1.

You are to plan an experiment to determine the half life of protactinium-234. You are then to
analyse a set of data from such an experiment.
(a)

(i)

In a protactinium generator protactinium-234, which is a beta-minus emitter, is

dissolved in a solvent which forms a layer in a bottle as shown below:

L ayer
c o n ta in in g
d e c a y in g
p ro ta c tin iu m

Add to the diagram to show the arrangement you would use to measure the count
rate from the protactinium-234.
(3)

(ii)

Describe how you would measure the background count at the start of your
experiment and how you would make allowance for it.
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(2)

(iii)

Describe the readings you would take to determine the half life of the
protactinium-234, which is thought to be of the order of one minute.
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(2)

Qurum Private School

(iv)

For radioactive decay, the count rate A after a time t is given by

A = A0e
where
and

lt

A0 = count rate at t = 0
= decay constant

Explain why a graph of lnA against t should be a straight line.

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(1)

(b)

The following data were obtained in such an investigation:

Background count = 27 min
t/s

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Count rate/min

527

20

447

40

367

60

300

80

262

100

216

120

183

Use the columns provided for your processed data, and then plot a suitable graph on
the grid below to test whether the decay follows the expected pattern.

(5)

Qurum Private School

(c)

Use your graph to find a value for the decay constant .

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Hence determine a value for the half life of the protactinium-234.
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(3)
(Total 16 marks)

2.

(a)

(i)

Place the 250 ml beaker on a heat proof mat. Pour water from the supply of
boiling water up to the 75 ml mark on the 250 ml beaker and place the
thermometer in the water. When the temperature starts to fall start the
stopwatch and record, in the table below, the temperature 1 as a function
of the time t for a period of 5 minutes. Add units to the headings of the
columns of the table.

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(ii)

Repeat the above experiment using the 100 ml beaker rather than the 250
ml beaker. Fill the 100 ml beaker to the 75 ml mark from the supply of
boiling water. Record your readings of 2 in the table below, adding the
appropriate units.

Time t/

Temperature 1 of the water

Temperature 2 of the water in
in
the 100 ml beaker/
the 250 ml beaker/

(6)

(b)

Plot a graph of 1 against t on the grid below. Label this graph A.

On the same axes plot a graph of 2 against t on the grid below. Label this graph
B.
(4)

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(c)

Determine the gradient of graph A at a temperature which is common to both

graphs.
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(4)

(d)

A student suggests that the rate of fall of temperature at a given temperature is

directly proportional to the area of the surface of the water, provided there is no
loss of heat from the sides and base of the beaker. Plan an experiment to
investigate this suggestion. Your plan should include:
(i)

a description of the experiment to be performed,

(ii)

sketches of any graphs you would plot,

(iii)

an explanation of how the results would be analysed.

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(10)
(Total 24 marks)

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3.

(a)

(i)

The apparatus has been set up ready for you to use and should not be
moved.
Approximately half fill the beaker with the hot water provided. Quickly pour
this water into the plastic cup up to the marked line, which is calibrated to
3
give 100 cm of water in the cup.
Observe the temperature of the water in the cup and start the stopwatch
when the temperature reaches 80.0 C. Record the temperature at regular
intervals of time t for five minutes.

Tabulate your readings in the space below.

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(5)

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10

(ii)

Plot a graph of against t on the grid below.

(4)

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11

(iii)

Determine the gradient /t of your graph when = 70.0 C.

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Hence calculate the rate at which the water is losing energy when =
3
3
70.0C, given that the density of water is 1.0 g cm (1000 kg m ) and its
1 1
1 1
specific heat capacity is 4.2 J g K (4200 J kg K ).
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(4)

(b)

(i)

It is suggested that an insulated cup could be made by using two cups with
an air gap between them.
Draw a labelled diagram to show how you could do this with the apparatus
provided.

