GCE A/L Physics case studies
GCE A/L Physics · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The GCE Advanced Level Physics qualification is a pre-university credential taken by students typically aged 16–19, used for university admission and for demonstrating a deep understanding of physical principles. It is for candidates who intend to study physics, engineering, or related sciences, or who need a rigorous quantitative science qualification. The GCE A/L Physics case studies are 5 cases and about 3,179 words.
1Timing g with a simple pendulum: which uncertainty actually matters?
A student determines g using a simple pendulum. The distance from the pivot to the centre of the bob is measured with a metre rule as 0.842 m; the rule has a 1 mm resolution.
680 words, about 3 min2Will the crate slide? Static friction on an incline with a horizontal push
An 18 kg crate rests on a rough plane inclined at 25° to the horizontal. The coefficients of static and kinetic friction are 0.55 and 0.40.
546 words, about 3 min3Steel wire and nylon rope in parallel: who carries the load?
A lamp of weight 200 N is supported by a steel wire and a nylon rope hanging vertically in parallel from the same rigid ceiling beam and attached to the same rigid horizontal bar. Both are 2.00 m long.
669 words, about 3 min4Two loudspeakers: does a 6 dB dip really disprove interference?
Two loudspeakers S1 and S2 are 1.50 m apart and are driven in phase by the same signal generator at 680 Hz. The speed of sound is 340 m/s.
602 words, about 3 min5A loaded potential divider: why the calculated voltage was wrong
A student must provide 4.0 V across a 200 Ω sensor from a 9.0 V PP3 battery of internal resistance 1.5 Ω. Using the E12 series, the student first chooses R1 = 1.0 kΩ in series with the battery and R2 = 820 Ω in parallel with the sensor.
682 words, about 3 min