GCE
Physics B
H557/03: Practical skills in physics
Advanced GCE
Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
GCE
Physics B
H557/03: Practical skills in physics
Advanced GCE
Mark Scheme fo
...
GCE
Physics B
H557/03: Practical skills in physics
Advanced GCE
Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
GCE
Physics B
H557/03: Practical skills in physics
Advanced GCE
Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of
qualifications to meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. OCR qualifications
include AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals,
Functional Skills, Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in
areas such as IT, business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. OCR is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus made is
invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications and
support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.
© OCR 2021H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 2
1. Annotations available in RM Assessor
Annotation Meaning
Benefit of doubt given
Contradiction
Incorrect response
Error carried forward
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Transcription error
Benefit of doubt not given
Power of 10 error
Omission mark
Error in number of significant figures
Correct response
Wrong physics or equationH557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 3
2. Abbreviations, annotations and conventions used in the detailed Mark Scheme (to include abbreviations and subject-specific
conventions).
Annotation Meaning
/ alternative and acceptable answers for the same marking point
reject Answers which are not worthy of credit
not Answers which are not worthy of credit
Ignore Statements which are irrelevant
Allow Answers that can be accepted
( ) Words which are not essential to gain credit
__ Underlined words must be present in answer to score a mark
ECF Error carried forward
AW Alternative wording
ORA Or reverse argumentH557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 4
Question Solution Marks Guidance
1 a i One mark for each column.
1.01 1.03
1.11 1.22
2
Accept t2 (any combination)
1.02
1.23
ii Both points (their values) plotted correctly to within half a small
square.
Horizontal error bars on every plot
EITHER
Length of error bars all median value of 0.03 (¾ small square) –
accept ½ to 1 small square either side.
OR
Length of 6 error bars correct – see table in guidance (to within ½
small square)
3 height spread small squares
2.00 0.02 up to 1
3.00 0.01 up to ½
4.00 0.03 ½ to 1
5.00 0.03 ½ to 1
6.00 0.06 1 to 2
7.00 0.06 1 to 2
8.00 0.04 ½ to 1½
Ignore any vertical error bars.
iii Acceptable straight line of best fit drawn.
Gradient calculated correctly.
2 Acceptable range:
steepest from (0.24, 1.0) to (1.8, 8.8)
least steep from (0.2, 1.0) to (1.8, 8.6)
gradient should be in range 4.75 to 5.0 for an
acceptable line. Only answer of 5 (1sf) if calculated
value equals 5.0.
Watch out for incorrect gradient calculation giving value
in range.
ALLOW ecf from candidate’s line if correct working
shown.H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 5
iv Acceleration of free fall = 2 x value obtained for gradient in part
(iii).
EITHER:
Worst fit line drawn on graph
gradient calculated correctly
absolute uncertainty in g within range 0.3 to 0.6 (with correct
working)
OR:
Calculation of approx uncertainty using � = 2�
�2
Eg: relative uncertainty of h = 0.02 ÷ 2 = 1% and relative uncertainty
of t = 0.015 ÷ 0.66 = 2%.
Relative uncertainty in g is 1% + 2 × 2% = 5%
Absolute uncertainty in g within range 0.3 to 0.7 (with correct
working)
4
s = ut + ½gt2 and u = 0, so gradient = ½g.
Value written on the answer line should be twice the
value calculate for gradient.
Steepest or shallowest line drawn through error bars (if
drawn). ALLOW ecf for their error bars.
Using median values:
relative uncertainty of h = 0.02 ÷ 5 = 0.4% and relative
uncertainty of t = 0.02 ÷ 1.01 ≈ 2%.
Relative uncertainty in g is 0.4% + 2 × 2% ≈ 4%
If candidate has given gradient value = g, only a max 2
marks can be awarded.
b i Length of card only. 1 DO NOT ALLOW a list of examples.H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 6
ii First mark for identifying a source of error.
Second mark for discussion/comparison of effect of that error.
Third mark for a second pair of error and comparison.
Any of source/effect pairs:
• Duration of drop
• Light gate method uses shorter drop so a greater
relative/percentage error in time measurement ora
• Relevant length measurement
• Length of card measured in light gate method is smaller then
drop height measured for G-ball so greater relative/percentage
error ora.
• Problem with card falling between light gates
• length of card passing through light gates inaccurate.
• Air resistance
• If air resistance present then g will not be a constant, or some
sensible comparison of air resistance on both experiments.
• Precision of timer
• Both methods using electronic timers so likely to have similar
(absolute) uncertainties.
3
IGNORE reference to distance between light gates for
first mark.
DO NOT ALLOW explicit reference to measuring height
of drop in light gate method for the explanation mark.
