A2 Physics P5 Complete Notes
A2 Physics P5 Complete Notes
Introduction 1
2.4 Rules for determining the number of significant figures and decimal places 65
2.8 Rules for plotting the points and drawing the error bars 78
2.9 Rules for drawing the line of best fit and the worst-acceptable line 79
2.10 Determining gradient and uncertainty in the gradient from the graph 88
2.11 Determining y-intercept and uncertainty in the y-intercept from the graph 89
Exercise 100
Paper 5 consists of two questions (each carrying 15 marks) and the time duration of this paper is 1 hour and 15
minutes.
The examination paper does not require laboratory facilities.
The first question is the planning question, in which candidates are required to design an experimental
investigation of a given problem, and answer the question with a labelled diagram and an extended piece of
writing.
The second question is the analysis, conclusions and evaluation question, in which candidates are given an
equation and some experimental data. From these they are required to find the values for different constants.
They are also required to estimate the uncertainties in their answers.
Some questions on this paper may be set in areas of Physics that are difficult to investigate experimentally in
school laboratories, but no question requires prior knowledge of theory or equipment that is beyond the syllabus:
candidates are given all the information that they need.
Note: Average score in this paper to secure A grade is 21 (out of 30).
QUESTION 1: PLANNING
Note:
In the mark scheme of question 1:
• P denotes problem-defining mark
• M denotes method-of-data-collection mark
• A denotes method-of-analysis mark
• S denotes safety-consideration mark
• D denotes additional-detail mark
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 3
In order to understand the following rules better, first go through sample question 1.1 and its solution (on page 6).
variable power
heater microphone
supply
junction of
lamp ammeter
conductors
light-dependant oscilloscope
electric bell
resistor (LDR) (c.r.o.)
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 5
Advantage of Variable D.C. Power Supply over Simple D.C. Power Supply
• The output voltage of variable power supply, and therefore the current in the circuit, can be controlled by
adjusting its voltage knob; hence no need for a separate variable resistor (or rheostat) in the circuit to control
current.
Note: If a component is not represented by its conventional symbol in the circuit diagram, then it must be labelled.
6 QUESTION 1: PLANNING
• the purpose of using the retort stand and clamp arrangement is to hold the long tube in the upright
position. [D]
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 7
Safety Precautions:
• To avoid splashing, I will drop the ball near the oil surface. [S]
• To prevent falling and rolling of the steel balls on the floor, I will keep them in a tray. [D]
Figure 1.2.1
It is suggested that:
2 2
gq = 2pv
where g is the acceleration of free fall. Design a laboratory experiment to investigate how q is related to p and
how v may be determined from the results. You should draw a diagram showing the arrangement of your
equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to:
(a) the procedure to be followed,
(b) the measurements to be taken,
(c) the control of variables,
(d) the analysis of the data,
(e) the safety precautions to be taken. [15]
Solution
Figure 1.2.2
To collect and analyse the data, I will take the following steps:
1 Build the experimental setup as shown in Fig. 1.2.2. In the experimental setup:
• the purpose of using the arrangement of retort stand, clamp and hard pipe is to vary p. [M]
• the purpose of using the tray of sand is to determine the position of the ball as it lands on the sand
surface. [M]
• the purpose of using the hard pipe, which is half curved and half straight, is to make sure that the
velocity of the ball, as it leaves the pipe, has horizontal component only. [D]
When building the experimental setup, I will:
• use a spirit level to make sure that the straight part of the pipe is horizontal.
• use a plumb line to draw, on the sand surface, a small mark O right below the end B of the pipe. [D]
2 Measure distance p between end B and mark O with a metre rule. [M]
3 Take a steel ball to minimise the effect of air resistance. [D]
4 Release the ball from the top end A of the pipe. The ball will roll, fall and land on the sand surface producing
a crater at point C.
