Physics 5054/42 — May/June 2014

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

questions

marks

minutes

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

Q1Experimental ContextsObservations and MeasurementsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationUse of Techniques, Apparatus and MaterialsPlanning Experiments and InvestigationsFree sample

A student investigates a floating wooden rod.

The wooden rod is placed in a tall beaker. A rubber band around one end of the rod makes it float vertically, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

(a)

(i)

On Fig. 1.1, mark and label the length $l$ of the rod above the water.

(ii)

Explain why it is difficult to measure $l$ .

(iii)

Describe a method of measuring $l$ accurately.

(b)

The student increases the number $N$ of rubber bands on the bottom of the rod and measures $l$ for each value of $N$ . Fig. 1.2 shows the student's results.

Fig. 1.2

$N$	$l\text{ / cm}$
1	8.5
3	6.8
5	5.1
7	3.5
9	1.6

(i)

On Fig. 1.3, plot the graph of $l\text{ / cm}$ on the y-axis against $N$ on the x-axis. Start your graph from the origin. Draw the line of best fit.

Fig. 1.3

(ii)

Describe the relationship between $l$ and $N$ .

(iii)

Use the graph to estimate the smallest number of bands needed to sink the rod.

number of bands = ______

(c)

Explain why it is important to use identical rubber bands.

The rest of this paper

3 more questions

Q2Experimental Contexts6M
Q3Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation6M
Q4Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements6M

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