(2)

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12

(ii)

Outline the steps you would take in repeating the experiment with the
double cup in order to test its insulating properties compared with the single
cup.
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(3)

(iii)

In the space below, sketch the results you would expect to get. You should
sketch the curves for the single cup and the double cup on the same set of
axes. Label your curves.

(3)

(iv)

It is suggested that the double cup should insulate at least twice as well as
the single cup. Explain how you would test this from the curves that you
have sketched in part (iii).
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(3)
(Total 24 marks)

4.

(a)

Record the temperature 0 of the water in the beaker labelled Water at room
temperature.
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Pour 20 cm (20 ml) of this water into the measuring cylinder.

The beaker which is labelled For hot water has a horizontal line drawn on it at the
3
100 cm mark. Fill the beaker to the horizontal line with boiling water from the
kettle. You are now to measure the fall in temperature of this hot water when
3
20 cm of the water at room temperature is added. Record the temperature i of
3

the hot water just before the 20 cm is added and the temperature f just after the
water is added. Show all your measurements and calculations in the space
below. State any special precautions which you took to ensure an accurate value
for .
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(5)

(b)

For the mixing of a fixed volume of hot water and a fixed volume of water at room
temperature it is suggested that
= k(f 0)
where k is a constant.
Using your results from part (a) determine a value for k.
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(3)

(c)

You are now to repeat the experiment using a lower value of i, keeping the
3

volume of hot water as 100 cm and the volume of added water at 20 cm .

Describe carefully how you can do this without refilling the beaker with hot water.
Record your results and determine a second value for k.
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(5)

(d)

Determine the percentage difference between your two values of k. Comment on

the extent to which your results confirm the suggested relationship, assuming that
the total experimental error is of the order of 10%.
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(3)

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(e)

Describe how you would continue the experiment in order to investigate more
fully the suggested relationship. Your account should include
(i)

a description of what you would do,

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(ii)

a sketch of the graph that would be plotted, showing the expected result,

(iii)

an indication of how the value of k could be determined from the graph.

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(8)
(Total 24 marks)

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5.

You are to plan an investigation of how the magnetic flux density due to a currentcarrying wire depends on the distance r from the wire. You are then to analyse a set of
data from such an investigation.
(a)

In order to plan the investigation you may assume that the following apparatus is
available:

a Hall probe with its power supply

a meter to measure the output of the Hall probe
a long straight wire
a 012 V variable d.c. power supply for the wire
an ammeter to measure the current in the wire
a 2.2 resistor connected in series with the wire
a half-metre rule

(i)

Draw a diagram of the experimental arrangement of both the wire and the
Hall probe. Show clearly on your diagram the orientation of the sensor at
the end of the probe with respect to the wire and the distance r.

(ii)

Explain the purpose of the resistor in the circuit containing the wire.
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(iii)

Suggest a suitable range for the ammeter that measures the current in the
wire.
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19

(iv)

Your friend suggests that a single current-carrying wire will produce only a
small magnetic flux density that is difficult to detect by means of the Hall
probe. Suggest a modification to the apparatus that would enable a much
larger flux density to be produced.
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(8)

(b)

In such an investigation it is expected that

0I
2 r

where B is the magnetic flux density due to the current-carrying wire, I is the
current in the wire, and r is the distance from the wire at which the flux density is
measured.
State the graph you would plot to test the relationship between B and r.
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The following data were obtained.

Qurum Private School

B/T

r/m

93

0.020

74

0.025

54

0.035

38

0.050

19

0.100

20

Add your processed data to the third column and then plot your graph on the grid
below.

(5)

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21

(c)

Determine the gradient of your graph. Hence determine a value for the current I
in the wire.
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(3)
(Total 16 marks)

6.

