TopicalPhysics 9702Physical quantities and unitsErrors and uncertaintiesPaper 2

Errors and uncertainties — Paper 2 · A Level Physics 9702

1.3· 18 questions · 124 marks · 149 min · 2017–2025· Structured questions

Every Cambridge A Level Physics Paper 2 question on errors and uncertainties, laid out as 23 A4 pages with the mark scheme below. Nothing is left out. Free to read, no account.

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Questions23 pages

Question 1: One end of a wire is connected to a fixed point. A load is attached to the other end so that the wire hangs vertically. The diameter d of t…1 / 23
Question 1 (continued)2 / 23
Question 2: (a) An analogue voltmeter is used to take measurements of a constant potential difference across a resistor. For these measurements, descri…3 / 23
Question 3: (a) The diameter d of a cylinder is measured as 0.0125 m ± 1.6%. Calculate the absolute uncertainty in this measurement. absolute uncertain…4 / 23
Question 4: (a) Make estimates of: (i) the mass, in g, of a new pencil mass = ...................................................... g [1] (ii) the wav…5 / 23
Question 5: (a) Length, mass and temperature are all SI base quantities. State two other SI base quantities. 1. .......................................…6 / 23
Question 6: (a) State one similarity and one difference between distance and displacement. similarity: ................................................…7 / 23
Question 7: (a) An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 85 μm. (i) State the wavelength, in m, of the wave. wavelength = ..........................…8 / 23
Question 8: (a) Define density. .......................................................................................................................…9 / 23
Question 8 (continued)Question 9: (a) A unit may be stated with a prefix that represents a power-of-ten multiple or submultiple. Complete Table 1.1 to show the name and symb…10 / 23
Question 9 (continued)Question 10: (a) The boxes in Fig. 1.1 contain terms on the left-hand side and examples of these terms on the right-hand side. Draw a line between each …11 / 23
Question 10 (continued)12 / 23
Question 10 (continued)Question 11: The rate of flow Q of a liquid along a narrow pipe of length L and radius r is given by αr 4 Q = L where α is a constant. An experiment is …13 / 23
Question 12: (a) Underline all the SI base units in the following list. ampere coulomb current kelvin newton [1] (b) A toy car moves in a horizontal str…14 / 23
Question 13: (a) (i) Define pressure. ..................................................................................................................…15 / 23
Question 14: A well has a depth of 36 m from ground level to the surface of the water in the well, as shown in Fig. 1.1. ground 36 m well surface of wat…16 / 23
Question 14 (continued)17 / 23
Question 15: (a) Compare scalar and vector quantities. .................................................................................................…18 / 23
Question 16: (a) The list below shows some SI quantities. Underline the quantity that is not an SI base quantity. charge current length time [1] (b) A s…19 / 23
Question 16 (continued)20 / 23
Question 17: (a) Explain what is meant by the accuracy of a measured value. ............................................................................…21 / 23
Question 18: Scientists are investigating the variation in air pressure at different locations on a mountain. (a) The scientists take measurements of se…22 / 23
Question 18 (continued)23 / 23

Mark scheme18 answers

Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.

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Physics 9702 · Errors and uncertainties — Paper 2

A Level · topical answer key — answer key (teacher use)

