waec model questions vol1 2018 physics | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A metal rod of nominal length 150.0 mm is to be measured using a vernier caliper. The student records five successive readings: 150.2 mm, 150.4 mm, 150.1 mm, 150.3 mm and 150.5 mm. The true length supplied by the manufacturer is 150.0 mm.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the mean length of the rod from the five readings.
(b)
Determine the absolute uncertainty of the measurement as half the range of the readings.
(c)
Calculate the percentage error of the measured mean length with respect to the true length.
(d)
State two possible sources of error in the measurement and suggest a method to reduce each.
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Question 2 View Details
A force table is used to determine the resultant of two forces acting on a small ring. Force F₁ of magnitude 5.0 N is applied horizontally to the east. Force F₂ of magnitude 8.0 N is applied at an angle of 60° north of east. The student first calculates the theoretical resultant and then measures the resultant using the force table.
Question Parts
(a)
Using vector addition, calculate the theoretical magnitude of the resultant and its direction measured from the direction of F₁.
(b)
The force table gives a resultant of 12.1 N acting at 44° north of east. Compute the percentage error in the magnitude and in the direction of the experimental resultant relative to the theoretical values.
(c)
Determine the horizontal (east) and vertical (north) components of both the theoretical resultant and the experimental resultant.
(d)
Suggest two probable sources of error in the force‑table experiment and how they could be minimised.
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Question 3 View Details
A smooth horizontal track is fitted with a low‑friction pulley at one end. A cart of mass 2.00 kg is placed on the track and is connected by a light string over the pulley to a hanging mass. The system is released from rest and the cart moves for a timed interval of 5.00 s. The following data are recorded for three different hanging masses.
Question Parts
(a)
Using the distance travelled by the cart in each trial, calculate the experimental acceleration of the cart. (Show the formula used and the calculation for each trial.)
(b)
For each trial, calculate the theoretical acceleration using Newton’s second law (a = mg / (M + m)), where M is the mass of the cart and m is the hanging mass. Use g = 9.80 m s⁻².
(c)
Determine the percentage error between the experimental and theoretical accelerations for each trial and comment on the possible reasons for any discrepancy.
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Question 4 View Details
A wooden block of mass 0.800 kg rests on a horizontal wooden table. The coefficient of static friction (μ_s) is to be determined using an inclined plane, and the coefficient of kinetic friction (μ_k) is to be obtained by pulling the block with a spring balance on the horizontal table.
Question Parts
(a)
The block is placed on an adjustable wooden incline. The angle of the plane is slowly increased until the block just begins to slide. The angle measured at the onset of motion is 30.0°. Calculate the coefficient of static friction μ_s.
(b)
The block is returned to the horizontal table. A spring balance is attached to the block and pulled at constant speed. The reading on the spring balance required to maintain uniform motion is 4.50 N. Determine the coefficient of kinetic friction μ_k.
(c)
Calculate the percentage difference between μ_s and μ_k and state which coefficient is larger.
(d)
Suggest two possible sources of error that could affect the determination of μ_s and μ_k and propose a method to minimise each error.
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