JAMB UTME - Physics - 2023

To find the effort E required to lift the load, we first need to understand the concept of mechanical efficiency in levers.
A lever is a simple machine that consists of a rigid beam (lever arm) that pivots around a fixed point called the fulcrum. In this case, the fulcrum is point P.
The mechanical efficiency of a lever is defined as the ratio of the output work done (load lifted) to the input work done (effort applied). Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
Efficiency = (Output Work / Input Work) * 100%
In this problem, the load is the output work and the effort is the input work.
Given: Load = 200 kg Length of lever (distance between fulcrum and load) = 10 m Efficiency = 80% Gravitational acceleration (g) = 10 m/s^2
To calculate the effort, let's first calculate the output work:
Output Work = Load * Distance lifted
The distance lifted is equal to the length of the lever arm, which is 10 m.
Output Work = 200 kg * 10 m = 2000 kg·m
Since 1 kg·m is equivalent to 10 J (1 Joule), we can convert the units:
Output Work = 2000 kg·m * 10 J/kg·m = 20000 J
Now, let's calculate the input work:
Input Work = Effort * Distance moved by the effort
The distance moved by the effort is the length of the lever arm, which is 110 m.
Input Work = Effort * 110 m
Using the formula for mechanical efficiency, we can rewrite it as:
Efficiency = (Output Work / Input Work) * 100%
Solving for the effort:
Effort = (Output Work / (Efficiency/100)) / Distance moved by the effort
Effort = (20000 J / (80/100)) / 110 m
Simplifying the equation:
Effort = (20000 J / 0.8) / 110 m
Effort = 250 J / m
Given that g = 10 m/s^2, we know that 1 N = 1 kg·m/s^2. Therefore, we can convert the units:
Effort = (250 J / m) / (1 kg·m/s^2 / 1 N)
Effort = 250 N
Therefore, the effort E required to lift the load is 250 N.

For the combination in series;

⇒R1 = 35kΩ + 40kΩ = 75kΩ

R is combined with 75kΩ in parallel to give 25kΩ

=  1Req $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ = 1R $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ + 1R $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ 

=   125 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$     = 1R $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ + 175 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ 

=  125 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$     - 175 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ + 1R $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ 

=   3−175 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ = 1R $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ 

=   275 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$   = 1R $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$ 

=   752 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$  = R

;      R = 37.5k Ω

Let's understand how a convex mirror forms images. In a convex mirror, the center of curvature and the focal point lie behind the mirror. Convex mirrors always produce virtual, upright, and diminished images.
Here, we are given that the object is placed 35 cm away from the convex mirror and the mirror has a focal length of 15 cm.
To find the location of the image, we can use the mirror formula, which states:
1/f = 1/v - 1/u
Where: - f is the focal length of the mirror, - v is the distance of the image from the mirror (negative for virtual image), - u is the distance of the object from the mirror (negative for real object in front of the mirror).
In this case, f = 15 cm and u = -35 cm (negative because the object is in front of the mirror).
Substituting these values into the formula, we get:
1/15 = 1/v - 1/-35
Simplifying the equation, we get:
1/v = 1/15 + 1/35
To add the fractions, we find the common denominator, which is 105. Then, we have:
1/v = (7 + 3)/105
1/v = 10/105
Simplifying further, we get:
1/v = 2/21
To solve for v, we take the reciprocal on both sides of the equation:
v = 21/2
Therefore, the location of the image is 10.5 cm behind the mirror.

A wave that is both mechanical and longitudinal is sound waves.

Sound waves are created by the vibration of an object, such as a speaker, which causes the air particles around it to vibrate. These vibrations then travel through the air in the form of a wave.

Sound waves are classified as mechanical waves because they require a medium, such as air, water, or solid objects, to travel through. Without a medium, sound waves cannot propagate.

Furthermore, sound waves are classified as longitudinal waves because the particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave. This means that as the sound wave travels, the particles in the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave itself.

In contrast, water waves and seismic waves are mechanical waves, but they are not longitudinal. Water waves are categorized as transverse waves because the particles in the water move up and down at right angles to the direction of the wave. Seismic waves, which include earthquake waves, can be both transverse and longitudinal, but typically the primary seismic waves are classified as transverse waves.