Question

Answer

Marks

1Mark scheme for question 18
2Mark scheme for question 28
3Mark scheme for question 34
4Mark scheme for question 46
5Mark scheme for question 56
6Mark scheme for question 64
7Mark scheme for question 76
8Mark scheme for question 811
9Mark scheme for question 96
10Mark scheme for question 107
11Mark scheme for question 115
12Mark scheme for question 127
13Mark scheme for question 136
14Mark scheme for question 147
15Mark scheme for question 155
16Mark scheme for question 1610
17Mark scheme for question 177
18Mark scheme for question 1811
QuestionAnswerMarksFrom
1see sheet89702/22 Oct/Nov 2017
2see sheet89702/23 May/June 2018
3see sheet49702/22 May/June 2019
4see sheet69702/21 Oct/Nov 2019
5see sheet69702/22 Feb/March 2020
6see sheet49702/23 May/June 2020
7see sheet69702/23 Oct/Nov 2020
8see sheet119702/21 Oct/Nov 2021
9see sheet69702/22 Oct/Nov 2021
10see sheet79702/21 Oct/Nov 2022
11see sheet59702/23 Oct/Nov 2022
12see sheet79702/22 Feb/March 2023
13see sheet69702/22 May/June 2023
14see sheet79702/23 May/June 2023
15see sheet59702/21 Oct/Nov 2023
16see sheet109702/22 May/June 2024
17see sheet79702/22 Feb/March 2025
18see sheet119702/22 Oct/Nov 2025

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Q1 · One end of a wire is connected to a fixed point 9702/22 Oct/Nov 2017

1 One end of a wire is connected to a fixed point. A load is attached to the other end so that the wire hangs vertically. The diameter d of the wire and the load F are measured as d = 0.40 ± 0.02 mm, F = 25.0 ± 0.5 N. (a) For the measurement of the diameter of the wire, state (i) the name of a suitable measuring instrument, … [1] (ii) how random errors may be reduced when using the instrument in (i). … … … [2] (b) The stress σ in the wire is calculated by using the expression 4F σ = . πd 2 (i) Show that the value of σ is 1.99 × 108 N m–2. [1] (ii) Determine the percentage uncertainty in σ. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (iii) Use the information in (b)(i) and your answer in (b)(ii) to determine the value of σ, with its absolute uncertainty, to an appropriate number of significant figures. σ = … ± … N m–2 [2] [Total: 8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) micrometer (screw gauge)/digital calipers B1 1(a)(ii) take several readings (and average) M1 along the wire or around the circumference A1 1(b)(i) σ = 4 × 25 / [π × (0.40 × 10–3)2] = 1.99 × 108 N m–2 or σ = 25 / [π × (0.20 × 10–3)2] = 1.99 × 108 N m–2 A1 1(b)(ii) %F = 2% and %d = 5% or ∆F / F = 0.5 25 and ∆d / d = 0.02 0.4 C1 %σ = 2% + (2 × 5%) or %σ = [0.02 + (2 × 0.05)] × 100 %σ = 12% A1 1(b)(iii) absolute uncertainty = (12 / 100) × 1.99 × 108 = 2.4 × 107 C1 σ = 2.0 × 108 ± 0.2 × 108 N m–2 or 2.0 ± 0.2 × 108 N m–2 A1

This question in 9702/22 Oct/Nov 2017

Q2 · An analogue voltmeter is used to take measurements of a constant potential difference… 9702/23 May/June 2018

1 (a) An analogue voltmeter is used to take measurements of a constant potential difference across a resistor. For these measurements, describe one example of (i) a systematic error, … … [1] (ii) a random error. … … [1] (b) The potential difference across a resistor is measured as 5.0 V ± 0.1 V. The resistor is labelled as having a resistance of 125 Ω ± 3%. (i) Calculate the power dissipated by the resistor. power = … W [2] (ii) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the calculated power. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (iii) Determine the value of the power, with its absolute uncertainty, to an appropriate number of significant figures. power = … ± … W [2] [Total: 8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) zero error or wrongly calibrated scale B1 1(a)(ii) reading scale from different angles or wrongly interpolating between scale readings/divisions B1 1(b)(i) P = V 2 / R or P = VI and V = IR C1 P = 5.02 / 125 or 5.0 × 0.04 or (0.04)2 × 125 = 0.20 W A1 1(b)(ii) %V = 2% or ∆V / V = 0.02 C1 %P = (2 × 2%) + 3% or %P = (2 × 0.02 + 0.03) × 100 = 7% A1 1(b)(iii) absolute uncertainty in P = (7 / 100) × 0.20 = 0.014 C1 power = 0.20 ± 0.01 W or (2.0 ± 0.1) × 10–1 W A1

