NOTES P3

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

For every measurement make sure that it is consistent with correct unit.

Consistency means that the measurement should have appropriate no of decimal places (d.p.) according
to the precision of the instrument.

For e.g. meter rule can have these values in centimeter: 0.1 cm, 9.1 cm, 17.9 cm 20.0 cm. In meters
these values must be written as: 0.001 m, 0.091 m, 0.179 m, 0.200 m. In millimeters these values must
be written as: 1 mm, 91 mm, 179 mm, 200 mm.

For digital meter such as voltmeter and ammeter you should write what you see on the display with
correct units (mA, V, Ω, kΩ etc.) the units can be determined by looking at the dial on the multimeter

For digital stopwatch the readings can be as: 02.22 s, 12.35 s etc. This example shows a value of 37.22 s

Column headings
Quantity and correct unit should be labeled as follows:

L/m T /s
Or

L (m) T (s)

Range
Include the minimum and maximum (possible) values
Consistency

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Consistency means that the measurement should have appropriate no of decimal places (d.p.) according
to the precision of the instrument.

For e.g. meter rule can have these values in centimeter: 0.1 cm, 9.1 cm, 17.9 cm 20.0 cm. In meters
these values must be written as: 0.001 m, 0.091 m, 0.179 m, 0.200 m. In millimeters these values must
be written as: 1 mm, 91 mm, 179 mm, 200 mm.

For digital meter such as voltmeter and ammeter you should write what you see on the display with
correct units (mA, V, Ω, kΩ etc.) the units can be determined by looking at the dial on the multimeter

For digital stopwatch the readings can be as: 02.22 s, 12.35 s etc. This example shows a value of 37.22 s

Note: you should not compare d.p. of one measured value to some other measured value. These values
can have different d.p.

For e.g.

L / cm T/s
0.9 1.12
1.1 3.13
9.9 4.17
10.1 11.18
Significant figures (s.f.)

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

S.f. of the calculated quantities should be same as the raw value used in calculation. They should also be
correctly rounded off to the said no of s.f.

L / cm T/s 1/L / cm-1 1/T / s-1

0.9 1.12 1 0.893
1.1 3.13 0.91 0.319
9.9 4.17 0.11 0.240
10.1 11.18 0.0990 0.08945

In the above example the calculated values are correctly rounded off to the same no of s.f. as the raw
values these columns can include different no of s.f. and d.p.

1/L calculated form 0.9 cm correctly rounded off to 1 s.f.

1/L calculated form 10.1 cm correctly rounded off to 3 s.f.

1/T calculated from 1.12 s correctly rounded off to 3 s.f.

1/T calculated from 11.18 correctly rounded off to 4 s.f.

Calculation
Calculated values should be correctly rounded off to the no of s.f.

Trend
To see the trend, arrange the data in ascending of descending order to check whether the measured
values are increasing or decreasing

For graph
1- Axes
Labelled with quanty and unit
No awkward scale i.e. 10 small boxes cant be a multiple of 3
Label every 10 boxes
All plotted points should occupy at least 50% of the graph in both x and y axis
2- Plots
All point must be plotted within half a small box
 3- Line of best fit

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

There should be an even distribution of points above and below the line and they should be as
close to the line as possible (extend the line till the end of the graph) if 5 point lie on the line
then the 6th can be ignored and declared anomalous
4- Quality
This depends on the plotted points being close to the line in x and y direction

Calculating the gradient

For this you should not use the point on the table (unless they are on the line of best fit), these points
must be taken from the line of best fit and must also be more than half the length of the line apart.

Y-intercept
For this read-off is only valid if your x axis starts form zero otherwise use y=mx+c to calculate

For the last part of the question give you a straight-line equation and ask for the values of some
variables with unit never calculate using values form the graph always compare with the straight-line
equation to determine which variables correspond the gradient and which one corresponds to the y-
intercept

For question 2
If you have one measured value and more than 1 mark for the question then it is probably for repeats
and/or range (this also applies to question 1 as well)

For percentage uncertainty

Use the formula
ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
× 100
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
Where range is

𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = max 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 − min 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣

For e.g.

