MS Marking Scheme

Paper 1B for batch 2023-2025

Paper 3 for batch 2022-2024

Data Analysis
Questions
from pastpapers
2016-2023
 1HL_P3_23N_TZ1_TZ2_HL_Ms –4– 8823 – 6509M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a i smooth curve through all error bars ✔ Curve can start at t = 0.5 min or before.
1
Q1
1. a ii If candidates did not score in a) i) but showed a y-intercept, allow
17 (±1.5) «ºC» ✔ ECF from their graph.

1. b there are heat losses OR Do not accept any reference to thermal equilibrium, unless clearly
block radiates/loses thermal energy ✔ explained as the balance between energy coming in and out of the
block. 2
at a rate that equals the power of the heater ✔
1. c evidence of tangent line at t = 0 Ignore the sign.
OR
use of the curve in its initial part of up to 0.75 min ✔ For MP2, allow the use of any two points on the curve other than
the ones indicated above, for [1] max.
correct slope calculation ✔

2
 –5– 8823 – 6509M

1. d 52 = 0.85 x c x 4 ✔ Allow ECF from c)

Converts to seconds to get

c = «917.6 =» 920 «J kg-1 K-1» ✔ Allow [1] max for a calculation as in MP1 using a different but
consistent set of values, i.e., a T difference in the heating process
that corresponds to a thermal energy provided for that difference.
2

1. e i percentage uncertainty in c is 8 % ✔ Allow ECF from d) for MP1, if candidates did not use the rate of
= 73 « J kg−1 K −1 » ✔
∆c 917.6 × 0.08
= cooling, accepting either 8% or 4%.
2
Allow ECF from (d) for MP2.
Allow ECF from MP1.
1. e ii c = (9.2 ± 0.7) × 102 J kg−1 K −1 ✔ Accept 1 or 2 significant figures for c with a 1 s.f. uncertainty OR 3
s.f. for c with a 2 s.f. uncertainty, i.e., consistent expressions.
Allow ECF from d) and e) i).
Accept an alternative unit, e.g. in g or in ºC.
1
 –6– 8823 – 6509M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a there is background radiation present Award [1] for an explanation that suggests that other radioactive
elements of higher half-life could be present in the sample.
OR 1
Q2 there is a systematic error in the rate counter ✔
2. b realization that 2 «Bq» is the background activity ✔ Allow [2] max for a correct calculation of a half-life if MP1 is not
scored, range accepted 65 to 85.
calculation, reading or work on graph that shows
understanding of half-life ✔ Award MP2 for the correct use of any number of half-lives.
3
half-life = 70 (±5) «s» ✔ For MP3, accept answers in the range 65 «s» to 75 «s»
 2HL_P3_23M_TZ2_HL_Ms –4– M23/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a height «of drop» OR velocity «of ball» OR Allow reference to controlling spin on the ball
kinetic energy «of ball» OR
Do not accept bald temperature, mass, surface area or volume.
temperature/mass/radius/surface area/volume
Q3 of ball 
1
 –5– M23/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1. b refers to 2 non-adjacent points  Award full marks if more than two points used appropriately.
suitable calculation to analyze the Allow [2 max] if they use at least three points to show that two increments
proportionality  in force are not consistent with the corresponding increments in pressure
identifies variation/difference in calculated and therefore it is not a straight line.
values, «thus hypothesis not supported» 

3
 –6– M23/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1. c i kg2m4s−4 Award [0] if they convert to base units incorrectly.
N2m2 OR OR N3 Pa-1 
1

1. c ii point plotted at (40 kPa, 49x105 N3)  Allow for the point to be plotted from 46 to 56 x105 N3 at 40 kPa, as candidates
may calculate or may plot from a graphical analysis.
1

1. d i 15 % seen anywhere  MP1 is for the propagation of 5%. It can be shown differently, e.g. 3x5% Allow
«Δ(F3) =» 39.4 x 105 x 0.15= 5.9 x105  students to use 40 ×105 (from the graph).
±6 × 105  Award MP3 for any uncertainty rounded to 1 significant digit
Award [3] for a BCA.
3
Allow ECF from MP1 and MP2