You are to plan an investigation of how the magnetic flux density at the side of a bar
magnet depends on the distance d from the axis of the magnet. You are then to
analyse a set of data from such an investigation.
(a)

In the investigation the magnetic flux density is to be measured by means of a

Hall probe.
(i)

Before carrying out the investigation the calibration of the Hall probe has to
be checked. This can be done by placing the Hall probe in the centre of a
solenoid carrying a current. The following apparatus is available:

a Hall probe with its power supply

a meter to measure the output of the Hall probe
a solenoid
a variable d.c. power supply for the solenoid
an ammeter for measuring the current in the solenoid

Draw a diagram of the arrangement you would use to check the calibration
of the Hall probe. Show clearly on your diagram the orientation of the
sensor at the end of the probe with respect to the axis of the solenoid.

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22

State two other measurements from the solenoid that you would need to
determine before the calibration of the Hall probe could be checked.
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(5)

(ii)

The magnetic flux density B at the side of the bar magnet is now to be
determined as a function of the distance d from the axis of the magnet
using the pre-calibrated Hall probe. Draw a diagram of the experimental
arrangement. Show clearly on your diagram the orientation of the sensor at
the end of the probe with respect to the bar magnet and the distance d.

(3)

(b)

In such an investigation it is expected that B = kd where k and n are constants.

Write this equation in a suitable form to plot a linear graph.
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The following data were obtained in such an investigation.

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B/mT

d/mm

5.26

20

3.31

25

2.27

30

1.67

35

1.24

40
23

1.04

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44

24

Add your processed data to the table and then plot a suitable graph to test the
above equation on the grid below.

(6)

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25

(c)

Use the gradient of your graph to determine a value for n.

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(2)
(Total 16 marks)

7.

You are to plan an investigation of how the resistive property of an a.c. circuit, called its
impedance, depends on the frequency of the a. c. supply. You are then to analyse a
set of data from such an experiment.
(a)

(i)

In a preliminary experiment a 47 W resistor, a capacitor of nominal value 47

mF and a laboratory power supply are connected in series, using the a.c.
terminals of the power supply. An ammeter is used to measure the current I
in the circuit and a voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference V
across the resistor-capacitor combination. Draw a circuit diagram of this
arrangement.

When the p.d. was 1.49 V the current was found to be 17.0 mA. What value
does this give for the impedance Z where Z = V /I?
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(3)

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27

(ii)

For this circuit

1
2
2
Z = 4 C f
2

+R

where f = frequency of a.c. supply = 50 Hz

R = value of the resistor
C = value of the capacitor

Calculate the theoretical value of Z given by the formula.

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(2)

(iii)

Describe briefly how you would investigate the equation in part (ii)
experimentally for different values of f. Your description should state any
changes you would need to make to the apparatus and should explain why
2
2
a graph of Z against 1/f should be plotted.
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(4)

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Qurum Private School

29

(b)

The following data were obtained in such an investigation.

f / Hz

V/V

I / mA

40

1.50

45

1.50

15.9

50

1.49

17.0

55

1.49

18.2

60

1.49

19.2

70

1.48

20.7

90

1.48

23.3
2

Add further columns for your processed data, and then plot a graph of Z against
2
1 /f on the grid above to test the equation.
(5)

(c)

Use your graph to determine an experimental value for the capacitance of the
capacitor.
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(2)
(Total 16 marks)

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30

Qurum Private School

31

8.

You are to investigate the oscillations of a spring system.

C o a th a n g e r h e ld in
sp lit c o rk in c la m p

15 cm

(a)

Place two 100 g masses on mass hanger A. Do the same for mass hanger B.
Give hanger A a downward vertical displacement of about 5 cm and release.
Describe and explain the subsequent motion of B.
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(4)

(b)

Remove B from its spring. Determine the period TA of small vertical oscillations of
A.
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32

Remove A from its spring. Add another 100 g mass to B and then replace it on its
spring. Determine the period TB of small vertical oscillations of B.
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State any precautions that you took to ensure that your timing was accurate.
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(6)

(c)

Leaving B in position, replace A (i.e. hanger with two added masses) on its
spring. Pull both A and B down a distance of about 5 cm and let go
simultaneously. Observe the motion of A and B and determine as precisely as
possible the time T that elapses between A and B being in phase and the next
time that this happens.
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Discuss the extent to which your experiment supports the theory that

1
1
1

T TA TB
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(6)
(Total 16 marks)

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9.

