Question 120 marks
Question
In this experiment, you will investigate the oscillations of a metre rule. (a) • Set up the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1.1. • Attach the beaker to the block of wood using modelling clay. • The distance between the centre of each 150 g mass and the nearest end of the rule is x. Adjust the apparatus so that the value of x is approximately 20 cm and the rule is balanced on the beaker, as shown in Fig. 1.1. x 150 g mass x metre rule beaker modelling clay block of wood bench Fig. 1.1 • Record x. x = …… [1] (b) • Pull one end of the rule down through a short distance. • Release the end of the rule so that it oscillates. • Determine the period T of these oscillations. T = …… [2] (c) Reduce x by changing the positions of the 150 g masses on the rule. Measure and record x and T. Repeat until you have five sets of values. Record your results in a table. [7] (d) (i) Plot a graph of T on the y-axis against x on the x-axis. [3] (ii) Draw the straight line of best fit. [1] (iii) Determine the gradient and y-intercept of this line. gradient = …… y-intercept = …… [2] (e) It is suggested that the quantities T and x are related by the equation T = Px + Q where P and Q are constants. Using your answers in (d)(iii), determine the values of P and Q. Give appropriate units. P = …… Q = …… [2] (f) For one particular value of x, the value of T is the same as when there are no masses on the rule. • Remove the masses from the rule. • Balance the rule on the beaker and repeat (b). T = …… • Use your value of T and answers in (e) to calculate this value of x. Give your answer to three significant figures. x = …… [2] [Total: 20] You may not need to use all of the materials provided.
Mark scheme
1(a) Value of x in the range 18.0–22.0 cm with unit. 1 1(b) Value of T in the range 2.50–4.50 s with unit. 1 Evidence of at least two readings of nT where n ⩾ 2. 1 1(c) Five sets of readings of x and T (different values) showing the correct trend and without help from the Supervisor scores 4 4 marks, four sets scores 3 marks etc. Range: xmin ⩽ 5.0 cm. 1 Column headings: 1 Each column heading must contain a quantity, a unit and a separating mark where appropriate. The presentation of the quantity and unit must conform to accepted scientific convention e.g. x / m. Consistency: 1 All raw values of x must be given to the nearest mm only. 1(d)(i) Axes: 1 Sensible scales must be used, no awkward scales (e.g. 3:10 or fractions). Scales must be chosen so that the plotted points occupy at least half the graph grid in both x and y directions. Scales must be correctly labelled with the quantity that is being plotted. Scale markings should be no more than three large squares apart. Plotting of points: 1 All observations in the table must be plotted on the grid. Diameter of plotted points must be ⩽ half a small square (no “blobs”). Points must be plotted to an accuracy of half a small square. Quality: 1 All observations in the table (at least 4) must be plotted on the grid. Trend of points on graph must be correct. It must be possible to draw a straight line that is within ±2.0 cm (to scale) of all the plotted points on the x-axis. 1(d)(ii) Line of best fit: 1 Judge by balance of all points on the grid about the candidate’s line (at least 4 points). There must be an even distribution of points either side of the line along the full length. If there are 5 or more points, allow one anomalous point only if clearly indicated by the candidate. Lines must not be kinked or thicker than half a small square. 1(d)(iii) Gradient: 1 The hypotenuse of the triangle used must be greater than half the length of the drawn line. The method of calculation must be correct. Do not allow ∆x / ∆y. Both read-offs must be accurate to half a small square in both the x and y directions. Sign of gradient must match graph. y-intercept: 1 Correct read-off from a point on the line and substituted into y = mx + c. Read-off must be accurate to half a small square in both x and y directions. or Intercept read directly from the graph with read-off at x = 0, accurate to half a small square. 1(e) Value of P = candidate’s gradient and value of Q = candidate’s intercept. 1 The values must not be fractions. Units for P (s m–1, s cm–1 or s mm–1) and Q (s) correct. 1 1(f) Correct calculation of x [= (T – Q) / P] from values of T, P and Q and consistent sign. 1 Final answer for x given to three significant figures. 1