Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Physics Question 1

Practice practical question 1 from the 2024 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Physics examination. This question covers Measurements and Units, Error analysis, Simple pendulum, Propagation of uncertainties .

Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Physics Practical
Topics: Measurements and Units Error analysis Simple pendulum Propagation of uncertainties
Question 1 WAEC_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2024 • PHYSICS • practical

A student is required to determine the period of a simple pendulum made from a uniform metal rod. The rod is measured with a metre rule (least count 0.1 cm) and the following ten successive lengths are recorded (in centimetres): 45.2, 45.3, 45.1, 45.4, 45.2, 45.3, 45.2, 45.3, 45.2, 45.3. The student then suspends the rod from a fixed point and measures the time for 20 complete oscillations with a stopwatch (least count 0.01 s), obtaining 40.12 s. Take g = 9.80 m s⁻². Answer the following:

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the mean length of the rod and the absolute uncertainty of the mean using the range method (maximum – minimum)/2. Express the length in metres.
( b )
Using the mean length, compute the theoretical period of the pendulum with T = 2π√(L/g). Give the answer to three significant figures.
( c )
Determine the experimental period from the timing data and its absolute uncertainty, taking into account (i) the stopwatch uncertainty and (ii) the length uncertainty propagated through the pendulum formula. Then calculate the percentage difference between the experimental and theoretical periods.
( d )
State two possible sources of systematic error that could affect the period measurement.

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About This Question

This is Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Physics Question 1. It is a practical question from the 2024 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Physics examination.

The question covers Measurements and Units, Error analysis, Simple pendulum, Propagation of uncertainties .

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