A1. Data analysis question.

M11/TZ1/A1
The photograph below shows a magnified image of a dark central disc surrounded by concentric dark
rings. These rings were produced as a result of interference of monochromatic light.
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The graph below shows how the ring diameter D varies with the ring number n.
The innermost ring corresponds to n = 1. The corresponding diameter is labelled in the
photograph. Error bars for the diameter D are shown.

(a) State one piece of evidence that shows that D is not proportional to n.

▪ line of best fit is not straight / line of best fit does not go through origin;
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(b) On the graph opposite, draw the line of best-fit for the data points. [2]

▪ smooth curve;
▪ that does not go outside the error bars;
Ignore extrapolations below n=1.
(c) Theory suggests that D2 = kn. M11/TZ1/A1
A graph of D2 against n is shown below. Error bars are shown for the first and last data points only.

(i) Using the graph on page 2, calculate the percentage uncertainty in D2, of the ring n = 7. [2]

▪ (absolute) uncertainty in diameter D is ± 0.08 cm

∆𝐷 0.08
percentage uncertainty for D is x 100% = x 100% = 6.35 %
𝐷 1.26
▪ percentage uncertainties add
percentage uncertainties in D2 is 13%

Award [2] if uncertainty is calculated for a different ring number.

(ii) Based on the graph opposite, state one piece of evidence that supports the relationship D2 = kn. [1]

▪ it is possible to draw a straight line that passes through the origin (and lies within the error bars);
or
𝐷2 M11/TZ1/A1
▪ the ratio of is constant for all data points;
𝑛
(iii) Use the graph opposite to determine the value of the constant k, as well as its uncertainty. [4]
M11/TZ1/A1

2.8−0.25 (accept answers in

▪ two points: (1, 0.25) and (12, 2.8) → 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑘 = = 0.23 range 0.21 to 0.25);
12−1

3.05−0.15 2.45−0.35
▪ max slope: = 0.26 min slope: = 0.19
12−1 12−1

▪ uncertainty in the slope = (max slope - min slope)/2 = 0.035 → 𝑘 = 0.23 ± 0.04

(iv) State the unit for the constant k. [1]

▪ cm2
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A1. Data analysis question.
The speed v of waves on the surface of deep water depends only on the wavelength λ
of the waves. The data gathered from a particular region of the Atlantic Ocean are plotted below.

The uncertainty in the speed v is ±0.30 m s-1 and the uncertainty in λ is too small to be
shown on the diagram.
(a) State, with reference to the graph, M11/TZ2/A1
(i) why v is not directly proportional to λ. [1]
▪ the graph is not linear
/a straight line (going through the error bars)
/ does not go through origin;

(ii) the value of v for λ = 39 m. [1]

▪ 7.7 ms−1 ;
(N.B. line is drawn for candidate,
answer must be correct)
around half a square
so precision give 7.7 sharp
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(b) It is suggested that the relationship between v and λ is of the form

𝑣 = 𝑎 λ

where a is a constant. To test the validity of this hypothesis, values of v 2 against λ are plotted below.
(i) Use your answer to (a)(ii) to show that the absolute uncertainty in v2 for a wavelength of 39 m is ± 5 m2 s –2. [3]
(absolute) uncertainty for v is ± 0.30 m s–1 M11/TZ2/A1
∆𝑣 0.30 ∆ 𝑣2 ∆𝑣
▪ relative uncertainty for v is = = 0.039 = 2 = 0.0779 ⇒
𝑣 7.7 𝑣2 𝑣

▪ relative uncertainties add

relative uncertainty in v2 is 0.0779

▪ absolute uncertainty in v2 is (7.7)2 x 0.0779 = 4.6 correct error bars added to first point
v2 = (59 ± 5) m2 s–2 (± 1/2 square) and last-but-one point
( ± 2.5 squares); (judge by eye)

(ii) The absolute uncertainty in v2 for a

wavelength of 2.5 m is ±1 m2 s –2.
Using this value and the value in
(b)(i), construct error bars for v2 at the
data points for λ = 2.5 m and 39 m. [1]
(iii) State why the plotted data in (b)(ii) suggest that it is likely that v is proportional to λ . [1]
a straight-line/linear graph can be drawn that goes through origin;
M11/TZ2/A1

(iv) Use the graph opposite to determine the constant a. [3]

Points: (0,0) and (40, 62)

62 − 0
= 1.55
40 − 0
v2 = 1.55 λ
𝑣 = 𝑎 λ

𝑎 = 1.2 m1/2 s-1

Read-offs used must lie on candidate’s drawn line

hardest: recognizes that gradient of graph is a 2 and evaluates a = 1.2 ± 0.2(m1/2 s−1)
Award [2 max] if line does not go through origin – allow 1/2 square.
Award [1 max] if one or two data points used and no line drawn.
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𝑘
(v) Theory shows that 𝑎= . Determine a value for k. [1]
2𝜋

▪ 𝑘 = 2𝜋𝑎2 = 9.4 𝑚𝑠 −2

allow ECF from (b)(iv)

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A1. Data analysis question.

