Fundamental data analysis: OCR A‑Level Physics B questions

Every OCR A-Level Physics B exam question on 2 Fundamental data analysis, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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Q2
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q36(b)
June 2025 · Paper 1
6 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour 2 Fundamental data analysis
Mark scheme (PDF)
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$June 2025 Paper 1, question 36(b): (b)* A student carries out an experiment to determine the refractive index of a glass block using the apparatus shown in Fig. 36.2. Fig. 36.2 Laser (monochromat$
Q6(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q1(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
The whole paper ↗
Q1(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 3
3 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q1(c)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q2(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q2(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q2(b)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q2(c)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q3(c)
June 2025 · Paper 3
3 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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$June 2025 Paper 3, question 3(c): Table 3.1 shows the values obtained from all 20 diffraction gratings. Table 3.1 Number of lines per mm 144 320 590 594 603 156 567 591 599 605 299 588 592 600 6$
Q4(a)
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q4(b)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q4(c)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q4(c)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 3
3 marks2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q4(c)(iii)
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q3
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q7
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q9
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
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Q13
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark2 Fundamental data analysis
The whole paper ↗

All 221 questions on Fundamental data analysis, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): A student measures the change in temperature of some water when it is heated for 10 seconds. The student’s results are: Starting temperature = (53.4 ± 0.2) °C F
June 2025, Paper 1, Q36(b) (6 marks): (b)* A student carries out an experiment to determine the refractive index of a glass block using the apparatus shown in Fig. 36.2. Fig. 36.2 Laser (monochromat
June 2025, Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest and explain why the graph is a straight line with a positive y intercept. [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Determine the absolute uncertainty in the measurement of time. Absolute uncertainty = ± s [1]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the average velocity of the cupcake case. Include the uncertainty in your answer. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. Av
June 2025, Paper 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): The experiment is repeated with an increasing number of stacked cupcake cases, as shown in Fig. 1.2. Fig. 1.2 The average times are recorded in Table 1.2. Table
June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe how the mass of one staple could be found using a standard laboratory balance with a precision of 0.1 g and a maximum of 2000.0 g. [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Estimate the absolute uncertainty in the value of mass of one staple obtained by your method in part (a)(i). Uncertainty = ± g [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(b) (2 marks): The experiment is repeated several times for each value of current. With a current of 1.5 A, the number of staples needed to balance the wire horizontally was f
June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(c)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the gradient of the line. Gradient = [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q3(c) (3 marks): Table 3.1 shows the values obtained from all 20 diffraction gratings. Table 3.1 Number of lines per mm 144 320 590 594 603 156 567 591 599 605 299 588 592 600 6
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(a) (1 mark): State why measuring ten oscillations provides a more reliable measurement of the time period. [1]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(b) (2 marks): One pair of data points is shown below. Time for ten oscillations = 10.4 s ± 0.5 s Mass = 0.50 kg ± 0.01 kg The student decides to ignore the uncertainty in the
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Complete Table 4.1 and plot the remaining point on Fig. 4.2. [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the uncertainty in the value of T 2 for the final data point and add these uncertainty bars to the graph. [3]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q4(c)(iii) (1 mark): Draw a line of best fit on Fig. 4.2. [1] 17 Fig. 4.2 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 T2/s2 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 Mass / kg
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): Which point is best considered an outlier or anomaly? y D C A B 0 x 0 Your answer [1]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): What is the SI unit of momentum? J s–1 A J s–2 B kg m s–1 C kg m s–2 D Your answer [1]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The correct representation of 0.036 mJ in standard form is: 0.036 × 10–3 J A 0.36 × 10–4 J B 3.6 × 10–5 J C 3.6 × 10–6 J D Your answer [1]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Two groups of students measure the speed of sound in air using a resonance tube method. Their results and the accepted true value are shown below. (335 ± 10) m
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): In an experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity g, a paper cone takes time t to fall distance s. A student measures t and s and calculates the acc
