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O-LevelPhysicsLight5054/42 · Oct/Nov 2024 · Q314 Marks

A student investigates the image formed by a converging lens. (a) The student: • arranges the apparatus as shown in Fig. 3.1 [Figure 3.1] • places a white screen approximately 30 cm from the lens • adjusts the position of the screen until a sharp image of a window in the laboratory, a few metres distant from the lens, is formed on the screen.

  1. (a)(i)Measure and record, in centimetres to the nearest 0.1 cm, the distance x on Fig. 3.1 from the lens to the screen. x =[1]
  2. (a)(ii)The distance x shown on Fig. 3.1 is drawn to a scale of one-third full size. Use your answer from (a)(i) to calculate the actual distance from the lens to the screen. This distance is the focal length f of the lens. f=[1]
  3. (b)The student: • rearranges the apparatus as shown in Fig. 3.2 [Figure 3.2] • switches on the lamp • places the lens a distance u = 20.0 cm from an illuminated triangular object • adjusts the position of the screen until a sharp image of the triangular object is formed on the screen • measures the image distance v from the lens to the screen. v = 60.5 cm Calculate the values of (u + v) and uv. Record your values of (u + v) and uv to an appropriate number of significant figures on the answer lines and in the first row of Table 3.1. (u + v) = uv =[1]
  4. (c)The student repeats (b) for values of u between u = 25.0 cm and u = 55.0 cm. The student's results are shown in Table 3.1. Add appropriate units to the headers of the last two columns. [Table 3.1][1]
  5. (d)On the grid provided in Fig. 3.3, plot a graph of uv on the y-axis against (u + v) on the x-axis. You do not need to start either axis from the origin (0, 0). Draw the straight line of best fit. [Figure 3.3][4]
  6. (e)Calculate the gradient of the line. Indicate on the graph the points you use. Show all your working. gradient =[2]
  7. (f)Two quantities can be considered to be the same within the limits of experimental accuracy if their values are within 10% of each other. The gradient of your line calculated in (e) is numerically equal to the focal length f of the lens in cm. Compare your value of f obtained in (a)(ii) with the value of the gradient obtained in (e). State if your two values can be considered to be the same. Support your statement with a calculation. calculation statement[2]
  8. (g)(i)When measuring the object and image distances with a metre rule, it is important to avoid line-of-sight (parallax) errors. State how the student avoids parallax errors when doing the experiment.[1]
  9. (g)(ii)Describe a technique that the student uses to make sure that the image on the screen is as sharply focused as possible.[1]

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 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] 3(a)(i) 5.1 (cm)
  2. [1] 3(a)(ii) 15.3 (cm)
  3. [1] 3(b) 80.5 / 81 and 1210
  4. [1] 3(c) cm and cm²
  5. [1] 3(d) axes labelled, quantity and unit
  6. [1] 3(d) scales linear, not awkward, right way around
  7. [1] 3(d) points plotted accurately, to the nearest ½ square
  8. [1] 3(d) thin best-fit straight line drawn
  9. [1] 3(e) values indicated, ≥ ½ the line used
  10. [1] 3(e) f = 15 ± 3 (cm)
  11. [1] 3(f) statement matches results
  12. [1] 3(f) correct calculation to support the statement using both values of f
  13. [1] 3(g)(i) view rule / scale reading at right angles / at eye level / perpendicularly / directly from above
  14. [1] 3(g)(ii) move the screen slowly or backwards and forwards (until the image is as sharp as possible)

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About this question

Topic
Light, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 14 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2024 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 3.

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