Skip to main content
O-LevelPhysicsMeasurement5054/31 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q314 Marks

In this experiment you will investigate the indentation made by a glass ball in the surface of some modelling clay. You have been provided with: • a glass ball • two 100g masses • a small lump of adhesive putty • a metre rule • a set square.

  1. (a)(i)Describe briefly how to use the apparatus in Fig. 3.1 to determine the diameter of the glass ball. [Figure 3.1] Draw a labelled diagram of the arranged apparatus to help your explanation.[3]
  2. (a)(ii)Measure and record the diameter D of the glass ball. D = .................................................... mm[1]
  3. (b)(i)Measure and record the diameter d₁ of the indentation. d₁ = .................................................... mm[1]
  4. (b)(ii)The area of a circle can be calculated using the equation: A = πd²/4 where A is the area and d is the diameter of the circle. Calculate the area A₁ of the indentation with diameter d₁. A₁ = .................................................... mm²[1]
  5. (c)(i)• Replace the ball on a different part of the modelling clay under the wooden strip. • Lower the strip so that it rests on top of the wooden ball. • Using the loop of string attach the mass hanger and masses near the end of the wooden strip as shown in Fig. 3.3. [Figure 3.3] Measure and record x and y in metres to the nearest mm. x = .................................................... m y = .................................................... m[1]
  6. (c)(ii)Calculate the force F₂ exerted on the modelling clay using the equation: F₂ = 3y/x Show your working. F₂ = .................................................... N[1]
  7. (c)(iii)Measure and record the diameter d₂ of the indentation produced by the ball in the clay. Using the equation in (b)(ii), calculate the area A₂ of the circle with diameter d₂. d₂ = .................................................... mm A₂ = .................................................... mm²[1]
  8. (d)(i)Using your values of F₂, A₁ and A₂ from (c)(ii), (b)(ii) and (c)(iii) calculate two values of k. Record your answers to a suitable number of significant figures. first value of k = .............................................................. second value of k = ..............................................................[2]
  9. (d)(ii)Values of k are assumed to be the same within the limits of experimental accuracy if they are within 10% of each other. Explain whether these results show that the student’s claim is correct.[1]
  10. (e)Students in another laboratory obtain different values of A₁ and A₂ using the same arrangement of the apparatus. Identify two variables that should be controlled to ensure similar values of A₁ and A₂ when using modelling clay. 1 2[2]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (a)(i) masses on edge / vertical and touching the scale ;
  2. [2] (a)(i) and any two from: ;; ball between and touching both masses, difference in scale readings indicated, set square to arrange masses perpendicular to scale / to ensure masses are vertical
  3. [1] (a)(ii) D value recorded: 15 ± 1 (mm);
  4. [1] (b)(i) d₁ < less than or equal to their D, to nearest mm ;
  5. [1] (b)(ii) correct calculation of A₁ using candidate's d₁ value; (i.e using value from (b)(ii))
  6. [1] (c)(i) x and y recorded in m to nearest mm ;
  7. [1] (c)(ii) correct substitution shown of y and x ;
  8. [1] (c)(iii) d₂ > d₁ and A₂ > A₁ with correct calculation of A₂ using candidate's value ;
  9. [1] (d)(i) both calculations correct, and no units ;
  10. [1] (d)(i) values of k to 2 s.f. or 3 s.f.;
  11. [1] (d)(ii) comparison, with numbers stated, with appropriate conclusion ;
  12. [2] (e) one clay-related factor from: ; time that the force is applied, temperature (of room or clay), type of modelling clay / hardness / malleability of clay, AND one force related factor from: ; force used, diameter / size / mass of ball / weight of ball / same ball used (glass or wooden), weight of wooden strip, same x and y values, time that the force is applied

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Measurement, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 14 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2023 Paper 3 Variant 1, question 3.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep