Paper 5 Set A 1 Lee Suit Lin /MCKL/012-6679171

Question 1 Written Answer Template

*Break your answer into sections with headers, use point form.

A) Diagram

Use ruler, draw a clear diagram (show relative positions of apparatus)

Label all apparatus (including the table!)

B) Defining the Problem

Independent variable: __________________

Dependent variable: ___________________

Constant variables: ___________________ (list 2-3 other possible variables)

C) Methods of Data Collection

1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the

diagram above.

2. Vary the independent variable by Include details how to vary

_______________ Take preliminary readings to ensure
workable range of variables
Any safety considerations?

3. Measure the constant variable by ____. Include details how you would know the
constant variable is unchanging.
Measuring instrument(s) used

4. Measure the independent variable by Include details on method & technique for
______________. reliable results
*Clearly describe procedure in a logical sequence Measuring instrument(s) used
Any safety considerations?
Any limitations/suggestions?

5. Measure the dependent variable by Include details on method & technique for
______________. reliable results
*Clearly describe procedure in a logical sequence Measuring instrument(s) used
Any safety considerations?
Any limitations/suggestions?

6. Repeat procedure to obtain an average Details of averaging method to reduce

value for ________ (dependent variable) uncertainty from random errors

7. Repeat steps ________ to _________ Mention how constant variables made sure
for different values of ______________ they are kept constant as steps are repeated
(independent variable)
Paper 5 Set A 2 Lee Suit Lin /MCKL/012-6679171
D) Method of Analysis

1. In the given equation, Identify IV/DV symbols

p is _______, q is ________, and Identify constants
_______________ are constants.

2. Include math steps to linearize equation. Put equation in linear

e.g. Taking log on both sides, log(y) = n log(x) + log(k) form Y = mX + C

3. Plot a graph of _______ against _______

4. If the above relationship is true, a straight line graph will be Include expressions for
obtained where the gradient is equal to _______ and the y- Gradient
intercept is equal to ______________. y-intercept
Constant to find

(constant to find) = ________(expression)_________.

E) Any Additional Details

* already be included in Section C

List at least 2 safety considerations

List at least 3 suggestions to improve accuracy/reliability of results
Any other steps you missed in Section C.
Finding Uncertainties

Same concept as 2.
&

Or

Y
Same concept as in 1.

OR
Where y is the value you calculate using
Finding Uncertainties from the graph: the value given in the table

OR

All intercepts
and gradients
are of worst
fit lines
Significant figures and decimal places

Rules are the same except for log and ln. If raw data is in 3 s.f then your calculated value
should also be 3 s.f or 4s.f.
For log and ln, the significant figures in the raw data should correspond to the number of
decimal places in the calculated value. For example if L is 3 significant figures so log(L)
should be 3 or 4 decimal places.

Some easy marks

In experiments where you have to keep some measurable quantity constant (e.g
temperature) to provide a more fair comparison between experiment, you should pick a
large temperature change to lower percentage uncertainty.
Repeat experiments for same value of independent variable and take average of dependent
variable to get more consistent results

In every experiment which includes electrical circuits, it is really important to keep the
potential difference/current across the electrical component to be constant during an
experiment. For this, use variable resistors/adjust variable power supply
9702 A2 Physics Paper 5 Guide Lee Suit Lin/MCKL/ 2020/ suitlin@gmail.com/ 012-6679171
QUESTION 1 6) Analysis [A3]
1) Analyse the situation presented, pay attention to the equation.
 Straight lines only.
2) Tabulate the variables/constants in a table to not miss out crucial points in
 Avoid log or ln graphs unless given an equation with exponents
your explanation
 Use y=mx+c to determine an expression for the desired constant
Variables Independent Dependent Constant
in the experiment.
(Varied) (Measured) (Unchanged)
Physical Quantity  EXPRESS this constant as the subject of your equation
Measurements:  Discuss the relationship validity from the suggested graph.
include tools and set-up
Extra details, eg:
 Equations if direct measurements
are impossible.
 Repeat measurement
 Calibrate instrument

3) Define the problem [P2]

4) Diagram [M1 or M2, D1]
 Can copy diagram if given.
 All items needed to measure variables in table above are clearly
labeled.
 Circuit diagram drawn if relevant
 Clamp, secure all objects that need support on the bench

5) Method– make use of the table. Write in point form. [M2 or 3, few D points]
 How will you vary the independent variable?
 How will you measure the dependent and independent variables?
 Repeat measurements 7) Extra details

a) shape is circle/ irregular – different position AND average  Safety/Precaution – damage to skin/eyes, high voltage electric

b) for the (independent variable) to obtain more values of (dependent shocks, burns from hot objects etc. [D1]

variable) AND average  Prep/Set-up of experiment – plumbline, set square, etc etc, any

 Be specific. forgotten points can be written here.

