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

Practise IB Physics SL S2.2 by recording measurements, processing uncertainty, plotting data and extracting justified physical relationships.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

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 dataS2.2.2—Processing and interpreting dataS2.2.3—Data quality

S2.2 Collecting and processing data question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

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 S2.2 Collecting and processing data question 1 — 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 S2.2 Collecting and processing data question 1 — IB Physics SL

Question (a)

(a)

The students systematically increase the pressure and calculate d.

Table for Question (a) — IB Physics SL
[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

By using two sets of data in the table, show that the relationship between d and P is not directly proportional.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The students suggest the following relationship between d and P :

d=kPd=k \sqrt{P}

where k is a constant.
To verify the relationship, the variation of d with P\sqrt{P} is plotted.
One data point is missing.

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

Question (i)

(i)

Determine the coordinates of the missing point using the original data set and plot it on the graph.

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

The students collect only one value of d for each value of P. Suggest why this is a poor method.

[ 1 ]
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