Physics 5054 · O Level · Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Physical quantities and measurement techniques — practice question
A group of students is asked to determine the diameter of a large inflatable beach ball.
One student uses a long length of string to measure the ball’s circumference. He then calculates the diameter.
Fig. 2.1 shows the student with the beach ball.
(a)[1]
Suggest one practical difficulty in finding the circumference of the ball.
(b(i))[2]
Describe a different method that another student could use to measure the diameter of the beach ball directly. You may include a diagram in your answer.
(b(ii))[2]
Suggest two ways in which the student in (b)(i) can make the measurement of the diameter accurate.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Pulling string tight flattens ball so it is no longer spherical” …