WASSCE Physics · Paper 1 style

Gravitation

One sample question with the full working. 2 more in the app, with instant feedback and repair sessions for the traps below.

The weight of a body on the moon is about one-sixth of its weight on earth because

Athe moon rotates more slowly
Bits mass becomes one-sixth
Cthe moon's gravitational field strength is about one-sixth of the earth's
Dthere is no air on the moon

Show the answer and working

Answer: C

W = mg; mass is unchanged.

Trap A Chooses a true but irrelevant statement: Re-read the question word (why, which, what causes). A true fact that answers a different question is still wrong.

Trap B Mixes up a pair of similar physics terms: Make a two-column table for each pair with one defining feature and an example. Underline the defining word in the stem before you look at the options.

Trap D Uses everyday intuition instead of physics: Name the law that applies (Newton's first law, Archimedes' principle, kinetic theory) and reason from it. If the option only 'feels' right, test it against the law.

Traps in Gravitation

Chooses a true but irrelevant statement
Re-read the question word (why, which, what causes). A true fact that answers a different question is still wrong.
Mixes up a pair of similar physics terms
Make a two-column table for each pair with one defining feature and an example. Underline the defining word in the stem before you look at the options.
Uses everyday intuition instead of physics
Name the law that applies (Newton's first law, Archimedes' principle, kinetic theory) and reason from it. If the option only 'feels' right, test it against the law.
Picks a related law, device or effect with a different job
Learn laws and devices as 'name → what it tells you' cards. Contrast neighbours: left-hand rule = motor force, right-hand rule = dynamo current, grip rule = field around a wire.

Practise Gravitation (2 questions)Send to your class on WhatsApp