THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

FORM ONE ANNUAL JOINT EXAMINATION 

PHYSICS

TIME: 2:30 HOURS NOVEMBER 2026

INSTRUCTIONS

1. This paper consists of Sections A, B and C with a total of ten (10) questions.
2. Answer all questions in Sections A, B and C.
3. Sections A and C carry fifteen (15) marks each and Section B carries seventy (70) marks.
4. Communication devices and unauthorized materials are not allowed in the examination room.
5. Whenever necessary, use the following constants: acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 m/s²; density of water = 1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³.

SECTION A (15 MARKS)

1. For each of the following items (i)–(x), choose the letter of the most correct answer.

(i) Physics is best described as

1. Study of human body

2. Study of living things

3. Study of matter and its relation to energy

4. Study of numbers and shapes

(ii) The density of pure water at 4°C is approximately

1. 100 kg/m³

2. 1 g/cm³

3. 10 g/cm³

4. 0.1 kg/m³

(iii) The force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact is called

1. Tension

2. Friction

3. Upthrust

4. Weight

(iv) Which instrument is used to measure mass in the laboratory?

1. Spring balance

2. Beam balance

3. Thermometer

4. Vernier calliper

(v) A ruler has a length of 30 cm. This length in metres is

1. 0.3 m

2. 3 m

3. 300 m

4. 0.03 m

(vi) If a body is moving with constant velocity, its acceleration is

1. Decreasing

2. Zero

3. Constant but not zero

4. Increasing

(vii) Which of the following is a pair of vector quantities?

1. Force and velocity

2. Speed and mass

3. Energy and displacement

4. Time and temperature

(viii) A car travels 120 km in 2 hours. Its average speed is

1. 60 km/h

2. 120 km/h

3. 240 km/h

4. 30 km/h

(ix) The work done when a force of 20 N moves an object 5 m in the direction of the force is

1. 4 J

2. 100 J

3. 25 J

4. 10 J

(x) The upward force exerted by a liquid on a submerged object is called

1. Buoyant force

2. Gravity

3. Friction

4. Momentum

2. Match the items in List A with the most correct response in List B by writing the letters of the correct responses beside the item numbers.

SECTION B (70 MARKS)

3. (a) (i) Juma, a Form One student, has an urgent written message to relay to his parents. As a physics expert, advise Juma on any two (2) devices he can use to relay the message. (2 marks)

(ii) Physics is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of all sciences”. Explain this statement. (2 marks)

(b) Physics covers a wide range of content and is divided into several branches. Explain any four (4) major branches of physics. (6 marks)

4. (a) Explain the following terms as applied in measurement. (4 marks)

(i) Scalar quantity

(ii) Mass

(iii) Regular object

(iv) Why are accurate measurements important in physics?

(b) (i) A physics teacher asked her students to determine the volume of an irregular stone using a Eureka can. State the steps to be followed to measure the volume correctly. (4 marks)

(ii) While measuring the diameter of a wire using a micrometre screw gauge, the main scale reading was 10 mm and the circular scale was 40 divisions above the reference line. If the screw gauge has a zero error of −0.05 cm, calculate the diameter of the wire. (2 marks)

5. (a) (i) Briefly explain how particles affect the density of a substance. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain any four (4) applications of density and relative density in society. (4 marks)

(b) Anna, a Form One student, obtained the following results while performing an experiment:

Mass of empty density bottle = 20.5 g

Mass of density bottle filled with sand = 90.5 g

Mass of empty bottle filled with water = 100.5 g

Mass of bottle with sand and water = 130 g

(i) Calculate the density of sand. (2.5 marks)

(ii) Calculate the relative density of sand. (2.5 marks)

6. (a) State the following. (2 marks)

(i) Archimedes’ principle.

(ii) Law of floatation.

(iii) Explain why a submarine sometimes floats and sometimes sinks under the surface of water. (2 marks)

(b) A solid weighs 84 N in air and 50 N when totally immersed in a liquid of density 0.8 g/cm³. Calculate:

(i) The upthrust on the solid. (2 marks)

(ii) The volume of the solid. (2 marks)

(iii) The density of the solid. (2 marks)

7. (a) Ally, a Form One student, was asked by his teacher to stretch a spiral spring. The spring extended and its length increased.

