Questions
1. State the manipulated, responding and constant variables for: To investigate how the length of a simple pendulum affects its period of oscillation and to use the result to find g.
Manipulated: Length of the pendulum, l. Responding: Period of one complete oscillation, T. Constant: Mass of the pendulum bob and the angle (amplitude) of swing.
2. Explain: why significant figures matter.
Significant figures state how precisely a quantity was measured. Writing more digits than your instrument can resolve claims a precision you do not actually have.
3. Explain: scalars and vectors in everyday terms.
A scalar has size only, while a vector has both size and direction. Confusing the two changes the physics, because directions can cancel out but sizes cannot.
4. Explain: why a vernier caliper reads finer than a ruler.
An instrument can only be trusted down to its smallest division. A vernier caliper and micrometer have finer scales than a metre rule, so they resolve smaller lengths.
5. Define vector quantity.
A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as displacement, velocity and force.
6. Define si unit.
The internationally agreed system of units for physical quantities, based on the seven SI base units such as the metre, kilogram and second.
7. Define prefix.
A word or symbol placed before a unit to indicate a multiple or fraction of it, such as kilo- (10³) or milli- (10⁻³).
8. Define significant figures.
The digits in a measurement that carry meaningful information about its precision.
9. Define measurement error.
The difference between a measured value and the true value of a quantity.
10. Define precision.
The ability of an instrument to give consistent, closely grouped readings when a measurement is repeated.
Marking yourself
- Calculation: formula written, values substituted with units, final answer with unit and sensible significant figures.
- Variables: manipulated = what you change; responding = what you measure; constant = what you keep the same.
- Definition: one sentence, correct physical quantity, correct unit.
Exam tip
More Measurement resources
- Chapter overview: Measurement
- Revision Notes
- Common Mistakes
- Paper 2 Answering Guide
- Paper 3 Guide
- Key Terms
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English), Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia: Format Pentaksiran mulai 2021, Fizik (4531) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)