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5054/32

Physics 5054/32 — May/June 2011

Cambridge O-Level · Practical Test · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

4
questions
30
marks
120
minutes

Topics Observations and Measurements · Experimental Contexts · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Planning Experiments and Investigations

Q15MObservations and MeasurementsExperimental ContextsUse of Techniques, Apparatus and MaterialsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationFree sample

In this experiment, you will determine the mass of a metre rule using the principle of moments.

You have been provided with

  • a metre rule with a hole at the 1.0 cm mark,
  • a knife-edge to act as a pivot in (a),
  • a rod held in a boss to act as a pivot in (b),
  • a pulley wheel held in a clamp and stand,
  • a length of string with two loops,
  • a mass and hook, labelled S,
  • a card showing mm, the mass of S,
  • a half-metre rule,
  • a set square.
(a)

Balance the metre rule on the knife-edge and record the distance dd of the centre of mass of the metre rule from the 0.0 cm mark on the rule.

dd = ______

1M
(b)

Set up the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.1.

Pass the rod through the hole at the 1.0 cm mark on the rule. Place the loop at one end of the string over the rule at the 60.0 cm mark on the rule. Place the string over the pulley and suspend the mass S from the loop at the other end of the string using the hook. Initially, end B of the metre rule rests on the bench.

Move the loop along the metre rule towards end B. Keep the length PQ of the string vertical by moving the pulley horizontally. Eventually end B of the metre rule rises off the bench.

Adjust the positions of the loop and the pulley to make the rule horizontal and the string PQ vertical.

(c)

Explain how you made sure that the string PQ is vertical. You may add to Fig. 1.1 if you wish.

1M
(d)

Measure and record

(i) the distance xx from the centre of the rod to the centre of mass of the metre rule,

xx = ______

(ii) the distance yy from the centre of the rod to the position of the string on the metre rule.

yy = ______

2M
(e)

Calculate the mass MM of the rule using the relationship

M=myxM = \frac{m y}{x}

where mm is the mass of S, and is written on the card.

MM = ______

1M

The rest of this paper

3 more questions
  • Q2Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation5M
  • Q3Experimental Contexts5M
  • Q4Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Planning Experiments and Investigations15M
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