This question in 9702/23 May/June 2018

Q3 · The diameter d of a cylinder is measured as 0.0125 m ± 1.6% 9702/22 May/June 2019

1 (a) The diameter d of a cylinder is measured as 0.0125 m ± 1.6%. Calculate the absolute uncertainty in this measurement. absolute uncertainty = … m [1] (b) The cylinder in (a) stands on a horizontal surface. The pressure p exerted on the surface by the cylinder is given by 4 W p = 2 . π d The measured weight W of the cylinder is 0.38 N ± 2.8%. (i) Calculate the pressure p. p = … N m−2 [1] (ii) Determine the absolute uncertainty in the value of p. absolute uncertainty = … N m−2 [2] [Total: 4]

4 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) = 2 × 10–4 m A1 1(b)(i) p = (4 × 0.38) / (π × 0.01252) = 3100 N m–2 A1 1(b)(ii) percentage uncertainty = 2.8 + (2 × 1.6) (= 6%) or fractional uncertainty = 0.028 + (2 × 0.016) (= 0.06) C1 absolute uncertainty = 0.06 × 3100 = 190 N m–2 (allow to 1 significant figure) A1

This question in 9702/22 May/June 2019

Q4 · Make estimates of: (i) the mass, in g, of a new pencil mass = … g [1] (ii) the wavelength… 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2019

1 (a) Make estimates of: (i) the mass, in g, of a new pencil mass = … g [1] (ii) the wavelength of ultraviolet radiation. wavelength = … m [1] (b) The period T of the oscillations of a mass m suspended from a spring is given by m T = 2π k where k is the spring constant of the spring. The manufacturer of a spring states that it has a spring constant of 25 N m–1 ± 8%. A mass of 200 × 10–3 kg ± 4 × 10–3 kg is suspended from the end of the spring and then made to oscillate. (i) Calculate the period T of the oscillations. T = … s [1] (ii) Determine the value of T, with its absolute uncertainty, to an appropriate number of significant figures. T = … ± … s [3] [Total: 6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) A1 1(a)(ii) wavelength in range 1 × 10–8 m to 4 × 10–7 m A1 1(b)(i) T = 2π × (200 × 10–3 / 25)0.5 = 0.56 s A1 1(b)(ii) percentage uncertainty = (2% + 8%) / 2 (= 5%) or fractional uncertainty = (0.02+0.08) / 2 (= 0.05) C1 ∆T = 0.56 × 0.05 = 0.028 (s) C1 T = (0.56 ± 0.03) s A1

This question in 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2019

Q5 · Length, mass and temperature are all SI base quantities 9702/22 Feb/March 2020

1 (a) Length, mass and temperature are all SI base quantities. State two other SI base quantities. 1. … 2. … [2] (b) The acceleration of free fall g may be determined from an oscillating pendulum using the equation 4π2l g = T 2 where l is the length of the pendulum and T is the period of oscillation. In an experiment, the measured values for an oscillating pendulum are l = 1.50 m ± 2% and T = 2.48 s ± 3%. (i) Calculate the acceleration of free fall g. g = … m s–2 [1] (ii) Determine the percentage uncertainty in g. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (iii) Use your answers in (b)(i) and (b)(ii) to determine the absolute uncertainty of the calculated value of g. absolute uncertainty = … m s–2 [1] [Total: 6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) time (electric) current allow amount of substance allow luminous intensity any two of the above quantities, 1 mark each B2 1(b)(i) g = (4π2 × 1.50) / (2.482) = 9.63 m s–2 A1 1(b)(ii) percentage uncertainty = 2 + (3 × 2) or fraction uncertainty = 0.02 + (0.03 × 2) C1 percentage uncertainty = 8% A1 1(b)(iii) absolute uncertainty = 0.08 × 9.6 = 0.8 m s–2 A1

