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A student investigates moments of forces - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1

Question 6

A student investigates moments of forces. Figure 14 shows the apparatus used. Figure 14 The pivot is under the centre of the rod.

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student investigates moments of forces - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1

Step 1

6 a: State how the student could ensure the moments are balanced.

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Answer

The student should ensure that the sum of the clockwise moments is equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments. This is achieved by balancing the moment of the magnet with the moment of the modelling clay.

Step 2

6 b: Calculate the force acting on the piece of modelling clay.

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Answer

To find the force, we use the formula for moments:

$\text{Moment} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance}$

With the distances provided, we can set up the equation as follows:

$\text{(Force)} \times 12 = 0.050 \times 8.4$

Rearranging gives:

$\text{Force} = \frac{0.050 \times 8.4}{12}$

Calculating this yields:

$\text{Force} = 0.035 \text{ N}$

Step 3

6 c: Describe how the student could improve their investigation.

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Answer

The student could improve the investigation by:

Measuring the value of the current.
Varying the current to observe changes in force.
Restoring equilibrium after making adjustments.
Calculating the ratios for force and current to check for proportional relationships.

Step 4

6 d: Suggest one change the student could make to the experiment.

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Answer

The student could move the 0.050 N weight to the other side of the pivot, ensuring it's positioned 3.6 cm from the magnet. Alternatively, they could adjust the mass of the modelling clay by removing some amount to balance the moments.

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A student investigates moments of forces - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student investigates moments of forces - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1

6 a: State how the student could ensure the moments are balanced.

6 b: Calculate the force acting on the piece of modelling clay.

6 c: Describe how the student could improve their investigation.

6 d: Suggest one change the student could make to the experiment.

Join the GCSE students using SimpleStudy...

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