Edexcel A-Level Physics Arithmetic and Numerical Computation

Review arithmetic and numerical computation in Edexcel A-Level Physics through unit analysis, standard form, percentage comparisons and estimates.

Exam points

convert derived units into SI base units for quantities such as farads, watts or tesla
use standard form, prefixes and constants such as c to calculate distances or processed data
apply ratios, percentages and estimates to judge experimental results or physical claims

Covered syllabus points

C.0.1—Units in calculations C.0.2—Decimal and standard form C.0.3—Ratios, fractions and percentages C.0.4—Estimating results C.0.5—Powers, exponentials and logarithms C.0.6—Trigonometric calculator functions C.0.P—SI unit prefixes

[Maximum number: 2]

A student investigated the flow of water through a horizontal pipe using the apparatus shown.

Figure for Question C.0 Arithmetic and numerical computation question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics A2

The mass M of water leaving the pipe in a time t is given by the formula

M=\frac{\pi \rho P r^{4} t}{8 \eta L}

where
$\rho=$ density of water
P= pressure difference between the ends of the pipe
r= internal radius of the pipe
$\eta=$ viscosity of water
L= distance between digital pressure gauges

Show that the formula gives the unit for $\eta$ as $\mathrm{N\,s\,m^{-2}}$ .

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Covered syllabus points

C.0 Arithmetic and numerical computation question 1