Alternative to Practical: show readings, units and working. For a plotted graph or circuit diagram, upload a clear image of your work on the supplied figure.
(a)(i)Read question and case materials as text
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A student measures the spring constant of a spring by stretching it and timing oscillations of a 300 g mass.
Fig. 1.1 shows the unstretched spring full size. Measure its body length l₀ to the nearest 0.1 cm, excluding the end loops.
A student measures the spring constant of a spring by stretching it and timing oscillations of a 300 g mass.
Fig. 1.1
Fig. 1.1 shows the unstretched spring full size. Measure its body length l₀ to the nearest 0.1 cm, excluding the end loops.
Measurement: this is the original full-size drawing. On a small screen or when zoomed, use the enlarged image and account for display scaling.
[1 mark]
(a)(ii)Read question and case materials as text
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A student measures the spring constant of a spring by stretching it and timing oscillations of a 300 g mass.
The spring holds a 300 g mass in Fig. 1.2 and has a new length l₁=17.6 cm. Using your l₀ from (a)(i), calculate its extension e=l₁−l₀ in cm.
The spring holds a 300 g mass in Fig. 1.2 and has a new length l₁=17.6 cm. Using your l₀ from (a)(i), calculate its extension e=l₁−l₀ in cm.
Fig. 1.2
Answer guidance
Using You must use the thing it names. An answer that reaches the right value another way may not score.
[1 mark]
(a)(iii)
Calculate the first spring constant k₁ using k₁=300/e, with your extension from (a)(ii). State the result in N/m.
Answer guidance
Calculate Show your working. The method can earn marks even when the final value is wrong, and a bare answer often cannot.
[1 mark]
(a)(iv)
Explain what a parallax error is when reading the extension and how to avoid it.
Answer guidance
Explain Give reasons, not just what happens. Each distinct reason is usually worth a mark.
[2 marks]
(b)(i)Read question and case materials as text
Text can be resized with your browser. Refer to the original figures below for diagrams and their layout.
A student measures the spring constant of a spring by stretching it and timing oscillations of a 300 g mass.
Fig. 1.3 shows a stopwatch reading for 20 oscillations. Record time t₁ in Table 1.1 to one decimal place. The second reading t₂ is 13.8 s.
Fig. 1.3 shows a stopwatch reading for 20 oscillations. Record time t₁ in Table 1.1 to one decimal place. The second reading t₂ is 13.8 s.
Fig. 1.3
Table 1.1 — complete the time and period readings
m / g
t₁ for 20 / s
t₂ for 20 / s
mean time t / s
period T / s
T² / s²
300
…
13.8
…
…
…
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
[1 mark]
(b)(ii)
Using your t₁ and the given t₂=13.8 s, calculate the mean time t for 20 oscillations and complete Table 1.1.
Answer guidance
Using You must use the thing it names. An answer that reaches the right value another way may not score.
[1 mark]
(b)(iii)
Calculate the mean period T for one oscillation, then T², and complete Table 1.1 with units.
Answer guidance
Calculate Show your working. The method can earn marks even when the final value is wrong, and a bare answer often cannot.
[1 mark]
(b)(iv)
Calculate the second spring constant k₂ using k₂=11.8/T² and your value of T²; state N/m.
Answer guidance
Calculate Show your working. The method can earn marks even when the final value is wrong, and a bare answer often cannot.
[1 mark]
(c)
Explain why timing 20 oscillations twice gives a more accurate mean period than timing one oscillation twice.
Answer guidance
Explain Give reasons, not just what happens. Each distinct reason is usually worth a mark.
[1 mark]
5054/42/O/N/23Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Paper 4 variant 2 · Question 1