so today we were doing a CPAC (A level exeriment/ coursework for EDEXCEL physics), and we were determining the acceleration of a free falling object, to find the value of g( gravity, 9.81), as one does.
BUT when we took the results ( me and lab partner), we decided to change our findings, height and time of object going through a light gate, because we thought that our findings were completely anomalous.
Should I do the experiment again on my own ( in secret), to get good reliable, solid, scientific data?
or stick with the phoney, unreliable, false data that we made up?
so today we were doing a CPAC (A level exeriment/ coursework for EDEXCEL physics), and we were determining the acceleration of a free falling object, to find the value of g( gravity, 9.81), as one does.
BUT when we took the results ( me and lab partner), we decided to change our findings, height and time of object going through a light gate, because we thought that our findings were completely anomalous.
Should I do the experiment again on my own ( in secret), to get good reliable, solid, scientific data?
or stick with the phoney, unreliable, false data that we made up?
Spoiler
The correct thing would be to discover why the results were anomalous and state your conclusions making recommendations to change the experiment and remove the errors.
Then redo the experiment with the changes made.
That is the scientific method and will get kudos from your teacher, as you have demonstrated correct procedure and you learned something valuable.
It's not just for Edexcel. This is a core required practical that is universal across all exam boards. I remember when I did it last year my group got 9.85 as the experimental value so we did well with the practical. I'd say either do it again or use the results you actually collected and evaluate why there are so anomalous
It's not just for Edexcel. This is a core required practical that is universal across all exam boards. I remember when I did it last year my group got 9.85 as the experimental value so we did well with the practical. I'd say either do it again or use the results you actually collected and evaluate why there are so anomalous
I dont think that I made it clear that the results we first collected were actually fine, but we thought they were anomalous.
But I tore the page with the table of the first results out, and I threw it into a bin so I cant use those results (I would if I found them).
So, I dont know if I should stick with my fake results and feel like a phoney, or do the experiment again afterschool (in secret), if I find the equipment.
I dont think that I made it clear that the results we first collected were actually fine, but we thought they were anomalous.
But I tore the page with the table of the first results out, and I threw it into a bin so I cant use those results (I would if I found them).
So, I dont know if I should stick with my fake results and feel like a phoney, or do the experiment again afterschool (in secret), if I find the equipment.
tbh at the end of the day it's just a required practical- it's not like they're gonna find out the results are phoney, I guess it's just more of a moral and honest situation. Your call.
Also don't do this in the upcoming practicals- always collect your results properly and then you can identify any anomalies and suggest explanations for them. You're not going to be marked down for not getting accurate values for your experiments it's more to do with can you carry it out correct and evaluate your methodology (i.e. what went well and how it can be improved)
tbh at the end of the day it's just a required practical- it's not like they're gonna find out the results are phoney, I guess it's just more of a moral and honest situation. Your call.
Also don't do this in the upcoming practicals- always collect your results properly and then you can identify any anomalies and suggest explanations for them. You're not going to be marked down for not getting accurate values for your experiments it's more to do with can you carry it out correct and evaluate your methodology (i.e. what went well and how it can be improved)
It really is bugging me.
I'm not planning on doing anything this stupid ever again.