Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2020 · Paper 11 · Question 5

A measurement is taken correctly but with a ruler at a significantly higher temperature than that at which the ruler was calibrated. The higher temperature causes the ruler to expand. What describes the effect on the measurement caused by the higher temperature and how the measurement may be improved?

1. AThe measurement will be subject to a random error. The measurement can be made more accurate by taking the average of several repeated measurements.
2. BThe measurement will be subject to a random error. The measurement can be made more precise by taking the average of several repeated measurements.
3. CThe measurement will be subject to a systematic error. The measurement can be made more accurate by taking the average of several repeated measurements.
4. DThe measurement will be subject to a systematic error. The measurement can be made more precise by taking the average of several repeated measurements.

As printed in the paper