igcse model questions vol1 2018 physics | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A student is investigating the relationship between the length of a simple pendulum and its period. The student uses a 50 cm long string, attaches a small metal bob, and measures the time for 20 complete oscillations with a digital stopwatch. The experiment is repeated for three different lengths: 40 cm, 60 cm and 80 cm. The recorded times for 20 oscillations are:
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the average period (in seconds) for each length.
(b)
Using the average periods, calculate the experimental value of the acceleration due to gravity (g) for each length. Use the formula T = 2π√(L/g). Show all steps.
(c)
Comment on the reliability of the experimental values of g obtained. Identify two possible sources of error and suggest how they could be minimised.
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Question 2 View Details
A force table is used to determine the resultant of two forces acting on a small wooden block placed at the centre of the table. Force F₁ of magnitude 5.0 N is applied along a string that makes an angle of 30° to the horizontal (measured anticlockwise). Force F₂ of unknown magnitude is applied along a second string that makes an angle of 120° to the horizontal. The block remains stationary when a third force, the resultant R, is applied along a third string at an angle of 210° to the horizontal. The magnitude of R is read from the scale as 6.0 N.
Question Parts
(a)
Resolve forces F₁ and R into their horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components. Show the component values to two decimal places.
(b)
Using the condition that the block is in equilibrium, write the two simultaneous equations for the sum of horizontal components and the sum of vertical components, and solve for the magnitude of the unknown force F₂.
(c)
Explain why it is necessary to resolve the forces into components before applying the equilibrium conditions.
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Question 3 View Details
A dynamics cart is released from rest at the top of a smooth inclined plane. The plane makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal and its length is 1.5 m. A motion sensor records the distance travelled by the cart at 0.5 s intervals as shown in the table below. | t (s) | s (m) | |-------|-------| | 0.0 | 0.00 | | 0.5 | 0.60 | | 1.0 | 2.40 | | 1.5 | 5.40 | | 2.0 | 9.60 | Using the data, determine the experimental acceleration of the cart and compare it with the theoretical value. (You may use g = 9.8 m s⁻².)
Question Parts
(a)
Describe the experimental set‑up and the method used to obtain the distance‑time data.
(b)
Calculate the theoretical acceleration of the cart down the plane.
(c)
Determine the experimental acceleration using the data. (i) From the distance‑time relation s = ½ a t² using the final reading. (ii) From the gradient of a velocity‑time graph constructed from the data.
(d)
State two possible sources of error that could cause the experimental value to differ from the theoretical value.
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Question 4 View Details
A spring is fixed at one end and a dynamics cart is attached to the free end. The cart is allowed to hang vertically when masses are placed on it. The following data are recorded. **Static method** – masses added (kg) and the resulting extension of the spring (cm): | Mass (kg) | Extension (cm) | |-----------|----------------| | 0.10 | 2.5 | | 0.20 | 5.0 | | 0.30 | 7.5 | | 0.40 | 10.0 | **Dynamic method** – the cart with each mass is set into simple harmonic motion and the period of 10 oscillations is measured. The period (s) for each mass is: | Mass (kg) | Period for 10 oscillations (s) | |-----------|--------------------------------| | 0.10 | 3.20 | | 0.20 | 4.50 | | 0.30 | 5.50 | | 0.40 | 6.30 | Using the data, determine the spring constant k by both methods and comment on the agreement. (Assume g = 9.8 m s⁻² and use T = 2π√(m/k) for the dynamic method.)
Question Parts
(a)
Explain how the static method determines the spring constant.
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