9702 A2 Physics Paper 5 Guide Lee Suit Lin/MCKL/ 2020/ suitlin@gmail.com/ 012-6679171

Physical Quantity Instrument /Measurement Past Year Examples Additional Detail

Directly measurable quantities – some examples, not all inclusive.
1 Height – Vertical height Metre rule MJ19P51  clamp rule + ensure vertical using plumb line or set-square.
ON19P51 & 52  Clearly state distance and equation of relevant
2 Length of strings, spring, Metre rule MJ20P51  repeat measurements and average.
stretch/moving things. MJ20P53  Use a marker.
 If movement involved while measuring, clamp rule, view video playback frame
by frame
 Use safety googles to prevent injury (to eyes) from moving spring/load
 Use cushion/sand box in case load falls.
3 Diameter/Thickness Vernier caliper/ micrometer MJ20P52  repeat at different position and average
 Radius cannot be measured, use r=d/2
4 Mass Balance
Time / period. Stop watch /light gate MJ14P51  view video playback frame by frame
 Clearly indicate start and stop of timing
 Indicate position of light gate
 For oscillation, take 5, 10, or 20 complete cycles.

5 Current/ Voltage/ Power/ Ammeter ON13P53  Draw Circuit Diagram

Heat energy/Resistance Voltmeter ON15P53  Include equation
MJ17P52 p = VI
p =I I
ON17P51
FM19P52
0 =
v ,

6 Temperature Thermometer 
7 Pressure Manometer/pressure gauge ON18P51 & 52 & 53  sealed bell jar/conical flask
8 Force Newton meter or weighing FM18P53  Example of top pan balance
balance (Vertical force) MJ18P51
9702 A2 Physics Paper 5 Guide Lee Suit Lin/MCKL/ 2020/ suitlin@gmail.com/ 012-6679171
9 Angle Protractor/ruler ON15P51  use relevant trigo identity
MJ19P52  Use plumb line for alignment if needed
 Cannot be measured directly
10 Volume or surface area Metre rule to measure  state equation used to calculate volume/area
of regular shapes appropriate lengths
11 Volume (Liquid) Measuring Cylinder  Water displacement method for irregularly shaped objects.

12 Volume (Gas) Measuring Cylinder 

13 Density Measure mass and volume  State density equation
P
=
14 Average Velocity/ Measure time and MJ16P52  Use relevant equation of motion.
acceleration displacement of object FM17P52
MJ17P51
15 Wavelength of light Determined using Young MJ18P52,  Use filter / different LED
X asino
double slit or diffraction MJ16P51,  Include relevant equation < =
grating. ON12P53
16 Frequency / Intensity of Read on CRO MJ15P52  Use signal generator to vary
sound wave  Include Mic and loudspeaker
17 Magnetic Flux Density Hall Probe MJ14P52  to vary, change current in coils
[ON12P52, ON14P53  to measure, calibrate hall probe with a known field
ON16P51  to set-up, rotate hall probe until max reading on voltmeter.
ON16P52
ON17P52
FM20P52
18 Alternating Current Read on CRO MJ13P52  to vary, use signal generator, use small frequency.
Frequency/peak values ON13P51
MJ15P51
9702 A2 Physics Paper 5 Guide Lee Suit Lin/MCKL/ 2020/ suitlin@gmail.com/ 012-6679171
Question 2
1) Follow the question. Y=mX+C
2) Common uncertainty identities

5) Gradient & Uncertainty

 Clear triangle – dotted line
 Coordinates taken and shown substitution

3) Plot & Error bars [SHARP PENCIL]

smaller
half
 Plot at corners, no larger than size of one small box.
- -

 Bars – symmetrical, CLEARLY drawn – can be EITHER horizontal OR

vertical. 6) Y-intercept & uncertainty
 Substitution into Y=mx+c
4) Best Fit and Worse Fit [SHARP PENCIL]
 Label lines. BF should be close to all points with balanced points above
and below line.
 WF with steepest or shallowest slope – should pass all error bars.