1. d ii error bar drawn at 30 kPa from 34x105 to Allow ± half square on each side of the bar or one square overall (± 2x105)
46x105 N3 
Allow ECF from d(i).
1

1. d iii a «straight» line can be drawn that passes

through origin  1
 –7– M23/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a final temperature of equilibrium/water/cube OR mass of water/cube  Do not award mark if any additional incorrect
measurement is included
Q4 Accept temperature change if water or cube
1
specified

2. b smaller mass of cube OR hotter cube OR more mass of water OR colder Accept reference to repeating the experiment and
water OR more precise thermometer  taking mean values.
Accept any reasonable answer that increases 1
change in temperature of the cube.
Do not accept more accurate thermometer

2. c cube specific heat will be too large/increased value/overestimate 

additional «thermal» energy transferred
OR
2
temperature rise of water will be larger
OR
temperature drop of cube will be smaller 
 –3– N20/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

3HL_P3_20N_TZ2_HL_Ms

Section A
Q5
Question Answers Notes Total
1. a 1 MP1: Accept ‘linear’
«theory suggests» Pi-Po is proportional to ✓
R MP2 do not award if there is any contradiction 2
eg: graph not proportional, does not pass
through origin.
graph/line of best fit is straight/linear «so yes»
OR
graph/line of best fit passes through the origin «so yes» ✓

1 b i gradient = «4γ» = 0.10 MP1 allow gradients in range 0.098 to 0.102

OR MP2 allow a range 0.024 to 0.026 for 

2
use of equation with coordinates of a point✓

 = 0.025 ✓
1 b ii kg s–2 ✓ kg
Accept 1
s2
 –4– N20/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1 b iii straight line, gradient greater than line of best fit, and within the error
bars ✓

1
 –5– N20/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1 b iv «15% of 0.025» = 0.00375 Allow ECF from (b)(i)
OR
«15% of 0.030» = 0.0045 ✓ Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer

rounds uncertainty to 1sf 2

±0.004
OR
±0.005 ✓

1 b v Experimental value matches this/correct, as expected value within the

range ✓
OR 1

experimental value does not match/incorrect, as it is not within range ✓

 –6– N20/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a 1 OWTTE.
In order to draw a graph« of W versus »
T2
OR

Q6 to confirm proportionality between «W and T -2 »

OR 1

to confirm relationship between «W and T »

OR

because W is the independent variable in the experiment ✓

2 b ALTERNATIVE 1 MP2 awarded only with correct justification.

Candidates can gain zero, MP1 alone or full
42 mr
W + friction = marks.
T2
OR OWTTE
centripetal force is larger «than W» / W is smaller «than centripetal» ✓

2
«so» experimental mr is smaller «than calculated value» ✓

ALTERNATIVE 2 (refers to graph)

reference to «friction force is» a systematic error «and does not affect
gradient» ✓
«so» mr is the same ✓
 –7– N20/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2 c i mention of mean/average value «of T» ✓ Reference to “random errors average out”
scores MP1
Accept “closer to true value”, “more reliable
this reduces uncertainty in T / result value” OWTTE for MP2 2
OR
more accurate/precise ✓

2 c ii systematic errors «usually» constant/always present/not influenced by OWTTE

1
repetition ✓
 –4– N19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
4HL_P3_19N_TZ2_HL_Ms
Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a a straight line cannot be drawn through all error bars Do not allow “a line cannot be drawn through all error bars”
OR without specifying “straight”.
Q7 the graph/line of best fit is /curved/not straight/parabolic etc.
1
OR
graph has increasing/variable gradient ✔

1. b v = 1.15 « m s −1 » AND ∆ v = 0.05 « m s −1 » ✔ Accept 4 %

0.05
« = » 0.04 ✔
1.15
2

(continued…)
 –5– N19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

(Question 1 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

1. c use of 2 correct points on the line with ∆v 2 > 2 ✔
b in range 0.012 to 0.013 ✔
3
s 3 m −2 ✔