This question in 9702/22 Feb/March 2020

Q6 · State one similarity and one difference between distance and displacement 9702/23 May/June 2020

1 (a) State one similarity and one difference between distance and displacement. similarity: … … difference: … … [2] (b) A student takes several measurements of the same quantity. This set of measurements has high precision, but low accuracy. Describe what is meant by: (i) high precision … … [1] (ii) low accuracy. … … [1] [Total: 4]

4 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) similarity: both have magnitude B1 difference: distance is a scalar/does not have direction or displacement is a vector/has direction B1 1(b)(i) the measurements have a small range B1 1(b)(ii) the (average of the) measurements is not close to the true value B1

This question in 9702/23 May/June 2020

Q7 · An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 85 μm 9702/23 Oct/Nov 2020

1 (a) An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 85 μm. (i) State the wavelength, in m, of the wave. wavelength = … m [1] (ii) Calculate the frequency, in THz, of the wave. frequency = … THz [2] (iii) State the name of the region of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains this wave. … [1] (b) The current I in a coil of wire produces a magnetic field. The energy E stored in the magnetic field is given by I 2 L E = 2 where L is a constant. The manufacturer of the coil states that the value of L, in SI base units, is 7.5 × 10–6 ± 5%. The current I in the coil is measured as (0.50 ± 0.02) A. The values of L and I are used to calculate E. Determine the percentage uncertainty in the value of E. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] [Total: 6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) wavelength = 8.5 × 10–5 m A1 1(a)(ii) f = v / λ or c / λ C1 = 3.0 × 108 / 8.5 × 10–5 (= 3.5 × 1012) = 3.5 THz A1 1(a)(iii) infrared B1 1(b) (implied) percentage uncertainty in I = 4% or (implied) fractional uncertainty in I = 0.04 C1 percentage uncertainty in E = 5% + (4% × 2) = 13% A1

This question in 9702/23 Oct/Nov 2020

Question 8 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2021

1 (a) Define density. … … [1] (b) A smooth pebble, made from uniform rock, has the shape of an elongated sphere as shown in Fig. 1.1. r L Fig. 1.1 The length of the pebble is L. The cross-section of the pebble, in the plane perpendicular to L, is circular with a maximum radius r. A student investigating the density of the rock makes measurements to determine the values of L, r and the mass M of the pebble as follows: L = (0.1242 ± 0.0001) m r = (0.0420 ± 0.0004) m M = (1.072 ± 0.001) kg. (i) State the name of a measuring instrument suitable for making this measurement of L. … [1] (ii) Determine the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of r. percentage uncertainty = … % [1] (c) The density ρ of the rock from which the pebble in (b) is composed is given by Mr n ρ = kL where n is an integer and k is a constant, with no units, that is equal to 2.094. (i) Use SI base units to show that n is equal to –2. [2] (ii) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in ρ. percentage uncertainty = … % [3] (iii) Determine ρ with its absolute uncertainty. Give your values to the appropriate number of significant figures. ρ = ( … ± … ) kg m–3 [3] [Total: 11]

11 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) mass / volume B1 1(b)(i) (vernier/digital) calipers B1 1(b)(ii) percentage uncertainty = (0.0004 / 0.0420) × 100 = 1% A1 1(c)(i) kg m–3 = kg × mn / m or kg m–3 = kg × mn × m–1 M1 –3 = n – 1 and (so) n = –2 A1 1(c)(ii) (Δρ / ρ) = (ΔM / M) + 2(Δr / r) + (ΔL / L) C1 percentage uncertainty = [(0.001 / 1.072) + 2 × (0.0004 / 0.0420) + (0.0001 / 0.1242)] (× 100) C1 = 0.09% + 2 × 0.95% + 0.08% = 2% A1 1(c)(iii) ρ = (1.072 × 0.0420–2) / (2.094 × 0.1242) = 2337 (kg m–3) C1 ∆ρ = 0.021 × 2337 = 49 (kg m–3) C1 ρ = (2340 ± 50) kg m–3 A1

