IB Physics HL S1.3.5 Graphing Questions

Interpret HL physics graphs by using gradients, intercepts, areas and linear relationships to extract equations and physical quantities.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Construct, linearize and interpret graphs; include uncertainty bars, gradients, intercepts, maxima/minima and areas.

IB Physics HL S1.3.5 Graphing Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

A group of students is trying to determine the density and the viscosity of a liquid.

To determine the density, they use a balance to read the mass m of a sphere in air and immersed in the liquid.

They use a sphere of volume V=1.827×10−7 m3V=1.827 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m}^{3}.
The readings are mair =1.427 gm_{\text {air }}=1.427 \mathrm{~g} in air and mimmersed =1.208 gm_{\text {immersed }}=1.208 \mathrm{~g} in the liquid.
The readings are different due to buoyancy. The buoyancy force FbF_{\mathrm{b}} is given by

Fb=ρVgF_{\mathrm{b}}=\rho V g

where V is the volume of the sphere and ρ\rho is the density of the liquid.

To determine the viscosity, they immerse the sphere in the liquid and drop it from rest.
They collect values and plot a graph of the position d of the sphere from the moment they drop it. They verify that the sphere reaches terminal velocity vtv_{t} after 0.5 s .

Figure for Question IB Physics HL S1.3.5 Graphing Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

Draw the line of best fit on the graph.

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