Cambridge International AS & A Level · P3 · structured
Draw and audit the spring graph
AS practical 5: construct a graph from a spring record · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 10
- Topics
- 7
- Answer
- Complete
Here F is the applied force and L is the spring's loaded length. Using the constructed six-pair table, draw L against F on a grid at least 12 cm square. Choose and label readable scales, show any false origin, plot every point and draw a best-fit straight line. Submit the graph for checking; state why joining points or forcing L=0 at F=0 is unjustified. Explain what evidence would justify omitting an anomalous point and how any omission must be identified. Constructed illustrative data (not observed experimental evidence). Columns: F / N (constructed) | L / cm (constructed). Rows: 0.50 | 14.1; 1.00 | 15.4; 1.50 | 17.0; 2.00 | 18.5; 2.50 | 19.9; 3.00 | 21.6.
- (a)
Choose and label the axes/scales.
5 marks - (b)
Plot and fit the data.
3 marks - (c)
Explain unsuitable graph choices and the rule for identifying an omitted anomaly.
2 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
(a)
Choose and label the axes/scales.
Identify what the question is testing, organise the response into distinct mark-earning points, and make every conclusion traceable to a physical principle or to the evidence supplied.
- 1
Quantity/unit axes, readable 1/2/5-based scales, numerical labels at most 2 cm apart over each whole axis, half-grid occupancy and explicit false origin.
(b)
Plot and fit the data.
Identify what the question is testing, organise the response into distinct mark-earning points, and make every conclusion traceable to a physical principle or to the evidence supplied.
- 1
All six accurate fine points and a thin balanced fit.
(c)
Explain unsuitable graph choices and the rule for identifying an omitted anomaly.
Identify what the question is testing, organise the response into distinct mark-earning points, and make every conclusion traceable to a physical principle or to the evidence supplied.
- 1
Nonzero unloaded length and scatter rule out origin forcing and joining each point. Omit only a justified anomaly and identify it explicitly; this dataset does not require an omission.
Complete marking guidance
Use these worked steps alongside the part-by-part answers. They explain the method and mark allocation; they do not add extra marks.
- Axes quantity/unit labels: 1 mark; sensible readable 1, 2 or 5-based scales and regularly spaced numerical labels along each full axis at intervals no greater than 2 cm: 2 marks.
- At least half-grid occupancy in both directions and correctly marked false origin: 2 marks.
- All six points plotted to better than 1 mm with fine visible marks: 2 marks; teacher must inspect the submitted graph.
- Thin balanced straight fit: 1 mark.
- The spring has nonzero unloaded length and measurement scatter, so neither origin forcing nor point joining is justified: 1 mark.
- An omitted point must be plausibly anomalous rather than merely inconvenient scatter, and must be circled or labelled; there is no clear omission justified in this dataset: 1 mark.
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