User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2019 Marks available 1 Reference code 19M.3.SL.TZ2.2
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone 2
Command term Determine Question number 2 Adapted from N/A

Question

An experiment is conducted to determine how the fundamental frequency f of a vibrating wire varies with the tension T in the wire.

The data are shown in the graph, the uncertainty in the tension is not shown.

It is proposed that the frequency of oscillation is given by f2 = kT where k is a constant.

Draw the line of best fit for the data.

[1]
a.

Determine the fundamental SI unit for k.

[1]
bi.

Write down a pair of quantities that, when plotted, enable the relationship f2 = kT to be verified.

[1]
bii.

Describe the key features of the graph in (b)(ii) if it is to support this relationship.

[2]
biii.

Markscheme

Any curve that passes through ALL the error bars ✔

a.

kg–1 m–1

bi.

f2 AND T

OR

f AND  T

OR

log f AND log T

OR

ln f AND ln T

bii.

graph would be a straight line/constant gradient/linear ✔

passing through the origin ✔

biii.

Examiners report

Most candidates correctly drew curves which passed through all the error bars, some tried to draw straight lines. Quite a few did not draw any line, leaving the question unanswered. Candidates need to make sure to check that they read the question paper carefully.

a.

Determining the fundamental units of K (kg-1 m-1 ) was difficult for most candidates.

bi.

These questions were not well understood, but a few candidates were able to state that a plot of f2 versus T would give a straight line through the origin.

bii.

These questions were not well understood, but a few candidates were able to state that a plot of f2 versus T would give a straight line through the origin.

biii.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 1: Measurements and uncertainties » 1.1 – Measurements in physics
Show 54 related questions
Core » Topic 1: Measurements and uncertainties
Core

View options