Data Analysis Qs [81 marks]

IMPORTANT. Note that for data analysis questions, very often the physics will be foreign to you. Do not be put off. You can still
do the question. You just have to deal with the data as it is presented.
1. [Maximum mark: 9] 18M.3.SL.TZ1.1
A magnetized needle is oscillating on a string about a vertical axis in a horizontal magneticfield B. The time for 10
oscillations is recorded for different values of B.

The graph shows the variation with B of the time for 10 oscillations together with the uncertainties in the time
measurements. The uncertainty in B is negligible.

(a) Draw on the graph the line of best fit for the data. [1]

(b.i) Write down the time taken for one oscillation when B = 0.005 T with its absolute uncertainty. [1]

(b.ii) A student forms a hypothesis that the period of one oscillation P is given by:

K
P =
√B

where K is a constant.

Determine the value of K using the point for which B = 0.005 T.

 State the uncertainty in K to an appropriate number of significant figures. [3]

(b.iii) State the unit of K. [1]

(c) The student plots a graph to show how P2 varies with 1

for the data.
B

Sketch the shape of the expected line of best fit on the axes below assuming that the
relationship P is verified. You do not have to put numbers on the axes.
K
=
√B

[2]

(d) State how the value of K can be obtained from the graph. [1]
2. [Maximum mark: 6] 18M.3.SL.TZ2.1
To determine the acceleration due to gravity, a small metal sphere is dropped from rest and the time it takes to fall
through a known distance and open a trapdoor is measured.

The following data are available.

Diameter of metal sphere = 12.0 ± 0.1 mm

Distance between the point of release and the trapdoor = 654 ± 2 mm

Measured time f or f all = 0.363 ± 0.002 s

(a) Determine the distance fallen, in m, by the centre of mass of the sphere including an estimate of
the absolute uncertainty in your answer. [2]

(b) Using the following equation

2 × distance f allen by centre of mass of sphere

acceleration due to gravity =
2
(measured time to f all)

calculate, for these data, the acceleration due to gravity including an estimate of the absolute
uncertainty in your answer. [4]
3. [Maximum mark: 9] 18M.3.SL.TZ2.2
A student carries out an experiment to determine the variation of intensity of the light with distance from a point
light source. The light source is at the centre of a transparent spherical cover of radius C. The student measures the
distance x from the surface of the cover to a sensor that measures the intensity I of the light.

The light source emits radiation with a constant power P and all of this radiation is transmitted through the cover.
The relationship between I and x is given by

P
I =
2
4π(C + x)

(a) This relationship can also be written as follows.

1
= Kx + KC
√I

Show that K = 2√
π

P
. [1]

The student obtains a set of data and uses this to plot a graph of the variation of 1
with x.
√I
(b.i) Estimate C. [2]

(b.ii) Determine P, to the correct number of significant figures including its unit. [4]

(c) Explain the disadvantage that a graph of I versus

1
2
has for the analysis in (b)(i) and (b)(ii). [2]
x
4. [Maximum mark: 9] 19M.3.SL.TZ1.1
In an experiment to measure the acceleration of free fall a student ties two different blocks of masses m1 and m2 to
the ends of a string that passes over a frictionless pulley.

The student calculates the acceleration a of the blocks by measuring the time taken by the heavier mass to fall
m1−m2
through a given distance. Their theory predicts that a = g
m1+m2
and this can be re-arranged to give
m1+m2
g = a
m1−m2
.

In a particular experiment the student calculates that a = (0.204 ±0.002) ms–2 using m1 = (0.125 ±0.001) kg and m2 =
(0.120 ±0.001) kg.

(a.i) Calculate the percentage error in the measured value of g. [3]

(a.ii) Deduce the value of g and its absolute uncertainty for this experiment. [2]

(b.i) There is an advantage and a disadvantage in using two masses that are almost equal.

State and explain the advantage with reference to the magnitude of the acceleration that is
obtained. [2]

(b.ii) There is an advantage and a disadvantage in using two masses that are almost equal.

State and explain the disadvantage with reference to your answer to (a)(ii). [2]
5. [Maximum mark: 9] 19M.3.SL.TZ1.2
In an investigation a student folds paper into cylinders of the same diameter D but different heights. Beginning
with the shortest cylinder they applied the same fixed load to each of the cylinders one by one. They recorded the
height H of the first cylinder to collapse.

They then repeat this process with cylinders of different diameters.

The graph shows the data plotted by the student and the line of best fit.

Theory predicts that H = cD where c is a constant.

3

(a) Suggest why the student’s data supports the theoretical prediction. [2]

(b) Determine c. State an appropriate unit for c. [3]

(b) Determine c. State an appropriate unit for c. [3]

 (c) Identify one factor that determines the value of c. [1]

6. [Maximum mark: 4] 19M.3.SL.TZ2.3

A student uses a Young’s double-slit apparatus to determine the wavelength of light emitted by a
monochromatic source. A portion of the interference pattern is observed on a screen.

