C.1 Handling data

Use an appropriate number of significant figures and report results consistently with the precision of raw data and the least accurate measurement.

Use c.1.1—significant figures to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because c.1.1—significant figures determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply c.1.1—significant figures to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: C.1.1—Significant figures is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Calculate arithmetic means, including a mean value from repeated experimental readings.

Use c.1.2—arithmetic means to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because c.1.2—arithmetic means determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply c.1.2—arithmetic means to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: C.1.2—Arithmetic means is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Understand simple probability, including probability in radioactive decay as an A2 application.

Use c.1.3—simple probability to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because c.1.3—simple probability determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply c.1.3—simple probability to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: C.1.3—Simple probability is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Make order-of-magnitude calculations, including evaluating equations whose variables have different orders of magnitude.

Use c.1.4—order-of-magnitude calculations to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because c.1.4—order-of-magnitude calculations determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply c.1.4—order-of-magnitude calculations to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: C.1.4—Order-of-magnitude calculations is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Identify measurement uncertainties and determine uncertainty when data are combined by addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or powers.

Use c.1.5—combined measurement uncertainty to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because c.1.5—combined measurement uncertainty determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply c.1.5—combined measurement uncertainty to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: C.1.5—Combined measurement uncertainty is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.