Cambridge International

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level

Physics 9702 – P3

Dr. Muhammad Usman

BCP Margalla campus
Islamabad
 P3 - Advanced Practical Skills
Paper format:
There are two questions in each paper. Each question should take one hour as
both questions are of 20 marks.

Question number 1:
• It requires candidate to collect data, plot a graph and draw simple
conclusions.

Question number 2:
• No graph will be required. It will require candidates to follow an inaccurate
method, take several readings and then evaluate the results.
• It requires candidates to identify the problems faced in experiment and
suggest improvements that can be made.

Note:
• The two questions will be set in different areas of physics.
• No prior knowledge of the theory will be required.

2
 Assessment
Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
certification take Papers 3

3
 Question 1
Physical Quantity
Numerical values + Units
Physical Quantity Measurement
𝑎 = (𝑎 ± ∆𝑎) 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
Where ∆𝑎 is the absolute uncertainty.
For analogue Instruments
Single point measurement.
∆𝑎 = ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑎 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡

𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ± ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑎 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡

Examples: Temperature, (Mass, current, voltage) using analogue meter.
For two point measurements (e.g. Length measurement)
𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ± 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑈𝑠𝑒𝑑
Examples: Length or displacement: using Meter rule, Vernier calipers, and Micrometer
screw gauge.
∆𝑎 = 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑈𝑠𝑒𝑑
For repeated measurements
∆𝑎 = 𝐻𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎
𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛
∆𝑎 =
2
 Question 1
Least Counts of Instruments
• Meter rule:
1 mm = 0.1 cm = 0.001 m
• Vernier Caliper:
0.1 mm or 0.05 mm
• Micrometer Screw Gauge:
0.01 mm
• Protractor:
1 degrees or 0.5 degrees
• Thermometer:
1 C
• Digital Stop watch:
0.01 s
Note: Time should report up to 1 decimal place (due to Human
reaction time)
 Repeated Readings
In some cases, you have to measure something and judging by the space provided you
have to show the evidence that you have taken repeated readings and averaged them
out.
Example: You have to measure the diameter of a sample of wire, so using the
micrometer screw gauge take 3 readings in three different parts along the length of
the wire and show:
𝑑1 , 𝑑2 , 𝑑3 (with correct precision or decimal places and Unit)
and report the average value calculated
𝑑1 + 𝑑2 + 𝑑3
𝑑=
3
The uncertainty in d is
𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑛
∆𝑑 =
2
Also remember to add appropriate units along with the individual readings you
measure.
𝑑 = 𝑑 ± ∆𝑑 𝑚𝑚
 Range and distribution
Largest possible range is required.
Point distribution should be equally spaced
• It means that for example if you have to measure length (L) from 0-100
cm, so we must take highest range while keeping the difference constant
and getting 6 set of readings.
• The difference you can take here is 15, so the readings of L you’ll take will
be: 15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm, 60 cm, 75 cm, 90 cm. These values of L you have
cover almost the whole range of values possible from minimum to
maximum.
• Same applies if you have set of resistors and you are asked to make
different combinations of resistors to yield different values of resistances
– Minimum number of resistors to Maximum number of resistors if varying the
number of resistors between the points.
– The values of resistance must cover the whole possible range, like from
minimum to maximum value possible (here keeping the difference between
individual values of resistance for different combinations common is not
necessary!)
 Quality of data
In a nutshell this one mark is for how close your readings are
to the readings of supervisor.
• Do your readings have the points which make them look
actual readings instead of made-up readings such as:
i. Scatter of points about the graph, due to random error
the points will never lie on a straight line
ii. The trend (in the data or graph) is correct like dependent
variable increasing with increasing independent variable
and so on.
• You will get accuracy marks if you actually write the values
which are there on the equipment instead of making your
own and if you did the experiment as accurately as
supervisor.
 Table
• Layout:
You will draw one single table with headings.
Each heading will have the symbol of quantity with its
standard units after slash (Symbol / Units) such as
“L / m” for length in meters.
Writing “L m” is not accepted.

