Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Errors and uncertainties

Errors and uncertainties — practice question

(a)[2]

Length, mass and temperature are all SI base quantities. State two other SI base quantities.

(b)

The acceleration of free fall $g$ can be found from an oscillating pendulum using the equation $g = \frac{4\pi^2 l}{T^2}$, where $l$ represents the pendulum length and $T$ is the period of oscillation. In an experiment, the measured values for an oscillating pendulum are $l = 1.50\,\text{m} \pm 2\%$ and $T = 2.48\,\text{s} \pm 3\%$.

(b(i))[1]

Calculate the value of the acceleration of free fall $g$.

(b(ii))[2]

Determine the percentage uncertainty for $g$.

(b(iii))[1]

Use the answers from (b)(i) and (b)(ii) to work out the absolute uncertainty in the calculated value of $g$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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