Unit 7 and 8 online training summary 21/04/10

PAP and BRB present

*Some references will be made to marking grid provided below

*
Points to note:
• The paper is 40 marks, and tiem given is 80 mins. Use 2 mins per mark.
• Do not write out of the spaces provided, especially the box around the page, as scripts are scanned
in
• Requirements of math
o Physical quantities (Units, sig figs, order of magnitude, rate of change, vectors, scalar)
o Graphs
o Arithmetic and computation
o Algebra
o Geometry and trigonometry
o Must know sine and cosine too!
• Use the data sheet and equations supplied as much as possible.
• A2 must know how to use ‘log graphs’, AS don’t
• The number of sig figs should be same as data provided. If data is provided in different sig figs,
use the data with least sig figs. i.e. use as many sig figs as the data with the smallest number of sig
figs
• AS pupils must be able to recognize exponential graphs
• AS will have 5 multiple choice – A2 have none.
• A2 paper (unit 8) has much more analysis than AS and variables are linked in a non-linear way
• A2 pupils need to know percentage difference
• AS and A2 must appreciate WHY there is uncertainty
• A2 must be able to derive conclusions based on evidence and analyse complex data
• AS and A2 need to appreciate and check for ‘zero error’. i.e say that you checked for zero error
and how you did this.
• *P3 State precision of apparatus and explain why it is appropriate for your experiment e.g. metre
ruler is to nearest mm but the precision is 0.1% (?), so it is suitable for measuring the length of
wire in this experiment, it would not be suitable for measuring the diameter so a micrometer,
which has precision ___% will be used.
• *P10 – must comment on safety, even if there is none. i.e. we are using small masses/low current
so there are no safety precautions required. Do not state ridiculous safety precautions.
• *P11 – usually graphs. Use correct scales. You don’t have to see the origin, and plots must cover
more than half of the graph paper
• *P13 – use a diagram whenever possible when asked to design/outline an experiment. Then
explain what readings you’ll take (e.g how will you measure the extension? (final – initial =
extension))
• *A10 – must calculate % uncertainties
• When asked for a criticism – may want to think about precision, repeats? small range? Can there
be better divisions? (eg. Is every 10cm ok or would 5cm be more suitable etc etc.
• Look at marking grid to see what skills they are looking for in practical paper, the same criteria is
used for Alt to pract (unit 7 and 8)
• LANGUAGE: Edexcel know that these papers are from international centres but pupils must
ensure that write as clearly as possible and use diagrams to help. Do not worry about writing
exactly like the mark scheme as this is only a suggested answer and other answers may be
acceptable after the examiners meeting.
AS MARKING GRID
A: Summary of case study or physics-based visit (Unit 3)
Ref Criterion Mark
Ref Criterion Mark

S1 Carries out a visit OR uses library, consulting a minimum of three different sources of information 1
(eg books/websites/journals/magazines/case study provided by Edexcel/manufacturers’ data
sheets)

S2 States details of visit venue OR provides full details of sources of information 1

S3 Provides a brief description of the visit OR case study 1

S4 Makes correct statement on relevant physics principles 1

S5 Uses relevant specialist terminology correctly 1

S6 Provides one piece of relevant information (eg data, graph, diagram) that is not mentioned in the 1
briefing papers for the visit or case study

S7 Briefly discusses context (eg social/environmental/historical) 1

S8 Comments on implication of physics (eg benefits/risks) 1

S9 Explains how the practical relates to the visit or case study 1

Maximum marks for this section 9

B: Planning
Ref Criterion Mark

P1 Lists all materials required 1

P2 States how to measure one relevant quantity using the most appropriate instrument 1

P3 Explains the choice of the measuring instrument with reference to the scale of the 1
instrument as appropriate and/or the number of measurements to be taken
P4 States how to measure a second relevant quantity using the most appropriate instrument 1

P5 Explains the choice of the second measuring instrument with reference to the scale of the 1
instrument as appropriate and/or the number of measurements to be taken
P6 Demonstrates knowledge of correct measuring techniques 1

P7 States which is the independent and which is the dependent variable 1

P8 Identifies and states how to control all other relevant variables to make it a fair test 1

P9 Comments on whether repeat readings are appropriate in this case 1

P10 Comments on safety 1

P11 Discusses how the data collected will be used 1

P12 Identifies the main sources of uncertainty and/or systematic error 1

P13 Draws an appropriately labelled diagram of the apparatus to be used 1

P14 Plan is well organised and methodical, using an appropriately sequenced step-by-step 1
procedure
 Maximum marks for this section 14

