Physics 9702/32 — May/June 2012

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

questions

marks

120

minutes

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

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

You may not need to use all of the materials provided.

In this experiment, you will investigate the equilibrium position of a suspended mass.

The apparatus has been set up as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

(a)

Measure and record the distance $L$ between the two nails.

$L$ = ______ $\text{m}$

(b)

(i)

Attach the crocodile clip to the string so that the string passes through the gap between the jaws of the crocodile clip, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

(ii)

Suspend the mass hanger and masses from the loop attached to the crocodile clip. Adjust the position of the crocodile clip so that the distance $d$ from the plumb-line to the string loop is about $30\ \text{cm}$ , as shown in Fig. 1.3.

Fig. 1.3

Measure and record $d$ .

$d$ = ______ $\text{m}$

(iii)

Measure and record the initial height $h_0$ of the bottom of the mass above the bench, as shown in Fig. 1.3.

$h_0$ = ______ $\text{m}$

(c)

Reduce $d$ by moving the crocodile clip closer to the plumb-line, ensuring that the string passes through the gap as shown in Fig. 1.2. Measure and record $d$ and the new height $h$ of the bottom of the mass above the bench. Repeat until you have six sets of values for $d$ and $h$ , with $d$ in the range $5\ \text{cm}$ to $30\ \text{cm}$ .

Include values of $\left(\frac{L}{2} - d\right)^2$ and $(h - h_0)$ in your table.

10M

(d)

(i)

Plot a graph of $\left(\frac{L}{2} - d\right)^2$ on the $y$ -axis against $(h - h_0)$ 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 = ______

(e)

The relationship between $d$ and $h$ is

\left(\frac{L}{2} - d\right)^2 = a(h - h_0) + b

where $a$ and $b$ are constants.

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

$a$ = ______
$b$ = ______

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