A vibrating string is observed with a ruler in its plane. Its equilibrium position is at 12.0 cm on the ruler. The highest and lowest positions are 14.4 cm and 9.6 cm.
.1
Calculate the amplitude in metres.
[2 marks]
.2
A pupil says that increasing amplitude necessarily increases frequency. Evaluate the claim.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A coastal community chooses between offshore wind and a tidal barrage. Wind is variable. The times of tides are predictable, but the barrage produces little electricity around high and low tide. The estuary is a habitat for migratory birds.
Compare the reliability and environmental effects of the two choices.
[4 marks]
5 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
In a collision test the total momentum before impact is 0.500 kg m/s. Three repeats give total momentum after impact of 0.492, 0.501 and 0.495 kg m/s, all in the original direction.
.1
Calculate the mean total momentum after impact.
[2 marks]
.2
The uncertainty in the mean is estimated as 0.010 kg m/s. Evaluate whether these results contradict conservation of momentum.
[3 marks]
6 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A detector registers 96 counts per minute of background radiation. With a source present it registers 896 counts per minute initially and 496 counts per minute after 12 minutes.
.1
Calculate the initial corrected detected count rate in min−1 (counts per minute).
[2 marks]
.2
Determine the half-life in minutes.
[2 marks]
.3
Explain why the background must be subtracted before comparing the rates.
[2 marks]
5 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A trolley experiment uses a total moving mass of 0.80 kg. Resultant forces 0.40 N, 0.80 N and 1.20 N produce accelerations 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 m/s².
.1
Calculate the acceleration predicted for a 1.60 N resultant force.
[2 marks]
.2
Evaluate whether the data support the proposed relationship, and identify one way to make the conclusion more reliable.