This question in 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2021

Q9 · A unit may be stated with a prefix that represents a power-of-ten multiple or submultiple 9702/22 Oct/Nov 2021

1 (a) A unit may be stated with a prefix that represents a power-of-ten multiple or submultiple. Complete Table 1.1 to show the name and symbol of each prefix and the corresponding power-of-ten multiple or submultiple. Table 1.1 power-of-ten multiple prefix or submultiple kilo (k) 103 tera (T) ( ) 10–12 [2] (b) In the following list, underline all the units that are SI base units. ampere coulomb metre newton [1] (c) The potential difference V between the two ends of a uniform metal wire is given by 4ρLI V = 2 πd where d is the diameter of the wire, I is the current in the wire, L is the length of the wire, and ρ is the resistivity of the metal. For a particular wire, the percentage uncertainties in the values of some of the above quantities are listed in Table 1.2. Table 1.2 quantity percentage uncertainty d ± 3.0% I ± 2.0% L ± 2.5% V ± 3.5% The quantities listed in Table 1.2 have values that are used to calculate ρ as 4.1 × 10–7 Ω m. For this value of ρ, calculate: (i) the percentage uncertainty percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (ii) the absolute uncertainty. absolute uncertainty = … Ω m [1] [Total: 6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) 1012 B1 pico (p) B1 1(b) ampere and metre both underlined (and no other units underlined) B1 1(c)(i) percentage uncertainty = 3.5 + (3.0 × 2) + 2.5 + 2.0 C1 = 14% A1 1(c)(ii) absolute uncertainty = 4.1 × 10–7 × 14 / 100 = 6 × 10–8 Ω m A1

This question in 9702/22 Oct/Nov 2021

Q10 · The boxes in Fig 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2022

1 (a) The boxes in Fig. 1.1 contain terms on the left-hand side and examples of these terms on the right-hand side. Draw a line between each term on the left and the correct example on the right. base quantity coulomb base unit electric current derived quantity force derived unit kilogram Fig. 1.1 [2] (b) A set of experimental measurements is described as precise and not accurate. State what is meant by: (i) precise … … [1] (ii) not accurate. … … [1] (c) An object of mass m travels with speed v in a circle of radius r. The force F acting on the object is given by mv2 F = . r The percentage uncertainties of three of the quantities are given in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 quantity percentage uncertainty F ± 3% m ± 4% r ± 5% The value of v is determined from F, m and r. (i) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in v. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (ii) The value of v is 15.0 m s–1. Calculate the absolute uncertainty in v. absolute uncertainty = … m s–1 [1] [Total: 7]

7 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) C1 any two joined correctly all four joined correctly A1 1(b)(i) the measurements have a small range B1 1(b)(ii) (average of the) measurements not close to the true value B1 1(c)(i) percentage uncertainty = (3 + 5 + 4) / 2 C1 = 6% A1 1(c)(ii) absolute uncertainty = (6 / 100)  15.0 A1 = 0.9 ms–1

This question in 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2022

Q11 · The rate of flow Q of a liquid along a narrow pipe of length L and radius r is given by… 9702/23 Oct/Nov 2022

1 The rate of flow Q of a liquid along a narrow pipe of length L and radius r is given by αr 4 Q = L where α is a constant. An experiment is carried out to determine the value of α. The data from the experiment are shown in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 quantity value percentage uncertainty Q 2.72 × 10–8 m3 s–1 ± 3% r 7.1 × 10–5 m ± 2% L 2.5 × 10–2 m ± 4% (a) Use information in Table 1.1 to show that the SI base unit of α is s–1. [1] (b) Show that the percentage uncertainty in α is 15%. [1] (c) Calculate α with its absolute uncertainty. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. α = ( … ± … ) × 107 s–1 [3] [Total: 5]

