Okay, Favour Iyobosa, I will answer all the questions from the provided WASSCE paper.

I will go through each question systematically.

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PAPER 2: ESSAY
Instructions: Answer four questions only from this section. Credit will be given for clarity of expression and orderly presentation of material. All
questions carry equal marks.

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Question 1
(a) (i) What are exotic breeds? Exotic breeds refer to breeds of animals, especially poultry, that originate from a foreign country and are
introduced into a new environment. They are typically selected for specific desirable traits such as rapid growth, high yield (meat or eggs), or
disease resistance, which may differ from indigenous breeds.
(ii) State three advantages of exotic breeds of poultry.
1. High Productivity: They often grow faster and lay more eggs than indigenous breeds.
2. Rapid Growth Rate: They reach market weight in a shorter period, leading to quicker returns.
3. High Feed Conversion Ratio: They can convert feed into meat or eggs more efficiently.
4. Adaptability to Intensive Farming: They are well-suited for commercial, controlled farming environments.
5. Specific Desired Traits: Some exotic breeds are bred for specific purposes like meat production (broilers) or egg production (layers).

(b) (i) Define relative atomic mass. Relative atomic mass (A) is the ratio of the average mass of atoms of an element to one-twelfth of the
r

mass of an atom of carbon-12. It is a dimensionless quantity.

(ii) Calculate the molar mass of each of the following compounds: Given: Na = 23, O = 16, C = 12, H = 1
(α) Na₂CO₃ Molar mass = (2 × Atomic mass of Na) + (1 × Atomic mass of C) + (3 × Atomic mass of O) Molar mass = (2 × 23) + (1 × 12) + (3 × 16) Molar
mass = 46 + 12 + 48 Molar mass = 106 g/mol

(β) CH₃COOH Molar mass = (2 × Atomic mass of C) + (4 × Atomic mass of H) + (2 × Atomic mass of O) Molar mass = (2 × 12) + (4 × 1) + (2 × 16) Molar
mass = 24 + 4 + 32 Molar mass = 60 g/mol
(c) (i) Name two organisms commonly used in biotechnology.
1. Bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli)
2. Yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
(Other valid answers include fungi, algae, viruses, specific plant/animal cells)
(ii) Give one example of an industry which uses each of the organisms named in (i).
1. Bacteria: The pharmaceutical industry (e.g., for producing insulin, vaccines, antibiotics) or the food industry (e.g., for making yogurt,
cheese).
2. Yeast: The food industry (e.g., for baking bread, brewing beer and wine).
(d) (i) List three other sources of electric power generation apart from hydro and thermal sources.
1. Solar energy (photovoltaic or solar thermal)
2. Wind energy
3. Nuclear energy

(Other valid answers include geothermal energy, tidal energy, biomass energy)
(ii) State the energy transformation that takes place in any two of the listed sources.
1. Solar Energy (Photovoltaic): Light energy → Electrical energy
2. Wind Energy: Kinetic energy (of wind) → Kinetic energy (of turbine blades) → Electrical energy
3. Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy (from fission) → Thermal energy → Kinetic energy (of steam) → Electrical energy
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Question 2
(a) (i) The nuclides of sodium and fluorine are represented as Na and F respectively. State the number of: Note: The OCR for F seems to
23
11
19
9
19
9

have a typo. It should likely be 9 F or 9 F for fluorine, but based on the OCR, it's presented as 9 F. We will proceed with the given numbers.
19 20 19

23
11
Na: Atomic number (Z) = 11, Mass number (A) = 23
19
9
F: Atomic number (Z) = 9, Mass number (A) = 19

(α) protons in each atom;

Number of protons = Atomic number (Z)
* Sodium (Na): 11 protons * Fluorine (F): 9 protons

(β) neutrons in each atom.

 Number of neutrons = Mass number (A) - Atomic number (Z)

* Sodium (Na): 23 - 11 = 12 neutrons * Fluorine (F): 19 - 9 = 10 neutrons

(ii) Draw a diagram to show the electron configuration of:
Electron Configuration:
* Sodium (Na) has 11 electrons. Configuration: 2.8.1 * Fluorine (F) has 9 electrons. Configuration: 2.7

(α) sodium ion;

A sodium atom (Na) loses its outermost electron to become a sodium ion (Na⁺).
Diagram:
* Nucleus with +11 charge. * First shell: 2 electrons. * Second shell: 8 electrons. * (No third shell needed as it lost its only valence electron). *
Overall charge indicated as +1.

