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Edexcel IGCSE Physics Experimental Reliability

Practise Edexcel IGCSE Physics experimental reliability by suggesting repeats, calculating means and dealing with anomalies in practical results.

Syllabus
Issue 4 (2024)
Course
Physics 4PH1

Exam points

  • Suggest repeating readings and calculating a mean to improve reliability of results.
  • Use repeats to identify or remove anomalies before judging the reliability of data.

Assess experimental reliability question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

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

Figure for Question Assess experimental reliability question 1 — 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.

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

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