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CAIE A-Level Physics AS Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills Questions

Practise reducing random error, presenting measurements, plotting and analysing practical graphs, finding gradients and uncertainties, and evaluating conclusions and improvements.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • reduce random error through repeated readings and record measurements with appropriate precision
  • present raw and calculated practical data in tables with suitable headings and significant figures
  • plot experimental data with appropriate axes, scales, best-fit lines or curves and tangents
  • determine gradients, intercepts and uncertainties from practical graphs
  • draw evidence-based conclusions, identify limitations and suggest realistic improvements

Covered syllabus points

P3.1-Successful collection of dataP3.2-Quality of dataP3.3-Tables, recording and significant figuresP3.4-Graph layout, plotting and trend linesP3.5-Graph interpretation and uncertaintiesP3.6-Conclusions, limitations and improvementsP3.7-Apparatus familiarity and safe practice

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A micrometer is used to measure the 28.50 mm width of a plastic ruler. The micrometer reads to the nearest 0.01 mm .

What is the correct way to record this reading?

A

0.02850±0.01 m0.02850 \pm 0.01 \mathrm{~m}

B

0.0285±0.001 m0.0285 \pm 0.001 \mathrm{~m}

C

(2.850±0.001)×10−2 m(2.850 \pm 0.001) \times 10^{-2} \mathrm{~m}

D

(2.850±0.001)×10−3 m(2.850 \pm 0.001) \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{~m}

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

A digital meter has an accuracy of ±1%\pm 1 \%.
The meter is used to measure the current in an electrical circuit.
The reading on the meter varies between 3.04 A and 3.08 A .
What is the value of the current, with its uncertainty?

A

(3.06±0.02)A(3.06 \pm 0.02) \mathrm{A}

B

(3.06±0.04)A(3.06 \pm 0.04) \mathrm{A}

C

(3.06±0.05)A(3.06 \pm 0.05) \mathrm{A}

D

(3.06±0.07)A(3.06 \pm 0.07) \mathrm{A}

Question 3

[Maximum number: 2]

Question (a)

(a)

A smooth pebble, made from uniform rock, has the shape of an elongated sphere as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

Fig. 1.1

The length of the pebble is L. The cross-section of the pebble, in the plane perpendicular to L, is circular with a maximum radius r.

A student investigating the density of the rock makes measurements to determine the values of L, r and the mass M of the pebble as follows:

L=(0.1242±0.0001)mr=(0.0420±0.0004)mM=(1.072±0.001)kg.\begin{aligned} L & =(0.1242 \pm 0.0001) \mathrm{m} \\ r & =(0.0420 \pm 0.0004) \mathrm{m} \\ M & =(1.072 \pm 0.001) \mathrm{kg} . \end{aligned}
[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

State the name of a measuring instrument suitable for making this measurement of L.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Determine the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of r.
percentage uncertainty = .....

[ 1 ]
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