Uncertainties, errors and improvements: Edexcel International A Level Physics questions

Edexcel International A Level Physics past-paper questions on P.1.4 Uncertainties, errors and improvements, 2019–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.

All 182 questions on Uncertainties, errors and improvements, as a list

June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in this reading. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain one technique he should use to determine accurate values for these lengths. (2)
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q1(b)(iv) (2 marks): The percentage uncertainty in this calculated value of the density of the metal is 0.9%. The accepted value for the density of copper is 8.94 g cm –3. Deduce wh
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of t. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(a) (2 marks): The student used the metre rule to determine the distance L between the level of the water and the top of the transparent cylinder. Explain how to reduce a sour
June 2025, Unit 6, Q4(a)(i) (3 marks): Explain why timing multiple oscillations improves the measurement of T. (3)
June 2025, Unit 6, Q4(a)(iv) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of T. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2025, Unit 6, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): The student used vernier calipers to measure d. Explain one technique he should use to determine an accurate value for d. (2)
June 2025, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in the term D is about 2%. 2 2 d D = 59.4 mm ± 0.2 mm d = 13.9mm ± 0.1 mm (3)
June 2025, Unit 6, Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): The student determined the value of the constant N experimentally and estimated its percentage uncertainty. He determined the value of v as 0.276 with a percent
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q1(a) (2 marks): The student measured the length l of the toy car using digital calipers. Determine the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of l. (2) Percentage uncertaint
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of t. (2) Percentage uncertainty in mean value of t =
January 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): The student is told that the liquid is either petroleum, castor oil or glycerol. The table shows the speed of sound v in these liquids. Liquid v / m s –1 petrol
January 2025, Unit 6, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of θ. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2025, Unit 6, Q3(b)(v) (2 marks): Explain why the value of A0 determined from the graph may not be the true value of A0. (2)
January 2025, Unit 6, Q4(a) (3 marks): The student used a metre rule to measure the heights h1 and h2 . She calculated the difference in height ∆h as 21 mm ± 1 mm. Explain why it was appropriate to r
January 2025, Unit 6, Q4(b) (3 marks): The student placed a small glass sphere at marker 1. She released the sphere and used a stopwatch to measure the time t taken for the sphere to reach marker 2.
January 2025, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in the student’s value of g is about 7%. (3)
January 2025, Unit 6, Q4(c)(iii) (2 marks): Deduce whether the student’s value of g is accurate. (2)
October 2024, AS Unit 1, Q14(a) (2 marks): She took one photograph using a strobe app on a mobile phone. She took a second photograph using a laboratory strobe. The time interval between flashes was the
October 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): The student recorded a single measurement of d as 12.7 mm. Determine the percentage uncertainty in this measurement. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student repeated the measurements of d at different orientations and calculated the mean. Explain another technique she should use to determine an accurate
October 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): The student determined the viscosity of the liquid as 0.72 Pa s with a percentage uncertainty of 6%. The viscosity of castor oil is 0.65 Pa s. Deduce whether th
October 2024, AS Unit 3, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of n. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2024, Unit 6, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of T. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2024, Unit 6, Q4(a) (2 marks): The student used digital calipers to measure a. Explain one technique she should use to measure a. (2)
October 2024, Unit 6, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): The student increased D and measured 20 T several times again. Explain how increasing D affects the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of 20 T. (3)
October 2024, Unit 6, Q4(b)(iii) (3 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in E is about 5%. (3)
October 2024, Unit 6, Q4(b)(iv) (2 marks): The value of E for beech wood is 11.9 GPa. Deduce whether the metre rule could be made from beech wood. (2)
June 2024, AS Unit 1, Q8 (1 mark): A student is determining the acceleration of free-fall, g. The student uses a stopwatch to measure the time taken for a ball bearing to fall a measured distance
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(b) (2 marks): The student investigated how the breaking force of the rubber bands changed at low temperature. The student placed five identical rubber bands in a freezer at –
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): The student wrote a laboratory report about her investigation. She reported that the most significant source of error was being unable to judge the exact point
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of v. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q3(d) (2 marks): The student modified the apparatus to determine the speed of sound in water. –1 with a 4% uncertainty. He determined the speed of sound in water to be 1444 m s
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): The student recorded a single measurement of d as 0.27 mm. Determine the percentage uncertainty in this measurement. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2024, AS Unit 3, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student repeated the measurement of d at different positions and orientations and calculated the mean. Explain another technique she should use to determine
June 2024, Unit 6, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of h. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2024, Unit 6, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): The student used a micrometer screw gauge to measure the thickness t of the plastic protractor. Explain one technique she should use when measuring t. (2)