5 Measure the distance q between point C and mark O with a metre rule. [D]
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 for same p and find the average value of q. [D]
7 Change the height of the clamp so that the end B remains right above the mark O.
8 Repeat the procedure from step 4 to 6, and thus obtain about 6 sets of results. When repeating the
procedure to collect the data, I will:
• always use the spirit level to make sure that the straight part of the pipe is horizontal. [M]
• always release the ball from the top end A of the pipe (to make sure that the velocity v remains
constant). [M]
9 The equation given in the question can be rearranged as:
2 2v 2
q = p
g
2 2v 2
From the above equation, it follows that the gradient of q vs. p graph is equal to the expression: .
g
2
10 Plot a graph of q against p. [A]
11 If the graph turns out to be straight-line and passes through the origin, then the suggested relationship is
correct. [D]
12 Find the gradient of the graph, and determine v using the equation:
g × gradient
v= [A]
2
Safety Precaution:
To prevent injury from the rolling ball, I will use safety screen. [S]
Figure 1.3.1
Design a laboratory experiment to investigate the relationship between v and d so as to determine a value for n.
You should draw a diagram showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay
particular attention to:
(a) the procedure to be followed,
(b) the measurements to be taken,
(c) the control of variables,
(d) the analysis of the data,
(e) the safety precautions to be taken. [15]
Solution
2πρ ghd 4
Q=
ηl
where ρ is the density of water, g is the acceleration of free fall, d is the internal diameter of the tube, l is the
length of the tube and η is a constant. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between Q and h
and determine a value for η. You should draw a diagram showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your
account you should pay particular attention to:
(a) the procedure to be followed,
(b) the measurements to be taken,
(c) the control of variables,
(d) the analysis of the data,
(e) the safety precautions to be taken. [15]
Solution
In this experiment, I will:
• vary h and determine Q (for each value of
h). [P + P]
• keep l constant. [P]
• also keep the temperature of water
constant. [D]
(so that the density ρ of water remains
constant.)
To collect and analyse the data, I will take the
following steps:
1 Take some water in a measuring cylinder
and record its volume Vw.
2 Measure the combined mass mcw of the
cylinder and water with a digital balance.
3 Empty the cylinder and measure its mass
mc with the digital balance. Figure 1.4.2
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 13
Figure 1.5.1
An equation relating the period of oscillation T to the overhanging length l of the rule is:
2 kl 3
T =
E
The constant k is given by:
16π2 M
k=
wd 3
where M is the mass of the load, w is the width of the rule and d is the thickness of the rule. Design a laboratory
experiment to determine the Young modulus of wood. You should draw a diagram showing the arrangement of
your equipment. In your account, you should pay particular attention to:
(a) the procedure to be followed,
(b) the measurements to be taken,
(c) the control of variables,
(d) how to analyse the data,
(e) how to determine E,
(f) the safety precautions to be taken. [15]
Solution
Figure 1.5.2
To collect and analyse the data, I will take the following steps:
1 Take a load of a large mass M to produce a measurable period of oscillation T. [D]
2 Measure the mass M of the load with a digital balance. [M]
3 Take a half-metre wooden rule.
4 Measure the width w and thickness d of the rule with vernier calipers. [M]
When measuring w and d, I will take multiple readings at different points along the rule and find the average
values. [D]
5 Build the experimental setup as shown in Fig. 1.5.2. In the experimental setup:
• the purpose of using the bench and G-clamp arrangement is to fix one end of the rule firmly in position.
[M]
• the purpose of using the thin pointer, positioned close to the equilibrium position of the load, is to
provide fiducial marker; so that the oscillations may be timed with ease. [D]
When building the experimental setup, I will secure the load to the rule with tape. [D]
6 Record the overhanging length l of the rule. [M]
7 Set the rule into oscillation, while keeping the amplitude of oscillation (reasonably) small (to ensure that the
equation relating T and l holds good.) [D]
8 Wait until the oscillations have settled. [D]
9 With a stopwatch, time at least 10 oscillations, so that the time t taken for 10 oscillations is (reasonably) large
and hence the percentage uncertainty in its measurement is (reasonably) small. [D]
10 Repeat step 9 and find the average value of t. [M]
11 Determine the period of oscillation T using the formula:
t
T=
10
12 Change the position of the load on the rule (to vary l).
13 Repeat the procedure from step 6 to 11, and thus obtain about 6 sets of results.
14 From the two equations given in the question, it can be shown that:
2 16π2 M 3
T = 3 l
wd E
2 3 16π2 M
From the above equation it follows that the gradient of T vs. l graph is equal to the expression: .
