1.

You are to determine the Young modulus of the material from which the metre rule is made.
(a)

Measure as precisely as possible the width b and the thickness d of the metre rule.
Estimate the percentage uncertainty in each of these quantities.
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(5)

(b)

Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram below. Clamp the rule to the bench at the
5.0 cm mark, using the small block of wood to give a well-defined edge. Use the rubber
bands to attach a total mass of M = 0.200 kg to the metre rule at the 95.0 cm mark. This
is best done by placing a 100 g slotted mass on either side of the rule.

Wooden block

G-clamp
Metre rule

Two 100 g
slotted masses

95.0 cm
Bench

Measure the horizontal distance l from the edge of the bench to the vertical line through
the 95 cm mark on the rule. Estimate the percentage uncertainty in its value. Explain
how you ensured that this value was determined as precisely as possible. You may add to
the diagram if you wish.
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(4)

Khalid Mazhar Qureshi

www.edexcel-cie.com

(c)

Displace the end of the metre rule vertically and determine the period T of small vertical
oscillations of the mass. Estimate the percentage uncertainty in your value of T.
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Explain how you ensured that T was determined as precisely as possible.
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(5)

(d)

The Young modulus E of the material of the rule is given by

E=

16 2 Ml 3
bd 3T 2

Calculate a value for E. Discuss which of your measurements contributes most to the
uncertainty in its value.
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(6)
(Total 20 marks)

Khalid Mazhar Qureshi

www.edexcel-cie.com