(β) fluorine ion.

A fluorine atom (F) gains one electron to complete its outer shell and become a fluoride ion (F⁻).
Diagram:
* Nucleus with +9 charge. * First shell: 2 electrons. * Second shell: 8 electrons (original 7 + 1 gained). * Overall charge indicated as -1.

(b) (i) State two reasons why salt is important in the diet of humans.
1. Fluid Balance: Sodium from salt helps regulate the balance of water in the body.
2. Nerve Function: Sodium ions are crucial for transmitting nerve impulses.
3. Muscle Contraction: Sodium plays a role in muscle function.
4. Nutrient Absorption: It aids in the absorption of certain nutrients in the intestines.

(ii) Give two examples of an abiotic factor which is non-climatic in terrestrial ecosystem. Abiotic factors are non-living components. Climatic
factors are related to weather (temperature, rainfall, wind, sunlight). Non-climatic factors are other non-living elements.
1. Soil pH: The acidity or alkalinity of the soil.
2. Soil Salinity: The concentration of salts in the soil.
3. Topography/Altitude: The shape of the land (hills, valleys) and height above sea level.
4. Mineral content of soil: The type and amount of minerals present.
5. Light intensity/duration: (While related to climate, can be considered distinct in some contexts, but often grouped. Let's stick to more
distinct ones).

(c) (i) What is an electrical conductor? An electrical conductor is a material or substance that allows electric charge (electricity) to flow through
it easily. This is because they have free-moving electrons.

(ii) Two lamps of resistances 30 Ω and 50 Ω are connected in parallel to a 6 V source. Calculate the value of the current supplied by the source.
R 1 ×R 2
Resistors in parallel: R p =
R 1 +R 2

30×50 1500
Rp = = = 18.75Ω
30+50 80

Using Ohm's Law: V = IR , so I =

V

I =
6V

18.75Ω
I = 0.32A Current supplied by the source = 0.32 A
(d) (i) Distinguish between ear-notching and ear-tagging in farm animals.
Ear-notching: A permanent method of identification where a small piece of the ear is cut off in a specific pattern to create a unique mark
for each animal.
Ear-tagging: A method of identification where a tag (usually plastic or metal) with a unique number or code is attached to the animal's ear,
typically by piercing it.

(ii) List three ecto-parasites that infest goats in West Africa.

1. Ticks (e.g., Amblyomma species)
2. Mites (e.g., Psoroptes, Sarcoptes)
3. Lice (e.g., Damalinia caprae)

(Other valid answers include fleas, flies like the Tsetse fly or biting flies)
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Question 3
(a) (i) State three functions of the respiratory system of humans.
1. Gas Exchange: To take in oxygen (O₂) from the air and release carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the body.
2. Regulation of pH: Helps maintain the body's acid-base balance by controlling CO₂ levels.
3. Vocalization: Produces sound for speech and singing.
4. Sense of Smell: Olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity enable the sense of smell.
(ii) Name one reagent used to test for each of the following food substances in the school laboratory: (α) proteins;
Biuret reagent (or Copper sulfate solution and Sodium hydroxide solution)
(β) lipids;
Ethanol (followed by water) - forms a cloudy emulsion.
Sudan III or Sudan IV stain - stains lipids red/orange.
(γ) reducing sugars.
Benedict's solution (or Fehling's solution A and B)
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(b) (i) What is a longitudinal wave? A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of energy
transfer (or propagation) of the wave. Examples include sound waves and primary seismic waves.

(ii) State two differences between music and noise.

1. Organization: Music is organized sound with a definite pitch, rhythm, and melody, often pleasing to the ear. Noise is disorganized sound,
often random and unpleasant.
2. Pleasantness: Music is generally considered pleasant or enjoyable, while noise is typically unpleasant or jarring.
3. Pattern/Rhythm: Music usually has a discernible pattern or rhythm, whereas noise often lacks this.
(c) (i) Explain the term ruminants as used in animal production. Ruminants are herbivorous mammals that possess a specialized digestive
system with a multi-compartmented stomach (typically four chambers: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum). They are able to survive
on fibrous plant material by fermenting it in their rumen with the help of microorganisms. They also regurgitate partially digested food (cud)
and chew it again (ruminating). Examples include cattle, sheep, and goats.

