QUESTION 8.2.2. Explain why it is very
                       dangerous to shine a laser pointer into a person's eyes.                     (2)
                                                                                                    [12]

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Physical Sciences/P1                                 12                        DBE/November 2017
                                               CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

Two magnets are placed so that their north poles face each other.

                                       N                   N
9.1          Explain the term magnetic field.                                                         (2)

9.2          Draw the magnetic field pattern between the two north poles of the magnets.              (3)

9.3          The graph below shows how the magnetic force varies with distance between
             the magnets.

                    0,5
                              ●

                    0,4

        Force (N)   0,3

                                  ●
                    0,2

                    0,1                    ●
                                                   ●
                                                                   ●

                          0       2        4       6        8      10
                                                   Distance (cm)

             9.3.1            What is the mathematical relationship between magnetic force and
                              distance between the two magnets?                                       (1)

             9.3.2            What is the magnitude of the magnetic force between the two
                              magnets when they are 4 cm apart?                                       (1)

             9.3.3            How far apart must the magnets be to experience a force of
                              0,05 N?                                                                 (1)
                                                                                                      [8]

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Physical Sciences/P1                           13                           DBE/November 2017
                                         CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 10 (Start on a new page.)

A neutral plastic ruler becomes charged when it is rubbed with a woollen cloth. After
rubbing, the ruler has a charge of -3,5 x 10-15 C.

10.1      Distinguish between a neutral object and a charged object.                                (2)

10.2      Does the ruler GAIN or LOSE electrons?                                                    (1)

10.3      Calculate the number of electrons transferred during the process of rubbing.              (3)

10.4      The charged ruler is now brought closer to pieces of paper. The pieces of
          paper are attracted to the ruler, as shown below.

                                                             ruler

                                                             paper

          10.4.1       Explain why the pieces of paper are attracted to the ruler.                  (3)

          10.4.2       Name ONE application of electrostatics in our daily lives.                   (1)
                                                                                                    [10]

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Physical Sciences/P1                            14                          DBE/November 2017
                                          CAPS – Grade 10

QUESTION 11 (Start on a new page.)

Refer to Circuits A and B below and answer the questions that follow.

                Circuit A                                     Circuit B
                             9V                                        9V

                                       ● S1                                         ● S1
                                       ●                                            ●
                     1,5 Ω

                                               A1    1,5 A
                       V2

                     1,5 Ω
                                                         2Ω       A2        4Ω

                       V1                                                    V2
                                                         V1

11.1      Define the term emf.                                                                  (2)

11.2      Calculate the total resistance of Circuit A.                                          (2)

11.3      Consider Circuit B.

          11.3.1        Write down the reading on A 2 .                                         (1)

          11.3.2        Calculate the reading on V 1 .                                          (3)

11.4      If a third resistor (1,5 Ω) is placed in parallel with the existing resistors in
          Circuit A, would the total current in the circuit INCREASE, DECREASE or
          REMAIN THE SAME? Explain the answer.                                                  (3)
                                                                                                [11]

                                                                                  TOTAL:        150

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### Page 15

Physical Sciences/P1                                                            DBE/November 2017
                                        CAPS – Grade 10

                          DATA FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 10
                                    PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)
                       GEGEWENS VIR FISIESE WETENSKAPPE GRAAD 10
                                   VRAESTEL 1 (FISIKA)
TABLE 1: PHYSICAL CONSTANTS/TABEL 1: FISIESE KONSTANTES

         NAME/NAAM                    SYMBOL/SIMBOOL                    VALUE/WAARDE
Acceleration due to gravity
                                                   g                        9,8 m·s-2
Swaartekragversnelling
Speed of light in a vacuum
                                                   c                     3,0 x 108 m·s-1
Spoed van lig in 'n vakuum
Planck's constant
                                                   h                     6,63 x 10-34 J·s
Planck se konstante
Charge on electron
                                                   e                      -1,6 x 10-19 C
Lading op elektron
Electron mass
                                                  me                     9,11 x 10-31 kg
Elektronmassa
TABLE 2: FORMULAE/TABEL 2: FORMULES
MOTION/BEWEGING
v f = v i + a ∆t                               ∆x = v i ∆t + 21 a∆t 2
                                                     v + vi 
  2       2
v f = v i + 2a∆x                               ∆x =  f       ∆t
                                                       2 

WORK, ENERGY AND POWER/ARBEID, ENERGIE EN DRYWING

                                                   1                 1
U = mgh or/of E P = mgh                      K=      mv 2 or/of E k = mv 2
                                                   2                 2
E M = E k + E p . or/of E M = K + U

WAVES, SOUND AND LIGHT/GOLWE, KLANK EN LIG
                                                    1
v=fλ                                         T=
                                                    f
                       c
E = hf or/of E = h
                       λ
ELECTROSTATICS/ELEKTROSTATIKA
      Q                                    Q1 + Q 2
n=                                    Q=
      e                                       2
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS/ELEKTRIESE STROOMBANE
                                       1   1   1
Q=I∆t                                    =   +   + ...
                                      R p R1 R 2
                                           W
R s = R1 + R 2 + ...                  V=
                                           q

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### Page 16

Physical Sciences/P1                                       DBE/November 2017
                               CAPS – Grade 10

ANSWER SHEET

Hand in this ANSWER SHEET together with the ANSWER BOOK.

NAME: _____________________________________

CLASS:_____

QUESTION 3.3

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