EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Earn 100

A student is asked to measure the wavelength of waves on a ripple tank using a metre rule that is graduated in millimetres. Estimate the uncertainty in his measurement.

Important Questions on Practical Skills at AS Level

EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 8
Estimate the uncertainty when a student attempts to measure the time for a single swing of a pendulum.
EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 9

What is the average value and uncertainty in the following sets of readings? All are quoted to be consistent with the smallest scale division used.

20.6,20.8

EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 9

What is the average value and uncertainty in the following sets of readings? All are quoted to be consistent with the smallest scale division used.

20,30,36

EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 9

What is the average value and uncertainty in the following sets of readings? All are quoted to be consistent with the smallest scale division used.

(c) 0.6,1.0,0.8,1.2

EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 9

What is the average value and uncertainty in the following sets of readings? All are quoted to be consistent with the smallest scale division used.

(d) 20.5,20.5.

HARD
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 10
The depth of water in a bottle is measured as 24.3 cm, with an uncertainty of 0.2 cm. (This could be written as (24.3±0.2)cm.). Calculate the percentage uncertainty in this measurement.
EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 11

The angular amplitude of a pendulum is measured as (35±2)°.

 Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of this angle.

EASY
AS and A Level
IMPORTANT
Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 32 - Practical Skills at AS Level>Questions>Q 11

The angular amplitude of a pendulum is measured as (35±2)°.

 The protractor used in this measurement was calibrated in degrees. Suggest why the user only feels confident to give the reading to within 2°.