Lastly, light waves are not mechanical waves but rather electromagnetic waves. They do not require a medium to travel through and can propagate in a vacuum, unlike sound waves.

To determine the number of turns on the primary winding of a step-down transformer, we need to understand how a transformer works and how the voltage is transformed from the primary to the secondary winding.

A transformer operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When an alternating current flows through the primary winding, it creates a changing magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary winding.

The voltage ratio between the primary and secondary windings is determined by the ratio of the number of turns in each winding. This means that if we decrease the number of turns in the secondary winding compared to the primary winding, we can reduce the voltage output.

In this case, we are given that the secondary winding has 25 turns and we want to deliver 110 V. The primary winding has a higher voltage, which is 2.2 kV (kilovolts) or 2200 V.

To determine the number of turns on the primary winding, we can set up a simple equation using the voltage ratios:

Primary voltage / Secondary voltage = Primary winding turns / Secondary winding turns

Plugging in the values we have:

2200 V / 110 V = Primary winding turns / 25 turns

Simplifying the equation:

20 = Primary winding turns / 25

To solve for the number of turns on the primary winding, we can cross multiply:

20 x 25 = Primary winding turns

Therefore, the number of turns on the primary winding is 500.

So, the correct answer is 500.

A good insulator is a material that does not easily allow heat or electricity to pass through it. It acts as a barrier, preventing the flow of heat or electricity. Out of the given options, rubber is a good insulator.

Rubber is made up of long chains of molecules that are closely packed together. These chains do not allow the easy movement of heat or electricity. This means that when heat or electricity tries to pass through rubber, it encounters resistance, making it difficult for it to flow.

In contrast, materials like silver, water, and copper are good conductors rather than insulators.

Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat because its atoms have loosely bound electrons that are free to move. This allows for the easy transfer of heat or electricity throughout the material.

Water is also a good conductor of both heat and electricity. It contains charged particles called ions that can carry electric current. Additionally, water molecules are able to transfer heat through convection.

Copper is widely used in electrical wiring because it is an excellent conductor of electricity. Like silver, its atoms have free electrons that can move easily and transfer electrical energy.

Therefore, rubber is the material that serves as a good insulator, while silver, water, and copper are good conductors of heat and electricity.

To calculate the relative humidity, we need to understand the concept of saturation and how much water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature.
Saturation is the point at which the air is holding the maximum amount of water vapor it can hold at a particular temperature. Once the air reaches saturation, any additional moisture will start to condense into liquid water.
The amount of water vapor that the air can hold increases with temperature. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, while cooler air can hold less.
Now, let's calculate the relative humidity using the given information:
1. Find the saturation vapor pressure at 40°C: - The saturation vapor pressure is the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a specific temperature. - At 40°C, the saturation vapor pressure is approximately 55.3 mmHg.
2. Calculate the relative humidity: - Relative humidity is the ratio of the current partial pressure of water vapor to the saturation vapor pressure, expressed as a percentage. - Relative Humidity = (Partial pressure of water vapor / Saturation vapor pressure) * 100 - In this case, the partial pressure of water vapor is 38.8 mmHg and the saturation vapor pressure at 40°C is 55.3 mmHg. - Plugging in these values into the formula, we get: Relative Humidity = (38.8 mmHg / 55.3 mmHg) * 100 = 70.2%
Therefore, the relative humidity on this particular hot day is approximately 70%.
Answer: The correct option is 70.

To calculate the charge on each plate of a parallel plate capacitor, we can use the formula Q = CV, where Q is the charge, C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage applied. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor can be calculated using the formula C = εA/d, where C is the capacitance, ε is the permittivity of the medium (in this case, air), A is the area of each plate, and d is the distance between the plates. Given: Area of each plate (A) = 0.8 m^2 Distance between the plates (d) = 20 mm = 0.02 m Permittivity of air (ε) = 8.85 x 10^-12 F/m Using the formula for capacitance, we can calculate C: C = εA/d = (8.85 x 10^-12 F/m)(0.8 m^2)/(0.02 m) = 8.85 x 10^-12 F/m * 40 F = 3.54 x 10^-10 F Now, we can use the formula Q = CV to calculate the charge on each plate: Q = (3.54 x 10^-10 F)(120 V) = 4.25 x 10^-8 C = 42.5 x 10^-9 C = 42.5 nC Therefore, the charge on each plate of the parallel plate capacitor is **42.5 nC**.