5 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) (SI base unit of =) m3 s–1  m / m4 = s–1 A1 1(b) (percentage uncertainty =) 3 + 4 + 2  4 = 15 (%) A1 1(c)  = QL / r 4 C1 = 2.72  10–8  2.5  10–2 / (7.1  10–5)4 = 2.7  107 absolute uncertainty = 0.15  [2.7  107] C1 = 0.4  107 = (2.7 ± 0.4)  107 s–1 A1

This question in 9702/23 Oct/Nov 2022

Q12 · Underline all the SI base units in the following list 9702/22 Feb/March 2023

1 (a) Underline all the SI base units in the following list. ampere coulomb current kelvin newton [1] (b) A toy car moves in a horizontal straight line. The displacement s of the car is given by the equation v 2 s = 2a where a is the acceleration of the car and v is its final velocity. State two conditions that apply to the motion of the car in order for the above equation to be valid. 1 … 2 … [2] (c) An experiment is performed to determine the acceleration of the car in (b). The following measurements are obtained: s = 3.89 m ± 0.5% v = 2.75 m s–1 ± 0.8%. (i) Calculate the acceleration a of the car. a = … m s–2 [1] (ii) Determine the percentage uncertainty, to two significant figures, in a. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (iii) Use your answers in (c)(i) and (c)(ii) to determine the absolute uncertainty in the calculated value of a. absolute uncertainty = … m s–2 [1] [Total: 7]

7 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) only ampere and kelvin underlined B1 1(b) initial speed / velocity is zero B1 (non-zero magnitude of) acceleration is constant / uniform (and in a straight line) B1 1(c)(i) a = 2.752 / (2  3.89) A1 = 0.97 m s–2 1(c)(ii) percentage uncertainty = (2  0.8) + 0.5 C1 = 2.1% A1 1(c)(iii) absolute uncertainty = (2.1 / 100)  0.97 A1 = 0.02 m s–2

This question in 9702/22 Feb/March 2023

Question 13 9702/22 May/June 2023

1 (a) (i) Define pressure. … … [1] (ii) Use the answer to (a)(i) to show that the SI base units of pressure are kg m–1 s–2. [1] (b) A horizontal pipe has length L and a circular cross‑section of radius R. A liquid of density ρ flows through the pipe. The mass m of liquid flowing through the pipe in time t is given by π(p2 – p1)R 4ρt m = 8kL where p1 and p2 are the pressures at the ends of the pipe and k is a constant. Determine the SI base units of k. SI base units … [3] (c) An experiment is performed to determine the value of k by measuring the values of the other quantities in the equation in (b). The values of L and R each have a percentage uncertainty of 2%. State and explain, quantitatively, which of these two quantities contributes more to the percentage uncertainty in the calculated value of k. … … … [1] [Total: 6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) force / area (normal to the force) B1 1(a)(ii) (p = F / A so units are) kg m s–2 / m2 = kg m–1 s–2 A1 1(b) unit of R: m and unit of t: s and unit of L: m C1 unit of : kg m–3 or  = m / V C1 base units of k: (kg m–1 s–2  m4  kg m–3  s) / (kg  m) = kg m–1 s–1 A1 1(c) R contributes 4  2% or 8% (and L contributes 2%) so R contributes more (to the percentage uncertainty in k) B1

This question in 9702/22 May/June 2023

Q14 · A well has a depth of 36 m from ground level to the surface of the water in the well, as… 9702/23 May/June 2023

