PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

FORM ONE MIDTERM EXAMINATION - MARCH 2026

031 PHYSICS

TIME: 02:30 Hrs

INSTRUCTIONS

• This paper consists of three sections A, B and C
• Answer all questions in section A and B and two questions from section C.

SECTION A

Answer all questions from this section. 

1. Choose the most correct answer

i. The branch of science which deals the study of the relationship between matter and energy is

1. Civics 
2. Chemistry 
3. Psychology 
4. Physics

ii. Physicist is a person whose occupation specializes in the science of

1. Biology 
2. Physics 
3. Mathematics 
4. Chemistry

iii. The SI – unit of force is

1. Newton 
2. Gravity 
3. Meter per second 
4. Meter squared

iv. Force used to squeeze or press together

1. Compressional force 
2. Frictional force 
3. Repulsive force 
4. Tensional force

v. The following instruments are used for measuring length. Which one is not?

1. A ruler 
2. A micrometer screw gauge 
3. A vernier caliper 
4. A Eureka can

vi. Which of the following best describes why the knowledge of physics is necessary to understand all other sciences?

1. physics explains how energy passes from one object to another
2. physics explains how gravity works
3. physics explains the motion of objects that can be seen with the naked eye
4. physics explains the fundamental aspects of the universe

vii. A vernier caliper is used to measure

1. Distance of a car 
2. Mass of a car 
3. Diameter of a wire 
4. Length of a table

viii. Which of the following is a derived unit?

1. Kilogram 
2. Ampere 
3. Kelvin 
4. Newton

ix. Which of the following apparatus is used for measuring the volume of an irregular solid?

1. Pipette 
2. Measuring cylinder 
3. Beaker 
4. Metre rule

x. The following is not an example of force

1. Gravity 
2. Newton 
3. Torsional 
4. Repulsion

Answers

2. Match the descriptions of the Physics laws in LIST A with the corresponding law in LIST B by writing the letter of the correct response below the item number in the table provided.

Answers

SECTION B

3. Fill the gaps below

(i) _________________ is the quantity of matter in an object.

(ii) _________________ is an instrument used to measure small lengths with a greater degree of accuracy than a metre rule.

(iii) __________________ is a push or pull experienced by an object.

(iv) _____________________ is the support force exerted upon an object which is in contact with another stable object.

(v) ____________________ is a measure of the gravitational force exerted on an object.

4. (a). Define the following terms

1. Physics 
2. Physicist 
3. Science 
4. Technology 

(b). List any three importance of studying physics

5. (a). Describe four areas where physics is applied

(b). List two instruments that are used to measure length of an object.

6. State the four types of fundamental forces

SECTION C

7. (a). What is volume?

(b). What is the volume of an irregular solid immersed in 50 cm³ of water contained in a beaker, if it raises the water level to 57 cm³

8. (a). How can one make attractive force useful?

(b). Give four usefulness of frictional forces in our daily life

(c). Give two examples of force that are result of bending or stretching object.

9. (a). What is density?

(b). The length of one side of metal cube is 5.22 cm and its mass is 65.8g. What is the density of the cube?

10. Explain any five branches of physics

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

PHYSICS FORM ONE-MID TERM-EXAMINATION

COMPETENCE BASED SECONDARY EXAMINATION SERIES

MARCH-APRIL-2025

TIME: 2HRS 30 MIN

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. This paper consist of section A, B, and C with total of 10 questions.

2. Answer all questions

3. Section A carry fifteen 15 marks, section B seventy 70 marks and fifteen 15 marks in section C.

4. All answers must be written in the spaces provided.

5. Write your Assessment number / Name at the top right hand corner of every page

SECTION A: 15 MARKS

1. For each of the items (i)-(x), choose the correct answers from given alternative

i. Which of the following instruments is the most precise for measuring the diameter of a thin wire?

A. Metre rule
B. Vernier caliper
C. Tape measure
D. Micrometer screw gauge

ii. A student is measuring the length of a table using a metre rule. What should they do to avoid a parallax error?

