Physics 5054 · O Level · Light

Light — practice question

An object is positioned between a lamp and a screen. A student examines how the height of the shadow formed by the object on the screen varies. The apparatus is shown in Fig. 4.1. The object is a square piece of white card. Each side has length $H$. The object is fixed to a pin and held up by a cork, as shown in Fig. 4.2.
(a)[1]

Measure and note the length $H$ shown in Fig. 4.2.

(b(i))[1]

Measure and record the shadow length $h$ shown in Fig. 4.3.

(b(ii))[1]

Suggest why it would be hard to measure the shadow length accurately.

(c(i))[1]

Enter your value of $h$ from (b)(i) into the table in Fig. 4.4.

(c(ii))[4]

On Fig. 4.5, draw a graph of $h$ on the y-axis against $d$ on the x-axis. Begin both axes at the origin. Add the smooth curve of best fit.

(d(i))[1]

Use your graph to find $h_{40}$, the value of $h$ when the object is $40.0\text{ cm}$ from the centre of the lamp.

(d(ii))[1]

The student states that $h_{40}$ is connected to the object's length $H$ by $h_{40} = 2H$. Calculate the length $H$ of the object using this equation.

(d(iii))[1]

Compare the value of $H$ obtained in (d)(ii) with the value you measured in (a). State whether your results support the student’s suggestion and explain your answer with reference to the results.

(e(i))[1]

Extend your graph to predict the shadow length $h_{20}$ when $d = 20.0\,\text{cm}$.

(e(ii))[1]

The student says that the distance $d$ should not be less than 10.0 cm. Give one reason why this is a sensible suggestion.

(f)[1]

$D$ was kept constant throughout the investigation. Suggest why.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $2.0\text{ cm}$

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