(i) Mention and explain the behaviour shown by the spring when stretched. (2 marks)

(ii) State the law governing the above phenomenon. (2 marks)

(b) Explain the following observations. (6 marks)

(i) Hot soup is tastier than cold soup.

(ii) Ink sticks to paper.

(iii) Kerosene rises through the wick of a lamp.

(iv) A pond skater can walk on the surface of water.

8. (a) (i) Mention three (3) pieces of evidence that verify the existence of atmospheric pressure. (3 marks)

(ii) With the aid of a diagram, explain how pressure in liquids depends on depth. (3 marks)

(b) (i) Briefly explain why tractors are fitted with very large tyres. (1 mark)

(ii) A hydraulic press has a surface area of 0.8 m² in the load piston and 0.31 m² in the effort piston. A force of 400 N is exerted on the effort piston. Find the force required to lift the load. (3 marks)

9. (a) Define the following terms. (3 marks)

(i) Joule

(ii) Potential energy

(iii) Transducer

(b) (i) State the principle of conservation of energy. (2 marks)

(ii) A bullet of mass 30 g moving with a velocity of 700 m/s penetrates a target for a minute. Find the kinetic energy and recoil power of the bullet. (5 marks)

SECTION C (15 MARKS)

10. (a) Explain the following terms. (4 marks)

(i) Velocity

(ii) Displacement

(iii) Acceleration

(iv) Distance

(b) A stone was dropped from the top of a building and hit the ground 4 seconds later.

(i) How tall is the building? (2 marks)

(ii) What was the stone’s velocity when it hit the ground? (2 marks)

(iii) Show that v = u + at. (2 marks)

(c) A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 3 m/s² for 5 seconds. It then maintains a constant speed for 30 seconds. After the brakes are applied, it decelerates uniformly to rest in 5 seconds.

(i) Draw a velocity–time graph to represent the motion of the car. (1 mark)

(ii) Calculate the maximum speed reached. (2 marks)

(iii) Calculate the total distance covered. (2 marks)

PRESIDENT OFFICE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECONDARY EXAMINATION SERIES 

COMPETENCE BASED ASSESSMENT

031 PHYSICS FORM ONE 

ANNUAL EXAMINATION 2023 

Time: 2:30Hours

INSTRUCTIONS

1. This paper consist of section A, B and C with total of ten (10) questions
2. Answer all questions
3. Section A carries 15 marks, section B 70marks and section C caries 15 marks
4. Where necessary the following constants may be used

Acceleration due to gravity, g =10N/M2

1.

1. Which of the following is a safety precaution in Physics laboratory?

1. Doing experiment in the laboratory
2. Handling of apparatus in the laboratory
3. Use equipment with care in laboratory
4. Do anything in laboratory

2. What is the implication of statement that when a body floats its apparent weight is Zero?

1. The weight of floating body is less than upthrust acting on it
2. The weight of the floating body is less than the weight of fluid displaced
3. The weight of floating body is equal to weight of the fluid displaced
4. The weight of floating body is greater than up thrust acting on it

3. Why are particles in a solid state closed packed

1. Because they have weak force of attraction
2. Because they have moderate force of attraction
3. Because they have moderate force of attraction
4. Because they have very strong force of attraction

4. What makes the last drop of tap water remain hanging for some time at the outlet of the tap soon after closing the tap?

