Physics 9702/36 — October/November 2010

Cambridge AS Level · Advanced Practical Skills · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

questions

marks

120

minutes

Topics Manipulation, Measurement and Observation · Presentation of Data and Observations · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation

Q1Manipulation, Measurement and ObservationPresentation of Data and ObservationsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationFree sample

In this experiment, you will investigate the equilibrium position of a flat board.

(a)

The board is suspended from a nail as in Fig. 1.1. Check that the board can swing freely.

Fig. 1.1

(b)

Measure the heights $h_1$ and $h_2$ of the two lower corners of the board above the bench.

If necessary, add a small amount of Blu-Tack to the top edge of the board so that the two heights are the same (i.e. so that the lower edge of the board is parallel to the bench).

(c)

Measure and record the length $l$ of the lower edge of the board.

$l$ = ______ $\text{cm}$

(d)

Using the wire hook, attach the $150\ \text{g}$ mass to the top hole in the board, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

The distance $d$ is measured from the top edge of the board to the hole with the hook in it. The angle $\theta$ is the angle between the lower edge of the board and the horizontal.

(e)

(i)

Measure and record $h_1$ and $h_2$ . You may find it useful to use a set square as shown in Fig. 1.2.

$h_1$ = ______ $\text{cm}$
$h_2$ = ______ $\text{cm}$

(ii)

Using your answer from (c), calculate $\theta$ (in degrees) using the relationship

\sin \theta = \frac{h_1 - h_2}{l}

$\theta$ = ______ $^{\circ}$

(iii)

Measure and record $d$ .

$d$ = ______

(f)

Increase $d$ by moving the hook and $150\ \text{g}$ mass to a lower hole in the board, and repeat (e) until you have five sets of readings of $h_1$ , $h_2$ and $d$ .

Include in your table values for $\theta$ and $\frac{1}{\tan \theta}$ .

(g)

(i)

Plot a graph of $\frac{1}{\tan \theta}$ on the $y$ -axis against $d$ on the $x$ -axis.

(ii)

Draw the straight line of best fit.

(iii)

Determine the gradient and $y$ -intercept of this line.

gradient = ______
$y$ -intercept = ______

(h)

The quantities $\theta$ and $d$ are related by the equation

\frac{1}{\tan \theta} = ad + b

where $a$ and $b$ are constants.

Using your answers from (g)(iii), determine the values of $a$ and $b$ . Give units where appropriate.

$a$ = ______
$b$ = ______

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Q2Manipulation, Measurement and Observation · Presentation of Data and Observations · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation

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