The distance D from the double slits to the screen is measured using a ruler with a smallest scale division of 1 mm.

The fringe separation s is measured with uncertainty ± 0.1 mm.

The slit separation d has negligible uncertainty.

The wavelength is calculated using the relationship λ =

sd

D
.

(a) When d = 0.200 mm, s = 0.9 mm and D = 280 mm, determine the percentage uncertainty in the
wavelength. [2]

(b) Explain how the student could use this apparatus to obtain a more reliable value for λ. [2]
7. [Maximum mark: 6] 19M.3.SL.TZ2.1
A student investigates the electromotive force (emf ) ε and internal resistance r of a cell.

The current I and the terminal potential difference V are measured.

For this circuit V = ε - Ir .

The table shows the data collected by the student. The uncertainties for each measurement
are shown.

The graph shows the data plotted.

(a) The student has plotted error bars for the potential difference. Outline why no error bars are
shown for the current. [1]

(b) Determine, using the graph, the emf of the cell including the uncertainty for this value. Give
your answer to the correct number of significant figures. [3]

(c) Outline, without calculation, how the internal resistance can be determined from this graph. [2]
8. [Maximum mark: 5] 19M.3.SL.TZ2.2
An experiment is conducted to determine how the fundamental frequency f of a vibrating wire varies with the
tension T in the wire.

The data are shown in the graph, the uncertainty in the tension is not shown.

(a) Draw the line of best fit for the data. [1]

It is proposed that the frequency of oscillation is given by f2 = kT where k is a constant.

(bi) Determine the fundamental SI unit for k. [1]

(bii) Write down a pair of quantities that, when plotted, enable the relationship f2 = kT to be verified. [1]

(biii) Describe the key features of the graph in (b)(ii) if it is to support this relationship. [2]
9. [Maximum mark: 5] 18N.3.SL.TZ0.2
In an experiment to measure the specific latent heat of vaporization of water Lv, a student uses an electric heater
to boil water. A mass m of water vaporizes during time t. Lv may be calculated using the relation

V It
Lv =
m

where V is the voltage applied to the heater and I the current through it.

(a) Outline why, during the experiment, V and I should be kept constant. [1]

(b) Outline whether the value of Lv calculated in this experiment is expected to be larger or smaller
than the actual value. [2]

(c) A student suggests that to get a more accurate value of Lv the experiment should be performed
twice using different heating rates. With voltage and current V1, I1 the mass of water that
vaporized in time t is m1. With voltage and current V2, I2 the mass of water that vaporized in time t
is m2. The student now uses the expression

(V1I1 − V2I2)t
Lv =
m1 − m2

to calculate Lv. Suggest, by reference to heat losses, why this is an improvement. [2]
10. [Maximum mark: 10] 18N.3.SL.TZ0.1
In an investigation to measure the acceleration of free fall a rod is suspended horizontally by two vertical strings
of equal length. The strings are a distance d apart.

When the rod is displaced by a small angle and then released, simple harmonic oscillations take place in a
horizontal plane.

The theoretical prediction for the period of oscillation T is given by the following equation
c
T =
d√ g

where c is a known numerical constant.

(a) State the unit of c. [1]

(b) A student records the time for 20 oscillations of the rod. Explain how this procedure leads to a
more precise measurement of the time for one oscillation T. [2]

In one experiment d was varied. The graph shows the plotted values of T against 1

d
. Error bars are negligibly small.

(c.i) Draw the line of best fit for these data. [1]
(c.ii) Suggest whether the data are consistent with the theoretical prediction. [2]

(d) The numerical value of the constant c in SI units is 1.67. Determine g, using the graph. [4]
11. [Maximum mark: 9] 18M.3.SL.TZ1.1
A magnetized needle is oscillating on a string about a vertical axis in a horizontal magneticfield B. The time for 10
oscillations is recorded for different values of B.

The graph shows the variation with B of the time for 10 oscillations together with the uncertainties in the time
measurements. The uncertainty in B is negligible.

(a) Draw on the graph the line of best fit for the data. [1]

(b.i) Write down the time taken for one oscillation when B = 0.005 T with its absolute uncertainty. [1]

(b.ii) A student forms a hypothesis that the period of one oscillation P is given by:

K
P =
√B

where K is a constant.

Determine the value of K using the point for which B = 0.005 T.

 State the uncertainty in K to an appropriate number of significant figures. [3]

(b.iii) State the unit of K. [1]

(c) The student plots a graph to show how P2 varies with 1

for the data.
B

Sketch the shape of the expected line of best fit on the axes below assuming that the
relationship P is verified. You do not have to put numbers on the axes.
K
=
√B

[2]

(d) State how the value of K can be obtained from the graph. [1]

© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2023