IB Physics HL S2.2 Collecting and Processing Data Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL S2.2 by propagating uncertainty, transforming variables and evaluating fits in complex experimental datasets.

Exam points

record and process quantitative data with suitable tables, graphs, trends and uncertainty estimates
compare measurements with predictions and justify conclusions from the observed relationship
evaluate data quality, identify limitations and propose a realistic improvement

Covered syllabus points

S2.2.1—Collecting data S2.2.2—Processing and interpreting data S2.2.3—Data quality

[Maximum number: 2]

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

\text { Length } L \text { of the wire }=(462 \pm 2) \mathrm{mm}

Readings for the diameter d of the wire:

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

Show that the mean diameter of the wire is about 0.2 mm .

[Maximum number: 1]

A student attaches one end of a copper wire to an oscillator operating at a fixed frequency. The other end of the wire passes over a pulley to weights that hang vertically. The first harmonic standing wave is established by using the slider to change the length of the wire. The procedure is repeated for different weights.

Figure for Question S2.2 Collecting and processing data question 2 — IB Physics HL

The mass m of the weights and the wavelength $\lambda$ of the wave are related by

m=\frac{\mu f^{2}}{g} \lambda^{2}

where $\mu$ is a constant, f is the frequency of the wave and $g=9.8 \mathrm{~ms}^{-2}$ .

The graph shows the data obtained by the student, plotted to show the variation of m with $\lambda^{2}$ .

Identify the evidence for a systematic error in the data.

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Covered syllabus points

S2.2 Collecting and processing data question 1

S2.2 Collecting and processing data question 2