IB Physics SL 6.1.2 Measurement variables Question Bank
Practise IB Physics SL/HL 6.1.2 by applying measurement variables concepts to exam-style physics questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Physics SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB Physics SL/HL 6.1.2 by applying measurement variables concepts to exam-style physics questions.
A group of students uses pressurized air to move a piston that forces a nail into a block of wood. A gauge is used to measure the pressure P of compressed air above atmospheric pressure. The nail enters the wood perpendicular to its surface.

The students use a ruler to measure the length of the nail which remains above the surface of the wood as shown. The depth of the nail inside the wood is d. All necessary length measurements are recorded using a ruler with uncertainty ±1 mm.

Describe one consideration that must be made when placing the ruler to ensure that the length of the nail remaining above the surface of the wood is measured accurately.
Rule placed perpendicular/vertical to wood surface
OR
Ruler placed near/parallel/aligned to nail
OR
Compensating/allowing for zero error of the ruler
The students systematically increase the pressure and calculate d.

Outline how the students determined the value of d.
Measure the length of the nail and subtract length above surface of wood