1. d = AND a min 2.095 « s » ± 0.001 « s » ✔

a max 2.101 « s » ± 0.001 « s » =
2
2.101 − 2.095
« = » 0.003 « s » ✔
2
 –6– N19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a i evidence of use of ρ = given gradient  wire area Check POT is correct.
OR
MP2 must be correct to exactly 3 s.f.
substitution of values from a single data point with wire area ✔ 2
Q8 2
 0.500 × 10 −3 
ρ=« 6.30 × π ×   = » 1.24 × 10 « Ω m » ✔
−6

 2 

2. a ii measurement should be performed at a constant temperature

OR
resistance of wire changes with temperature ✔

series resistance prevents the wire from overheating 3

OR
reduces power dissipated in the wire ✔

by reducing voltage across/current through the wire ✔

2. b ANY straight line going through the origin if extrapolated ✔

2
ANY straight line below existing line with smaller gradient ✔
 –4– M19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M
5HL_P3_19M_TZ2_HL_Ms
Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a ∆I is too small to be shown/seen

Q9 OR 1

Error bar of negligible size compared to error bar in V ✔

1. b evidence that ε can be determined from the y-intercept of the line of
best-fit or lines of min and max gradient ✔

states ε = 1.59 OR 1.60 OR 1.61 « V » ✔ 3

states uncertainty in ε is 0.02 « V » OR 0.03«V» ✔

1. c determine the gradient «of the line of best-fit» ✔

r is the negative of this gradient ✔

2
 –5– M19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a Any curve that passes through ALL the error bars ✔
1
Q10
2. b i kg–1 m–1 ✔ 1

2. b ii f 2 AND T
OR
f AND T
OR
1
log f AND log T
OR
ln f AND ln T ✔

2. b iii graph would be a straight line/constant gradient/linear ✔

passing through the origin ✔

2
 –6– M19/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

3. a ∆s ∆D
Evidence of AND used ✔
s D
Q11
«add fractional/% uncertainties»

obtains 11 % (or 0.11) OR 10 % (or 0.1) ✔ 2

3. b ALTERNATIVE 1: Do not accept answers which suggest using different

measure the combined width for several fringes apparatus.

OR
repeat measurements ✓

take the average

OR
so the «percentage» uncertainties are reduced ✓ 2

ALTERNATIVE 2:
increase D «hence s»
OR
Decrease d ✓

so the «percentage» uncertainties are reduced ✓

 6HL_P3_18N_TZ2_HL_Ms –3– N18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Section A
Question Answers Notes Total
1. a Accept other power of tens multiples
m ✔
3
2
3 1
Q12
3
of m 2 , eg: cm 2 .
1. b measured uncertainties «for one oscillation and for 20 oscillations» are the
same/similar/OWTTE
OR 2
% uncertainty is less for 20 oscillations than for one ✔
dividing «by 20» / finding mean reduces the random error ✔

(continued…)
 –4– N18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

(Question 1 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

1. c i Straight line touching at least 3 points drawn across the range ✔
It is not required to extend the line to
3.0 pass through the origin.

2.5

2.0

T/s 1.5
1
1.0

0.5

0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0

1. c ii 1 c
theory predicts proportional relation « T ∝ , slope
= Td
= = constant » ✔
d g
2
the graph is «straight» line through the origin ✔

(continued…)
 –5– N18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

(Question 1 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

1. d correctly determines gradient using points where ΔT≥1.5s Allow range 0.51 to 0.57.
OR
correctly selects a single data point with T≥1.5s ✔

manipulation with formula, any new and correct expression

to enable g to be determined ✔

Calculation of g ✔

With g in range 8.6 and 10.7 «m s-2» ✔

 –6– N18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a to provide a constant heating rate / power
OR 1
Q13 to have m proportional to t ✔
2. b due to heat losses «VIt is larger than heat into liquid» ✔
2
Lv calculated will be larger ✔
2. c heat losses will be similar / the same for both experiments
OR
heat loss presents systematic error ✔
taking the difference cancels/eliminates the effect of these 2
losses
OR
use a graph to eliminate the effect ✔
 –3– M18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M
7HL_P3_18M_TZ2_HL
Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a distance fallen 654 12 642 «mm» ✓ Accept answers in mm or m