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(c)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate a mean value for the Planck constant. Planck constant = × 10–34 J s [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(d) (2 marks): The class work out that their measurements produce an uncertainty in the value for the Planck constant of ±5%. Determine whether the class mean value for the Pl
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q26(e) (1 mark): The computer system runs AI software that learns to detect anomalies in the sensor data that predict when a motor is about to fail. Suggest why computer softwar
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q27(b) (1 mark): Plot the two missing points on the graph. [1]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q27(d) (2 marks): The measurements of the angles of incidence and refraction can be inaccurate. Suggest two reasons why. 1 2 [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q27(e) (4 marks): Two students discuss the experiment: When we know what a material is we can check whether our result is accurate by looking-up the refractive index of the mater
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q4 (4 marks): Fig. 4.1 shows apparatus used to determine the acceleration of free fall. A millisecond timer begins timing when the steel ball is released from the electromagn
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (4 marks): A manufacturer produces fixed resistors, which it sells in boxes of ten. A technician checks the values of ten resistors in a box using the circuit shown in Fig
June 2024, Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): The density of a stone is determined by measuring its mass and volume, and using the equation density = mass ÷ volume. The mass of the stone measures 25.6 ± 0.2
June 2024, Paper 1, Q38(b)(i) (2 marks): thermometer measures temperature to the nearest 1 °C. Use this information to calculate the percentage uncertainties in the measured volume and temperature at 3
June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Draw a best-fit line on Fig. 2.2. Calculate the gradient of the line. gradient = V m–1 [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): Use the uncertainty in the diameter and current values to determine the uncertainty in your value for resistivity calculated above. Ignore any possible uncertai
June 2024, Paper 2, Q7(a) (2 marks): Suggest why a logarithmic scale is used on the x-axis of the graph and why this choice of scale can make interpreting the data more difficult. [2]
June 2024, Paper 3, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): The absolute uncertainty in each temperature measurement is ± 1.0 °C. Draw vertical uncertainty bars on each plot. [1]
June 2024, Paper 3, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Draw lines of both the maximum and minimum gradients through the data points and uncertainty bars on the graph. [2]
June 2024, Paper 3, Q1(b)(iii) (5 marks): Calculate the mean rate of temperature rise in °C s–1 and its percentage uncertainty. Use the lines you drew for part (b)(ii). rate of temperature rise = °C s–1
June 2024, Paper 3, Q1(c)(ii) (4 marks): The potential difference across the heater is set at 9.6 V ± 2%. The current is 3.76 A ± 0.9%. Using these values and the value calculated in part (b)(iii), det
June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(a) (3 marks): Calculate the conductance of the semiconductor diode when the potential difference = 0.65 ± 0.02 V and the current = 7.5 ± 0.02 mA. Give the uncertainty in your
June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(d) (2 marks): Explain any changes you might make to the instrumentation in the circuit in order to obtain an accurate graph. [2]
June 2024, Paper 3, Q3(b) (3 marks): Draw a scale to –12 on the x-axis and to +12 on the y-axis. Plot a graph of 1 v (on the y-axis) against 1 u (on the x-axis) on Fig. 3.2, and draw a straight lin
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which device is most accurate for measuring the time taken for a glider to travel a short distance along an air track? A Analogue stopwatch B Digital stopwatch
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which value would be a suitable estimate for the rate of increase in height of a mature, growing tree? A 0.5 m per month B 0.5 m per year C 10 cm per second D 1
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): What is the SI unit of power? A hertz B joule C volt D watt Your answer [1]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): A student approximates the sine of a small angle in a diffraction experiment. i to screen light from d source i path difference d sin i between light from slits
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): In an experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity, g, a ball bearing takes time t to fall distance s. The percentage uncertainty in each measurement
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q26(c) (2 marks): Two of the teacher’s students are discussing the uncertainty in the mean value of the internal resistance. The mean value of the internal Mean values of the int
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(c) (1 mark): Eight different students measured the distance, s, with a ruler and recorded the results in a dot-plot. • • • • • • • • distance, s / cm 43.0 43.2 43.3 44.1 The
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(e) (1 mark): Fig. 27.1c shows the experiment viewed from above. Fig. 27.1c first order maximum s θ grating centre spot 21.5 cm Show that the first-order maximum occurs at an
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(g) (2 marks): The wavelength calculation uses the measurements of s, D and d. D was measured once using a metre ruler. Explain why taking more measurements of s will not redu
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(i) (5 marks): Use data from Table 8.1 to calculate the value of the acceleration when the trolley mass is 0.800 kg. Include the uncertainty in your answer.
