Errors & Improvements Flashcards
(20 cards)
Two sets of readings are not enough to draw a valid conclusion
Take more readings and plot a graph
Difficult to measure angle as it’s difficult to hold the protractor steady
Clamp the protractor to measured angle
Difficult to judge start or end of an oscillation
Film a video and play back frame-by-frame with timer
Stand is unstable when oscillating when placing any object
Support the stand with G-clamp to the bench
Difficult to measure diameter with ruler
Use of vernier caliper to measure diameter
Difficult to measure the distance if the thread is too thick
Use thing string to measure distance more accurately
Difficult to measure vertical distance of any object due to parallax error or difficult to hold ruler still
Use of set square with ruler or clamp ruler
Difficult to ensure the ruler is parallel to the bench
Use a spirit level to ensure the ruler is parallel to the bench
Labelled masses may not be accurate
Use electronic balance to find the masses
Large uncertainty in small values
Use larger difference / increase difference / increase the value of mass
Oscillations die quickly
Use heavier mass to increase the number of oscillations
Difficult to record rebound distance due to the quick moment of the ball
Use video play back with slow motion camera
Difficult in measuring length as the wire is not straight
Use a shaping block
Difficult to maintain single mode of oscillation as it occurs in more than one plane
Restrict sideways motion with tube
Difficult to check whether a ruler is horizontal
Use a set square against the bench on the rule
Friction at pulley not negligible
Apply oil to lubricate pulley
Resistance of contacts
Clean the contacts to rid dust, dirt, etc.
Hard to see where moving object passes a marker
Use sensor to stop timer once marker has passed
Difficult to measure volume of liquid as the liquid is transparent
Add colored dye to the liquid
Difficult to release an object without exerting some external force
Hold the object against a stop and release
