IB Physics SL S2.2.2 Processing and Interpreting Data

Practise calculating and transforming measurements, completing tables or graphs and using fitted trends, ratios and intercepts to test proposed physical relationships.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
S2.2.2
Level
SL

Exam points

  • calculate a representative mean and justify treatment of any anomalous repeated reading
  • derive missing table values or graph coordinates with the stated transformation and units
  • judge a model using ratio constancy, fitted-line shape and whether the intercept matches its prediction

S2.2.2—Processing and interpreting data question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

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 S2.2.2—Processing and interpreting 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 S2.2.2—Processing and interpreting 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 ]
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