International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

Vectors
Aim: IB Criteria Assessed
• To use vector addition to calculate the mass of an unknown object. Data Collection, Data Processing,
Evaluation
• To gain an understanding of balanced forces in situations of static
equilibrium when two or more forces act at a point in a system. Criteria Aspect Level
assessed 1 2 3 awarded
Equipment: Pl (a)
2 pulleys mounted on a board, thread, slotted masses, 3 sheets of white Pl (b)
paper for each student.
DC
Method: DPP
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram
2. Hang the unknown mass and two slotted masses from CE
the 3 threads and let the system come to equilibrium.
3. Displace it several times and notice the variation in
Diagram:
the position of the point O.
4. When the system comes to rest in an approximately
mean position, accurately mark the position of point
O and the directions of the 3 forces on a piece of
white paper fixed to the board.
5. Label the point of intersection of the 3 force vectors
as O. O
6. Repeat the above procedure for two more systems by A
changing the magnitude of coplanar forces acting on B
C
the body.
7. Record the value of forces A and B for each system.

Data Collection:
Attach your three A4 sheets which clearly show the original
data obtained.

Data Processing and Presentation:

1. Using a suitable technique, determine the vector sum
A+B and hence calculate the mass of the unknown A B
object. α β
2. Compare this sum with the value of C obtained by
O
measuring the unknown mass with a balance.
3. Include any uncertainties (both magnitude and C
direction).

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356921.doc

International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

Internal Assessment Marking Form

Crit. Aspects Level Grade
Research Question: Hypothesis: Variables: ccc 3
c. Identifies a focused c. Relates the hypothesis or c. Selects the ccp 2
problem or research prediction directly to the relevant ccn 2
question. research question and independent cpp 2
p. States the problem or explains it, quantitatively and controlled ppp 1
research question, but it where appropriate. variable(s). cpn 1
Pl(a)
is unclear or incomplete. p. States the hypothesis or p. Selects some cnn 1
n. Does not state the prediction but does not relevant ppn 1
problem or research explain it. variables. pnn 0
question or repeats the n. Does not state a n. Does not select nnn 0
general aim provided by hypothesis or prediction. any relevant
the teacher. variables.
Materials / Control of Variables: Collecting Data: ccc 3
Apparatus: c. Describes a method c. Describes a method that ccp 2
c. Selects appropriate that allows for the allows for the collection ccn 2
apparatus or control of the of sufficient relevant cpp 2
materials. variables. data. ppp 1
p. Selects some p. Describes a method p. Describes a method that cpn 1
Pl(b) appropriate that makes some allows for the collection cnn 1
apparatus or attempt to control the of insufficient relevant ppn 1
materials. variables. data. pnn 0
n. Does not select n. Describes a method n. Describes a method that nnn 0
any apparatus or that does not allow for does not allow any
materials. the control of the relevant data to be
variables. collected.
Collecting / Recording Raw Data: Organising / Presenting Raw cc 3
c. Records appropriate raw data (qualitative Data: cp 2
and/or quantitative), including units and c. Presents raw data clearly, cn 1
uncertainties where necessary. allowing for easy pp 1
DC p. Records some appropriate raw data. interpretation. pn 0
n. Does not record any appropriate raw data. p. Presents raw data but does not nn 0
Aspect 1 includes units, uncertainties, allow for easy interpretation.
significant digits n. Does not present raw data or
presents it incomprehensibly.
Processing Raw Data: Presenting Processed Data: cc 3
c. Processes the raw c. Presents processed data appropriately, helping cp 2
data correctly. interpretation and, where relevant, takes into cn 1
p. Some raw data is account errors and uncertainties. pp 1
processed correctly. p. Presents processed data appropriately but with some pn 0
DPP
n. No processing of raw errors and/or omissions. nn 0
data is carried out or n. Presents processed data inappropriately or
major errors are made incomprehensibly
in processing. Aspect 2 includes uncertainty bars, max / min slopes
(HL), axes with labels and units, best fit line drawn
CE Drawing Conclusions: Evaluating procedure(s) Improving the ccc 3
c. Gives a valid and results: investigation: ccp 2
conclusion, based on the c. Evaluates procedure(s) c. Identifies ccn 2
correct interpretation of and results including weaknesses and cpp 2
the results, with an limitations, states realistic ppp 1
explanation and, where weaknesses or errors. suggestions to cpn 1
appropriate, compares p. Evaluates procedure(s) improve the cnn 1
results with literature and results but misses investigation. ppn 1
values. some obvious p. Suggests only pnn 0
p. States a conclusion that limitations or errors. simplistic nnn 0
has some validity. n. The evaluation is improvements.
n. Draws a conclusion that superficial or n. Suggests unrealistic

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356921.doc

International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

misinterprets the results. irrelevant. improvements.

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356921.doc