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(ii) (1 mark): Complete the graph and plot the point when the trolley mass is 0.800 kg on Fig. 8.2 and include the error bar for the acceleration calculated from (b)(i). [1]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): The diagram shows a dot-plot of measurements of diameter at points along a wire. 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.14 diameter / mm Which of the followi
June 2023, Paper 1, Q37(a)(ii) (2 marks): Use Fig. 37.2 to determine the sensitivity of the sensor at an illuminance of 200 lux. sensitivity = V / lux [2]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q38(a) (6 marks): (a)* Fig. 38.1 shows equipment used to determine the Young Modulus of a wire. Fig. 38.1 Describe how the equipment can be used to determine the Young Modulus. D
June 2023, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): A student suggests that a more accurate determination of the velocity of sound could be made if the distance between several nodes was measured instead of the d
June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Plot the missing points on the graph in Fig. 1.2 and draw the line of best fit. [2] Fig. 1.2 1000 900 800 potential difference / mV 700 600 500 0 20 40 60 80 10
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the mean value of striking voltage and its absolute uncertainty. Mean striking voltage = ± V [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Describe one significant cause of uncertainty in this measurement and suggest a method which would reduce the uncertainty. [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Using the value for uncertainty found in (a)(i), add vertical error bars to all the plotted points and draw a steepest acceptable line through the error bars. [
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Hence calculate the absolute uncertainty of the gradient value. Absolute uncertainty of gradient = ± V m [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(c)(ii) (3 marks): The gradient of the line of best fit is 8.90 × 10–7 V m. Use this value to calculate a value of the Planck constant. Include a value for absolute uncertainty in
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which value is the best estimate for the largest acceleration experienced on a typical rollercoaster? 10 m s–2 A 30 m s–2 B 100 m s–2 C 300 m s–2 D Your answer
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): A scale is marked on a thermometer by first placing it in ice at 0 °C and then steam at 100 °C. This process is an example of: A accuracy B calibration C precis
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The graph shows the output p.d. of a temperature sensor at different temperatures, θ. 5 p.d. / V 4 3 2 1 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 θ/ °C Estimate the s
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): In an experiment to measure the refractive index of plastic using a rectangular block, ray box and protractor, the largest source of error is probably best redu
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): The best estimate of the r.p.m. that delivers maximum power is: A 3250 r.p.m. B 3500 r.p.m. C 3750 r.p.m. D 4000 r.p.m. Your answer [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): The best estimate of the uncertainty in power at 2500 r.p.m. is: A ±1 kW B ±2 kW C ±3 kW D ±6 kW Your answer [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q27(d)(i) (2 marks): Show that the measurements do not support this hypothesis. [2] 22 Four other students are asked to suggest how to improve the measurements. Drop the cones from
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q27(d)(ii) (3 marks): State and explain which one student’s suggestion will provide the best measurements to prove or disprove their hypothesis. [3]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (2 marks): The resistance of the resistor must be accurate to within ± 0.1 Ω. Calculate the maximum uncertainty ΔL which can be allowed in the length measurement. ΔL = m [
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(i) (4 marks): Use data from Fig. 7.1 to make as accurate an estimate as possible of the frequency f of the musical note together with the uncertainty Δf of the value. Show yo
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Alex did not take readings of VAB at uniform intervals of d. By referring to the data in the table, explain why this was an appropriate decision. [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(ii) (1 mark): Alex rounded the p.d. values to the nearest 10 mV. By comparing the precision available in the two measuring instruments, state why this was appropriate. [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(c) (2 marks): Use data from the table in (b) to complete the graph of Fig. 8.2 below. Fig. 8.2 4.0 VAB/V 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 0 10 20 30 40 50 d/mm [2]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): In an experiment to determine the focal length of a converging lens, a student sets up the apparatus shown in the diagram and observes a clear image on the scre
June 2022, Paper 1, Q36(c)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why the student estimated the uncertainty in sin r to be greater than the uncertainty in sin i. [1]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q36(c)(iii) (2 marks): The student assumed a constant uncertainty in the sines of the angle. Suggest and explain why this is unlikely to be the case. [2]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q36(c)(iv) (3 marks): The student calculated the value of the refractive index as 1.5. Use the graph to estimate a value for the uncertainty in the result. Explain your method. refra
