Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

Year 5 IBDP Physics 2016

1.1 The Realm of Physics
1.2 Measurement and Uncertainties
1.3 Vectors and Scalars

1 Use the appropriate metric multiplier (SI prefix) instead of a power of ten in the
following

(a) 1.1 x104 V

(b) 6.5 x 1010 W

(c) 3.66 x10-7 m

(d) 8.5 x10-13 C

2 A sample of a radioactive element contains 6.03 x 1023 atoms. It is found that 3.5 x
1010 atoms decay in a day.

(a) Estimate the order of magnitude of the atoms that disintegrate in one second.
(b) What is the ratio of the original atoms to the atoms that remain after one day
in order of magnitude?

3 One litre (1000cm3) of oil is spilled onto a smooth lake. If the oil spreads out uniformly
until it makes an oil slick just one molecule thick, with adjacent molecules just touching,
estimate the diameter of the oil slick. Assume the oil molecules have a diameter of 2 x
10-10 m.

4 (a) Distinguish between a random error and a systematic error in the

measurement of a physical quantity.

(b) The spring constant k of a spring may be determined by finding the extension
of the spring and the load applied, using the apparatus shown.

(i) Give one example of a systematic error and one example of a random
error which occur in this experiment.

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 (ii) Readings of the position of the lower end of the spring are made using
the metre rule. Suggest a method by which the error in these readings
may be kept to a minimum.

5 The following results were obtained from different experiments to determine the
specific heat capacity of copper, c, which has a theoretical value of ;c = 390 J kg-1 K-1.
The values of c are determined separately by three students in the experiments.

Student A’s result of c : 380 ± 5 J kg-1 K-1

Student B’s result of c : 373.5 ± 0.5 J kg-1 K-1
Student C’s result of c: 365.25 ± 0.05 J kg-1 K-1

State and explain which of the student’s result is the most

(a) accurate, (b) precise

6 This question is about measurement and uncertainties.

The graph shows the force F between two charged objects a distance r apart.
The estimated uncertainties in these quantities are negligible.

(a) Draw the best fit straight line through the points. [1]

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(b) Use the graph to determine whether there are random errors, systematic errors
or both. Explain your conclusions. [2]

(c) Determine the gradient of the line. [1]

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F1
Three forces are acting on an object as shown in the
diagram on the side. The resulting forces cause the
F2
F3 object to remain stationary.
75 N

(a) If F 3 equals 75 N and the angle between it and the horizon is 40o, resolve it
into its vertical and horizontal forces.

(b) Based on your answers from part a, what must the values of F1 and F 2 be ?

8 A car of mass 850 kg rests on a slope at 250 to the horizontal. Calculate the
magnitude of the component of the car’s weight which acts parallel to the slope.