Monday, August 31, 2009

Merdeka & The Formation of Malaysia

Source: Wikipedia

The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan.

Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, for a number of logistical and administrative reasons, it was decided that the official proclamation of independence would only be made the next year, on August 31, 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj announced the independence of Malaya from
the British on August 31, 1957 at Stadium Merdeka.


The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31, 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence.

However, it was postponed to September 16, 1963, mainly due to Indonesian and the Philippines' opposition to the formation of Malaysia. Nevertheless, North Borneo and Singapore declared sovereignty on August 31, 1963.

Indonesian opposition later escalated to a military conflict. Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonization on the provinces of Sarawak and Sabah in the island of Borneo (bordering Kalimantan, Indonesia), which they laid claim on.

To assure Indonesia that Malaysia was not a form of neo-colonialism, a referendum, organized by the United Nations, and the Cobbold Commission, led by Lord Cobbold, were formed to determine whether the people of Sabah and Sarawak wished to join Malaysia. Their eventual findings which indicated substantial support for Malaysia among the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, cleared the way for the final proclamation of Malaysia.

The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963 as Malaysia Day. The Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya. However, this has caused some minor discontent among East Malaysians in particular since it has been argued that celebrating the national day on August 31 is too Malaya-centric.

The flag of Malaysia, also known as the Jalur Gemilang ("Stripes of Glory").

Thursday, August 27, 2009

[Science Form 4] Fission & Fusion

Nuclear Fission
When a high energy neutron hits a uranium-235 nucleus, the U-235 nucleus becomes uranium-236, which is highly unstable. The unstable uranium nucleus then splits into two smaller and more stable nuclei - barium-141 and krypton-92.

Three neutrons and a great amount of energy are released during the fission. Along with the energy, light and heat are released. Gamma rays are emitted during the process, which is carried out in a nuclear reactor where energy is produced. This form of energy supplies 16% of the world's supply of electrical energy.

Nuclear Fusion
In nuclear fusion, the tritium nucleus and the deuterium nucleus are combined to form a heavier nucleus. During the process, an alpha particle and a neutron is released, together with a large amount of energy, though less than that produced from nuclear fission. The nuclear fusion activity can be seen from sun flares, which give us light and heat.



[Chemistry Form 4] Concentration Of Solution

The concentration of a solution refers to the quantity of solute in a given volume of solution. The units can be expressed in two forms:

Concentration of solution in g dm-3
= Mass of solute (g) / Volume of solution (dm3)

Concentration of solution in mole dm-3 (molarity)
= Number of moles of solute (mole) / Volume of solution (dm3)

*******

1. 20g of sodium hydroxide is dissolved in 500cm3 of solution. Calculate the
a) concentration of the solution in g dm-3
40g dm-3

b) molarity of the solution in mole dm-3
( Relative atomic mass of Na = 23; O = 16; H = 1)
1 mole dm-3

2. Calculate the number of moles of calcium hydroxide in 250cm3 of 0.5 mole dm-3 calcium hydroxide solution.
Hint: The number of moles = Molarity X Volume in dm3
0.5 X (250/1,000)

3. Calculate the mass of calcium hydroxide in 200cm3 of 0.4 mole dm-3 calcium hydroxide solution.
(Relative atomic mass of Ca = 40; O = 16; H = 1)
Hint: Find the number of moles of calcium hydroxide first.
0.4 X (200/1,000) X RMM of Ca(OH)2

4. You are required to prepare 250cm3 of 5 mole dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution. Calculate the mass of sodium hydroxide required.
(Relative atomic mass of Na = 23; O = 16; H = 1)
Hint: Find the number of moles of sodium hydroxide first.
5 X (250/1,000) X RMM NaOH

[Science Form 4] X-rays

X-RAYS are form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light but its short wavelength makes it invisible.

The x-ray particle is a photon that cannot penetrate bone mass. Thus, bone structures appear white on an x-ray film.

A plain radiograph of the elbow.

In hospitals, x-ray machines are used to detect broken bones or deformities in bone structures. Dentist use x-ray radiation to see cavities in teeth.

Six radioactive subtances:
  1. Radium
  2. Uranium
  3. Carbon-14
  4. Polonium
  5. Cobalt-60
  6. Iodine-131

Friday, August 21, 2009

[Biology Form 4] Cell Division

Have you ever wondered how it is possible for our human body to go through growth and development? What happens when cells in our body are damaged? The answer lies in cell division.

New cells replace old and damaged ones, and increase in number and size that lead to our growth. The cell division that contributes to the replacement of cells as well as tissue growth and repair is known as mitosis.

Mitosis involves the division of one cell into two new cells that are genetically identical to their parent cell.

How is this likeness formed?

The DNA existing within the chromosomes of a cell's nucleus can make an exact copy of itself. This means that all chromosomes within the nucleus duplicate (or replicate) themselves. That is why when the cytoplasm divides later, each of the two daughter cells has exact copies of the original chromosomes and DNA!

Note: During the division, the cell splits the copied chromosomes equally to make sure that each daughter cell has a full set.

Refer to the following diagram, which depicts the series of stages, known as the cell cycle, undergone by a cell that is about to divide. Basically, the cell grows, copies (or duplicate) its chromosomes, and then divides to form two new and identical cells.


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Salam Ramadan 1430H

I wish this Ramadan we're gifted with blessing of Allah and many
treasured moments of joy!


Salam Ramadan 1430H.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

[Chemistry Form 5] Oxidation & Reduction

Is the reaction between sodium and chlorine to produce chloride a redox reaction?