A. Ensure their eye is directly above the scale when reading
B. Hold the ruler at an angle to see the reading clearly
C. Use a worn-out metre rule for more accurate results
D. Read the measurement from any angle for consistency

iii. A measuring cylinder contains 45 mL of water. After a small stone is placed inside, the new water level reads 60 mL. What is the volume of the stone?

A. 15 mL
B. 45 mL
C. 60 mL
D. 105 mL

iv. A digital balance is used to measure mass because:

A. It can measure mass with high accuracy
B. It does not require batteries to function
C. It measures weight instead of mass
D. It works only with liquids

v. A vernier caliper gives a reading of 4.50 cm on the main scale and 0.06 cm on the vernier scale. What is the total measurement?

A. 4.44 cm
B. 4.50 cm
C. 4.56 cm
D. 4.06 cm

vi. Which of the following is an example of a derived quantity?

A. Time
B. Mass
C. Length
D. Density

vii. What is the primary purpose of a Physics laboratory?
A. To store scientific books
B. To provide a space for theoretical discussions
C. To conduct scientific experiments and investigations
D. To perform chemical reactions

viii. Which of the following safety rules should always be followed in a Physics laboratory?
A. Eat and drink in the laboratory
B. Handle electrical equipment with wet hands
C. Wear protective gear like lab coats and goggles
D. Ignore broken apparatus and continue the experiment

ix. What is the purpose of a fire extinguisher in the Physics laboratory?
A. To generate heat for experiments
B. To prevent the spread of fires in case of an accident
C. To clean laboratory benches
D. To store water for experiments

x. Which of the following First Aid procedures should be followed for an electric shock victim?
A. Immediately touch the victim to help them
B. Pour water on the victim to cool them down
C. Switch off the power supply before helping the victim
D. Give the victim food to regain energy

2. Match the items in LIST A with those, in LIST B Using the correct term.

SECTION B: 70 MARKS

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

3. (a) Why is it important to follow safety rules in the Physics laboratory?

(b) Mention three accidents which can occur in physics laboratory

(c) Suggest ways of preventing accidents in physics laboratory

2. (a) Name three essential safety equipment found in a Physics laboratory.
    (b) State four importance of first Aid

3. (a) What should you do if a chemical spills on your skin during an experiment?
    (b) Mention six laboratory rules to be observed

4. (a) How can you avoid parallax error when taking measurements in the Physics laboratory?
(b) What are importance of measurement in physics

5. (a) What is the purpose of a First Aid kit in the laboratory?
    (b) Mention five components of a first aid kit and their uses

6. (a) Why should laboratory doors open outward?
    (b) Explain five fields related with physics

7. (a) What is the definition of measurement?

    (b) What are the two main categories of physical quantities?

8. (a) Name three instruments used to measure length.

   (b) What is the SI unit of time?

9. (a) What is the difference between mass and weight?

  (b) Give two examples of derived quantities.

SECTION C. ANSWER QUESTION 10.

10. Explain the contribution of physics in advancement of the world

PRESIDENT OFFICE REGIONAL ADMNISTRATION

AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECONDARY EXAMINATION SERIES 

COMPETENCE BASED ASSEMENT

PHYSICS FORM ONE

MID-TERM EXAMS MARCH – 2023 

031

Time:2:30Hours

Instructions

1. This paper consists of sections A, B and C with a total of ten (10) questions.
2. Answer all questions
3. Sections A and C carry fifteen (15) marks each and section B carries seventy (70) marks
4. All answers must be written in the space provided
5. All writing must be in blue or black ink except drawings which must be in pencil
6. All communication devices, calculators and any unauthorized materials are not allowed in the assessment room.
7. Where necessary the following constants may be used:

1. Acceleration due to gravity, g=10m/s²
2. ? = 3.14

SECTION A

1. For each of the items (i) – (x) choose the correct answer from the given alternatives and write its letter in box provided

1. Which one of the following arguments describes the mathematical language used in physics

1. Matter occupies space
2. Density is mass per volume
3. Volume is amount of space occupied by the body
4. Physics is a branch of science.