wd 3 E
2 3
15 Plot a graph of T against l . [A]
16 If no mistake is made up to this point, then the graph will be straight-line and pass through the origin. [D]
17 Find the gradient of the graph, and determine the Young modulus E of wood using the equation:
16π2 M
E= [A]
wd × gradient
3
Safety Precaution:
To prevent injury from the load, which may detach from the rule during oscillation, I will keep my feet well away
from it. [S]
Further additional-detail points might include:
• Discussion of use of motion sensor, e.g. orientation, or light gates with detail.
20 QUESTION 1: PLANNING
Solution
7 Wait for the reading of the thermometer (i.e. temperature of the water and wire) to stabilise.
8 Record the temperature θ of the wire from the thermometer.
9 Record the resistance R of the nichrome wire from the ohmmeter.
10 Turn up the heater a bit. The temperature of the water will start rising again.
11 Repeat the procedure from step 7 to 9, and thus obtain about 6 sets of results.
12 The equation given in the question can be rearranged as:
R = (R0α)θ + R0
From the above equation, it follows that the gradient and y-intercept of R vs. θ graph are equal to ‘R0α’, and
R0 respectively.
13 Plot a graph of R against θ. [A]
14 If the graph turns out to be straight-line and does not pass through the origin, then the suggested relationship
is correct. [D + D]
15 Find the gradient of the graph, and determine the value of α using the equation:
(gradient)
α= [A]
R0
Safety Precaution:
To prevent burns from hot nichrome wire, I will wear gloves. [S]
Solution
Figure 1.10.1
In this experiment, I will:
• vary d and measure R (for each value of d). [P + P]
• keep current through the light source (lamp) constant; [P]
(so that its brightness, or the intensity of light emitted, remains constant)
• also keep temperature of the light-dependent resistor (LDR) constant. [D]
• also keep the orientation of the LDR, with respect to the lamp, constant. [D]
To collect and analyse the data, I will take the following steps:
1 Choose a dark room to perform the experiment so that there is no source of light other than that used on
purpose (i.e. lamp), as the resistance of LDR changes with intensity of light falling on it. [M + D]
2 Build the experimental setup as shown in Fig. 1.10.1. In the experimental setup:
• the purpose of using the independent lamp is to shine light on the LDR connected into a separate
circuit. [M]
• the purpose of using the metre rule fixed to the optical bench is to measure the distance d between the
lamp and LDR. [M]
• the purpose of using ohmmeter is to measure the resistance R of the LDR. [M]
• the purpose of using the ammeter is to check if the current through the lamp remains constant. [D]
• the purpose of using the variable power supply is to keep the current through the lamp constant. [D]
• the purpose of using the optical bench and sliding holders is to keep the orientation of the LDR, with
respect to the lamp, constant. [D]
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 25
3 Note the readings, on the metre rule, of the positions of the lamp and the LDR by looking from above, and
determine d by calculating the difference between the readings. [D]
When measuring d, I will avoid parallax error by keeping the eye in the right position as shown in Fig. 1.10.1.
[D]
4 Record the resistance R of the LDR from the ohmmeter. [M]
5 Change d by sliding the holder holding LDR.
6 Repeat the procedure from step 3 to 4, and thus obtain about 6 sets of results.
7 From the equation given in the question, it can be shown that:
lg R = n lg d + lg k [D]
From the above equation, it follows that the gradient and y-intercept of lg R vs. lg d graph are equal to ‘n’ and
‘lg k’ respectively.
