Edexcel IGCSE Physics Investigation Variables

Edexcel IGCSE Physics Investigation Variables
Edexcel IGCSE Physics syllabusPhysics 4PH1Issue 4 (2024)

Practise Edexcel IGCSE Physics investigation variables by identifying what changes, what is measured and what must be controlled in practical methods.

How this is tested

  • Identify the independent and dependent variables from the described investigation.
  • Give control variables that should be kept the same to make the investigation fair.
  • Complete a variable table for an investigation method, including measured counts or readings.

Question 10

[Maximum number: 4]

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 10(b)

(a)

This is the student's method for the investigation.
- clamp the wooden strip so that L=20 cm\mathrm{L}=20 \mathrm{~cm}
- fix the load to the end of the wooden strip, as shown in diagram 1
- measure the height, h

The student repeats this method for different values of L.

[ 4 ]

Question 10(b)(i)

(i)

Give the independent and dependent variables in the investigation.
independent variable
dependent variable

[ 2 ]

Question 10(b)(ii)

(ii)

Give two control variables in the investigation.

1

2

[ 2 ]