NYJC 2026 Prelim H2 Physics P4 (QP)

NANYANG JUNIOR COLLEGE JC 2 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION Higher 2 CANDIDATE NAME CLASS TUTOR’S NAME CENTRE NUMBER S INDEX NUMBER PHYSICS 9478/04 Paper 4 Practical 24 August 2026 2 hours 30 minutes Candidates answer on the Question Paper. Additional Materials: As listed in the Confidential Instructions READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST Write your name, class, tutor’s name, Centre number and index number in the spaces at the top of this page. Write in dark blue or black pen on both sides of the paper. You may use a HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working. Do not use erasable pens, staples, paper clips, glue, correction fluid or tape. Answer all questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided on the question paper. The use of an approved scientific calculator is expected, where appropriate. You may use a spreadsheet to process and analyse data. You may lose marks if you do not show your working or if you do not use appropriate units. You will be allowed to work with the apparatus for a maximum of 1 hour 15 minutes for each section. Give details on the practical shift and laboratory, where appropriate, in the boxes provided. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. Shift Laboratory For Examiner’s Use 1 2 3 Total / 50 This document consists of 16 printed pages.

2 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 Section A 1 In this experiment, you will investigate the properties of a pendulum. (a) (i) Assemble the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2. Push the nail through the top central hole in the T-shaped pendulum. Secure the nail in the boss, as shown in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.1 Ensure that the pendulum swings freely on the nail. Fig. 1.2 (Front view) pendulum nail passing through central hole stand boss bench boss nail pendulum

3 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 [Turn over Attach two 50 g slotted masses to the pendulum, one on each side of the nail, using the bolts and nuts, as shown in Fig. 1.3 . Use the two holes which are 10 cm from the nail. Fig. 1.3 The distance from the centre of each bolt to the nail is x. Measure and record x. x = [1] (ii) Push the bottom of the pendulum a short distance to one side and release it. The pendulum will oscillate with period T. Determine and record T. T = [2] nail bolt slotted mass x x

4 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 (b) It is suggested that the quantities T and x are related by the equation 2T ax b  where a and b are constants. The apparatus in (a) is used to obtain values of T and x. The corresponding values of T2 and x2 are plotted on the graph in Fig. 1.4. Fig. 1.4 On Fig. 1.4, plot the point corresponding to your values obtained in (a). [1] (c) Using a suitable value of x, repeat (a)(i) and (a)(ii). On Fig. 1.4 plot the point corresponding to your values obtained. [2] x 2 / cm2 T 2 / s2

5 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 [Turn over (d) By drawing a best fit line on Fig. 1.4, determine the values of a and b. a = cm2 s2 b = s2 [3] (e) It is suggested that a and b are dependent on the mass M of the slotted masses attached to the pendulum. You are provided with additional slotted masses. Take two further sets of measurements to investigate this relationship using the same apparatus. Present your results and conclusion clearly. [4]

6 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 (f) The constant b is the natural period of the T -shaped pendulum. It is suggested that b is related to the height h and the width w of the pendulum, as shown in Fig. 1.5, by the equation 3 3b ph qw  Fig. 1.5 Explain how you would modify the experiment to obtain the values of p and q. Your account should include:  additional equipment you would need  your experimental procedure,  control of variables,  how you would use your results to determine the values of p and q. [6] w h

7 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 [Turn over (g) To investigate the damping effect on the oscillation, a different T-shaped pendulum is set to oscillate in simple harmonic motion . A digital device is used to record the time and horizontal velocity of the bottom edge of the pendulum. The data is recorded in the digital file: datasetQ1g.xlsx. (i) Explain how you would obtain (1) the acceleration a, and (2) the displacement s from its point of release at each point in time using the data. [2] (ii) By calculating the values for a and s, and plotting a suitable graph using a spreadsheet, estimate the angular frequency  of the oscillation. Assume that damping is very light and the motion is simple harmonic. Sketch the graph in space below. Write down the equation of the trendline. angular frequency = [2] (iii) Using your answer in (g)(ii) or otherwise , determine the initial amplitude of the oscillation. initial amplitude = [1]

8 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 (iv) Determine the ratio n+1 n A A where An and An+1 are the amplitudes of the nth and (n + 1)th oscillation respectively. Present your working clearly below. 1n n A A  = [2] [Total: 26]

9 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 [Turn over Section B 2 In this experiment, you will investigate the frictional forces on a wooden strip. (a) (i) You have been provided with two wooden strips. Select the longer strip. Measure and record its length L. L = . Attach the slotted mass to one of the wider faces of the strip approximately 10 cm from one end using a small piece of blu-tack, as shown in Fig. 2.1. Fig. 2.1 The distance from the centre of the slotted mass to the nearest end of the strip is dA, as shown in Fig. 2.1. Measure and record dA. dA = [1] (ii) You have been provided with a smooth board. Support the board vertically on the bench using the stand, boss and clamp, as shown in Fig. 2.2. Fig. 2.2 slotted mass wooden strip dA wooden strip slotted mass bench smooth board boss stand  A

10 NYJC 2026 9478/04/J2Prelim/26 Lean the strip against the smooth board with the slotted mass nearer the lower end, as shown in Fig. 2.2. Move the bottom of the strip away from the smooth board until the strip starts to slip. Gradually push the bottom of the strip back towards the board until it just stays in position by itself. The angle between the strip and the bench is  A, as shown in Fig. 2.2. Measure and record  A.  A = [1] (iii) Estimate the percentage uncertainty in your value of  A. Show your working. percentage uncertainty = [1] (iv) The mass of the longer strip is M. The value of M is written on the strip. Record M. M = . Calculate FA using A A A 2 ( )tan SdM LF M S   where S is 100 g. FA = [1]