Physics 5054 · O Level · Physical quantities and measurement techniques

Physical quantities and measurement techniques — practice question

A student carries out an investigation into how high a table-tennis ball rebounds. He releases the ball from a height of $60\,\text{cm}$ onto a tiled floor, as shown in Fig. 2.1. He measures the bounce height $h$ using a metre rule with millimetre divisions.
(a)[1]

Position the ball close to the metre rule so that, when it is released, it drops $60\,\text{cm}$ before striking the floor. On Fig. 2.1, show the ball in its starting position.

(b)[1]

Before any values for the bounce height are recorded, the student makes a trial drop. Suggest a reason for doing this trial drop.

(c(i))[1]

He drops the ball five times from $60\,\text{cm}$ and obtains these $h$ values: $40\,\text{cm}$, $39\,\text{cm}$, $40\,\text{cm}$, $42\,\text{cm}$, $40\,\text{cm}$. Suggest a reason why $h$ is recorded to the nearest cm.

(c(ii))[2]

Calculate the average bounce height $h_{av}$. Give your answer to the nearest centimetre.

(d(i))[1]

On Fig. 2.3, enter your value of $h_{av}$ at $H = 60\,\text{cm}$.

(d(ii))[2]

To obtain larger values of $H$, the student alters his apparatus and method. Suggest how he does this.

(d(iii))[4]

On Fig. 2.3, plot a graph of $h_{av}/\text{cm}$ on the y-axis against $H/\text{cm}$ on the x-axis. Begin both axes at $(0,0)$. Draw a smooth curve of best fit.

(e(i))[1]

The student does not collect any $h_{av}$ readings for $H$ below $60\,\text{cm}$. Suggest why these readings are difficult to take.

(e(ii))[1]

Use your graph to estimate the value of $h_{av}$ when $H$ is $40\,\text{cm}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Ball shown with the bottom of the ball level with the 60 cm mark

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