A small sphere rolls down a track of constant length AB. The sphere is released from rest at A.
The time t that the sphere takes to roll from A to B is measured for different values of height h.
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1 1
A student suggests that t is proportional to . To test this hypothesis a graph of t against is plotted
ℎ ℎ
1
as shown on the axes below. The uncertainty in t is shown and the uncertainty in ℎ
is negligible.

▪ any straight line that

goes through all error bars

(a) (i) Draw the straight line that best fits the data. [1]
(ii) State why the data do not support the hypothesis. [1]

▪ line does not go through origin / (0,0) / zero

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(b) Another student suggests that the relationship between t and h is of the form
where k is a constant.
1
To test whether or not the data support this relationship, a graph of t2 against is plotted as
ℎ
shown below. The best-fit line takes into account the uncertainties for all data points.

The uncertainty in t2 for the data point

1
where ℎ =10.0 m–1 is shown as an error
bar on the graph.

(i) State the value of the uncertainty in t2

1
for ℎ =10.0 m–1 [1]

± 0.35 s 2 (accept answers in range 0.3 to 0.4)

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(ii) Calculate the uncertainty in t2 when t= 0.8 ± 0.1 s. Give your answer to an appropriate number
of significant digits. [4]
∆ 𝑡2 ∆𝑡
▪ = 2
𝑡2 𝑡
0.1
▪ ∆ 𝑡 2 = 0.82 × 2 ×
0.8

▪ ∆ 𝑡 2 = 0.16 ≈ 0.2 𝑠2

▪ answer given to one significant figure

or
∆𝑡 0.1
▪ percentage uncertainty in t = x 100% = x 100% = 12.5 %
𝑡 0.8
▪ percentage uncertainties add
percentage uncertainties in t2 is 25%
▪ (absolute) uncertainty in t2 = 0.25 𝑥 0.82 = 0.16 ≈ 0.2 𝑠2

▪ answer given to one significant figure

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(iii) Use the graph to determine the value of k. Do not calculate its uncertainty. [3]

▪ use of gradient triangle over at least half of line;

3.1
▪ gradient = = 0.30;
10.4
(accept answers in range 0.28 to 0.32)

1 𝑘2
𝑡=𝑘 → 𝑡2 =
ℎ ℎ

▪ k2 = 0.30 → k = 0.55;
(accept answers in range 0.53 to 0.57)
or
𝑘 2
▪ equation of line is 𝑡 2 =
ℎ
▪ data values for a point on the line selected;

▪ values substituted into equation to get k = 0.55;

(accept answers in range 0.53 to 0.57)

Award [2] for answers that use a data point not on the best fit line.
(iv) State the unit of k . [1]
▪ m1/2 s
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A1. Data analysis question.
Metal girders are often used in buildings that have been constructed to withstand earthquakes.
To aid the design of these buildings, experiments are undertaken to measure how the natural frequency f
of horizontal oscillations of metal girders varies with their dimensions. In an experiment, f was measured
for vertically supported girders of the same cross-sectional area but with different heights h.
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The graph shows the plotted data for this experiment. Uncertainties in the data are not shown.

(a) Draw a best-fit line for the data. [1]

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smooth curve as above; (judge by eye)
Do not allow point-to-point curve.
Do not allow curve to “curl round” at low or high h.
Single “non-hairy” line only is acceptable.

(b) It is hypothesized that the frequency f is inversely proportional to the height h.

By choosing two well separated points on the best-fit line that you have drawn in (a),
show that this hypothesis is incorrect. [4]

▪ two points [6.0, 38] and [15, 6.0];

▪ f h = constant for an inverse relation;
▪ for (6.0,38) f h = 228 and for (15,6.0) f h = 90
▪ two calculated numbers are not equal, therefore f is not inversely proportional to h
Award [3 max] if data points are not on line.
Award [3 max] if data points are too close together (∆h ≥ 7.5) .
Award [2 max] if both of above.
(c) Another suggestion is that the relationship between f and h is of the form shown below,
M12/TZ2/A1
where k is a constant.
𝑘
𝑓= 2
ℎ
The graph shows a plot of f against h−2.

The uncertainties in h−2 are too small to be shown.

 𝑘 M12/TZ2/A1
(i) Draw a best-fit line for the data that supports the relationship 𝑓 = ℎ2 [2]

a straight-line that goes through

all the error bars;
and drawn through the origin;
(allow ± ½ square)

(ii) Determine, using the graph, the constant k. [3]

two points:
(allow implicit
(8,12 × 10−3 ) and (40,60 × 10−3) ▪ read-off of suitable point(s) on line
separated by at least half of drawn line; use of origin)
60 − 12
𝑘= ▪ calculation of gradient to give 1.5( ± 0.2)x103 ;
40 × 10 −3 − 8 × 10−3

𝑘 = 1.5 × 103 𝐻𝑧 𝑚2 ▪ s-1 m2 or Hz m2

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(d) State one reason why the results of the experiment could not be used to predict
the natural frequency of oscillation for girders of height 50 m. [1]

▪ the relation might not hold/extrapolate for larger values of h / outside range
of experiment
or
▪ values would be close to origin and with large (percentage experimental) error
or
▪ girders of this height could buckle under their own weight
A1. Data analysis question. M13/TZ1/A1
A particular semiconductor device generates an emf, which varies with light intensity.
The diagram shows the experimental arrangement which a student used to investigate the
variation with distance d of the emf ε . The power output of the lamp was constant.
(The power supply for the lamp is not shown.)
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The table shows how ε varied with d.

