2

1 An aluminium ring is placed on a coil with the rod of a metal stand passing through their
centres as shown in Fig. 1.1.

metal stand
aluminium ring

coil

Fig. 1.1

When an alternating current of frequency f is applied to coil of n turns per unit length, the ring
rises until it is in equilibrium at a height h above the coil, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

It is suggested that the relationship between h, f and n is

h=knfx

where k, n, and x are constants.

Design an experiment to test the relationship of h and f. Explain how your results can be
used to determine the values of k and x. Draw diagram on page 3 showing the arrangement
of your equipment and pay particular attention to

• the additional equipment you should use

• the procedure to be followed
• the control of variables
• the analysis of data
• any precautions that should be taken to improve the accuracy and safety of the
experiment.

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Diagram

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2 A student is experimenting with a retractable steel tape measure.

The tape measure is placed at the edge of the bench and about 1 m of the steel tape is
extended so that it overhangs the bench.
The tape is then locked in this position to stop it from retracting.

A student measures the dimensions x and y, the horizontal and vertical displacements
of the free end of the tape, as shown in Fig. 2.1
1.1.

retractable
steel tape
measure

steel tape y

floor
Fig. 2.1
1.1

By changing the extension of the tape, the student obtains further values of x and y.

It is suggested that
n
y = Ax

where n is an integer and A is a constant.

(a) A graph of lg y is plotted on the y-axis against lg x on the x-axis. Determine

expressions for the gradient and the y-intercept.

gradient = ........................................................
y-intercept = ........................................................
[1]

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(b) Values of x and y are given in Fig. 2.2.

x/cm y/cm lg (x/cm) lg (y/cm)

71
73 6±1

85 11 ± 2

95 16 ± 2

105 24 ± 3

117 34 ± 3

134 4
60 ± 6

Fig. 2.2

Calculate and record values of lg (x/cm) and lg (y/cm) in Fig. 2.2. Include the
absolute uncertainties in lg (y/cm). [2]

(c) (i) Plot a graph of lg (y/cm) against lg (x/cm). Include error bars for lg (y/cm). [2]

(ii) Draw the straight line of best fit and a worst acceptable straight line on your
graph. Both lines should be clearly labelled. [2]

(iii) Determine the gradient of the line of best fit. Include the uncertainty in your
answer.

gradient = ...................................................... [2]

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1.9

1.8
log (y/cm)

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7
1.85 1.90 1.95 2.00 2.05 2.10 2.15 2.20

log (x/cm)

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(iv) Determine the y-intercept of the line of best fit. Include the uncertainty in your
answer.

y-intercept = ................................................ [2]

(d) (i) Using your answers to (a), (c)(iii) and (c)(iv), determine the values of n and A.
Include appropriate units.

n = ……………………………………….
A = ……………………………………….
[3]

(ii) Determine the percentage uncertainty in A.

percentage uncertainty in A= ...................................................... % [1]

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