QUESTION TOTAL 15H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 7
Question Solution Marks Guidance
2 a Measure across a number of fringes AND find mean spacing (divide
by the number of fringe widths);
Using a travelling microscope/ruler
2
Accept Vernier callipers
b i � = � �⁄�;
λ = (8.5 × 10-5) (1.02 × 10-2) ÷ 1.5
λ = 5.8 × 10-7 m.
3 Any subject. Accept � = ��⁄�
ALLOW use of �� = ����� with n = 1
���� = 1.02 ×10−2
1.5
= 6.8 × 10−3. � = 0.39°
POT error will lose one mark.
b ii Absolute uncertainty in D = ± 1 × 10-2 m
EITHER:
Percentage uncertainty in λ found by adding their correctly
calculated percentage uncertainties eg = 2% + 10% + (.01 ÷
1.5)*100 = 12.7% or 13% or 12%
Absolute uncertainty in λ = 7(.4) × 10-8 m
OR
State 10% most significant uncertainty and ignore the other two
uncertainties.
Absolute uncertainty in λ = 5.8 × 10-8 m
OR:
Max value of λ = (max value of a × max value of x) ÷ (min value of
D), or min value of λ = (min value of a × min value of x) ÷ (max
value of D)
Absolute uncertainty in λ = max value of λ – 5.78 × 10-7, or Absolute
uncertainty in λ = 5.78 × 10-7 – min value of λ, or
Absolute uncertainty in λ = ½(max value of λ – min value of λ)
1 2
This could be implied/seen in working.
ALLOW ecf for incorrect value of λ from (b)(i)
ALLOW ecf for incorrect abs uncert in D provided it is
between 0 (ignored) and 5 cm.
ALLOW 13% to give absolute uncertainty = 8 × 10-8 m
If uncertainty in D is ignored/omitted without explanation
this final mark can be awarded, for method.H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 8
b iii Fringes will be more widely spaced so relative uncertainty in x is
less.
ANY 2 of:
(Red light will have wider spacing of fringes) because (average)
wavelength is longer.
Relative uncertainty in D and a remain the same.
Fringes will be more clearly defined because only one
wavelength/frequency or monochromatic ora.
Fringes will be brighter/easier to see because laser light is more
intense
3
Question total 13H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 9
Question Solution Marks Guidance
3 a i l/T or T/l should be constant
A set (at least 3) of correct calculations to show that.
OR
ΔT for each Δl should be constant
A set (at least 3) of suitable calculations to show that.
OR
l/T should be constant
Find one value for l/T and then use it to predict values for T for at
(east 2) other values of l (or vice versa).
2 length period l/T T/l ΔT
28.0 0.734 38.1 0.0262
26.0 0.677 38.4 0.0260 0.057
24.0 0.623 38.5 0.0260 0.054
22.0 0.569 38.7 0.0259 0.054
20.0 0.511 39.1 0.0256 0.058
Ignore POT as long as consistent.
Calculated values should be to at least 2sf
If no (or insufficient) calculations, then one mark can be
awarded for describing a valid test to carry out.
ALLOW one mark max for description of graphical method if
straight line through the origin is mentioned.
a ii 1 ÷ 0.623 = 1.6(1) Hz 1
b i (Resonance occurs when) driving or forced frequency is equal to
the natural frequency;
and amplitude will be at a maximum.
2
ALLOW very large amplitude or very large increase in
amplitude.H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 10
b ii Non-zero amplitude at f = 0 (not maximum) (intercept > 5mm
from origin*)
Rising to a labelled max amplitude at natural frequency (f = 1.6
Hz);
Decreasing towards (not equal to) zero after f0.
3
1.6 Hz frequency
amplitudeH557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 11
b iii Level 3 (5-6 marks)
Detailed understanding of damping and resonance. Very clear
method and explanation of expected results.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear and
logically structured. The information presented is relevant and
substantiated.
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
Clear understanding of how damping affects resonant
amplitudes. Clear method and description of expected results.
There is a line of reasoning presented with some structure. The
information presented is relevant and supported by some
evidence.
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
Limited understanding of how damping relates to resonance.
Some description of experimental method and/or expected
results.
There is an attempt at a logical structure with a line of
reasoning. The information is in the most part relevant.
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of credit.
6 Indicative scientific points may include:
Data collection:
• Find or use the natural frequency of the undamped blade
• record the amplitude of oscillations for both damped and
undamped blades at different driving frequencies.
• repeat and determine an average amplitude at a given
frequency.
• frequency range should be either side of natural frequency.
• adjust the frequency in small increments close to the
resonant frequency.
Expected findings and explanation:
• cards cause damping due to air resistance.
• damped oscillations will have smaller amplitude at all
frequencies.
o damping removes energy from the oscillating system.
o the larger card causes more damping than the smaller
card.
o ignore any reference to damped free oscillations.
• the amplitude at resonance is only dependent on the amount
of damping.