June 2022, Paper 2, Q4(a)(iii) (3 marks): The student records the balance reading for a range of current values. She plots a graph of balance reading (y-axis) against current (x-axis). Explain how she c
June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (4 marks): Before setting up the apparatus, the student took measurements with vernier calipers of the internal diameter of the tube containing the gas. The student create
June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(a)(iii) (2 marks): The height, h, of the column of air is measured using a standard laboratory metre rule. Estimate the absolute uncertainty in the measurement and justify your an
June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(c) (6 marks): This question is about an investigation into the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas. The relationship is often referred to as Boyle’s Law. A
June 2022, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): The decay graph has been started in Fig. 3.1. Complete the final three points on the graph using data from Table 3.1. [2] 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 0 1 2
June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): The line of best fit has been drawn on Fig. 4.2. Draw another line within the error bars shown, which has the greatest difference in gradient to the first line.
June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): The gradient of the line of best fit in Fig. 4.2 is 10 100 NM–1. Use this to calculate a value for the Young modulus of the wire. Use the line you have drawn to
June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(c)(i) (1 mark): Give the resolution of the micrometer with the correct unit. Resolution = unit [1]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest how the student could use multiple measurements to find the uncertainty of the diameter of the wire. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(c)(iii) (3 marks): The student measures the diameter of another wire to be 0.35 ± 0.02 mm. Calculate the cross‑sectional area of the wire along with the absolute uncertainty. Area
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): Which of the following is a unit of electrical power, equivalent to the watt? joule per second, J s–1 A B joule-second, J s C volt-ampere-second, V A s volt per
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): An appropriate unit for measuring temperature difference is the: A ampere B coulomb C joule D kelvin Your answer [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): The best estimate of the height of a two-storey house similar to the one shown in the diagram is: A 2 m B 5 m C 10 m D 20 m Your answer [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): A student makes two measurements to determine the speed of a trolley rolling down a ramp. Measurement Measuring device Value Uncertainty Length of ramp metre ru
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q21(a) (1 mark): Name the SI unit of electric current. [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q27(b) (1 mark): State one improvement the students can make to their graph. [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q27(c)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why the students did not need to use a sensitive balance to find the mass of the toy. [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q27(c)(iv) (2 marks): Explain why it is not reasonable to conclude that the longer the delay before the toy jumps, the greater the maximum height. [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (5 marks): Beth knows that, for small enough values of θ, the grating equation λ = d sin θ can be written λ = xd L which can be rearranged to x = ⎛⎞ λ d L. ⎝⎠ She measured
November 2021, Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): Using the information in the box, which is the best estimate of the gradient of the graph, together with its uncertainty? 3.8 ± 0.7 cm N–1 A 3.8 ± 1.4 cm N–1 B
November 2021, Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): Which is the best estimate of the unstretched length of the spring? A 0.5 cm B 2.6 cm C 4.5 cm D 7.5 cm Your answer [1] 4 The following information is for use i
November 2021, Paper 1, Q30 (1 mark): The graph shows how the half-life t1/2 of different beta-emitting radioactive nuclides varies with the energy E of the emitted beta-particles. 1014 t / s 1/2 10
November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): State how the graph shows that there is a systematic error in the data and suggest a possible cause of the error. [2]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the gradient of the line, making your method clear. gradient = V m–1 [2]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Plot these two points to complete the graph of height against t2 in Fig. 1.1. Add horizontal error bars to all the plotted points. [3]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Draw the line of best fit on the graph and calculate the gradient. gradient = [2] 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 height / m 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20 1