If we need to calculate the percentage uncertainty in ‘d/cm’ we need at least 3 values

d/cm
10.1
10.3
10.4
10.1+10.3+10.4
d avg = = 10.3
3

So, range = 10.4 - 10.1 = 0.3

Half the range is 0.3/2 = 0.15

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

And percentage uncertainty would be
0.15
× 100 = 1.5%
10.3

Justification of the s.f. for a calculated value

To justify use this

The precision of my instrument is ___________ hence my measured value/s of _____ is in ______ s.f. so
the calculated value of ______ has the _____ no of s.f.

For e.g.
𝑙𝑙
𝑐𝑐 = 𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑 are lengths in cm or mm or m. l is in 3 s.f. and d is in 2 s.f. so the above statement
𝑑𝑑
becomes:

The precision of my instrument is to the nearest mm hence my measured values of l is in 3 s.f. and d is in
2 s.f. so the calculated value of c is in 2 s.f. (use the lower s.f.)

Calculation of k
The two values of k should be in the same no of s.f. as the raw data and give with correct unit.
Calculation of percentage difference in k

Use this to calculate percentage difference in k

𝑘𝑘 max − 𝑘𝑘 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
%∆𝑘𝑘 = × 100
𝑘𝑘 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑘𝑘 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
To suggest whether the relationship is valid or where the values of k are constant first define your
criterion and compare with the percentage difference in k

Use this
Since my criterion for this experiment is _______ and the percentage difference in k is _________ which
lies inside/outside my criterion hence the suggested relationship is valid/invalid.

For limitations and improvements

One limitation for this question is “Two readings are not enough to draw a valid conclusion.” And one
improvement is “Take multiple readings to plot a graph.” Credits are not given to limitations and
improvements that should be performed in the experiment for e.g. take average, read the ruler
perpendicularly etc. vague and generic answers are not credited

You should mention the measurement that was difficult to measure and then a reason why it was
difficult.

The key to this section is to identify genuine problems with setting up the experiment and to obtain the
readings. And then give solutions with either improves the technique or give more reliable data
Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Question 1

Example candidate response – high Examiner comments

1 The candidate gives y

to the nearest 0.01 cm,
which, although
incorrect, is not
discredited here as the
precision in y looked at
in the table. The
candidate gives a
correct unit and the
value is in range so the
mark is awarded.

Mark for (b) (ii) = 1/1

1 2 Angles are read using

a protractor that can
read to the nearest
degree. 66 and 68
would have been
enough here.
2
Mark for (b) (iii) = 0/1

8 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 9

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

3 The candidate correctly
uses the whole range
of masses available to
them. They use the
correct headings and
corresponding units
separated by a dividing
mark, calculate
correctly and state the
calculated quantity to
the correct number of
3
significant figures.

4 Measurement of y is
made using a ruler with
mm markings so
0.01 cm cannot be
measured. Here 4.5,
5.7, 6.5, 7.2, etc.,
would have sufficed.

4 Mark for (d) = 5/5 + 4/5

= 9/10

5 The candidate has

misread y = 9.4 as
y = 7.2, possibly owing
to careless reading
5 from the table instead
of directly from the
graph.

Mark for (e) (i) = 3/3

Mark for (e) (ii) = 1/1
Mark for (e) (iii) = 1/2

10 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

6 Excellent setting out of
6 the graph, plotting and
drawing line of best fit.
The axes are easy to
read, making the
plotting of the points a
relatively easy task.
Line of best fit cannot
be rotated or shifted to
give a better fit.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 11

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

7 Incorrect read-off has
led to the final answer
for P being out of
range.

Mark for (f) = 1/2

7
Total marks awarded =
16 out of 20

How the candidate could have improved their answer

(b) (iii) The candidate’s raw value of θ was given to one decimal place when the protractor can measure to
the nearest degree only. The candidate could have improved by giving the raw angles as 66° and 68°.

(d) In tabulating their observations, the candidate correctly used a large range to cover the masses provided,
as stated in the confidential instructions. They correctly stated a unit alongside each heading, separated by a
dividing line (brackets around the units would also have sufficed). The quantity m sin θ was correctly
calculated to three significant figures. To improve, the candidate should have given the value of y to the
nearest mm, as the ruler cannot measure to any greater degree of precision. So y should have been given
as 4.5 and not 4.50. Notice that this mistake was also made in (b) (ii) but the examiner only discredited this
in one place (in this case, in the table).