The overall equation of the reaction

2Na(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2NaCl(s)

The overal equation can be written as two half-equations:
  1. Oxidation Reaction
    Na -> Na+ + e-
    The sodium Na loses one electron. It is oxidised to sodium ion Na+ from an oxidation number of zero to an oxidation number of +1. Since Na undergoes oxidation, it is the reducing agent.

  2. Reduction Reaction
    Cl2 + 2e- -> 2Cl-
    Each chlorine atom gains one electron. It is reduced to chlorine ion Cl- from an oxidation number of zero to an oxidation number of -1. Since Cl2 undergoes reduction, it is oxidising agent.
As both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously, the production of sodium chloride is thus a redox reaction.

Note: When the oxidation number of a substance decreases, this means that the substance is reduced or undergoes reduction. On the other hand, when the oxidation number of a substance increases, this means that the substance is oxidised or undergoes oxidation.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Buying beer? Let’s see your MyKad then

The Star

PETALING JAYA: Those buying alcoholic beverages from convenience stores in Selangor may have to produce their MyKad to show that they are non-Muslims and above the age of 18.

This move is in line with the state government’s decision that convenience stores should practise self-regulation in the sale of alcoholic beverages instead of banning its sale in Muslim-majority areas.

State executive councillor Ronnie Liu said the law prohibited the sale of alcohol to youths below 18 and Muslims, and storekeepers were just doing their part to make sure the law was adhered to.

“It is not that the cashier has the right to ask for your identity card but it is the law that they cannot sell alcohol to these groups and they have to make sure they are not breaking the law.

“The shopkeeper may ask them to show their identity card. Otherwise he might be penalised for selling alcohol to Muslims or the underaged,” he said.

Citing convenience store chain 7-Eleven as an example, he said it was clearly stated that the company would sack employees if they were to sell alcohol to Muslims.

On Muslim employees handling alcoholic drinks, Liu said he was of the opinion that they had a right to be employed as the Federal Constitution is silent on the matter.

“It is okay to work in hotels, airlines and other places where some alcohol is offered, as long as they don’t drink,” he said.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

[Mathematic SPM] Number Bases

Source: ADaP

1. Which of the following are the numbers in base eight?
A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
B. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
C. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
D. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

2. Which of the following is not the number in base five?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

3. State, in base ten, the value of digit 2 in the number 24418
A. 100
B. 512
C. 1200
D. 1024

4. What is the value of the red digit of 10011012
A. 25
B. 27
C. 26
D. 28

5. The value of first digit 1 in 1110001012
A. 102
B. 128
C. 225
D. 256

6. The expanded notation of 43528
A. 2 x 83 + 5 x 82 + 3 x 81 + 4 x 80
B. 2 x 84 + 5 x 83 + 3 x 82 + 4 x 81
C. 4 x 83 + 3 x 82 + 5 x 81 + 2 x 80
D. 4 x 84 + 3 x 83 + 5 x 82 + 2 x 81

7. State the number in base two for (1 x 26) + (1 x 25) + (1 x 24) + (0 x 23) + (0 x 22)
+ (1 x 21) + ( 0 x 20)
A. 11010112
B. 11010102
C. 11100102
D. 11101102

8. Express 100100112 as a number in base ten.
A. 13610
B. 12810
C. 14710
D. 25610

9. Express 10568 as a number in base ten.
A. 51210
B. 52410
C. 55810
D. 56810

10. Express 23610 as a number in base two.
A. 1001112
B. 10011112
C. 100111102
D. 110111012

11. Express 31010 as a number in base five.
A. 20025
B. 20205
C. 22235
D. 22205

12. State the value of m and n for 344215 = 3 x 5m + 4 x 53 + 4 x 52 + 2 x 5n + 1 x 50
A. m = 2, n = 1
B. m = 4, n = 1
C. m = 2, n = 0
D. m = 4, n = 0

13. Express 83 + 82 + 80 as a number in base eight.
A. 11018
B. 10158
C. 10558
D. 14508

14. Given that 2x + 21 + 20 = 1000112, the value of x is
A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8

15. Given that 100111012 = y10. The value of y is
A. 135
B. 129
C. 148
D. 157

16. Given that 111110102 = y8, the value of y is
A. 761
B. 372
C. 552
D. 231

17. Given that 1005 = m2, the value of m is
A. 101112
B. 11001002
C. 110012
D. 10101012

18. Given that m910 = 3445. The value of m is
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9

19. Given that 2148 = T5. The value of T is
A. 1030
B. 1300
C. 1320
D. 1303

20. Express 26 + 23 + 22 + 1 as a number in base two.
A. 11001112
B. 10010102
C. 11010012
D. 10011012

21. Calculate the value of 1101112 + 1110112
A. 1100102
B. 11100102
C. 11101102
D. 1111102

22. 10110102 - 111012
A. 1111012
B. 1101012
C. 1110002
D. 1011012

23. Given that 10102 + m2 = 110012, find the value of m.
A. 10112
B. 11102
C. 11012
D. 11112

24. Given that 100002 < x2 < equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">2, the possible value of x is
A. 100012
B. 111102
C. 100112
D. 100102

25. Express 11010012 as a number in base eight.
A. 136
B. 115
C. 151
D. 321

26. Express 3415 as a number in base eight
A. 1008
B. 1408
C. 1558
D. 5258

27. Given that x2 = 1258. The value of x is
A. 11011102
B. 11100012
C. 10101012
D. 10101102

28. Given that y5 = 10010001102. The value of y is
A. 43125
B. 44315
C. 40045
D. 12345

29. Calculate the value of 1101112 + 1110112.
A. 1100102
B. 11100102
C. 11101102
D. 1111102

30. Given that 324m = 1318, so the value of m is
A. 2
B. 5
C. 8
D. 10

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