1 A well has a depth of 36 m from ground level to the surface of the water in the well, as shown in Fig. 1.1. ground 36 m well surface of water Fig. 1.1 (not to scale) A student wishes to find the depth of the well. The student plans to drop a stone down the well and record the time taken from releasing the stone to hearing the splash made by the stone as it enters the water. (a) Assume that air resistance is negligible and that the stone is released from rest. Calculate the time taken for the stone to fall from ground level to the surface of the water. time = … s [2] (b) The time recorded by the student using a stop-watch is not equal to the time in (a). Suggest three possible reasons, other than the effect of air resistance, for this difference. 1 … … 2 … … 3 … … [3] (c) The student repeats the experiment three times and uses the results to calculate the depth of the well. The values are shown in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 1st experiment 2nd experiment 3rd experiment depth / m 54.4 53.9 54.1 The true depth of the well is 36.0 m. Explain why these results may be described as precise but not accurate. … … … … [2] [Total: 7]

7 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) t = √(2s / g) = √[(2  36) / 9.81] C1 = 2.7 s A1 1(b)  reaction time between hearing the splash and stopping the stop-watch  the sound (of the splash) takes time to reach the student or the stone hits the water at a different time to the sound being heard or the sound (of the splash) has to travel to the student  the student might not let go of the stone from ground level  the student might not let go of the stone and start the stop-watch at the same time  stop-watch may not be properly calibrated / has a zero error  (local value of) g is not (exactly) 9.81 (m s2)  stone given initial velocity / initial velocity not zero  stone does not fall (exactly) vertically / in a straight line Any three points, 1 mark each B3 1(c) precise: results are close together / have little scatter B1 not accurate: the values are not close to / 50% different / (very) different from the true value B1

This question in 9702/23 May/June 2023

Q15 · Compare scalar and vector quantities 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2023

1 (a) Compare scalar and vector quantities. … … … [2] (b) The radius of a small sphere is determined from a measurement of the volume of the sphere. The sphere is submerged in water, displacing some of the water into a measuring cylinder as shown in Fig. 1.1. measuring cylinder sphere displaced water Fig. 1.1 (not to scale) The measured volume of displaced water is (28.0 ± 0.5) cm3. Calculate: (i) the radius, in cm, of the sphere radius = … cm [1] (ii) the percentage uncertainty in the radius of the sphere. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] [Total: 5]

5 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Mark 1(a) scalar and vector have magnitude B1 vector has direction (and scalar does not have direction) B1 1(b)(i) r = [(3  28) / 4]1/3 A1 = 1.9 cm 1(b)(ii) percentage uncertainty in V = (0.5 / 28)  100 C1 ( = 1.79%) percentage uncertainty in r = 1.79 / 3 A1 = 0.6%

This question in 9702/21 Oct/Nov 2023

Q16 · The list below shows some SI quantities 9702/22 May/June 2024

1 (a) The list below shows some SI quantities. Underline the quantity that is not an SI base quantity. charge current length time [1] (b) A square solar panel with sides of length 1300 mm is shown in Fig. 1.1. incident light solar panel 1300 mm 1300 mm Fig. 1.1 (not to scale) Light is incident normally on the solar panel. (i) The power of the light incident on the solar panel is 750 W. Calculate the intensity of the light. intensity = … W m–2 [3] (ii) The percentage uncertainty in the incident power is ± 3%. The uncertainty in the length of each side is ± 5 mm. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the intensity of the light. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (iii) The useful power output of the solar panel is 160 W. Calculate the percentage efficiency of the solar panel. efficiency = … % [1] (iv) Another square solar panel is placed so that light of the same intensity is incident normally on it. The new panel has shorter sides than the original panel. The new panel has the same power output as the original panel. State and explain whether the efficiency of the new panel is greater than, less than or the same as the efficiency of the original panel. … … … … … [3] [Total: 10]

10 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) charge underlined (and no others) B1 1(b)(i) I = P / A C1 = 750 / (1300  10–3)2 C1 = 440 W m–2 A1 1(b)(ii) percentage uncertainty = 3 + 2  (5 / 1300)  100 C1 = 3 + 2  0.38 = (±) 4% A1 1(b)(iii) efficiency = useful output power / total input power = (160 / 750)  100 = 21% A1 1(b)(iv) area (of the new panel) is less B1 input power (of the new panel) is less (than the input power of the original panel) (as intensity is constant) B1 (useful power output is unchanged so) efficiency is greater (than the original panel) B1

