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Physics 9702 Paper 5

QUESTION 1
Skill

PLANNING

Breakdown of marks
Defining the problem
2 marks
Methods of data collection
4marks
Method of analysis
3 marks
Safety considerations
1 mark
Additional detail
6 marks
Total
15 marks

Defining the problem

Identify independent variable x and dependent variable y (or determine y for different values
of x)
Identify controlled variable(s )- variable(s) to be kept constant throughout the experiment
Methods of data collection
Define the method to be used to vary the independent variable
Describe how the independent and dependent variables are to be measured
Describe how other variables are to be controlled
Describe, with the aid of a clearly labeled diagram, the arrangement of apparatus for the experiment
and the procedures to be followed

Method analysis
Which graph to plot?
How to verify validity of relationship or gradient?
Safety considerations
Must be relevant to experiment and stated with a reason.
Eg: In experiments involving heat, wear heatproof gloves to handle hot apparatus.
Additional detail
Any relevant details that will help in carrying out the planned experiment
These details included could help to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results
obtained, guidelines of proper use of equipment, measuring range of meters to be used,
crucial arrangement of the apparatus used, important dimensions of samples etc.
What other variables to be kept constant?
How to reduce uncertainties in independent and dependent variables?
e.g taking several readings and then averaging
Use a micrometer to measure small lengths
Use a high power supply to make current large to measure it accurately
For a given independent variable, repeat measurement of dependent variable and then
average

Some examples of good experimental features:

Perform experiment on sound in soundproof room
Perform experiment on light in dark room to cut down background light
Perform experiment on heat/mechanical oscillations in draught-free environment
Perform experiment on magnetism away from magnetic material
Place a white card behind the vibrating string for a clearer observation of maximum
amplitude.
Allow time for pressure/temperature to stabilize before taking readings
Use hollow tube to guide falling object.
Calibrate thermocouple/Hall probe/LDR with known quantities before proceeding with
measurements
Do a preliminary trial as a test to decide what values suit
Hold Hall probe with its plane perpendicular to the field to obtain maximum readings
Use fiducial marker for counting fast oscillations
Repeat and take average value of readings to allow non-uniformity or randomness of activity
Use video camera to record rapid motion and then play back the video slowly
Use stroboscopic photography to freeze quick events
Use EHT or high voltage to obtain measurable current
Use plum line to ensure vertical alignment or spirit level for both vertical and horizontal
alignment.
Use a wire of high Young modulus or thick wire to ensure negligible extension
Use radioactive source with long half life for consistency in activity
Check if wire is free of kinks
Repeat measurement of B with Hall probe reversed and then find average value
Some examples of good safety considerations:
Wear heatproof gloves to handle hot/cold surfaces, Stay behind safety screen or wear
protective goggles for eye protection in case wire snaps or hot liquid splashes out
Place bucket of sand under load which may fall on foot or damage the floor
Wear rubber gloves to handle apparatus at high voltages or objects with sharp edges (e.g
glass block), When handling radioactive materials: Use tongs, keep at least an arms length
distance, source is stored in lead lined container immediately when it is not in use, do not
direct the source at others.(note: wear lead suits unacceptable)
Wear ear plugs or defenders to protect ears from loud sounds
Note: Stress on how to make measurements of independent and dependent variables as
accurate as possible (e.g describe any method which makes them measurably large to
measure accurately). When out of idea, mention any other possible controlled variables,
describe in more detail how to keep controlled variables constant, how to find the gradient or
constant or any y-intercept (if not asked) in the suggested/theoretical equation, state any other
possible controlled variables. Support any additional details with labeled diagrams if you see
your description is vague and weak. Sometimes it may be required to use unfamiliar
apparatus such as venturi meter to measure volume fluid flow rate or revolution counter to
measure frequency of rotation. Be assured that there is always alternative method to these
unfamiliar apparatus. E,g use method measuring cylinder & stopwatch for volume flow
rate, method counting number of revolutions in a given time interval instead of using rev.
counter.

1) A student wishes to determine the Young

modulus E of wood from the period of oscillation
of a loaded wooden rule, as shown in the
diagram. An equation relating the period of
oscillation T to the overhanging length l of the
rule is 2 =
16 2

. The constant k is given by

= 3 , where M is the mass of the load, w is the width of the rule and d is the thickness
of the rule. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between and and to
determine the Young modulus of wood.

2) Resistivity of a material is given by = , where R = resistance, A = cross-sectional

area, L = length of material. The resistivity of glass is of the order of 106 m which is very
large. You are given a number of sheets of glass of the same thickness and of different areas.
Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between R and A and to determine the
resistivity of glass.
3) Two students are having a discussion about an experiment in which the air inside a bell jar
is gradually removed. The sound of a ringing bell inside the jar is heard to diminish in
intensity during this process. One student suggests that the frequency f of a sound wave and
the pressure p are related by the equation = 2 , where k is a constant. Design a laboratory
experiment to test the relationship between f and p and determine a value for k.
4) A hammer is often used to force a nail into
wood. The faster the hammer moves, the deeper
the nail moves into the wood. This can be
represented in a laboratory by a mass falling
vertically onto a nail. It is suggested that the
depth d of the nail in the wood is related to the
velocity v of the mass at the instant it hits the nail
by the equation = , where k and n are
constants. Design a laboratory experiment to
investigate the relationship between v and d so as
to determine a value for n.
5) A hot air balloon is tied to the
ground using a rope. As the wind
blows with speed v, the rope makes
an angle to the horizontal, as
shown in diagram. It is suggested

that = 2 , where is a
constant. To model the hot air
balloon in the laboratory, a balloon
filled with helium is used. Design a
laboratory experiment using a small
helium-filled balloon to test the
relationship between and v and
determine a value for k.

6) A beaker contains water and some metal

blocks as shown in diagram.
A student uses an electrical heater to produce a
particular temperature increase in the water.
It is suggested that the electrical energy E
supplied to the heater is related to the mass m
of metal blocks by the relationship
= + , where a and b are constants
Design a laboratory experiment to test the
relationship between E and m. Explain how
your results could be used to determine values
for a and b.
7) A student is interested in bungee jumping, where a person attached to an
elastic cord falls from a height and travels downwards through a distance
before moving upwards. Different cords are used for different people. A
schematic diagram is shown in the diagram.
The student models bungee jumping in the laboratory by using elastic cords
of unstretched length 50.0 cm with different spring constants. An object is
attached to each cord. The student investigates the relationship between the
maximum distance h fallen by the object
and the spring constant k of the elastic cord. It is suggested that the
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relationship between h and k is 2 2 = , where L is the unstretched
length of the cord, m is the mass of the object and g is the acceleration of free
fall.
Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between h and k.
Explain how your results could be used to plot a graph with
determine the value of g.

on the y-axis and to

8) A student is investigating the acceleration of a trolley moving up an inclined plane as

shown in the diagram.

The student is investigating the relationship between the acceleration a of the trolley and the
angle of the inclined plane when a force F is applied to the trolley.
It is suggested that the relationship is = + , where g is the acceleration
of free fall, m is the mass of the trolley and k is a constant.
Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between and . Explain how your
results could be used to determine a value for k.