June 2024, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student determined a value of t as 1.41 mm. Explain why a micrometer screw gauge is an appropriate instrument for this measurement. Your answer should inclu
June 2024, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (4 marks): Show that the uncertainty in V is about 0.2 cm 3. (4)
June 2024, Unit 6, Q4(c) (2 marks): The student determined the density of the plastic as 1.04 g cm –3 with a percentage uncertainty of 3%. The accepted value of the density of Perspex is 1.18 g cm
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mass of the stack of paper. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(b) (2 marks): The student used vernier calipers to measure the thickness y of the stack of paper. Explain one technique he should use to determine an accurate value for y. (2
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why making measurements on the whole stack of paper is better than making measurements on a single sheet of paper. (2)
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why repeat measurements are appropriate for this measurement. (2)
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the student could modify the arrangement of the apparatus to reduce the percentage uncertainty in this value. (2)
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of d. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q3(d) (2 marks): In a different experiment, the student applied force to stretch the hair. He determined the average breaking stress for hair as 181 MPa with a percentage uncert
January 2024, AS Unit 3, Q4(a) (4 marks): Explain how two sources of error can be reduced in this investigation. (4)
January 2024, Unit 6, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): The student used vernier calipers to measure the diameter d. Explain one technique she should use to measure d. (2)
January 2024, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student estimated that the thickness t of the centre of the lens was approximately 5 mm. Explain the most appropriate instrument the student should use for
January 2024, Unit 6, Q4(b) (4 marks): The student placed the circular convex lens in a holder. She set up the apparatus, as shown. screen filament bulb u v circular convex lens wire mesh holder The
January 2024, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in n. (2) Percentage uncertainty in n =
January 2024, Unit 6, Q4(c)(iii) (2 marks): The refractive index of crown glass is 1.52 Deduce whether the lens could be made of crown glass. (2)
October 2023, AS Unit 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean length. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2023, AS Unit 3, Q1(d)(ii) (3 marks): The student is told the cube is made from copper, bronze or brass. The table shows the densities of these metals. Metal Density / kg m –3 copper 8940 bronze 862
October 2023, AS Unit 3, Q3(b)(iii) (3 marks): The student suggested that the value of k should be equal to the gravitational field strength. Discuss whether it is likely that k is the gravitational field st
October 2023, AS Unit 3, Q4(a)(iv) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage difference between h and the accepted value for the Planck constant. (2) Percentage difference =
October 2023, AS Unit 3, Q4(b) (4 marks): The student’s investigation involves a small random error and a large systematic error. For each of these, suggest a source of the error and a realistic modific
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain one technique she should use to measure t. (2)
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(iii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in t. (2) Percentage uncertainty in t =
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(iv) (2 marks): Folding the rubber band and measuring the total thickness of four layers would reduce the percentage uncertainty in t. Explain the effect of folding the rubber
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(v) (2 marks): The student used a metre rule to measure the length x and used the micrometer screw gauge to measure the width w of the rubber band. She determined the volume o
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the uncertainty in D D = 3.45 cm ± 0.01 cm (2)
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the uncertainty in A is about 0.05 cm 2 = 9.36 cm 2 ± 0.06 cm 2 d 2 ± 0.07 cm 2 Dd = 10.56 cm (2)
October 2023, Unit 6, Q4(c) (3 marks): The student determined the density of the rubber band and the density of the rubber bung. She also determined the corresponding percentage uncertainty in each v
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in this value of t. (2) Percentage uncertainty in t =
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how she should reduce a source of error in this measurement of t. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how the student should measure the diameter of a ring as accurately as possible. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of a. (2) Percentage uncertainty in the mean value of a =
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): The percentage uncertainty in the calculated value of h is 6%. Comment on the accuracy of your calculated value of h. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Identify two sources of uncertainty with this method. (2)
June 2023, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest a modification to reduce the effect of one of these sources of uncertainty. (1)
June 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): She recorded the following measurements. 5T / s 3.43 3.36 3.28 3.49 Calculate the mean value of T and its uncertainty in seconds. (3) Mean value of T = s ± s
June 2023, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in ρ is about 4%. (3)
June 2023, Unit 6, Q4(c)(iii) (2 marks): The density of glycerol is 1260 kg m –3. Deduce whether the liquid could be glycerol. (2)
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of R. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q1(b)(ii) (1 mark): Identify a possible source of systematic error in your method. (1)
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): The student estimated the percentage uncertainty in his calculated value of the density of modelling clay to be 4%. The density of polymer clay is 1760 kg m –3.