1. Surface tension
2. Osmosis
3. Capillarity
4. Viscosity

5. A clinical thermometer differs from other thermometer because it

1. Can be used to measure the temperature of ice
2. Can be used to measure the temperature of melting iron
3. Has a constriction
4. Is very small

6. A ferry Boat floats in a sea water because its average density is

1. Creator than that of water
2. Smaller than that of water
3. The same as its weight
4. Greater than its weight

7. What is the name given to study of weather and climate relates greatly with physics our it’s instruments such as rain gauge and wind vane use principles of physics

1. Astronomy
2. Geophysics
3. Meteorology
4. Solar system

8. Which of the following is one of importance of first Aid in the Physics laboratory

1. First Aid Prevents risks of electric shock is a student
2. First Aid promotes recovery of a victim by bringing hope
3. First is a real treatment to a seriously injured person in the laboratory
4. First Aid promotes loss of unconsciousness to a fainted person

9. A needle may float on a clean water but sinks when some detergent is added to water because the detergent

1. Reduces the density of water
2. Increases the adhesive force between the needle and water molecules
3. Lowers the surface tension of water
4. Makes water surface slippery

10. A house building contractor fitted window Glass panes which someone cannot see through but the room are full illuminated with light. These types of glass pane materials are said to be

1. Dim
2. Opaque
3. Transparent
4. Translucent

2. Match the meaning of terminologies used in structure and properties of matter with LIST A, with their corresponding terms in LIST B by writing the letter of correct answer in table provided.

SECTION B (70 Marks)

3. (a)State the Archimedes principle

(b)List down three conditions necessary for a body to float

(c) An object of weight 18N immersed in water. It experiences an upthrust of 2N. Calculate;

1. Real weight
2. Relative density
3. Density of the object in kg/m³

4. (a) State Paschal Principle as it is applied in Pressure

(b)State any four application of atmospheric pressure

(c) Briefly explain why the woman wearing shoes with ported heels in more likely to cause damage to wooden floor than elephant

(d)What will be the pressure due to a column of water of height 3m if the density of water is 2100kg/m³.

5. (a)what do you understand the following terms

1. Pressure
2. Atmospheric pressure

(b)Why are dams constructed thicker at the bottom than at the top?

(c) A rectangular tank which measures 5m by 4m contains water to a height of 10m. What will be the

1. Pressure on the base
2. Thrust on the base

6. (a) A Uniform half-meter rule in pivoted at 20cm mark and balances horizontally when a body of mass 30g is hung at the 5cm mane from one and

1. Calculate the mass of the rule
2. Draw the diagram of arrangement above

(b)Calculate the pressure due to column of mercury 750mmHg high given density of mercury equal 13600kg/m³

7. (a)Explain briefly why efficiency of a machine is always less than 100%

(b)A load Wheel barrow weighing 800N is pushed up an inclined plane by a force 150N parallel to the plane if the plane rises 50cm for every 400cm length of the plane. Find

1. Velocity ratio
2. The mechanical Advantage
3. The efficiency of the machine

8. (a)When water and Mercury were in two separate measuring cylinders the teacher asked students to observe the reading in both cylinders. Why does mercury from downward meniscus while that of water forms upward meniscus?

(b)A force of 4N causes a certain copper wire to extend to 1.0mm. Find the load that will causes a 3.2mm extension on the same wire.

9. (a)When the metal can that contain hot water is closed and then cold water is poured on it, then it collapses

(b)Why in an experiment using Hare’s apparatus the length of methanol and water column were found to be 16cm and 12.8cm respectively

1. What is relative density of methanol
2. If the length of methanol column attired to 21.5cm find new height of water.

SECTION C (15 Marks)

10. (a)A form two student in physics laboratory was provided with density bottle, sand, digital balance and water. He is required to determine the density of sand using the instruments provided above, show how he will determine the density of sand?

- Mass of density bottle; M₁ = 200g

- Mass of density bottle and sand M₂ = 550g

- Mass of density bottle and water, M₄=300g

1. What was the density of sad?
2. Determine the relative density of sand.

THE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

COMPETENCY BASED SECONDARY EXAMINATION SERIES

PHYSICSFORM ONE

TIME: 2 HOURS NOV 2022

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For each of the following items (i) – (xx) choose the correct answer among the given alternatives and write its letter beside the item number.

1. An engineer wanted to measure the diameter of a wire to the nearest 0.001cm. which of the following instruments will be used?