8 Plot a graph of lg R against lg d. [A]
9 If the graph turns out to be straight-line, then the given relationship is correct. [A]
Safety Precaution:
To prevent burns from the hot lamp, I will wear gloves. [S]
Graph 3 marks
Conclusion 4 marks
Graph 2 marks
Conclusion 3 marks
*The remaining 5 marks are allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper to
paper.
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 61
In order to get an idea of the structure of question 2, first go through the complete Working
questions given in the exercise section.
Solution
1 T
gradient =
2 μ
Solution
gradient = 2gh
62 QUESTION 2: ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND EVALUATION
Solution
2
gradient = A k
Solution
hc
gradient =
e
−B
y-intercept =
e
where E is the e.m.f. of the cell, and P and R are the resistances of other
resistors connected into the circuit. A graph is plotted of V/E on the y-axis against
1/Q on the x-axis. Determine expressions for the gradient and the y-intercept in
terms of P and R. [1]
Solution
gradient = – R
−R
y-intercept =
P
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 63
m
2 lg = lg m – lg n
n
n
3 lg m = n lg m
4 lg 10 = 1
5 ln e = 1
(where ‘ln’ is the symbol of natural logarithm, and e = 2.718)
x
6 ln e = x ln e
=x
7 If:
lg m = n
then:
n
m = 10
8 If:
ln m = n
then:
n
m=e
9 If:
lg m = n
then:
1
lg = – n
m
Note: All above-stated identities hold true for natural logarithm as well.
Solution
gradient = b
y-intercept = lg a
64 QUESTION 2: ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND EVALUATION
Solution
gradient = – ρη
y-intercept = ln R0
2.4 Rules for Determining the Number of Significant Figures (s.f.) and Decimal Places (d.p.)
Example
If:
r = 422 × 10 m
6
then:
no. of s.f. in r = 3
Rule 1
no. of s.f. in a quantity (r) = no. of digits in the number part of its value (422 × 10 m)
6
Examples
(a) If:
V = 1.80 ± 0.05 V
then:
no. of s.f. in V = 3
(b) If:
T = 24 ± 4 s
then:
no. of s.f. in T = 2
(c) If:
T = 1420 ± 15 s
then:
no. of s.f. in T = 3 (if it is a calculated quantity)
Rules
2 In a quantity, stated with its absolute uncertainty (also known as the actual uncertainty), last s.f. is the one
that occupies the same decimal place (d.p.) as the first non-zero digit in its absolute uncertainty.
3 By definition of significant figures, the absolute uncertainty has only 1 s.f. (and it is always the first non-zero
digit from the left). So, when stating the absolute uncertainty of a calculated quantity, it is always a good
practice to round off it to the first non-zero digit (just to avoid confusion). For example, in the above example
(c), the absolute uncertainty in T could have been stated as ±20 s, instead of ±15 s. Although ±15 s is also
acceptable, but ±20 s is just more appropriate.
Note: The absolute uncertainty is preferably stated to 1 s.f. only. The percentage uncertainty should,
however, preferably be stated to 2 s.f., especially when the second digit is not zero (or does not remain as
zero when the value is rounded off to the first two digits). For example, if the percentage uncertainty is
calculated to be ±1.09%, then it should preferably be stated to 2 s.f. as ±1.1%.
(b) If:
M = 1.25 kg
then:
–1
1/ M = 0.8 = 0.800 kg
66 QUESTION 2: ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND EVALUATION
(c) If:
2 d2
d = 0.050 m, t = 0.0581 s, and v =
t2
then:
2 d 2 (0.050)2 2 –2
v = = = 0.740607 = 0.74 m s
t 2 (0.0581)2
Rule 4
no. of s.f. retained in the calculated quantity = least no. of s.f. in the raw data
Note: This rule is a bit flexible. The number of s.f. to be retained in the calculated quantity may be either equal to
or ‘one more’ than the least number of s.f. in the raw data, but it is usually preferable to keep the number of s.f. in
the calculated quantity the same as the least number of s.f in the raw data. For example:
(i) if the calculated quantity may be stated to 3 or 4 s.f., then it is preferable to use 3 s.f.;
(ii) if the calculated quantity may be stated to 2 or 3 s.f., then it is preferable to use 2 s.f.;
(iii) but if the calculated quantity may be stated to 1 or 2 s.f., then it is preferable to use 2 s.f.