2. A student has got an electric shock and felt unconscious in the physics laboratory. Which decision would you take to help the victim immediately?

1. Administer breath exercise
2. Call the Physicist
3. Call other students
4. Contact a medical Doctor

3. Why are machine engines filled with oil lubricant?

1. Reduce friction between moving particles
2. Increase the viscosity between moving particles
3. To return the twisted solids to their former state.

4. Why does it take a shorter time for a perfume to diffuse in air than in water?

1. Air molecules are fresh compared to water
2. Air molecules are packed closer compared to those of air.
3. Water molecular are less far apart compared to those of air
4. Water molecule move with higher speed compared to those of air

5. A cooking oil was mixed with water and poured into a measuring cylinder and allowed to settle for 3 minutes. Which one will be observed phenomena

1. Cooking oil floats over water
2. Meniscus of water appeared convex in shape at the surface
3. Water floating on the oil
4. Water and oil completely mixed up

6. If two cars are both travelling at 50km/h and they collide head on, the effect is similar to a car colliding with Walter what velocity?

1. 0km/h
2. 10km/h
3. 50km/h
4. 100km/h

7. When a large body of experimental evidences support or does not support the hypothesis, what may hypothesis eventually be considered?

1. Observation
2. Insight
3. Conclusion
4. Law

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

1. Metre rule
2. Measuring cylinder
3. Micrometer screw gauge
4. Vernier caliper

9. The term used to describe the ability to of an obseet to float on a surface of a liquid is classified is

1. Floatation
2. Buoyancy
3. Density
4. Pressure

10. Materials can be twisted into different shapes. Which among the following forces cause twisting of elastic materials

1. Restoring force
2. Compressional force
3. Stretching force
4. Torsional force

2. Match each of the description of the terms used in simple machines in List A with the corresponding concept used in simple machine in List B by writing a letter of the correct response below the item in table.

SECTION B (70 Marks)

Answer all questions

3. (a)State laws of reflection

(b)Explain behavior of light when it encomters translucent, transparent and Opaque materials 

Calculate number of images formed by plane mirror related to the angle between two plane mirrors 

4. (a)(i)Differentiate distance and displacement

(ii)Write down three equations of linear motion 

(b)A paratrooper falling under gravity after 6 seconds

1. What will be maximum height covered
2. What will be its velocity when hitting the ground

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

(b)An object weight in air is 6ON and 4ON when immersed in water. What will be its

1. Upthrustin water
2. Relative density
3. Density

3. Give reason why a ship can move surface of water without sinking?

6. (a)When a metal can that contains hot water is closed and cold water is poured on it the can collapses, why?

(b)In an experiment Using Hare’s apparatus the length of methanol and water columns were found to be 16cm and 12.8cm respectively

1. What is the relative density of methanol?
2. If the length of methanol column was altered to 21.5c what would be the new height of water column?

7. (a)Differentiate ferromagnetic materials from Paramagnetic materials by giving their typical examples and uses

(b)Advice a laboratory technician three appropnate ways of slowing magnets so that they can last longer.

8. (a)Define each of the following terms as used in physics

1. Volume   (ii) Moment of force

(b) An object of 100kg is lifted to a height of 5M above the ground is 3 seconds. Calculate its 

(i) Work done  (ii) Power

9. (a)Define the term pressure

(b)A rectangular object whose dimension are 1.4m by 0.1m by 2.0m, has a density of 200kg/m³. Calculate the minimum pressure when placed on a table.

SECTION C (15 Marks)

Answer Question 10

1. Define the word coulomb
2. State Ohms law
3. Two resistors of 30 and 60 are connected in parallel to a 3V battery

1. Draw a schematic diagram
2. Find effective resistance of the circuit
3. Calculate the current passing through the 60 resistor

PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENT

PHYSICS FORM ONE

MID TERM 1- MARCH-2022

1. Physicist is a person whose occupation specializes in the science of:-

1. Biology
2. Physics
3. Mathematics
4. Chemistry

2. The ability or capacity of doing work is known as:

1. Mass
2. Matter
3. Pressure.
4. Energy.

3. The following is the fundamental subjects which other subjects use its application.

1. Physics
2. Chemistry
3. Biology
4. Mathematics.

4. Matter is________________

1.                     Anything which has got mass and occupy a space.
2.                      Anything which contains mass and volume
3.                      Scientific study of energy.
4.                     A science which deals with the study of nature and physical properties.

