AQA A LEVEL PHYSICS
PAPER 3 SECTION
[Document subtitle]
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
, Certainly! Here are the questions and answers numbered for clarity:
1. **What is a set square used for? (5 uses)**
A set square is a right-angled triangle used to:
- Determine whether an object is vertical
- Determine whether two objects are at right angles to each other
- Determine whether two lines are parallel
- Measure the diameter of a circular cross-section (using 2 set squares and a ruler)
- Make sure your eyes are level (reducing parallax error)
NB: similar to a set square, a plumb line or spirit level can be used to test the alignment of
an experimental setup.
2. **Explain a procedure to accurately determine the time period of oscillation.**
- Time over multiple oscillations (at least 10) using a stop clock.
- Find the mean time period.
- Place a fiducial marker at the centre of oscillation. The mass moves past this point at the
greatest speed so there is the least uncertainty in starting and stopping the stop clock
(reducing random errors due to human reaction time).
- Make sure the amplitude of oscillation is large so that the time period is greater (hence
reducing uncertainty). The initial effect of damping will also be reduced.
- Make sure the system oscillates in one plane.
3. **Describe how a mirror can be used to reduce parallax error.**
A mirror can be used to minimise parallax error when determining where a pin lines up
with a scale. This is done by lining up the pin with its own reflection and then taking a
measurement. This is particularly useful when reading analogue meters.
4. **Outline two procedures a student could use to make accurate measurements of the
amplitude of oscillations of either a mass-spring system or a pendulum.**
- **Mass-spring system**:
PAPER 3 SECTION
[Document subtitle]
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
, Certainly! Here are the questions and answers numbered for clarity:
1. **What is a set square used for? (5 uses)**
A set square is a right-angled triangle used to:
- Determine whether an object is vertical
- Determine whether two objects are at right angles to each other
- Determine whether two lines are parallel
- Measure the diameter of a circular cross-section (using 2 set squares and a ruler)
- Make sure your eyes are level (reducing parallax error)
NB: similar to a set square, a plumb line or spirit level can be used to test the alignment of
an experimental setup.
2. **Explain a procedure to accurately determine the time period of oscillation.**
- Time over multiple oscillations (at least 10) using a stop clock.
- Find the mean time period.
- Place a fiducial marker at the centre of oscillation. The mass moves past this point at the
greatest speed so there is the least uncertainty in starting and stopping the stop clock
(reducing random errors due to human reaction time).
- Make sure the amplitude of oscillation is large so that the time period is greater (hence
reducing uncertainty). The initial effect of damping will also be reduced.
- Make sure the system oscillates in one plane.
3. **Describe how a mirror can be used to reduce parallax error.**
A mirror can be used to minimise parallax error when determining where a pin lines up
with a scale. This is done by lining up the pin with its own reflection and then taking a
measurement. This is particularly useful when reading analogue meters.
4. **Outline two procedures a student could use to make accurate measurements of the
amplitude of oscillations of either a mass-spring system or a pendulum.**
- **Mass-spring system**:
