Physics 5054 · O Level · Physical quantities and measurement techniques

Physical quantities and measurement techniques — practice question

A student employs a $30\,\text{cm}$ ruler marked in millimetres to estimate the thickness of a sheet of paper by two separate methods.
(a)[1]

Method 1. Work out the mean thickness of $1$ sheet of paper, given that the folded paper has a thickness of $0.4\,\text{cm}$ and the folded sheet is $32$ sheets thick.

(b(i))[2]

Method 2. Work out the mean thickness of the pack from the readings $4.3\,\text{cm}$, $4.4\,\text{cm}$ and $4.3\,\text{cm}$. State your answer to $2$ significant figures.

(b(ii))[1]

Calculate the mean thickness of $1$ sheet of paper from your answer in (b)(i).

(c)[1]

State which method for measuring the mean thickness of a sheet of paper is the more accurate. Give one reason to support your choice.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Either $0.0125\text{ cm}$ or $0.013\text{ cm}$.

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