November 2021, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iv) (4 marks): Use the gradient to calculate the value for the acceleration of free fall. Include the uncertainty in your answer. acceleration of free fall = ± m s–2 [4]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (3 marks): Estimate the uncertainty in the measurement of the distance between the slits and the screen and hence calculate the absolute uncertainty in the calculated valu
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): The conductance G of a volume V of conducting putty rolled into a cylinder of length l is G = V ρl 2 Which combination of measurement precision will give the mo
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): An engineer is estimating the load on a steel beam. There are 80 bricks on the beam. Each brick has mass 2.5 ± 0.1 kg. The true load on the beam most likely lie
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (1 mark): Why did the student use the pointer to read the scale? [1] 16 The student’s results are shown in the table below. Mass in tray / g Pointer reading / cm Compress
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q26(e) (1 mark): Suggest one way the student could improve the precision of their measurements. [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(c)(i) (1 mark): Suggest one reason why the four points should be treated as anomalies. [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(c)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one reason why the four points should NOT be treated as anomalies. [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(e) (2 marks): Discuss whether this value of the internal resistance is better than your answer in part (b). [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(a) (4 marks): Ignoring the value of 0.34 mm, obtain values for the diameter d and its uncertainty, Δd. Show your working and give both values to an appropriate number of sign
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (2 marks): Explain why it is appropriate to treat the reading of 0.34 mm as an outlier and suggest how the anomalous reading may have been obtained. [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(i) (2 marks): Suggest and explain one reason why the uncertainty ΔL varies as shown in the table. [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(ii) (1 mark): State why uncertainties in frequency were not considered in the analysis. [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(iii) (1 mark): Complete the table to the appropriate precision and plot the missing data on the graph opposite. [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(iv) (4 marks): Draw appropriate straight lines on the graph and use these to find the value of the best- fit gradient and its uncertainty. From these values, obtain the speed
November 2020, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The diagram shows a trap-door method to measure the acceleration due to gravity g of a steel ball. It uses a millisecond timer to measure the time t of fall h.
November 2020, Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): A ‘steepest-possible’ line has been drawn. Add a best-fit line to the graph. [1]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q3(b)(iv) (3 marks): The gradient of the ‘steepest-possible’ line is 1.74 × 10−6 V m. Use this to calculate an estimate of the uncertainty of the value for the Planck constant in (b
November 2020, Paper 3, Q1(b)(ii) (4 marks): The following readings were obtained: potential difference V = 10.5 ± 0.2 V current I = 2.3 ± 0.2 A. Calculate the power supplied to the heater per unit mass of
November 2020, Paper 3, Q1(c)(ii) (1 mark): Draw a straight line of best fit through the initial linear section of Fig. 1.2. [1]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (4 marks): The gradient of the line is 83 m s–1. Calculate the speed of sound in air. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in your result by taking a ‘worst-fit’ line from
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): Which unit is equivalent to the volt? A joule per coulomb B joule per second C watt per coulomb D watt per second Your answer [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): The best estimate for the average speed of a professional 100 m runner is A 0.1 m s−1 B 1 m s−1 C 10 m s−1 D 100 m s−1 Your answer [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which is the correct unit for stress? A newton (N) B newton-metre (N m) C no unit D pascal (Pa) Your answer [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): A student measures the p.d. across and current through an electrical component and calculates its resistance. p.d. / V 5.62 current / A 0.5 Which calculated val
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): A student calculates the resistivity of a material using the formula ρ = R πr 2 L The values of R, L and r are all measured with a percentage uncertainty of 1%.
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q26(e) (1 mark): What is the absolute uncertainty in the measurement of angle? absolute uncertainty = [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q26(f) (2 marks): Justify whether the results are consistent with a Brewster angle of 58°. [2]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(a) (1 mark): Complete the table with the missing mean value. [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete the graph of mean p.d. against LED frequency. [2]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the gradient of the graph. gradient = Vs [2] Each electron that passes through the green LED transfers 2.40 eV of energy.
