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O-LevelPhysicsMeasurement5054/41 · Oct/Nov 2024 · Q110 Marks

A student measures the volume of two identical straws by different methods.

  1. (a)(i)The student takes one straw and: • cuts it into 5 pieces that are equal in length • lines up the pieces of straw as shown in Fig. 1.1 • ensures the pieces of straw are touching. [Figure 1.1] Fig. 1.1 is drawn actual size. Measure and record lengths x and D to the nearest 0.1 cm. x = .................................................... cm D = .................................................... cm[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Use your value of x in (a)(i) to calculate the length l of the straw before it was cut into pieces. l = .................................................... cm[1]
  3. (a)(iii)Use your value for D in (a)(i) to calculate the diameter d of one straw. Give your answer to the nearest 0.01 cm. d = .................................................... cm[1]
  4. (a)(iv)Explain how the student uses a ruler and two set squares to make sure that the measurement of D is as accurate as possible. You may draw a diagram to help your explanation.[1]
  5. (a)(v)The volume V₁ of the straw is given by the equation: V₁ = 3.14d²l / 4 Use your answers from (a)(ii) and (a)(iii) to calculate V₁. Give your answer to two significant figures. V₁ = .................................................... cm³[2]
  6. (b)(i)The student: • takes the second straw • immerses the straw fully in a container of water as shown in Fig. 1.2 [Figure 1.2] • moves the straw backwards and forwards in the water several times so that the water enters the straw • puts a finger firmly over one end of the straw, and removes the straw from the water • puts the straw above the open end of a 50 cm³ measuring cylinder, and then removes the finger so that the water is transferred into the measuring cylinder. The student repeats the process 4 more times for a total of 5 transfers. Fig. 1.3 shows the total volume of water Vᵀ in the measuring cylinder. [Figure 1.3] Write down the reading Vᵀ. Vᵀ = .................................................... cm³[1]
  7. (b)(ii)Calculate the average volume of water V₂ in one straw. V₂ = .................................................... cm³[1]
  8. (c)Suggest two reasons why V₁ and V₂ are different.[2]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] 1(a)(i) 4.3 cm and 2.8 cm
  2. [1] 1(a)(ii) 21.5 cm
  3. [1] 1(a)(iii) 0.56 cm
  4. [1] 1(a)(iv) use of set squares at each end lined up with rule 1
  5. [1] 1(a)(v) 5.292784... (cm³)
  6. [1] 1(a)(v) 5.3 (cm³) correct to 2sf
  7. [1] 1(b)(i) V₁ = 24 (cm³) cao
  8. [1] 1(b)(ii) 4.8 (cm³)
  9. [2] 1(c) Any 2:
  10. [2] 1(c) air bubbles in the straw in method 2
  11. [2] 1(c) internal volume is smaller than external volume
  12. [2] 1(c) straw became squashed / damaged
  13. [2] 1(c) small amount of water may remain in the straw
  14. [2] 1(c) water sticks to the finger
  15. [2] 1(c) some water falls out during transfer in method 2
  16. [2] 1(c) straw not completely filled

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About this question

Topic
Measurement, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2024 Paper 4 Variant 1, question 1.

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