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the mean value of time. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q4(b) (2 marks): The student adjusted the launching device to vary the mean force F applied to the car. For larger values of F there was a greater percentage uncertainty in the
January 2023, Unit 5, Q20(b)(ii) (2 marks): The physicists concluded that their value for G was within reasonable agreement with the standard value of G. Evaluate the validity of their conclusion. G = 6.6
January 2023, Unit 6, Q2(b) (2 marks): The student suggested that using a video recording of the motion would improve the determination of T. Comment on this suggestion. (2)
January 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain one technique she should use to reduce the uncertainty in the measurement of d. (2)
January 2023, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): She recorded the following measurements. d / mm 8.53 8.56 8.55 8.53 Determine the mean value of d and its uncertainty in mm. (3) Mean value of d = mm ± mm
January 2023, Unit 6, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Show that the uncertainty in d2 is about 1 mm2. d = 10.70 mm ± 0.06 mm (3)
January 2023, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (4 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in A is about 0.4 %. s2 = 881 mm2 ± 2 mm2 (4)
January 2023, Unit 6, Q4(c) (2 marks): The student measured the total mass m10 of 10 identical metal rings as 63 g. Explain why measuring the total mass of 10 metal rings is better than measuring the
January 2023, Unit 6, Q4(d)(ii) (3 marks): The density of stainless steel ranges from 7.48 g cm–3 to 7.95 g cm–3. Deduce whether the metal rings could be made from stainless steel. (3)
October 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in your value. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(c) (3 marks): In the experiment, the student applied a small force with her hand to start glider A moving. The student repeated the experiment and calculated the mean values
October 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(d) (2 marks): Another student used a stopwatch to measure the time taken for the gliders to travel a known distance. Explain the advantage of using light gates and a data log
October 2022, AS Unit 3, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Identify a possible source of uncertainty in the measurement of u, and how it can be dealt with. (2)
October 2022, AS Unit 3, Q4(d) (2 marks): The student’s teacher suggested that using a plastic beam with a smaller value of h would improve the measurement of d. Justify the teacher’s statement. (2)
October 2022, Unit 6, Q2(c) (2 marks): Explain a source of uncertainty in this investigation. (2)
October 2022, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): The student recorded the following measurements. dX / mm 0.31 0.32 0.31 0.33 0.30 Determine the mean value of dX and its uncertainty in mm. (3) Mean value of dX
October 2022, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in ρ is about 9%. (3)
October 2022, Unit 6, Q4(c) (3 marks): The student measured the resistances R1 and R2 of different lengths of wire Y using an ohmmeter. Each resistance was measured once. The student’s values are giv
October 2022, Unit 6, Q4(d) (3 marks): The student wanted to confirm that the metal of the wire is constantan. The student compared his calculated values of ρ and RL to published values for constanta
June 2022, AS Unit 1, Q5 (1 mark): A student determined a value for g by dropping a metal sphere from rest. The student measured the distance fallen and the time taken for the sphere to fall. The
June 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): Determine whether the coins could be made from brass. density of brass = 8550 kg m–3 ± 2% (2)
June 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(d) (4 marks): The surfaces of the coins are uneven, which introduces a systematic error. Describe an alternative method the student could have used to determine the average v
June 2022, AS Unit 3, Q2(a) (3 marks): When the measured value of θ1 is 35°, the measured value of θ2 is 62°. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in each of these values. (3) Percentage uncertainty
June 2022, AS Unit 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): The line of best fit on the graph does not pass through the origin. Describe a possible cause for this error, and how the student could reduce the effect of thi
