O-LevelPhysicsForces5054/31 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q46 Marks

A student investigates the factors affecting the bend angle θ of a metal strip. The student places a thin straight metal strip on two supports and attaches a mass of weight W to the middle of the strip. The metal strip bends as shown in Fig. 4.1. [Figure 4.1] Plan an experiment to investigate one variable affecting the bend angle θ shown on Fig. 4.1. You are not required to do this investigation. In your plan, you should: • explain briefly how to carry out the investigation, including how you will measure θ • state the variables to control • draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display your readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table) • explain how to use your readings to reach a conclusion. You may draw a diagram if you think this will help your plan.

(a)Plan an experiment to investigate one variable affecting the bend angle θ shown on Fig. 4.1. You are not required to do this investigation. In your plan, you should: • explain briefly how to carry out the investigation, including how you will measure θ • state the variables to control • draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display your readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table) • explain how to use your readings to reach a conclusion. You may draw a diagram if you think this will help your plan.[6]

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.

[3] (a) method: MP1: use a protractor to measure θ; MP2: Vary D or W and measure θ; MP3: More than 2 different values (of D or W) used ;
[1] (a) controlled variable / keep constant: MP4: one from: ; If D varied, W constant, If W varied, D constant, Use same: metal strip / strip made from the same metal / strip with same thickness ;
[1] (a) table: MP5:; columns for chosen variable (D or W) and angle θ, with units for both quantities ;
[1] (a) conclusion: MP6: ; plot a graph of θ against the chosen variable (D or W) or compare the change in θ to see if it depends on the change in the chosen variable.

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