The property of the wave shown in the diagram is diffraction.
Diffraction is the bending or spreading out of waves as they encounter an obstacle or pass through an opening. It occurs when waves encounter an obstacle that is comparable in size to their wavelength.
In the diagram, you can see that the wave is encountering an opening or a slit, and as a result, it is spreading out or bending around the edges of the opening. This bending or spreading out is characteristic of diffraction.
Diffraction is an important phenomenon in wave behavior and is observed in various situations, such as when sound waves pass through a doorway or when light waves pass through a narrow slit. It helps us understand how waves interact with obstacles and openings in their path.
In summary, the property of the wave shown in the diagram is diffraction, which is the bending or spreading out of waves as they encounter an obstacle or pass through an opening.

When light of a certain frequency is incident on a metal surface, no photoelectrons are emitted. This is because the energy of the photons in the light is not enough to overcome the work function of the metal, which is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the metal surface.
If the frequency of the light is increased, it means that the energy of the photons increases. This increase in energy means that there is now enough energy to overcome the work function of the metal. As a result, photoelectrons are now emitted from the metal surface.
Now, let's consider the stopping potential. The stopping potential is the minimum potential difference that needs to be applied across a pair of electrodes in order to stop the flow of photoelectrons from reaching the other electrode.
When the frequency of the light is increased, the energy of the photons also increases. This means that the photoelectrons have more kinetic energy when they are emitted from the metal surface. As a result, a higher stopping potential is required to stop the more energetic photoelectrons from reaching the other electrode.
Therefore, the stopping potential increases when the frequency of the light is increased.

The number of holes in an intrinsic semiconductor is equal to the number of free electrons.

In an intrinsic semiconductor, the valence band is completely filled with electrons. However, due to thermal energy, some of these electrons can gain enough energy to jump to the conduction band, leaving behind holes in the valence band.

For every electron that moves to the conduction band, a hole is created in the valence band. Since the number of electrons and holes is equal, the number of holes in an intrinsic semiconductor is equal to the number of free electrons.

Therefore, the correct option is: is equal to the number of free electrons.

The frequency of a sound wave is proportional to the tension of the string. If two instruments have the same frequency, but one has a tighter string, then the instrument with the tighter string will have a higher pitch.

The other factors listed, such as the size of the instrument, the material of the instrument, and the shape of the instrument, will also affect the pitch of the instrument, but they will have a smaller effect than the tension of the string.

The branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects and the forces acting on them is called mechanics.

Mechanics is the foundation of physics that studies how objects move and interact under the influence of forces. It encompasses both the study of the motion of macroscopic objects, such as cars and planets, and the behavior of microscopic particles, such as atoms and molecules.

Mechanics is divided into two main branches:

• Classical mechanics: This branch deals with the motion of objects that are larger than atoms and are not moving near the speed of light. It includes the well-known laws of motion formulated by Sir Isaac Newton, such as Newton's laws of motion, which describe how the velocity and acceleration of an object are related to the forces acting upon it.
• Quantum mechanics: This branch deals with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is based on probabilities and wave-particle duality, rather than classical concepts of motion and force. Quantum mechanics is essential for our understanding of the behavior of electrons, photons, and other quantum particles.

Therefore, when referring to the branch of physics that specifically focuses on the motion of objects and the forces acting on them, the correct answer is mechanics.

Let mb=mass of empty bottle,

mw ${𝑚}_{𝑤}$=mass of water only and

ma ${𝑚}_{𝑎}$= mass of alcohol only
 

given; mb ${𝑚}_{𝑏}$=19g



mb ${𝑚}_{𝑏}$ + mw ${𝑚}_{𝑤}$ = 66g

mb ${𝑚}_{𝑏}$ + ma ${𝑚}_{𝑎}$ = ?

R.d=0.8

R.d=mass of alcohol

massofalcoholmassofequalvolumeofwater $\frac{𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑜ℎ𝑜𝑙}{𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑓𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑓𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟}$

mass of equal volume of water = mw ${𝑚}_{𝑤}$=66-19=47g

0.8 = ma47 $\frac{{𝑚}_{𝑎}}{47}$


ma ${𝑚}_{𝑎}$=0.8×47 =37.6g

 mb ${𝑚}_{𝑏}$ + ma ${𝑚}_{𝑎}$ = 19+37.6=56.6g

W = 400 N; P = 100 N; θ = 30o; μ = ?

Frictional force (Fr) = μR (where R is the normal reaction)

The forces acting along the horizontal direction are Fr and Px

∴ Pcos 30° - Fr = ma (Pcos 30° is acting in the +ve x-axis while Fr in the -ve x-axis)

⇒ 100cos 30° - μR = ma

Since the box is moving at constant speed, its acceleration is zero

⇒ 100cos 30° - μR = 0

⇒ 100cos 30o = μR ----- (i)

The forces acting in the vertical direction are W, Py and R

∴ R - Psin 30° - W = 0 (R is acting upward (+ve) while Py and W are acting downward (-ve) and they are at equilibrium)

⇒ R - 100sin 30° - 400 = 0

⇒ R = 100sin 30° + 400

⇒ R = 50 + 400 = 450 N

From equation (i)

⇒ 100cos 30° = 450μ

⇒μ=100cos30°

  N = 100cos30°450 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$

        = μ = 0.19

When a negatively charged rod is brought close to a metal sphere, the free electrons in the sphere are repelled from the rod and move to the other end of the sphere. This creates a region of positive charge on the side of the sphere closest to the rod, and a region of negative charge on the opposite side. The process of charge distribution stops when the net force on the free electrons inside the metal is equal to zero.

If the sphere is then earthed, the free electrons will flow from the sphere to the ground, leaving the sphere with a net positive charge.

The correct answer is (ii) and (iii) only. The heat capacity of a substance is a measure of how much heat energy is required to raise the temperature of the substance by a certain amount. It is an important property in thermodynamics. (i) It is not true that heat capacity is an intensive property. Intensive properties do not depend on the size or amount of the substance. For example, density and temperature are intensive properties. However, heat capacity does depend on the size or amount of the substance. The heat capacity of a substance increases with its mass or amount. Therefore, statement (i) is false. (ii) It is true that the SI unit of heat capacity is joules per kelvin (J/K). Heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat energy (in joules) required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree kelvin. Therefore, statement (ii) is true. (iii) It is not true that heat capacity is an extensive property. Extensive properties depend on the size or amount of the substance. Examples of extensive properties include mass and volume. However, heat capacity is an intensive property as explained earlier. Therefore, statement (iii) is false. (iv) It is true that the SI unit of heat capacity is joules per kilogram per kelvin (J/(kg·K)). This unit is commonly used for specific heat capacity, which is the heat capacity per unit mass. Therefore, statement (iv) is true. In summary, the correct statement is that (ii) and (iii) are not true about the heat capacity of a substance.

Night vision goggles use infrared waves to enable the user to see in the dark.

Infrared waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that have longer wavelengths than visible light. They fall between the visible and microwave regions on the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike visible light, which is visible to the human eye, infrared waves cannot be seen without the use of specialized devices such as night vision goggles.

When it is dark, objects do not emit visible light that can be detected by the human eye. However, they do emit heat in the form of infrared radiation. Night vision goggles work by detecting and amplifying this infrared radiation, which is then converted into visible light that can be seen by the user.

The goggles contain an image intensifier tube that is sensitive to infrared radiation. This tube amplifies the incoming infrared light and converts it into an image that can be seen through the goggles. The resulting image appears green because the human eye is more sensitive to green light.

Therefore, to see in the dark, night vision goggles use infrared waves to detect and amplify the infrared radiation emitted by objects. This enables the user to have enhanced vision in low-light conditions or complete darkness.