Q14 2
absolute uncertainty 2 0.1 « mm » 2 10 3
« m » or 2.1 10 « m » or
3

2.0 10 «m» ✓
3

1. b 2s 2 0.642
«a » 9.744 « ms 2 » ✓
t2 0.3632

2 0.002 Accept working in % for MP2

fractional uncertainty in distance AND fractional uncertainty in time ✓
642 0.363 and MP3
s t
total fractional uncertainty 2 « 0.00311 2 0.00551» ✓
s t
4

total absolute uncertainty 0.1 or 0.14 AND same number of decimal places in value Final uncertainty must be the
and uncertainty, ie: 9.7 0.1 or 9.74 0.14 ✓ absolute uncertainty
 –4– M18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a combines the two equations to obtain result There are many ways to answer the
question, look for a combination of
1 4 two equations to obtain the third one
«for example K 2 (C x) 2 (C x)2 » ✓
Q15 I P
OR
1
1 2 2
reverse engineered solution – substitute K 2 into K (C x) to get
P I
P
I ✓
4 (C x )2

2. b i extrapolating line to cross x-axis / use of x-intercept Award [1 max] for negative answers
OR
y -intercept
Use C
gradient
2
OR
use of gradient and one point, correctly substituted in one of the formulae ✓
accept answers between 3.0 and 4.5 «cm» ✓

(continued…)
 –5– M18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

(Question 2 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

2. b ii ALTERNATIVE 1
Evidence of finding gradient using two points on the line at least 10 For 3rd marking point if no unit given, assume
cm apart ✓ answer is in W
Gradient found in range: 115–135 or 1.15–1.35 ✓
Award [3 max] for an answer between 6.9W and
9.5W (POT penalized in 3rd marking point)

Alternative 2 is worth [3 max]

4
Using P 2
to get value between 6.9 10 4 and 9.5 10 4 «W »
K
and POT correct ✓
Correct unit, W and answer to 1, 2 or 3 significant figures ✓
4

ALTERNATIVE 2
1
Finds I from use of one point (x and y) on the line with
y2
P
x 6cm and C from (b)(i) to use in I or
4 (C x )2
1
K x KC ✓
I
Correct re-arrangement to get P between 6.9 10 4 and
9.5 10 4 «W» and POT correct ✓
Correct unit, W and answer to 1, 2 or 3 significant figures ✓

(continued…)
 –6– M18/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

(Question 2 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

2. c this graph will be a curve / not be a straight line ✓ OWTTE

more difficult to determine value of K

OR 2
more difficult to determine value of C
OR
suitable mathematical argument ✓
 8HL_P3_17N_TZ2_HL_Ms –3– N17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a single smooth curve passing through all data points  Do not accept straight lines joining the dots

Q16 Curve must touch some part of every x 1

1. b i tangent drawn at 80 °C 
gradient values separated by minimum of 20 °C  Do not accept tangent unless “ruler” straight.
Tangent line must be touching the curve drawn for MP1 to be
awarded. 3

9.0 × 10−4 « kJ kg−1 K −2 »  Accept values between 7.0 × 10 −4 and 10 × 10 −4 .

Accept working in J, giving 0.7 to 1.0
1. b ii kJ kg−1 K −2 

1. c i « 0.1× 4.198 × 10 =
» 4.198 « kJ » or 4198 « J »  Accept values between 4.19 and 4.21 1
1. c ii percentage uncertainty in ∆T = 10%  Allow fractional uncertainties in MP1 and MP2
Watch for ECF from (c)(i)
« 2% + 5% + 10% =
» 17% 
Watch for ECF from MP1
absolute uncertainty = « 0.17 × 4.198 = » 0.7 « kJ » therefore Watch for ECF from MP2 3
2 sig figs Do not accept an answer without justification
OR
absolute uncertainty to more than 1 sig fig and consistent
final answer 
 –4– N17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a ε IR + Ir »
«= No mark for stating data booklet equation