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(e) (2 marks): Suggest and explain one reason why the student chose to use two other LEDs of the same colour rather than re-using the same LED for each trial. [2] The student
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (3 marks): Sam uses a micrometer to make a number of measurements of the diameter of the wire at different points along its length. She records her readings in this dot-pl
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(ii) (3 marks): Sam decides that the uncertainties in m are far less than those in x, and plots the data as shown opposite. m ⎛ ⎞ Use the graph to find ⎝ ⎠ and its uncertainty.
June 2019, Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): Which quantity is followed by a reasonable estimate of its order of magnitude? 100 kg m s−1 A momentum of a bee in flight 106 m s−1 B speed of an air molecule a
June 2019, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): The resistance R of an unknown resistor is found by measuring the potential difference V across the resistor and the current I through it, using the equation R
June 2019, Paper 1, Q36(a)(i) (1 mark): State why a log – log scale has been used to represent the data. [1]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q5(c)(iii) (2 marks): Rocks are often dated using three separate decay series. Suggest and explain an advantage of three decay series to date rocks rather than just one. [2]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): The absolute uncertainty in the measurement of each angle is ± 4°. Complete the table below with maximum and minimum values of the measured angles, and hence de
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): State and explain the advantage of determining the period T by measuring the time for 10 oscillations. [2]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iii) (4 marks): On Fig. 2.2, plot a graph of T 2 (on the y-axis) against L (on the x-axis) and draw a [4] straight line of best fit through the data points.
June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): The student is considering the uncertainty in her value for g. She thinks that data collected for the shorter pendulums have greater percentage uncertainty than
June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Fifteen apparently identical thermometers are available. Describe how the student can determine the uncertainty in the reading of the temperature by using all t
June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(c)(ii) (6 marks): Fig. 4.2 shows the graph of the data collected, including the uncertainty in the pressure readings. 120 110 100 pressure / kPa 90 80 70 60 250 270 290 310 330 3
June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(d) (4 marks): The student notices that the top of the round-bottom flask is above the level of the liquid in the water bath and suggests that this will produce a systematic e
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): The unit of electrical charge, the coulomb, C, can be expressed in base units as ampere per second, A s–1 A B ampere-second, A s ampere second-squared, A s2 C s
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): A student measures the potential difference across a wire = 1.05 V (±0.01 V) and the current through the wire = 0.34 A (±0.01 A). The percentage uncertainty in
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q21(a) (1 mark): What is the SI unit of charge? [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): Suggest and explain one way to improve the accuracy of the angle data. [2] In a repeat of the experiment, the two angles are found to be 28° and 17°.
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(e) (2 marks): Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of this change when measuring the distance to A. advantage [1] disadvantage [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q26(d) (2 marks): Explain how these changes will affect the quality of the measurements of length. [2]
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (3 marks): The lens is made up of several different parts fixed inside a plastic case, and Lizzie cannot tell exactly where the centre of the lens is. She decides to make
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q8(b) (2 marks): Lizzie uses the arrangement in Fig. 8.2 to measure object (u) and image (v) distances. As an object, she marks a black letter X on a thin sheet of paper. The im
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q8(d) (3 marks): In her experiment, Lizzie obtains the following set of values of v and Δv for each chosen value of u. Complete the last two columns and plot the missing data on
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q8(e) (6 marks): Lizzie has bought a new lens for her camera. It is marked with the focal length 50 mm (Fig. 8.1). She wants to measure its focal length as accurately as possibl
June 2018, Paper 1, Q38(a) (1 mark): Suggest a reason why only uncertainties in the fringe spacing are shown on the graph. [1]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q38(b) (3 marks): Draw a line of best fit on the graph and measure its gradient with an uncertainty estimate. gradient = ± [3]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q38(c) (3 marks): Use the gradient to estimate an average wavelength for the light together with an uncertainty estimate. Make your method clear. wavelength = ± m [3]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q38(d) (1 mark): State one way in which you could refine or develop this practical design or procedure to reduce uncertainty. [1]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q40(a) (3 marks): Draw a straight line of best fit on Fig. 40.2 and use it to predict the current in the coil when the motor is not rotating. Use your prediction to calculate the
