Edexcel International A Level Physics

Topic Questions

Practical Skills II: Planning

1a
Sme Calculator
3 marks

A pendulum of length l swings in a vertical plane. The string hits a peg placed at a distance h vertically below the point of suspension as shown. This makes the pendulum shorter for part of its motion.

q2-wph16-06-oct-2021-edexcel-int-as-and-a-level-phy

Determine the time period T  for the whole oscillation when h = 0.25 m.

l = 1.00 m

 
T = ...........................................
1b
Sme Calculator
6 marks

A student suggests that an approximate relationship between T and h is given by
      T squared equals pi squared over g open parentheses 2 l minus h close parentheses

Devise a plan to test the validity of the relationship using a graphical method.

Include the use of a stopwatch and any additional apparatus as required.

1c
Sme Calculator
3 marks

Another student suggests determining T  by setting up a light gate attached to a data logger.
Discuss whether this modification would improve the investigation.

Did this page help you?

2a
Sme Calculator
1 mark

A student investigated the relationship between the length l of a column of air and its temperature θ using the apparatus shown.

q1-wph16-06-jan-2022-edexcel-int-as-a-level-phy

A sample of air is trapped inside the tube between the closed end and the drop of concentrated sulfuric acid.

Suggest why one end of the tube is left open.

2b
Sme Calculator
2 marks
The student suggested placing the apparatus in a beaker of boiling water and allowing the water to cool. Boiling water is a hazard.

Explain one other reason why this method may be hazardous.

2c
Sme Calculator
5 marks

The capillary tube was attached to a 30 cm ruler and placed in a beaker of water at room temperature. The water was heated gradually and θ was measured using a thermometer.

i)
State two techniques that should be used to ensure the measurement of θ is as accurate as possible.

(2)

ii)
The student recorded the following measurements.
θ / °C l / cm
19.0 16.0
35.0 16.9
49.0 17.7

The student predicted that a graph of l against θ could be used to estimate a value for θ at absolute zero as shown.

q1c-wph16-06-jan-2022-edexcel-int-as-a-level-phy

Discuss whether the student’s measurements would lead to an accurate value of θ at absolute zero.

(3)

Did this page help you?

3a
Sme Calculator
6 marks

A student investigated Lenz’s law using the apparatus shown.

q2-wph16-06-jan-2022-edexcel-int-as-a-level-phy

The student dropped the magnet into the copper tube and measured the time t for the magnet to reach the bottom of the tube.

The student had a large number of copper tubes of different lengths x. He predicted that the magnet would fall with constant acceleration a inside the copper tubes.

Devise a plan, using a graphical method, to test this prediction.

3b
Sme Calculator
2 marks

Explain a possible source of error in this investigation.

Did this page help you?