This question in 9702/22 May/June 2024

Q17 · Explain what is meant by the accuracy of a measured value 9702/22 Feb/March 2025

1 (a) Explain what is meant by the accuracy of a measured value. … … [1] (b) Two solid cubes, A and B, are measured to determine the density of their materials. Table 1.1 shows the measurements for cube A. Table 1.1 quantity measurement length of side (1.53 ± 0.01) cm mass (31.3 ± 0.5) g (i) Show that the calculated density of the material of cube A is 8.7 × 103 kg m–3. [2] (ii) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the density of the material of cube A. percentage uncertainty = … % [2] (iii) The density of the material of cube B is determined to be 9.2 × 103 kg m–3 ± 6%. State and explain whether cube A and cube B could be made from the same material. … … … … [2] [Total: 7]

7 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) how close the (measured) value is to the true value (of the quantity) A1 1(b)(i) (=) m / V C1 = 31.3  10–3 / (1.53  10–2)3 = 8.7  103 (kg m–3) A1 1(b)(ii) (0.5 / 31.3) or (0.01 / 1.53) C1 % uncertainty = (0.016  100) + 3  (0.0065  100) = 4% A1 1(b)(iii) The ranges (of the densities of A and B) overlap or M1 the (calculated) density of A is within the range of the density of B or the difference in densities is within the uncertainty (of B) (so) they could be the same A1

This question in 9702/22 Feb/March 2025

Q18 · Scientists are investigating the variation in air pressure at different locations on a… 9702/22 Oct/Nov 2025

1 Scientists are investigating the variation in air pressure at different locations on a mountain. (a) The scientists take measurements of several physical quantities at each location. Complete Table 1.1 by stating the SI base unit for each quantity and identifying with a tick (3) whether each quantity is a scalar or a vector. Use the space for any working. Table 1.1 quantity measured SI base unit scalar vector air temperature air pressure [2] (b) (i) At one location, the density of the air is 1.1 kg m–3. A spherical weather balloon is filled with a gas and released from rest. The balloon has radius 0.90 m. Calculate the upthrust acting on the balloon when it is released. upthrust = … N [2] (ii) Explain why an upthrust acts on the balloon. … … … … [2] (iii) The balloon has weight 19 N. Calculate the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the balloon. acceleration = … m s–2 [3] (c) A quantity c relating to the motion of the balloon is calculated from three measured quantities k, F and v using the formula 2kF c = . v 2 The percentage uncertainties in the measured quantities are given in Table 1.2. Table 1.2 measured quantity percentage uncertainty k 5% F 3% v 4% The calculated value of c is 1.8. Determine the absolute uncertainty in c. absolute uncertainty = … [2] [Total: 11]

11 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) air temperature: K and air pressure: kg m–1 s–2 B1 scalar only ticked for both air temperature and air pressure B1 1(b)(i) upthrust = 1.1  9.81  (4  0.903 / 3) C1 = 33 N A1 1(b)(ii) (due to difference in height / depth there is a) difference in pressure between top and bottom (of balloon) B1 (due to pressure difference, upwards) B1 force on bottom of balloon is greater (than downwards force on top of balloon, so resultant force is upwards) 1(b)(iii) ()F = 33 – 19 C1 (= 14 N) m = 19 / 9.81 C1 ( = 1.94 kg) a = (33 – 19) / (19 / 9.81) A1 = 7.2 m s–2 1(c) 5 + 3 + (2  4) C1 (= 16%) absolute uncertainty in c = 1.8  0.16 A1 = (±) 0.3

This question in 9702/22 Oct/Nov 2025