Grade 12 Technical Science Exam Guide
Grade 12 Technical Science Exam Guide
In order to improve learning outcomes the Department of Basic Education conducted research
to determine the specific areas that learners struggle with in Grade 12 examinations. The research
included a trend analysis by subject experts of learner performance over a period of five years
as well as learner examination scripts in order to diagnose deficiencies or misconceptions in
particular content areas. In addition, expert teachers were interviewed to determine the best
practicesto ensure mastery of thetopic by learners and improve outcomes in terms of quality and
quantity.
The results of the research formed the foundation and guiding principles for the development of
the booklets. In each identified subject, key content areas were identified for the development of
material that will significantly improve learner's conceptual understanding whilst leading to improved
performance in the subject.
The booklets are developed as part of a series of booklets, with each bookletfocussing onlyon
one specific challenging topic. The selected content is explained in detail and include relevant
concepts from Grades 10 - 12 to ensure conceptual understanding.
The main purpose of these booklets is to assist learners to master the content starting from a
basic conceptual level of understanding to the more advanced level. The content in each booklets
is presented in an easy to understand manner including the use of mind maps, summaries and
exercises to support understanding and conceptual progression. These booklets should ideally
be used as part of a focussed revision or enrichment program by learners after the topics have
been taught in class. The booklets encourage learners to take ownership of their own learning
and focus on developing and mastery critical content and skills such as reading and higher order
thinking skills.
Teachers are also encouraged to infuse the content into existing lesson preparation to ensure in-
depth curriculum coverage of a particular topic. Due to the nature of the booklets covering only
one topic, teachers are encouraged to ensure learners access to the booklets in either print or
digital form if a particular topic is taught.
Contents
1. Foreword I
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2. HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE
• This book in intended to assist and guide you through the topics. It is complementary
to your textbooks, worksheets and other learning materials that you might have. Your
efforts to practise and master the concepts outlined will assist you to become confident
about the learning and assessments you will do.
• Ensure that you understand all the relevant concepts, formulae, etc.
• Do extra research on your own to get more information on the topics in this booklet. It
is important that you discuss your understanding of your findings with fellow learners.
• Work through the examples given in each topic, master them and try to develop more
examples yourself. You must work through the examples in your textbooks. There are
exercises for you to do at the end of Unit 5 of this study guide. Work through them on
your own and compare them with the answers provided in Unit 6.
• When you are doing calculations, take note of all the information given. It is intended to
help you. Read the given information with the intention of understanding what you must
do with it. Always look for action verbs, in order to answer correctly, e.g. determine,
explain, discuss, calculate, list, compare, etc.
• If you are given measurements in millimetres (mm), convert it into metres.
• Familiarise yourself with the scientific notations used, e.g. kilo, mega, giga, and write
them as 10x.
• It is important to show SI units in the final answer. This will earn you marks.
• An extract from the examination guidelines is included at the beginning of each topic.
You must use these to check what you are expected to master. Revise what you have
not yet mastered and do more exercises.
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3. STUDY AND EXAMINATION TIPS
3.1 Tips for Technical Sciences Paper One
Study and understand the laws, definitions, concepts and principles stated in the examination
guidelines. Careful attention must be paid to the key words.
USING FORMULAE
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ANSWERING MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) ask a learner to recognise a correct answer among a set
of options that include 3 or 4 wrong answers (called distracters).
The level of difficulty will vary in MCQs. Resorting to guessing may lead to giving incorrect answers.
There are strategies that can be used to maximise your success in answering MCQs. The
best way to improve your chances, of course, is to study carefully before the exam and to
make sure that you understand your work, instead of just memorising information.
Here are a few tips to help reduce the possibility of making mistakes or of getting
confused by distracters that look similar to the correct answer.
Step 1
• Always cover the possible options given with a piece of paper or your hand while you
read the stem or body of the question.
• Read carefully and make sure you understand what you are required to do. Rushing
through a question may result in misinterpretation.
Step 2
• Try to anticipate the correct answer before looking at the given options.
Step 3
• Uncover the responses and read them. If you see the response you anticipated or one
that closely matches your anticipated response, circle/ mark it and then check the others
to make sure none of them is a better response. It is important to read all given responses.
• If your anticipated response is not amongst the given ones, or if you are not able to
anticipate an answer, read the given options and eliminate those you know are wrong.
