Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsPhysical quantities and unitsMay/June 2011Paper 1 Q41 Mark

The uncertainty in the value of the momentum of a trolley passing between two points X and Y varies with the choice of measuring devices. Measurements for the same trolley made by different instruments were recorded. 1 distance between X and Y using a metre rule with cm divisions = 0.55 m 2 distance between X and Y using a metre rule with mm divisions = 0.547 m 3 timings using a wristwatch measuring to the nearest 0.5 s at X = 0.0 s and at Y = 4.5 s 4 timings using light gates measuring to the nearest 0.1 s at X = 0.0 s and at Y = 4.3 s 5 mass of trolley using a balance measuring to the nearest g = 6.4 × 10⁻² kg 6 mass of trolley using a balance measuring to the nearest 10 g = 6 × 10⁻² kg Which measurements, one for each quantity measured, lead to the least uncertainty in the value of the momentum of the trolley?

A1, 3 and 6
B1, 4 and 6
C2, 3 and 6
D2, 4 and 5

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: 2, 4 and 5

📋 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.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Sign up for free to reveal the full examiner report, trap analysis, and mark scheme breakdown for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

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 May/June 2011 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

Practice on Oracle Prep

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers across 29 subjects.

Related Physics Questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine