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)