Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2016 · Paper 13 · Question 4

A metre rule is supported horizontally by two pivots as shown. The vertical displacement y at the centre of the rule is given by the equation y = kML^3 / (wt^3) where k is a constant, L is the distance between the pivots, M is the mass of the rule, t is the thickness of the rule and w is the width of the rule. In an experiment, the following results are obtained: L = (80.0 ± 0.2) cm M = (60 ± 1) g t = (6.0 ± 0.1) mm w = (23.0 ± 0.5) mm. Which measurement contributes most to the uncertainty in the calculated value of y?

1. AL
2. BM
3. Ct
4. Dw

As printed in the paper