IB Topic 1 Measurement and Uncertainties

Which of the following pairs of units are both SI base units?

Decimal sub-multiples and multiples of units are indicated using a prefix to the unit. For example, the prefix milli (m) represents 10^–3. Which of the following gives the sub-multiples or multiples represented by pico (p) and giga (G)?

A metal sphere of radius r is dropped into a tank of water. As it sinks at speed v, it experiences a drag force F given by F = kr v, where k is a constant. What are the SI base units of k?

In an experiment, a radio-controlled car takes 2.50 ± 0.05 s to travel 40.0 ± 0.1 m. What is the car’s average speed and the uncertainty in this value?

The diagram shows the reading on an analogue ammeter. Which digital ammeter reading is the same as the reading on the analogue ammeter?

What is equivalent to the unit of electric field strength? (E=F/q)

The diagram shows part of a vernier scale. What is the reading on the vernier scale?

Which statement, involving multiples and sub-multiples of the base unit metre (m), is correct?

The diagram shows the stem of a Celsius thermometer marked to show initial and final temperature values. What is the temperature change expressed to an appropriate number of significant figures?

A micrometer screw gauge is used to measure the diameter of a copper wire. The reading with the wire in position is shown in diagram 1. The wire is removed and the jaws of the micrometer are closed. The new reading is shown in diagram 2. What is the diameter of the wire?

A student finds the density of a liquid by measuring its mass and its volume. The following is a summary of his measurements. mass of empty beaker = (20 ± 1) g mass of beaker + liquid = (70 ± 1) g volume of liquid = (10.0 ± 0.6) cm^3 He correctly calculates the density of the liquid as 5.0 g cm^–3. What is the uncertainty in this value?

A student uses a digital ammeter to measure a current. The reading of the ammeter is found to fluctuate between 1.98 A and 2.02 A. The manufacturer of the ammeter states that any reading has a systematic uncertainty of ± 1 %. Which value of current should be quoted by the student?

A calibration graph is produced for a faulty ammeter. Which ammeter reading will be nearest to the correct value?

A metal sphere of radius r is dropped into a tank of water. As it sinks at speed v, it experiences a drag force F given by F = krv, where k is a constant. What are the SI base units of k?

The angular deflection of the needle of an ammeter varies with the current passing through the ammeter as shown in the graph. Which diagram could represent the appearance of the scale on this meter?