Physics 5054/41 — October/November 2011

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

questions

marks

minutes

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

Q1Experimental ContextsUse of Techniques, Apparatus and MaterialsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationFree sample

A long pendulum is attached to the ceiling, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

A student performs an experiment to investigate the relationship between the time for one complete swing of the pendulum bob and its height above the floor.

(a)

The vertical distance $h$ of the bottom of the pendulum bob above the floor is measured.
Mark and label on Fig. 1.1,

(i)

the vertical distance $h$ ,

(ii)

the position of the eye of the observer when measuring $h$ .

(b)

The pendulum is made to swing freely and a stopwatch is used to determine the time $t_5$ for 5 complete swings.

The student takes a series of readings of $t_5$ for different values of $h$ .
Values of $h$ and $t_5$ are recorded in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

$h / \text{cm}$	$t_5 / \text{s}$	$T / \text{s}$	$T^2 / \text{s}^2$
5.0	15.31
15.0	14.96
25.0	14.59
35.0	14.23
45.0	13.87
55.0	13.49

Another student states that measuring the time for 50 complete swings is better.

(i)

Suggest one disadvantage of timing 50 complete swings.

______

(ii)

Fig. 1.2 also contains columns for the time $T$ for one complete swing and for $T^2$ .
Complete Fig. 1.2.
Give the values of $T^2$ to three significant figures.

(iii)

On Fig. 1.3, plot a graph of $T^2 / \text{s}^2$ on the y-axis against $h / \text{cm}$ on the x-axis.
Start your axes from $T^2 = 7.0\ \text{s}^2$ and $h = 0$ . Draw the line of best fit.

Fig. 1.3

(iv)

Describe the shape of your graph.

______

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Q2Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials6M
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Q4Experimental Contexts7M

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