• Raw data
The data must be reported up to, to the same precision.
All the raw readings of a particular quantity should be
recorded to the same number of decimal places which
should in turn be consistent with the precision of the
measuring instrument.
 Table
Calculated quantities
• For example, you record the values for time period using the stop watch.
Then the question asks you to include the values of T2 in your table. That
T2 is calculated from T.
• To record the time period, we measure the t for 10 oscillations 3 times.
• Then we average the time for 10 oscillations and calculate the uncertainty
in average time.
• The period was calculated using the value of average time (say in 3 S.F.).
• T was given to 3 s.f., then the calculated form (T2) must have same number
of s.f., i.e. 3 s.f.
• These number of significant figures for calculated quantity should be kept
same as of Raw data, kept same throughout the column for that quantity.

• However, if you are to calculate resistance from p.d and current, and the
p.d. was up to 2 significant figures while current was up to 3 significant
figures. Then the number of s.f. in the calculated quantity must be equal
to the least number of s.f. used in the calculation. Therefore, the
resistance calculated can only be given to either 2 s.f.
 𝟕𝟔. 𝟎 ± 𝟎. 𝟏 𝒄𝒎

𝟐𝟓. 𝟎 ± 𝟎. 𝟏 𝒄𝒎
𝒕𝟏 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟑 𝒔 𝒕
𝒕𝟐 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟑 𝒔 𝑻=
𝟏𝟎
𝒕𝟑 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟔 𝒔
𝟏𝟒. 𝟑 + 𝟏𝟒. 𝟑 + 𝟏𝟒. 𝟔 𝟏𝟒. 𝟒 ± 𝟎. 𝟐
𝒕𝒂𝒗𝒈 = = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟒𝒔 𝑻=
𝟑 𝟏𝟎
𝟏𝟒. 𝟔 − 𝟏𝟒. 𝟑
∆𝒕𝒂𝒗𝒈 = = 𝟎. 𝟐𝒔
𝟐 𝟏. 𝟒𝟒 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟒 ± 𝟎. 𝟐 𝒔
 Convention (Symbol / Unit)
• To label the table column and Graph axes we use the convention
Symbol / Unit
where
Symbol: Symbol for the physical quantity
Unit : Symbol of Unit of that physical quantity
Example: Time period T we will label the column as
T/s
Where T is the symbol for Time period and s is the symbol for unit
second.

Note: Just label the column heading, never write the units inside the
able with numerical values.
 Table
Raw Data Calculated Data
Time for 10 Oscillations
x / cm T/s T2/s2
t1/s t2 /s t3/s tavg /s
5.0 16.8 16.9 17.0 16.9 1.69 2.85

15.0 15.6 15.6 15.8 15.7 1.57 2.46

25.0 14.3 14.3 14.6 14.4 1.44 2.07

35.0 12.8 12.6 12.8 12.7 1.27 1.61

50.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.2 1.02 1.04

65.0 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.90 0.690 0.470

Significant Figure same as in the RAW data

or 1 more significant figure.
Same number of decimal places in a
Same number of significant figure in a
column
column (e.g. The “0” in red are one plus S.F in
calculated data in the last row)
 Graph
Layout:
• The axes must be labeled with their appropriate Symbol / units (same as
the headings of table).
• The scale must not be odd such as each 1 big box = 3 N. Appropriate scales
are 1,2 and 5 units = 1 box.
• Scale must be chosen to give at least 50% of the graph in both of x- & y-
directions.
• On the graph grid provided, there are about 8 big boxes horizontally & 12
big boxes vertically (when the paper is viewed in portrait form). Therefore,
the graph you draw must cover ATLEAST 4 boxes horizontally and 6 boxes
vertically – appropriate scales must be chosen to ensure this.
• The line drawn must be extended beyond the points to occupy full graph.
• False origin should be used if the values start far away from the origin.
• The numerical labels must be regularly spaced.
• Scale markings should be no more than three large squares apart so to be
on the safe side label all big box marks.
 Graph
Plotting:

• All points must be plotted accurately so

they are not more than 1mm away from
where they must be plotted (slight
offsetting is pardoned).

• The point must be plotted sharply. If the

points are not visible due to sharp lead
then cross them or encircle them.

• Personally, I recommend using small

crosses instead of dots (points), because
blobs (points with diameter greater than
0.5 small square) are not accepted.