(a) Outline why the student has recorded the ε values to different numbers of significant
digits but the same number of decimal places. [2]

▪ Number of decimal places is determined by precision

▪ reference to meter/instrument;
of the measuring instrument
▪ reference to constant accuracy/precision;
▪ the measurements have constant/ the same precision
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(b) On looking at the results the student suggests that ε could be inversely proportional to d.
He proceeds to multiply each d value by the corresponding value of ε .

(i) Explain why this procedure can be used to disprove the student’s suggestion but it
cannot prove it. [2]

▪ If there is a clear deviation from the constant value, the suggestion is not valid.
▪ close to constant only means possibility of validity;

(ii) Using the data for d values of 19.1 cm, 16.0 cm and 10.0 cm discuss whether or not ε is
inversely proportional to d. [3]

▪ (19.1, 5.5) d ε = 105

▪ (16.0, 8.6) d ε = 138
▪ (10.0, 37.5) d ε = 375
▪ products so far apart clearly not inversely proportional;
(c) The graph shows some of the data points with the uncertainty in the d values. M13/TZ1/A1
On the graph
(i) draw the data point corresponding
to the value of d = 19.1 cm. [1]

(ii) assuming that there is a constant

absolute uncertainty in measuring
all values of d, draw the error bar
for the data point in (c)(i). [1]

(iii) sketch the line of best-fit for

all the plotted points. [1]

(i) point plotted ± 1/2 small square;

(ii) symmetrical error bar, 1 small square in each
direction ± 1/2 small square;
(iii) single smooth curve within each error bar;
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(d) All values of ε have a percentage uncertainty of ±3 %. Calculate the percentage uncertainty
in the product dε for the value of d = 18.0 cm. [2]

▪ percentage uncertainty in ε = ± 3 %.
∆𝑑 0.2
▪ percentage uncertainty in d = x 100% = x 100% = 1.1 %
𝑑 18
▪ percentage uncertainties add
percentage uncertainties in d ε = 4 %
A1. Data analysis question.
M13/TZ2/A1
A capacitor is a device that can be used to store electric charge.

(a) An experiment was undertaken to investigate one of the circuit properties of a capacitor.
A capacitor C was connected via a switch S to a resistance R and a voltmeter V.
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The initial potential difference across C was 12 V. The switch S was closed and the
potential difference V across R was measured at various times t. The data collected,
along with error bars, are shown plotted below.
(i) On the graph opposite, draw a best-fit line for the data starting from t = 0. [2] M13/TZ2/A1

smooth curve;
that passes through all error bars;

(ii) It was hypothesized that the decay of the potential difference across the capacitor
is exponential. Determine, using the graph, whether this hypothesis is true or not. [4]

V = V0 e-kt ▪ correctly identifies three points from own graph;

t = 0, V = 12 V ⟹ V0 = 12 V ▪ correctly processes these three using exponential
/half-life/constant ratio/ relationship;
5.5 ▪ to conclude that decay is exponential;
t = 7.5 s, V = 5.5 V ⟹ = 𝑒 −7.5𝑘 ⟹ 𝑘 = 0.1 ▪ within uncertainty;
12
verification:
t = 23 s, V = 1.0 V ⟹ 1.0 = 12𝑒 −2.3 ⟹ 1.0 = 1.2

the graph shows the exponential decay within uncertainty ?????

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(b) The time constant τ of the circuit is defined as the time it would take for the capacitor to discharge
were it to keep discharging at its initial rate. Use the graph in (a) to calculate the
(i) initial rate of decay of potential difference V. [2]

▪ evaluates a gradient over

a minimum of 5 s to give (allow ECF
an initial rate for example from the graph)
12
9.5
= 1.3 𝑉𝑠 −1 for graph above

Clear evidence of calculation of gradient must be seen.

▪ unit Vs –1 must be seen;

▪ Two points: (0, 12) and (9.5, 0)

∆𝑉 0−12
▪ Initial rate of decay = = = −1.3 𝑉𝑠 −1
∆𝑡 9.5−0

(ii) time constant τ . [1]

From definition of 𝜏 from the text: the time constant ▪ obtains evidenced answer for t intercept
= the time it would take for capacitor to discharge IF
the capacitor kept to discharge at initial rate !
V = 0 for t = 9.5 s so
▪ 𝜏 = 9.5 s
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(c) The time constant τ = RC where R is the resistance and C is a property called capacitance.
The effective resistance in the circuit is 10 MΩ. Calculate the capacitance C. [1]

𝜏 9.5
▪𝐶 = = 6
= 0.95 × 106 Ω−1 𝑠
𝑅 10 × 10

Award [0] for absence of 106 unless unit is in terms of MΩ