June 2022, AS Unit 3, Q4(c)(iii) (2 marks): The student used a light gate and data logger to measure v. The measured value was 1.98 m s–1. Comment on the value of v determined using your graph. (2)
June 2022, Unit 5, Q20(b)(ii) (2 marks): Assess whether this method would produce an accurate value for c. (2)
June 2022, Unit 6, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student heated the liquid. He started a stopwatch and recorded the temperature of the liquid. He recorded the time at fixed intervals of temperature, as the
June 2022, Unit 6, Q1(c) (2 marks): Another student performed the investigation using a temperature probe connected to a data logger. Give two reasons why this would improve the investigation. (2)
June 2022, Unit 6, Q2(b) (2 marks): A student recorded the motion of the pendulums using a video camera. Suggest how this may improve the measurement of P. (2)
June 2022, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student determined a more accurate value for d. Explain one technique she could have used. (2)
June 2022, Unit 6, Q4(a)(iii) (3 marks): The student recorded the following measurements. d / mm 6.57 6.58 6.54 6.52 Determine the mean value of d and its uncertainty in mm. (3) Mean value of d = mm ±
June 2022, Unit 6, Q4(b) (4 marks): The student was given a different size metal nut. She measured the distances shown. d s She calculated the shaded area A of the metal using the formula 2 s2 – π
June 2022, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): The density of steel ranges from 7.85 g cm–3 to 8.03 g cm–3. Deduce whether the metal nut could be made from steel. (3)
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(a) (1 mark): The resolution of the metre rule was 1 mm, but the measurements were recorded to the nearest 0.5 cm. Suggest why. (1)
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the mean value for v and the percentage uncertainty in v. (3) Mean v = m s–1 Percentage uncertainty in v = %
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q1(b)(iii) (1 mark): A second student carried out the same experiment and determined a similar value for the acceleration of the trolley on the ramp. State why this does not show th
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q2(c) (1 mark): The LDR is connected to the ohmmeter using two connecting wires. The ohmmeter reading includes the resistance of the two connecting wires. State why the student
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q3(d)(ii) (2 marks): The value of g obtained from the graph is 9.64 m s–2. The student concluded that the value of g obtained is accurate. Evaluate the student’s conclusion. (2)
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain why this method gives a value for t with low uncertainty. (2)
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): The value of t obtained using this method was 0.80 mm with an uncertainty of 2%. Deduce whether this value is consistent with the value of t obtained from the g
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q5(b) (2 marks): The student tried the same experiment using a rubber hammer. The rubber hammer compressed as it hit the wood making a sound that lasted for a longer time. Expla
January 2022, AS Unit 3, Q5(c) (2 marks): The student was given the following equation and data to find a value for the speed of sound in oak. E v = ρ Young modulus E of oak = 11.2 GPa ± 0.5 GPa Density
January 2022, Unit 6, Q2(b) (2 marks): Explain a possible source of error in this investigation. (2)
January 2022, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student measured the height h2 of the finish line. She recorded the difference in height Δh between the start line and finish line as 65 mm ± 1 mm. Explain
January 2022, Unit 6, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the mean value of t and its uncertainty. (2) Mean value of t = ±
January 2022, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): The student made the ramp less steep by reducing the value of h1. Explain how this might improve the measurement of t. (2)
January 2022, Unit 6, Q4(c) (4 marks): Two students each carried out this procedure for another value of Δh. They recorded the following times for the same value of Δh. Student t / s Mean t / s A 2.4
