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IB Physics SL S1.1 Experimental Techniques Questions

Practise IB Physics SL S1.1 by planning measurements, choosing instruments, recording uncertainty and interpreting experimental evidence.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • choose suitable instruments, variables and measurement procedures, including accurate scale reading and control of relevant conditions
  • record and process physical measurements with correct units, significant figures, uncertainty and data calculations
  • interpret experimental evidence and discuss measurement, safety, environmental or ethical considerations when evaluating an investigation

Covered syllabus points

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

Question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about mobile phones.

The number of mobile phones has grown rapidly in recent years. Discuss environmental issues associated with this rapid increase.

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

The density of a metal sphere is determined using a digital caliper and a mass balance.

The digital caliper is used to measure the diameter D of the sphere by placing the sphere in the jaws of the digital caliper. This reading is shown.

The sphere is then removed and another reading is taken immediately afterwards with the jaws closed.

Figure for Question 2 — IB Physics SL
Figure for Question 2 — IB Physics SL

Calculate D.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 2]

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.

Figure for Question 3 — IB Physics SL

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\pm 1 \mathrm{~mm}.

Figure for Question 3 — IB Physics SL

Question (a)

(a)

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.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The students systematically increase the pressure and calculate d.

Table for Question (b) — IB Physics SL
[ 1 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Outline how the students determined the value of d.

[ 1 ]
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