(a)

The apparatus shown in the diagram below has already been set up for you with
M = 200 g.
A .c . p o w e r s u p p ly

M a g n e tic fie ld p e rp e n d ic u la r to w ire

K n ife
edge

C r o c o d ile c lip

Switch on the power supply. Adjust the length of the wire between the wooden
blocks and the knife edge until you can see that the amplitude of vibration of the
wire passing through the magnetic field is at its maximum value. Record the
length l at this point.
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Explain carefully how you ensured that the value of l was as accurate as
possible.
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Estimate the percentage uncertainty in your value of l.

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(5)

(b)

Measure the diameter d of the wire and estimate the percentage uncertainty in
your value.
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(3)

(c)

Calculate a value for the density r of the material from which the wire is made
given that

T
2 2
r = d f l
2

where T = tension in the wire

and

f = frequency of the a.c. supply, which is given on the card.

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(3)

(d)

Using the percentage uncertainties obtained in (a) and (b) determine the
percentage uncertainty in your value of the density.

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The accepted value for the density of constantan is 8880 kg m . From the
evidence of your experimental results discuss whether the wire used could be
made from constantan.
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(5)
(Total 16 marks)

10.

(a)

(i)

Pour hot water into the glass beaker up to the 200 ml (cm ) mark. Record
the temperature 0 of this water at regular intervals until the temperature
falls below
70 C. Your starting temperature should be above 80 C.
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(4)

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(ii)

Plot a graph of temperature q against time t on the grid opposite.

(4)

(iii)

Use your graph to determine the rate at which the temperature is falling,
Dq/Dt, when q 75C.
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Assuming that it takes 900 J of energy to raise the temperature of the

beaker and water by 1 K (1 C), estimate the power P of the heater that would
be required to maintain the temperature of the water at a steady 75 C.

(4)

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(b)

(i)

A student performs a similar experiment using a datalogger to capture the

data and a computer to determine Dq/Dt. She finds that the required power
is 30 W.
Draw a schematic (block) diagram to show the experimental arrangement
and suggest a suitable sampling rate for the datalogger.

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(4)

(ii)

In a catalogue she finds a heater rated at 12 V, 48 W. Its power P varies

with the applied potential difference V according to the following curve.

50
P /W
40

30

20

10

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10

V /V

12

41

What potential difference would be required to provide a power of 30 W?

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Describe, with the aid of a diagram, the circuit she could use to set the
potential difference across the heater at the required value. You may
assume that normal laboratory equipment is available.

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(4)

(iii)

After immersing the heater in 200 ml of water and setting the power to 30
W she wants to monitor the temperature of the water in this arrangement
overnight and analyse the results next morning.
Explain how she could do this.
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Suggest two reasons why she might find that the temperature had not
remained at 75 C.
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(4)
(Total 24 marks)

11.

You are to investigate how the voltage across a capacitor in an a.c. circuit depends on
the value of the capacitance.
(a)

Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram below. Do not adjust the voltage
of the power supply. The initial value of the capacitance should be 1.0 mF.
Before closing the switch have your circuit checked by the Supervisor. If your
circuit is incorrect you will be allowed a short time to correct the fault before the
Supervisor checks it again. If you are unable to set up the circuit, consult the
Supervisor. You will only lose two marks for this.

