A-LevelPhysicsPhysical quantities and unitsFeb/Mar 2025Paper 1 Q21 Mark

What is the effect of a systematic error on the measurement of a physical quantity?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Physical quantities and units in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

AIt limits the precision of the measured value.

BIt limits the range of values obtained in repeated measurements.

CIt results in repeated measurements having different values from each other.

DIt results in the measured value being different from the correct value.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: It results in the measured value being different from the correct value.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Physical quantities and units in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics Feb/Mar 2025 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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