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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: 3]

One end of a wire is connected to a fixed point. A load is attached to the other end so that the wire hangs vertically.

The diameter d of the wire and the load F are measured as

d=0.40±0.02 mm,F=25.0±0.5 N.\begin{aligned} & d=0.40 \pm 0.02 \mathrm{~mm}, \\ & F=25.0 \pm 0.5 \mathrm{~N} . \end{aligned}

Question (a)

(a)

For the measurement of the diameter of the wire, state

[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

the name of a suitable measuring instrument,

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

how random errors may be reduced when using the instrument in (i).

[ 2 ]

Question 2

[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 3

[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}

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