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Physics A2 Coursework P13

In all practice coursework we've done I've lost the P13 mark (Identifies the main sources of uncertainty and/or systematic error) and my teacher hasn't really gone into much depth as to why.

For example, could someone give me an answer for P13 that would guarantee me the mark for a Discharge of a Capacitor experiment?
Original post by xBenJooo
In all practice coursework we've done I've lost the P13 mark (Identifies the main sources of uncertainty and/or systematic error) and my teacher hasn't really gone into much depth as to why.

For example, could someone give me an answer for P13 that would guarantee me the mark for a Discharge of a Capacitor experiment?
Hello and welcome to TSR. :smile:

Whilst we are free to answer general questions concerning your understanding of the subject, it is against both the exam board and TSR rules to provide specific help with your coursework or controlled assessment which will give you an unfair advantage.

With that in mind and to help you think in the right direction, a good way of identifying the sources of error is to look at each variable in your experiment and then ask yourself if the way the variable is measured or stated can be classed as random or systematic.

Be sure you are clear on the definitions for systematic and random error.

e.g. a voltmeter or clock may not measure the correct voltage or time because of a fault. The error is the same every time the measurement is made. i.e. all measurements made with the same instrument will produce the same error. This is an example of systematic.
error. Think about how you would eliminate or minimise this type of inadvertent error.

How do you know that the values of the components (capacitor and resistors) used are accurate? How would you eliminate and minimise such error?

Do you know the differences between uncertainty, accuracy error and precision?

The examples given are not exhaustive but aim to point you thinking in the right direction. Take a look at these links:

https://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/Faculty/rallain/plab193/labinfo/Error_Analysis/05_Random_vs_Systematic.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systematic_error

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_error
(edited 9 years ago)

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