then:
lg x = lg (422 × 10 ) = 8.62531 = 8.625
6
Rule 6
no. of d.p. in the calculated value of lg x = no. of s.f. in x
Note: This rule is also a bit flexible. The number of d.p. to be retained in the calculated value of lg x may be either
equal to or ‘one more’ than the number of s.f. in x, but it is usually preferable to keep the number of d.p. in the
calculated value of lg x the same as the number of s.f. in x.
Rules
1 The last digit to be retained in the value remains unchanged if the very next digit (to its right) is less than 5.
2 The last digit to be retained in the value is increased by 1 if the very next digit (to its right) is 5 or greater than
5.
Rules
3 The last digit to be retained in the value remains unchanged if the very next digit (to its right) is less than 5;
whereas all the digits to be dropped are replaced with zeros.
4 The last digit to be retained in the value is increased by 1 if the very next digit (to its right) is 5 or greater than
5; whereas all the digits to be dropped are replaced with zeros.
Solution Working
–1 2 2 –2
M / kg t/s (1/M) / kg v /m s Sample Question 2.9
0.75 0.046 ± 0.002 1.3 1.2 2 d2
v =
t2
1.25 0.058 ± 0.002 0.800 0.74
(0.050 m) 2
1.75 0.068 ± 0.002 0.571 0.54 =
(0.046 s) 2
2.25 0.078 ± 0.002 0.444 0.41
2 –2
= 1.18 m s
2.75 0.086 ± 0.002 0.364 0.34
2 –2
= 1.2 m s
3.25 0.092 ± 0.002 0.308 0.30
Solution
–2 –1
f / Hz L / 10 m (1/L) / m
256 54.5 ± 0.5 1.83
294 48.0 ± 0.5 2.08
330 42.5 ± 0.5 2.35
350 40.0 ± 0.5 2.50
396 35.5 ± 0.5 2.82
440 32.0 ± 0.5 3.13
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 69
Solution
R/Ω Ω
–3 –1
V/V (1 / R) / 10
150 14.4 ± 0.1 6.7
220 10.4 ± 0.1 4.5
330 7.4 ± 0.1 3.0
470 5.6 ± 0.1 2.1
680 4.4 ± 0.1 1.5
860 3.8 ± 0.1 1.2
Solution
6 –1
λ / 10 m
–9
V/V (1/λ) / 10 m
950 0.60 ± 0.05 1.05
875 0.70 ± 0.05 1.14
655 1.20 ± 0.05 1.53
560 1.55 ± 0.05 1.79
505 1.80 ± 0.05 1.98
430 2.25 ± 0.05 2.33
Solution
l / cm t/s T/s lg (l / cm) lg (T / s)
95.0 19.6 ± 0.2 1.96 1.978 0.292
85.0 18.4 ± 0.2 1.84 1.929 0.265
75.0 17.4 ± 0.2 1.74 1.875 0.241
65.0 16.2 ± 0.2 1.62 1.813 0.210
55.0 14.8 ± 0.2 1.48 1.740 0.170
45.0 13.4 ± 0.2 1.34 1.653 0.127
PAPER 5: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 71
Solution
6 3
r / 10 m T / 10 s lg (r / m) lg (T / s)
129 24 ± 4 8.111 4.38
181 42 ± 4 8.258 4.62
422 154 ± 8 8.625 5.188
671 304 ± 8 8.827 5.483
1070 590 ± 15 9.0294 5.771
1880 1420 ± 15 9.2742 6.152