The decay constant of a radioactive material represents the probability that an atom of the material will decay in a unit of time. In this case, we are given the half-life of the material which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms to decay.
The relationship between the decay constant (λ) and the half-life (T½) is given by the formula:
λ = ln(2) / T½
where ln(2) is the natural logarithm of 2.
To find the decay constant, we can plug in the given half-life value into the formula. In this case, the half-life is 12 days.
λ = ln(2) / 12
Using a calculator, we can calculate the value of ln(2) ≈ 0.6931.
λ = 0.6931 / 12 ≈ 0.05775 day^(-1)
Therefore, the decay constant for this radioactive material is approximately 0.05775 day^(-1).
The correct answer is 0.05775 day^(-1).

To find the tension in the rope, we can first use the formula for centripetal force, which is given by:
F_centripetal = (m * v^2) / r
where: - F_centripetal is the centripetal force - m is the mass of the object - v is the velocity of the object - r is the radius of the circular path
In this case, the mass of the object (m) is given as 2 kg and the radius (r) is given as 1.2 m.
Now, to find the velocity (v), we need to convert the given value of 120 rev/min to m/s.
Here's how we can do that:
1. First, convert the revolutions per minute (rev/min) to revolutions per second (rev/s) by dividing by 60 (since there are 60 seconds in a minute):
120 rev/min = 120/60 rev/s = 2 rev/s
2. Next, we need to convert the revolutions per second to the linear velocity in meters per second (m/s). To do this, we need to find the circumference of the circular path.
The circumference of a circle is given by the formula:
C = 2πr where r is the radius of the circular path.
Substituting the value of the radius (r = 1.2 m) into the formula, we have:
C = 2π * 1.2 = 2.4π Now, to find the linear velocity (v), we can multiply the circumference (C) by the number of revolutions per second (2 rev/s):
v = C * rev/s = 2.4π * 2 = 4.8π m/s
Now that we have the values of m (2 kg) and v (4.8π m/s), we can substitute them into the centripetal force formula to find the tension in the rope:
F_centripetal = (m * v^2) / r = (2 * (4.8π)^2) / 1.2
Simplifying further:
F_centripetal = (2 * 23.04π^2) / 1.2
F_centripetal = 38.4π^2
Finally, to get a numerical value for the tension in the rope, we can approximate the value of π to 3.14 and calculate the centripetal force:
F_centripetal ≈ 38.4 * 3.14^2 ≈ 379 N
Therefore, the tension in the rope is approximately 379 N.
Therefore, the correct answer is 379.

W =  mg  = 220 x 9.8 = 2156 N

⇒Sin 38º = 2156T1 $\frac{\mathrm{<br>}}{}$

⇒ T1 ${\mathrm{<br>}}_{}$ =    2156Sin38

⇒ T1 ${\mathrm{<br>}}_{}$ =     3502 N

 

Cos 38º =  T2T1 $\frac{{\mathrm{<br>}}_{}}{}$

⇒ T2 ${\mathrm{<br>}}_{}$  =   3502 x Cos 38º

⇒ T2 ${\mathrm{<br>}}_{}$ =   2760 N

 

;    T1 ${\mathrm{<br>}}_{}$ =   3502 N,  T2
 = 2760 N.

The penetrating power of alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays varies greatly. Alpha particles can be blocked by a few pieces of paper. Beta particles pass through paper but are stopped by aluminum foil. Gamma rays are the most difficult to stop and require concrete, lead, or other heavy shielding to block them.

Therefore, X = γ-ray; Y = α-particle; Z = β-particle

The name of the model of the atom that describes electrons as orbiting the nucleus in specific energy levels is the Bohr model.

The Bohr model was proposed by Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1913. According to this model, electrons revolve around the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells. Each energy level corresponds to a certain amount of energy that an electron possesses. The energy levels are represented by whole numbers, with the closest energy level to the nucleus having the lowest energy and subsequent energy levels having higher energies.

Bohr's model also stated that electrons can only exist in certain fixed orbits around the nucleus. These orbits have a specific distance from the nucleus and are called stationary states. Electrons can move between these energy levels by absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons.

The Bohr model successfully explained the observed emission and absorption spectra of atoms, as well as the stability of atoms. However, it has limitations in fully describing the behavior of electrons. It does not accurately represent the path or trajectory of electrons and does not account for other quantum effects.

