Date: 16th August 2024 (Friday)
Time: 3:30 pm-4:30 pm (Hong Kong Time)
Purpose of the test
New entrants admitted without HKDSE results (regardless of admission channel and programme of admission) are required to sit for the placement test. Based on the results of the placement test, students will be assigned to either PHYS1003 or PHYS1110.
Test format
1. The time allowed is 60 minutes.
2. This is a closed-book online test.
3. The test consists of multiple-choice questions.
4. Zoom link will be provided through email.
Important Notes
Students attending the placement test will be pre-assigned to PHYS1110F as an interim arrangement.
Instructions
Requirements
A computer (with camera) and stable internet connection
Notes:
1. You can use a portable calculator without graphing function during the test.
2. You can only use the computer to view the question paper and submit your answers during the test. All other applications of the computer are strictly forbidden.
Prior preparation
1. You should prepare your own draft papers, which should have no background design other than faint ruled lines, if any.
2. Sign in to ZOOM on your computer 15 minutes before the start of the placement test.
3. The test paper will be distributed via ZOOM at 3:25pm.
ZOOM log-in identity
4. Your login name to ZOOM should be the same as your full name (e.g., John SMITH)
During the test
5. You are advised to record your answers on the draft paper in case you lose your progress due to an unstable internet connection.
6. You should make reasonable effort to ensure that invigilators can see you during the entire test.
7. If you need to go to washroom, please seek permission on ZOOM.
8. You must stay until the end of the test as the invigilators will check your submitted answer script.
Finishing the test
9. Invigilators will announce the end of the test. You must stop writing immediately when the announcement is made.
10. Immediately verify whether your full name, student ID (if known) and answers to the multiple-choice questions are accurately entered. Submit your answers promptly. You have a 5-minute window to submit your answers.
Announcement of placement test results and physics class assignment
Based on the results of the placement test, you will be assigned to a physics course. A notification email will be sent to your CUHK O365 email account by 31st August 2024.
Sample Questions
1. A block remains at rest on a horizontal table. Which of the following forces constitute an action-and-reaction pair in Newton's third law?
A. The weight of the block and the normal force acting on the block by the table.
B. The static friction acting on the block by the table and the weight of the block.
C. The normal force acting on the block by the table and the normal force acting on the table by the block.
D. The normal force acting on the block by the table and the static friction acting on the block by the table.
Answer: C
Explanation: When the action force acts on Object A by Object B, Newton’s third law dictates that the reaction force acts on Object B by Object A. These paired forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
2. Consider a point particle in uniform circular motion. If the speed increases by a factor of two while the radius is fixed, how does the magnitude of the acceleration change?
A. Decrease by a factor of one-half
B. Remains unchanged
C. Increase by a factor of two
D. Increase by a factor of four
Answer: D
Explanation: In uniform circular motion, the centripetal acceleration a is directly proportional to the square of the particle speed v and inversely proportional to the radius r). Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as (a = v² /r).
