Physics 5054 · O Level · Motion

Motion — practice question

A student works out the acceleration of free-fall by timing the oscillations of a pendulum. Fig. 2.1 shows the pendulum.
(a)[1]

On Fig. 2.1, measure the pendulum length $l$ in centimetres, reading to the nearest millimetre.

(b)[1]

Fig. 2.1 is a one-eighth scale drawing. $L$ represents the pendulum's true length. Calculate $L$.

(c)[2]

The student pulls the bob through a small angle and lets it go so that it moves to and fro. Fig. 2.2 illustrates one full oscillation of the pendulum.

(d(i))[1]

State the time $t$ for 20 oscillations shown in Fig. 2.3.

(d(ii))[1]

The student times 20 oscillations two more times, obtaining $21.30\,\text{s}$ and $21.28\,\text{s}$. Find the average time $t_{av}$ for 20 pendulum oscillations.

(e)[1]

The period $T$ is the duration of one full pendulum oscillation. Calculate $T$.

(f)[2]

Calculate $g$, the acceleration of free-fall, using the equation provided: $g = \frac{11.1}{T^2}$. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

(g(i))[1]

To determine the pendulum period $T$, the student first finds the average time for 20 oscillations. Suggest why the student did not opt to measure the average time for 2 oscillations.

(g(ii))[1]

Suggest why the student did not choose to measure the average time for 200 oscillations.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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