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Physical quantities and measurement techniques

Physical quantities and measurement techniques

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Question 18

A student carries out an experiment with a simple pendulum to determine its period of oscillation, TTT.

a.

Explain why measuring the time for 30 complete oscillations rather than a single oscillation reduces the percentage uncertainty in the determined period.

[2]
b.

The student records a total time of t=47.4 st = 47.4\text{ s}t=47.4 s for 30 complete oscillations.

Calculate the period TTT of the pendulum.

[1]
c.

If the uncertainty in the total measured time is Δt=±0.30 s\Delta t = \pm 0.30\text{ s}Δt=±0.30 s, calculate the absolute uncertainty ΔT\Delta TΔT in the determined period.

[2]
d.

In the experiment, the student considers several factors. Classify each of the following as either a Variable (VVV) to be controlled/investigated, or a Precaution (PPP) to ensure measurement accuracy:

  1. Ensuring the ruler is kept perfectly vertical with a set-square during length measurement.
  2. Keeping the mass of the pendulum bob constant across different trials.
  3. Placing a vertical marker (fiducial mark) at the equilibrium position to assist in reliable counting.
[3]
Markscheme

Physical quantities and measurement techniques Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Physical quantities and measurement techniques

164 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics Physical quantities and measurement techniques, covering Physical quantities and measurement techniques. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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