June 2018, Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): The highest p.d. recorded by the voltmeter is 3.00 ± 0.01 V. Calculate the maximum value of the resistance of the LDR at this point. Assume that there is no unc
June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the cross sectional area A of the wire and the uncertainty. A = ± m2 [3]
June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): A graph of ln (A / Bq) (y-axis) and t (x-axis) is drawn in Fig. 2. Plot the remaining points on the graph and draw the line of best fit. [2] 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.2 0.8
June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(a)(i) (3 marks): Use the information in the dot-plot to find the mean D. Use the spread to determine the percentage uncertainty. mean D = ………………………… mm ± ……………… % [3]
June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the cross sectional area A of the wire and include the uncertainty. A ………………………… ± ……………… m2 [3]
June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(b)(i) (4 marks): On Fig. 4.2 1 complete vertical and horizontal error bars on each of the plots 2 label the regions of elastic and plastic deformation 3 draw a line of best fit
June 2018, Paper 3, Q4(c) (6 marks): This question is about an experiment to determine the Young modulus of a copper wire. The diameter D of the wire was measured using a micrometer screw gauge in
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (1 mark): Using Fig. 25.2 determine the factor by which TEM resolution has improved between the years 1945 and 2010. factor = [1]
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q29(c)(i) (2 marks): The sensitivity of the sensor is the ratio change in temperature. Describe how the sensitivity of the sensor varies between 0 °C and 100 °C. Explain your reason
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q29(c)(ii) (3 marks): Use Fig. 29.2 to estimate the sensitivity of the sensor at 50 °C. Make your method clear. sensitivity = V °C−1 [3]
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q29(d) (4 marks): The readings of p.d. for Fig. 29.2 were taken with a digital voltmeter. Five consecutive values were recorded at each temperature. The calculated mean output p.
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(i) (3 marks): For this LED, Alice and Bob obtain the following data for the first-order maximum. reading 1 reading 2 reading 3 y1 / cm 5.9 6.2 6.1 y2 / cm 6.1 5.9 6.3 Use the
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why repeating the measurements at least three times is good experimental practice. [2]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): Which quantity is followed by a reasonable estimate of its order of magnitude? 100 N A weight of an apple 103 cm3 B volume of a table tennis ball 104 m C wavele
June 2017, Paper 1, Q37(a) (2 marks): Fig. 37.2 shows the graph of velocity against time obtained by analysing the video recording. This method has an uncertainty of about ± 3% for velocity measurem
June 2017, Paper 1, Q37(c)(ii) (5 marks): This table shows the data obtained in the extended investigation. Diameter D Terminal / mm velocity vT / m s–1 12.0 0.65 10.0 0.49 6.0 0.25 4.0 0.11 2.4 0.04 Fo
June 2017, Paper 1, Q39(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the gradient of the sloping part of the log / log graph in Fig. 39.3. gradient = [2]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q9(a)(i) (1 mark): State the spread of the distance values. spread = ± m [1]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q9(a)(ii) (2 marks): A student suggests that the uncertainty in the distance values can be ignored when calculating the minimum angle that can be resolved because of the uncertainty
June 2017, Paper 2, Q9(a)(iii) (3 marks): Calculate a value for the minimum angle that can be resolved. Include an estimate of the uncertainty in your value. Explain how you estimated the uncertainty. m
June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(c)(i) (3 marks): It is suggested that Vout varies linearly with T. By adding uncertainty bars to Fig. 1.3 use the graph to show that this is true over the temperature range test
June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table by calculating the mean change in balance reading and the corresponding values of force F for the last two current values. g = 9.8 N kg−1 [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Use the table to determine the uncertainty in F. Explain your reasoning. [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iii) (2 marks): Plot the last two points from the table, Fig. 3.3, on the graph Fig. 3.4. Draw a line of best fit. [2] 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2
June 2017, Paper 3, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): State which measurement, u or v, has the greatest absolute uncertainty and suggest why this is the case. [1] 16 To assess the reliability of the experiment, the
June 2017, Paper 3, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): Ignoring the two potential outliers, calculate the range of the typical values on the dot‑plot. range = m [1]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q4(a)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the mean of the values within the range calculated in (a)(ii). Mark this on the dot‑plot above. mean = m [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q4(a)(iv) (2 marks): The spread of data is given by; spread = ± ½ range. A measurement can be considered to be an outlier if it is more than twice the spread from the mean. State wh
