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Edexcel IGCSE Physics Data Analysis and Evaluation

Practise Edexcel IGCSE Physics data analysis, communication and evaluation by drawing best-fit lines, spotting anomalies and judging conclusions.

Syllabus
Issue 4 (2024)
Course
Physics 4PH1

Exam points

  • Draw a line or curve of best fit with points distributed appropriately around it.
  • Identify anomalous results and describe relationships shown by practical data or graphs.
  • Evaluate conclusions using proportionality tests, constants, repeats and extra readings.

Covered syllabus points

Analyse data and draw conclusionsCommunicate experimental findingsAssess experimental reliabilityEvaluate accuracy and validity

Analysis, communication and evaluation question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

Diagram 1 shows the apparatus a student uses to investigate the bending of a wooden strip.

Part of the wooden strip is clamped to a table.
A load is fixed to the free end of the wooden strip, causing it to bend.

Diagram 1

Diagram 1

The free end of the wooden strip is positioned a length, L , beyond the edge of the table, as shown in diagram 1.

The weight of the load causes the end of the wooden strip to move down through a height, h.

A student investigates how the length, L , affects the height, h .

Question (a)

(a)

The table shows the results of the investigation.

Table for Question (a) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics
[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Draw the curve of best fit.

Figure for Question (i) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics
[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

The student concludes that h is directly proportional to L .

Evaluate the student's conclusion.

[ 2 ]

Analysis, communication and evaluation question 2

[Maximum number: 3]

A student uses this apparatus to investigate how the efficiency of an electric motor varies with its input voltage.

Figure for Question Analysis, communication and evaluation question 2 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

This is the student's method.
- connect the electric motor to a d.c. power supply and a joulemeter
- attach a 1.0 kg mass to the electric motor using a length of string
- set the voltage of the power supply to 10 V and switch on the power supply
- switch off the power supply when the mass has been lifted through a distance of 50 cm
- record the input energy to the motor from the joulemeter
- calculate the energy transferred to the gravitational store of the mass
- calculate the efficiency of the motor

The student repeats this process, setting the power supply to a different voltage each time.

Question (a)

(a)

State how the student could improve the reliability of her results.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The table shows the student's results.

Table for Question (b) — Edexcel IGCSE Physics
[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Draw a curve of best fit.

[ 2 ]
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