IB Physics SL Experimental Techniques

Review IB Physics experimental techniques through instrument choice, precision, zero error, parallax control, safety ethics and environmental contexts.

Exam points

select suitable instruments and reading methods for length, diameter, mass or volume data
state measurement precision, zero-error checks or parallax controls from apparatus diagrams
discuss safety, ethical or environmental risks in radiation, phones and medical contexts

Covered syllabus points

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

[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.

[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 S1.1 Experimental techniques question 2 — 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 $\pm 1 \mathrm{~mm}$ .

(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 ]

(b)

The students systematically increase the pressure and calculate d.

[ 1 ]

(i)

Outline how the students determined the value of d.

[ 1 ]

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Covered syllabus points

S1.1 Experimental techniques question 1

S1.1 Experimental techniques question 2

Question (a)

Question (b)

Question (i)