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Date May 2011 Marks available 3 Reference code 11M.2.HL.TZ1.1
Level Higher level Paper Paper 2 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Explain Question number 1 Adapted from N/A

Question

Data analysis question.

The photograph below shows a magnified image of a dark central disc surrounded by concentric dark rings. These rings were produced as a result of interference of monochromatic light.

The graph below shows how the ring diameter D varies with the ring number n. The innermost ring corresponds to n = 1. The corresponding diameter is labelled in the photograph. Error bars for the diameter D are shown.

It is suggested that the relationship between D and n is of the form 

D = cn

where c and p are constants.
Explain what graph you would plot in order to determine the value of p.

Markscheme

we can re-write the suggested relation as log D = log c + p log n;
now we can plot a graph of log D versus log n;
the slope of the (straight line) graph is equal to p
Accept logs in any base.

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 1: Measurements and uncertainties » 1.2 – Uncertainties and errors
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