A student measures the acceleration of free-fall $g$. He drops a metal ball from a height of $1.000\text{ m}$ onto the floor, and measures the time $t$ it takes to hit the floor. Fig. 1.1 shows the ball and a metre rule, held vertically in a clamp. (a) On Fig. 1.1, draw the position of the ball at its point of release. (b) He repeats the experiment and obtains the following five values of $t$, measured in seconds. $$ 0.65 \quad 0.60 \quad 0.68 \quad 0.59 \quad 0.61 $$ (i)…

Physics 5054/42 — May/June 2017

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

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

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

A student measures the acceleration of free-fall $g$ . He drops a metal ball from a height of $1.000\text{ m}$ onto the floor, and measures the time $t$ it takes to hit the floor.

Fig. 1.1 shows the ball and a metre rule, held vertically in a clamp.

Fig. 1.1

(a)

On Fig. 1.1, draw the position of the ball at its point of release.

(b)

He repeats the experiment and obtains the following five values of $t$ , measured in seconds.

0.65 \quad 0.60 \quad 0.68 \quad 0.59 \quad 0.61

(i)

Calculate $t_{av}$ , the average value for $t$ . Give your answer to two decimal places.

$t_{av}$ = ______

(ii)

Suggest why the value for $t_{av}$ is not given to more than two decimal places.

(c)

The acceleration due to free-fall $g$ is given by the equation

g = \frac{2h}{t_{av}^2}

where $h = 1.000\text{ m}$ .

(i)

Calculate a value for $g$ .

$g$ = ______ $\text{m/s}^2$

(ii)

Another student suggests that, to obtain a better value for $g$ , the ball should be dropped from a height greater than $1.000\text{ m}$ .

Explain why this student is correct.

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3 more questions

Q2Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation5M
Q3Planning Experiments and Investigations · Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation5M
Q4Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Planning Experiments and Investigations13M

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