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IB Physics HL S1.1 Experimental Techniques Questions

Practise IB Physics HL S1.1 by designing measurements, propagating uncertainty and evaluating complex experimental evidence.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Design controlled measurements with justified instruments, variables and repeat trials.
  • Propagate absolute or percentage uncertainties through calculations and graph-derived quantities.
  • Evaluate residuals, limitations and improvements using quantitative evidence from investigations.

Covered syllabus points

S1.1.1—Safety and ethicsS1.1.2—Measurement variables

Question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

This question is about the use of radioactive isotopes.

Question (a)

(a)

Radiologists working with radioactive sources wear a film badge. Discuss the function of a film badge.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

One of the side effects of the use of Sr -89 is the reduction of white blood cells in the body, leaving the patient prone to infections. Outline one ethical implication of the choice between using Sr-89 to treat bone cancer and not carrying out treatment.

[ 1 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 2]

A student determines the resistivity ρ\rho of a metal that is in the form of a cylindrical wire. The student makes the following measurements:

 Length L of the wire =(462±2)mm\text { Length } L \text { of the wire }=(462 \pm 2) \mathrm{mm}
Readings for the diameter d of the wire:

Readings for the diameter d of the wire:

 Resistance R of the wire =13.7Ω±1.5%\text { Resistance } R \text { of the wire }=13.7 \Omega \pm 1.5 \%

Question (a)

(a)

Suggest suitable instruments for the measurement of

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

L\quad L

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

d

[ 1 ]

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Suggest one reason why doctors use ultrasound rather than X -rays to monitor the development of a fetus.

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