Physics EMPA hints and

tips

Uncertainty in a single reading

Use the instrument precision.
Instrument precision is defined as the

smallest non-zero reading measured by

the instrument,
and refers to the actual graduations on the
scale of the instrument. A metre ruler with mm
graduations would have a precision of + 1 mm.
For single readings, or multiple identical
readings, taken by this type of ruler the
estimate of uncertainty would be + 1mm

Uncertainty estimates with repeat readings

Calculate the mean value
Estimate the uncertainty using:

Uncertainty = 0.5 X spread

e.g. 5 readings of length:
0.15mm, 0.12mm, 0.16mm, 0.13mm, 0.14mm
Mean = 0.14mm
Uncertainty = 0.5 x (0.16-0.12) = 0.02mm
Length = 0.14 0.02mm

Combining Uncertainties Example

1
Calculate the % uncertainty in the area of a
metal wire given that diameter is 0.16 0.01
mm
% uncertainty in diameter = (0.01/0.16) 100
= 6.3 %
area is proportional to diameter squared
% uncertainty in area = 6.3 + 6.3 = 12.6
%

Combining Uncertainties Example

2
Calculate % uncertainty in the speed
measurement given the following uncertainties
in distance and time measurements
% uncertainty in distance = 0.5 %
% uncertainty in time = 2.5 %
% uncertainty in speed = 0.5 + 2.5 = 3.0 %

Tables and Graphs

Use the format:

variable symbol solidus unit

You should not name the variable in full.
e.g. eg V/mV is correct, output pd of solar cell
in millivolts is not
Unless directed otherwise, put all data in

one table, from raw data on the left, to

processed values for plotting on the
right.

AS Graphs
1 mark for each of the following points:
Labelling of axes
Suitable Scales
Line of best Fit

A2 Graphs
1 mark for each of the following points:
Plotting of points
Line of best fit
Reading data for calculation of gradient,
and suitable size triangle
Gradient value, with appropriate significant
figures

Marking the origin correctly on a graph,

eg PHAB3X Sec A Part 1 Q2(b)
10
0

10
0

80

80

60

60

0
0

Unacceptable:
the marking of the origin as above
produces a non-linear scale
which will always be penalised.

Solution:
use of the broken scale
convention resolves the problem
but watch out if a gradient
calculation is then required.

10
0

10
0

80

80

60

60
40
0

Unacceptable:
leaving an origin unmarked on
either axis will not be accepted;
the scale will still be treated as
non-linear since the origin is now
ambiguous.

Solution:
use of a false origin is acceptable
but candidates should be careful if
they are then asked to calculate the
gradient.

Finding an intercept which cannot be read directly,

eg PHAB3X Section B Q1(a)
white rectangle represents
edge of grid printed in answer
booklet

While the intercept on the horizontal

axis can be read directly, the vertical
intercept can not.
Candidates gain no credit for
extending the line off the grid into
the margin.
When answering Section B,
candidates should not be given the
opportunity to re-plot graphs.
The use of algebra is expected if
the intercept cannot be read directly.

0
0

Significant Figures in a Previous Paper:

L/cm
L/cm

R/
R/W
R/

6.6
6.6
6.6
10.6
10.6
10.6
13.8
13.8
13.8
17.8
17.8
21.4
21.4

2.9
2.9
2.9
7.6
7.6
7.6
13.0
13.0
13.0
21.6
21.6
30.4
30.4

foruse
usein
inanswering
answering part
for
part(a)
(a)

0.067
0.0666
[0.067]
0.068
0.0676
[0.068]
0.068
0.0683
0.068
0.0682
0.066
0.0664

To test the theory that R = kL2 candidates were expected to evaluate

R/L2 for every row of the table.
Many candidates forfeited marks because they truncated their results to
2 significant figures; in at least 3 rows of the table, 3 sf was justified.

In addition: from recent mark

scheme:
Tables
Independent variable must be in left hand column of
table
Quote to max possible significant figures (e.g. 1.10 V if
instrument precision is 0.01V)
Graphs
Points on a graph should cover at least half the grid
horizontally and vertically.
All points must be plotted
Marks are forfeited if plotted > 1mm from correct
position
Marks can be forfeited if > 2mm from trend line

Tables and Graphs Summary

Use the convention variable symbol solidus unit for

table headings and graph axes; a bracket is essential if

the log of a variable is involved, eg ln(variable/unit)
When compressing a graph scale use the broken scale

convention if marking the origin (0, 0) otherwise mark a

false origin
AS and A2 candidates should be able to calculate the

intercept on a graph if this cannot be read directly

The result of a calculation should be to the same

number of significant figures as the least accurate data

used in the calculation