• forced oscillations will be out of phase with the driver
oscillator.
• frequency of resonance decreases with increasing damping.
• More highly damped oscillator will have a broader resonance
peak ora
• damped oscillators have amplitudeof driver at f = 0.
• Expected findings could be seen by plotting graphs of
amplitude against frequency for the damped blades.
Question total 15H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 12
Question Solution Marks Guidance
4 a i Alpha line stops at paper
Beta line stops at 3mm Al
Gamma line continues through 1cm Pb
1 1 mark for ALL three paths drawn correctly.
Allow arrows.
ii Radiation needs to be detected outside the body so γ emitter is
used OR β not suitable.
Radiation causes damage/larger dose to patient so β less suitable
(more ionising) OR γ more suitable (less ionising).
2 1 mark max. may still be awarded for a correct
statement from the marking points if Xenon-135 is
chosen
If neither isotope is identified, then max 1 mark.
Ignore any reference to half-life
iii �� 81�� → 8136 ��� + 1 0�(+) + 0 0�
37
e (with or without the bar)
2 1 mark for each.
Accept β or β+
NOT e- or β-.
iv Rubidium decays to produce Krypton. 1 Mark given for candidates clearly demonstrating they
understand the krypton is generated at the point of use
from the parent isotope.
b i • reduce time using the source;
• this reduces total exposure/dose to ionising radiation
OR
• use tongs to handle source;
• increases distance from source OR minimise contamination
OR
• wear gloves
• to minimise contamination
OR
• point source away from body/use shielding
• to reduce dose
OR
• other valid precaution
• associated explanation
2 1 mark given for the precaution, 1 mark for the related
explanation.
An explanation on its own gains no marks.
ii (This records) background radiation
This value will be subtracted from measurements taken with the
source (to obtain the count rate for the source).
2H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 13
c i* Level 3 (5-6 marks)
One (or more) full, accurate and clearly explained
mathematical test(s) to show it is exponential AND an
accurate calculation of the half thickness.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear and
logically structured. The information presented is relevant and
substantiated.
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
A correct mathematical test attempted from the data and/or a
correct calculation of half-thickness from the graph (multiple
readings necessary) with some explanation of mathematical
method.
There is a line of reasoning presented with some structure.
The information presented is relevant and supported by some
evidence.
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
There is a basic description of the pattern shown by the data
with an incorrect or partial calculation of either the
mathematical test or half thickness.
There is an attempt at a logical structure with a line of
reasoning. The information is in the most part relevant.
0 marks
No response or no response worthy of credit.
6 Indicative scientific points may include:
Use of data in table:
• Data from table used to find constant reduction factor
between successive data points.
• Multiple data points tested and shown to have a constant
factor.
• Natural log values for count rate calculated and the
difference between successive values calculated and found
to be constant.
• Other valid test applied successfully.
Use of graph:
• count rate decreases with increasing thickness;
• Relationship shows an exponential decrease of count rate
with increasing thickness;
• Data showing count rate halves at regular intervals of
shielding thickness.
• Thickness found for count rate to drop by same fraction
(half-thickness);
• Finding gradient of curve at different thicknesses to show
that it halves at regular intervals.
Calculation of half-thickness value:
• Half thickness ≈ 2cm.
• Graph used to take measurements of half-thickness.
• Multiple measurements taken at different values of count
rate.
• Average value for half-thickness calculated for precision.
• Use �2
�1
= �−�� or ln �2 − ln�1 = � and �0.5 = ln 2
�
with data
from table.
•
�2
�1
≈ 0.72; hence �0.5 = 2.1 cm.
• ln �2 − ln �1 ≈ 0.33; hence �0.5 = 2.1 cm.H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 14
Example data from table:
thickness
count
rate ratio
log
values diff
0 1240 7.1229
1 905 0.7298 6.8079 0.3149
2 626 0.6917 6.4394 0.3686
3 465 0.7428 6.1420 0.2973
4 343 0.7376 5.8377 0.3043
5 230 0.6706 5.4381 0.3997
6 172 0.7478 5.1475 0.2906
Mean ratio 0.7201 mean difference 0.3292
Example data from graph:
count
rate thickness
half
thickness
1200 0.2
600 2.2 2
1000 0.7
500 2.7 2
800 1.3
400 3.4 2.1
600 2.2
300 4.2 2
400 3.4
200 5.4 2H557/03 Mark Scheme October 2021
Page 15
ii Equation rearranged to give ln � = ln �0 − µ�
Gradient calculation using suitable points with dx ≥ 5 cm.
Attenuation co-efficient value = +35
Unit m-1
4
ALLOW values in range 34 to 36.
ALLOW answers given in cm-1 (in range 0.34 to 0.36).
Unit must correspond to POT of value (or calculation).
Question Total 20OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
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