• Otherwise, if you find it easy to work with

dots, use them, but make sure they are not
blobs.
 Graph
Trend:
• The graph is a straight line. But it is not possible that all points lie on
the line.
Best Fit Line:
“LINE PASSING, NEAREST TO MAXIMUM NUMBER OF POINTS”
• A best-fit line has to be drawn. Most people don’t get the idea of
best-fit line. By best-fit we mean ‘average of all points‘ line.
• There must be even distribution of points above and below the
line. The scattering of points around the line is due to random
errors.
• Best fit line must have the balance of at least 5 points which
means you can ignore any one point which does not fit into a trend.
• There must be an even distribution of points either side of the line
along the full length, as we can call the best fit line ‘Insaaf Wali
Line’ in Urdu, which means line doing fair treatment to all the
points. So the vector displacement of the points from the line
should cancel out to zero .
Best Fit Line on Graph
 Graph
Trend:
• Lines must not be kinked.
• Lines thicker than half a small square are not
accepted so I recommend a sharp lead pencil and
a transparent ruler for this job.
• All points in the table (minimum 5) must be
plotted for this mark to be scored.
• When finding gradient from the line draw the
triangle with the hypotenuse at least 70% of the
graph. Label the points with their coordinates.
 Analysis conclusion and evaluation
Finding gradient and y-intercept:
Finding gradient
The linear line can be written in equation as:
𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒄
y is dependent variable, x independent
variable, c is point where line touches y-axis
at x = 0, (a constant), and m is gradient of
graph.
• To find gradient. From your points
[(x1,y1) and (x2,y2)] which you found by
drawing triangle on the line, you can find
gradient by this equation:
𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
Note:
Both read-offs must be accurate to half a small square and sensibly quoted on the
graph and in the calculations as well.
 Graph
From best fit line
𝑥1 , 𝑦1 = (10, 2.65) and
𝑥2 , 𝑦2 = (60.4, 0.50)

𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1

0.50 − 2.65 𝑠 2
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
60.4 − 10.0 𝑐𝑚

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 = −𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟐𝟕𝒔𝟐 𝒄𝒎−𝟏

 Analysis conclusion and evaluation
Finding the Intercept:
Either: Check correct read-off from a point (x,y) on the line,
then a calculation follows which requires you to substitute the
values obtained in previous calculation of gradient.
• Substitution into
𝑐 = 𝑦 − 𝑚𝑥
𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 𝑦 − 𝑚𝑥
Read-off must be accurate to half a small square.

Or: If x-axis is start from 0, correct read-off from a point on

the line at x=0 gives the value of y-intercept.
• A method mark and a accuracy mark for the new calculated
value.
 Graph
From best fit line
𝑥, 𝑦 = 60.4, 0.50

𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 𝑦 − 𝑚𝑥

𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 0.50 − (−0.0427 × 60.4)

𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 = 𝟑. 𝟎𝟖𝒔𝟐

Note:
If x-axis start from zero, then
read out the value of y intercept
from graph if possible.
 Analysis conclusion and evaluation
Conclusion:
Compare the given Equation e.g.
𝒚 = 𝑨𝒙 + 𝑩
with the line Equation
𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒄
to find the expression for gradient and y-intercept.

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 = 𝑨
𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 = 𝑩

“Find the values of A and B using the

values of gradient and y-intercept”
Calculate the quantities you ask to calculate.
Re-arrange the given equation
𝑇 2 = −𝐵𝑥 + 𝐴
Compare with
𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒄
This implies that
𝒚 = 𝑇 2 and 𝑥 = 𝑥
The equation for the gradient and y-intercepts are
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = −𝐵
⟹ 𝐵 = −𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑩 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟐𝟕𝒔𝟐 𝒄𝒎−𝟏
𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 𝐴 = 𝟑. 𝟎𝟖 𝒔𝟐
𝐴 3.08𝒔𝟐 −𝟏
= = 𝟕𝟐. 𝟏 𝒄𝒎 𝟕𝟐. 𝟏 𝒄𝒎−𝟏
𝐵 0.0427𝒔𝟐 𝒄𝒎−𝟏
 Question 2
This question is more accurately described as an ‘error-
question’
– meaning that this question depends on how accurately you
work, and in case your accuracy is compromised, how can you
improve the experiment to avoid it.