(ii) State three advantages of rearing rabbits.

1. Rapid Reproduction Rate: Rabbits breed quickly and produce large litters, allowing for fast population growth.
2. Short Gestation Period: They have a short pregnancy period, leading to frequent litters.
3. Efficient Feed Conversion: They can convert fibrous plant material into meat efficiently.
4. Nutritious Meat: Rabbit meat is a good source of protein, low in fat and cholesterol.
5. Versatile Products: Besides meat, they provide fur and manure.
6. Small Space Requirement: They can be raised in relatively small enclosures.

(d) (i) What is a standard solution? A standard solution is a solution whose concentration is accurately known. It is used in titrations and other
analytical chemistry procedures to determine the concentration of an unknown solution.

(ii) A standard hydrochloric acid solution is to be prepared from a stock solution of HCl of concentration 10 mol/dm³. Calculate: Given: Stock
concentration (C 1 ) = 10 mol/dm³, Final volume (V 2 ) = 0.50 dm³, Final concentration (C 2 ) = 2.0 M (mol/dm³)

(α) What volume of the stock solution is needed to prepare 0.50 dm³ of 2.0 M HCl?
Using the dilution formula: C 1 V 1 = C2 V2

³ Volume of stock solution needed = 0.10 dm³

2.0×0.50 1.0
10 mol/dm ³ × V1 = 2.0 mol/dm ³ × 0.50 dm³ V 1 =
10
V1 =
10
V 1 = 0.10 dm

(β) Calculate the volume of water required.

Volume of water = Final volume (V 2 ) - Volume of stock solution (V 1 )

Volume of water = 0.50 dm³ - 0.10 dm³ Volume of water required = 0.40 dm³

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Question 4
(a) (i) State three advantages that parallel electrical wiring has over series electrical wiring in a household.
1. Independent Operation: If one appliance or bulb fails (e.g., filament breaks), the others in the circuit continue to work. In series, if one fails,
the entire circuit breaks.
2. Consistent Voltage: Each appliance receives the full voltage of the source (e.g., 220V), allowing them to operate at their rated power. In
series, the voltage is divided among the components.
3. Easier Control: Individual switches can be used for each appliance or section of the house, allowing for independent on/off control.
4. Lower Resistance (for multiple devices): While total current might be higher, the resistance of parallel branches allows for more current to
flow, powering multiple devices effectively.

(ii) An immersion heater is rated 220 V, 850 W. Determine the current flowing through the heater.
Given: Voltage (V) = 220 V, Power (P) = 850 W
Formula: P = VI, so I = P/V

I =
850 W

220 V
I ≈ 3.86A Current flowing through the heater ≈ 3.86 A
(b) (i) Explain the term soil conservation. Soil conservation refers to the practice of managing land to prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility,
and improve its quality. It involves techniques that protect the soil from degradation and ensure its long-term productivity.
(ii) State two ways by which each of the following activities help in conserving the soil: (α) addition of organic matter;
 1. Improves Soil Structure: Organic matter binds soil particles together, creating larger aggregates, which reduces erosion by wind and
water.
2. Increases Water Retention: It acts like a sponge, holding more water in the soil, which is beneficial during dry periods and reduces runoff.
3. Enhances Nutrient Supply: Decomposing organic matter releases essential nutrients for plant growth, reducing the need for chemical
fertilizers which can sometimes harm soil health.

(β) crop rotation.

1. Maintains Soil Fertility: Planting different crops in sequence prevents the depletion of specific nutrients from the soil, as different crops
have different nutrient requirements. For example, legumes fix nitrogen, replenishing the soil.
2. Reduces Pest and Disease Build-up: Rotating crops disrupts the life cycles of pests and diseases that are specific to certain crops, thus
reducing the need for pesticides.
3. Improves Soil Structure: Different root systems of rotated crops can improve soil aeration and structure.

(c) (i) What are petrochemicals? Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum (crude oil) or natural gas. They are obtained
through the refining process of crude oil and form the basis for many industrial chemicals and products.

