Cambridge International AS & A Level · P5 · structured
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A2 practical 1: turn a model into a workable investigation · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 15
- Topics
- 11
- Answer
- Complete
Design a school investigation to determine k and m0 from the supplied model T^2=4pi^2(m+m0)/k. Write an extended plan and draw a labelled arrangement. Choose variables, measurement methods, how each control is held fixed, instrument resolutions with a suitability justification, useful range/repeats, graph and expressions for both constants. Add a preliminary check that could change your range and a specific safety precaution. Do not perform it without teacher approval.
- (a)
Define variables and controls.
3 marks - (b)
Draw workable apparatus, specify reproducible data collection and control methods, and justify instrument precision.
7 marks - (c)
Choose analysis and parameter expressions.
3 marks - (d)
Add pilot checks and specific safety.
2 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
(a)
Define variables and controls.
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
(a) Identify independent total suspended mass, dependent period and relevant controlled quantities: 3 marks.
(b)
Draw workable apparatus, specify reproducible data collection and control methods, and justify instrument precision.
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
(b) Labelled workable vertical setup: 1 mark; measure actual total mass, including hanger, on a balance: 1 mark; time complete cycles using the same-direction reference crossing: 1 mark; vary mass reproducibly through at least six safe spaced settings: 1 mark; retain repeated timings: 1 mark; explain how controls are implemented, e.g. same spring/attachment, ruler-set amplitude and vertical release: 1 mark; select and justify sufficient instrument precision, e.g. 0.001 kg balance compared with 0.050 kg steps and 0.1 s stopwatch timing many cycles: 1 mark.
(c)
Choose analysis and parameter expressions.
List the given quantities with units, identify the required quantity, write the governing relationship before substituting, and keep extra digits until the final line so rounding does not distort the result.
- 1
(c) Rearrange to T²=(4pi²/k)m+4pi²m0/k and choose T² versus m: 1 mark; identify slope and intercept: 1 mark; derive both k=4pi²/slope and m0=intercept/slope: 1 mark.
(d)
Add pilot checks and specific safety.
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
(d) Useful pilot detail that could change the range or method: 1 mark; concrete matched hazard and precaution: 1 mark. Generic lists without operating detail do not earn these marks.
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.
- (a) Identify independent total suspended mass, dependent period and relevant controlled quantities: 3 marks.
- (b) Labelled workable vertical setup: 1 mark; measure actual total mass, including hanger, on a balance: 1 mark; time complete cycles using the same-direction reference crossing: 1 mark; vary mass reproducibly through at least six safe spaced settings: 1 mark; retain repeated timings: 1 mark; explain how controls are implemented, e.g. same spring/attachment, ruler-set amplitude and vertical release: 1 mark; select and justify sufficient instrument precision, e.g. 0.001 kg balance compared with 0.050 kg steps and 0.1 s stopwatch timing many cycles: 1 mark.
- (c) Rearrange to T²=(4pi²/k)m+4pi²m0/k and choose T² versus m: 1 mark; identify slope and intercept: 1 mark; derive both k=4pi²/slope and m0=intercept/slope: 1 mark.
- (d) Useful pilot detail that could change the range or method: 1 mark; concrete matched hazard and precaution: 1 mark. Generic lists without operating detail do not earn these marks.
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