• By eliminating wrong options, you will be left with fewer options from which to select
your answer. This makes it easier to look for the correct option.
Step 4
• Look at the remaining options; compare them for differences and then refer to the stem
of the question to find the correct answer.
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3.2 Tips for Newton’s Laws
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4. OVERVIEW OF NEWTON’S LAWS
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5. NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION
The following is a summary of the concepts that need to be learnt in this topic, as per the
examination guidelines.
There are different kinds of forces: weight, normal force, frictional force, applied
force (push, pull), tension (strings or cables).
• Weight is described as the gravitational force that the Earth exerts on any object
on or near its surface.
• Weight is calculated using the expression w = mg.
• Normal force, N, is defined as the perpendicular force exerted by a surface on
an object that lies on that surface. (Grade 10)
• Frictional force, Ff , is defined as the force parallel to the surface that opposes
the motion of an object and acts in the direction that is opposite to the motion of
the object. (Grade 10)
• The static (limiting) frictional force acts between the two surfaces when the
object is stationary. It is given by fs = µsFN . (Grade 11)
• The kinetic (dynamic) frictional force acts between the two surfaces when the
object is moving. It is given by fk = µkFN . (Grade 11)
• Tension, T, is defined as a force acting on a string or rope.
• Distinguish between mass and weight.
• Given a force, F, acting at an angle to the horizontal axis, the force should
be resolved into its parallel and perpendicular components (rectangular
components). (Grade 11)
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Newton’s first, second and third laws
• State Newton’s first law: An object continues in a state of rest or uniform (moving
with constant) velocity unless it is acted upon by a net (resultant) force.
• Inertia is defined as the property of a body to resist any change in its state of
motion or rest.
• Mass is defined as a measure of the inertia of a body.
• Give examples to illustrate Newton’s first law.
• Discuss why it is important to wear seatbelts, using Newton’s first law.
• Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity.
• State Newton’s second law: When a net force is applied to an object of mass,
m, it accelerates the object in the direction of the net force.
• Use the equation, Fnet = ma, to solve problems involving force, mass and
acceleration in the content of technology. (Do not include pulley problems
and lift problems.)
• Apply Newton’s laws to a variety of equilibrium and non-equilibrium problems,
including:
o A single object:
- Moving on a horizontal plane with or without friction.
- Moving in the vertical plane.
o Two-body systems (joined by a light inextensible string):
- Both on a flat horizontal plane with and without friction.
• State Newton’s third law: When object A exerts a force on object B, object B
simultaneously exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object
A.
• Identify and give examples of action-reaction pairs.
• List the properties of action-reaction pairs.
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REVISION OF GRADE 10 AND 11 CONCEPTS:
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Force diagrams, free-body diagrams
1. A force diagram is a representation of all the forces acting on the object. It is drawn
as an arrow.
2. In a free-body diagram, the object is replaced by a point, with all the forces acting
on it indicated using arrows.
3. A force of 250 N is applied to a block with a of mass 7kg at an angle of 300 to a rough
horizontal surface, as illustrated in the diagram below.
Solution:
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5.1 Newton’s first law of motion
Newton’s first law: An object continues in a state of rest or uniform velocity (moving with
constant) unless it is acted upon by a net (resultant) force.
Definitions
• Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist any change in its state of rest or uniform
motion. (Uniform motion is motion with constant velocity)
• The mass of an object is the measure of its inertia.
• Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity (SI unit for acceleration is
m∙s–2).
change in velocity
Acceleration =
change in time
∆v
a = ∆t
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5.1 Test your knowledge
I. What is the net force exerted on a car that is moving at constant velocity?
II. Explain why passengers continue to move forward when a vehicle stops
suddenly.
III. Use Newton’s first law of motion to explain the importance of safety
belts in vehicles.
WORKED EXAMPLE:
a) Draw a free-body diagram indicating all the forces acting on the box.
b) Calculate the acceleration of the box.