1 R r Do not accept working where r is ignored or ε = I R is used

= + 
I ε ε
Q17 2
identifies equation with=
y mx + c  OWTTE

1
« hence m = »
ε
2. b «−» r  Allow answer in words 1

3. a «to reduce» random errors  OWTTE

Q18 to reduce absolute uncertainty  Do not accept just “to find an average” or just “reduce error”
Ignore any mention to accuracy
1 max
to improve precision 
3. b as the literature value is within the range « 9.7 − 11.1»  OWTTE
2
hence it is accurate  MP2 must be correctly justified
 9HL_P3_17M_TZ2_HL_Ms –3– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a it is not possible to draw a straight line through all the Treat as neutral any reference to the origin.
error bars
Allow “linear” for “straight line”.
Q19 OR 1
the line of best-fit is curved/not a straight line 

b i d  0.35  0.01 AND d  0.05  0.01 « cm »  Allow final answers in the range of 0.11 to 0.18.

d 0.05 Allow [1 max] for 0.03 to 0.04 if  5 10 6 m is used.

«  »  0.14
d 0.35 2
OR
1
or 14 % or 0.1 
7
b ii 28 to 30 %  Allow ECF from (b)(i), but only accept answer as a % 1
c i a: m2  Allow answers in words
2
b: m 

(continued…)
 –4– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

(Question 1 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

c ii ALTERNATIVE 1 – if graph on page 4 is used For MP1 accept answers in range of 0.020 to 0.060 « cm 2 » if
they fail to use given value of “a”.
d 2  0.040  10  4 « m 2 » 
For MP2 accept answers in range 0.14 to 0.25 « cm » .
d  0.20  10 2 « m » 
2
ALTERNATIVE 2 – if graph on page 2 is used
any evidence that d intercept has been determined 
d  0.20  0.05 « cm » 
 –5– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2. a correct labelling of both instruments 

Q20
1

b V  E  Ir  For MP1 – do not award if only R 

V
is used.
I
large triangle to find gradient and correct read-offs
from the line For MP2 points at least 1A apart must be used.

OR For MP3 accept final answers in the range of 0.55  to 0.65  . 3

use of intercept E  1.5 V and another correct data
point 

internal resistance  0.60  

(continued…)
 –6– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ2/XX/M

(Question 2 continued)

Question Answers Notes Total

c i a non-zero reading when a zero reading is expected/no current is OWTTE
flowing
Do not accept just “systematic error”.
1
OR
a calibration error 
c ii the error causes «all» measurements to be high/different/incorrect  Award [1 max] for statement of “no effect” without
valid argument.
effect on calculations/gradient will cancel out OWTTE 2
OR
effect is that value for r is unchanged 
 10HL_P3_17M_TZ1_HL_Ms –3– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ1/XX/M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1 a in order to keep the temperature constant  Accept answers in terms of
in order to allow the system to reach thermal equilibrium with the surroundings/OWTTE  pressure or volume changes
Q21 only if clearly related to
reaching thermal equilibrium
1 max

with the surroundings.

b recognizes b as gradient  Award [2 max] if POT error
in b.
calculates b in range 4.7 × 10 4 to 5.3 × 10 4  3
Allow any correct SI unit, eg
Pa m  kg s-2.
c 1
V ∝ H thus ideal gas law gives p ∝ 
H 2
so graph should be «a straight line through origin,» as observed 
d bA Answer must be to 1 or 2 SF.
n= OR correct substitution of one point from the graph 
RT Award [2] for a bald correct
−3 answer. 2
5 × 10 × 1.3 × 10
4
=n = 0.026 ≈ 0.03  Allow ECF from (b).
8.31× 300
 –4– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ1/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1 e 1
very large means very small volumes / very high pressures 
H
at very small volumes the ideal gas does not apply
2
OR
at very small volumes some of the assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases do not hold 
 –5– M17/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ1/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2 a 4π2 × 1.60 For the first marking point
=g = 9.7907  answer must be given to at
2.5402
least 2 dp.