5. The following is the fundamental subjects which other subjects use its application.

1.                     Physics
2.                      Chemistry
3.                      Biology
4.                     Mathematics.

6. The branch of science which deals with the study of the relationship between matter and energy is:-

1.         Civics
2.         Chemistry
3.         Pshology
4.         Physics

7. Laboratory rules are useful in:-

1. Making students enjoy science subject
2. Making students conduct experiments freely
3. Ensuring safety while in the laboratory
4. Ensuring good communication with other students and the teachers.

8. Which of the following used to stop fire?

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

9. A set of techniques used by scientists to investigate a problem refers to:-

1.     Data interpretation
2.     Scientific method
3.     Performing an experiment
4.     Data presentation

10. Special room that have been designed and equipped for carrying out scientific experiments is called?

1.  Class room
2.  Staff room
3.  Bed room
4.  Laboratory

11. Wire gauze used for

1.  Providing a plat form for heating stability
2.  Demonstrating thermal expansion
3.  Providing equal distribution of heat while burning
4.  As a source of heat.

12. Measurement is defined as;

1.  Assigning numbers
2. Assigning values
3. Precise description
4. Making observations.

13. Diameter of a wire can be measured using 

1. Venier caliper
2. Micrometer screw gauge
3.  Meter Ruler
4. Beam balance

14. Accurate volume of a liquid can be measure by using 

1. Volumetric flask
2.  Pipette
3. Burette
4. Cylinder.

15. A factor which affect sinking or floating is

1. Volume
2. Density
3. Mass
4. Surface area.

16. What principle did Archimedes discover?

1. Principle of volume
2. Principle of density
3. Principle of buoyancy
4. Principle of gravity.

17. Which of these gives correct formula of density?

1. D = mass x volume
2. D = mass + volume
3. D = mass – volume
4.  D = mass  volume.

18. What happens when you heat a gas?

1. It gains mass
2. It loses mass
3. It increases volume
4. It decreases volume

19. Has a weight of 15N and a buoyant force of 18N.

1.  Sinking object
2.  Floating object
3. Buoyed up object
4. Light object.

20. Force responsible for elongation and restoration of body

1. Torsional force
2. Stretching and restoring force
3. Repulsive force
4. Attractive force

2. Match the items in LIST A with corresponding word or phrase in LIST B. Write the answer on space provided.

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)              Two scales of vernier caliper are ___________________  and ________________

SECTION B

3. Define the following terms.

1. Physics
2. Physicist
3. Science
4. Technology

4. List any three importance of studying Physics.

5. List any five areas where Physics is applied in real life.

6. (a) Laboratory safety is____________________________

    (b) Mention four laboratory safety procedures.

    (c) Mention five causes of laboratory accident.

7. (a) Mention five importance of first Aid

    (b) List five procedures to help a victim with small cut or wound.

8. (a) Define density

    (b) A block of metal of volume 25cm³ was dropped in water and volume raised to 65cm³. Find initial volume of water.

9. (a) List steps of scientific investigation chronologically

      (b) Mention three types of variable as applied in scientific research.

10. (a) Warning signs can be defined as________________________________

    (b) Give one example of each of the following warning sign.

(i)     Flammable: ______________

(ii)  Harmful: ________________

(iii) Explosive: _______________

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING

FORM ONE PHYSICS MID TERM EXAMINATIONS- MARCH 2020

031       

Duration: 2:30 Hours

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. This paper consists of sections A, B and C with a total of TEN (10) questions.
2. Answer all questions
3. All writing must be in blue or black ink except drawing which must be in pencil.
4. Calculators, cellular phones and any unauthorized materials are not allowed in the examination room.
5. Write your Examination Number at the top right corner of every page.
6. Where necessary the following constant may be used;

(i)     Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10m/s²

(ii)  Density of water = 1g/cm³ or 1000kg/m³

SECTION A (30 Marks)

Answer all questions in this section.