Solution:
a. b. Fnet = ma
Fa + Fk = ma
32 – 7 = 10a
25 = 10a
a=2,5 m.s–2
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5.2 Test your knowledge
At a construction site, 380kg of rubble should be moved to make way for a new
building. A net force of 900 kN is applied by a mechanical grader as it pushes the
rubble. Ignore the effects of friction and:
I. Draw a force diagram to show all the forces acting on the rubble.
II. Calculate the acceleration at which the rubble will be moved.
III. Determine how much force the grader would have to apply to move the
rubble at the acceleration calcul ated in II above, if an average frictional
force of 240 kN existed between the rubble and the surface.
o Equal
5.3 Newton’s third law of motion
magnitude
Newton’s third law: When object A exerts a force on object B,
means the
object B simultaneously exerts an oppositely directed force of
same size /
equal magnitude on object A.
value.
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PROPERTIES OF ACTION-REACTION PAIRS
• The two forces of the action and reaction have the same magnitude, but act in opposite
directions.
• They must act on different bodies.
• They must act along the same line.
• They must arise from the same interaction.
• They must occur simultaneously.
• They are not balanced. (Even though the forces are equal in magnitude and act in
opposite directions, they are not balanced because they act on different objects. Only
forces that act onthe same object can be balanced.)
I. Draw a labelled force diagram that indicates all the forces acting on the
book.
II. Identify and name the action-reaction pairs of forces acting in the
diagram.
Worked examples
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Example 2 - A single object moving in the vertical plane.
A crane is used to lift up a 335kg pallet of bricks at an acceleration rate of 3,33 m·s–2.
Calculate the net force applied to lift up the bricks.
Solution:
Fnet = ma ✓
= 335 x 3,33 ✓
= 1115,55 N ✓ (3)
Example 3 - Two-body systems (joined by a light inextensible string); both on a flat horizontal
plane with and without friction.
Two blocks weighing 4kg and 7kg are connected by a light inextensible string. A force of 250
N is applied on the 7kg block at an angle of 30° to the horizontal, as shown in the diagram
below. The system moves to the east. Each block experiences a frictional force of 45 N.
1. Draw a labelled free-body diagram of ALL the forces acting on the 7kg mass.
2. Calculate:
a) the acceleration of the system.
b) the tension in the string.
Solution:
1.
(5)
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2.a) 4 kg block
Fnet = ma ✓
T + Ff = ma
T – 45 = 4a ✓
T = 4a + 45
7 kg block
2.a) 4 kg block
Option 1 Option 2
Fnet = ma ✓ Fnet = ma ✓
T + Ff = ma FaCos300 – (T + Ff) = ma ✓
T – 45 = 4(11,5) ✓ 250 x 0,866 – (T+ 45) = 7(11,5) ✓
= 91 N ✓ 216,5 – 45 – T = 7 (11,5)
T = 171,5 – 80,5
T = 91 N ✓
(3)
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EXERCISES:
Question 1: Multiple-choice questions
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer
and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number.
A An object remains in its state of rest unless a resultant/ net force acts on it.
B An object remains in its state of rest or constant velocity unless a resultant/ net force
acts on it.
C An object remains in its state of rest or constant velocity unless an external force acts
on it.
D An object remains in its state of rest or constant velocity unless a force acts on it. (2)
1.2 When a brick is lying on a scaffolding, an upward force is exerted on the brick by the
scaffolding. A reaction force to this upward force is the force that the …
1.3 The magnitude of the force exerted by a hammer when it hits a nail is … the magnitude of
the force that the nail exerts on the hammer.
A smaller than
B bigger than
C double
D equal to (2)
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1.4 The picture below shows a worker pushing a wheelbarrow by applying a force of 35 N at an
angle of 300 to the horizontal. The wheelbarrow experiences a frictional force of 14 N.
A 49 N
B 21 N
C 16,31 N
D 44,31 N
Question 2
A 10kg tool box is placed on a table. A horizontal force of 23 N is applied on the tool box, to the left.
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Question 3
A builder pushes a cement block (weighing 150 N) with a constant force of 75 N to the right. The
cement block experiences a constant frictional force of 20 N.
3.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram of all the forces acting on the cement block.
3.2 Determine the acceleration of the cement block.
Question 4
A sports car (with a mass of 1000kg) is able to accelerate uniformly from rest to 30 m·s-1 in a
minimum time of 6 s.
Question 5
Two crates weighing 50kg are connected with a thick inextensible rope, as illustrated in the
diagram below. A force of 1500 N is applied on the crates in an easterly direction. The crates
move with an acceleration of 7 m·s-2 to the right.