Overall, the Bohr model provides a simplified and understandable framework for visualizing the arrangement of electrons in an atom, with electrons occupying specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus.

The correct statement about the angle of dip at various points on Earth is: The angle of dip is zero at the equator and 90 degrees at the magnetic poles.
The angle of dip, also known as the inclination, refers to the angle between the Earth's magnetic field lines and the horizontal plane at a specific location. It tells us how much the magnetic field lines of the Earth are inclined or tilted at that point.
At the equator, the angle of dip is zero. This means that the magnetic field lines are parallel to the horizontal plane. As we move closer to the magnetic poles, the angle of dip increases. At the magnetic poles, the angle of dip is 90 degrees, indicating that the magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
The second statement that the angle of dip is greater at higher altitudes than at lower altitudes is incorrect. The angle of dip is primarily affected by the latitude or distance from the equator and the proximity to the magnetic poles, rather than the altitude. So, the angle of dip remains consistent at a specific latitude regardless of the altitude above sea level.
The third statement that the angle of dip is positive in the northern hemisphere and negative in the southern hemisphere is also incorrect. The angle of dip is positive in the northern hemisphere and negative in the southern hemisphere. This means that the magnetic field lines are inclined downwards in the northern hemisphere and upwards in the southern hemisphere.
The fourth statement that the angle of dip is constant at all points on Earth is incorrect as well. The angle of dip varies depending on the latitude and the proximity to the magnetic poles, as explained earlier. So, it is not constant across all points on Earth.
To summarize, the correct statement is that the angle of dip is zero at the equator and 90 degrees at the magnetic poles. It is important to note that the angle of dip is not affected by altitude but is primarily determined by latitude and proximity to the magnetic poles.

A pyrometer thermometer measures temperature from the thermal radiation emitted by objects.

When objects are heated, they emit thermal radiation, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is primarily in the infrared wavelength range. A pyrometer thermometer is specifically designed to measure the intensity of this thermal radiation and convert it into a temperature reading.

The pyrometer thermometer works based on the principle of measuring the amount of thermal radiation reaching the sensor. This is done using a detector that is sensitive to the infrared wavelength range. The detector absorbs the thermal radiation emitted by the object and generates an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the radiation.

The electrical signal from the detector is then processed by the thermometer's electronics to calculate and display the corresponding temperature. The calibration of the thermometer ensures accurate temperature readings based on the known relationship between the intensity of thermal radiation and temperature.

Pyrometer thermometers are commonly used in industrial applications where contact-based temperature measurement methods are not feasible or accurate enough. They can measure temperatures of objects from a distance without physically touching them, which makes them suitable for measuring high temperatures, moving objects, or objects in hazardous or inaccessible environments.

Therefore, the pyrometer thermometer is the correct option for measuring temperature from thermal radiation emitted by objects.

The working of the beam balance is based on the principle of moments.

Moments, also known as torques, are a measure of the turning effect of a force. In the case of the beam balance, it is the moments that help determine the equilibrium or balance of the system.

The beam balance consists of a beam or lever that is supported at a pivot point called the fulcrum. On either end of the beam, there are pans where the objects to be weighed are placed.

When objects of different weights are placed on the pans, the beam becomes unbalanced. This causes the beam to tilt towards the side with the heavier object. However, in order to achieve equilibrium or balance, the moments on both sides of the beam must be equal.

The moment of a force is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the force by the perpendicular distance from the point of rotation (the fulcrum) to the line of action of the force.

By adjusting the position of the counterweights or by moving the objects on the pans, the moment on each side of the beam can be balanced, resulting in the beam becoming level or horizontal. This indicates that the weights on both sides are equal.

Therefore, the beam balance operates on the principle of moments, where the balance is achieved by equalizing the moments on both sides of the fulcrum.

The sensitivity of a thermometer refers to the smallest temperature change that it can detect or measure. In other words, it measures how fine or precise the thermometer is in detecting changes in temperature. A thermometer with high sensitivity is able to detect even small changes in temperature, while a thermometer with low sensitivity may only detect larger temperature fluctuations.

Therefore, in the given options, the statement "the smallest temperature change that can be detected or measured" accurately describes the sensitivity of a thermometer.