Practise Edexcel A-Level Physics implementation and measurement skills through result-table criticism, recording quality, apparatus improvements and timing methods.
A student slid a small metal cube down a frictionless ramp. The cube collided with a fixed metal block at the bottom of the ramp.
The student released the cube from position X as shown in the diagram. After the collision, the cube rebounded to position Y.
The student measured heights h and r. He then repeated the experiment using several different starting positions.
The student recorded his results in the table below.
h / m | r / m
0.20 | 0.11
0.25 | 0.137
0.30 | 0.16
0.35 | 0.19
0.40 | 0.217
0.45 | 0.24
Criticise these results.
A student investigated the bending of a plastic beam.
The beam, of width w and height h, was supported at either end by two metal rods a distance l apart, as shown.
She applied a force F to the middle of the plastic beam by hanging a mass from it.
The beam bent downwards as shown.
She measured the vertical distance d moved by the middle of the plastic beam and repeated this measurement for increasing values of F.
She recorded her results in a table, as shown.
Criticise the recording of these results.
A student determined a value for the acceleration of freefall g using the apparatus shown.
The student released the cylinder at a distance s from the bottom edge of the ramp. She measured the time t for the cylinder to travel the distance s.
The student suggested that adding a light gate near the top of the ramp and a light gate near the bottom of the ramp would improve the measurement of t.
Describe advantages and disadvantages of using light gates to measure t.
