IB Physics HL S2.3.2 Evaluating Questions

Evaluate HL investigations by tracing energy losses, zero errors, uncertainty effects and the range over which a hypothesis is supported.

Exam points

Evaluate hypotheses, random and systematic errors, limitations and assumptions against complete data and uncertainty evidence.
Suggest realistic improvements that address identified weaknesses and explain their likely effect on validity or reliability.

[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 IB Physics HL S2.3.2 Evaluating Questions question 1 — 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 $\lambda^{2}$ .

Suggest a possible reason for the systematic error.

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IB Physics HL S2.3.2 Evaluating Questions question 1