Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Errors and uncertainties

Errors and uncertainties — practice question

A microphone picks up a musical note with frequency $f$. It is linked to a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.). The microphone signal is shown on the c.r.o. as illustrated in Fig. 2.1. The time-base setting of the c.r.o. is $0.50\,\text{ms cm}^{-1}$. The Y-plate setting is $2.5\,\text{mV cm}^{-1}$.
(a(i))[2]

Use Fig. 2.1 to find the signal amplitude.

(a(ii))[3]

Use Fig. 2.1 to find the frequency $f$.

(a(iii))[2]

Use Fig. 2.1 to find the actual uncertainty in $f$ due to reading the scale on the c.r.o.

(b)[1]

State $f$ along with its actual uncertainty.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: amplitude scale indication $= 2.2\,\text{cm}$

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