C: Implementation and Measurements

Ref Criterion Mark

M1 Records all measurements using the correct number of significant figures, tabulating 1
measurements where appropriate

M2 Uses correct units throughout 1

M3 Obtains an appropriate number of measurements 1

M4 Obtains measurements over an appropriate range 1

Maximum marks for this section 4

D: Analysis

Ref Criterion Mark

A1 Produces a graph with appropriately labelled axes and with correct units 1

A2 Produces a graph with sensible scales 1

A3 Plots points accurately 1

A4 Draws line of best fit (either a straight line or a smooth curve) 1

Use the grapoh!
A5 Comments on the trend/pattern obtained 1

A6 Derives relation between two variables or determines constant 1

A7 Discusses/uses related physics principles 1

A8 Attempts to qualitatively consider sources of error 1

A9 Suggests realistic modifications to reduce error/improve experiment 1

A10 Calculates uncertainties 1

A11 Provides a final conclusion 1

Maximum marks for this section 11

E: Report

Ref Criterion Mark

R1 Summary contains few grammatical or spelling errors 1

R2 Summary is structured using appropriate subheadings 1

Maximum marks for this section 2

Total marks for this unit 40

Students may have access to this marking grid while they are carrying out assessed tasks.
A2 MARKING GRID

A: Planning

Ref Criterion Mark

P1 Identifies the most appropriate apparatus required for the practical in advance 1

P2 Provides clear details of apparatus required including approximate dimensions and/or 1

component values (for example, dimensions of items such as card or string, value of resistor)

P3 Draws an appropriately labelled diagram of the apparatus to be used 1

P4 States how to measure one quantity using the most appropriate instrument 1

P5 Explains the choice of the measuring instrument with reference to the scale of the instrument 1
as appropriate and/or the number of measurements to be taken

P6 States how to measure a second quantity using the most appropriate instrument 1

P7 Explains the choice of the second measuring instrument with reference to the scale of the 1
instrument as appropriate and/or the number of measurements to be taken

P8 Demonstrates knowledge of correct measuring techniques 1

P9 Identifies and states how to control all other relevant quantities to make it a fair test 1

P10 Comments on whether repeat readings are appropriate for this experiment 1

P11 Comments on all relevant safety aspects of the experiment 1

P12 Discusses how the data collected will be used 1

P13 Identifies the main sources of uncertainty and/or systematic error 1

P14 Plan contains few grammatical or spelling errors 1

P15 Plan is structured using appropriate subheadings 1

P16 Plan is clear on first reading 1

Maximum marks for this section 16

B: Implementation and measurements

Ref Criterion Mark

M1 Records all measurements with appropriate precision, using a table where appropriate 1

M2 Readings show appreciation of uncertainty 1

M3 Uses correct units throughout 1

M4 Refers to initial plan while working and modifies if appropriate 1

M5 Obtains an appropriate number of measurements 1

M6 Obtains measurements over an appropriate range 1

Maximum marks for this section 6

C: Analysis

Ref Criterion Mark

A1 Produces a graph with appropriate axes (including units) 1

A2 Produces a graph using appropriate scales 1

A3 Plots points accurately 1

A4 Draws line of best fit (either a straight line or a smooth curve) 1

A5 Derives relation between two variables or determines constant 1 Comment on

Why you used
A6 Processes and displays data appropriately to obtain a straight line where possible, for example, 1 this choice of
using a log/log graph graph

A7 Determines gradient using large triangle 1

A8 Uses gradient with correct units 1

A9 Uses appropriate number of significant figures throughout 1

A10 Uses relevant physics principles correctly 1 Precision and

accuracy
A11 Uses the terms precision and either accuracy or sensitivity appropriately 1 especially

A12 Discusses more than one source of error qualitatively 1 Some estimate of
uncertainty
A13 Calculates errors quantitatively 1 (difference
between line of
A14 Compounds errors correctly 1 best fit?

A15 Discusses realistic modifications to reduce error/improve experiment 1

A16 States a valid conclusion clearly 1

A17 Discusses final conclusion in relation to original aim of experiment 1 How good was
the spread ? Line
A18 Suggests relevant further work 1 of best fit etc etc

Maximum marks for this section 18

Total marks for this unit 40