January 2022, Unit 6, Q4(d)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage uncertainty in the value of g. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2022, Unit 6, Q4(d)(iii) (2 marks): Deduce whether the value of g is accurate. (2)
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q12(b)(ii) (2 marks): The antinode is slightly further from the water than the end of the glass tube. Explain how this would affect the accuracy of your calculated value for the spee
October 2021, AS Unit 3, Q1(b) (2 marks): The photograph shows the steady reading of V on the voltmeter when the thermistor was at room temperature. (Source: PAL) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in
October 2021, AS Unit 3, Q3(c)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the mean diameter of the nylon fishing line. (3) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(c) (3 marks): The student researched the range of values for the coefficients of restitution e of different metals. stainless steel 0.63 < e < 0.93 cast iron 0.3 < e < 0.6 De
October 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(d) (2 marks): Explain how friction between the cube and the surface of the ramp would affect the value obtained for e. (2)
October 2021, Unit 6, Q1(b) (2 marks): Explain one improvement the student could make to reduce the uncertainty in the measurement of ∆θ for each value of I. (2)
October 2021, Unit 6, Q2(c) (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.
October 2021, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The difference between p and q was recorded as 26 mm ± 1 mm. Explain why the uncertainty in this value is given as 1 mm. (2)
October 2021, Unit 6, Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): She recorded the following measurements. d / mm 2.35 2.37 2.34 2.35 2.33 Calculate the mean value of d in mm and its uncertainty. (2) Mean value of d = mm ± mm
October 2021, Unit 6, Q4(d) (4 marks): The table shows values of G for different types of steel. Type of steel Structural steel Carbon steel G / 109 N m−2 79.3 77.0 Deduce whether the data provided i
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): The student then followed the same method using thicker sheets of acetate. Explain why using thicker sheets of acetate would reduce the uncertainty in her value
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons for the variation in the lengths the student measured. (2)
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in l. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(d) (2 marks): The percentage uncertainty in the student’s value for the speed of sound is equal to the percentage uncertainty in l. The accepted value for the speed of sound
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q3(a) (3 marks): The student measured the diameter of the sphere using a micrometer. 45 0 5 10 15 40 35 Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the diameter of the sphere shown
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q3(d) (4 marks): The resolution of the force meter was 0.01 N. The distance moved between the rubber bands was 25.0 cm. The time measured was 0.78 s. The percentage uncertainty
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(iv) (2 marks): The student states that the value for the Planck constant obtained from the graph is accurate. Evaluate the student’s statement. (2)
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(c) (4 marks): Each LED in the investigation emits a narrow range of wavelengths. The wavelength value stated by the manufacturer is the wavelength of light that is emitted wi
June 2021, Unit 6, Q2(b) (3 marks): One significant source of error in this experiment is the uncertainty in the mass reading due to the water moving as it boils. Explain how another significant s
June 2021, Unit 6, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Describe two techniques he should use to reduce the uncertainty in the value of the time period. (2)
June 2021, Unit 6, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student recorded the following values of d, measured at different points across the lens. 5.10 cm 5.11 cm 5.10 cm She concluded that because her measurement
June 2021, Unit 6, Q4(b) (2 marks): The student measured the thickness x of the edge of the lens using the micrometer screw gauge. She recorded the following measurements. x / mm 2.11 2.10 2.13 2.
