LE BOCAGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MAURITIUS
IB Physics Assessed Practical No1
To measure the height, H of a ceiling by simple pendulum method
Name of student ………………………………………. Date performed: …………………
FOR THIS PRACTICAL, YOU WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE FOLLOWING
CRITERI0N
 Criterion ANALYSIS [Max: 6 marks]
PROCEDURE
Ceiling from where the pendulum is suspended
Long thread
h
Bob
Floor
A. Set the pendulum as shown in the diagram above, such that the bob does not touch the
floor. Measure and record distance, h, from the floor to the center of the bob.
B. Make the bob oscillate freely and for the number of oscillations counted, calculate its
periodic time T. Repeat the experiment at least 6 times, each time shortening the
thread.
C. The formula relating the length of the simple pendulum, l and the time period is
T  2
l
where g is the acceleration due to gravity
g
D. Use the appropriate formula and plot a suitable graph to calculate a value for H
P.S: The Marking grid is attached on the following page
Analysis
This criterion assesses the extent to which the student’s report provides evidence that the student has selected, recorded, processed and
interpreted the data in ways that are relevant to the research question and can support a conclusion.
0 Marks
Aspect 1
Raw Data
Does not
reach the
standard of
the
descriptors
Aspect 2
Data
Processing
Does not
reach the
standard of
the
descriptors
Aspect 3
Measuremen
t Uncertainty
Does not
reach the
standard of
the
descriptors
Aspect 4
Interpretation
of Data
Does not
reach the
standard of
the
descriptors
1 - 2 marks
3 - 4 marks
5 - 6 Marks
Insufficient relevant
quantitative raw data to
support a valid
conclusion to the
research question.
Relevant but incomplete
quantitative raw data is included
that could support a simple or
partially valid conclusion to the
research question.
All appropriate quantitative raw data
is included , recorded to an
appropriate precision, that can
support a fully valid conclusion to the
research question
Insufficient relevant
qualitative raw data is
included
Some appropriate qualitative raw
data is included
All appropriate qualitative raw data is
included.
Some basic data
processing is carried out
but is either too
inaccurate or too
insufficient to lead to a
valid conclusion.
Appropriate and sufficient data
processing is carried out that could
lead to a broadly valid conclusion
but there are significant
inaccuracies and inconsistencies in
the processing.
Appropriate and sufficient data
processing is carried out with the
accuracy required to enable a
conclusion to the research question to
be drawn that is fully consistent with
the experimental data.
Measurement
uncertainties are not
evident or are highly
inappropriate..
Measurement uncertainties are
evident in the results table and but
are not justified.
Measurement uncertainties are
evident in the results table and
justified.
The processed data is
incorrectly or
insufficiently
interpreted. For
example, an
inappropriate graph and
stats test is applied.
The processed data is correctly
interpreted but there are some
mistakes or omissions. For
example, small errors in the graph
chosen, an appropriate stats test
has not been done.
The processed data is correctly
interpreted - an appropriate graph is
drawn or a statistical test applied
appropriately.
Grade
.