(e) (i) The candidate set out and labelled their axes clearly and plotted their points accurately. They placed
their line of best fit so that no rotation or shift was needed to get a better line. The quality of the results was
also very good as all the points lay within a certain distance of the line. If the plots are a long way from the
line, candidates should check over their observations and results and redo them.

(e) (iii) The candidate correctly identified the gradient and y-intercept calculation. Of the six different read-
offs used in these calculations one was misread (7.2 should have been read as 9.4). To improve, the
candidate needed to take greater care and recheck any read-offs taken.

(f) The candidate used the method correctly and the expected value of Q was of the right order of magnitude
with the correct units. Although the units were correct for P, the order of magnitude was too small for that
–2 –1
expected (2  10 cm g ). This resulted from the incorrect read-off used in the calculation; otherwise the
–2 –1
candidate would have reached an answer of 1.9  10 cm g .

Mark awarded = (b) (ii) 1/1, (iii) 0/1

Mark awarded = (d) 5/5, 4/5
Mark awarded = (e) (i) 3/3, (ii) 1/1, (iii) 1/2
Mark awarded = (f) 1/2

Total marks awarded = 16 out of 20

12 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

1 The angles are given
to the nearest degree
with a unit. The length
measurement y is
given to the millimetre
with the correct unit
and in range.
1
Mark for (b) (ii) = 1/1

Mark for (b) (iii) = 0/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 13

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

2 2 No units are given on
calculated quantity.

3 The range of masses

used does not extend
over the whole range
supplied.

4 Two or three significant

figures are expected in
3 the calculated quantity.
4
Mark for (d) = 5/5 + 2/5
= 7/10

5 5 The read-off is correct

and is substituted
correctly into the
gradient and y-
intercept calculation.

Mark for (e) (i) = 0/3

Mark for (e) (ii) = 0/1
Mark for (e) (iii) = 2/2

14 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

6
6 The axes are not
labelled and the scale
on the x-axis is
irregular

7 The diameter of the

points plotted is greater
than half a square,
7 especially the third
point up in the y-
direction.
8
8 The line of best fit
could be rotated
clockwise to give a
better fit.
9
9 The position of the
points from the line of
best fit is greater than
that expected for this
experiment and so the
quality mark is not
awarded.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 15

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

9 No units are included
in the final answer.

Mark for (f) = 1/2

Total marks awarded =

9 12 out of 20

How the candidate could have improved their answer

(d) The table was well presented with six y values correctly stated to the nearest mm and the calculation of
m sin θ is correct. In the table the candidate needed to give a correct unit for the calculated quantity m sin θ
and to include a separating mark between the heading and the unit. The number of significant figures used
for m sin θ should have been two or three (instead of the four used).

(e) (i) The candidate could have improved by labelling and setting out regular numerical scales on both axes,
as multiples of 18.7 on the x-axis were too awkward and cumbersome to plot and read off points. The
drawing of points is expected to be done with a sharp pencil so that the points plotted occupy no more than
half a square in either the x or y-direction.

(e) (ii) The drawing of the line of best fit is expected to be done with the use of a sharp pencil and placed so
that the line does not need rotating or shifting to give a better fit.

(f) While the read-offs for the gradient and y-intercept in (e) (iii) were correct, when transferring these
quantities to determine the values of P and Q, the units also needed to be considered.

Mark awarded = (b) (ii) 1/1, (b) (iii) 1/1

Mark awarded = (d) 5/5, 2/5
Mark awarded = (e) (i) 0/3, (ii) 0/1, (iii) 2 /2
Mark awarded = (f) 1/2

Total marks awarded = 12 out of 20

16 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Mark for (b) (ii) = 1/1

Mark for (b) (iii) = 1/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 17

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

1 Units of degrees are
1 confused with degrees
centigrade here. No
degrees are expected
in the unit for this
calculated quantity.
2
2 The range of masses
used does not extend
to that supplied.

