A-LevelPhysicsPhysical quantities and units9702/12 · May/June 2012 · Q51 Mark
A mass is dropped from rest, and falls through a distance of 2.0 m in a vacuum. An observer records the time taken for the mass to fall through this distance using a manually operated stopwatch and repeats the measurements a further two times. The average result of these measured times, displayed in the table below, was used to determine a value for the acceleration of free fall. This was calculated to be 9.8 ms⁻². [Table 5.1, showing first measurement, second measurement, third measurement, average time/s]
AThe measurements are precise and accurate with no evidence of random errors.
BThe measurements are not accurate and not always recorded to the degree of precision of the measuring device but the calculated experimental result is accurate.
CThe measurements are not always recorded to the degree of precision of the measuring device but are accurate. Systematic errors may be present.
DThe range of results shows that there were random errors made but the calculated value is correct so the experiment was successful.
✓ Correct answer
B: The measurements are not accurate and not always recorded to the degree of precision of the measuring device but the calculated experimental result is accurate.
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