1

The CIE class is investigating the conduction of electric current through copper sulphate solution. The circuit used
is shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1
During the experimental work, the students measure the volume of water, the mass of copper sulphate that is
dissolved in the water, the current in the solution, the potential difference across the electrodes and the gap
between the electrodes.
One set of readings is shown in Figs. 1.2 1.6.
(a) Write down the readings shown. Include appropriate units.

current = ............................................
Fig. 1.3

potential difference = .....................................

Fig. 1.2

Fig. 1.4

mass of copper sulphate = .............................

Fig. 1.5

volume of water = ..........................................

Fig. 1.6

gap between electrodes = ..............................

[6]
(b) It is not possible to put the rule inside the beaker to measure the gap between the electrodes. Explain how you
would overcome this problem.
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[2]
(c) Suggest a variable, which is not measured in Figs. 1.2 1.6, that might affect the value of the current.
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[1]

A student investigates the period of oscillation of a mass attached between two springs. The apparatus used is
shown in Fig. 4.1.

Fig. 4.1
A 400 g mass m is attached between two springs, displaced a small distance downwards, and then released so that
it oscillates. The time t taken for 10 complete oscillations of the mass is recorded. The experiment is repeated
using values for m of 300 g and 200 g. The readings are shown in the table below.

(a) Calculate the period T of the oscillations. T is the time for one complete oscillation. Enter the values in the
table.

[2]

(b) Calculate and enter in the table the values of T/m

[2]
(c) The student suggests that T should be directly proportional to m. State with a reason whether the results in the
table support this suggestion.
statement .........................................................................................................................
reason ..............................................................................................................................
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[2]
(d) In this experiment, the mass oscillates rapidly so that it is difficult to take the times accurately. A technique has
been included in this experiment to obtain an accurate value for the period T. State, briefly, what this technique is
and any calculation involved to obtain the T value.
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[2]
(e) Another student carried out the same experiment using a wider range of masses. Suggest why, when the mass
was 900 g, it could not oscillate freely.
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[1]

Fig. 4.1 shows a wooden metre rule suspended from a horizontal pivot that passes through a small hole in the rule.

Fig. 4.1
The rule is displaced as shown and, when released, swings freely. The time t, for at least 10 oscillations, is
measured. The time T, for one complete oscillation, is calculated using the values for t and the number N of
oscillations. The procedure is repeated and an average value TAV for T is obtained. The distance d, between the
pivot and the centre of mass C, is measured. The experiment is repeated for different values of d.
(a) Draw up a table in which you can record the experimental values for N, t, T, TAV and d.

[2]
(b) State the relation between t, N and T.

relation ............................ [1]

(c) At the bottom of the rule, a short mark is made along the centre line of the rule, as shown in Fig. 4.1. Before
swinging the rule, a vertical reference line is placed below this short line on the rule.
Explain why the stopwatch is started and is stopped as the mark on the rule passes the vertical reference line. In
your answer, refer to the speed of the bottom of the rule.
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[1]

(d) The graph of TAV/ s against d / cm is a curved line, as shown in Fig. 4.2.

Fig. 4.2
(i) At what value of d does TAV have a minimum value?

d = ...........................
(ii) Estimate the value of d when TAV = 6.0 s.
estimate of d = ..........................................................................................................
[2]

(a) (i) Explain what is meant by the mark C at the upper end of a thermometer. Your answer should refer to
the two fixed points of the thermometer.
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(ii) State one precaution, other than avoiding parallax error, that you should take when using a school laboratory
thermometer, to ensure accurate measurement of temperature.
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[3]
(b) Part of a thermometer is shown in Fig. 3.1. This is a full-scale diagram.

Fig. 3.1
Complete the following sentences about using the thermometer.
The smallest division on the scale represents a temperature change of .........................
The smallest change in temperature which could be estimated is ..................................
The position of the mercury meniscus may be estimated to be .......................................
[3]