A-LevelPhysicsForces, density and pressure9702/31 · May/June 2019 · Q120 Marks

In this experiment, you will investigate the forces acting on a metre rule.

(a)• Set up the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1.1. The distance between the end of the rule and the loop of string attached to the spring is 25.0cm. Keep this distance constant throughout the experiment. The distance between the end of the rule and the loop of string supporting the mass hanger is x. The distance between the end of the rule and the loop of string attached to stand B is y. Adjust the apparatus until x = 50.0 cm and y = 75.0 cm. • The strings and spring should be vertical and the rule should be parallel to the bench. The length of the coiled section of the spring is v. To view this more clearly, you may use the adhesive putty to attach the white card to stand A behind the spring. Measure and record v. V=[1]
(b)• Change x by moving the loop of string supporting the mass hanger to a different position on the rule. • Move stand B and slide the loop of string attached to stand B along the rule until v has the same value as in (a). • Ensure the strings and spring are vertical and the rule is parallel to the bench. • Measure and record x and y. x = y =[1]
(c)• Write down your value of v from (a). V= • Repeat (b) until you have six sets of values of x and y. Record your results in a table.[8]
(d)(i)Plot a graph of y on the y-axis against x on the x-axis.[3]
(d)(ii)Draw the straight line of best fit.[1]
(d)(iii)Determine the gradient and y-intercept of this line. gradient = y-intercept =[2]
(e)It is suggested that the quantities y and x are related by the equation y = Px + Q where P and Q are constants. Using your answers in (d)(iii), determine the values of P and Q. Give appropriate units. P = Q =[2]
(f)Theory suggests that P = 2m (R+m) where R is the mass of the metre rule and m = 0.100kg. Calculate R. Give your answer to three significant figures. R = kg[2]

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 (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1(a) Value of raw v to nearest mm, with final value in the range 3.0–7.0 cm with a unit.
1(b) Value of x < y.
1(c) Six sets of readings of x and y (different values) with the correct trend and without help from the Supervisor scores 5 marks, five sets scores 4 marks etc.
1(c) Range: Values include one (average) x value above 50.0 cm and one (average) x value below 50.0 cm.
1(c) Column headings: Each column heading must contain a quantity, a unit and a separating mark where appropriate. The presentation of the quantity and unit must conform to accepted scientific convention e.g. x / cm.
1(c) Consistency: All raw values of x and y must be given to the nearest mm only.
1(d)(i) Axes: Sensible scales must be used, no awkward scales (e.g. 15 small squares for 10 units or fractions). Scales must be chosen so that the plotted points occupy at least half the graph grid in both x and y directions. Scales must be labelled with the quantity that is being plotted. Scale markings should be no more than three large squares apart.
1(d)(i) Plotting of points: All observations in the table must be plotted on the grid. Diameter of plotted points must be < half a small square (no "blobs”). Points must be plotted to an accuracy of half a small square.
1(d)(i) Quality: All points in the table must be plotted on the grid. Trend of points on graph must be correct. It must be possible to draw a straight line that is within ±2.0 cm (to scale) on the y-axis (y/ cm axis) of all plotted points.
1(d)(ii) Line of best fit: Judge by balance of all points on the grid about the candidate's line (at least 5 points). There must be an even distribution of points either side of the line along the full length. Allow one anomalous point only if clearly indicated (i.e. circled or labelled) by the candidate. There must be at least five points left after the anomalous point is disregarded. Lines must not be kinked or thicker than half a small square.
1(d)(iii) Gradient: The hypotenuse of the triangle used must be greater than half the length of the drawn line. The method of calculation must be correct. Do not allow Δx / Δy. Both read-offs must be accurate to half a small square in both the x and y directions. Sign of gradient must match graph.
1(d)(iii) y-intercept: Correct read-off from a point on the line and substituted into y = mx + c. Read-off must be accurate to half a small square in both x and y directions. or Intercept read directly from the graph with read-off at x = 0, accurate to half a small square.
1(e) Value of P = candidate's gradient and value of Q = candidate's intercept. The values must not be fractions.
1(e) No unit for P and unit for Q correct e.g. mm or cm or m.
1(f) Correct calculation of R.
1(f) Value of R on the answer line given to 3 significant figures.