Physics 9702/32 — May/June 2015

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 forces acting on a wooden strip in equilibrium.

(a)

The apparatus has been assembled for you as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

(i)

Adjust the positions of the stands so that the springs are vertical.

(ii)

If necessary, adjust the height of the boss A so that the wooden strip is parallel to the bench.

(b)

(i)

Increase the height of boss A by approximately $10\ \text{cm}$ .
Leave boss B at the same height throughout the experiment.

(ii)

Hang the mass M from the string loop as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

(c)

(i)

Adjust the position of the string loop until the wooden strip is parallel to the bench again.

(ii)

Measure and record the distance $h$ from the bench to the top of the spring at A, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

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

(iii)

Measure and record the distance $x$ from the string loop below A to the string loop supporting M, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

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

(d)

Lower boss A and repeat (c) until you have six sets of values of $h$ and $x$ .
Include values of $\frac{1}{h}$ and $\frac{x}{h}$ in your table.

The position of boss B should remain the same throughout the experiment.

10M

(e)

(i)

Plot a graph of $\frac{1}{h}$ on the $y$ -axis against $\frac{x}{h}$ 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 = ______

(f)

The quantities $h$ and $x$ are related by the equation

\frac{1}{h} = \frac{ax}{h} + b

where $a$ and $b$ are constants.

Use your answers in (e)(iii) to determine the values of $a$ and $b$ .
Give appropriate units.

$a$ = ______
$b$ = ______

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