(ii) Name two uses of petrochemicals in Agriculture.

1. Fertilizers: Many nitrogen-based fertilizers are derived from natural gas (a petrochemical).
2. Pesticides/Herbicides: A vast range of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks.
3. Plastics: Used for making agricultural films (mulch films, greenhouse covers), irrigation pipes, containers for agrochemicals, and
packaging.
4. Synthetic Fibers: Used for making ropes, nets, and sacks.

(d) With the aid of a genetic diagram, explain briefly how a couple of normal skin colours produces an albino.
Explanation: Albinism is a genetic condition caused by a recessive allele. For a couple with normal skin colour to have an albino child, both
parents must be carriers of the albino gene (heterozygous). Let 'A' represent the allele for normal skin colour (dominant) and 'a' represent
the allele for albinism (recessive).

* Parents' genotypes: Aa x Aa * Possible gametes from each parent: A, a

Genetic Diagram:
* Parental Genotypes: Aa x Aa * Gametes: A, a | A, a * Punnett Square: | | A | a | | :---- | :-: | :-: | | A | AA | Aa | | a | Aa | aa |

* Offspring Genotypes: AA, Aa, Aa, aa * Offspring Phenotypes: * AA: Normal skin colour (25%) * Aa: Normal skin colour (Carrier) (50%) * aa:
Albino (25%)
Brief Explanation: When two carriers of the albinism gene (Aa) reproduce, each parent can pass on either the normal allele (A) or the albino
allele (a). If both parents pass on the albino allele (a), their child will inherit 'aa' and have albinism.

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Question 5
(a) Describe briefly each of the following post-harvest practices: (i) Winnowing; Winnowing is a post-harvest process used to separate grain
from chaff (husks) and other lighter impurities. It is typically done by tossing the threshed grain into the air; the wind or a current of air blows
away the lighter chaff, while the heavier grain falls down.

(ii) Dehusking; Dehusking is the process of removing the outer husk or shell from grains, seeds, or nuts. This is done to make the edible part of
the grain or seed more accessible for consumption or further processing. Methods can include pounding, milling, or rubbing.

(iii) Shelling. Shelling is the process of removing the edible kernel or seed from its protective outer shell or pod. This is commonly applied to
crops like maize (corn), peas, beans, and nuts. Methods include hand-picking, mechanical shellers, or threshing.
(b) (i) Name the type of movable joint found at each of the following locations in the human body: (α) fingers;
Gliding joint (or Plane joint) - allows for slight gliding or sliding movements. (Also Hinge joint at the knuckles, but fingers have multiple joints,
gliding is common for the interphalangeal joints). For the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints, it's a hinge joint. For the
metacarpophalangeal joints, it's a condyloid joint. Given the options usually expected at this level, Gliding or Hinge are common. Let's go
with the most general for fingers as a whole, or specify. Gliding is common between carpal bones and between phalanges. Hinge is at the
knuckles. Let's assume proximal and distal phalanges.
* Hinge Joint (for knuckles) or Gliding Joint (for finger joints). Let's consider the most prominent movement. Hinge is very characteristic.

(β) where the neck joins the head.

Pivot joint. This allows for rotational movement (turning the head side to side).
(ii) State one characteristic feature each of the joints named in (i). (α) Hinge Joint (fingers):
Allows movement in only one plane (back and forth), like the hinge of a door. It permits flexion and extension.

(β) Pivot Joint (neck/head):

Allows for rotational movement around a central axis. One bone rotates within a ring formed by another bone.

(c) (i) What is a magnetic field? A magnetic field is a region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of
magnetism acts. It is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence on electric charges, electric currents, and magnetic materials.

(ii) Draw a bar magnet and show the magnetic field around it.
Diagram:
* Draw a rectangular bar magnet. * Label one end 'N' (North pole) and the other 'S' (South pole). * Draw curved lines (magnetic field lines)
originating from the North pole, looping outwards, and entering the South pole. * The lines should be denser near the poles and spread out
further away. * The lines should form closed loops, continuing inside the magnet from S to N. * Arrows on the lines should indicate direction
(from N to S outside the magnet).

(d) (i) Complete the following chemical equations: (α) H₂SO₄ + NaOH →
This is an acid-base neutralization reaction. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄)
and water (H₂O).

