Table 1 gives results from a workshop test of two magnetic catches used to hold cupboard doors closed. A force meter pulls each catch directly away from a s...
Question 1 Report
Table 1 gives results from a workshop test of two magnetic catches used to hold cupboard doors closed. A force meter pulls each catch directly away from a steel plate. For each gap, students record the greatest force before the catch separates. The same steel plate, force meter and direction of pull are used each time. A small cardboard spacer controls the gap. The students also draw the apparatus in Fig. 1 so another group can repeat the method safely.
| Gap between magnet and plate / mm | Separation force / N |
|---|---|
| 0 | 18 |
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 7 |
| 4 | 2 |
(a) Describe the relationship between gap and separation force. [2]
(b) Calculate the decrease in separation force when the gap changes from 0 mm to 2 mm. [2]
(c) Give one reason for repeating each measurement. [1]
(d) What variable is changed in this test? [2]
Answer Details
(a) As the gap between the magnet and steel plate increases, the separation force decreases. [2]
(b)
\[18\text{ N}-7\text{ N}=11\text{ N}\]
The separation force decreases by 11 N. [2]
(c) Repeating measurements helps identify anomalous results, calculate a mean, and improve reliability. [1]
(d) The variable changed is the distance, or gap, between the magnet and the steel plate. [2]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