A. Metre rule

B. Measuring cylinder

C. Micrometer screw gauge

D. Vernier caliper E. Engineer caliper

2. Which phenomenon explain ability of some small insects to walk over a water surface?

A. Capillarity

B. Adhesion

C. Surface Tension

D. Osmosis

3. The branch of science in which the relationship between matter and energy is studied is referred to:

A. Biology

B. Chemistry

C. Physics

D. Agricultural science

E. Geography

4. Which of the following instruments work under the Pascal’s principle of pressure transmission

A. Spring balance

B. Single fixed pulley

C. Inclined plane

D. Hydraulic press

5. The process whereby materials recover the original length after removing the load or force is described as.

A. Plasticity

B. Deformation

C. Elasticity

D. Elastic limit

6. The term used to describes the ability of an object to float on a surface of liquid is classify as:

A. Floatation

B. Buoyancy

C. Density

D. Pressure

7. The quantity obtained by taking the ratio of mass per unit volume of a substance is described as:

1. A. Relative density
2. B. Density
3. C. Matter
4. D. Volume

8. How does depth affect the pressure in liquids

1. A. Pressure is inversely proportional to depth
2. B. Pressure is equal to depth
3. C. Pressure is not equal to depth
4. D. Pressure is directly proportional to depth

9. The materials which do not completely allow the light to pass through

1. A. Transparent
2. B. Translucent
3. C. Luminous
4. D. Opaque

10. What among of the following term is used to explain the tendency of a liquid to rise or fall in a narrow tube?

1. A. Diffusion
2. B. Capillarity
3. C. Adhesion
4. D. Cohesion

2. Match the meaning of the terminologies used in structure and properties of matter in LIST A with their corresponding terms in LIST B by writing the letter of the correct answer in the box beside it.

SECTION B: (70 MARKS)

Answer All Questions in this section

3. a) By using a concept of pressure explain why a tractor is designed with wide tires?

b) A rectangular block weighting 320N has dimensions of 4m x 2mx 10m. What is the greater pressure and least pressure it can be exerted on the ground?

(c). Explain why the wall of the dam is made much thicker at the bottom than at the top?

d) What is usefulness of atmospheric pressure in real life situation? (Any three)

4. a) Explain why efficiency of machines is always less than 100%?

b) An object weight in air is 6.0N and 4.0N when immersed in water. What will be its:

1. i. Up thrust in water
2. ii. Relative density
3. iii. Density

c) Givereason why a ship can move on surface of water without sinking?

5. Complete each of the following statements by writing the correct answer on the space provided

i. A tendency of an object to fall to the lower level in fluid is called …………………………

ii. An upward force exerted on object when it is totally or partially immersed in fluid is known as ……………………

iii. A product of force and perpendicular distance is known as …………………………

iv. A percentage ration of work out put to work input is known as …………………………

v. An effort of 50N used to operate a machine to lift up a load of 150N the mechanical advantage ( M.A) of the machine is ……………………

6. (a) All form two students involved in performing physics experiment in the laboratory

must be aware of safety measures. Give out four (4) measures to reduce risks during experiment [4marks]

(i) ______________________________________________________________

(ii) ______________________________________________________________

(iii) ______________________________________________________________

(iv) ______________________________________________________________

(b) Physicists are always after exact evidence. Write down six (6) critical and logical steps followed when carrying out a physics scientific investigation. [6marks]

(i) ______________________________________________________________

(ii) ______________________________________________________________

(iii) ______________________________________________________________

(iv) ______________________________________________________________

(v) ______________________________________________________________

(vi) ______________________________________________________________

7. (a) (i) Write the formula for finding pressure in liquids and state what does each letter

represent in your formula.

(b) Give any three applications of atmospheric pressure in everyday life.

(i) …………………………………..………………………………………….

(ii) ………………………………………………………………………………

(iii) ………………………………….…………………………………………....

(c) Draw and explain how a car brakes system use Pascal’s principle to operate.

8. (a) A traffic police stopped a bus with very tall carrier. As a Physics student explain the

possible danger with that bus, why? [2mark]

(b) A uniform half metre rule is freely pivoted at 15cm and balances horizontally when a body of 40g is hung from 2cm mark.

(i) Draw a clearly labelled diagram to illustrate forces on a half-metre ruler. [3marks]

(ii) Calculate the mass of the rule

9. A) state laws of reflection

b) Explain the behavior of light when it encounters translucent, transparent and opaque materials

c) Calculate number of images when the angle between two plane mirrors is:

i. 600 ii. 00

d) How the number of images formed by plane mirrors related to the angle between two plane mirrors?

SECTION C (15 Marks)

10. (a) A form two student is in the physics laboratory. He is provided with density bottle, sand, digital balance and water. He is required to determine the density of sand using the instruments provided above, show how will he determine the density of the sand?

(b) In an experiment to determine the density of sand, Sophia obtained and recorded the following results.

Mass of the density bottle, M1 = 200g

Mass of density bottle and sand, M2 = 490g

Mass of density bottle, sand and water, M3 = 550g

Mass of density bottle and water, M4 = 300g

(i) What was the density of sand?

(ii) Determine the relative density of sand.

THE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECONDARY EXAMINATION SERIES

PHYSICS   ANNUAL  EXAMINATIONS 

FORM ONE-NOVEMBER 2021

Time: 2:30Hours

Instructions.

1. This paper consists of section A, B and C with a total of 10 questions
2. Answer all questions.
3. Section A carries 30 marks, section B 50 marks and section C 20  Marks
4. All answers should be written in the spaces provided.
5.  All communication devices, calculators and any unauthorized material are not allowed in examination room.
6. Write your number on every page of your answer booklet.
7. Where necessary, the following constants may be used;

1. Acceleration due to gravity, g=10m/s²
2. Density of water= 1g/cm³ or 1000kg/m³

 SECTION A (30 Marks)

 Answer All questions in this section.

 1.  For each of items (i-xx) choose the correct its letter in the box provided

(i)A physicist is generally interested in studying the relationship between:

1.             composition and decomposition of matter
2.              matter and energy
3.              Physics and Chemistry
4.             Physics and energy

(ii)The measurement of mass using a beam balance uses the principle of:

1.             conservation of matter
2.              conservation of momentum
3.              gravitational pull of the Earth
4.             moments

(iii)The following instruments are used to measure length EXCEPT:

1.             hydrometer
2.              metre rule
3.              micrometer screw guage
4.             vernier callipers

(iv)According to Archimedes’ Principle, upthrust is equal to the:

1.             apparent weight
2.              volume of fluid displaced
3.              weight of fluid displaced
4.             weight of the displaced object

(v)Work and energy have the same SI unit called:

1.             calorie
2.              joule
3.              pascal
4.             watt

(vi) A student gets electric shock and falls down unconscious in a Physics laboratory. Which of the following would you do first to help the victim?

1.               Administer breathing exercise
2.              Call physics teacher
3.              Call other students
4.             Call medical doctor

(vii) An engineer wanted to measure the diameter of a wire to the accuracy of three decimal places. Which of the following instruments would you recommend to be used?

1.             Engineers callipers 
2.              Micrometer screw gauge
3.              Metre rule
4.              Vernier callipers

(viii)     An egg was immersed in a transparent liquid contained in a glass beaker. The egg was observed to float fully immersed in the middle of the liquid. What conclusion can you make from the observation? 

1.             The density of the egg is less than that of the liquid. 
2.               The density of the egg is greater than that of the liquid.
3.               The egg and liquid have the same density.
4.              The upthrust on. the egg is equal to the weight of the egg in air.

(ix)Water can exist in three states, namely:

1.             ice, liquid water and water vapour
2.              liquid, solid and fluid
3.              liquid water, solid and gas
4.             vapour, gas and ice

(x) Which one will need much force to pull or push than the other between 10 kg of stone and 10 kg of cotton?

1.             10 kg of stone will need much force than 10 kg of cotton.
2.              10 kg of cotton will need much force than 10 kg of stone.
3.              Same force will be needed in both.
4.             10 kg of stone is heavier than 10 kg of cotton.

(xi) Which of the following forces can cause the mosquito larva to float on water?

1.             Surface tension.
2.              Adhesive forces.
3.              Friction forces.
4.             Cohesive forces.

(xii) Which of the following devices is used for measuring the upper fixed point of a thermometer scale?

