Cambridge International A Level Physics

Answers to self-assessment questions

Answers to SAQs
Chapter P2
1 The dependent variable is resistance and the
independent variable is the cross-sectional
area (or possibly the radius or diameter) of
the wire. Variables to be controlled include
the length of the wire, temperature and the
type of material.
2 With the same readings a graph of RA against
l has gradient . Other graphs are possible;
if readings were taken of R against A then
a graph of R against A1 has gradient l. If
readings were taken of current I at a fixed
value of p.d. V then a graph of 1I against l has

gradient AV
3 a i Independent variable v (or the height from
which the mass falls); dependent variable
d; variables to be controlled are mass of
object that falls, size of nail, type of wood.
ii Measure the height h of fall and use
v= (2gh), or find the time t for the fall and
use v =gt. It is also possible to record the
fall with a video camera and stopwatch,
and a rule behind the mass. Play back
frame by frame and, using the last two
frames, record s, the distance covered, and
t, the time taken, and use v = st .
iii Values of d as low as 1mm may be
measurable. Values over 20mm are
likely to be difficult to obtain. One could
experiment using different masses
dropped from sensible heights of 10cm
to 100cm and using nails of different
thickness and different pieces of wood.
iv A graph of d is plotted against v2. The
relationship is true if the graph is a straight
line through the origin.
b Draw a diagram showing the wood, nail and
mass. First measure the length l0 of the nail
with calipers. Then hold the nail so that its
sharp end just touches the wood and drop
the mass from a measured height h onto
the flat head of the nail. Use the calipers
to measure the length l of the nail that is

sticking into the wood. Calculate d = l0l.

Repeat the measurement for the same value
of h and average the values of d. For seven
different values of h from 10cm to 100cm,
repeat the experiment. Each time use the
same nail or an identical one in a similar
piece of wood. To make sure that the mass
falls squarely on the top of the nail, you
might use a cardboard tube down which
the mass falls vertically as a guide, so that
it always hits the centre of the nail. Use the
largest mass that gives a good change in the
value of d. For safety, make sure that the
mass does not fall on your fingers by using a
long nail and wearing stiff gloves or having a
guard around your fingers. For each value of
h, calculate
v = (2gh) and plot a graph of the average
value of d against v2, which should be
a straight line through the origin if the
relationship is true.
4 a
1.00
b 2.30
c 2.00
d 0.699
e 10
f 1.65
5 lg48 = 1.68
lg3+4lg2 = 0.477+40.301 = 1.68
They are the same because lg48 = lg(324)
=lg3+lg24 = lg3+4lg2
6 a
y2 against x3 has gradient k2; y against x3/2 has
gradientk; lny against lnx has gradient 32 and
intercept lnk.
b lny against lnx has gradient q.
8 ; lny against lnx
c y2 against x has gradient mB
1
8
has k = 2 , intercept = mB.
d lny against x has gradient k and intercept
lny0.
e y against x2 has gradient R and intercept y0.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics Cambridge University Press 2014

Cambridge International A Level Physics

Methods of data collection:

Diagram showing the simple pendulum
attached, e.g. retort stand and clamp.
Many oscillations repeated to determine
average T (n 10 or t 10s for stopwatch).
Measure l using metre rule or ruler.
Measure to centre (of gravity) of mass.
Use of vernier calipers or micrometer to
measure the diameter of the bob and
hence the centre of mass.
At least five different values of l chosen.
Range of values of l at least 50cm.
Method of analysis:
Appropriate graph plotted,
e.g. T2 against l or lnT against lnl.
2
4 (if T2 against l) or intercept
Gradient =
g
2
of lnT versus lnl graph is ln g .
Calculation of g from gradient.

( )

Safety considerations:
Relevant safety precaution related to the
use of masses, e.g. avoid fast-moving
mass, keep feet away, keep distance from
experiment, use clamp stand to avoid
toppling.
Additional detail relevant points might
include:
Discussion of use of motion sensor, e.g.
light gates, with details.
Use small-amplitude or small-angle
oscillations (to ensure equation is valid).
Method of securing string to clamp, e.g.
use bulldog clip.
Discussion of magnitude of mass: large
enough so that air resistance does not
reduce amplitude significantly.
Use of fiducial marker.
Time from the middle of the swing.

8 a
3.00.6m
b 1.00.6m
c 0.400.12m (30%)
d 10(.0)1.5ms1 (15%)
e 1.00.8m2 (80%)
f 2.00.8m (40%)
g 1.40.4m2 (25%)
9 15015ms1
10 Standard masses are used for the load. The
uncertainties in these are much smaller than
any others in the experiment, so they are
negligible.
11 a Gradient=b, y-intercept=lna
b

r/ mm

R/

ln(r/ mm)

ln(R/)

2.00.1

175.0

0.690.05

5.16

3.00.1

77.8

1.100.03

4.35

4.00.1

43.8

1.390.02

3.78

5.00.1

28.0

1.610.02

3.33

6.00.1

19.4

1.790.02

2.97

c, d
5.5
5.0
ln (R / )

7 Defining the problem:

Vary l or l is the independent variable
Determine the period T or T is the
dependent variable

Answers to self-assessment questions

line of best fit

line of worst fit

4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2
1.4
ln (r / mm)

1.6

1.8

e Gradient = 2.000.07
f 2.000.07
g lna = 6.70.3, gives a = 810280mm2

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics Cambridge University Press 2014