Q22
Accept calculations based on
∆L ∆T  0.01 0.005 
∆= + 2× = ) «9.7907 ×  + 2× = » 0.0997
2.540 
g g(
L T  1.60 gmax = 9.8908
3
OR gmin = 9.6913 .
gmax − gmin
1.0 %  = 0.099 ≈ 0.1
2

g (9.8 ± 0.1) «ms−2 » OR ∆g =

hence= 0.1 «m s−2 » 

b T Accept answer from interval

= 1.01  20 to 24.
T0
2
θmax = 22 « » 
 11HL_P3_16N_TZ2_HL_Ms –5– N16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1. a i OY always smaller than OX AND uncertainties are the same/0.1
1
Q23
0.1 0.1
« so fraction > »
OY OX

a ii 0.1 0.1 Watch for correct answer even if calculation continues to

AND  the absolute uncertainty.
1.3 1.8 2
= 0.13 OR 13 % 

b i total length of bar = 0.2 cm  Accept correct error bar in one of the points: OX = 1.8 cm
OR OY = 5.8 cm (which is not a measured point but is a
point on the interpolated line) OR OX = 5.8 cm.
1
Ignore error bar of OX.
Allow range from 0.2 to 0.3 cm, by eye.

b ii suitable line drawn extending at least up to 6 cm If using one value of OX and OY from the graph for any
of the first three data points award [2 max].
OR
Award [3] for correct value for each of the
gradient calculated using two out of the first three data points 
three data points and average. 3

inverse of gradient used  If gradient used, award [1 max].

value between 1.30 and 1.60 

 –6– N16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

b iii OX
«the equation n = » involves a tan approximation/is true only for small θ «when sinθ = tanθ»
OY

OWTTE 1
OR
OX
«the equation n = » uses OI instead of the hypotenuse of the ∆ IOX or IOY 
OY

2. a kg m −1 s −2 K –1  1

Q24 b i any straight line that either goes or would go, if extended, through the origin  1

b ii for ideal gas p is proportional to T / P= nRT/V 

gradient is constant /graph is a straight line  2max
line passes through origin / 0,0 
 –7– N16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

3. a i 18 «s»  Allow answer in the range of 17 «s» to 19 «s».
1
Ignore wrong unit.

a ii 36 «s»  Allow answer in the range of 35 «s» to 37 «s». 1

Q25 b radioactive/nuclear decay Accept any relevant situation, eg: critically damping, approaching
terminal velocity.
OR
capacitor discharge 1
OR
cooling 
 12HL_P3_16M_TZ2_HL_Ms –4– M16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Section A

Question Answers Notes Total

1 a smooth curve passing through all error bars 

Q26

b=x 2.5 « cm » ± 0.2 cm AND

= ∆ x 0.5 cm ± 0.1 cm  Accept correctly calculated
value from interval 15 % to
0.5 2
« = » 20 %  25 %.
2.5
 –5– M16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1 c i plotted point (0.07, 9.0) as shown  Allow any point within the
grey square. The error bar is
not required.

1
 –6– M16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

1 c ii ALTERNATIVE 1 Do not allow ECF from MP1
to MP2.
t from 0.025 s to 0.04 s 
–1 –1 –1

giving t from 25 to 40 

2
ALTERNATIVE 2
the data do not support the hypothesis 
any relevant support for the suggestion, eg straight line cannot be fitted through the error
bars and the origin 
 –7– M16/4/PHYSI/HP3/ENG/TZ0/XX/M

Question Answers Notes Total

2 a i refractive index = 1.5  Both correct value and 2SF
required for [1]. 1

a ii 0.04 0.04 Accept correct calculation

Q27 fractional uncertainty x3 − x=
1 = 0.035 AND x3 − x=
1.15
2 = 0.053 
0.76 using maximum and
minimum values giving the 3
sum of fractional uncertainty = 0.088  same answer.
«uncertainty = their RI × 0.088» = 0.1 

b i systematic error  Accept “zero error/offset”. 1

b ii calculated refractive index is unchanged  Accept calculation of

because both numerator and denominator are unchanged 
refractive index with 0.05 2
subtracted to each x value.

c numerator and denominator will be 10 times larger so refractive index is unchanged  “Constant material” is not
enough for MP1. 2
relative/absolute uncertainty will be smaller 