1.             Hydrometer
2.              Hypsometer
3.              Thermometer
4.             Barometer

(xiii)  Which of the following is a safety precaution in the Physics laboratory?

1.              Doing experiment in the laboratory
2.               Handling of apparatus in the laboratory
3.               Use equipment with care in the laboratory
4.             Do anything in the laboratory

(xiv)  Which of the following statements is correct about mass?

1.              It is measured by beam balance
2.               It is measured by spring balance 
3.               It varies with place 
4.              It can be zero.

(xv)A force which prevents a body to slide is called:

1.             stretching force.
2.              restoring force.
3.              frictional force.
4.             compressional force.

(xvi)One of the following is the condition for a body to float in water:

1.             The mass of a floating body is greater than displaced water.
2.              The density of the body must be less than the density of the fluid.
3.              The upthrust due to the liquid must be smaller than the weight of the body.
4.             The displaced water is less than the floating body.

(xvii)Density and height are factors which affect pressure in:

1.             solid.
2.              solid and liquid.
3.              liquid.
4.             gas.

(xviii)Which instrument will you use to measure accurately the inside diameter of a bottle neck?

1. Tape measure
2.        Micrometer screw gauge
3.        Meter rule
4. Vernier calipers

(xix)Which of the following are used to stop fire?

1.             Matches
2.              Extinguishers
3.              Fuels
4.             Brushes

(xx)The walls of a dam are made thicker at the bottom than at the top because the:

1.             pressure of water at the bottom is greater
2.              pressure of water at the bottom is less 
3.              weight of water at the bottom is greater
4.             weight of water at the bottom is less.

2. Match the following items.

3. Fill the gaps below

(i)                Process of assigning numbers to observation or events__________________

(ii)              _________________ is a characteristic which can be measured by instrument

(iii)            A quantity that cannot be derived from another is___________

(iv)            ______________ is SI – unit of length

 (v)             Amount of matter in a substance is _______________

SECTION B (50 Marks)

Answer all questions in this section.
4.(a) Define each of the following terms as applied in physics:

(i)Work

(ii)Energy 

(iii)Power 

(iv)Density

(b) A force of 10N acts on a stationary object of 5kg. This action causes an object to move along a smooth horizontal surface for 8 seconds before  stopping. What is the velocity of the object?

5.  State the following:

(i) Archimedes principle

(ii) Law of flotation

(b) A body has a mass of 120g and a volume of 100cm³. Will the body sink or float in water? Give reason for your answer.

6. (a) What is volume ………………………………………………………………………………….

  …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 (b) Define relative density of a body

  …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) The mass of a density bottle is 15g. When it is filled full with a fluid of density 1.3g/cm³, its mass is 51g. Find the volume of the bottle.

7. (a) Mention the steps of scientific investigation in descending order

  (i) ………………………………………………………………………

  (ii) ……………………………………………………………………..

  (iii) …………………………………………………………………….

  (iv) …………………………………………………………………….

  (v) ………………………………………………………………………

 (b) Mention at least five (5) safety rule in a Physics Laboratory

  (i) ………………………………………………………………………….

  (ii) …………………………………………………………………………

  (iii) …………………………………………………………………………

  (iv) ………………………………………………………………………..

  (v) ……………………………………………………………………….

(c) A square lead block has sides of length 5cm. If has a mass of 2kg. Calculate the density of the lead block.

 (i) In g/cm³

 (ii) Inkg/m³

8. (a) Define adhesion and cohesion.

(b) State hook's law

(c)What do you understand about capillarity?.State three uses of capillarity in daily life.

9. State Pascal’s principle of pressure

(b)What are the three factors that affect the liquid pressure?

(c) Calculate the area of a surface of an object which exerts a pressure of 0.2N/m² when a  force acting on it is 2N.

10.(a) List down four uses of hydraulic press.

(b)Why is a hole at the bottom of a ship more dangerous than one that is near the surface?

(c) Calculate the pressure at the bottom of the sea water 52m deep, if the density of water is 1025 Kg/m³. Take the acceleration due to gravity (g) as 10N/Kg.