(i)              The branch of science which deals with the study of the relationship between matter and energy is:-

1.           Civics
2.            Chemistry
3.            Pshology
4.           Physics

 (ii) Physicist is a person whose occupation specializes in the science of:-

1.           Biology
2.            Physics
3.            Mathematics
4.           Chemistry

 (iii) Matter is________________

1.           Anything which has got mass and occupy a space.
2.            Anything which contains mass and volume
3.            Scientific study of energy.
4.           A science which deals with the study of nature and physical properties.

 (iv) The ability or capacity of doing work is known as: 

1.              Mass
2.               Matter
3.               Pressure.
4.              Energy.

 (v) The following is the fundamental subjects which other subjects use its application.

1.           Physics
2.            Chemistry
3.            Biology
4.           Mathematics.

(vi) Measurement is defined as;

1.               Assigning numbers
2.                Assigning values
3.                Precise description
4.               Making observations.

(vii) Which is not a basic quantity?

1.               Mass
2.                Time
3.                Length
4.               Second

(viii) Advantage of metric system is that:

1.               It is universally accepted
2.                It is decimal based system
3.                One can convert from one unit to another
4.               Units of measurement are small.

(ix) Why Physics, Chemistry and Biology are natural science subjects?

1. They need practical and theory work for learning
2. They need only theory for learning
3. They need practical work only
4. They need only observation.

(x) 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

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

1. Tape measure
2. Micrometer screw gauge
3. Meter ruler.
4. Vernier Calipers.

(xii) Which of the following statement 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

(xii) A hydrometer is an instrument used to measure

1. The volume of liquids
2. The density of liquids
3. The density of solids
4. The volume of solids.

(xiii) SI – Unit of length is

1.   Centimeter
2.   Kilometer
3.    Meter
4.   Millimeter.

(xiv) Diameter of a wire can be measured using 

1.               Venier caliper
2.                Micrometer screw gauge
3.                Meter Ruler
4.               Beam balance

(xv) Which is not a derived quantity?

1.               Volume
2.                Speed
3.                Area
4.               Distance

(xvi) Accurate volume of a liquid can be measure by using 

1.               Volumetric flask
2.                Pipette
3.                Burette
4.               Cylinder.

(xvii) A factor which affect sinking or floating is

1.               Volume
2.                Density
3.                Mass
4.               Surface area.

(xviii) A box block with rectangular shape, measuring 10cm, by 5cm by 5cm by 2cm has  a density of given mass is 200g;

1.               4g/cm³
2.                2g/cm³
3.                1g/cm³
4.               100g/cm³

 (xix) Which is a characteristic of a gas?

1.              Conducts electricity
2.               Does not have definite shape or volume
3.               Has definite volume but not shape
4.              Has both fixed volume and shape.

(xx) The SI –Unit of force is

1.               Newton
2.                Gravity
3.                Meter per second
4.               Meter squared.

2. Match the following items.

2. Complete each the following statement by writing the correct answer in the space provided.

(i)     __________ is a scientific study of matter in relation to energy.

(ii)  Energy is ability or capacity of doing________________

(iii) _______________ is anything which has got mass and occupies a space.

(iv) There are _______________ states of matter.

(v)   A person who study Physics is called_______________

SECTION B (50 Marks)

3. Define the following terms.

(i)     Physics

(ii)  Physicist

(iii) Science

(iv) Technology

4. List any three importance of studying Physics.

5. List any five areas where Physics is applied in real life.

6. Mention five subjects which relates with Physics.

7. (a) What are the uses of the following devices?

(i)     Manometer………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(ii)  Hare’s apparatus (inverted U – tube)

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

(iii) U – tube

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

(iv) Barometer

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

   (b) Why a big Elephant manage to walk comfortably in mad soil without sinking while human being may sink easily?

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

    (c) Draw a well labeled diagram which demonstrates that liquid pressure depends on depth.