June 2017, Paper 3, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Add the remaining points to the graph. [1]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q4(c)(ii) (4 marks): Use the uncertainty bars on Fig. 4.6 to determine the maximum and minimum values for the power of the lens. Use these values to determine the percentage uncerta
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): The length of a square paving stone is 0.500 ± 0.002 m. The percentage uncertainty in this measurement is 0.4%. The area of the paving slab is 0.250 m2. What is
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): A student uses an ohmmeter and obtains five readings all of 1.89 kΩ. The student changes the range from 0–20 kΩ to 0–2 kΩ. The student takes five new readings a
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): height of a person 19 The ratio wavelength of visible light is of the order of: 102 A 104 B 106 C 108 D Your answer [1]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(i) (2 marks): Fig. 27.2 shows a graph of the file size plotted against message time for the first three data points. Complete the graph and draw the best fit line. [2] 350 f
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(ii) (1 mark): State how the graph shows that there is a fixed amount of information transmitted with each file that is independent of the message time. ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q28(a)(i) (1 mark): to locate position B precisely ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q28(a)(ii) (1 mark): to measure the distance between position A and the speakers precisely. ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q28(b)(ii) (2 marks): Another student suggests a method for improving the wavelength measurement. He suggests using a laser to measure the distance between the speakers and microphon
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q28(c) (4 marks): The student measured the frequency of the sound wave at 560 ± 30 Hz. The uncertainties in the distances from each speaker to position C are ± 0.02 m. Calculate
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain in terms of percentage uncertainty why the timing uncertainty can be ignored in this experiment. [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(ii) (3 marks): The time recorded by the data-logger when a trolley passes the light gate is 0.1453 s. Calculate the mean speed of the trolley and its uncertainty. Give both va
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q8(c) (6 marks): Carol and Jason are investigating momentum and energy changes in collisions. They are using two trolleys on a table and measuring velocities with light gates co
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which one of these ratios does not have units? acceleration A gravitational field strength Planck constant B momentum resistance C conductance Young modulus D s
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Here is a list of combinations of base units of the SI system. Which combination is equivalent to the unit pascal, Pa? kg m–1 s–2 A kg m s–2 B kg m s–1 C kg m2
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q21(a) (1 mark): weight of a fist-sized apple N [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (1 mark): electric current to run a 230 V kettle A [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (1 mark): volume of water to fill a bath m3 [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q29(a)(i) (2 marks): The single 1.6 s reading was treated as an outlier. Calculate the mean time of drop for the remaining data and estimate the uncertainty. mean time of drop = ± s
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q29(a)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why the 1.6 s reading was treated as an outlier. [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q29(a)(iii) (3 marks): The vertical distance is measured as 1.85 ± 0.02 m due to the uncertainty in the release position. Calculate your best estimate for the terminal velocity of the
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q29(a)(iv) (2 marks): Suggest one systematic error that exists in this method of finding the terminal velocity, and how it affects the estimate. [2] Question 29 continues on page 26
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): Fig. 3.2 is classified as a log-log graph because each scale division along both axes is a fixed factor larger than the preceding one (in this case, ten times).
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (3 marks): Anna correctly records the values of u and v and their uncertainties for s = 0.24 m as follows. u / m s–1 v / m s–1 s / m 0.24 1.40 ± 0.04 2.61 ± 0.03 Table 6.3
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(c)(i) (2 marks): Use the data from Table 6.3 to show that the uncertainty in v2 – u2 is 0.3 m2 s–2 when s = 0.24 m. [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(c)(ii) (2 marks): Anna decides to use this value of uncertainty for each uncertainty bar in her graph of v2 – u2 against s. Suggest why this may not be accurate when s is much gr
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(d) (3 marks): Anna repeats her measurements for five further values of s and plots the graph of Fig. 6.4. Draw suitable lines on the graph and use them to determine the value

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