June 2021, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the percentage uncertainty in (t – x) is approximately 0.5%. (2)
June 2021, Unit 6, Q4(c)(iii) (4 marks): Show that the uncertainty in d2 + (t – x)2 is approximately 0.11 cm. (4)
June 2021, Unit 6, Q4(c)(iv) (3 marks): The table shows data for some materials used to make lenses. Material Pyrex Crown glass Flint glass Refractive index 1.47 1.52 1.66 Deduce whether this lens cou
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q13(b) (2 marks): When the lights were switched back on, the student discovered that it was impossible to calculate the resistance of the LDR using this circuit. The teacher said
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(b) (2 marks): The student repeated the process for a second semicircular block of a different transparent material. Her measured value for C was 41 ± 0.5° Calculate the range
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(d) (3 marks): The student used rays of white light. Explain why using monochromatic light would increase the validity of the conclusion made in (c). (3)
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(e) (3 marks): The photograph shows a spectrometer. This can be used to measure angles when investigating refraction. collimator transparent material telescope Vernier scale L
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q4(a) (1 mark): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of the potential difference. (1) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2021, AS Unit 3, Q5(d) (2 marks): Explain one modification to this investigation that would improve the accuracy of the values of R0 and α determined in (c). (2)
January 2021, Unit 6, Q2(d) (2 marks): The student repeated the investigation but used a data logger instead of a stopwatch and an ammeter. Suggest why using a data logger would improve this investig
January 2021, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): The following measurements were obtained. t / mm 2.15 2.06 2.13 2.08 2.10 Calculate the mean value of t in mm and its uncertainty. . (2) mean t = mm ± mm
January 2021, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (1 mark): Show that the uncertainty in C is approximately 0.2 cm. (1)
January 2021, Unit 6, Q4(d) (4 marks): The volume V of the transparent material is given by 2 C L – Vi V = 4π where L is the length of the container and Vi is the internal volume of the container. De
January 2021, Unit 6, Q4(e) (4 marks): The table shows the densities of some common materials used to manufacture this type of container. Only borosilicate is safe to heat directly with a Bunsen burn
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q17(c) (2 marks): Describe a method that can be used to confirm that the frequency value stated on the signal generator is correct. (2)
October 2020, Unit 6, Q1(c) (3 marks): Another student suggested that using a piece of card twice as long would improve the investigation. Assess this suggestion. (3)
October 2020, Unit 6, Q4(a)(iii) (3 marks): Calculate the area of the slot and its uncertainty in cm2. Assume the slot is rectangular. a = 0.47 ± 0.01 cm b = 2.19 ± 0.005 cm (3) Area of the slot = ± cm2
October 2020, Unit 6, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the uncertainty in the value of the shaded area. (3) Uncertainty = cm2
October 2020, Unit 6, Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the value of ρ. (3) Percentage uncertainty =
October 2020, Unit 6, Q4(d) (2 marks): The student thinks that the slotted mass is made from brass, which has a density of 8.5 g cm−3. Determine whether the slotted mass could be made of brass. (2)
January 2020, AS Unit 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): The graph shows that the beaker would have a depth under the water surface with no mass added. Identify the source of the systematic error and how it could be c
January 2020, AS Unit 3, Q3(d)(i) (3 marks): The uncertainty in the measurement of the angles was ± 0.5°. Calculate the maximum and minimum values of n. (3) Maximum value of n = Minimum value of n =
January 2020, AS Unit 3, Q3(d)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the student’s value of n. (2) Percentage uncertainty =
January 2020, AS Unit 3, Q5(b) (4 marks): To determine the breaking stress, a student used 100 g slotted masses hung vertically from the sample. The maximum mass that the sample could hold before breaki
June 2019, AS Unit 1, Q16(c) (6 marks): Explain why the sample of wire used in this experiment should be long and thin. (6)
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(ii) (2 marks): The teacher suggested using a microphone connected to an oscilloscope to determine where the loud and quiet zones were located along the line XY. She said that
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q1(b) (1 mark): The student measured the diameter. The reading obtained was 20.5 ± 0.05 mm. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of the diameter. (1) Percent
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q1(d)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the mean diameter of the second metal sphere. (2) Percentage uncertainty in the mean diameter =
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q1(f) (2 marks): The student calculated the density of the second metal sphere to be 7.75 × 103 kg m–3 with an uncertainty of 2%. Determine whether the two spheres could be made
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Identify two significant sources of uncertainty in the student’s measurements. (2)
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(ii) (4 marks): For each of these sources of uncertainty, describe an experimental technique the student could have used to obtain an accurate measurement. (4)

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