Calculate:
5.1 the magnitude and direction of the frictional force experienced by the crates.
5.2 the magnitude of the tension in the rope.
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Question 6
A constant force of magnitude 70 N is applied vertically to a block, as shown in the diagram below.
The block experiences a force owing to gravity of 49 N. Calculate the acceleration of the block.
Ignore the effects of air friction.
Question 7
A force of 190 N is applied to pull a crate with a mass of 60kg, to the right across a floor, as
illustrated in the diagram below. The force makes an angle of 300 to the horizontal. The crate
experiences a constant frictional force.
7.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing all the forces acting on the crate.
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6. CHECK YOUR ANSWERS
Test your knowledge
I. Zero ✓
II. Due to inertia, the passengers are resisting a change in their state of motion. ✓✓
III. According to Newton’s first law of motion, a passenger will continue to move forward
should a vehicle come to a stop suddenly. Safety belts prevent passengers from
moving forward and getting injured. ✓✓
6.2
I.
III. Fnet = ma ✓
F + (-Ff) = ma
F + (-240 x 103) = 380 x 2368,42✓
F = 1,14 x 106 N✓
6.3
I.
II. Force of the table on the book and force of the book on the table.✓✓
Force of the Earth on the book and force of the book on the Earth. ✓✓
Force of the learner on the book and force of the book on the learner. ✓✓
Force of the Earth on the table and force of the table on the Earth. ✓✓
Force of the Earth on the learner and force of the learner on the Earth. ✓✓
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ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS TO EXERCISES
Question 1: Multiple-choice questions
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer
and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number
1.1 B ✓✓ (2)
1.2 C ✓✓ (2)
1.3 D ✓✓ (2)
Question 2
2.1 When a net force (Fnet) is applied to an object of mass (m), it accelerates the object in the
direction of the net force. The acceleration is directly proportional to the net force and
inversely proportional to the mass of the object. ✓✓
2.2
2.3 Fnet = ma ✓
23 = 10 a ✓
a = 2,3 m·s-2 ✓ to the left ✓
UYJ
2.4 Fnet = ma
F + Ff = ma
23 - 5 = 10 a ✓
a = 1,8 m·s-2 ✓ to the left ✓
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Question 3
3.1
(4)
3.2 Fnet = ma
w
F + Ff = g a
150
75 – 20 = 9,8 ✓ a ✓
a = 3,59 m·s-2 ✓ to the right ✓ (5)
Question 4
∆v
4.1 a= ✓
∆t
30
= ✓
6
= 5 m·s-2 ✓ (3)
4.2 Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the car during the 6 s.
y
Fnet = ma ✓
= 1000 x 5 ✓
= 5000 N ✓ / 5 x 103 N ✓ (3)
Question 5
5.1 Fnet = ma
F + Ff = ma
1500 + Ff = 50 x 2 x 7 ✓
Ff = - 800
= 800 N ✓ to the left ✓ (4)
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5.2 Fnet = ma
T + Ff = ma
T + (- 800) = 50 x 7✓
T = 1150 N✓ (3)
Question 6
Fnet = ma
F + Fg = ma
49
70 – 49 = a✓
9,8
Question 7
7.1
7.2 Fnet = ma
Fx = ma
F cos θ = ma
190 cos 300 = 60a ✓
a = 2,74 m·s-2 ✓to the right. ✓ (4)
7.3 Fnet = ma
Fx + (– Ff) = ma
F cos θ + (– Ff) = ma
190 cos 300 - 28 = 60a ✓
a = 2,28 m·s-2 ✓ to the right. ✓ (4)
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7. MESSAGE TO GRADE 12 LEARNERS FROM THE WRITERS
To be successful in life, you need to go the extra mile, make sure you study, and work hard. I
would like to encourage you by referring to Dr John M Tibane who, in his book entitled Turbo
Think, makes the following statements:
To be successful, you need to decide to be successful and do more than is required of you
in order to expedite your success.
These officials contributed their knowledge, experience and, in some cases, unpublished
work, which they have gathered over the years, to the development of this resource. The
Department of Basic Education (DBE) gratefully acknowledges these officials for their time
and knowledge and for having given up family time to develop this resource for the children
of our country.
Administrative and logistical support was provided by Mr Esrom Fourie, who was instrumental
in the smooth and efficient management of the logistical processes involved in this project.
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