Throughout this question you should think:

• Why I am feeling that this is difficult?
• What is the problem with this experiment?
• How can I modify it to take better readings?

This critical thinking is very important to do the last part of

this question, but the observations are made while doing
experiment and setting up the apparatus.
 Question 2
• This question usually has something ‘vulnerable’
to error to be measured so in this case a repeated
reading is required.

• Same as the method described in question 1, take

several readings (2-3 readings would be enough)
and take their average.

• Keep in mind! A consistent unit must be quoted

with the appropriate number of significant
figures.
 Question 2
• After measurements follow the calculations for finding out the
uncertainty in the readings
or
• calculating another value using a given formula by putting in the
measure values.

Usually the absolute uncertainty is the least count of the device

• But in Q2, for most of the cases it is greater –
For example, the least count of a digital stop watch is 0.01s, but it will
not make sense if you quote the absolute uncertainty to be 0.01 s
because human error is quite large here; therefore, you must write a
sensible value
In most of the cases 0.2s to 0.5s
– but once again it totally depends on the experiment. As a certain
answer you can just put it to be 0.2 s.
 Types of Uncertainty
𝒂 = 𝒂 ± ∆𝒂 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕
• Absolute Uncertainty ∆𝒂
The value of uncertainty reported with the measured quantity in same units, is the absolute
uncertainty.
Example: 𝑎 = 8.0 ± 0.1 𝑐𝑚
∆𝒂 = ± 𝟎. 𝟏 𝒄𝒎
∆𝒂
• Fractional/Relative Uncertainty 𝒂
𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 ∆𝒂
𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 = 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆
= 𝒂
Example: 𝑎 = 8.0 ± 0.1 𝑐𝑚
∆𝒂 𝟎.𝟏
𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 = 𝒂
= 𝟖.𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏 (0.0125 from calculator)
• Percentage Uncertainty
𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 ∆𝒂
𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝒂
Example: 𝑎 = 8.0 ± 0.1 𝑐𝑚
∆𝒂 𝟎. 𝟏
𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟏 %
𝒂 𝟖. 𝟎

32
 In case of Repeated Measurements
Repeated measurements allow you to not only obtain a better idea of the actual
value, but also enable you to characterize the uncertainty of your measurement.
The value obtained from a particular measurement is x. The measurement is
repeated N times. Oftentimes in lab N is small, usually no more than 5 to 10. In this
case we use the formulae below:
Average Value (xavg): The average of all values of x (the “best” value of x)
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑥3 + … … … … … . +𝑥𝑁
𝑥𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
𝑁
Range R: The “spread” of the data set. This is the difference between the maximum
and minimum values of x.
𝑅 = 𝑥𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑥𝑚𝑖𝑛
Uncertainty in the measurement (∆x): Uncertainty in a single measurement of x. You
determine this uncertainty by making multiple measurements. You know from your
data that x lies somewhere between xmax and xmin
𝑅 𝑥𝑚𝑎𝑥 −𝑥𝑚𝑖𝑛
∆𝑥 = =
2 2

33
 In case of Repeated Measurements
Example: Some values for diameter of a wire measured using screw gauge.
Repeat Diameter /mm Average Diameter /mm
1 0.35
0.35 + 0.37 + 0.36 + 0.34
2 0.37 𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
4
3 0.36
𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 0.36
4 0.34

Range
𝑅 = 𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑅 = 0.37 − 0.34 = 0.03 𝑚𝑚
Uncertainty in the measurement (∆d)
𝑅 0.03
∆𝑑 = = = 0.015 𝑚𝑚 = 0.02 𝑚𝑚
2 2
Therefore, the reading is
𝒅 = (𝟎. 𝟑𝟔 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐) 𝒎𝒎

34
 Treatment of Uncertainty
For finding the absolute / percentage / fractional uncertainty, keep in
mind the following rules:
• Rule 1 (Multiplication or division by a constant)
If a measured quantity is multiplied or divided by a constant then the
absolute uncertainty is multiplied or divided by the same constant. (In
other words the relative uncertainty stays the same.)
• Rule 2 (Addition or Subtraction)
If two (or more) measured quantities are added or subtracted then
their absolute uncertainties are added.
• Rule 3 (Multiplication or Division)
If two (or more) measured quantities are multiplied or divided then
their relative uncertainties are added.
• Rule 4 ( Power rule)
If a measured quantity is raised to a power then the relative
uncertainty is multiplied by that power. (If you think about this rule,
you will realize that it is just a special case of rule 3.)
35
 Test the Relationship
If two quantities 𝑦 and 𝑥 are directly proportional, the formula that relates
them is
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥
Where 𝑘 is constant.