3 y stated to 0.1 cm is
correct as the length
can be measured to
the nearest millimetre.
3
Mark for (d) = 5/5 + 2/5
= 7/10

4 4 A correct calculation
gains credit here. Too
many significant
figures are used in the
calculated quantity.
(Two or three only are
expected, since the
5 angle is given to two
significant figures.)

5 There is a misreading
from the graph here.
However, since one set
of read-offs is correct
in the gradient
calculation, an error
carried forward mark is
allowed.

Mark for (e) (i) = 1/3

Mark for (e) (ii) = 0/1
Mark for (e) (iii) = 1/2

18 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

6 Correctly labelled axes
and set-out scales
here. The plotted point
has been placed at
y = 4.8 instead of
y = 4.9. This plot is
circled, therefore it has
been treated as an
anomalous point and
ignored for the line of
best fit mark. Despite
6 this, the line needed to
be rotated
anticlockwise to give a
better fit on the
remaining points.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 19

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

7 A substitution method
is used to find P and Q
when the gradient and
y-intercept were
required. Also, the
candidate does not use
the correct
corresponding units.

Mark for (f) = 0/2

7 Total marks awarded =

11 out of 20

How the candidate could have improved their answer

(d) The candidate could have extended their range to include m = 400 g showing that all the masses
available had been used. The units for m sin θ should have been stated solely as g and without the ° symbol,
as sin θ is a ratio, and without units. This candidate confused ° with °C, a unit of temperature which does not
relate to angles. The calculated quantity should have been given as two or three significant figures (not four)
as θ is stated to two significant figures.

(e) (i) The candidate could have improved by taking greater care in accurately plotting their points (y = 4.8
should have been plotted at y = 4.9) and subsequently checking them.

(e) (ii) The line of best fit should have been rotated clockwise to give a better fit, especially since the third
point was circled (hence identified as anomalous) and discounted in judging where to place the line.

(e) (iii) When determining the gradient, the candidate read one of the read-offs incorrectly, so they should
have taken greater care and checked that any read-offs were within half a square.

(f) When determining the values of P and Q, consideration of the method and units was needed. The
candidate needed to use the y-intercept value for determining Q, as stated in the question, and not use a
substitution method.

Mark awarded = (b) (ii) 1/1, (b) (iii) 1/1

Mark awarded = (d) 5/5, 2/5
Mark awarded = (e) (i) 1/3, (ii) 0/1, (iii) 1/2
Mark awarded = (f) 0/2

Total marks awarded = 11 out of 20

20 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Common mistakes candidates made in this question

(b) (iii) Stating the measurements to a greater degree of precision than the measuring instrument.

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

(e) (i) Not setting out the graph scales in a logical, regular order, which led to incorrect plotting and read-offs.

(e) (ii) Drawing the line so that a better fit could be achieved by further rotation or shifting.

(e) (iii) Incorrectly reading the points to be plotted or read off for the gradient calculation.

(f) & (d) Not considering the unit of the final quantity or calculated quantities.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 21

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Question 2

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Example candidate response – high Examiner comments

1 The diameter is
measured correctly to
the nearest 0.01 mm,
which is as expected
from reading a manual
micrometer screw
gauge. Similarly, length
L in (b) (iii) is
measured correctly to
1 mm, which is
expected from using a
ruler with millimetre
markings. The area is
calculated correctly, as
is C in (c) (i).
1
Mark for (a) (ii) = 1/1
Mark for (a) (iii) = 1/1

22 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

2 Consideration of the
inherent difficulties of
the experiment in
taking the
measurement L is not
2 factored into working
out the uncertainty in L.

Mark for (b) (iii) = 1/1

Mark for (b) (iv) = 0/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 23

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

3 Significant figures in C
need to relate to all raw
readings (d and L).
3 Mark for (c) (i) = 1/1
Mark for (c) (ii) = 0/1

4 Repeated values of
several oscillations, a
unit and the final
working out of the
period ensure the mark
4 here.

Mark for (d) (ii) = 1/1

24 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Mark for (e) (ii) = 3/3

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 25

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

5 A percentage
difference, a criterion
and an opinion based
on a comparison
5 ensure that full marks
are awarded here.

Mark for (f) (i) = 1/1

Mark for (f) (ii) = 1/1

26 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

6 An excellent synopsis
of possible problems
and corresponding
improvements. Point
two (improvements) is
not awarded credit as
adhesive tape is not
considered to be
effective here.

