Physics (Essay) Paper 2 Nov/Dec 2015

Question 4

 

Part 1:  Candidates were required to answer any five questions from this part.

           

 The table below shows the pointer reading of a spring balance when different weights are hung on it. Determine the value of F.

Weight/N

5

10

F

Pointer reading/cm

8

12

30

Observation

 

Many candidates understood the demand of the question but a lot of them lost marks because of wrong presentations of their work.  For example, some candidates invented their own division and square signs.

              was written as   f-5  30-8; ( F-5)(30-8) and 4.22 as 4.2 ˄ 2.
This snag reflects the disconnection between theory and practise in the classrooms.
The expected answers is :
F  =  ke          
10-5 = k(12-8)    -------------------  A             
F-10  =  k(30 – 12)   -------------------   B 
Solving  the simultaneous equations (A) and (B)

F  =  32.5N