• A relationship is usually suggested between the values you calculated in

previous parts, and you are required to find 2 different values of a
constant ‘k’ for the respective data sets using the given relationship.

• Calculate two values of the constant k.

• The number of significant figures chosen when writing down these values
should be equal to the least number of significant figures in the data used.
• If you are asked to justify the number of significant figures you give for
your value of k, state the number of significant figures that x and y were
measured to and that you will choose the smallest.
• Do not quote your values of k to 1 significant figure to make them look
equal when x and y were measured to 2 significant figures.
 Setting a Criterion

In the part following calculation of two values of

k, you are asked ‘Explain whether your results
support the suggested relationship’.

Here you need to set a

certain criterion for yourself.

Two Approaches to Set A Criterion

 Approach 1 - Criterion
• A simple approach is to assume that the percentage uncertainty in
the value of k is about equal to the percentage uncertainty in either
x or y; choose the larger percentage uncertainty of x or y.

• You first look at the percentage uncertainty in both x and y and

decide which is bigger.
• Let us assume that the larger percentage uncertainty is in x.

• Your stated criterion is then that ‘if the difference in the percentage
uncertainty in the two values of k is less than the percentage
uncertainty in x, then the readings are consistent with the
relationship’.

If the % difference in k values is less than

the % uncertainty in x (or y), the readings
are consistent with the relationship.
 Approach 2 - Criterion
• Another criterion is to state that the k values should be the same
within 10% or 20%, depending on the experiment and the
uncertainty that you think sensible.
• It is helpful if the figure of 10% or 20% is related to some
uncertainty in the actual experiment.

Sensible Criterion:
• A thing to keep in mind is that there is no specified criterion to
judge the validity of a relationship; it is entirely up to the candidate
to set it. A candidate can set the criterion to be <15% or <5%; it is
entirely up to the candidate!

• However, setting a criterion like <50% difference for the relationship

to be valid is totally stupid. So set a sensible criterion.
 Procedure
• Calculate the percentage difference in the two calculated
values of k.
𝑘𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑘𝑚𝑖𝑛
% 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = × 100
𝑘𝑚𝑖𝑛

• It is worthwhile using one more significant figure in each

actual value of k than is completely justified in this
calculation.

• Compare the percentage difference in the two values of k

with your clearly stated criterion.

• You could compare your percentage difference in k values

with the larger of the percentage differences in x and y.
 Parameter calculated.
• Whatever criterion you use, it should be stated clearly and a clear
conclusion given. The procedure to check whether two values of k are
reasonably constant is as follows:
Suppose the values of ‘k’ you calculate come out to be:
k1 = 0.456 and k2 = 0.461
Let’s say you set the criterion to be : “The suggested relationship will be
valid, if the percentage difference between the two values of ‘k’ is less than
10%“.

Percentage difference between these values of ‘k’ is:

𝑘2 − 𝑘1
% 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = × 100
𝑘1
0.461 − 0.456
% 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = × 100
0.456
% 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.09% (𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 < 𝟏𝟎%)

Therefore, as 1.09 % is less than 10%, according to given criterion, the

suggested relationship is valid.
 Error and Improvements
This last part is worth 6 marks which asks you to describe
four sources of error and suggest the appropriate remedies.

Throughout this question you should think:

– Why I am feeling that this is difficult?
– What is the problem with this experiment?
– How can I modify it to take better readings?

• If you thought about these points while performing, you

would have definitely no problem dealing with this part of
the question.

• There are no set “errors and improvements”, as the errors

are specific to a particular experiment you perform.
 Error and Improvements
The most general Error and Improvement valid for
all the Q2 from any area of physics in the P3 are

Error:
• Two readings are not enough to draw a valid
conclusion about a relationship.
Improvement:
• Take more readings and plot a graph or take more
values of ‘k’ and compare.
Thanks For your Attentions

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