Mark for (g) (i) = 4/4

Mark for (g) (ii) = 3/4

6 Total marks awarded =

17 out of 20

How the candidate could have improved their answer

(b) (iv) The candidate could have improved their answer by considering the uncertainty as the smallest
division, not taking into account the fact that there are inherent difficulties with taking the measurement
(getting the ruler close owing to the fact that the clip and the hanger are in the way). These difficulties should
be factored in, despite the measurement being a static one.

(c) (ii) In justifying the number of significant figures used in C, the candidate could have improved by
referring to the number of significant figures used in the raw values of both d and L used ultimately to
calculate C.

(g) (i) & (ii) Although the candidate scored very highly in the descriptive evaluation section at the end, they
could have improved by stating that the wire that slips ‘from the clip’ could be ‘glued to the clip’. Their
suggestion (use of adhesive tape) would still allow the wire to slip in this particular case.

Mark awarded = (a) (ii) 1/1, (iii) 1/1

Mark awarded = (b) (iii) 1/1, (iv) 0/1
Mark awarded = (c) (i) 1/1, (ii) 0/1
Mark awarded = (d) (ii) 1/1
Mark awarded = (e) (ii) 3/3
Mark awarded = (f) (i) 1/1, (ii) 1/1
Mark awarded = (g) (i) 4/4, (ii) 3/4

Total marks awarded = 17 out of 20

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 27

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

1 The diameter is
correctly stated to the
nearest 0.01 mm, in
keeping with the
precision of the
micrometer screw
gauge. Correct
calculation of the area.

Mark for (a) (ii) = 1/1

1 Mark for (a) (iii) = 1/1

28 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

2 Correct consideration
is given to the smallest
reading of 1 mm and
the inherent difficulty in
placing the ruler close
is also factored in to
2 give an uncertainty in
the length of 2 mm.

Mark for (b) (iii) = 1/1

Mark for (b) (iv) = 1/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 29

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

3 The number of
significant figures used
in C needs to relate to
the raw readings used
(d and L here).

3 Mark for (c) (i) = 1/1

Mark for (c) (ii) = 0/1

Mark for (d) (ii) = 1/1

30 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Mark for (e) (ii) = 3/3

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 31

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

4
4 This has been
rearranged incorrectly
(k = T/C).

Mark for (f) (i) = 0/1

5 Although the candidate

identifies a percentage
difference and a
criterion and gives an
opinion, there is no
justification of why the
criterion should be as
high as 30% for this
particular experiment.
5 Mark for (f) (ii) = 0/1

32 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

6

6 A really good synopsis

of the problems
encountered.
However, in the
improvements, greater
detail is needed to
explain how the
equipment is used
(points 2 and 4).

Mark for (g) (i) = 3/4

Mark for (g) (ii) = 1/4

Total marks awarded =

13 out of 20

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 33

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

How the candidate could have improved their answer

(c) (ii) The candidate justified the number of significant figures used in C by relating them to that used in L

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

and A. To improve, the candidate also needed to consider the raw value used to calculate A, (that is d).

(f) (i) In calculating k the candidate could have improved by rearranging the equation correctly (k = C/T).

(f) (ii) When explaining whether the results support the relationship, the candidate calculated a percentage
difference, stated a criterion and gave an opinion. However, the stated criterion was judged to be too high for
this experiment; the candidate needed to state where the idea of 30% came from.

(g) (ii) The candidate scored highly on describing the limitations. To improve, the candidate could have
explained the improvements in greater depth, for example, using a video camera with a timer (in shot) to
record the period. Although credit was awarded to the fact that there is more than one plane of motion going
on, turning off the fans was not considered to be a major factor, as the mass and the wire are compact,
compared to using a table tennis ball for example. The thinness of the wire and therefore the likelihood of it
breaking when constantly loaded into the clip were not considered creditworthy, nor was the idea of using a
cork and a small ball of clay, as there was no detailed explanation of how these could be used to secure the
wire.