* Balanced equation: H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O

(β) CH₃COOH + CH₃OH →

This is an esterification reaction between a carboxylic acid (ethanoic acid/acetic acid) and an alcohol (methanol) in the presence of an acid
catalyst (usually concentrated H₂SO₄, though not shown here). It forms an ester (methyl ethanoate) and water.

* Balanced equation: CH₃COOH + CH₃OH CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O

+
H
−→

(ii) Name each of the reactions in (a) and (β). (α) H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
Neutralization reaction (or Acid-base reaction)
(β) CH₃COOH + CH₃OH → CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O
Esterification reaction
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Question 6
(a) State one significance each of the following stages of treatment of water for public consumption: (i) Aeration:
Significance: Removes dissolved gases like carbon dioxide (reducing acidity) and introduces oxygen, which helps in oxidizing dissolved
iron and manganese, making them easier to remove.

(ii) Sedimentation:
Significance: Allows heavier suspended solid particles (like silt and clay) to settle down at the bottom of a tank under gravity, thus reducing
the turbidity of the water.

(iii) Filtration:
Significance: Removes remaining suspended impurities, particles, and some microorganisms from the water by passing it through a
porous medium (like sand or gravel), further clarifying the water.

(iv) Chlorination:
Significance: Kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, disinfecting the water and making it safe for consumption.
(v) Coagulation:
Significance: Uses chemicals (like alum) to neutralize the negative charges on suspended particles, causing them to clump together (form
flocs), making them easier to settle out during sedimentation.

(b) (i) What is weight of a body? Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. It is a vector quantity, measured in Newtons (N).
(ii) The mass of a body is 70 kg. Determine the weight of the body. [g = 10 m/s²]
Given: Mass (m) = 70 kg, Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 10 m/s²
Formula: Weight (W) = mass (m) × acceleration due to gravity (g)

W = 70 kg × 10 m/s² W = 700 N

(c) State five challenges associated with pig production in Ghana.

1. High Cost of Feed: Feed constitutes a major part of production cost, and the price of ingredients (like maize, soy) can be volatile and high.
2. Disease Outbreaks: Pigs are susceptible to various diseases (e.g., African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, Peste des Petits
Ruminants - although PPR is sheep/goat, other diseases affect pigs), which can lead to high mortality rates.
3. Limited Access to Quality Veterinary Services: Availability and affordability of veterinary care and medication can be a challenge,
especially for smallholder farmers.
4. Poor Genetics/Breeding Stock: Lack of access to improved breeds or poor-quality breeding stock can limit productivity.
5. Inadequate Housing and Management Practices: Poor housing conditions can lead to stress, disease spread, and inefficient production.
Lack of knowledge in proper management can also be a challenge.
6. Market Access and Price Volatility: Difficulty in accessing consistent markets and fluctuating prices for live pigs and pork products can
affect profitability.
7. Waste Management: Proper disposal of pig manure is crucial for environmental health and disease prevention, but can be a challenge.

(d) (i) State three effects of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on the male reproductive system of humans.
1. Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, causing painful urination and discharge.
2. Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis (a coiled tube that stores and transports sperm), leading to pain and swelling in the scrotum.
3. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, causing pain in the groin, pelvic region, and genitals, and urinary problems.
4. Infertility: Chronic or untreated STIs can cause scarring and blockages in the reproductive tract, leading to reduced sperm production or
infertility.
5. Pain: Can cause pain during urination or ejaculation.
(ii) Name two glands of the human reproductive system that produce hormones.
Male Reproductive System:
1. Testes: Produce testosterone.

Female Reproductive System:

1. Ovaries: Produce estrogen and progesterone.

Both systems/associated glands:

* Pituitary gland (located in the brain, but controls reproductive hormones) * Hypothalamus (located in the brain, also controls reproductive
hormones) * Adrenal glands (produce some sex hormones)

Given the phrasing "human reproductive system", it most likely refers to glands within or directly controlling the gonads. * Answer: Testes (in
males) and Ovaries (in females). If referring to glands that produce hormones for* the reproductive system, then Pituitary gland and
Hypothalamus are also correct. Let's assume the former.
--- I have now answered all the questions from the provided paper. Please let me know if you need any further clarification or have more
questions!