A
R
V

X
6V

C
Y

B
(2)

(b)

Close the switch and measure the power supply voltage Vs across AB.
Disconnect the voltmeter and re-connect it between points X and Y to measure
the voltage across the capacitor Vc. Calculate Vs/Vc.
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(2)

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(c)

Repeat the procedure set out in part (b) for a range of values of capacitance C.
You should use the capacitors both singly and in suitable parallel combinations.
2
2
Tabulate all your results below, together with values of (Vs/Vc) and C .
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(6)

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(d)

Theory suggests that

2

2 2 2

(Vs/Vc) = 4p f R C + 1
where R = value of the resistor in the circuit
C = value of the capacitor in the circuit
f = frequency of the a.c. supply, which is given on the card.
2

Using the above equation, explain why a graph of (Vs/Vc) against C should be a
straight line.
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(e)

Plot a graph of (Vs/Vc) against C on the grid below.

(3)

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(f)

Determine the gradient of your graph and hence find a value for the resistance R.
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(5)
(Total 20 marks)

12.

You are to investigate the cooling of a quantity of water using a thermistor in order to
establish how a similar experiment could be performed using a data logger.
(a)

Connect the disc thermistor to the resistance meter and record the resistance of
the thermistor at room temperature. Do not touch the disc, as the temperature of
your fingers will alter its resistance. If you need to alter the position of the
thermistor hold the terminal block to which the thermistor is connected. Use the
chart on the following page to determine the temperature qR of the room.
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(b)

Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram below. The top of the disc
thermistor should be just below the 200 ml mark on the beaker. Do not pour in
the hot water until you are ready to start taking readings.

T e rm in a l b lo c k
h e ld in c la m p

200 m l
m a rk

R e sis ta n c e m e te r
B ench

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80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
0 .1

0 .2

0 .3

0 .5

0 .7

1 .0

2 .0

3 .0

5 .0

7 .0

10
R /k

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Pour in the hot water so that it just covers the thermistor. Leave the apparatus for
approximately one minute for the thermistor to reach the water temperature and
then record the resistance R of the thermistor as a function of time t for a period
of 10 minutes. Use the chart on the previous page to determine the water
temperature q for each value of R. Tabulate all your readings in the space below.
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(c)

Using the grid below, plot a graph of q against t.

(5)

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(d)

Theory suggests that for conditions of forced convection (i.e. a draught) the rate
of fall of temperature dq/dt is directly proportional to the excess temperature
of the water above room temperature. Determine the gradient of your graph at
two values of q.
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(5)

(e)

Discuss the extent to which your results suggest that dq/dt = k where k is a
constant.
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(5)

(f)

Describe how you would undertake a full investigation of the relationship

described in (d). Your description should include
(i)

any further readings you would take and how you would process them,

(ii)

an indication of the graph you would plot to test the theory,

(iii)

the results you would expect to get if the theory were correct.

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(g)

It is suggested that this investigation could be carried out better using a data
logger. Explain with the aid of a diagram how the change in resistance of the
thermistor could be converted to a change in voltage using a potential divider
circuit
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Suggest a suitable sample rate for the investigation.

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List the steps that the software in the computer would have to perform to process
the data and test the proposed relationship.
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(6)
(Total 40 marks)

13.

You are to investigate the behaviour of a simple pendulum when its swing is
interrupted.
(a)

A simple pendulum of length 1 = 0.500 m is provided. Take measurements to

determine its period of oscillation, T0.
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(1)

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(b)

Now place the rod at an initial distance h = 0.250 m as shown in the diagram so
that it will interrupt the swing of the pendulum; when the pendulum is at rest the
rod should just touch the string.

S id e v ie w

F ro n t v ie w

Determine the period T for oscillations of small amplitude.

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Keeping l constant at 0.500 m, determine T for four more values of h. Tabulate all
your results below, together with values of T2.
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(7)

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(c)

Plot a graph of T2 against h on graph paper.

(4)

(d)

Theory suggests that

T2

4 2 l 2 2 h

g
g

where g = gravitational field strength.

Discuss the extent to which your results support this theory.
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(e)

Determine the gradient of your graph.

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(f)

Use your answer to (e) to find a value for the gravitational field strength g.
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(3)
(Total 20 marks)

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