Mark awarded = (a) (ii) 1/1, (iii) 1/1

Mark awarded = (b) (iii) 1/1, (iv) 1/1
Mark awarded = (c) (i) 1/1, (ii) 0/1
Mark awarded = (d) (ii) 1/1
Mark awarded = (e) (ii) 3/3
Mark awarded = (f) (i) 0/1, (ii) 0/1
Mark awarded = (g) (i) 3/4, (ii) 1/4

Total marks awarded = 13 out of 20

34 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

1 There is a diameter
1 misreading from the
micrometer screw
gauge here.

Mark for (a) (ii) = 0/1

Mark for (a) (iii) = 1/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 35

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

2 There is consideration
of uncertainty equal to
the smallest division of
the length
measurement here, but
no factoring in of the
difficulty of actually
taking the
measurement. It is
difficult to bring the
ruler up close because
2 the clip is in the way.

Mark for (b) (iii) = 1/1

Mark for (b) (iv) = 0/1

36 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

3
3 Correct calculation of C
(and A in (a) (iii))
despite missing out the
units in this case.

Mark for (c) (i) = 1/1

4 The number of
significant figures used
4 needs to relate to the
raw data used (d and L).

Mark for (c) (ii) = 0/1

5 Repeats in the time

5 taken, calculation of
the period and period
in range.

Mark for (d) (ii) = 1/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 37

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

6 Second values of
length and period
provided, with an
expected trend given
that the longer length is
used here.

6 Mark for (e) (ii) = 3/3

38 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

Mark for (f) (i) = 1/1

7 No consideration of the
percentage difference
or a criterion to
compare the
7 percentage difference
with.

Mark for (f) (ii) = 0/1

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 39

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

8 The problems listed
8 are vague and do not
show how they might
affect any
measurements.

Mark for (g) (i) = 1/4

9 Two good solutions are

9
identified here. The
other two are too
vague.

Mark for (g) (ii) = 2/4

Total marks awarded =

11 out of 20

40 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

How the candidate could have improved their answer

(a) (ii) To improve in measuring the diameter of the wire, the candidate needed to have done more practice

SIR SAMEER UZ ZAMAN

in reading the micrometer screw gauge accurately, as they gave a value of 0.03 mm when the supervisor
gave 0.26 mm.

(b) (iv) To improve in estimating the percentage uncertainty in L, the candidate should have thought about
the difficulties in measuring L and factored these into the uncertainty in L so that they did not just consider
the smallest possible reading from the ruler in this particular case.

(c) (ii) To improve in justifying the number of significant figures used in their value of C, reference should
also have been made to the number of significant figures used in d.

(f) (ii) To improve the explanation of whether the results supported the relationship, the candidate should
have worked out the percentage difference and compared this to a criterion, then formulated an opinion.

(g) (i) & (ii) The candidate could have described real problems and solutions in greater detail and linked the
problems to specific quantities. For example, the candidate stated ‘error in seeing the oscillation’. Here the
examiner would expect the candidate to relate this either to the oscillation being in more than one plane or to
the fact that the end of an oscillation is difficult to judge, thereby affecting the period.

Mark awarded = (a) (ii) 0/1, (iii) 1/1

Mark awarded = (b) (iii) 1/1, (iv) 0/1
Mark awarded = (c) (i) 1/1, (ii) 0/1
Mark awarded = (d) (ii) 1/1
Mark awarded = (e) (ii) 3/3
Mark awarded = (f) (i) 1/1, (ii) 0/1
Mark awarded = (g) (i) 1/4, (ii) 2/4

Total marks awarded = 11 out of 20

Common mistakes candidates made in this question

(a) (ii) Misreading measuring devices such as the micrometer screw gauge.

(b) (iv) Estimating the uncertainty as equal to the smallest division of the ruler (1 mm). Candidates needed to
factor in the inherent difficulties of the experiment (getting the ruler close to the wire owing to the clip being in
the way), leading to a larger uncertainty in the length reading.

(c) (ii) When justifying the significant figures used in C, candidates often referred to the significant figures
used in area A, which were not a raw value but an intermediate calculated value.

(g) (i) & (ii) Descriptions of problems and solutions were often too vague and not specific to a particular
measurement.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 41